Category: Cleaning

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a House Cleaning Service?

With many people leading busier lives than ever before, finding time for traditional chores like house cleaning can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are plenty of professional house cleaners who will be happy to come into your home and take care of the cleaning for you. They handle everything from vacuuming the rooms and doing laundry to washing the windows.

House cleaning costs vary depending on numerous factors like the home size and the level of cleaning required. The national average is between $150 and $250 for this service, with most homeowners paying $219 for a standard one-time clean of a 2,000-square-foot home.

House Cleaning Cost Calculator

The cost to clean a house is determined by several factors. The first is whether it’s a one-time cleaning, or set up on a recurring plan where you can expect a volume discount. House cleaning prices are often estimated on a square-foot basis, although certain types of rooms may cost more than others. Some cleaning services also provide extra levels of detail, such as organizing or touching up appliances, and may cost more. If you’d like an estimate for house cleaning, try our house cleaning cost calculator.

House Cleaning Cost by Type of Service

House cleaning can be divided into two main types – one-time cleaning and recurring cleaning. One-time cleans are one-off sessions where a house cleaner comes into your home, carries out the necessary cleaning tasks, and then leaves. A recurring clean is when you arrange with a cleaner or cleaning company to come back on a weekly, biweekly, or monthly basis. You usually receive a discount if you opt for a recurring service because there is generally less work to do each time.

One-time Cleaning

One-time cleaning is usually more expensive than recurring cleaning because there is often more work for the cleaners to do. Also, they will be less familiar with your home’s layout and your needs. The table below shows average prices for different types of one-time cleaning.

 

How to Clean a House Professionally Checklist

Those who professionally clean homes provide a valuable service to people who do not have the time or skills to clean their home. Since professional cleaners have far stricter standards for cleaning, they need to remember certain cleaning tasks that the average homeowner might not even consider

A residential cleaning checklist typically involves more detailed work than cleaning in a commercial environment. Cleaners need to make sure that each part of the house is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom. Before getting started on a residential cleaning checklist, professionals need to make sure they have a full complement of cleaners, rags, mops, vacuums, cleaning buckets, and scrubbing pads. This how to clean a house professionally checklist outlines all the basic tasks that a professional will need to complete.

• Dust all surfaces, including all furniture, appliances, baseboards, chair rails, blinds, window frames, fans, stair railings, pictures, mirrors, and light fixtures.
• Spot clean switches, outlet covers, cabinet fronts, and doors.
• Vacuum any carpets or rugs.
• Sweep or vacuum hard floor surfaces and damp mop them.
• Empty all trash containers.
• Remove any buildup and clean toilets on the inside and out.
• Clean and disinfect all countertops, showers, sinks, and tubs in the bathrooms..
• Clean and disinfect kitchen counters, sinks, range hoods, tables, microwave interiors, and appliance exteriors.
• Clean and shine mirrors, glass doors, and other glossy surfaces.
• Do brief, basic tidying upon request.
• Change sheets and make beds upon request.

Summer Cleaning Tips

In the summer time, there may be a few extra things to do in addition to following your basic house cleaning chart. Extra cleaning occurs because the heat and moisture of summer can cause additional grime to build up, so it is helpful to know some summer cleaning tips. Pay special attention to the floors, since many homes will have people tracking in pool water, mud, or dust. If mud is tracked into the home, brush away dry mud with a stiff brush before gently sponging the remaining stain. Many customers prefer light citrus scents during the hot months, so you can switch cleaners just to change it up a little. Some will be interested in paying extra for cleaning outdoor areas, so we will discuss cleaning deck furniture with clients during our quote process.

Christmas Cleaning Checklist

It is normally a good idea to deep clean the house at least a few times each year, and Christmas is an excellent time to do some extra cleaning the home. Your how to keep a clean house schedule will change a little when you get ready for Christmas cleaning. Follow this checklist to make the house is sparkling clean and full of Christmas cheer for all holiday guests.

 

How to Create a Cleaning Schedule That Works For You

It is one of those things that we all need to do, but never really want to do. In fact, over the years I have received more reader questions about cleaning, organizing, and decluttering than I could count. It seems that we all want to have a neat and orderly home, but not all of us know exactly how to get there, and certainly not as fast as we’d like to.

Because let’s face it–life is busy, and none of us want to spend all our time cleaning. Even while every single person is home right now because of the COVID-19 pandemic, I’m sure it feels like there’s even more to clean, but you still shouldn’t have to spend all your time doing so. So let’s figure out how to tackle it with a plan.

How to Create a Cleaning Schedule That Works For You

First, for those of you who are unsure of what a cleaning schedule is, let me break it down for you. A cleaning schedule is basically just a daily, weekly, or monthly plan for how you will clean your house.  It can be as simple as one main task per day or as complex as a spreadsheet that accounts for every single housekeeping task that needs to be done over the course of a year.

If the idea of creating any sort of cleaning schedule sounds overwhelming, try not to worry—I promise it is not as bad as it sounds. In fact, as you will see below, you can do it in three easy steps! The point of a schedule is not to make you feel guilty or to make you have more to do, but to actually relieve guilt and to create a routine that gives you more freedom and less stress. Knowing that you have a workable, manageable plan to tackle those sticky sinks and dusty dressers makes the idea of cleaning house seem a lot less overwhelming in the long run.

