Ways to Clean Your House Like a Pro Housekeeper

Cleaning, like anything else, requires a certain amount of skill in order to be done right. Sure, you can haphazardly vacuum the floors and fold everything sans strategy, but all you’re ultimately doing is creating more work for yourself.

Use a pattern.

Don’t just clean your surfaces all willy-nilly. If you use a consistent pattern to clean things, you won’t waste time by having to go back and hit spots that you missed on the first pass. Pros go from left to right and from top to bottom to make sure they get the job done right the first time.

Apply products and walk away.

After you apply cleaning products, give them time to work. Most cleaning products don’t instantaneously disinfect, so leaving them on for a few minutes gives them time to kill germs and break down crud, meaning you have less work to do. And for more great cleaning tips

Clean your ceilings and walls.

Working from top to bottom, dust your ceilings and walls, making sure to get all the corners. A microfiber mop works great for this, but if you don’t have one, tying an old towel or T-shirt over a broom is also surprisingly effective. Doing this on a regular basis will prevent dust from collecting throughout the rest of your home and ultimately allow you to spend less time with a vacuum or mop in hand.

Don’t forget about your baseboards

It doesn’t matter how sparkling clean the rest of your house is—if your baseboards are dirty, your house will look dirty. If it’s been a while since you’ve cleaned them, you might need to use a damp microfiber mop; otherwise, they can simply be vacuumed clean.

 

THE ULTIMATE HOUSECLEANING GUIDE

Make a list

Before you start, take a 10-minute coffee break to note the chores that need doing. “We write lists before we go grocery shopping; we should write down the tasks we need to tackle at home, too. Having a game plan is key and will help get you to the finish line with ease,”. Keep the list as a guide for next time.

Do one task at a time

“We used to be taught to do one room at a time, but now, in large part due to the popularity of Marie Kondo, a Japanese cleaning consultant and bestselling author, the switch to cleaning and organizing by category is proving to be more efficient,”

Deep-clean twice a year

This will save you a lot of work during your regular weekly sessions. For example, “if you deep-clean the grease from your range in spring, you won’t have to worry about it later collecting dust and turning into a bigger project down the road.”

Break it up

To spare yourself the drudgery of a single jam-packed cleaning day on the weekend, check a few chores off your to-do list each weekday. Bingo: More time to enjoy with family and friends when it counts the most!

Upholstery

Vacuum furniture regularly, using the upholstery attachment. Clear pet hair with a rubber squeegee or collect it with rubber gloves. Spot-clean stains immediately with a store-bought product such as Spot Shot. For more delicate fabrics, such as silk, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. For nonsilk upholstery, test an inconspicuous spot with some mild clothing detergent such as Woolite or OxiClean on a damp cloth.

 

Your Outside House Cleaning Guide: How to Clean Your Home’s Exterior

Whether you’re getting ready to put your home on the market or you just want to spice up your curb appeal, the possibilities are endless when it comes to making your abode shine. Outside house cleaning isn’t something a lot of people think about, but when you get down to it, it’s the very first thing you or someone else sees when you pull up in front of your home.

Get Rid of Gunk with Pressure Washing

Pressure washing the outside of your home can do absolute wonders. This process involves using water at super-high pressure to get rid of mold, dirt, and other unsightly debris. You may need to contact a professional pressure washing service to ensure that the job gets done correctly. It’s important to note that if you try to do it yourself, you may cause damage to the exterior of your home.

Update Your Landscaping

Unsightly weeds and dead plants can look just that: unsightly. With an honest day’s work, you can easily pull weeds and get rid of old leaves and other organic debris. Once you’ve cleaned up the dead stuff, you can plant a few flowers along the front of your home. Most nurseries sell annuals and perennials at a reasonable cost and if you buy in bulk, you can save even more.

Do Some Outside House Cleaning on the Driveway

Weather, oil, and wear and tear can do a real number on your driveway. Whether it’s unsightly stains or cracks, cleaning and then sealing your driveway can make it look as good as new. Calculate the square footage of your driveway and then purchase a quality sealant at your local hardware store. It’s a good idea to buy around 10 percent more just to be safe. If you don’t use it, you can always return any unopened containers.

Wash Those Windows

You probably clean your windows from the inside, but odds are that the exterior part of your windows could also use a little TLC. If you have windows you can access from the inside by opening them and angling in, cleaning them is super easy. Even if your windows don’t allow for this type of access, you can easily clean them from the exterior.

