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cleaning

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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What is residential post-construction cleaning?

October 21, 2022
Stella Van Lane
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The ultimate aim for any construction contractor is to pass over the key to a freshly constructed work or refurbished facility to any customer that they will be servicing. However, after the construction project itself, not to mention the tears and sweat that they must endure, the task of a construction business is not complete until it is completed. Before the final key is turned over, there are a few more tasks to accomplish before the building is complete. These extra activities include complete facility cleaning with a construction cleaning checklist for deep cleaning, sometimes known as post-construction cleaning.

POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING IS A SERVICE PERFORMED ON NEW OR RENOVATED BUILDINGS.

The term “post-construction” implies that this cleaning is done after the building phase. A building contractor may clean up waste in general, but specific cleaning is no longer part of their work. This kind of cleaning involves cleaning the whole facility from top to bottom, not only sweeping the floor and washing the carpet and other visible surfaces.

 The following are some of the cleaning standards that must be met:

  • The walls are clean and devoid of markings, grime, and smudges.
  • Power washing and window and frame cleaning.
  • Remove plastic/stickers off furniture, windows, and doors.
  • Wet and dry dusting of ceilings, lighting, fans, and heaters
  • Clean and polished floors that are free of clutter, particularly on edges and corners
  • Cleaning with a vacuum cleaner.

Trimming clean

  • Cleaning the threshold
  • Internal and external cleaning of all appliances, cabinets, and shelves
  • Proper waste and debris disposal
  • Addressing any safety concerns, such as unsecured wires and leaks, with the building contractors

Once the cleaning is finished, do a last thorough inspection of all the spaces, corners, and interior surfaces.

THESE CLEANING REQUIREMENTS ARE COMPLETED ONE STEP AT A TIME THROUGH THE THREE POST-CONSTRUCTION CLEANING PHASES.

Photo by Monica Silvestre: https://www.pexels.com/photo/woman-standing-in-room-with-unfinished-walls-4249477/

PHASE 1: ROUGH CLEAN

The first phase begins once all essential electrical, plumbing, and framing installations have been completed. The first and most important stage in this phase is to remove big things such as garbage, trash, leftover materials, and other items that cannot be cleaned.

Then there will be general sweeping or vacuuming. This step also includes the removal, but not the cleaning, of stickers from doors and windows.

PHASE 2: CLEAN LIGHT

This is the most labour-intensive step of post-construction cleaning, requiring a large amount of cleaning equipment and materials. Restrooms and kitchens, which serve a specific function, are receiving special attention.

Sinks, toilets, windows, and cabinets are just a few of the installed things that will be completely cleaned during this period. One of the reasons people employ a professional cleaning service is during this phase.

Clients can depend on Dirt2Tidy to deliver the most effective and up-to-date cleaning equipment and products, ensuring that these regions and most inside surfaces, such as air ducts, are thoroughly cleaned.

Additional cleaning of the locations with removed stickers from the first phase is also being addressed here; areas such as windows, glass areas, doors, walls, and so on. This phase brings us one step closer to the arrival of customers.

This kind of cleaning involves cleaning the whole facility from top to bottom, not only sweeping the floor and washing the carpet and other visible surfaces by a commercial cleaning crew in the newly built to remove dust and debris.

Photo by La Miko: https://www.pexels.com/photo/cleaning-supplies-3616735/

PHASE 3: COMPLETE CLEANING

The last cleaning process is known as touch-up cleaning. This occurs several days after the second phase since dust and dirt may still settle; as a result, the cleaning staff will have more time to focus on the final dust removal.

This step takes less time than normal since the common items that are cleansed at this stage are smudges, fingerprints, and other defects from the regions cleaned in previous rounds.

Builders Clean

Post-construction cleaning requires full time and attention and may take many days to complete. This activity is difficult to handle for a building contractor that has a lot on their plate.

Construction contractors are already preoccupied with erecting the structure, and the extra duty of cleaning up their mess is a significant hardship. As a result, employing expert cleaners, whether via the building contractor or on your own, is highly recommended.

If the building contractor does not provide extra cleaning services, some customers may elect to forego hiring professional cleaners and instead handle their own cleaning, but this must be done with caution.

