Cleaning

Why Every Homeowner Needs Residential Cleaning Services – What to Know

There’s no doubt that you have the capacity to clean your house by yourself. But sometimes, due to other responsibilities, you may not have the time to render your place spotless. As a homeowner, you would want to come home to a house that is clean, fresh, and free of mess, but that may not be the case if you can’t expend any more time and energy scrubbing every nook and cranny of your space.

If this sounds like you, you may benefit from hiring professional cleaners. That way, the burden is off your shoulders as you’re delegating the task to professionals who are adept at cleaning homes. You won’t have to spend time dusting, washing, or vacuuming—everything is taken care of for you, so you can focus on more important matters

You get to have more free time.

Since you no longer have to spend a huge chunk of your time making sure that every room in your home is spotless, you get to spend more quality time with your friends and family or on your hobbies. The residential cleaning service professionals will get the job done, delivering sparkling surfaces and making sure that even the most hard-to-reach areas in your house are free of dirt and dust. Since you’re handing over the job to experts, you know that your house is in the right hands. You’ll be less stressed about the outcome as they know how to tackle your home in a way that you would appreciate.

You’ll have a cleaner and safer environment.

Hiring professional house cleaners is more than just having someone come over and dust off rooms and arrange your furniture. It’s also about making sure that your home is thoroughly clean inside and out and top to bottom, eliminating the germs and bacteria circulating inside. As a result, you and your family get to breathe cleaner, healthier air.

You get to save money on cleaning supplies.

If you’re in charge of cleaning your home, there are certain things that you need to buy, like cleaning agents and pricey cleaning tools. When you opt for recurring house cleaning services, you no longer have to keep buying these materials as the cleaners are already equipped with everything they need to make your house spotless.

 

House Cleaning Tips to Help You Prevent the Spread of COVID-19 – Our Guide

With growing national concern about the COVID-19 pandemic, homeowners are trying to find more ways to keep their homes safe and free from the virus. While there is no vaccine currently available or any way to permanently make your home impervious to the disease, you can slow its spread by following the advice of experts

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains that, aside from social distancing measures, hygiene helps in preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Frequent and proper handwashing, refraining from touching the eyes, nose, and mouth, and boosting the immune system are all ways to help your body combat the virus.

Beyond your own personal cleanliness, you must also regularly disinfect your home. Some homes have a set cleaning schedule, and for these homes, they may just incorporate preventive steps into the routines that are already established. For homes with no set schedules, this article discusses some things you should know about when cleaning and disinfecting your house against COVID-19.

Note the difference between cleaning and disinfecting

Cleaning is not the same as disinfecting. When you clean a surface, you are merely removing visible dirt, grease, or grime from it. This can be achieved just by wiping a surface with a dry rag. For stubborn stains, you may need to use a wet cloth or soap. Meanwhile, disinfecting is the use of stronger cleaning materials such as aerosols and bleach. The goal of disinfecting is not just to keep a space visibly spotless; it is also for eradicating harmful microorganisms

Start a daily house cleaning schedule

Every day, you should set aside a few minutes to an hour for cleaning. If you have responsibilities, like working from home or needing to leave the house as an essential worker, you can ask your other household members to take this task on. Cleaning your home every day is a necessity, especially during a pandemic.

 

Hiring a house cleaner for the first time? Your etiquette questions, answered

a room-by-room guide for spring cleaning your apartment top to bottom, but if that seems too daunting—or if you’d rather just throw money at the problem—there are countless services for hire that’ll happily come in and do your dirty work. However, if you’ve never turned to a cleaning service before, the process can be fraught with etiquette issues.

Should I tip my house cleaner, and how much?

who adds that it’s more common practice if you’re hiring an individual cleaner. “Keep in mind that it’s always your decision,” he says.

Should I pre-clean or do any prep work before your house cleaner arrives?

There’s a reason the phrase “cleaning up for the maid” exists: Depending on what kind of cleaning you want done (and how much time you’re willing to pay for), it can be helpful to clear up clutter ahead of time so a cleaning service can focus on a thorough sweep. “Try to corral that first layer of clutter, otherwise it will take your cleaners twice as long,”

What should I look for in a cleaning service?

Naturally, you’re going to want a trustworthy company with a proven track record. And while online reviews are a solid place to start if you want a sense of the company’s history, this is one industry where word of mouth is still king. “Turn to your friends on social media,”

Can I be home while someone cleans my apartment? What about my pets?

This varies from company to company, so again, read the fine print before you book. “Some services require clients to be there the entire time, some not,”

 

COLLECTION HOUSEKEEPING GUIDE

A well-designed housekeeping plan serves more than one function. It not only keeps collections clean and dust-free, but also allows staff time to regularly monitor the state of the collection. Housekeeping can also serve as a low-budget way to support other collections care activities, such as pest management.

DEVELOPING A COLLECTIONS MAINTENANCE PROGRAM

Housekeeping tasks will vary depending upon the size, use, and type of collection; a historic house has different needs than a contemporary art museum. A regular schedule of daily, weekly, monthly, and semi-annual to annual tasks ensures that the entire collection receives attention and care. It is just as important to make sure that a collection is not over-cleaned as it is to make sure that it is cleaned, which is why a housekeeping log is an important part of a collections maintenance program.

The Housekeeping Log

A housekeeping log is a great way to keep track of what has been done and what has yet to be done, and any changes in the status of a collection can be recorded. The log should be updated upon completion of any housekeeping tasks. If the collection also has a pest log, the two can support one another. Although the format can vary, a housekeeping log should include the following: task, date, notes, and staff member name.

HOUSEKEEPING SUPPLIES

Magnetic dusting cloths—for example, Dust Bunny Cloths—are chemical-free and use electrostatic charge to attract dust. Do not use feather dusters or cloths impregnated with chemicals or cleansers, as these can potentially leave a damaging residue behind. 100% cotton, chemical-free rags (clean diaper cloths) may also be used.

Soft, natural hair artist brushes, for dusting small or fragile areas (note: brushes used for dusting collections should only be used for this purpose)

Cheesecloth or muslin for use as a filter to vacuum very fragile or flaking items (should be washed prior to use)

Vacuum for collections care

Gentle disinfectant, such as Lysol

Dust mops

Dust masks

Nitrile gloves

Distilled water

Ammonia (note: should not be used near metals or on unstable glass)

Isopropyl Alcohol

Orvus cleaning solution

Murphy’s Oil soap (for mopping floors)

Renaissance Wax or Butcher’s Wax

HOUSEKEEPING PROCEDURES

The following are general guidelines. For very delicate or fragile objects, always consult a conservator before proceeding with any cleaning regimen.

Books

Bindings and text block edges can be cleaned with a cloth or vacuum. If the spine or boards of a book are loose or detached, avoid any cleaning procedures until they have been stabilized. If the binding is in stable condition and the text block is only lightly soiled, magnetic cloths are appropriate. If a book is very dusty or dirty (or if a book has deckled edges), it is preferable to use a vacuum to avoid pushing dirt into paper fibers or damaging delicate edges. Use a soft natural brush or brush attachment on the vacuum, and a micro-tool attachment meant for small areas. Low suction is preferable.