 

Residential Cleaning:­ A Beginners Survival Guide

The most important part of residential cleaning has nothing to do with cleaning itself. It is communication. When you are trying to seal an account for residential cleaning, try to put yourself into the customer’s shoes.

They are hiring you to be in their home, likely when they are not going to be there. You will be in every room and every corner. This means that they have to be sold on you as a person and your company. Communicate any information that legitimizes your business: insurance, bonding, cleaning specifications, employee info and how you select employees, guarantees, experience, products used, and equipment are all great places to start.

Go to the home for an initial meeting dressed in corporate casual, like khaki pants and a polo shirt. Have a clipboard, bid specifications, (available at this site to be downloaded) and a business card.

Make sure that the meeting is not just a house tour. Ask them if they have had a cleaning service in the past. If they have, ask why they are switching. It is likely that they weren’t satisfied with the service. Ask specifically what was not done properly and what their biggest concern with service is. Resist bad-mouthing other cleaning companies. It is cliché and it makes you look like a desperate account grabber.

Before leaving, don’t forget to address the issue of gaining entry to the home when you start. Some will give you a key, some will hide a key, and some might leave the door unlocked for you. Make it their decision. People don’t like to be talked into giving away a house key.

 

Guide to Healthy Cleaning

Disclosure Scoring Update

Ingredient information found on the label is often missing or incomplete, hindering the public from making better choices while they shop has updated the Guide to Healthy Cleaning to reflect the increased company adoption of digital tools that offer the public access to more complete ingredient information on the go

Starting in February 2019, if a product label has a machine-scannable barcode or QR code that allows consumers to access further ingredient information at the point of sale, the website disclosure score is multiplied by 1.5 and it is calculated from a possible nine points.

conducting toxicity reviews and updating references to ensure we incorporate the latest science. The new data includes the most recently available chemical hazard information from the European Chemicals Agency based on the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labeling of chemicals, and may or may not affect ingredient and product scores.

Procter & Gamble, the world’s biggest maker of both household cleaning and personal care products, introduces the most sweeping fragrance ingredient transparency initiative to date.

Guide to Healthy Cleaning has been updated to include more products and brands. Search now to learn how your cleaning products rate and if there are healthier alternatives.

POST-CONSTRUCTION / RENOVATION

After expending so much effort to build or remodel your home or office, it only makes sense to move into a space that shines.

Post-Construction Clean-up Crew includes trained experts who will make this difficult job absolutely turnkey. Each team is specifically hand-selected to meet your needs, and provides the following services:

Vacuuming and dusting of all surfaces and upholstery, from ceilings and walls to floors

Cleaning the tops of doors, door knobs, hardware, moldings

Complete disinfection of kitchens and bathrooms

Gentle cleaning of floors, baseboards, cabinets, counters, light fixtures, appliances

All glass, stone, and metal surfaces gently cleaned

Dust removal from blinds, ceiling pipes/fans, air ducts, vents, light fixtures

Window cleaning, including sills, window frames, and glass

Desk and cabinet cleaning (for offices)

HEPA filter vacuums and air machines provided for maximum dust removal

After our intensive Post-Construction cleaning is complete, you will be ready to unpack in a clean, dust-free environment.

 

Why is Post Construction Cleaning So Important?

Being an interior designer in the construction field for 31 years I know the importance of keeping a job site clean for obvious reasons. What many people fail to think about is post-construction cleaning and if not done properly can create a not so good outcome

The Importance of Post-Construction Cleaning

A well-run job site is clean when you walk through it from the beginning until the end of the project. Whether you are an owner/builder or a construction company this is a must for a well-organized job. Let me explain the reasons why you need good construction cleaning services.

There is Safety in the Clean Up

When construction is going on there is debris, and where there is debris there is an accident waiting to happen. It is so important that cleanup is routinely done in order for this not to build up. Companies like Construction Cleaning Spokane know this all too well and warn people about the liability you can face if someone is hurt due to trash on a construction site. If you live in the Spokane area this is a quality company that offers, all types of cleaning services at home or the office cleaning the premises quickly, professionally and qualitatively.

How to Properly Disposal of Debris

Most municipalities require construction waste to be separated and sorted like paint and other chemicals. In most cases, they are to be delivered to a special facility for legal disposal. For this reason, it is important to work with a professional construction cleaning company or you could face a fine.

