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CLEANING TIPS In the Home

Dusting Tips – Easy Pointers to Keep Your Home Clean and Neat

Dusting should be a regular chore as it protects your family and household surfaces.  Hopefully, with our tips for dusting, the task will become easier and more efficient.

Dust is composed of items like human skin cells, fabric fibers, pet dander, dust mite excrement, as well as dirt and debris tracking inside.  Dust not only makes your home look dirty but causes scratches and damage to surfaces and can cause allergy and breathing concerns for some individuals.

Clean and Simple Cleaning™’s Dusting Tips

We recommend microfiber cloths for dusting.  It was for this purpose why scientist created Microfiber cloths.

Electrically-charged, microfiber cloths pick up dust instead of pushing it around as other ordinary cloths can do.  However, they are not magic materials. So you still need to make sure you are using the right technique.

Dust from top to bottom and left to right.  It is our motto for cleaning a room in general and stays right to dusting as well.  You should also start in the back and move forward and make sure you cover every part of the surface you are dusting.

It is not recommended to use furniture polish with the microfiber cloths.  However, some dusting jobs might require the use of polish.  Remember, do not use too much furniture polish as it causes build up.  The saying “a little goes a long way” rings true with furniture polish.  We use an industrial/commercial brand, but for choosing a brand at the store, we have found the biggest difference to be in the smell. So, it is a personal preference.

Dusting electronic appliances and furniture should take place weekly.  Duste door frames, ceiling fans, baseboards, and the like every two weeks. Alternatively, as long as there are not any major allergy issues, do it as needed

Another tip for dusting intricate knick knacks and decor is to use a clean paint brush, similar to how we recommended its use when detailing a car.

To remove cob webs from walls especially corners and high light fixtures, we recommend long dusters with a multi-flex all purpose duster.  These are bendable to allow you to get into all the tight spots and the covers are machine washable.

Leave a comment with any other dusting tips or questions about dusting!

Of course, if you just don’t want to worry about dusting your house, call us or fill out an online estimate form for regular service.  After all, your time is precious and our time is affordable.

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CLEANING TIPS FAMILY In the Home

Moving Tips To Make Your Move Less of a Hassle

The process of moving is a lot of work and is stressful even though the result is usually one of excitement and fun.  Based on my experience, (I have moved six times in the past 12 years) here are my top 8 Moving Tips!  Some might seem like common sense, but in the midst of a house full of boxes and a mind full of to-dos, it’s easy to overlook them.

Helpful Moving Tips

  1. Make a Plan!  Start with move date and work backward on the calendar and set goals along the way.  The plan should include all things about the move such as packing, changing address, and scheduling of appointments.
  2. Sell or donate items you don’t want.  Whether it’s Ebay worthy or garage sale ready, it should be up for sale or donated to a charity two weeks before moving day.  After all, moving cash is easier than boxes.  Make sure to have a sorting area set up during packing for donations and salable items.
  3. Color Code Rooms.  Assign each room a color and then mark each box going to that room in the same color.  Duct tape is ideal for this!  It will eliminate people continually asking you where things go on move-in day.  Make sure to make signs, marking each room with its color.
  4. Take a photo of electronic wiring.  If you are a visual person especially take a picture to see how all the components are connected, so you can make sense of all the wires again.  It seems like we all have lots of items hooked up to our TVs these days.  A quick photo might save you hours later.
  5. Make sure to pack your toiletries to avoid spillage and breakage.  Place saran wrap over containers and then put lids back on your perfume, shampoos, and the like.  Also, add a cotton ball to your powder and other compacts to avoid your makeup from breaking.
  6. Pack an overnight bag containing all the essentials.  It is likely after a long day of moving; you aren’t going to want to unpack and try to find things.  If you have kids, have them pack a backpack with their ‘essentials,’ so you don’t end up searching for one exceptional stuffed animal.
  7. Complete packing before anyone comes to help you move.  It will allow your movers (professional or not) to be more efficient.  It will alleviate some stress for you and over all just make the day run more smoothly.
  8. Pre-Clean the House!  It is always easier to clean house before you move your stuff into it.  It’s wonderfully helpful to get a deep cleaning of the bathrooms and kitchen.

Of course, if you are still getting things organized and packed, call Clean & Simple Cleaning to help you with the last tip.  Our move out/ move in cleanings consist of deep cleaning the entire house including in and out of cabinetry and kitchen appliances.

We hope these Moving Tips have been helpful to you.  Please leave any other moving tips you might have picked up along the way in the comment section.

Want A Move-in Move-out Cleaning Estimate?

Call (425) 673-4733 or request a house cleaning estimate online today!

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home In the Kitchen

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances and even counter tops and sinks have become very popular in the past few years, and the trend seems to be continuing.  I agree stainless steel appliances give a clean, sleek appearance to a kitchen, but scratches and fingerprints can easily take over and ruin the look.