Inner and concealed portions of the building that most people are unaware of might be missed if cleaning is done by customers rather than experts. This is too dangerous since it might endanger the safety and health of the individuals who will inhabit the building.

Photo by Matilda Wormwood: https://www.pexels.com/photo/person-in-a-protective-suit-disinfecting-inside-the-house-4099260/

HERE ARE SOME OF THE BENEFITS OF HIRING PROFESSIONAL CLEANERS

The safety of everyone who will use the venue will be prioritised. There’s no need to be concerned about a nail left on the garage floor or dust that might create lung difficulties.

Professional cleaners have the necessary abilities and equipment, therefore they are expected to provide professional results, such as no paint spatters, unremoved stickers, or dust.

The whole facility will be fully cleaned and ready for occupancy.

Professional cleaners will determine the top place that requires extra attention based on their years of expertise and training.

Nothing will be left behind; the outdoor area will also be cleaned and given care.

Cleaning will be completed one at a time, in accordance with the three stages of post-construction cleaning.

Restrooms, kitchens, office spaces, conference rooms, stairwells, elevators, utility rooms, and storage facilities are just a few of the places that we focus on.

Furthermore, Dirt2Tidy may provide the following cleaning services. Dirt2Tidy constantly ensures that all of their customers’ post-construction cleaning criteria are satisfied and that nothing can surpass what they can achieve.

 

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House Cleaning Guide: Tips to Clean House Exterior Like a Pro

October 6, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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Nothing feels more satisfying than coming to an immaculate home after an exhausting day. But are carefully ironed drapes, gleaming floors, and sparkling countertops enough to make your home look well-maintained? What about the exterior? Your house’s exterior speaks volumes about your housekeeping skills. From the leaves sprawled on the balcony to the green slime on your windows, every element in the open passes through strictly vigilant eyes. That’s why, alongside taking care of the interiors, you must also think about ways to make the exteriors of your home look presentable.

But where do you start? What do you need to carry out this task, and how often should you do it? Here are our top tips that will help you take care of the exteriors of your home like a pro.

Clean Your Windows

Do you know what makes homes look unkempt? Windows with water streaks, bird droppings, and grime. Regardless of how often you clean your windows, something always manages to escape your cleaning solutions and leave behind a trail. But you can change that by using the right tools and solutions. Regularly cleaning your windows with a good quality glass cleaner will help eliminate unwanted stains.

Depending on the material of your windows, you can also use vinegar or alcohol to clean them. Ensure to use a soft cloth or sponge so that you don’t end up damaging the glass. If you’ve neglected your windows for long enough to have stubborn stains, you can use a pressure washer, like one from Greenworks, with the right attachment to clean them. Be careful with the pressure setting to avoid damaging the glass.

Maintain the Siding

Due to its low pricing and easy maintenance, vinyl siding is a favorite among homeowners. It’s also loved for its durability as it can last for decades without requiring replacement. But that certainly doesn’t mean you can completely forget about it. You still need to regularly inspect the siding for any cracks or holes and seal them as soon as you spot them. Usually, people prefer hiring a general contractor to do this job, as caulking can be tricky.

If you have loose panels, screw them back in place. You should also regularly wash the siding to eliminate dirt, dust, and other debris. Your garden hose can do the job just fine. Just close the windows and protect your shrubs before you start spraying water all over the place.

Keep Your Gutters Clean

Your home’s gutters tend to collect a lot of debris, leaves, and twigs. If you don’t clean them out regularly, this debris can lead to clogs and leaks. That’s one gross and unwanted mess you wouldn’t want ruining your house’s aesthetic appeal. Every few weeks, take some time out to clear the debris from these areas. You can use a garden hose to push out the dirt and then use a broom to sweep it away.

If you have a lot of trees in your backyard, you might need to do this more often to prevent the gutters from getting clogged. Installing gutter guards is one fail-proof method of keeping critters and debris from clogging your gutters. These mesh screens fit over your gutters and prevent leaves and twigs from clogging them.