Debris Effects Project Efficiency & Timeline

Time is certainly of the essence when it comes to construction. In a delay of a project someone is displaced which will cost someone money. If the homeowner is working with a professional builder there might be a penalty clause in their contract for a delay which is highly motivating for the contractor to have a quick post-construction cleaning. Even a homeowner who is running their own project, by this time, is anxious to complete and move in. By hiring a professional cleanup company you know they will have all of the necessary equipment for a quick turn around.

 

Post Construction Cleaning

Post construction cleaning is an important final step of the building process as construction sites are left in a dirty or hazardous state.  There is often dirt and dust left behind that can get into the ventilation system as well as other debris such as nails, screws, tools, and building materials that can make the area somewhat dangerous

Post Construction Cleaning Process

Once a residential construction job is complete, the client’s satisfaction with the job will be due in part to the cleanliness they experience in the final walk through.  Our technicians clean everything including the walls, floors, and windows to make the area safe to enter and we use a HEPA vacuum to remove dirt and dust so that it will never contaminate the home again

The specific post construction cleaning services we provide include:

Paint overspray cleaning

Dusting air diffusers

Light fixture cleaning

Restroom fixture cleaning

Spot cleaning walls

Spot cleaning interior glass

Vacuuming and spot treating carpet

Damp mopping of hard surface floors

begin each post construction cleaning job by inspecting the site to determine a plan of action and timeframe to complete the work.  The customer is given an estimate and copy of the work plan and our field supervisor will keep the customer updated on the progress of the project.

 

Post Construction

Post construction cleaning is an easy way to prepare a newly-built home or renovation project. We offer professional-quality post-construction cleaning services which exceed customers’ expectations.

Whether it’s a new home, a renovation project, or a recently-constructed commercial space, our certified technicians use industry-standard equipment to make that area look its best.

cleaning services typically include:

Thorough HEPA-vacuum & cleaning of all surfaces

Clean all windows, windowsills, window tracks, and frames

Remove all paint, glue, stickers, and residue from glass

Clean inside cabinets and drawers

Clean doors and frames

Clean baseboard, trim & casings

Clean and wipe lighting fixtures

Steam clean carpeted areas where required

Sanitize bathroom and wash or scrub all floors

HEPA-vacuum and/or steam clean any furniture

Cleaning & Restoration does all of the things needed to turn your construction site into a livable, workable space. Want to make sure a construction project looks brand new? Our post construction cleaning specialists provide thorough cleaning services and spectacular results.

use HEPA filtration vacuums, steam cleaning machines, and floor scrubbers. Our professionally-certified staff is trained to expertly deal with a diverse range of conditions

 

Post Construction Cleaning

Post construction cleaning is not for the faint of heart. Cement, paint, wood chippings, dust, grease and grim all make cleaning a daunting task. Not to mention the risks of exposure to harmful chemicals, fumes and biohazards.

Cleaning Services is a compact team of expert cleaners who handle the grit and mess from construction and building.We are trained and equipped to give you thorough and professional post construction cleaning services. By making use of the best cleaning products and tools, we take pride in our ability to provide rapid and efficient clean up even for the most disorganized places.

clean office buildings, schools, residential houses, malls and other types of buildings, top to bottom, inside out, you name it. Our wide range of post construction cleaning services include;

Window cleaning

Cleaning

Dust removal

Steel polishing

Stain removal

Vacuuming

Vacuuming

Bathroom sinks

Floor scrubbing

Cabinet cleaning

Glass polishing

Kitchen appliances

Sweeping

Waxing

Furniture cleaning

Bathroom shower heads

Why Hire a Post-Construction Cleaning Expert?

You want the perfect result? Hire a professional. It’s not rocket science. You shouldn’t attempt to clean a newly constructed building yourself, neither should you hire someone who not skilled to handle the unique demands of post construction cleaning. Take the hassle off of yourself and let a reputable company handle your post construction cleaning.  Some of the reasons why you should hire an expert are listed as follows.

They are Experts – There is a big difference in hiring a professional and hiring a quack. When you hire an expert, you are rest assured that all necessary aspects of the cleaning is taken care of. These people are trained to do what they do. They spend so many years in training and they have lots of experience.

Window Cleaning Tips from a Pro

Two scrubbers are better than one

Use two different scrubbers—one for inside and one for outside—so you don’t carry pollutants and bird excrement inside

Liquid dish detergent rules

Any kitchen dish liquid cleans dirt and grease and leaves the glass slippery so your squeegee glides well. A 100-percent biodegradable soap will protect sensitive plants outside. Inside it will protect toddlers and pets who put their mouth on the windows or sills.