If you search online or ask your friends on Facebook, you will probably hear water, Windex or even baby oil as the best stainless steel cleaners.  All of these may work, but here are some cleaning tips from Clean & Simple Cleaning to always keep the stainless steel in your home looking great.

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

Routine cleaning of Stainless Steel

One can accomplish it by using warm water and a cloth. It is the least risky option for cleaning stainless steel. Furthermore, honestly, just plain water works to clean in most situations.  Wipe down the appliances when you notice marks.

Dry Appliances and Stainless Steel Surfaces

Make sure to dry stainless steel with a towel or cloth after cleaning or spill to prevent water spots. It is essential since minerals in water can leave marks on stainless steel.

Follow the Stainless Steel Grain

Wipe in the directions of the polish lines for best and most beautiful results and to eliminate scratching the surface.

Use Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These cloths are a great option to use when cleaning stainless steel. It is because Microfiber cleaning cloths do a great job in absorbing all of the water. Also, microfiber cleaning cloths are gentle, so it does not scratch.

Use Specialized Stainless Steel Cleaner

Use a specialized stainless steel cleaner for a polished clean on a continual basis.  You should spray it directly on the cloth to control how much you use, eliminate getting any residue on the floor or cabinets and eliminate drip marks on the stainless steel surface.  Clean & Simple Cleaning uses Sprayway’s Stainless Steel Cleaner and Polish.

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home PETS

House cleaning for Dogs owners

House cleaning for Dogs owners is not impossible. However, it does require some changes in your cleaning routine.

When I recently broke down and said yes to getting a dog, I felt like I was relatively prepared.  Personally, I had had several conversations about the responsibilities that go along with having a pet.  I had made sure there was room in my budget for the extra expenses such as food, vet bills, and the like.

I had researched the best products for dogs, talked to friends about their dogs, and decided on a training class that my boys and I could take our new four-legged member of the family to.  Then we got her, and I realized I was not really prepared at all.

Our sweet Misty Girl does not always make it outside to go to the bathroom. I knew that was going to be the case, but she did well the first few days. So, I got my hopes up!), she will not come down the stairs by herself, but oh how she loves going up them, and my house just didn’t smell as fresh as before, and my floors were in need of constant cleaning.

She does like to play with the boys, comes running to the door to greet me,  gives puppy hugs and kisses and overall is a sweet, smart and well-behaved puppy who we are all in love.  So, here are a few pointers I have found when  House cleaning for Dogs owners.

House cleaning for Dog Owners

  • Baking soda is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your carpets smelling fresh.

    • Sprinkle a small amount on the carpet and let it sit for a few hours and then simply vacuum it up.
  • Freshen up the house with baking soda is to make your air freshener.

    • Combine 1/4 cup baking soda with water in a spray bottle and shake well.  (You can add vanilla extract, cinnamon or essential oils as well)  The baking soda absorbs the pet (or other unpleasant) odor.  Vinegar sprayed in the air also takes away dog smells.
  • Place a fabric softener sheet next to your pet’s favorite spots.

    • We decided not to let Misty up on furniture. However, she already found her favorite spots to lay around the house. One of her spots is right next to the couch.  I placed a fabric softener sheet under the cushion next to where she lays to also fight against the doggie odor.  She also has a blanket that she lays on which I make sure to wash weekly.
  • Put mats both inside and outside the door to cut down the dirt from even entering the house

    • There is a lot more in and out of the house now, so we have made a habit for her (HA! really it is a habit for the humans of the house!) to wipe her paws at the door. It is also recommended to put mats in the  inside and outside the door to cut down the dirt from even entering the house.
  • Clean up accidents immediately, so your dog does not think that that spot is her/his toilet.

    • Don’t use cleaners with ammonia as they smell like urine to dogs.  A homemade cleaner you can use for pet accidents is fairly simple to make. It consists of mixing 1 quart of hot water, one teaspoon of dish soap and one teaspoon white vinegar.  Blot the area with towels, wet with the homemade cleaner and let it sit for 15 minutes before you blot again.
  • Always keep a mat under their food bowl to help with easy cleanup and to keep most of the food/water debris off of your floor.

  • Vacuum fairly often.

    • I have increased my vacuuming since Misty joined our household to every two days.  It is not a deep cleaning type of vacuuming but does cut down on fur. Which is not too big of a problem yet, but know as she grows, so will the hair issue.

Keeping a house clean when you have pets is not necessarily harder. Furthermore, not impossible but, it does require different routines.  A little training for your dog and yourself (and kids!) will help ensure you succeed at maintaining a clean house.

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CLEANING TIPS GREEN HOUSEKEEPING In the Home

Paper Clutter Solutions

Paper clutter can be overwhelming to deal with, that much is true.  It is amazing in the digital world we live in how much paper comes into the average household.  The amount of mail received, the piles of paper from kid’s schools and extracurricular organizations, the paper clutter can be overwhelming.  After all, we often describe clutter as ‘postponed decisions.’

Here are a few paper clutter solutions for your home.