Inspect Your Roof Often

Homeowners tend to neglect this valuable asset of their homes unless there’s an obvious problem. Since your roof is most exposed to the elements, it requires the most attention. Spring and fall are ideal times to inspect your roof and clear away any debris that might have accumulated over the seasons. A leaf blower is your best bet here. Also, look for cracked or missing shingles and replace them as soon as possible. If you spot any leaks, patch them up immediately. You can use a sealant or roofing cement for this purpose.

And lastly, don’t forget to clear the gutters and downspouts on your roof. Clogged gutters allow water to seep into your home and damage the roof. If this happens, you’ll have a bigger home improvement project to tackle. Roof replacements and repairs are not cheap.

Take Care of Your Porch and Deck

Do you enjoy spending time outdoors on your porch or deck? Whether hosting a barbecue or just relaxing with a book, your porch and deck help create lasting memories. But these areas can also get dirty pretty fast. Warped floors, loose boards, and cracked paint are just some of the problems you might face if you don’t take care of your porch or deck. That’s why it’s important to regularly inspect these areas for any damage and make repairs as soon as you spot them.

Some handy tips are:

  • Protect your flooring with a sealant to prevent warping
  • Tighten any loose boards or replace them if necessary
  • Repaint the railing and furniture to brighten up the area
  • Use soft, non-abrasive cloths to clean the surfaces
  • Cover the furniture when it’s not in use to prolong its life

Invest in Hardscaping

Hardscaping refers to the paved areas around your home, like your driveway, sidewalk, or patio. These areas can take a beating from the elements and foot traffic. That’s why investing in good quality materials that can withstand the test of time is important. Concrete is a popular and reliable choice for driveways and sidewalks because it’s durable and low maintenance. But you must sweep it clean and hose it down now and then. Asphalt is another good option for driveways since it’s less expensive than concrete.

When choosing materials for your patio, ensure to pick ones that are non-slip and can withstand extreme weather conditions. Brick pavers are a good choice as they’re both durable and stylish. But it doesn’t end at installation. You also must regularly maintain these areas to prevent them from cracking or deteriorating. For instance, oil stains from your car can damage your driveway if not removed immediately. So, ensure to clean up any spills as soon as they happen.

Conclusion

Cleaning your house’s exterior can take a lot of time and energy. Scrubbing the siding, sweeping the porch, and power washing the deck can physically and mentally drain you. But if you keep up with it and establish a routine, it’ll become second nature in no time. Plus, you’ll enjoy your home’s curb appeal for years to come. So, what are you waiting for then? Get out there and let the cleansing begin.

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How To Clean Your House Fast

June 17, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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At times you get lazy, and the house looks like a mess. But, you need to get up from your couch and start doing the dishes sooner or later. If you had superpowers, you could clean the house in one go. Sadly for us mortals, we are not born with any supernatural abilities. Therefore, one must spend time cleaning, cooking, doing the dishes, and more. All these chores can take a lot of valuable time. This time could be better utilized if you could do the work faster. Worry no more! Continue reading this article to learn practical tips to clean the house faster and better. 

Compartmentalize

How do you eat a whole turkey? The answer is one bite at a time. When you have a huge task at hand, it becomes daunting. You start procrastinating and push the actual work further and further away. But, not starting the work itself can lead to anxiety and tension. Therefore, you are still thinking of the unclean rooms and the piled-up dishes at the sink; you cannot enjoy leisure. So, instead of avoiding or delaying the process, just dig into it and start the work. 

  • Divide your work into sections and focus on one section at a time. You can start with one room, finish cleaning the room and then move to another room in the house. Or a better plan might be to divide your work according to specific tasks. For example, you can gather the clothes that need washing from all the room. Then you start dusting the rooms. Separate tasks such as washing, dusting, cleaning, and more. 
  • You cannot take on a huge project and expect to finish the same in a short period. Do not expect to clean the whole house in one day; it is absurd. Instead, divide the workload into days. You may also distribute the work among your children and spouse. Make sure everyone completes their job, and voilà! Your job is done. 

Hire Help

There are different reasons for hiring help to do domestic work. Some people are on a deadline as they expect guests soon. So, they want the house to look good before the guests arrive. Some people are not physically fit to do the work all by themselves. And then again, there are people who believe (and rightfully so) that their time may be better utilized in doing other work.  Whatever the reason is, you will find help available. 