Create a Master Task List

Before you can decide when to clean you must first know what to clean, and how often. Thus before you can create a cleaning schedule that works for your life and your schedule, you need to assess your own home and cleaning needs. A cleaning schedule for a childless couple living in a 1-bedroom apartment will look very different from a cleaning schedule for a homeschooling mom of five living in a 4-bedroom house!

Pick the Best Plan for YOU (Choose ONE)

The next thing you need to do is figure out what sort of cleaning plan will work best for your life and your schedule. Are you the kind of person who wants to do a little every day, or would you rather tackle it all at once so that you don’t have to think about it for the rest of the week? Do you work full time or are you home during the day? Do you have young children at home or are your kids old enough to help shoulder some of the responsibility?

 

Building Cleaning and Maintenance Industry Guide

Defining Cleaning and Maintenance

Sales tax applies to building cleaning and maintenance, disinfecting, and exterminating services. However, sales tax does not apply to building repair services.

Buildings and Structures

A building or structure includes the building or structure itself and all improvements or fixtures annexed to the structure that are both:

Integrated with and of permanent benefit to the building or structure

Cannot be removed without substantial damage to itself or the building or structure

Sales – Building Cleaning and Maintenance

Building cleaning and maintenance, disinfecting, and exterminating services are taxable. Building cleaning and maintenance includes both interior and exterior cleaning of commercial and residential buildings, homes, and apartments to keep them in good upkeep or condition. It does not include repairs to buildings.

Taxable Services

Carpet cleaning

Ceiling tile cleaning

Chimney cleaning

Disinfecting, exterminating, and pest control

Duct cleaning

Elevator cab cleaning

Floor cleaning, vacuuming, and waxing

Furnace cleaning

Gutter cleaning

Janitorial services

Junk removal services

Lighting maintenance

Office cleaning

Parking ramp cleaning

Pressure washing a building

Restroom cleaning, deodorizing, and sanitizing

Smoke odor counteracting

Swimming pool, spa, and hot tub cleaning, maintenance, and disinfecting

Swimming pool, spa, and hot tub opening and closing services

Venetian blind cleaning

Ventilation system cleaning

Window washing

Wall and woodwork cleaning

Water removal (flood or fire damage)

Nontaxable Services (if separately stated on the invoice)

Cleaning underground tanks

Insulation removal

Maintenance of outdoor parking lots and outdoor mall areas

Painting and wallpapering

Repairs to real property

Repairs to mechanical systems

Sandblasting exteriors of buildings

Septic tank pumping

Services performed by employees for an employer

Services provided by one business entity for another when one of the entities owns at least 80% of the other

Sewer and drain cleaning

Snowplowing and removal

Washing dishes, dusting knick-knacks, making beds, picking up, and room straightening

 

The Ultimate Cleaning Checklist

This cleaning checklist includes all of the essential chores to tackle, according to the pros. Follow the house cleaning schedule loosely or to a T—either way, you’ll be pleased with the progress and you’ll enjoy a cleaner home every day.

Daily

Make your bed

Wipe down bathroom counters after getting washed up morning and night

Empty/load dishwasher

Take out trash

Do a nighttime sweep to put toys, loose papers, and other stray objects in their place

Wipe down counters, table, and sink

Weekly

Dust all hard surfaces

Vacuum and/or mop floors

Wipe down appliances

Wipe down and disinfect countertops

Wipe down mirrors

Scrub and disinfect the kitchen sink

Scrub and disinfect toilets

Clean and scrub showers and tubs

Change and launder sheets and towels

Toss any food that has expired

Monthly

Vacuum upholstery

Wipe out and disinfect wastebaskets

Wipe down and disinfect doorknobs, light switches, and TV remotes

Dust ceiling fans and vents

Dust moldings

Scrub stovetop, including burner grates

Wipe down kitchen cabinets

Clean and deodorize the microwave (heat a mug of water with a lemon wedge, then wipe down)

Every Three to Six Months

Launder or hand-wash curtains

Vacuum mattress (every three months) and flip or rotate 180 degrees (every six months)

Clean and condition leather and wood furniture

Clean blinds

Vacuum drapes and fabric shades

Dust lampshades

Wipe down baseboards

Shake out rugs

Scrub grout

Wash windows inside and out

Clean and degrease the stove hood

Polish stainless steel appliances

Clean refrigerator and freezer interiors

Clean and descale coffee maker

Every Six to 12 Months

Clean oven interior

Wash or dry clean slipcovers

Wash or dry clean pillows

Wash or dry clean comforters

Empty and clean cabinet and pantry shelves

Vacuum or dust refrigerator condenser coil

Wash and dry stove hood filter

Every Year or So

Have rugs professionally cleaned

Pull out large appliances and furniture to clean behind and underneath

Wipe down walls

Wash window screens

Clean dryer duct

Have upholstery and drapes professionally cleaned (every two years)

Have gutters professionally cleaned.

Cleaning hacks for moving out of a rental property

Moving house is always a hassle. While a landlord can’t withhold your bond on the grounds that your house has not been cleaned, it is important that you leave the property reasonably clean and tidy. If you’ve got a few problem spots you’d like to fix, this round-up of cleaning hacks will help you get your place in tip-top shape in no time!

Walls

Check your walls thoroughly for any marks or scuffs. Most of the time these will come off quickly and easily, the CHUX Magic Eraser is a godsend if they’re a bit stubborn. If they won’t budge, try find an emulsion of the same colour.