Vinegar works, too

If you prefer to use natural cleaning products, vinegar is a viable choice for cleaning windows. Vinegar (acetic acid) cuts grease and doesn’t streak which makes it ideal for cleaning glass. We recommend a solution of 50 percent white vinegar and 50 percent tap water.

Oh, oh, oh it’s magic

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser removes silicone caulk and water stains.

Dual-purpose paint can opener

A paint can opener is the perfect tool for popping out window screens.

 

The Best Way to Clean Windows, According to Our Cleaning Lab

Choose a dry, cloudy day.

“Do this job in the blazing sun and the cleaner will dry onto the hot windows before you get to wipe it off, leaving hard-to-remove streaks,” Forte says. If the weather won’t cooperate, start on the shady side of the house.

Remove dirt and dust first.

Before you get started, sweep dirt from the window frame with a brush or vacuum it up with your machine’s dusting attachment. This will prevent dirt from turning into a muddy mess when mixed with a cleaner. If your window screen looks especially grimy, pop it out and wash with hot, sudsy water and a soft brush, then rinse and let dry before putting it back

Pick the right cleaner — and spritz generously.

Don’t hold back on the spray, especially if your windows look extra dirty. “You need plenty of cleaner to dissolve and suspend the dirt so it can be completely wiped away — skimp and you’ll be seeing streaks,” Forte says

Use a microfiber cloth.

Some folks like drying panes with newspaper, but you’re better off reusable microfiber cloths. “They are super absorbent, washable, and leave the glass shiny and streak-free,” Forte says.

Skip the squeegee.

“Professional window cleaners swear by them, but you have to know how to use them right,” Forte says. “You squeegee down and where does the water go? On the floor.”

 

get sparkling windows inside and out without streaking with our expert tips

Invite the brightness back into your home with sparkling clean windows. From making your own window cleaning solution to the trusted old newspaper trick, there are plenty of ways to bring the shine back to your window panes. Never underestimate the power of clean windows to transform your rooms, making them light, bright and good for the soul.

Remove curtains and blinds

Start by taking down curtains and blinds. If you can, take the opportunity to give drapes a thorough wash or spritz with a fabric freshener like Febreze. Use a dry brush or dusting attachment on your vacuum to sweep away any dust or cobwebs from around the corners of the windows and the windowsills

What’s the best thing to clean windows with?

We recommend washing your windows with soapy water. Fill a bucket with a simple solution of washing-up liquid and warm water, but avoid creating too many soap suds as these will leave further marks if allowed to dry. Start washing windows using a non-abrasive sponge. Alternatively, try a specific window-cleaning fluid, but be careful that strong formulas don’t damage surrounding paintwork

How to cleaning windows without streaks – wipe off any excess cleaner

To remove soapy water from glass, use a clean squeegee to work from top to bottom in a reverse S pattern. Periodically wipe the squeegee blade on a clean rag to avoid smearing dirt around. Remove remaining water with a damp chamois or microfibre cloth and dry the windowsill. Avoid paper towels or cloths that might leave lint on the glass. For exterior upper-floor panes, it’s worth investing in a gadget with a U-shaped pole to avoid reaching out of top-floor windows!

Try traditional methods

If you prefer to make your own cleaning solutions, add two tablespoons of vinegar to a small bucket of warm water (this won’t kill bacteria, though). If your windows need tough love, add two tablespoons of household ammonia, but wear rubber gloves. Buffing your clean, dry glass with crumpled newspaper gives windows a sparkling finish.

 

Unusual Tips for Your Cleanest Windows Ever

Washing the windows can be a dreaded chore. If you’re using conventional cleaning products, removing those stubborn streaks from the interior and exterior of clear glass is especially tricky. Paper towel leaves behind fibers that gunk up the window and commer

Clean the frame first

A lot of grime can hide in the window tracks and frame, and when mixed with window cleaner, it may form an unsightly sludge that can drip onto the glass while cleaning. To remove the grit, use a toothbrush and a sprinkle of baking soda and vinegar to scrub inside the tracks, then wipe away any remaining residue with a wet rag.

Make your own soap

Skip the specialty products and make your own cleaning solution using a mix of water and dish soap, which is tough enough to cut through grime on especially dirty windows, like those in the kitchen, yet won’t leave a residue. Alternatively, vinegar can also be used as an effective cleaner.