  • Some work like cleaning the Air Conditioning needs an expert handyman. It is not physically possible for you to clean the ventilation system of the whole house.  One may look for nearby expert cleaners to come over and do the work for them. For example, if you live in Arizona, you may browse Arizona air cleaners to get help. 
  • Hiring help will allow you to receive expert service while saving your valuable time. Make a list of chores you want to be done and communicate your wants and needs to the cleaners. If there is a tough spot you want them to clean, make sure you tell them. The cleaners are always willing to work more for extra hourly pay and a generous tip.
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How To Make Your Home Look Clean All The Time

January 20, 2022
Chloe Taylor
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There is no limit to how far an average person can go in taking care of their house. It is so much more than just four walls and a roof. It’s a place of comfort and where we take refuge when the world around us begins to become too much to handle. 

However, Maintaining the house can be a challenge for a working individual. A long day at work leaves little time for cleaning. If you’re someone who is looking for simple yet effective tips for keeping the house clean throughout the year, read on.

A neat and clean house contributes to one’s health and happiness. Those who live in a messy house are more likely to suffer from physical and mental illnesses. So, it’s time to tidy up! 

https://www.pexels.com/photo/brown-wooden-floor-48889/

Clear the mess and make space

Cleaning becomes ten times harder when a house hangs from the rafters with excess paraphernalia. Personal belongings scattered throughout the home can cause significant impediments to the cleaning process and make things considerably harder to tackle. Think about it; the more stuff there is, the more you will have to clean.

Other than that, having a packed house generally creates a sense of disorder and gives off a very messy vibe. So take a look around and if you think you have too many belongings in too small a space, consider opting for self-storage. 

If you live somewhere in Indiana, the Brownsburg storage units might be your best option as they will be closer to home. Storage units keep your belongings in clean, safe, and secure locations to keep them in the same condition when you retrieve them. 

Designate chores

If you have a family or live in a flat with roommates, it would be best to assign chores to each individual so that everyone picks up their fair share of work. It is unreasonable to assume that one or two people in the house are responsible for the cleanliness and upkeep. Though that may be the case in several households, it’s time to bring a change.

Consider assigning duties to each member: one person can mop the floors, another can do the dusting, while someone else takes care of the dishes. This way, you break the tasks down into digestible doses and ensure that everyone plays their part in the entire process.

It’s simply unrealistic to clean the house every weekend. The sheer workload can make it hard to get everything done in one day, and even if you do, this is not the way you should go about things.

Close the windows

Everyone likes a good bit of fresh air, but make sure you don’t have the windows open for too long. Thirty minutes to an hour is sufficient time for you to keep the windows open. Any more than that, and you are asking for an influx of dust and insects.

You may be tempted to open the windows when there is a nice breeze, but that’s when most dust enters the house. If you want to leave them open for longer, consider buying a screen or mesh to prevent insects and dust from entering. Though they are porous and have little holes, they can act as major game-changers to prevent dust from entering the house.

Invest in robotic floor cleaner

Automated floor cleaners like the world-famous Roomba are a great way to keep the floors spick and span all the time. The best thing with the Roomba is that you technically don’t have to use it every day. Set it to work every other day, and you still have clean floors to come home to!

Other than that, these devices have sensors that prevent them from getting stuck or falling down the stairs. These cute little machines are taking over the cleaning process and making things easier for working individuals worldwide. As soon as they’re done cleaning, they tuck themselves back into place and turn off.

Clean vents and AC filters

You may want to consider thinking outside the box if you notice that you have dust all over the house despite cleaning it fairly often. The fan may be spreading more dust than you realize. 

If you own an AC, you should clean the filter every two weeks to prevent too much dust from building up. The more dust on the filter, the more likely it will spread throughout the room. Vents are no different. If you have a central air conditioning system in a building, consider talking to the maintenance people to clean the ducts.

The quicker you get down to something like this, the better it will be for everyone in the house.

Use liquid cleaners

One of the most common mistakes is not wetting the surface when dusting. A dry cloth will simply lift the dust for the moment and will allow it to settle back within a few minutes or hours. Doing this defeats the purpose of dusting and can cause breathing issues for the average individual and lead to somewhat severe allergies.