 

Step-by-step exterior house cleaning guide

Get your outside areas in tip top shape. Experts share their step-by-step tips for tidying up your decking, pavers, brickwork and guttering.

Spring has arrived and now is the perfect time to roll up your sleeves and take on those irksome house cleaning jobs that you’ve been ignoring for months. Now that the weather is warming up, it’s safe to venture outside and get stuck in to outside areas.

some tips for cleaning a timber deck:

Sweep away dust, cobwebs and leaves

With a softwood deck, scrub surface with a hard-bristled brush and a mild detergent solution to remove embedded dirt, grease and grime. If your deck is made from hardwood (iron bark, merbau or blackbutt) it’s safe to wash with a high-pressure cleaner.

Rinse with water.

Once the deck is dry, apply two or three coats of your preferred timber coating. If decking is peeling, flaking or mouldy, you’ll need to strip it back and sand the surface before recoating.

For stubborn stains, apply an oxalic acid-based cleaner such as Sikkens Cetol BL Deck and Wood Cleaner; leave for 15 minutes and wash away.

For an even finish, apply timber coating with a soft, pure-bristle brush, such as a Sikkens Ezee Deck Brush.

national landscape buyer, Bunnings, shares his tips on how to tidy up pavers.

Be careful not to remove the jointing sand from new pavers. Don’t use vacuum sweepers or water for three months after installation.

Spread a coarse sand over pavers.

Dampen sand with a hose.

With a stiff-bristled broom, sweep sand over pavers and repeat. Hose off excess sand.

For tough stains, clean with a chemical or acid wash (check your manufacturer’s instructions first) and a stiff brush or high-pressure cleaner.

For quick, effective cleaning, try Kärcher’s K3.190 T250 1.6W High Pressure Cleaner and Diggers Rust & Stain Cleaner, both from Bunnings.

his advice on tidying up brickwork.

Use a cobweb brush to remove cobwebs and loose dirt.

Fill the tank of a pressure washer with exterior house-washing detergent. Set the washer head to ‘spray’ so the detergent mixes with the water. Then, set washer head to ‘fan’ and clean brickwork, running the water evenly across the surface.

For stubborn stains, change to the ‘roto’ nozzle setting and focus the pressure cleaner on the stain.

To finish, use a fixed or rotary brush and concentrated detergent to scrub away any stubborn marks by hand.

Must-have equipment includes AR Blue Clean Exterior House Wash and AR Blue Clean Pressure Washer Rotary Brush

How to Make Sure Your Rental Passes Inspection After Moving Out

If you live in a rental apartment or house and are in the middle of moving out, it’s time to start thinking about cleaning. Most landlords require a move-in deposit that covers any damage or dirt left behind once you move out. Instead of giving up your deposit, you can almost guarantee a passed inspection with fool-proof cleaning tips. A few extra hours of deep cleaning can save you a precious few hundred bucks

Follow a Cleaning Checklist

It’s easy to get overwhelmed with the amount of cleaning tasks in front of you. Instead of keeping your mental to-do list in your head, write it out. Or better yet, find a cleaning checklist online. Print it out and physically check off each item as you complete them.

A good rule of thumb is to complete the following cleaning tasks after the basics are covered:

patch nail holes with spackle and repaint

wipe baseboards with soapy warm water and a washcloth

scour the bathtub, but don’t use steel wool (it scratches the shiny porcelain layer off)

rent a carpet cleaner and deep clean all carpets twice

wash windows inside and out

dust off obscure areas (tops of ceiling fans, air vents, and ceiling corners)

Especially if you rented a house, it’s important to spend time fixing up your outside area. If you moved in to a pristine yard and pleasant curb appeal, your landlord will expect the same appearance when you move out.

Spend Time in the Kitchen and Bathrooms

Real estate agents always say that kitchens and bathrooms sell houses. It’s true that these two rooms are the most distinct rooms in your home. Because of their unique functions, they’re also the easiest to get dirty. Spend extra time making sure they look spotless.

 

End of Tenancy Cleaning Service Guide

You are hoping to retrieve your hefty deposit when you move out. If, however, you do not properly clean the property at the end of your tenancy, there could a nasty surprise in the form of a reduced (or non-existent) deposit return.

Use this cleaning service guide to ensure that you do not miss a thing. After all, you wouldn’t want to lose a chunk of your deposit because you forgot to clean the living room blinds, would you?

Remove all personal items

To start off, you need to ensure that all of your personal items are removed, or at least packed away. This obviously needs to be done in order to move out at the end of the tenancy, but doing so before cleaning allows you to reach everywhere that you need to during the process.

Now you must remove any extra nails or screws from the interior walls, and to fill the resulting holes with putty or spackle. Remember to remove any excess, leaving a smooth surface behind.

Clean window coverings

Most blinds and curtains are able to be cleaned simply through vacuuming. If they are musty (for example, with tobacco smoke), take them down and air them for as long as possible. Alternatively, use a fabric spray such as Febreze to remove the odors.

 

Tenants to have a smooth moving experience

An inspection will be done only after all your personal property has been removed and you have cleaned the property. At that time, you need to take the keys to the office. We consider you still living at the property until the keys are turned in. Rent will be charged until RPM receives the keys and the garage door remote – do NOT leave keys at the property. YOU WILL NOT BE ABLE TO RE-ENTER THE PROPERTY AFTER ALL KEYS HAVE BEEN TURNED INTO THE OFFICE.

The better the condition of the property when you leave, the faster the deposit can be sent out. You will need to give us your forwarding address to send your deposit refund to. If you vacate the property prior to the end of the lease term, you will still be responsible for the rent during the remaining term of the lease. However, we will do our best to try and lease the property.

CLEANING SPECIFICATIONS

Remove all trash and personal items from your home and yard.

Clean all appliances thoroughly, including microwave, range hood, etc. Clean sinks, cabinets and drawers.

The carpeting must be professionally cleaned and receipt turned in with the keys.

Wash non-carpeted floors. Remove the stains and marks.

Wash walls carefully; pay special attention to the areas around light switches, hallways, doors and baseboards.

Clean all windows. Secure all screens and remove cobwebs inside and out.

Make the needed repairs to the screens and the screen doors.

Clean and disinfect the bathrooms thoroughly.

Repair or have any damage you or your pets have caused repaired.

Discontinue your phone services at least 24 hours before vacating.

If you are responsible for the lawn care: Mow, trim and remove debris from the yard.

Make arrangements to have your trash picked up before you discontinue service.

Do not place the trash and the garbage in the recyclable cans. A fine may be applied.

Tenant is responsible for the following:

Yard care (if not mentioned in the lease), Minor trimming, pruning & weeding beds

Testing and changing batteries in smoke detectors and/or carbon monoxide detectors

Changing all inoperable light bulbs and fluorescent tubes in easily accessible light fixtures

Keep dryer vents & house vents clean inside & out

Pest control (for details, please call the office)

Inside & outside window cleaning

Tenant is responsible for all maintenance of water softener and water purification systems (if applicable).

