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clean home

Realistic Tips to Keep a Clean House if You Have Pets

April 21, 2023
EmmaJ
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Having pets can bring joy and companionship into our lives, but they can also bring a lot of mess into our homes. From shedding fur to tracking in dirt and mud, pets can leave your home looking far from pristine. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can keep your house clean and tidy, even with furry friends in the mix.

Groom Your Pet Regularly

One of the best ways to keep your house clean if you have pets is to groom them regularly. Regular grooming can help reduce the amount of fur they shed, which means less vacuuming for you. It also reduces the risk of pet-related allergies and keeps your pet healthy and happy. Brushing your pet’s fur on a regular basis is especially important for pets that have long hair, as their hair can easily get tangled and matted. This can lead to skin irritation and even infections. In addition to brushing, you should also trim your pet’s nails, clean their ears and teeth, and give them a bath as needed. Not only will this keep your pet clean and healthy, but it will also help keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Use Pet-Friendly Cleaning Products

When cleaning your home, it’s important to use pet-friendly products. Many cleaning products contain harsh chemicals that can be harmful to your pet’s health. Instead, look for natural and non-toxic cleaning products that are safe for both you and your pet. You can also use homemade cleaning solutions like vinegar and baking soda, which are safe and effective. This is important if you want to keep your house clean if you own a dog. When cleaning up pet messes, such as urine or vomit, it’s important to use an enzymatic cleaner that is specifically designed to break down the proteins in the mess. This will help remove the stain and eliminate any odors, which can help prevent your pet from returning to the same spot.

Invest in a Good Vacuum Cleaner


If you have pets, investing in a good quality vacuum cleaner is essential. A vacuum with a HEPA filter can help capture pet hair, dander, and other allergens that may be lurking in your carpets and upholstery. It’s also a good idea to vacuum frequently, especially in high-traffic areas like living rooms and hallways. When vacuuming, make sure to move furniture and vacuum it underneath and behind it. You should also use the crevice tool to clean baseboards, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas. If you have hardwood or tile floors, you should consider using a microfiber mop or a vacuum that is specifically designed for hard floors.

Keep Your Pet’s Toys and Bedding Clean

Your pet’s toys and bedding can harbor a lot of dirt and bacteria, which can make your home smell and look unclean. To prevent this, wash your pet’s bedding and toys regularly using hot water and a pet-friendly detergent. You can also use a disinfectant spray or wipes to clean their toys and bedding in between washes. When washing your pet’s bedding, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning and drying. Some bedding may need to be air-dried or tumble-dried on low heat to prevent shrinking or damage. Keeping your pet’s things clean will not only make your home look and smell better, but it will also help keep your pet healthy.

Establish Rules for Your Pet

Finally, establishing rules for your pet can go a long way in keeping your house clean. For example, you can train your pet to wipe its paws before coming inside or to stay off certain furniture. You can also set up designated feeding areas and keep pet toys in one area of the house. These small changes can help prevent messes and make cleaning up after your pet much easier. Consistency is key when it comes to enforcing rules, so make sure everyone in your household is on board and follows through with the rules.

In addition to establishing rules for your pet, it’s important to provide them with plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. A bored or restless pet is more likely to cause trouble and make a mess. Make sure your pet gets enough exercise and playtime each day, and provide them with interactive toys and puzzles to keep their minds busy. Keeping your house clean if you have pets may seem like a daunting task, but with a little effort and consistency, it’s definitely achievable. Regular grooming, using pet-friendly cleaning products, investing in a good vacuum cleaner, keeping your pet’s toys and bedding clean, and establishing rules for your pet are all important steps to take. By following these tips, you can enjoy a clean and comfortable home while still enjoying the company of your furry friends. Remember, a clean home is not only good for you, but it’s also good for your pet’s health and well-being.

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10 Tips To Clean Your Home After The Holiday Season

January 27, 2023
Chloe Taylor
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The holiday season’s over, and It’s time for some post-holiday cleaning. But are you ready to remove all the holiday clutter from your residence? 

