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Preparing for Late Summer Adventures: How a Clean Home Can Help

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Are you ready to make your home a comfort zone for your grand finale of summer?

As summer draws to a close, the desire for one last adventure grows stronger. Yet, the thought of returning to a messy home can dampen even the most exciting plans. A clean home provides peace of mind and happiness but also sets the stage. By focusing on essential cleaning tasks, individuals can create a comfortable environment to return to after their final warm-weather outings.

For those seeking the Top luxury cleaning services in Snohomish County, maintaining a clean environment is crucial for complete comfort and readiness for new experiences. From organizing key areas to establishing a cleaning schedule, readers will discover how to create a pristine home with summer fun, ensuring they’re fully prepared to make the most of the season’s final days.

The Clean Home Affects Mental Health

How Cleanliness Affects Mental Well-being

A clean and organized living space has a significant impact on mental health. Research shows that individuals with cleaner homes report greater levels of health compared to those with cluttered spaces. Cleaning your surroundings can be a form of stress relief. It provides a sense of control and has a calming effect by engaging cognitive capacity in repetitive activities.

The Role of Order in Reducing Stress

Order and structure in the outer environment help manage internal emotional states. A 2017 study found that clutter was linked to procrastination, feeling overwhelmed, and lower quality of life in young adults. Clearing away clutter allows the brain to focus on tasks one at a time, reducing overstimulation from too many visual stimuli. This increased ability to concentrate can lead to improved mental health.

Clean Spaces as Motivation for Adventure

A tidy living environment can serve as a motivator for new experiences and adventures. By creating a clean and organized space, individuals prepare themselves mentally for upcoming activities. A clutter-free home provides a sense of readiness and reduces the stress associated with returning to a messy environment after an outing. This psychological preparation can enhance the enjoyment of late summer adventures and make the transition back home more pleasant.

For those in need of Premier home cleaning in Everett or Professional cleaning services near me in Lynnwood, focusing on essential areas will help create a welcoming atmosphere.

The entryway serves as the first impression of a home and often becomes a dumping ground for various items. To prepare for late summer adventures, it’s crucial to organize this space 

Essential Areas to Focus on for Late Summer Cleaning

Entryway Organization Effectively. A well-organized entryway creates a welcoming atmosphere and reduces stress upon returning home.

To achieve this, consider implementing the following:

  • Install a credenza, console, or long table for storage and aesthetic appeal.
  • Use baskets for storing shoes, sunglasses, and other small items.
  • Place a designated catch-all plate or bowl for keys and wallets.
  • Add hooks for hanging coats, hats, and bags.
  • Utilize under-cabinet space for additional storage.

For families, consider assigning individual storage spaces, such as lockers or sturdy bins, to keep everyone’s belongings separate and easily accessible.

Kitchen and Dining Area Refresh

A clean and organized kitchen is important for enjoying late summer activities. Here are some of the cleaning tasks that you can do:

  • Clean as you go while cooking to maintain tidiness.
  • Wipe down cabinets, counters, and appliances weekly.
  • Organize kitchen drawers and cabinets regularly.
  • Create designated zones for different activities (e.g., prep, coffee, cooking).
  • Incorporate fresh flowers and herbs to bring summer indoors.
  • Setting up a breakfast station can make mornings more enjoyable for family and guests, allowing for leisurely starts to summer days.

Bedroom and Bathroom Overhaul

A refreshing room creates a relaxing atmosphere for winding down after summer adventures. Here are some of the cleaning tasks that you can do in your room:

  • Bedroom:
    • Rearrange furniture to create a fresh look.
    • Introduce summer-themed pillows and throws.
    • Use low-maintenance plants for a touch of nature.
  • Bathroom:
    • Create vignettes using decorative items on tub surrounds or small tables.
    • Incorporate white linens for a crisp summer feel.
    • Add scented candles and luxurious bath products.
    • Use a mix of fresh, dried, and faux flowers for decoration.

For those looking for Trusted cleaners in Bothell or High-end residential cleaning in Woodinville, focusing on these essential areas will help ensure a cleaner, more inviting home.

Balancing Home Cleanliness with Summer Fun

Maintaining a clean home during summer doesn’t have to interfere with enjoying the season. By implementing efficient strategies and involving family members, individuals can strike a balance between cleanliness and summer activities.

Quick Cleaning Hacks

Homeowners can employ a “clean as you go” strategy to maintain housekeeping without sacrificing leisure time. This includes routinely cleaning kitchen appliances, mopping countertops, and organizing living areas. Maintaining order and creating a comfortable environment to wake up to every morning can be achieved with a nightly routine that includes giving the house a quick once-over, picking up stray items, and fluffing pillows.