Drain stoppage (clogging) when caused by tenant.  Do not put potato peelings, onion skins, or artichoke trimmings through the disposal.  Any other food placed in the disposal should have water run through the drain for at least 10 seconds after grinding.  This carries the food out to the main sewer.

Payment of rent or other charges as determined by lease and addendum.

Do not use the drop-in cleaners in the tank of the toilet.  This will destroy the rubber in the fittings.  The type that clip to the bowl edge are best.

No foreign items are to be flushed away.  This includes: baby wipes, tampons, diapers, paper towels, dental floss, clumping kitty litter, etc.  These items will clog the drain and you will be charged for the repairs.

 

MOVE-OUT GUIDE

CLEANING

If you paid for Prepaid Cleaning when you moved in, a base interior cleaning will be completed when you move out (floors and carpets included). If you do not return the home in the same condition you received it, you will be charged additional costs. The following is an example of items that would result in a charge against your security deposit. Please contact your property manager if you have a question about a specific item.

Dirty window coverings

Garbage and debris left behind

Stains on the flooring

Pet damage

Smoke damage

MOVE-OUT INSPECTION

Return all keys and remotes to our office no later than the end of the day you vacate. If you’re returning after business hours, please leave any remotes on the kitchen counter, and use our drop box to return keys in an envelope with your name, address, unit, phont number, and forwarding address. Failure to return these items may result in a deduction to your security deposit. We will not consider the property vacant until we receive the keys.

Please have all personal items removed, and cleaning completed, by the time you return your keys/remotes. Additional access to the property will not be available.

After you vacate the property, the Property Manager will conduct a Move-Out Inspection. You will receive full documentation of the condition of the unit, with applicable photos, and a full accounting of the charges. You do not need to be present during your move-out inspection.

Please make sure we have your forwarding address on file so you can receive your Move-Out Inspection as quickly as possible.

UTILITIES

When contacting utilities, please be sure to keep services in your name through the last day of proper notice and to have your name removed (and name added) as of that date, but do not shut off service.

Do not pay your closing water bill (and sometimes your trash bill, depending on where you live). will prorate the charges and, when available, use your security deposit to pay these closing bills. This assures there will not be a lien placed against the property for non-payment.

If it is the cold season, please leave the heat set at 60 degrees, and leave the cupboard doors open under the sinks so that pipes don’t freeze. You could potentially be responsible for damages if you do not take these steps.

 

GUIDE FOR CLEANING OUT YOUR APARTMENT WHEN MOVING TO A NEW HOME

It would seem that cleaning out your apartment when you’re moving to a new home would be a bit easier than if you were cleaning out a house. However, there are a few details that you want to pay attention to when you’re cleaning so that everything is in order for you to leave the unit as it was when you moved to the residence

Follow the landlord’s moving out cleaning list

When you moved into the apartment, the landlord probably gave you a list of the things to clean if you planned to move out. You can use this list to go around your apartment to make sure everything is checked off. If you abide by the regulations that are stated in your lease and you leave the apartment as it was when you moved in with little wear and tear, then you’ll usually get your security deposit back if you paid one.

Make sure to repair what needs to be repaired

If there are any holes in the walls from hanging pictures, posters, or decorations, then you need to cover them so that they can’t be seen. You should also fix or replace blinds that are broken and paint that is chipped. After you move everything from the rooms in your apartment, you need to do a thorough cleaning so that it’s like it was the first day you unpacked. It’s easier to start at the ceiling and work your way down to the floor.

Declutter and toss out things you don’t need

When you’re packing your belongings, you should get rid of the things that are broken or that you don’t use so that you don’t take any unnecessary boxes with you to your new home. Don’t forget to clean out the refrigerator and freezer. Make sure there is nothing left in the washing machine and dryer or the dishwasher. Wash the walls so that any streaks or smudges are removed. Consider getting the carpet professionally cleaned so that it’s in the best possible condition before you move out.

Here are things you should know about carpet cleaning

There is a long-standing debate about which connected with carpet cleaning is better: steam or dry cleaning? While most people think dry cleaning is only for clothes, others that as a topic to clean their rugs. Dry cleaning does, however, require use of chemicals and excess water, which could be wastes towards the environment. Cleaning uses half the water of a traditional cleaning machine and does not require exact same way harmful chemicals in order to remove particles and grease against the carpet’s embedded fibers.

Ask whenever they use a vacuum cleaner with HEPA filtration which minimizes the dander that vacuum cleaners usually show into atmosphere. Between carpet cleaning sessions, you can by vacuuming your home often and removing carpets from your bedroom because you’re not exposed to the dander night time.

 

Toxic

Most of the products on the market for carpet cleaning are safe and will have a minimal impact on the environment. However some of the carpet cleaning products do contain toxic chemicals which can be hazardous to the person using them as well as other people in the house or pets. So be sure to read the labels carefully before using. Always try to choose a product with the least amount of chemicals and in the mildest you can find that will work.

Clean Often

It’s always best to clean your carpets on a regular basis. If you do not clean your carpets on a regular basis you will need to use a stronger chemical product because the dirt will have ground itself deeper into the carpet and it becomes more difficult to lift. Cleaning your carpets on a regular basis is easier on the environment, your health, and it will help extend the life of the carpet.

Use Caution

Read labels very carefully. Not only on the product but on any documentation provided with the carpet. Should you use the wrong product or a product with stronger chemical than your carpet can handle you could damage the carpet.

 

Employ The Experts

There are many professionals who will clean your carpets for a very reasonable charge and give you a guarantee on the job they perform.

Setup

If you’re laying new carpets chances are the reason you are doing this is that you want them to appear appealing and emphasize the room while at precisely the same time supplying functionality. If you put in the carpet poorly or install the wrong kind of carpet for the area you will get a higher maintenance cost and the carpeting will need to be cleaned frequently. So make sure you opt for the correct carpeting. Routine vacuuming and spot removal will also lower your cleaning maintenance expenses.

 

Vacuum

Okay; you know this.  In fact, you probably haven’t met a three year old who doesn’t know this.  All the same, it’s usually at the bottom of the list of housekeeping tasks.  And that means, you’re likely to put it off as much as you can.  Don’t.  Every rug and carpet in the house needs to be vacuumed at least once a week – even if you never walk into the room.  Vacuuming picks up dust and circulates the air between carpeting fibres to keep them smelling fresh.

Daily Vacuuming – Yes, this again.  Some areas of your house should be vacuumed weekly, and others truly need it every day.  It’s not about being cruel; it’s about keeping your carpets and your lifestyle in sync.  High traffic areas need to be vacuumed daily, as do any rooms where you’ve got pets.  Alright, if you’re only home for a few hours every evening and you have no pets, you can go a bit longer, but it should still be done at least twice a week.  Otherwise, you’ll notice where you walk extraordinarily quickly.

Use Entry Mats – That lovely entry mat that you ordered off the internet last season isn’t just there for its superior looks.  And, if it is only there for the style it adds, you might want to reconsider that purchase.  In any case, entry mats are a marvellous thing – when they’re properly used – and that means all the time.  Encourage everyone in the house to wipe their feet.  And, once a week, beat that mat against an exterior wall to shake off all the excess dirt it’s collected.  It may seem like an extra chore, but that 30 seconds is going to save you plenty of money in the long run.