If you don’t want to use water, consider using furniture polish or other cleaning solutions. Not only will the moisture take the dust away, but it will help shine and polish the surface. Not to mention that it will stay cleaner longer and take longer for the dust to settle back down.

https://unsplash.com/photos/YUgbVPf6bJs

Add a plant or two

The more plants you have in your environment, the less dry the air will be, and therefore, less dust will exist in the air. Plants create moisture and help promote a clean and safe atmosphere for the inhabitants to breathe.

Moreover, the plants all ensure a cleaner living space. Therefore, you might notice less haze in the air and less dust on the average surface space.

The only potential issue might be splatters of mud when watering them. Other than that, plants help maintain cleanliness in the air, and you will notice having to dust less often than usual. 

Conclusion

There we have it—some of the most common ways to make your house look clean all the time. From decluttering to cleaning your air supply, we have been through several options that you may want to consider to keep the house clean.

A clean house leads to a healthy body and healthy mind, so make sure you jump at these tips and get down to clean the place as soon as possible. 

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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 Time Savers for Household Tasks

August 28, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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Are you always on the go and not have time to clean or do some chores? Unfortunately, some don’t have a house helper to tidy, vacuum, or do laundry. That’s why some hate household chores, especially on days when they are in a rush. They can’t be bothered with a simple household task, and they go home to a great pile of housework. Household chores are tedious and never-ending tasks that eat up most of our time, and time is gold. It is something we cannot buy. So, we have to maximize our efficiency in doing household tasks to save time for more exciting life activities and rest. Make the most of your time. Check our time savers for household tasks!

Do Weekly Groceries and Create a Weekly Meal Plan

The household task is not all about cleaning. You have to prepare food on the table, too! To make things easier for you, create a weekly meal plan. The meal plan will guide you in which items are already in your fridge or cupboards, and what to buy. Creating a shopping list before you go to the groceries will help you know which aisle to go and item to pick. Also, it helps you not waste time buying unnecessary items. If you really have no time to go to the supermarket, you can do grocery shopping online and have the items delivered to your home. By that, you don’t have to drive to the store, scour through the aisles, and unpack the groceries at home. The weekly meal plan will also save valuable time from thinking of which meal to cook for each day.

Save Time When Cleaning and Dusting

Cleaning and dusting is the most lengthy task on household chores, especially if you have a large house. Now, how could you save time? Set 15-minutes on your time to clean and dust your home. Cleaning, dusting, and decluttering day by day could save you time when the general cleaning day comes. If you have a two-story home, it saves more time if you start on the second floor and clean your way down. As you clean and dust, gravity’s power will make bits of dirt and dust fall to the floor. So, to avoid doing it again, have a pattern that could help you clean efficiently. Not going to lie, there are corners of our house that we do not like– they are too difficult to reach! In this case, you need to use a vacuum cleaner to suck dust and crumbs. Before you start vacuuming, make sure to pick up all loose items on the floor and move some furniture to make it quick and easy for you. Lastly, have each of the family members to help out when cleaning and dusting. It is best to be hand-in-hand in cleaning, especially in this pandemic. We have to protect our family from Covid-19. Also, teach them how to develop a good habit of clean as you go (CLAYGO). It will genuinely make cleaning easier if you do not have to follow crumbs of mess.

Spend Less Time Doing Laundry

We always have dirty laundry and, each day it piles up, it never gets empty. To spend less time doing laundry, sort all your clothes every time in the basket. It would be best to provide each family member at least three separate laundry baskets to sort their clothes by color. Do you do your laundry a couple of times each week? Americans do an average of 8 to 10 loads of laundry each week. It is best to choose one day a week to do the laundry to save time and laundry detergent. It will save you time in doing multiple cycles in the laundry, folding, and putting away. Also, you can make your homemade laundry detergent for frugal tips.

But, if you want to save a lot of your valuable time, use dry cleaning and laundry service. We are now in modern times. It is easy to appoint a schedule for laundry services by contacting them through their phone or website.

Invest in High-Quality Dishwasher

Washing the dishes by hand takes up a large portion of your time. If you are a busy person, investing in a high-quality dishwasher could be worth the time and water you will save. Buying a dishwasher will help you clean pots, pans, and dishes neatly half the time you do dishwashing by hand.