Paper is bad news

Paper towels and newspapers are commonly misused as products for scrubbing and drying the glass—but they just break down and leave lint behind. Use a microfiber cloth (like these from Amazon) to do the job instead; it will grab dirt and dust and leave nothing behind.

Invest in a squeegee

The best way to ensure a streak-free shine is to make sure all the water and soap are removed from the window. Use a rubber-bladed squeegee tool to run over the glass from top to bottom to scrape away excess water

 

How to Clean Windows Like a Pro

Ideally, windows should be washed twice a year, but it’s a task most people don’t look forward to. Part of what makes DIY window cleaning such a chore is that homeowners insist on doing it with wadded-up paper towels or newspaper, spray cleaner, and a ton of elbow grease

“All that rubbing isn’t a good idea,” says Brent Weingard, owner of Expert Window Cleaners in New York City. “You’re just moving dirt around from one spot to another and putting a static charge on the glass, which attracts dust and dirt. As soon as you finish, the window looks dirty again.”

As Weingard demonstrates, it’s easier and more effective to clean windows like the pros do: with a squeegee and a few other readily available tools. The techniques aren’t complicated, he says, and the results may surprise you

Wash with a strip applicator (Picture Window)

Picture windows call for large tools. The long cloth head of a strip applicator soaks up a lot of soapy water and knocks dirt loose without scratching the glass. For a cleaning solution, Weingard uses

Wipe clean with a squeegee (Picture Window)

Starting at the top left, pull the squeegee over the soapy pane in a reverse-S pattern (left-handers would start at the top right). At the end of each stroke, wipe the squeegee’s blade clean with a lint-free rag. Cloth diapers or old linen napkins are perfect for this task

How to Clean Business Success!

If you’ve already opened your cleaning business and bought your house cleaning insurance, you’ve taken a huge step forward and that deserves a big thumbs up. But now, you might be wondering how to make your business grow to become a success in the industry. Your potential clients have plenty of house cleaners to choose from, so you want to make your business stand out from the rest! Here we’ll look at a few tips to help your house cleaning business flourish.

1. Offer Personalized Service and Fair Prices

Spend some time giving free estimates. This will help you see a potential client’s home to work out how much time it will take to clean. Don’t charge the same price for a large house and for a small apartment. Clients will go running to a cleaner they believe is giving them a fair deal. Sit with the client to find out what they want. According to surveys, customer experience with a company has a huge impact on how likely they are to be repeat customers, and that holds true for you, too. Sitting with your clients to understand what is important to them gives them this personalized service and shows that you care about them and their needs, allowing you to develop a pricing plan that is fair to them and worthwhile for you. And when you need to raise your prices? They’re more likely to understand.

2. Manage Your Time Carefully

To be a success, you need to fill up your schedule. Working on your time management will benefit both you and the customer, as expectations are clear and match reality. Schedule your jobs in a way that allows you to fit more than one job in each day. Slots starting around 10am won’t leave you enough time for an afternoon customer as well. On the other hand, starting at 8am will allow you to finish by lunchtime and go to another customer afterwards–or even take some much needed time off. It also means that your customer won’t have to have their entire day blocked off. Always be on time and efficient to keep to your schedule and keep your customers satisfied.

3. Find Your Niche

In a crowded market, it can be difficult to make a place for yourself. Spend some time looking online at reviews and social media to see what clients wants and what competitors are offering. Then, create a niche for yourself. Perhaps you guarantee all of your products will be environmentally friendly. You might be able to offer flexible scheduling, such as evening or weekend time slots. Perhaps you work more on marketing with a weekly newsletter or blog posts with free cleaning tips, introductions to your cleaning staff, and product reviews. Having a niche will give you a unique place in the market.

4. Use Quality Products

Cheap products may save you money to begin with, but using more expensive quality products will help you attract a unique clientele that will benefit your business in the long-run. Using non-toxic and ecologically friendly products is better for the furniture and doesn’t leave any irritating fumes or smells around the home. These safe and healthy alternatives are better for both your cleaner and the client. Keep learning about new products through suppliers, from industry publications or from trade organizations to stay on top of your game.