 

Clean stains right—right away

How to Spot Clean Carpet: Act quickly

If you get to a stain immediately, there’s a 99 percent chance you can remove it. The longer a stain reacts chemically with the carpeting, the harder it is to remove.

How to Spot Clean Carpet: Try water first

Eighty percent of stains can be removed using plain tap water. To remove a stain, press a clean, dry, white cloth over the stain to absorb the spill. Repeat until the spill is absorbed. Then gently work water into the stain with a damp white towel and blot until the stain is gone. Change cloths when necessary. For a particularly stubborn spot, go to the online “spot solver” resource at The Carpet and Rug Institute (the carpet manufacturers’ trade organization) to find your stain and a suggested solution. Use a fan to dry the area if it’s very wet.

How to Spot Clean Carpet: Blot—don’t rub or scrub

Scrubbing a stain will damage the fibers and create a fuzzy area. Always blot from the outer edge toward the center of the stain to avoid spreading the spot and creating a larger problem.

How to Spot Clean Carpet: Be patient

Work water gently into the spill and then blot with a dry cloth. Repeat until the stain is gone and all the water has been absorbed. If you’re patient, you’ll almost always be able to remove the stain.

How to Spot Clean Carpet: On tough spots, try vinegar or club soda

If water alone doesn’t remove a stain, try a white vinegar and water solution (equal amounts) or club soda before trying stronger commercial cleaning products.

How to Spot Clean Carpet: Test commercial products first

Some products can cause carpet to get dirty faster or damage the carpet’s color and texture. For a list of carpet manufacturer- approved spot and stain cleaners, go online to The Carpet and Rug Institute. Test carpet-cleaning products on an inconspicuous area before using.

Moving in? Read Our Easy Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Start fresh in your new home by following our professional move-in cleaning checklist. Plus you’ll learn how to make your home chemical and allergen-free from the beginning, and get our top tips for preventing mess build-up in living areas and the kitchen.

Should you clean your house before moving?

Your place is brand new or freshly vacated, so it should be clean, right? Not necessarily. If the house has just been built a whole home clean is necessary to remove any remaining dust or chemical residue that comes with construction.

What is a professional move-in cleaning checklist?

A professional move-in cleaning checklist is useful regardless of whether you choose to clean-it-yourself or use a move-in cleaning service. By referencing a checklist, you can be sure that no crack or crevice goes uncleaned.

How to clean a new bedroom

Cleaning bedrooms thoroughly before you move-into a new house is important as you’ll be exposed to any lingering allergens here when you sleep. As with all rooms, we would recommend working from top to bottom so you can easily keep track of what areas you have already cleaned and avoid transferring dirt to previously cleaned areas.

Cleaning a bathroom before you move-in

Old bathrooms can be problematic to clean if the previous tenants didn’t clean regularly. It’s a good idea to closely inspect your bathroom for mold, damp areas or damage (eg. holes in grout) before you move-in as it will be easier to address these issues while the bathroom is empty

 

MOVE IN & MOVE OUT CLEANING

Are you Moving?

Moving into or out of a home is the mark of an exciting transition in life, but it can be a very stressful time. There’s so much to take care of, with everything from packing to decorating your new home and everything in between. One of the biggest pains of moving is cleaning your former or new house to prepare it for sale or the big move-in day.

Move-Out Cleaning

If you’re moving out, it’s always a good idea to clean up your house or apartment, either to make it spotless for the new occupants or to ensure you get your security deposit back. It’s also important to clean the house if you are putting the home on the market and need it spotless for pictures and open houses. No matter the reason, your former home should be just as clean as when you moved in, if not more.

Classic Move-Out Cleaning

Do you have a tighter budget but need to satisfy the conditions of your sale or lease with a basic cleaning? ***

Was your old home well maintained, with mild to moderate build up in the kitchen, bathrooms, and floors?

Premium Move-Out Cleaning

Are you preparing for Open Houses or a photo shoot?

Was your old home rarely cleaned, with heavy build up in the kitchen (grease, crumbs, fingerprints, mold), bathrooms (soap scum, mold, hair/fur, fingerprints, etc.), and floors (bugs, shoe prints, splatters)?

Beyond satisfying the conditions of your sale or lease, do you want to get a thorough cleaning performed for the new owners or tenants?

Move-In Cleaning

Moving into a home has the promise of a fresh start, a new beginning. However, there’s a lot to arrange before you move in, including cleaning and preparing your new home for new furniture and new occupants. In all the chaos of moving, you might not have time to make a trip out to the new house to prep it for the move-in.

 

Easy Tips for a Move-In Apartment Cleaning

There’s no better way to start your life in a new home than cleaning your apartment like a pro before moving in. This is a crucial step because you can never know how clean your new place actually is. In addition, cleaning it after you’ve moved in would be more difficult and time-consuming.

How clean should an apartment be before moving in?

When moving into a new home, you shouldn’t neglect the importance of move in cleaning. This step is crucial for preparing the apartment for your family and ensuring that you move into a healthy, clean and fresh environment.

Professional cleaning standards

If you decide to hire professional move in/out cleaners in Mobile to help you out, you’ll be glad to hear that your new home will be squeaky clean. These cleaning professionals follow the highest hygiene standards, so your apartment will be cleaned to the last detail. What’s more, trusted expert cleaners employ sustainable cleaning practices, so they can remove all the allergens, toxins and chemical residue that previous tenants might have left. So, if you’re still wondering how clean your new home should truly be, try to meet the experts’ norms.

How do you do a moving in cleaning?

Move in cleaning isn’t a simple task since it’s more demanding than regular cleaning. You need to pay attention to some areas you might otherwise neglect or use more effective cleaning supplies.

Here are a few helpful cleaning tips that can make your move-in clean-up more organized:

Clean from the top. Cleaning from the top down is the most efficient way to deal with dust. This way, you won’t have to go back to re-clean the areas, but simply work your way down from the ceiling fans and lighting fixtures to the floors.

Deep clean the cabinets and closets. Rarely do people consider the interior of their cabinets and closets. Yet, it’s a must-do task on professional cleaning checklists for a reason.

Disinfect the bathroom. Since this area requires a thorough scrub, don’t skip anything. Be as meticulous as possible, dealing with every single spot. You should also replace the toilet seat.

Tackle the appliances. Kitchen appliances also require special cleaning attention, so make sure to deep clean them. The fridge, sink, oven and microwave should be disinfected, but make sure to use a product that won’t damage the finish

 

Move Out Cleaning or Move In Cleaning

Whether you’re renting your home or apartment and hoping to get your deposit back, or you’re a property owner preparing the space for the next inhabitants, keeping on top of the cleaning is important. If you’re about to move out of an apartment at the end of your lease, you want to leave things looking better than you found them. And if you want to be sure prospective tenants are rushing to give you their first month’s check, the best way to do that is to make the place sparkle. Luckily, we are here to help with move out cleanings and move in cleanings!