Keep Organized

Some think that the real challenge is organizing. Little did they know it is the most efficient way on how you could save time. Place things in a designated place where you could quickly put them back after using them. You do not have to re-organize your home in just a snap. Do it small and regularly. You wouldn’t notice that you have already organized your home. Try out these time savers for household tasks, and you will surely be amazed at how time-efficient you can be. Spend less time on housework and more on the things you love and with your loved ones!

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How to Clean Your Home and Disinfect it Against Covid-19

July 24, 2020
Chloe Taylor
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With the spread of the novel COVID-19 virus, the entire world is in upheaval. Some are afraid for their health, some for their loved ones stuck in foreign countries. While some for losing their jobs. Whatever so, it is a time of great confusion. This pandemic has stopped human life. Workplaces and schools are temporarily closed with the fear of letting the disease spread expansively. Flights get halted, and countries have closed down traveling to prevent the disease from becoming a global crisis.

Amid all this uncertainty, the anxiety multiplies by the need to keep everything clean and germ-free. The virus is on the spread, and since there is no vaccine for it yet, prevention is the best way to stop it.

Evidence suggests that the virus can sustain itself for hours to days on certain surfaces. That means it is critical that during the pandemic, we keep disinfecting and sanitizing ourselves and our living spaces.

First things first, CDC recommends that it is essential to clean surfaces around your house at least once in the day. Even though COVID-19 is more likely to spread through human interaction, it is still wise to rule out potential risks. Cleaning means to remove dirt and contaminants, whereas disinfecting means eliminating pathogens. CDC advises us to do both to ensure maximum protection from diseases.

Therefore, we need to disinfect all our home surfaces thoroughly to ensure no germs continue to thrive in the environment. We’ve listed a few ways in the following paragraphs to clean and disinfect the house to protect you and your loved ones from COVID-19.

Mop The Floors and Dust The Carpets

Hot water is known to kill germs and bacteria. To keep your house clean from microbes, you should make sure you wipe the floors daily. Use a mopping disinfectant by mixing it in warm water and mopping the floor with it.

On the contrary, if your house has a carpeted floor, you will have to dust and vacuum these. Carpeted floors sometimes become a hub of germs and bacteria. They should be cleaned and washed to avoid excessive dirt buildup. Additionally, if you live in areas with dry, arid, and dusty climate, such as Spokane, Cheney, or even Hayden, cleaning your carpets becomes necessary. However, it may sound a difficult task to do alone, which is why seeking expert carpet cleaning services in Spokane Valley may be the perfect choice for you.

Disinfect The High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces include doorknobs, switches, kitchen counters, bathroom faucets, etc. Any surface that is continually in use is a high-touch surface. It is most likely to get infected. Since the first things that a person touches when entering the house are the knobs and the lights, it makes sense to disinfect them regularly.

You can keep a disinfectant spray bottle in the house and spray it whenever someone is coming from the outside touches it. You should bear this in mind that there may be other surfaces in your home that may be high-touch. Just notice the most used spaces and keep them clean and disinfected.

Laundry Your Clothes

If you are going out even in this pandemic, you need to make sure that you wash your clothes immediately once you enter the home. It is because your dresses come in direct contact with numerous surfaces, and you never know which place is contaminated.

Washing your clothes in the machine can work okay in killing the germs. Just use your regular washing detergent and dry them out in the sun. It is a scientifically proven fact that sun rays help in killing diseases and germs. You can also wash your clothes in hot water if you want to be sure that they are entirely germ-free.

Moreover, you should also disinfect the surfaces that the clothes would come in contact with while drying, such as the clothing line, etc. You can clean these areas the natural way.

Clean Then Disinfect

Cleaning and disinfecting are separate, as explained before. For effective disinfection, you need first to clean all the surfaces of dirt and filth. After that, you can follow with spraying your disinfecting spray and wipe everything as usual.

Don’t Forget The Devices

Researchers from the University of Arizona have found that mobile phones carry ten times more bacteria than toilet seats. It is because we take our phones everywhere, and even though we wash our hands often, there is no way to clean our phones. However, under this situation of the pandemic, you should continuously disinfect your phone as well.