Involving Family Members in Cleaning Tasks

To maintain a clean house over the summer needs a team cleaning strategy. Parents can help their children with age-appropriate chores like dusting, cleaning windows, and mirrors. This helps kids learn responsibility and a sense of ownership over their home environment in addition to distributing the burden. Using chore charts or creating a cleaning plan might assist family members in knowing their duties without the need for continuous reminders.

Creating Clean Areas for Relaxation

Designating specific areas as “sanitized areas” can provide spaces for relaxation amidst summer activities. These zones can be maintained with minimal effort, such as keeping outdoor cushions and pillows clean and bringing them inside during inclement weather. By focusing on these areas, families can enjoy clean, comfortable spaces for relaxation without feeling overwhelmed by constant cleaning demands.

Conclusion

A clean and organized home has a significant impact on our mental well-being and readiness for late summer adventures. By focusing on key areas like the entryway, kitchen, and bedrooms, we can create a welcoming space that sets the stage for enjoyable outings. This approach not only reduces stress but also makes the transition back home more pleasant, allowing us to fully savor the final days of summer.

Balancing home cleanliness with summer fun is achievable through quick cleaning hacks, involving family members, and creating clean zones for relaxation. These strategies help maintain a clean living environment without sacrificing your time to relax. By adopting these practices and considering professional assistance from services like Top luxury cleaning services in Snohomish County or High-end residential cleaning in Woodinville, we can enjoy a happier, cleaner home that enhances our late summer experiences and leaves us feeling refreshed and ready to embrace new adventures.

 

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CLEANING TIPS In the Kitchen

4 Expert Tips for A Clean Fridge in 2018

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Tips for a Clean Fridge

Tackling Tough Fridge Problems

A clean fridge not only looks good but also helps prevent foodborne illnesses. Here are some tips to keep your fridge fresh and organized:

Regular Cleaning

  • Weekly wipe-down: Quickly clean up spills and crumbs to prevent buildup.  
  • Deep clean monthly: Empty the fridge, remove shelves and drawers, and wash them with warm, soapy water.

Cleaning Solutions

  • Baking soda and water: A gentle yet effective cleaner for removing odors and grime.
  • White vinegar: Cuts through grease and helps eliminate odors.   
  • Commercial fridge cleaners: Available in various forms, but check for strong scents that might transfer to food.

Organization

  • Label shelves and drawers: This helps with organization and prevents items from getting lost.   
  • First in, first out: Rotate food items to ensure freshness.
  • Store similar items together: This makes it easier to find what you need.

Preventing Odors

  • Baking soda box: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge to absorb odors.  
  • Vinegar solution: Soak cotton balls in vinegar and place them in the fridge.
  • Coffee grounds: Used coffee grounds can also help absorb odors.

Additional Tips

  • Clean spills immediately: The quicker you clean up spills, the easier they are to remove.
  • Check expiration dates: Regularly check for expired items and discard them.
  • Defrost regularly: If you have a manual defrost fridge, defrost it to prevent ice buildup.

Fridge Storage Tips

  • Proper food storage: Store meat and poultry on the bottom shelf to prevent drips.
  • Temperature control: Keep your fridge temperature at or below 40°F (4°C) to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Leftover storage: Cover leftovers tightly to prevent odors and contamination.
  • Think you don’t have time for this project? Real Simple Magazine offers a checklist on how to speed-clean the fridge in 20 minutes or less.

Fridge-Friendly Cleaning Schedule

  • Daily: Wipe up spills immediately and check for expired items.
  • Weekly: Give shelves and drawers a quick wipe-down.
  • Monthly: Deep clean the entire fridge, including shelves and drawers.

Organizing small items:

  • Use bins and containers: Organize small items like condiments, sauces, and drinks in clear containers for easy visibility.
  • Door shelves for frequently used items: Keep items you use often, like milk and juice, on the door shelves for quick access.
  • A New York Times Fridge Cleaning Tips article offers a list of supplies you’ll need for the clean-out.  The list includes trash bags; rubber or disposable gloves; cleaning solution; a Dobie pad; sponges, rags or paper towels; microfiber cloths and a cooler for perishables, which suggests their method takes quite a bit longer than 20 minutes.
  • Martha Stewart probably hasn’t cleaned out a fridge herself in decades, but she gives helpful advice on what you can do daily, weekly and seasonally, so that your fridge doesn’t become a hazmat nightmare.
  • Here’s a tip from us: If you aren’t the DIY type—or you’d rather be doing anything else but cleaning your refrigerator, call Clean & Simple Cleaning and let us handle the job for you, and throw in the rest of the house while you’re at it.