First, (and possibly the most critical for long-term success) set a dedicated space and time to go through the mail and school work.  Whether it is in the foyer, the kitchen or the den, make sure it is close to garbage, recycle container, family calendar, and some basic office supplies.

Secondly, make decisions immediately about most of the items.  For instance, transfer dates to calendars and recycle all notices and junk mail.   Designate a holding place for all mail or school papers that need action/attention at a later time for instance bills, field trip forms or book orders.

Lastly, have a plan to deal with the sentimental papers such as artwork, homework assignments kids are proud of and note from friends which are treasures to them.  A few exceptional pieces may make it to the refrigerator or an art wall where they can admire and show off.  Most, however, should instantly be placed in a designated bin for each child.  If it is too bulky to fit, take a picture of it.  If it is something that could stick to or ruin other papers, put it in a sheet protector first.  During the summer, then you can go through each of the boxes with your child and reminisce over their achievements throughout the past school year.  Then make decisions of what items go into their forever keepsakes and what items can now be recycled or thrown out.

These paper clutter solutions can keep you from feeling overwhelmed by the piles of paperwork in your home.

What are the ways you handle paper clutter or any clutter from building up in your house?

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home

Choosing Paint Colors to Turn Your House into Your Home

There is no doubt that coming home to a clean house puts you in a good mood, but there are more layers than just a clean home that can affect your mood at home.  

Did you know? New paint colors can make one of the biggest differences in bringing out your personality. Moreover, it makes your house feel more like a home making choosing paint colors a significant decision.

Colors provoke feelings.  Even a child will tell you that yellow is a happy color, so while we might not realize it, room color can influence our thoughts and moods on a daily basis.

Consider your color preferences, the room’s purpose and the feelings colors can provoke when choosing paint colors and hues.

Light colors can make a room seem bigger and brighter while dark colors add a sophisticated and intimate feeling.

Here is a brief overview of attributes different colors can offer.

Red is the most intense of the colors and has even been proven to raise blood pressure and increase heart rate.  It is typically used in living and dining rooms as it draws people together provoking conversation.

Yellow, as mentioned before, communicates happiness and is energizing.  We generally find it in kitchens and bathrooms.  Yellow is not often found in large rooms as many believe it that, in large amounts, it has the opposite impact on people. It causes them to feel frustrated and angry.

Orange is an energetic color and creates enthusiasm which is ideal for use in a den or workout area.

Blue is often found in bedrooms as it is considered serene and calming.  Lighter hues of blue typically encourage relaxation while darker shades can cause feelings of sadness.

Green is a popular choice for all rooms in homes. It is since it combines the qualities of relaxation from blue and the happiness of yellow and promotes togetherness.

Purple evokes different feelings based on the hue.  A darker shade such as eggplant acts like a red. While having a lighter tone like lilac is similar to light shades of blue and is calming.

If adding color to your walls seems too risky there are lots of neutral shades that can be used to freshen up space. and the color can be brought in using furniture, wall hangings, and other accessories.

Think about your family’s lifestyle and choose paint colors wisely.  When your house is full of colors that speak to you, you will love coming home.  Your home is your space to grow with your family, rejuvenate your mind and be comfortable, so it is important that it feels like you.

Share with us how you go about choosing paint colors for your house.

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CLEANING TIPS FAMILY GREEN HOUSEKEEPING In the Home

House Cleaning Tip: Natural Cleansers for Porcelain and Tile

Keep your house’s bathrooms and kitchen tile of your house spotless and hygienic with these natural cleansers…

Baking Soda and Water
Dust your surfaces with baking soda, then scrub with a moist sponge or cloth. If you have tougher grime, sprinkle on some kosher salt, and work up some elbow grease.

Lemon Juice or Vinegar
Got stains, mildew or grease streaks? Spray or douse with lemon juice or vinegar. Let sit a few minutes, then scrub with a stiff brush. Your home will thank you for it.

Disinfectant
Instead of bleach, make your own disinfectant by mixing 2 cups of water, 3 tablespoons of liquid soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. It’s easy!

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home

House Cleaning Tip: Lemon Oil Duster

House Cleaning Tip: Lemon Oil Duster

Lemon Oil Duster is an awesome cleaning material to have especially if you have a lot of wooden furniture to clean. Most of the today’s commercially available lemon oil is not all natural but may also include petroleum distillates. Contact and connect with herbalists to acquire pure sources of lemon oil. Traditionally, the usage of lemon oil for furniture maintenance is highly recommended, because of its lubricating and antiseptic properties.

How to create Lemon Oil Duster

Ingredients:

  • Ten (10) drops lemon oil
  • Two (2) tablespoons lemon juice
  • A few drops olive oil or jojoba

Preparations:

  • In a container, combine all the ingredients, and mix until the mixture is ready.
  • Soak a soft recycled cloth, such as one of flannel, in the lemon oil mixture, and wipe furniture. Repeat as necessary.