5. Treat Your Employees Well

Your employees are key to the success of your business. To offer a cleaning service that stands out, you need to attract the best and most professional cleaners. Some ways to encourage your employees to stay with you include:

• Spend time on training; show them how to clean windows, scrub a sink and more
• Don’t micromanage – show trust and respect once you’ve trained them
• Offer perks such as paid sick or vacation time to employees have shown their loyalty
• Provide bonuses for quality work

6. Spend Time on Marketing

Don’t become complacent once you have a solid client base. You need to spend time on marketing to ensure you always have new clients. There are many ways to advertise your business to the right markets. These include:

• Networking – Networking may not cost money up-front, but it can lead to business opportunities immediately or down the line. Let people know what you do.
• Contact real estate agencies or home builders – Make contact with companies who might refer you to others. This gets you right out in front of the competition with a potential client before they are even in their home.
• Advertise around the community – This is a great way to find local jobs. Put up flyers, pay for ads in local brochures or magazines and get your name out at local community events. This will help you build brand recognition.

7. Focus on the Business Aspect

Building a successful house cleaning business is not easy, in terms of the cleaning itself or the business aspect. Businesses need to be run professionally to be successful. For your house cleaning business to grow and expand, you need to take care of much more than just cleaning. Make sure you have a business plan in place, that you’re filing taxes as you need to and that you have the insurance you need to grow and thrive.

 

Use Social Media Marketing

Using social platforms like Facebook and Instagram is an effective way to reach potential customers before they even search for a cleaning service on Google. For just a few dollars a day, you can create ads that can reach thousands of people. Our guide on how to create a Facebook ad will walk you through the process.

Register Your Business With Google

Creating a business profile on Google is completely free. If you register your business, it will show up on Google search results and on Google Maps. Plus, you can include information like your website, phone number, and business hours. Registering your business also lets customers leave a Google review. Positive reviews can help draw in new customers. Overall, registering your business makes it much easier for people to find your cleaning company.

 

Location

A Homebased Location

One of the hottest business trends today is to be homebased, and cleaning services are excellent candidates for this type of setup. After all, your customers will likely never come to your facility since all your work is done on their premises. But that’s not the only issue influencing your decision to operate from a homebased office or a commercial location.

Many municipalities have ordinances that limit the nature and volume of commercial activities that can occur in residential areas. Some outright prohibit the establishment of homebased businesses. Others may allow such enterprises but place restrictions regarding issues such as signage, traffic, employees, commercially marked vehicles and noise. Before you apply for your business license, find out what ordinances govern homebased businesses; you may need to adjust your plan to be in compliance.

 

Low costs to start

Opening the doors to your cleaning business requires minimal start-up costs. This is a good thing especially because it lets basically anyone start with very little money. Basically, the only things you need to get started are a few cleaning products and the passion to succeed.

A few overhead expenses — There are very few overhead expenses when it comes to cleaning businesses. This means that as a cleaning business owner, you don’t need to rent or buy premises, buy a company vehicle or pay utility bills. Obviously, these can all be standard tasks at a later point — but for starters, you can start with minimal monetary concerns.

 

The  Main Reasons People Fail At A Cleaning Business

The number one reason why people fail with their cleaning business is that they do not seek expert advice and mentoring. They assume they can figure out everything they need to know as they go. This may be possible, and it happens, but it is risky. For one thing, how do you know what pitfalls await you if you do not consult with someone who has done it before? The chances are that your business will run into the same traps and limitations, and that nine times out of ten, a mentor could have helped you from falling into trouble.

What is the difference between deep cleaning and regular cleaning?

We often get asked… what’s the difference between regular cleaning and deep cleaning?

Regular cleaning definition

The simplest way to describe regular cleaning is a set of cleaning tasks that are performed on a regular basis. This is sometimes also referred to as domestic cleaning.Regular cleaning is what most people do on a daily or weekly basis. Deep cleaning is normally carried out every 6 months to a year.

Regular cleaning maintains a good level of cleanliness around the house. Regular cleaning tasks often cover things like:

• hoovering and mopping the floors
• cleaning bathrooms – sink, mirror, bath and toilet
• Tidying up
• cleaning the kitchen – wiping down work surfaces, cupboard doors, hob etc

Deep cleaning is very different and is often a requirement before a tenant moves in or out, also known as an end of tenancy clean.

Deep cleaning definition

Deep cleaning is different from regular or spring cleaning because it reaches the deep grime and dirt in your home.

It covers areas which aren’t traditionally covered by a regular or spring clean for example:

• behind kitchen appliances like the washing machine and oven, cutting through the grime that builds up
• under the sink
• inside the oven including the oven door glass
• inside of window frames and patio doors
• inside and outside of all windows – read our vinegar window cleaning tip
• washing all blinds
• full and deep dusting including all the corners of rooms for cobwebs
• scale removal from all bathroom tiles, kitchen tiles, taps, shower heads etc

 

What Do I Need to Deep Clean My Home?