People are under the impression that just putting everything away after Christmas means their homes have been cleaned. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. While this blog doesn’t promise that it’ll help you clean up all the holiday mess in just 15 minutes, the tips mentioned below will help you make your humble abode spotless in a less time-consuming manner.

How to do a post-holiday cleanup?

Christmas is over, and it’s time to bring down the holly-jolly decorations. But how can you clean the holiday mess without ruining your house and taking hours off your busy schedule? If this task seems impossible, chop up the cleanup schedule into small steps. Remember that you can always hire professional cleaners to get the job done correctly. But it can be more fun to do it yourself. So, here are some tips for cleaning your abode after the holidays are over:

Declutter and store externally

The first stage in a post-Christmas cleanup session involves decluttering. Gather all the stuff nobody needs right now, i.e., decorative items too large to fit even in the attic, and store them in some safe place. The people of Houston can sometimes be overzealous with their early Christmas décor. If you fall in the same category of people, choose any of the local self-storage options available. The storage units Houston provides locals in downtown and the suburbs are safe, roomy, and climate-controlled.

Determine what to keep

Storing holiday decorations can be troublesome if you don’t know what to keep or discard. Try to sort out these decorations by making an inventory of items you’d like to keep for the very year. You have an entire year to find replacements, so you don’t need to part with anything you think you may need next Christmas just yet. For the stuff you know you won’t reuse, donate it or throw it away.

Collect and recycle cards

Start collecting holiday cards and recycle them. A Christmas card can easily be recycled, so there’s no need to throw these things away just now. Try to go through them and pick some cute cards you can resend in the future. That’s how you can recycle them into gift tags, i.e., by cutting some images and suspending them with strings. The rest can go in a recycling bin.

Don’t forget to vacuum

There’s nothing more unpleasant than finding sharp objects endangering your safety. So, thoroughly vacuum the place after the holiday season ends and make your home as safe as possible. Use an extension to reach faraway places easily. Vacuuming can also help you eliminate unpleasant odors in the house.

Clean all the rugs

Since rugs easily build up dirt stains, cleaning them can be worrisome for some homeowners. A simple solution involves letting them sit outside in the sunlight. Don’t pick a rainy day; make sure it’s cloudy outside, and gently shake these rugs before leaving them hanging on the patio for some time. If they’re really dirty, consider getting them professionally washed.

Clean the guest bedroom

After the guests have left, it’s time to tackle the mess they’ve left behind. Prepare some hot water; a capful of vinegar in it is recommended. Now, wash the bedsheets in this water and vacuum-clean the mattress while the sheets are soaking. Also, clean the blinds, windows, and other things your guests may have left unkempt. Disinfect the place to eliminate all germs. Also, use an air freshener. 

Store all the food

Use this post-holiday cleanup session as an excuse to stock your pantry. However, discard all rotten edibles first before replacing leftovers. Ensure extended storage by storing these edibles in a freezer. You can use water mixed with vinegar to clean the insides of your appliances after all the cooking and baking you’ve done. 

Remove those wine stains

A party isn’t a party unless a guest spills red wine and makes a mess on your carpet! Getting rid of red wine stains can be a nuisance, particularly when you don’t know how to do it right. But a scarlet blemish can be removed by making a peroxide-detergent mixture in a spray bottle. First, use a damp sponge to soak as much wine as possible. Then spray the detergent on the area and wait 5 to 10 minutes. Now, use a piece of cloth and start rubbing gently on the stain. The stains will come off like magic. And if it doesn’t help, you might try taking help from carpet cleaners.

Disinfect all kitchen appliances 

Cleaning the kitchen involves disinfecting your ovens, dishes, blenders, mixtures, dishwaters, and the under-the-sink area. Don’t forget to disinfect cabinets and drawers to ensure these places are spotless. Now, your house is ready to welcome another batch of rowdy guests for the upcoming holidays.