The Fridge

It’s the one appliance that’s always working hard to keep food fresh and is often subject to spills, stains and sticky fingers. A clean fridge is a happy one, so see our guide on how to give it a deep and satisfying clean.

Tiles

Whether it’s your kitchen splashback or bathroom tiles, stubborn dirt and grime can be tough to remove. Follow these simple steps to find out how to get your surfaces sparkling!

Windows

Although you’re not required to clean your exterior, first impressions count and giving your windows a wash is always a good idea. If you’re wanting a thorough step-by-step guide

 

Cleaning when moving out

Moving out? We have made a list of things you must remember to clear and clean before moving out.

Clear

Remember to clear all your belongings before moving out. Your room/flat must be clear and tidy and must be up to the same standard it was when you moved in.

Bathroom: Remove all your belongings, including empty bottles and containers.

Kitchen: You will have to empty the kitchen cabinet that you used. Remember to empty your part of the refrigerator and freezer. Also, remember to empty the rubbish.

Wardrobe: remember to clear your wardrobe if you have a private one outside of your room. It is not allowed to leave private furniture in the residence.

Storage room: If you have access to a private storage room, remember to empty this before moving out. Also check out the common storage room if there is any. Do not forget your bike if you have one stored in the storage rooms.

If you wish leave kitchen utensils, food or other things behind to those you have shared a kitchen or bathroom with, it is a nice thought, but remember to ask your roommates first.

Clean

Before moving out, it is important to clean your residence well, so that the student moving in after you can move in to a clean and nice flat.

 

Moving Out

Expectations

The expectations of your vacancy is that the property will be left in the same move-in ready condition as when you moved in.  This requires a DEEP CLEAN by you or a cleaning company.  In order to facilitate this, you will need to spend many hours cleaning and completing your obligations per your lease and move out procedures.  If you are hiring a cleaning company to deep clean the property for you, please make sure to provide them our cleaning checklist or have them email us with any questions.  If they do not clean to our standards, charges will still be charged to you.  Ultimately, it is up to you to make sure they clean to our standards.

Due to the Covid-19 virus, we will no longer be conducting any in-person pre-inspections. Additionally, tenants will not be allowed to be present inside the property during the final inspection because of the government issued social distancing requirements. For these reasons, it is even more important to follow the guidelines, checklists, and helpful videos we have provided to ensure you get the highest return of your security deposit. We will be sending a “pre-inspection” app to you in the days before your lease end date for you to complete to help you in the process of final checkout. Please be sure to check your email every few days for these helpful tips forth coming.

One Month Before Your Move-Out Day

Start cleaning the big items.  Kitchens, bathrooms and lawn care (if applicable) require the most time.  Starting in those areas weeks in advance will help minimize the time you spend cleaning when the final move-out time comes.  The average 3-4 bedroom home takes 40-60 hours of cleaning to usually get it to our move-in ready standards.  1-2 bedroom apartments can be done in 15-20 hours typically.  Don’t expect to start cleaning the night before your 9 AM move-out and be done in time.

Review the MOVE OUT GUIDE which includes a cleaning checklist and items needed to complete the job properly.

1 Week Before:

Mail – please provide the post office with a forwarding address.

Cable TV/Internet – Do not forget to return your TV/Internet equipment to the service providers unless it came with your property.

Review the email notification you were sent with your final inspection walk through time.  It is not required that you are there for the final inspection, but you are welcome to do so if you’d like. (please see email being sent in April for 2020 move outs in regards to Corvid-19 procedures)

Review the move out/cleaning lists/videos on our website for helpful reminders to maximize your security return.

You should have all your personal belongs out of the property 1-2 days in advance so that you can deep clean properly.

Complete the Security Return Bank Form – this is so we can deposit any security return you have forthcoming.

2 Days Before:

Utilities – you can discontinue service to your utilities the day AFTER your move out. If your move out/end of lease is Friday, Saturday, Sunday or a holiday – you will need to turn your utilities off on the next business day. DO NOT DISCONNECT UTILITIES EARLY or you will be charged an early disconnect fee. DO NOT schedule the service to be shut off the day of your move-out or before.

Remove your personal belongings to allow time to deep clean.

Review our Move Out Packet with contains a cleaning checklist.

Vacuum thoroughly- TWICE. The carpets will be professionally cleaned after you move out as per your lease, so please do not steam clean/shampoo yourself. But, please remove all debris and vacuum thoroughly or additional charges may apply.

Dispose of non-household furniture at a proper location. Do not use the dumpster to discard any large items or furniture.  Please bring all furniture/large items and recycling to Waste Management

Replace these items before you leave to avoid extra charges:

Burned out light bulbs – if ceilings are too high to replace, leave new bulbs on the kitchen counter. All bulbs must be of similar type and L.E.D.

Batteries (smoke alarms) – Missing or dead smoke/carbon monoxide detector batteries. If ceilings are too high to replace, leave the new batteries on the kitchen counter.

Batteries (thermostats) – All thermostats that require batteries and are under 50% at the time of vacancy are required to be changed by tenants.

Oven drip pans – that are size appropriate to the appliance.

Furnace Filter(s) – if you have a forced air furnace, and have access to it, you are required to replace the furnace filter at time of vacancy.

 

Moving Out

A tenant must move out by 1 p.m. on the last day of the tenancy (usually the last day of the month). A landlord and tenant may agree on another time or date – as long as it’s in writing and signed by both parties.