Experienced

Not only can booking move out cleaning services through save you money, but it can save you time and buy you peace of mind, too. Instead of trawling through Craigslist or getting the opinion of a friend of a friend of a friend on which move out cleaning services to use, you’ll find all the information you need on the platform, from biographies to testimonials. Whether you’re a property owner or a tenant, using to find the best one-time cleaning services can significantly reduce the stress involved in moving.

Skilled and Capable

Whether you use the website or the app, will connect you to the best move out cleaning professionals in your area. You’ll be able to see their reviews and ratings, so you’ll know that they’re up to the task of cleaning your place, no matter how much junk you’ve accumulated since you moved in!

Reliable

Using to source the best move out cleaning service for your needs is the best way to ensure that you leave your old home spotlessly clean. For renters, this is a great way to safeguard against unexpected bills at the end of a lease. Using to connect with move out cleaning professionals ensures that you can’t be billed for any clean-ups that need to be done after you’ve left.

Flexible

Is easy to use, whether you go to the website or use the app. Enter your zip code and the size of the property to be cleaned and you’ll instantly receive quotes from the best move out cleaning professionals in your area. There’s no need to worry about buying brooms or cleaning supplies: the move out cleaning service providers you book will come fully equipped and ready to go to work.

 

MOVE-IN CLEANING CHECKLIST

You bought or signed a lease on a new home and as the date approaches to move in your things, you realize the house or apartment might need some cleaning before you get settled. This guide has everything you need to know about starting off on the right foot with a freshly cleaned space.

How to Clean a House Before You Move In

We recommend cleaning before you move anything into your new home, as the cleaning will come much easier without all your belongings filling the space. If you won’t have time to clean the space yourself (with everything else to take care of in the transition), consider hiring a move-in cleaning service.

If you choose to handle the job yourself, we recommend considering following these steps:

Start with the fridge. Having a clean space to store your food is incredibly important. Consult our refrigerator cleaning tips for help accomplishing this task.

Once the fridge is clean, move on to the rest of the kitchen. Clean from top to bottom and make sure all of the appliances are thoroughly cleaned. Don’t worry about the floors.

Reasons To Start A Cleaning Franchise

Cleaning franchises in particular take up a considerable share of the market, with the obvious benefits of designated territories and tried and tested business practices, training and support.

Cleaning franchises come in all shapes and sizes, from carpet cleaning franchises to commercial cleaning franchises to domestic cleaning franchises.

With the ever-growing number of companies outsourcing their cleaning, there’s plenty of business opportunities in the sector. And in our on-the-go society, it looks like there will never be a shortage of time-poor, cash-rich potential customers looking for domestic cleaning services.

Whichever option you choose, there are some universal positives. Here are our top reasons to start a cleaning franchise:

Low start-up costs

And as they are predominantly home-based, cleaning franchises are cheaper to run, on a long-term basis, than other franchised businesses that need premises. In fact, many franchisors in this sector claim their franchisees can start earning profit straight away.

No cleaning skills required

Firstly, running a cleaning franchise doesn’t mean you’ll have to pull on your marigolds.

Most cleaning franchises are management operatives where you will be organising a team of housekeepers or commercial cleaners and generating clients for their services. Organisational skills are a must as well as good people skills and buckets full of enthusiasm.

High demand

As an increasing number of families are becoming dual-income and our lives become busier than ever, a weekly cleaner has become more of an essential part of the monthly household budget, rather than a luxury used only by the wealthy.

 Rewarding

On paper, owning a cleaning franchise business may not seem like the most fulfilling job in the world but bear in mind that this is a role which involves interacting with people on a daily basis and creating positive outcomes for cleaners and clients as well as yourself. Becoming a cleaning franchisee will require plenty of social skills (so extreme introverts need not apply!) and if this is a strength, it will be an enjoyable experience.

 

It’s Easy to Get Started Today

• Meet with us to learn more and explore options.
• Review the circular
• Pick a starting package
• Schedule a signing date
• Schedule the training
• Start with your first customer that needs commercial cleaning
• Build your janitorial services business

 

Why will commercial cleaning franchises always be in demand?

1. They’re a cost-effective way of keeping the workspace clean. If bosses ask their employees to make sure their desks or work areas are always spotless, they’ll have to take time out of their day to do extra cleaning duties.
2. They help create a professional feel for visiting clients. All businesses want to impress customers, whether they’re a retailer attracting shoppers, a legal firm welcoming clients or an online company hoping for new visitors – to name a few examples. By enlisting the help of a commercial cleaning franchise, bosses can make sure their workspace is ship-shape every single time a potential customer stumbles upon it. That means there’s never a mad panic at the last moment.
3. A clean workspace helps maintain workers’ mental and physical health. Businesses can protect their employees’ wellbeing by making sure their premises are always clean and tidy. Letting dust and grime accumulate can lead to unhygienic working conditions and even be dangerous at times when viruses are spreading or allergies are flaring up. But as well as negatively impacting workers’ physical health, business owners who put up with dirty workspaces may be putting their employees’ mental wellbeing at risk too.
4. They help maintain the building. If business owners make sure their premises are looked after on a day-to-day basis, they can reduce the likelihood of needing to carry out more significant work later on. In theory, paying for regular cleaning should be more cost-effective than forking out for major maintenance work. Either way, it’ll definitely save time.
5. Professional commercial cleaners will do a great job. As you can imagine, an established cleaning business will probably clean a workspace to a much higher standard than its occupants would. People who clean for a living will have specialised products to get real results and know all the tips and tricks for making a space look as good as new.

 

Reasons You Should Consider Buying a Commercial Cleaning Franchise

There are many great opportunities when it comes to independently owned small to mid-size businesses for sale. There are also a lot of great franchise opportunities available.  If you are open to exploring the franchise opportunities available the commercial cleaning industry is an area you should consider.  Commercial cleaning franchises are quickly becoming a popular choice among business buyers and here are my 6 reasons why you should consider one.

#1 – Industry Growth

The commercial cleaning industry has seen consistent growth even during the recession.  It is estimated that revenues from commercial cleaning companies will exceed $67 billion this year.  More and more companies are outsourcing their cleaning and are willing to sign ongoing agreements with a reputable provider.  Commercial cleaning franchises provide instant name recognition to business clients looking for someone they can trust.

#2 – Home Based Opportunities

As you are researching potential franchises, keep in mind that there are some that can be run from a home office.  Home based business opportunities are becoming a popular choice among many Entrepreneurs as not needing a physical office space can greatly reduce overhead costs.  Having this flexibility is a great option.  You can always start out working from your home office until you get the business up and running and then move into office space when cash flow allows.  Growing your business in phases like this can be a great way to ensure your success because you aren’t taking on a ton of debt and expenses right out of the gate.  You’re giving your business a chance to get started before you have to start paying someone rent.

#3 – Lower Startup Costs

On top of having the ability to run this business from your home to save on expenses, the commercial cleaning business generally has low startup costs.  Of course there are some franchises that cost more than others but companies like Jan-Pro offer franchises with an initial investment as low as $3,100.  Jan-Pro was ranked #12 on the 2014 Franchise 500 list and they have over 11,000 locations worldwide so you can get into an established, reputable franchise for a reasonable initial investment.