• Disposable rags, scrub pads or towels that you don’t mind throwing away
• Two buckets: one for the dirty/greasy water and another for fresh clean water
• Your favorite degreaser, dish soap and disinfectant spray
• A pair of rubber gloves
• An abrasive scrub pad
• A spray bottle with 1:1 vinegar and water
• A scrub brush or an old toothbrush

How often should you clean your house?

How often should you clean your house? Every day? Once a week? Less than that? For a lot of us, this Easter weekend be the first time we’ve given the place a thorough clean since Christmas. In fact, according to a 2016 survey by cleaning experts Jeyes, only 47 per cent of Brits admitted to cleaning regularly. Which is worrying, because it’s potentially allowing harmful bacteria to run riot across your home, and make you and your family sick.

If that thought leaves you shuddering, don’t panic. We’ve created a list of how often you should clean key household items. Find out if you’re cleaning often enough… or in fact, too much!

How often should you wash your bedding?

Once a week. Air your bed daily by throwing back the top sheets and duvet. Pillow cases and duvet covers should be machine washed at a minimum of 40°C, but it’s better to clean them at 60°C if the fabric will take it. That way, you stand a better chance of any harmful bacteria being killed.

It’s also wise to vacuum your mattress every fortnight to prevent dust mites from building up.

How often should I clean my washing machine?

Once a month. Add a cup of white vinegar to the detergent drawer and run an empty hot cycle.

How often should you clean your oven?

Every six months. Use a specialist deep-cleaning spray or cream, but avoid scouring away tough grime as you could damage the lining.

How often should you clean your dishwasher?

Once a month. Remove the racks and clean them separately with warm soapy water, then run what we call a vinegar wash. This involves emptying the dishwasher and placing a cupful of white vinegar in the upper rack, then running the machine at its hottest cycle. It’s a great way to remove any grease or odours.It’s a good idea to wipe detergent drawers and rubber seals after every few washes.

How often should you clean your toilet?

Once a week. You may think your toilet is the dirtiest thing in your home. But you’d be wrong, as chopping boards and dishcloths are more likely to harbour harmful bacteria. For that reason, you can get away with cleaning the bowl properly once a week – although we would recommend giving the seat a daily going over with a soapy cloth or sanitised wipe. Your toilet brush should be cleaned with bleach once a month, and replaced every six months.

How often should you clean your makeup brushes?

Once a week. This is especially important for liquid foundation and concealer brushes, as otherwise a nasty bacteria called  streptococcus can build up. Not only can this cause skin irritations, but also serious illnesses like scarlet fever. A dedicated make-up brush cleanser is the best option, or you could use shampoo. If you have beauty blender sponges

How often should I clean the curtains?

Every three months. Check the washing instructions on the curtains to see if they’ll need to be dry cleaned or if you can put them in the washing machine. At the very least give them a going over with steamer – if it has a vertical steam option, you could use your iron.

How often should you clean your fridge?

Once every six months. Use soapy water and a soft cloth.

How to clean your keyboard or laptop – and how often you should do it

Once a week. Take a can of compressed air and spray between the keys. then take a sanitising wipe and go over every surface.

How to clean a lampshade – and how often you should do it

Clean every three months. Use hot water if the material allows. Otherwise, remove any dust with a lint roller. Ideally, you should also dust them twice a week.

How often should you wash your towels?

Every two days. Hand towels and guest towels should be machine washed at 40°C  every two days. Bath towels should be hung to dry properly after your bath or shower, and popped in the wash after every four to five times of being used.

How to clean a toaster – and how often you should do it

Once a week. Start by removing and emptying the crumb drawer. Then tip it upside-down and shake out any remaining crumbs. Finally, wipe with a dishcloth soaked in warm, soapy water.

 

Fast House Cleaning Tips

1. Clean the whole house, not one room at time

Cleaning is much more efficient if you pick one task (dusting, vacuuming, mopping) and do the same task in every room in the house, rather than cleaning the kitchen, the bathrooms and then the bedrooms. Doing it that way prevents you from feeling like you’re in an endless cleaning cycle, starting the same task over and over again.