Overholding Tenants

A tenant who continues to occupy a rental unit after the tenant’s tenancy is ended is called an overholding tenant. The landlord continues to be entitled to payment for use and occupancy when a tenant overholds. In this case, the landlord may apply for dispute resolution seeking an order of possession and accept payment for use and occupancy while awaiting dispute resolution.

When accepting payment for use and occupancy, the landlord should state in writing that:

The payment for rent or utilities is being accepted for use and occupancy only – it does not cancel the notice to end tenancy

The tenant must still move out

Note: The “use and occupancy” arrangement is short-term—it allows use and occupancy only for the period of the payment and does not reinstate the tenancy.  If, in a dispute resolution hearing, a party claims that tenancy has been reinstated, an arbitrator will consider all the circumstances including the intent of both parties when exchanging payment

Clean the Unit

A tenant should check their tenancy agreement and ensure they comply with any specific responsibilities for cleaning a unit, as set out in the agreement. A tenant is expected to clean the inside of their rental unit – even if it wasn’t clean at the beginning of the tenancy

 

How much does a professional move out cleaning cost?

People often ask how much a move out cleaning including a handover guarantee will cost. However, calculating the costs for the move out cleaning isn’t that easy, as various factors have to be considered. Therefore, there is no simple answer to this question, but we will do our best to explain how the costs are calculated.

What factors influence the price of a move out cleaning?

It is often assumed that the size of the apartment has the greatest impact on the cleaning price. However, this is rarely the case and the following factors influence the price the most.

KITCHEN

The kitchen requires a lot of time and effort as it’s the place where people cook. It is one of the most time-consuming rooms to clean and nowhere else, during the apartment handover, is paid as much attention to detail as in the kitchen. The standard kitchen move out cleaning routine involves: a thorough cleaning of the oven, dishwasher, stove as well as all cabinets and drawers. The inside of the extractor fan must be cleaned and the filter needs to be replaced. The floor must be cleaned and if you have with metal fittings, it’s important that they have been thoroughly descaled.

BATHROOM AND TOILET

Compared to other rooms, the bathroom also takes a lot of time to clean. The more toilets, bathtubs and showers your home has, the higher the price. Bathrooms (shower, bathtub), sinks and taps are particularly susceptible to lime. Due to increased humidity and lack of air circulation in the bathroom, mold may form in joints or corners. Therefore, the bathroom is checked very carefully during the handover, to see if everything has been cleaned properly.

WINDOWS AND LEDGES

Everyone knows the annoying subject of window cleaning. Windows need to be immaculately cleaned and no residue must be visible. Additionally, window frames must be cleaned inside and outside. It is also necessary to vacuum and clean between the rubber gaskets and the closing mechanisms of the windows. Lastly, any discolouration of the window ledges needs to be cleaned.

Residential Cleaning

What are you doing this weekend? Did you have big plans but cancelled them at the last second once you took a look around your home and realized that you can’t put off cleaning up any longer? You shouldn’t have to choose between having a good time with your free time and having a clean home to relax in.

reliable and professional cleaners have received extensive training to make sure that they apply the proper techniques to make your home more sanitary, hygienic and healthy than ever before. Meeting your expectations isn’t good enough

Cleaning That Works for Your Schedule

One of the biggest reasons people in the area pursue our residential cleaning services is because they don’t have time to provide their homes with the thorough, sanitizing cleans they require to improve their home’s esthetics, indoor air quality and overall health

If you had the time, there’s no question that you would disinfect every surface on a regular basis so that the risk of getting sick is next to nothing. Unfortunately, your schedule doesn’t allow you to provide the thorough cleans needed to get rid of harmful bacteria.

Eco-Friendly Options

Another reason our professional cleaners can be such an asset to area home owner is their knowledge of the best products and techniques to get the job done right. How many times have you found yourself at the store staring at all the various cleaning products not having any idea of how they differ? This goes away with our professional home cleaners working on your behalf.

 

What items are included in a basic house cleaning?

Professional house cleaner usually include the following in their basic procedures

Whole House

Dusting

Remove cobwebs

Vacuum all carpets

Change sheets if needed

Dust ceiling fans

Clean mirrors and glass surfaces

Wipe window sills Clean glass doors

Clean prints on windows/doors

Remove all garbage

Reline waste baskets Wash all floors

Disinfect tv remotes, phones, computer keyboards and mouse

In The Bathrooms

Clean/sanitize sinks

Clean/sanitize tubs, shower, toilet

Clean mirrors

Dust light fixtures and bulbs

Wash Floors

In The Kitchen

Clean all counter tops

Clean inside/outside microwave

Wipe down cabinet facings

Clean all appliances outside

Polish stainless steel appliances

Clean glass doors

Clean/sanitize/polish sinks

Wash floors

Proficient housekeeper for the most part remember the accompanying for their essential methodology. Entire House. Cleaning. Evacuate webs. Vacuum all rugs. Wash bed covers if necessary. Residue roof fans. … In The Bathrooms. Clean/sterilize sinks. Clean/sterilize tubs, shower, latrine. Clean mirrors. Residue light installations and bulbs.

 

Things Your Cleaning Service Won’t Tell You

“We’re as good as our word. And that’s not good.”

The typical American who cleans his own home spends 10 hours a month doing so, according to a 2003 study by Vileda, an Illinois cleaning-supplies maker. Apparently, for many folks, that’s too much time

“We’re more about a quick clean than a good one . . .”