#4 – Proven Business Model

The commercial cleaning service business is nothing new. Companies have been successful in this industry for years and the business model is proven for the most part.  With a franchise, the company has taken the time to put operating procedures in place as well as training and other essential functions to help you succeed. They have also done the leg work for you in terms of marketing by creating a brand identity.  If you are buying into a larger franchise, they probably offer advertising and other types of marketing services that you would otherwise have to do yourself if you were an independent commercial cleaning company.

#5 – Stability

Many small businesses have to worry about the ups and downs of the economy when it comes to their revenue.  In the commercial cleaning business you can expect a certain level of stability.  The customers you’ll be working with pretty much have to have your services in order to keep their facilities clean for their own employees and their customers.  With that, while you may see some cutting back when times get tough, they will most likely stay with you unless you give them a reason not to.  If you provide your customers with a high quality service and leave them satisfied with your work, you can expect your revenue to remain stable.

#6 – Not A Desk Job

There are many people that can’t stand the thought of sitting behind a computer all day.  If you’re one of those people, there is one more reason for you to consider a commercial cleaning franchise it’s not a desk job.  Even if you don’t want to be hands on and actually providing the services, as the owner your role could be traveling from job to job doing quality control.  You could be in the field when you want to be and spend time at a desk when you have to.  If you want a desk job, this business may also work since you could hire someone to be in the field.  Also, there are some cleaning franchises that allow for absentee ownership.  In that case you’d be able to check in occasionally and most of your work would be done from your desk.

 

The Cleaning Market is Stable

Cleaning falls under an important category of services: time savers. If a business had to dedicate an employee to cleaning up around the office, that employee would spend almost all of their day cleaning, costing the company money through lost productivity. That would be unrealistic, which is why almost every office out there has professional cleaners come and take care of the job for them. Saving time is one of the most valuable things that a business can do for its clients, and cleaning services are one of the time-saviest businesses out there.

Even though recessions and depressions affect cleaning services the same as any other business, cleaning services are likely to stay on the payroll in tough times. Even if layoffs are occurring, the office still needs to be clean, else productivity and morale will suffer. It’s common for businesses to reduce cleaning frequency in tough times, but it’s uncommon for them to cut off services altogether.

POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING CHECKLIST: A LIST WITH BEST CLEANING TIPS

Whether you’re remodeling retail space or building new commercial property from the ground up, there’s nothing like that last day. Construction crews are finished, they’re clearing things out, and you’re ready to open the doors. One good look around tells you that you’ll have to wait.

POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING TIPS: YOUR 10-POINT CHECKLIST

Most contractors clean up a finished job site, but their services don’t include scrubbing, dusting and polishing. As you size up your capabilities to tackle final detailing, let our post construction cleaning checklist be your guide. First, make sure you’re equipped with the right supplies for the job.

DEAL WITH CONTRACTORS’ LEFTOVERS

Address the aftermath of your construction project with a thorough trash patrol. Walk property exteriors and interiors keeping an eye out for discarded plastic sheeting, drop cloths and tape strips. Look for small things like dropped nails, bolts and screws. Construction crews don’t mean to leave a mess, but be prepared for extensive pick-up work.

MAKE HARD FLOORS PRESENTABLE AGAIN

Every post construction cleaning checklist should include a floor inspection. Construction jobs take a toll on hard floors, so check them for any signs of damage before mopping, waxing and buffing. You can take care of most vinyl flooring tears with DIY techniques, but wood flooring problems need professional attention.

RESCUE CARPETS FROM HEAVY TRAFFIC

Carpet fibers trap everything from fine dust and tiny wood splinters to lingering construction odors. Use a heavy shop vac to remove ground-in dirt and foreign objects. Follow up with a shampoo and deep-steam cleaning. Let treated areas completely dry before opening them back up to foot traffic

 

HOW TO START A POST CONSTRUCTION CLEANING BUSINESS

Construction cleanup service providers clear a building’s construction area. These crews make sure an area is ready for the next stage of work, while also ensuring the area’s safety. Construction cleanup companies have several duties. They clean buildings between construction stages and prepare areas to become safe work environments. Construction cleanup crews can conduct final sanitization and cleanings, making sure a remodeling project is complete.

Plan your Business

A clear plan is essential for success as an entrepreneur. It will help you map out the specifics of your business and discover some unknowns

What are the costs involved in opening a post construction cleaning business?

Startup costs are relatively low—sitting around $2,000. Materials will need to be purchased. Normally, a cleanup crew needs chemical cleaners, mops, brooms, a shop vac, ladders, window cleaning materials, and similar items

What are the ongoing expenses for a post construction cleaning business?

A construction cleaning crew’s expenses aren’t too high. Cleaning materials, per job, can amount to less than $100. These expenses account for used cleaners, equipment depreciation and worker time. On average, a cleaning crew operator is paid between $20 and $30 for their time. Ideally, you’ll be paying your workers more than you’ll be paying for materials

Who is the target market?

Typical construction cleanup company clients are commercial and residential property owners. A construction crew can work on a home, a warehouse, a factory, or even an apartment complex. Because they can serve many areas, the best clients are those who communicate effectively. To make more money, a construction cleanup company may provide services to networks such as apartments, hotels, and business strips

 

Professional Commercial Cleaning

It’s an exciting time when the construction workers start collecting their tools and packing up their trucks. Whether it’s an addition to your office building, a whole new venue, or just some minor renovations to your home, you’ve been patiently waiting for the project to be done and start using the new space. There’s only one issue: after they leave, the place is still a mess. Post-construction clean-up is a must.

Our post-construction clean up service does not entail a quick pick up of trash and a half-hearted sweeping; instead, it’s a meticulous full clean. We get into areas you wouldn’t even think of to ensure that your new area is not only clean, but spotless. Here’s a list of some of the main post-construction cleaning services we provide.

Debris Removal

After the job is done and the workers have left, the site is often left looking like a cluttered wasteland. Not only will there be burger wrappers, water bottles, and other assorted trash left about, but also sharp and hazardous material that can cause harm to anyone walking through. If you decide to use your workers, friends, or family to help do the clean up, you can be held liable for any injuries that may take place.

Wall Washing

Wall washing is an often overlooked task post-construction until someone realizes that they can write their name on the wall through the dust. Not only will there be a mass accumulation of dust, but also mud, caulk, dried up soda stains, and who knows what else. Let our professionals give the walls a thorough scrubbing with our green cleaning products so that the rooms look as they should, brand spanking new

High-Dust Cleaning

When the job is done, the dust begins to settle, literally. Finding its way into every corner, crack, orifice, and surface, our job is to find every single speck left behind. Our promise is to leave no remnants of the construction, only a clean, dust-free space for you to enjoy

 

Construction Cleaning: Overview, Checklists and Tips

Everyone dealing with a renovation, be it residential or commercial, knows how difficult it can be to handle construction waste. Dirt and dust always find a way in, regardless of the measures you took to cover important surfaces. Drywall and brick dust also pose a significant health risk, and they can seriously damage some appliances and building equipment if neglected

At New York Engineers we have ample experience with construction administration and building commissioning. Our engineering and design services cover HVAC, electrical works and plumbing, among a portfolio of trades. We published this blog about post-construction cleaning to share our tips, checklists, and know-how from rough clean to shine.