That does not mean you start washing your phone. You can keep a pack of alcohol wipes and wipe the surface of your phone at least twice a day.

Conclusion

Prevention is better than cure, and for a disease where the treatment is still not found, prevention is the only way to be safe. To counter COVID-19, maintaining a high level of personal and home hygiene is necessary. Keeping your house clean and disinfecting it at least once a day is imperative. If you are not going out and are avoiding any social contact, deep cleaning your house once a week will also be fine. However, the bottom line is still the same, and your house should say germ-free! Stay home, stay safe.

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10 House Cleaning Tricks That Save Time

November 28, 2017
Lillian Connors
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If your home can use a good thorough cleaning but you can’t really afford a professional, don’t worry. There are many cool cleaning tips pros use all the time that will make your cleaning fast and easy.

Remove clutter

The best way to start cleaning your home is to remove the things from counters, desk, coffee tables and shelves. Otherwise, you might be tempted to just clean around them or lift them and put them back on a wet surface. This can leave nasty ring marks and look like you haven’t done anything.

10 House Cleaning Tricks That Save Time

Do as much as you can in one take

It might seem easier, but don’t clean your living room today and leave the bathroom for tomorrow. This method actually takes more time than doing everything in one day. It’s better to do as much as you can in one take, so that you can relax tomorrow in your clean home.

Get organized

You’ll waste a lot of time running around your home to get the tool or cleaner you need. However, if you get a cleaning caddie, you’ll have everything at hand for fast and easy cleaning.

10 House Cleaning Tricks That Save Time

Remove distractions

Your home is full of distractions – from your TV, phone and music to rearranging figurines on the shelves and folding linen. All of these can make a two-hour cleaning job last four hours. So, turn off your electronics and leave detailed projects for another time. Concentrate on cleaning, and only cleaning, until your home is spotless.

Don’t forget the electronics

Many people forget to clean their electronics which either stay dirty, or they remember them in the end. So, turn off your electronics and wipe them with a lightly dampened microfiber cloth and remember never to spray cleaning products on the screen directly.

10 House Cleaning Tricks That Save Time

Invest in good cleaning supplies

If you want your cleaning to be fast and effective, don’t hesitate to invest a bit more money in high-quality cleaners and cleaning supplies. They will do a much better cleaning job, and they usually last longer than cheap cleaners. If you want your children to help you with cleaning, get products that are non-toxic and natural. There are even cleaners you can make yourself with only a few household items and they remove all sorts of stains.

Follow instructions from the label

Many people want to make cleaning easier and faster, so they tend to “overuse” the cleaning products. However, this will only result in greater expenses. So, if you really want to be effective, read the recommendations from the manufacturer, thus avoiding expensive mistakes. The instructions will tell you just how much product you need and where can you use it. Many products today are of better quality and employ more advanced technology, so they are much more effective.

Invest in good cleaning tools

Don’t use cheap knockoffs of professional cleaning tools. Of course, you don’t need industrial-quality tools, but don’t hesitate to invest in tools that are tested and guaranteed to do the job. If you opt for well-made tools they will last you a long time, and will be much more effective than their cheap counterparts. So, throw away that old sponge mop and opt for a terry-covered mop. Also, chuck or recycle your old vacuum in favor of powerful and practical Shark vacuums that are light and easy to handle, yet strong enough to tackle every cleaning job.

10 House Cleaning Tricks That Save Time

Vacuuming tricks

While we’re talking about vacuums, make sure you’re doing a good vacuuming job. The best way to tackle the room is to remove everything from the floors, move furniture and area rugs. Clear floors will allow you to move quickly and efficiently. Another vacuuming piece of advice is to do the dusting before vacuuming. This way you’ll get to pick up all dust particles that fall on the floor during dusting and save some precious time.

Continue with maintenance

Most households need thorough cleaning every two weeks. However, if you do a good maintaining job, some chores can be reduced to once a month!

Who needs expensive professional cleaners with cleaning tips like these? So, roll up your sleeves, grab your cleaning products and tools, and get to work. You’ll be done before you know it and your home will be sparkling clean.

 

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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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