2. Gather all your cleaning tools in a caddy

Whether it’s a caddy, bucket or tote, having everything you need to clean in one portable place makes it much easier to get the job done. You won’t waste time looking for tools while you clean, and don’t have to worry about gathering them before your next go around.

3. Clear the clutter

Before you even start cleaning, go room to room and pick up the clutter. As you pick up each item – magazines, well-read paperbacks, old sneakers – consider whether you should put it away, toss it or donate it.

4. Dust and vacuum

Before you start dusting, make sure ceiling fans are turned off. Concentrate your dusting on the tops of furniture and the undersides of shelves, on handrails, picture frames, knickknacks and TV screens. For hard-to-reach areas, like blinds and upper shelves, tie a microfiber cloth to the end of a mop or broom. Change the sheets in the bedrooms before you vacuum.

5. Wipe mirrors and glass

Use one damp microfiber cloth, followed by one dry cloth in wiping clean all the mirrors and glass surfaces.

6. Disinfect countertops and surface areas

Go through your house and wipe down the hard surfaces – from countertops, appliances and cabinets to doorknobs, light switches, TV remotes and telephones. You should disinfect some of those surfaces, particularly the ones that might deliver germs to people’s fingers and faces. Make a nontoxic disinfection solution by mixing one-fourth to a half cup of white or apple cider vinegar with a cup of water.

7. Focus on tubs, sinks and toilets

Spray cleaner on the kitchen sink then on bathroom sinks, tubs and toilets. Let it sit for a few minutes so the cleaner has time to dissolve dirt and stains. Then return to the kitchen and start scrubbing. Don’t forget to wipe down the inside of the microwave. Clean toilets last.

While in the kitchen, you also want to make sure your garbage disposal is in tip-top shape. If you aren’t sure the best way to clean a garbage disposal,  for some useful garbage disposal cleaning tips.

8. Sweep, then mop

Sweep the kitchen and bathroom floors. Start mopping from the farthest corner of the room and move backwards towards the doorway (that is, don’t mop yourself into a corner). Rinse the mop every time you complete a 4-by-4-foot area.

9. Keep moving when you vacuum

Don’t worry about getting every nook and cranny when you vacuum. Just keep moving through the house, running the vacuum in every carpeted room in one pass through.

Some tasks don’t need to be done each week. These include waxing the furniture, cleaning the windows, and washing area rugs and bath mats. Inspect these accessories and use your own judgment.

10. Don’t forget to routinely wash your cleaning tools

An often overlooked part of cleaning the house is maintaining your cleaning tools. Using a dirty mop or a vacuum with a full bag is much less effective, and you’ll end up spending more time trying to clean.

11. Make cleaning a group activity

Making cleaning a team effort is one of the best ways to clean a house fast. Schedule a time in advance with your family, and assign tasks to each person. Working together can add some fun to cleaning, and your house will be sparkling in no time.

2 Hour House Cleaning Plan

The 2 hour house cleaning plan is where you get to take a bit of extra time doing things you otherwise just couldn’t do.

Let’s get started:

• Strip the bedsheets & put them in the washer (10 mins). You can have the washer going while you’re doing the rest of the cleaning.
• Put away the mess (10 mins). I like to do this room-by-room so I don’t get overwhelmed and distracted.
• Dust (10 mins). Again, it is a good idea to do this room-by-room. You can dust all surfaces (shelves, windowsills, etc) as well as baseboards.
• Wipe down windowsills, shelves, etc (10 mins). Go room to room and do this.
• Wash the dishes (15 mins). The time on this can vary depending on if you use a dishwasher or not.
• Wipe down the kitchen counters/cabinets & clean the backsplash (5 mins). This shouldn’t take long at all if you’re doing it regularly as there’s less time for things to build up.
• Wipe down/clean appliances (5 mins). You could put a small glass of water in the microwave to heat up while you’re cleaning other appliances. It’ll make it super easy to clean.
• Clean the bathroom/s (10 mins). A great tip is to actually clean the shower just before you take one. It’ll save time in that you won’t have to include it in this cleaning routine.
• Clean mirrors (5 mins). I love using this window vacuum to do just that. It makes it SO much faster!
• Clean the walls (5 mins). Take 5 minutes to go through the house and wipe off any obvious marks you see on the walls.
• Vacuum (15 mins). You can do the entire house in one go and it’ll save you time in the long run.
• Mop (10 mins). Mop the floors that need it.
• Make the beds (10 mins). While the floors are drying, you can make the beds.

That’s it, really. If you have any other tips up your sleeve, please do share!