What is the Definition of Post-Construction Cleaning?

Post-construction cleanup is meant to take care of debris and waste from a fresh commercial construction, remodeling, renovation or residential project, to set the stage for coming handymen and further interior touches. This applies for commercial applications like hotels, education, retail, restaurants and healthcare, as well as government buildings and manufacturing facilities.

Post-construction cleaning is when a team of specialists performs a careful process of clearing out anything ranging from larger pieces of debris to small types of waste. This includes nails, screws, insulation, caulking, sealant remains, tile scraps, cement and wood pieces, among other things left behind by builders and technical personnel. The process also includes wiping all surfaces and floors to remove drops of paint and other liquids.

Why do You Need Post Construction Cleaning?

“You need post-construction cleaning because of complexity, lack of proper gear, practice, time, and nerves required to do it yourself, not to mention quality guaranteed by professional cleaning companies,” commented experts from the Australia-based FantasticCleaners.com.au professional cleaning company. “The importance of post-construction cleaning as a guarantee for coping with post-construction cleaning chemicals and heavy particles is a fact,” they added. “If one is unaware of the risk and hazards from a poorly-handled construction site cleanup, a wide range of health hazards might emerge.”

 

THE LONG CHECKLIST OF POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING

Construction jobs can vary in size and scale, but there’s one aspect of it that’s almost universally common — construction crews don’t clean up the mess they leave behind. Instead, the industry standard is to leave the job to a professional cleaning company, allowing construction workers to move on to jobs where their skills are more useful, and for the cleanup process to be comprehensive.

You might think that cleanup isn’t that hard of a job and that it should be customary as part of the construction process, but the reality is that post-construction cleanup can be a monumental task. As a post-construction cleaning company who has done this job on many commercial building sites in Gloucester, we know this better than anyone

CLEANING MOUNTAINS OF DUST

Dust is annoying. It’s coarse and rough and irritating and it gets everywhere. And that’s not an understatement — dust really is ubiquitous on any construction site, whether its sawdust or drywall dust. Proper cleanup is easiest with the industrial equipment that professional cleaning services have access to. You might think you’re a master duster by how dust-free you keep your home, but trust us when we say that construction dust is truly on another level.

CLEANING INTERIOR GLASS

When you walk into a new building, the windows are usually crystal clear — but they didn’t come that way. Construction dirties up new glass windows immensely, but your local post-construction cleaning company such as CleanPro will make sure that they’re shiny and perfectly transparent.

CLEANING THE LIGHTS

Remember all that dust we talked about? It really does get *everywhere,* including the lights. Lights aren’t something that a lot of average joes remember to clean, but it’s an essential part of getting a building ready for use after construction. This is especially important for the sake of presentation. If you’re a commercial building owner who might be housing tenants or businesses, you don’t want the interior brightness to be dampened by dirty lights that you hadn’t thought to clean

Amazing Cleaning Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Eliminate upholstery stains with shaving cream.

There’s no need to hire an expensive professional to get those stains out of your upholstery. Instead, rub a little bit of shaving cream (anything but the gel kind) into the stain, let it sit for 30 minutes or overnight, and then blot it dry. Just make sure that you test this method out on a hidden area of your couch before actually putting it to use, as there is always the small chance of damaging the fabric.

Sweep your baseboards with a dryer sheet.

Getting on your hands and knees to clean your baseboards is anything but enjoyable. The good news? You can keep them clean and keep your house smelling fresh with one clever trick. Just attach a dryer sheet to your Swiffer in place of a microfiber cloth and you’ll pick up all that unwanted dust while simultaneously lending a sweet scent to your home.

And use dryer sheets to clean your pans, as well.

That grime stuck to your cookie sheets and frying pans is no match for your dryer sheets. Simply put your dirty pan or sheet in the sink with a little dish soap, warm water, and a dryer sheet, and let the combo sit for an hour or two. When you’re ready to pour out the water, the mess will easily wipe away.

Scrub the bathtub clean with grapefruit and salt.

The next time you’re at the supermarket, make sure to throw an extra grapefruit into your cart—not for eating, but for cleaning. According to the money-saving DIY experts at The Krazy Coupon Lady, this citrus fruit is the perfect solution for a dirty tub. Just cut the fruit open and cover it in salt. “The salt creates an abrasive texture while the citric acid in the grapefruit will help break down stains,” they explain.

Get a mop you can throw in the laundry.

You might have heard that cleaning with a wet mop is akin to washing your floors with dirty water. And it turns out, it kind of is. Research suggests that when stored wet, mops support so much bacterial growth that they can’t even be cleaned through chemical disinfection.

However, when laundered and dried, mops are perfectly sanitary. That’s why you’ll want to ditch your traditional mop in favor of a mop that is machine washable.

 

Why Regular House Cleaning Is Essential

House cleaning is one of the tasks that no one wants to compromise on. Regular house cleaning is essential to keep your house clean and tidy. It will not only make your home a pleasant and better place to live but also will do a lot to keep you healthy. In a well-cleaned house, bacteria will not find any place to live, which will, in turn, help you and your family stay free from frequent illnesses or ailments. A well cleaned and properly organized house will bring you admiration from your friends, neighbors, and relatives.

That said, keeping the house clean and tidy is not easily done because most people do not get the time to do the house cleaning. You would need at least a few hours to clean inside and outside of your house properly. You have to keep the things in order and then do a thorough sweeping followed by moping. The time and tools you require for house cleaning depending on the area of your house. Well, if the thought of house cleaning makes you worried, here are some useful housecleaning ideas for you.

 

Santa Clara County – House Cleaning

Most people don’t know where to begin when it comes to locating a house cleaning company that meets their needs. After all, one wants to know that their home is safe from health risks and that your cleaning needs have been met by high customer satisfaction and quality.

After you’ve spent your energy and time at the office, running errands, or shuttling children, there’s nothing quite like coming home to a house that is freshly cleaned from top to bottom. Your counter tops are shiny, your floors are sparking, your shelves are free from dust and grime, and you can breathe a sigh of relief. You could accomplish other things on your list rather than cleaning your home for three or four hours. Or you can truly kick up your feet and relax in the comfort of your own comfortably clean home.

So how do you choose the house cleaning company that’s right for you and your home? There are many house cleaning companies to choose from in Santa Clara County that serve the major cities such as San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Gilroy, Campbell, and Morgan Hill. Research and good information are the keys to success. Making an informed decision will save you time, worry and hassle. So how do you begin your search?

Look for Certified, Professional House Cleaning Companies in Santa Clara County

Diamond Certified companies have already been thoroughly vetted for you, including certification verification. But if you’re unable to choose a Diamond Certified house cleaning company in your area of Santa Clara County, you’ll have to do the research yourself.

Obviously, not all house cleaning services are the same. They have different methods, various experience and differing personal philosophies about house cleaning. In any case, it’s your right to choose a qualified, honest house cleaning company in Santa Clara County that will clean your home as you want it cleaned the first time and continue providing quality service over the long-term.