In an effort to hit several houses in one day, many housekeepers move through homes like whirling dervishes. That can lead to inattention to detail, loss of property — or just plain bad cleaning.

“. . . that is, if our workers even know how to clean.”

Since she works 60-hour weeks as public relations director at Atlanta’s Four Seasons Hotel, Marsha Middleton hired a cleaning service to reduce hassles at home. But in the past year, she’s gone through five cleaners. One swore she could iron, Middleton says, but “when I said, ‘This is what needs to be ironed,’ she started shaking like a leaf.

“The first time’s going to cost you.”

The average price range for a service to clean a four-bedroom, three-bath home every two weeks is $80 to $125, according to industry experts. If you’ve never used a service before, however, an agency may insist on an initial “deep clean” of your house. That can mean wiping down the inside of a refrigerator instead of just the handle, or moving a couch to vacuum underneath it. That can jack up the price by two to three times the typical fee.

“We don’t really know our own employees.”

Consumers typically leave their key — and their otherwise unoccupied home — in the hands of housekeepers on the day of a scheduled cleaning. But not all consumers are keen to do so. Horror stories, such as the one about a San Francisco-area woman who was stabbed to death a few years ago by a carpet cleaner, only compound those anxieties. How can you feel comfortable about who’s entering your home? First, make sure the agency has cross-checked a worker’s documentation to verify his or her true identity. Then, at a minimum, confirm that the company runs background checks to look for felony and misdemeanor convictions for the past seven years. It also helps if an agency reviews each applicant’s credit history, as well as prior employment and previous judgments against him or her.

 

Tips and Tricks for House Cleaning

You want your home to look its best when friends and family come to visit, but keeping on top of house cleaning can be difficult. With a busy lifestyle, you may struggle to find the time. Even if you do manage to clean regularly, you may not be giving your home the deep clean that it needs. You might be using the wrong cleaning supplies and actually making things worse.

Kitchen Sink

It’s no secret that your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home. Microbiology experts have found that there is a massive amount of e. Coli and other potentially harmful bacteria in most sinks.

Stovetops

If you cook regularly, you probably have a stain or two on your stovetop. You also likely have areas with burnt-in grime. While you might ignore this during regular house cleaning, it can be a problem if you have company coming. It can also become a problem during move out cleaning. To remove char from your stovetop, try using baking soda to scrub the problem spots. This will help remove the char more easily. The next step is to clean the metal pieces of your stove. First, fill your sink with hot water and dish soap. Next, place the metal parts into your sink. Now here’s the trick, add a dryer sheet to the water and let the metal parts soak for an hour. This will help remove the char. Finally, wipe clean and dry.

Your Bed

You spend a third of your life in bed, so you want it to be as clean as possible. Unfortunately, it can be easy to get behind on this house cleaning task. You may not wash your sheets as often as you should and you may not even know how to clean your mattress. First off, you should have a regular schedule for sheet-washing. You can keep your mattress fresh by using baking soda. Cover the mattress with baking soda, allow it to sit, and then vacuum it off. This increases freshness without the need to buy expensive cleaning supplies.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be notoriously dirty, yet often we neglect to clean this area as thoroughly as we should. You probably clean the bathrooms in your home regularly, but how often do they get a deep clean?

 

tips for spring cleaning this year (since coronavirus has you quarantined at home, anyway)

OK, so maybe it would take more than a spoonful of sugar to entice you to scrub your toilet bowl. But these five tips should help make spring cleaning tasks in the time of coronavirus quarantines less dread-inducing and more of a piece of cake. You (and maybe your family or roommates) are at home more than usual right now – might as well do something rewarding with all that time

Take advantage of having more time on your hands

Getting started with an annual cleaning project can be daunting: Where do you even start?

“We’re in the unique position right now where you don’t have to worry about getting it all done and running out and taking care of the other things you generally have going on,” Maker says. “This really is kind of a rare and unique opportunity to really take your time with things and spread it out … (Feel) encouraged by the fact that you do have the time, so you can take on some of those projects you would otherwise shun for more exciting things.”

Here’s the order Maker suggests:

Sweep the patio, walkways, clean exterior windows, light fixtures and patio furniture.

Wash interior windows (this is a good one to get the kids to help with).

Clean out closets, cupboards and the pantry.

Change filters, check furnace, carbon monoxide and smoke detector systems.

Deep-clean appliances and under the kitchen and bathroom sinks.

The New Home Deep Clean: What to Clean When You Move

A new house or apartment presents so many possibilities. Bare walls, an uncluttered space, and a bare canvas upon which to make yourself a home. But before you get started on the fun parts of moving to a new place, you have to take care of the basics. Namely, the new home deep clean

Whether you’re renting or buying, move in cleaning (or pre-move in cleaning, if you’ve got some lee-way with your timing) is a big necessity. The person or people who lived there before you, no matter how well-intentioned, inevitably left behind some dirt, grime, and dust that you’ll want to take care of before you really settle in. Unless you’ve just moved in to brand new construction, that blank slate isn’t quite as blank as it looks

Cleaning a house before you move in is the ideal way to go, since you won’t have the added difficulty of needing to work around a bunch of furniture and boxes. But if you have to wait until after you move that’s fine – just don’t skip the clean entirely. The same goes for if a cleaning crew came through prior to you getting the keys. This is one corner you just don’t want to cut.