Call deep cleaning experts

A survey suggests that 51% of Americans are stressed “beyond belief” by the prospect of cleaning their houses before the holidays. Imagine the dread felt by them for a post-holiday cleaning. You can call some deep-cleaning professionals to get the job right. Professional house cleaners have the equipment to make your home spotless again. 

Conclusion

Every post-holiday deep-cleaning session can be tiresome when not managed properly. So, management should be your topmost priority when tidying up all that holiday clutter. After that, declutter the place and rent self-storage units nearby to dump all the extra stuff you can use later. Vacuum the house thoroughly and deep clean all area rugs. Collect and recycle holiday cards and either store or donate the leftover food. A thorough disinfection campaign for the kitchen is essential. Call buddies to help you take down the Christmas tree. Don’t forget about the guest bedroom. If you’re still tired, call some professionals. They will do the job, no questions asked, and make your place neat, tidy, and ready for spring.

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Ways To Clean Your House After A Storm

September 22, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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When there’s a storm, the last thing you want to do is spend time cleaning up your house. Some people might think that it is a waste of time to clean up after a storm, but the truth remains: housework will help you feel more relaxed and less stressed. Most homeowners fear the aftermath of a storm much more than the destruction itself. You see, the roof, exterior walls, and other structures serve as a protective shield during a storm. But once the storm subsides, it’s crucial to assess the damages and take measures to prevent the shields from deteriorating. Minizming water damages are the first and foremost priority, followed by debris removal and electrical safety procedures.

Keep reading to learn more about cleaning your house after a storm.

Minimizing & Preventing Water Damages

Fierce storms and heavy rains set the stage for flooding, and you must do everything in your power to prevent a flood. Water gushing through your property will likely destroy everything in its wake, creating fire hazards and structural damages. It would help if you focused on preventing water from entering the home. If that’s not an option, you need to dry everything out to prevent moisture from seeping into the structure.

Drying out a property isn’t as easy as it sounds. If the water level is higher than any of the electrical outlets, vacate the property immediately. If the water reaches the main breaker or any outlets, it can create fire hazards. You don’t want to wade right into a pond of electrified water, risking your life and belongings. It’s wise to consult professionals for water damage restoration, as drying out electrified water demands a specialized skillset.

Professionals will bring in designated equipment and tools to prevent flooding and dry out your living spaces. They will provide thorough cleanup and eliminate water from all the nooks and crannies you cannot access. This step is crucial because the water can seep deep into the structure while you’re busy cleaning out the basement.

Preventing Mold Growth

Water damage and moisture build-up set the stage for mold growth, making your property increasingly vulnerable and hazardous. How can you avoid this nightmare of a situation? First off, you need to take all your belongings and fixtures outside and dry them out. A thorough cleanup is crucial to rid your home of the contaminated, debris-ridden floodwaters.

Once the house is water-free, you need to dry out the structures, belongings, and fixtures. Most homeowners tend to fixate on the walls, basement, and attic while preventing mold. It would help if you took measures to avoid mold growth in the furniture, wooden fixtures, and hardwood flooring.

Debris Removal

It’s heartbreaking what a violent storm can do to your beautiful backyard or lovely front lawn. Avid gardeners find the debris removal process extremely overwhelming and hurtful. But it’s necessary to clean out the property and ensure all components and home systems work efficiently. For instance, gutters clogged with debris and leaves can cause many inconveniences and water retention.

Removing damaged trees isn’t as simple as it sounds; in fact, it can prove quite dangerous if done wrong. So, be sure to clear out all the fallen trees, broken branches, scattered leaves, and other debris littering your property. We advise hiring professionals to clear out the damaged trees, especially ones mingling with electric wires.

Clean Up

You can clean up the house and scrub the floors after removing stray branches, fallen trees, and debris. It’s easier to clean the property after you’ve cleared out most of the mess. It’s crucial to dry out the floors with a vacuum cleaner, especially with hardwood floorboards. Wipe away all the dust particles and debris from each surface in your home.

Assess the Damages

Once you’ve cleared out the debris and dried out your property, it’s time for a thorough damage assessment. Your insurance provider will need images and a detailed inspection to provide financial coverage for a renovation.