Finding House Cleaning Companies that Offer the Services You Need in The Major Santa Clara County Cities of San Jose, Sunnyvale, Santa Clara, Mountain View, Milpitas, Palo Alto, Cupertino, Gilroy, Campbell, and Morgan Hill or in Your Area

Before you begin the search for a house cleaning company, it’s important to do some research. Cleaning can be overwhelming and time consuming. Families and careers demand a great amount of attention these days, and that doesn’t leave a lot of time for house chores. The benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service are numerous: more time for your spouse, more time for your kids, more time to spend on your career, or more time to simply enjoy your life. So as you begin your research, consider the following tips.

Many persons or “private parties” can certainly clean your home well. However, if you hire an individual rather than a professional cleaning company, you pay them a certain amount in a year. This means that you are their employer. The end result of this means that if they fail to pay proper taxes, you could end up being liable. Also, if someone comes into your home to work for you and is hurt or injured, you could be liable. You avoid all of these risks by hiring a professional cleaning service. Furthermore, a professional cleaning company will offer training for their employees. All of the risk and liability is no longer your responsibility as the customer.

Make sure the house cleaning service is insured and bonded. This will protect you from theft and accidents which might occur. Because cleaning often involves wet floors, maids may slip. If the company you hire is not insured, this can be your liability.

Cheapest does not always mean best. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. If the estimates you are receiving are significantly cheaper than the average quote from reputable home cleaning companies, chances are you shouldn’t hire them. Several factors could be worth considering. The cheaper company may use less than standard equipment and chemical products; they may not be bonded or insured; or it could be a really small company that simply lacks experience and knowledge. Ultimately, lack of experience and certain equipment or products may be damaging to your home. For example, the wrong chemicals may damage wood floors, marble and granite surfaces, or even be hazardous to your pet and children. Your loved ones are not worth the risk.

Consider the house cleaning company’s customer service. Can you always contact someone during working hours? Are your phone calls or emails promptly returned?

Preferably, make sure the house cleaning company uses individuals rather than teams. If an individual cleans your house, there is no pointing the finger when it comes to why an area wasn’t properly cleaned or why an item is missing from your home. A team increases the possibility of items being stolen or misplaced. Also, if a team of several maids cleans your home while you are present, this can seem overwhelming.

Try to locate a professional house cleaning service in Santa Clara County that charges a flat rate rather than by the hour. It is always nice to know what you are agreeing to upfront rather than having an unexpected surprise.

The cleaning products that are used should be environmentally friendly and harmless to your children, pets and home. A large number of cleaning products sold in stores today contain toxic chemicals that are dangerous for children and pets. Look for products labeled “eco-friendly”, “green cleaning”, “environmentally friendly”, “green certified”, etc.

Make sure the house cleaning company offers a satisfaction guarantee. This does not necessarily mean a refund of your money. This does mean that any problems you may have will be addressed in a timely manner. You should have assurance that if the maid has a bad day, the company will make it right.

Make sure that you are able to communicate clearly with the house cleaning company. Usually, bad performances are due to misunderstandings or lack of communication. In order to avoid this,   be sure that both of you are able to clearly understand each other.

Verify that the house cleaning service provides their own equipment and supplies. It is important to find a cleaning service that is equipped in all areas. This is one less thing for you to worry about.

 

Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Make Your Home Shine

Clean the Exhaust Fan

If the grille on your bathroom exhaust fan is clogged with dust, try a trick that’s faster and more effective than vacuuming. Here’s how to clean a bathroom fan: Turn on the fan and blast out the dust with “canned air.” The fan will blow the dust outside. This works on the return air grilles of your central heating/cooling system too. Run the system so that the return airflow will carry the dust to the filter. You’ll find canned air at home centers and hardware stores, usually in the electrical supplies aisle. Caution: The cans contain chemical propellants, not just air. Don’t let children play with them.

Beat and Shake Area Rugs

Vacuum large area rugs at least once a week. But also take them outside three or four times a year for a more thorough cleaning and forhow to clean dust. Drape them over a fence or clothesline and beat them with a broom or tennis racket. A good beating removes much more dust than vacuuming. Take smaller rugs outside to for a vigorous shaking every week.

Ditch Your Carpeting

In most homes, carpet is by far the biggest dust reservoir. It’s a huge source of fibers and absorbs dust like a giant sponge. Even the padding underneath holds dust, which goes airborne with each footstep. Although ripping out your wall-to-wall carpet may sound radical, it’s the best thing you can do if you suffer from serious allergies. For how to remove dust from air the best thing you can do is to replace carpeting with hard floorings like laminate, wood or tile, and wet mop it regularly (with a microfiber cloth) instead of sweeping. Sweeping is more likely to stir up dust than to remove it. Keeping it? Here are some carpet cleaning tips for long-lasting carpet.

Dust with Your Dryer

Blankets, pillows, slipcovers, drapes and other textiles not only trap household dust, but they create it as they shed and disintegrate. Curtains and drapes, in particular, get dusty because they absorb moisture and dirt from the outside and act as a landing pad for dust from ceiling fans and air vents. The best idea for how to clean dust is to buy machine-washable items and launder them twice a year (OK, at least once). For non-machine-washable textiles, throw them in the dryer on the air-fluff setting (no heat) for 20 minutes with a damp towel. The damp towel will attract pet hair, and the tumbling movement and airflow will remove the smaller particles for you. Keep towels out of the way with a space-saving towel rack on a cabinet door.

Rotate Bedding Weekly

Your cozy bed is a major dust distributor. The bedding collects skin flakes, sheds its own fibers and sends out a puff of dust every time you roll over. To minimize the fallout, wash sheets and pillowcases weekly. Items that aren’t machine washable don’t need weekly trips to the dry cleaners—just take blankets and bedspreads outside and shake them. You can spank some of the dust out of pillows, but for a thorough cleaning, wash or dry-clean them. When you change bedding, don’t whip up a dust storm. Gently roll up the old sheets and spread out the new ones; even clean bedding sheds fibers. Washing your bedding weekly can help you identify any pests like bed bugs, too.

 

Here’s How to Clean Your House More Efficiently

A few years ago, I found out that I’ve been cleaning my home all wrong. I was in a hotel room, when a maid came in and sprayed a solution on every surface…and then left. Right when I thought she’d forgotten, she returned. She wiped for less than two minutes with a thin dry cloth, and the whole place sparkled. It had, frankly, never occurred to me to let one solution do all the work, so I asked her what she’d used. It was something called Butcher’s Bath Mate—an industry standby.

Pro cleaners have brilliant tricks to get the job done. We asked three pros to school us on how to clean every room of the house much more efficiently. Plus, get their can’t-live-without-it cleaning supplies and top dos and don’ts.

The Best Way to Clean Your House

The biggest mistake people make is cleaning room by room (this is called “zone cleaning”). It’s much too slow! “You can either clean your kitchen in four hours, or clean your entire house top to bottom in four hours,” says Lisa Romero, owner of Just Like New Cleaning in Fort Collins, Colorado. “A lot of people get caught focusing on one area—say, doing a super job cleaning the counters—and never get to the stove, let alone the next room. In reality, just wiping things down and moving on is quick and efficient.”