Clean high before you clean low

Dust isn’t relegated to floors and countertops. Ceiling fans, overhead lighting fixtures, shelving, and other features close to the ceiling are just as prone to getting grimy, but they (a) don’t get cleaned as often, and (b) tend to sprinkle dirt and dust onto the space below them when they finally do get a scrub down. Since cleaning these high up features will inevitably lead to the area below them getting a little bit filthy too, start at the top in each room and then work your way down.

Pro tip: Ceiling fan blades are notorious for raining down dust. To minimize the collateral damage, slip an old pillow case over each blade and wipe away from the center of the fixture using the inside of the pillow case’s top layer. Most of the escaping dust will get collected in the case, which you can just clean or toss once you’re done

 

Move In Cleaning Ready Checklist

When most people move, they’re so wrapped up with packing and move-out cleaning that they forget their future house or apartment needs to be cleaned, too. However, you want your new home to be comfortable and tidy, so it’s important to do some move-in cleaning before you unpack all your boxes

Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy

It’s crucial that you’re able to find your cleaning products and tools when you arrive at your new home. Keep them separate from your other packing by putting them in your car rather than loading them on the moving truck. At the very least, make sure they’re in a clearly labeled box and are one of the first things you unload. Then, put them in a place where they won’t blend in with the rest of your boxes, such as under your kitchen sink or even in a bathtub. That way, when you’re ready to start your move-in cleaning, you know exactly where your supplies are

Have a Game Plan

Move-in cleaning is much easier when you’ve decided which rooms you’ll address first. For the best results, clean one room at a time. Start with essential rooms, such as the bathroom, kitchen and main bedrooms. To make this easier, consider placing all your boxes in common areas, such as living rooms or dining rooms. That way, you can do a thorough cleaning job in your essential rooms without having to work around crates and piles of boxes

Organize as You Unpack

Hopefully, you’ve already taken the time to dust and wash items before packing them away. Keep in mind that some things — like dishes — may need to be cleaned again before you use them. As you unpack your boxes, take the time to organize areas that are prone to chaos, such as closets, pantries, and so forth. When you do this up front, you don’t have to worry about coming back at a later date to more or less tackle the same chore again

 

How to Clean a New Home

Giving your new house a thorough cleaning before you move in your belongings will get you off to a great start. New construction can leave dust and debris in unexpected places while buying an established home will mean that dirt can lurk in many places. In the cleaning process, you might identify some things that need to be repaired or replaced. Even if you’re moving to another state or another country, you should always clean before your stuff arrives.

How to Clean the Bathroom

The bathrooms are a good place to start because you are likely to need to use one during the cleaning process

Clean the Kitchen

Once the bathrooms are in order, move on to the kitchen. The kitchen tends to be where icky and sticky things collect, and you’ll want to get rid of the former tenant’s cooking smells

How to Clean the Stove

You may need to use a heavy-duty cleaner for the oven, and may need an appliance cleaner, such as a wax or paste. Baking soda and water work well, too, along with sponges or a heavy-duty cloth.

How to Clean the Refrigerator

Now, tackle the refrigerator. It’s always a good idea to clean it well. Unplug the fridge and let it warm up before cleaning it. It will make it easier to clean. Use a soft cloth as anything harsher will scratch the surface.

 

Ultimate Moving House Cleaning Checklist

If moving house tops the list of stressful experiences people go through in life and cleaning house tops the list of loathsome experiences people face on a daily basis, then cleaning for moving should be a truly nightmarish experience indeed. The mere idea of scrubbing floors and washing windows after the long weeks of laborious moving preparations and exhausting moving tasks may be enough to put you in panic – after all, you have only just finished organizing the myriad details of the relocation process, putting all the required paperwork in order and packing all your earthly possessions, so you are highly unlikely to have any energy left to spare

you will want to leave your old home in top-notch condition in order to be able to get your security deposit back or to make your property more desirable for potential buyers

So, no matter how tired and how impatient to close the relocation chapter of your life you may be, you need to take the time and the effort to clean your old property before moving out and your new one before moving in. Luckily, the task may not be as difficult as it seems at first – especially if you follow our simple, yet highly efficient cleaning tips for moving house

Get hold of appropriate moving cleaning supplies and keep them at hand

There are certain cleaning supplies you can’t do without when preparing your home for moving – disinfecting cleaners, glass cleaners, baking soda, white vinegar, cleaning cloths, dusting cloths, plastic or nylon bristled soft scrubbers, different kinds of brushes, furniture polish, fabric protectors, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, a broom and a dustpan, a bucket, a step stool, rubber gloves, etc. Make sure these items don’t get accidentally loaded on the moving truck with the rest of your possessions – you’re going to need them when the movers depart from your old home and then again, before they arrive in your new property

Prepare and clean the items you are going to take with you as early as possible.

You will certainly want to give your household items a good cleaning after the move, but this doesn’t make cleaning them before the move redundant – you probably don’t want to take all the accumulated dust and dirt, stains and grime, bacteria and germs to your new home, do you? Besides, wiping your items clean before the move will make your job much easier afterwards, when unpacking and arranging your new place. So, make sure you empty and clean all the furniture pieces and household appliances you intend to relocate several days before moving day and get them properly packed and ready for shipment by the time your movers arrive

 

Good cleaning strategies before Moving Out

A move can be full of chaos and stress. But, if we have some tips for cleaning and organization, you will be able to carry out in an effective way

Do you need cleaning strategies before moving? We know that when we have to move from our apartment or house we suffer a lot of stress and anxiety. This feeling takes ahold of our nerves and everything seems chaotic and disorganized.