You can start by assessing the damages in the most vulnerable areas, the roof, attic, and basement. Be sure to inspect the interior and exterior walls for signs of dampness and moisture retention. If the damage is unprecedented, let the professionals handle it without delay and take pictures of the affected areas.

Capturing photographs is crucial to substantiate your claims with evidence. It would help if you compiled a checklist of all the damages and repairs, prioritizing areas that need immediate attention.

Wrapping Up

Cleaning up after a storm isn’t easy, but it is of the utmost significance. You see, delaying the cleaning and drying out processes can cause unprecedented and aggravated damages. Homeowners need to act fast and decisively. We advise hiring professionals in cases of flooding and severe water damages. You see, it doesn’t take long for electric mishaps and disasters to ensue when water enters a property.

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5 Reasons you Need to Clean Your Property Before Renting It

September 15, 2021
Chloe Taylor
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Deep cleaning your property not only helps it look cleaner and more attractive to potential tenants but also clears up the bacteria that may be lingering around to improve air quality. If you’re a landlord looking for someone new to move into their rental home quickly without any additional hassle or time spent on long-term cleanings yourself, deep cleansing is worth considering! Cleaning between tenants is a hassle for landlords, but there are many benefits. From staying in compliance with legal obligations to maintaining healthy living conditions; it’s always worth the effort.

Creates a Healthy Living Environment

Mold, dampness and poor air quality can make tenants feel ill. Tenants who claim to have health issues because of the home you are renting them could be expensive for a landlord like yourself. Deep cleaning is one way that such problems might be prevented or remedied in the event they do occur – evidence from deep cleanings shows landlords take their responsibilities seriously and may help if someone does file a complaint about living conditions with your rental unit.

Raises the Bar for Future Renters

When your past renters left home after doing a thorough job called ‘The Deep Clean’ did they also give your property that sparkling appearance? A rigorous scrub down from top to bottom makes for an awesome return on investment in many cases. If this sounds like something you want or in case you need extra clarification on the property contract, then contact your property management company right away.

Deep cleaning your property before a new tenant moves in is an excellent way to set the tone for how you expect them to treat it. By starting fresh, they are more likely to respect the house and keep it clean over time!

Avoids Bigger Problems

You might not be able to see it, but bacteria are thriving in the darkest corners of your home. Anti-bacterial wipes may help you clean up surfaces for a while, but they won’t get rid of all those pesky germs and nasty bugs hiding out under appliances, on your gym equipment, or inside cluttered closets. Catching these before they turn into bigger problems like mold can save you big money on structural repairs down the road!

Keeps Things in Order

Photos of fixtures and fittings are a necessity for any professional deep clean. Trying to remember the locations where everything was stored before can be tough, so take pictures as part of your inventory to prevent spurious claims by tenants about what they left behind. This way you can know everything about your place and stuff, and in case something goes missing you will notice. Moreover, it will be easier to bring things back to order after the deep cleaning process. You wouldn’t want to forget where your aqua water filter was placed before you started cleaning the house and later misplace it after you’re done.

Increases the Value of your Property

Deep cleaning between tenants is the key to protecting your property, both in value and quality. The process of deep cleaning should be a part of any good landlord’s maintenance schedule as it helps protect against dirt deposition from new residents moving into an old home or apartment space without first getting rid of their grime. While you can do this work yourself with some elbow grease, many landlords find that they often don’t have enough time for such big projects themselves so hiring professionals will save them much-needed time while still providing excellent service standards!

Final word

The rules of the landlord and tenant’s responsibility for cleaning are typically laid out in a contract. A typical rule is that tenants clean before they vacate, but landlords have to check if the property is properly cleaned before new tenants can move in. As a landlord, it is your responsibility to make sure that you have everything ready for the new tenant. This means arranging furniture or appliances around and cleaning up during this brief period between tenancy periods.