If you missed “National Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day” on November 15, January is a great month for getting the job done. Give your fridge a fresh start for the New Year then pack it with fresh fruits and vegetables.  Make a clean fridge your starting point for all other New Year’s resolutions.  Think how good you’ll feel after purging all those partially used condiments and sauces, that aging cheese that’s not supposed to be moldy, the mystery meat in the cold cut drawer, and the hard brown ball in the back of the produce drawer that used to be a lime.

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home In the Kitchen

How Often Should You Clean – The Science Behind House Cleaning

science of cleaning
Ever wondered how often should you clean and scrub the bathtub, clean inside the fridge or wipe out the microwave? Scientists are wondering too.

A recent article by Sophie Miura, published by Domaine (TNS), cites scientific research that suggests we should probably do it more often than we think.

Cleaning the toilet more often than the tub? Then, Consider this: the typical bathtub harbors more skin-infection bacteria than a garbage can. How often should you clean it? Like the toilet, it should be cleaned at least once a week.

The salad drawers in your fridge can contain 750 times the safe level of bacteria. So, how often should you clean it? Well, we recommend to clean them out monthly. Furthermore, platters in the microwave are ripe for bacterial growth as well. The article recommends wiping down the microwave once a week and doing a deeper clean monthly.

Kitchen countertops are dirtiest around the sink. How often should you clean it? Wipe the surface every day. Change sponges and washcloths weekly.

And if you are reading this while eating at your desk, know that one study found “keyboards harbor five times the bacteria found on a toilet seat” and “10% of people never clean them.”  The article recommends a disinfectant spray once a week for the keyboard and mouse. Use a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to get between the keys.

Consider having your home professionally cleaned periodically. A professional cleaning service such as Clean and Simple can offer you peace of mind as well as free up your time. You can book one-time cleanings with us or we can quote you a flat rate for regular service weekly, biweekly or every 3 weeks.

So put down that dirty sponge and call or email us to make an appointment for your free in-home estimate.

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In the Kitchen

HAPPY SPRING!

peep smores

Happy Spring Everybody! Peep season is once again upon us. For some folks, forsythia and daffodils are harbingers of spring. While for others, spring is all about those sugar-coated, neon pastel marshmallow critters.  You either love ‘em or you hate ‘em–but at this time of year, you can’t escape them.

Peeps are not just for Easter baskets. Pittsburgh-based blogger, Jessica Merchant, came up with a clever idea for Chocolate-Peanut Butter Peeps Skillet S’Mores.  You will find the recipe on her blog, How Sweet It Is. Just click here –> How to Make Chocolate-Peanut Butter Peep Skillet S’Mores. 

Dig into this gooey treat. All while we celebrate the season of renewal. While you’re at it, don’t forget spring is a great time to schedule a one-time deep clean of your home. Call us and we’ll make it happen! Happy Spring to all from Clean and Simple Cleaning™!

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In the Kitchen ORGANIZATION TIPS

Boost Kitchen Efficiency with 3 Pantry Organization Tips

organized pantry

Here are three Pantry Organization Tips to increase your efficiency in the kitchen.  Having an organized pantry will save you time and money since you will no longer waste time to search for items or waste money on buying duplicates of items.

Pantry Organization Tips

1. Remove everything from the shelves of your pantry, so you can easily start sorting the items and thoroughly wipe down all of the shelves including the corners.

2. Next, begin to sort by grouping like items together; such as baking supplies, kids lunch box items, etc…  Make sure to get rid of any items that are expired or suspicious looking. This will immediately free up some space in your pantry.

3. Place the grouped items into plastic trays or bins for easy access. Slide the bins/trays back into the pantry placing the most used items at eye level and in the front.  For some items, it might be easier to add shelves with different levels rather than trays or bins as it is easier to see all items when they are on tiered shelving.  Make sure to add labels to your bins. It to make it easier to keep liked items grouped and find the items quickly.

Another general guideline to increase efficiency in the kitchen is to add a shopping list pad of paper in the pantry, so you can quickly jot down those pantry staples you are running low on.  This will allow you to always have your pantry stocked with the desired items.

It doesn’t take too much time or energy to follow these pantry organization tips. However, in the long run, they will save you money and time making you more efficient and hopefully more at ease.

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CLEANING TIPS In the Home In the Kitchen

Cleaning Stainless Steel Appliances

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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.