Step by step and from top to bottom

Use boxes to organize the contents of your rooms. Making sure to label them with the corresponding room. This will make it easier to unpack and find your items.

Boxes with labels

If there is one thing common to all removals, it is the feeling of uncertainty and disorder. Where will that lamp be? Where have we kept those documents? So, if you don’t want to get upset for losing something, use labelled boxes for each group of belongings

Cleaning up Memories

A move is also a time to get rid of the old and focus on the present moment

Easy maintenance tips after a professional upholstery cleaning

Keep your home properly ventilated

Proper ventilation can help with odour control as upholstered furniture can easily absorb odours which even weakens the foam. Any initial signs of dampness can also be tackled effectively if the area is proper ventilated.

Avoid exposure to the elements and pollutants

Position your furniture such that the upholstery does not get damaged. Avoid extended periods of exposure to direct sunlight as well as close proximity to uncovered windows. Even rain water spray and any other airborne pollutants like fumes from cooking or smoke can harm the fabric and cause it to fade and even fray.

Use an upholstery protectant for your sofa

Using any protective product is one of the best ideas to prevent spills from penetrating deep down into the fibers and becoming stains. It basically serves as an invisible plastic sheet, making it easier to keep upholstered furniture clean and in pristine condition. Scotchgard is one such plasticising agent. It seeps into the fabric and prevents dirt and oils from working their ways into the sofa fibers and affecting it.

Cover your furniture

Use a sofa cover or a slipcover for protection and decoration. A piece of fabric draped over or tucked into a sofa will do the job. You can buy something new or use convert something you already have at home like a blanket, sheet or a tablecloth. The slipcover takes care of the sofa, arm rests and cushions and will absorb the brunt of daily use and dirt. Remember, you can change out or wash the slipcover as often as you want, and using different patterns or colours for different seasons or occasion is a fun way to change the look of the place.

Tackle any new spills or liquid-related mishaps immediately

Attend to any new stains as soon as you can with a clean cloth and use specialised cleaning products made for your upholstery fabric. Follow the special care instructions that can be found for the affected furniture. It will help reduce the long term effect of the stain or dirt build-up.

 

Best upholstery cleaner 2020: refresh fabric and remove stains

On the hunt for the very best upholstery cleaner? Even in households that don’t have pets or children, stains and spills are inevitable, and if you do have kids/pets, well, you’ll know all about (constant) upholstery cleaning and the importance of finding an effective product.

Here, we list the very best upholstery cleaners at the best prices for you to tackle the job at hand. Most are in spray form, but some are bars or use brush application for on the spot cleaning. Our recommendations come based on how effective they are at removing stains and cleaning the product they are intended for – some may only be suitable for certain fabric types and some are primarily designed for carpet but may be used for furniture too. Read the information on each, but remember to check any care instructions that came with your upholster before cleaning. We have more info on choosing the right upholstery cleaner at the end of this article, for those who need it.

 

How to Clean a Fabric Sofa

You need to review your manufacturer’s instructions:

Always, always check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions before attempting to remove stains from your sofa or freshen up your couch. Failing to do so could void warranties or flat-out ruin your couch.

The tags can answer many cleaning questions:

If you can’t find the manufacturer’s instructions, don’t fret. There should be a tag on your sofa cushions that clues you in on important facts, such as whether the material is water soluble. Keep in mind that one side of the tag may address the cleaning of the sofa cover, while the other will provide information for washing the cushions themselves. Make sure you’re looking at the correct tag before you clean.

Properly reading a cleaning tag can save you a lot of grief:

Typically, you’ll find one of four letters on the cleaning tag of your sofa. Here’s what each means.

You should never deviate from the recommended cleaning methods on the tags:

Water may seem innocuous, but if you use it to clean a couch that specifically calls for a solvent-based cleaner and nothing else, you’re going to be in for an unpleasant surprise. Believe it or not, the water will actually leave a stain on your sofa. Don’t risk ruining your furniture. Stick to the tags. They know what’s best for your couch.

 

The Right Way to Clean a Couch, According to a Top Expert

Once your sofa is clean and dry, kill any lingering germs and odors on water-safe upholstery with a fabric sanitizing spray like Tide Antibacterial Fabric Spray.

Clean dingy arms and headrests with a portable extraction cleaner like Bissell’s Little Green ProHeat Portable Cleaner. Simply dispense the cleaner and water mixture through the hose, agitate the fabric with the brush nozzle, and vacuum up the dirt into the tank. For solvent-only fabrics, it’s best to call in a professional for a safe and thorough cleaning.

If your cushions have removable covers, unzip them and place a paper towel between the fabric and filling to absorb cleaner. Apply the cleaner to a cloth and blot the stain carefully, working from the outside in. Once the stain is removed, dab the area with another damp cloth to rinse thoroughly and blot dry. For “S” fabrics, remove stains with a solvent-based product according to package directions.

For fabrics that can safely be cleaned with water, treat food and pet stains with an enzyme-containing formula like Bissell Professional Pet Stain & Odor Remover. In a pinch, mix together mild dish soap with warm water. Always test any cleaner in a hidden area first.

With your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, go over the entire sofa: back, arms, skirt, and cushions. If the cushions are removable, take them off and vacuum the fabric underneath, going as far under the back and arms as your vacuum can reach. With the crevice tool, go along the seams, around any buttons, and along the trim.