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5 Tips to Cultivate a Healthier Home

February 10, 2021
EmmaJ
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Our homes should bring a sense of comfort, ease, and security. Modern life sometimes gets in the way of these. Knowing how to protect your home—and your family—from the threats of modern life is essential. 

These products and lifestyle tips herein will help piece together a more holistic approach to keeping your house healthier. This includes healthier food, healthier activity, and—the one most homeowners overlook—a healthier living environment.

Don’t Track in Dirt

Our shoes get dirty throughout the day. Whether you’re walking on pavement, hiking trails, or just scooting around the office—the bottoms of your shoes are picking up a sample of everything! Establishing a “no-shoes” policy in your home can help to limit the amount of outside contamination you bring into your home. This will help you in creating a healthy home.

This can help reduce bacteria, fungus, and other potentially harmful compounds from making their way into your home. Having a shoe rack next to the entrance of your door can help remind your family to change into their indoor shoes when arriving home.

Purify Your Home’s Air


Air purifiers can help remove airborne toxins like mold spores, dust mites, and toxic volatile organic compounds (VOCs). If you have an HVAC system, it would be prudent to install MERV or HEPA rated filters. To take things one step further, however, installing additional air purifiers throughout your home can help limit the overall particulate count considerably. 

Air purifiers come in a range of choices. There are air filters, air purifiers, air scrubbers, and air ionizers. To some degree, these terms are synonymous. However, there are some important distinctions to make. Air filters generally use a fan to force air through a filter that catches particles. This is ideal for dust and larger particle matter. Other products such as ionic air purifiers use electrical current to scrub the air. This addresses finer particles and even gasses like VOCs and endotoxins.

Washing Your Hands

As simple as this may sound, establishing a more rigorous hand-washing routine can have a tremendous impact on family health. Hot water, soap, hand-sanitizer—these are a few of the most-effective means of reducing infectious germs in the home. Good times to wash your hands include when you first get home, after eating, after any trip to the bathroom, and before food preparation. These simple times are the highest-risk for spreading infection.

Drinking Filtered Water

Municipal water uses a medley of toxic compounds like Chlorine to ensure that potentially deadly pathogens aren’t able to colonize. This is great for reducing bacterial risk but absolute garbage for providing quality, toxin-free water supplies. Wash your hands with city water, water your garden with city water, but do not—under any circumstances—drink city water! 

There are dozens if not hundreds of harmful compounds found in municipal water supplies. These include things like trichloroethylene, benzenes, and chlorines. Aside from the known compounds, trace amounts of anything residents are putting down their sinks and drains may show up in trace amounts. You can protect yourself from such toxins by making it a habit to drink purified or spring water. Water delivery services provide a convenient way to ensure your family has access to safe, pure, and toxin-free water.

Watch Out for Mold


Mold from water damage or overly humid environments can quickly lead to mold issues in homes. The impacts of mold on health are not well-known yet—but what we do know is bad. Acute exposures to mold cause severe issues like respiratory infections, cognitive impairment, and can even lead to death. Chronic, low-level exposures, to the biotoxin compounds produced by mold, are lesser studied, however. 

These types of harmful compounds may be produced from unseen mold growing behind walls, in crawlspaces, attics, or even seeping through foundation walls. Closely monitoring your home’s humidity can help lower the risk of mold. Another prudent step is to develop a monthly mold-killing routine. This can include mold-fogging, surface scrubbing, and should probably start with a mold inspection.

A Healthy Home is a Happy Home

These are only a few ideas on how to create a cleaner, healthier home for you and your family. Modern life is full of unseen and unrecognized threats to our health. Whether these threats are from bacteria on the ground, toxins in our water, or VOCs in the products we buy—it’s prudent to always be on the lookout. Addressing as many issues as one can help provide the comfort of knowing your family is safe from toxins, at least as much as you are capable of helping them to be!

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Smooth Decorator is a website dedicated to our little sanctuaries from the hustle and bustle of the outside world – to our homes, sweet homes. We believe that the foundation of a quality life needs to be set right there, in the place where we first dream things up, and that only when we organized our homes can we hope to organize the rest of our everyday existence.

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