 

DIY Tricks for Maintaining and Cleaning Upholstery

Vacuum and Dust Furniture – Often

Keep dust, dirt or crumbs on upholstery at bay by making it a habit to vacuum most fabric surfaces with an upholstery attachment. This helps to lift general crumbs and dirt that was transferred from the floor onto the fabric surface (thanks, socks). A quick vacuuming helps to keep the dirty stuff from becoming more embedded, and also helps to prevent it from becoming an agitator – like sandpaper – which can cause the areas you sit or place your feet show signs of wear faster than other areas.

Rotate Cushions

Flipping the base cushion(s) and rotating loose throw pillows or back pillows on a sofa will prevent uneven wear on the surface of the upholstery. If you always sit in the same spot, switching up the cushions will also help to prevent the foam or inserts used from developing the dreaded butt dent.

Clean Spills or Marks as Soon as Possible

Keep a bunch of clean, white absorbent cloths handy for spills. When a spill happens, the first course of action is to absorb, do not rub, especially colored liquids like juice or wine. When you’ve absorbed as much as possible (don’t stop trying until your white cloth is no longer picking up the color of the spill), spot treat the fabric. Most store-bought treatments will advise how you should continue to clean the spot after application to absorb additional pigments of the stain. Spot cleaner is good, but it may still take some elbow grease.

Invest in Fabric Cleaner (and Avoid Ordinary Multi-Surface Cleaners)

Mixed as a 50/50 ratio, it’s inexpensive and convenient to keep a spray bottle of white vinegar and water on hand for lifting light dirt and stains.

Apply a Fabric Protector

No professional skills are required to apply your own upholstery protector. Treating fabric early and then adhering to an upkeep routine is the best way to ensure that your upholstery will hold up to general wear and tear and clumsy spills. Products on the market are both inexpensive and simple to apply – sprays are most common. Always check manufacturer guidelines because some products may be damaging to silks or velvet materials, and when in doubt, test on a hidden surface.

Benefits of Residential Cleaning

A residential cleaning service specializes in things around your home such as cleaning floors, bedrooms and bathrooms. A commercial cleaning service cleans things such as offices, buildings, or retail stores. There is a big difference in the way that you clean a retail store versus someone’s home. A residential cleaning service is going to be much more detail oriented and thorough. Specializing in the type of mess you would find in a home, they are better suited to clean your home.

 

Major Differences between Commercial and Residential Cleaning

• Services Offered

Residential: Housekeeping, as the name suggests, is what you call looking after the house in terms of cleaning, cooking, etc. Depending on what company you hire, services could range from cleaning to maintaining the house. When hiring a residential cleaning service, you will need to talk to the technicians to find out what are the services they offer.

Commercial: Commercial cleaning, on the other hand, is specifically designed for workplaces, offices, and organizations. Some companies only provide commercial cleaning services, many offer both commercial and residential.

• Timing

Residential: Most residential cleaning services are performed during the day, when residents might be at home. This is because not many people are required to clean a house and the work can be finished within a few short hours without the need to move everyone out of the house.

Commercial: This kind of cleaning is mostly done in the evenings or nights because the service providers prefer working when no one is around. This allows them greater freedom without causing any kind of disruption. There is almost always a team of cleaners that work at any given office so that the work can be managed in the best possible manner.

• Cost

Residential: Residential cleaning services charge depending on the work they cater to. For example, if they are only vacuuming and cleaning windows then the price will be less. The more work there is, the more money will be involved.

Commercial: Commercial services are mostly priced based on packages. These range from carpet cleaning to washing blinds, bathroom services to mopping and graffiti removal, etc. Packages are based on how much work is involved and range from affordable to pricey.

 

Why Residential Cleaning Services is More Affordable Than You Think

In this article we’ll explore some key points about how you can still prosper financially while still be granted the luxury of being able to hire a household cleaner.

1. Time & Productivity: Make wiser investments with your time
2. Tools & Equipment: Free up valuable household space & expenses
3. Attention-to-Detail: Rushing a household clean simply isn’t worth it
4. VIP Treatment: The first-class cleaning experience

 

Questions You Should Ask When Choosing a House Cleaning Service

Choosing a house-cleaning service is different from picking someone to mow your lawn or clean your gutters. It is more intimate than most business relationships because in many cases, house cleaners have the key to your house.  House cleaning services are responsible for caring for your belongings, dusting your family portraits and cleaning valuable heirlooms.  For those reasons, there are many items that one should consider when choosing a house cleaning service.

Here are six questions, you should consider when Choosing a House Cleaning Service.

1. Is the company a member of the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International (ARCSI)
2. Is the work guaranteed?
3. Can I get references from other clients?
4. Can I get an in-home, written estimate?
5. What are the costs involved?
6. Can I get proof  or documentation of background checks of the cleaning technicians who will work in my home?

 

Benefits of Residential Cleaning

Some may think that it is a luxury to get residential cleaning as a service. But when you are working and have a family, there are many obligations to fulfill and it becomes very hard to make time for cleaning. Time is important and most people don’t have time to do house cleaning tasks, so the hiring of cleaning companies or getting maid service can offer you the best thing in the time, and that is time. There are many benefits of hiring professional house cleaner for your residence. Let’s look at the top 3 benefits.

1. Peace of Mind
2. Time Saving
3. Don’t have to worry about supplies