When it comes to cleaning your bedroom, there is nothing quite like a deep clean. A deep clean of your bedroom requires more effort and time than a regular cleaning, and the results are worth it. Not only will your bedroom look and feel better, but your overall wellbeing will improve as well. With this guide, you will learn how to deep clean your bedroom, when to hire a house cleaning service, and how to maintain a clean bedroom.
Introduction to a Deep Clean
A deep clean is a comprehensive cleaning of your bedroom or any other area of your home. It goes beyond the basics of regular cleaning, such as dusting and vacuuming, to include more thorough tasks. A deep clean of your bedroom should include dusting and vacuuming, but it should also include cleaning the windows, washing the curtains and blinds, and cleaning the carpets.
It is important to note that a deep clean is not the same as a spring cleaning. While a deep clean is a thorough cleaning of your bedroom, a spring cleaning is an annual event that involves cleaning the entire home. A deep clean of your bedroom should be done at least once a month, while a spring cleaning is done once a year.
Benefits of a Deep Clean
The most obvious benefit of a deep clean of your bedroom is that it will make your room look and feel better. Dust and dirt can build up over time, and a deep clean can help to remove it. Additionally, a deep clean can help to reduce allergens and other irritants in your bedroom, making it a healthier environment.
Cleaning your bedroom can also help to reduce stress levels. A cluttered and disorganized room can be overwhelming, but a deep clean of your bedroom can help to create a sense of order. This, in turn, can help to reduce stress levels and improve your overall wellbeing.
Preparing to Deep Clean Your Bedroom
Before you begin a deep clean of your bedroom, it is important to take some time to prepare. This will help to ensure that the cleaning process goes smoothly and that you are able to get the most out of the deep clean.
The first step in preparing to deep clean your bedroom is to declutter. Remove any items that are no longer needed or used, and organize the items that are staying. This will make it easier to clean and will help to maximize the effectiveness of the deep clean.
Next, you should gather all of the materials and supplies you will need for the deep clean. This should include a vacuum cleaner, dusting cloths, cleaning products, and any other items that you may need.
How to Deep Clean Your Bedroom
Once you have prepared for the deep clean, you are ready to begin. Start by vacuuming the floors, rugs, and carpets. Pay special attention to the areas that tend to collect dust, such as under the bed and in the corners.
Next, dust all surfaces and furniture. Be sure to dust the ceiling fans, window sills, and any other hard-to-reach areas. Once you have finished dusting, use a damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces.
After that, you can move on to cleaning the windows and window coverings. Vacuum the curtains and blinds, and then use a cleaning product to wash them. For the windows, use a glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth to clean the glass and the frames.
Once the windows and window coverings have been cleaned, it is time to move on to the other areas of the bedroom. Vacuum the mattress and the box spring, and then use a cleaning product to spot clean any stains. Vacuum the furniture, and then use a cleaning product to spot clean any stains or spills.
Finally, mop the floors and vacuum the carpets. Once you have finished, your bedroom should be sparkling clean. If you have tile floors in your bedroom, check out our tips for how to tackle tile floors and grout.
Cleaning Tips for Your Bedroom
When it comes to cleaning your bedroom, there are a few tips that can help make the process easier. First, use a vacuum cleaner with a HEPA filter to remove dust, dirt, and other allergens from the air. This will help to reduce the number of irritants in your bedroom.
Second, use a damp cloth to dust surfaces instead of a dry cloth. This will help to pick up more dust and dirt, and will also help to reduce the amount of dust that is kicked up into the air.
Third, use a mild cleaning product to clean surfaces and furniture. Stronger cleaning products can damage the surfaces and furniture, so it is best to use a gentler product to avoid any damage.
Finally, use a lint-free cloth to clean windows and window coverings. This will help to prevent any streaks or smears from forming.
When to Hire a House Cleaning Service
A deep clean of your bedroom is an intensive process, and it can be difficult to do it on your own. If you are unable to do a deep clean of your bedroom yourself, it may be time to consider hiring a house cleaning service.
House cleaning services can provide a thorough deep clean of your bedroom, and they can do it in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself. Additionally, they can provide a level of cleaning that you may not be able to achieve on your own.
It is important to note that a deep clean of your bedroom is not the same as a regular house cleaning. A deep clean is a more intensive process, and it should be done at least once a month. A regular house cleaning is a less intensive process, and it should be done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
First, ask for recommendations from friends, family, and neighbors. They may be able to provide you with the names of reputable house cleaning services in your area.
Second, research the different house cleaning services in your area. Read reviews and check out their websites to get an idea of the services they offer and the quality of their work.
Finally, make sure to ask questions before hiring a house cleaning service. Make sure to inquire about their rates, services, and policies. This will help to ensure that you are getting the best service for your money. With Essentials Cleaner you get quality cleaners backed with a happiness guarantee.
Essential Cleaning Supplies for Your Bedroom
When it comes to deep cleaning your bedroom, there are a few essential cleaning supplies that you will need. These include a vacuum cleaner, dusting cloths, cleaning products, a lint-free cloth, and a mop.
A vacuum cleaner is essential for picking up dust, dirt, and other allergens from the floors and carpets. Dusting cloths are also essential for removing dust from surfaces and furniture.
Cleaning products are also essential for deep cleaning your bedroom. You will need a mild cleaning product for surfaces and furniture, as well as a glass cleaner for the windows.
Finally, a lint-free cloth and a mop are essential for cleaning the windows and the floors. The lint-free cloth will help to prevent any streaks or smears from forming on the windows, while the mop will help to make the floors sparkle.
Tips for Maintaining a Clean Bedroom
Once you have completed a deep clean of your bedroom, it is important to maintain it. This will help to ensure that your bedroom remains clean and organized.
One of the best ways to maintain a clean bedroom is to stay on top of the cleaning. This means vacuuming and dusting on a regular basis, as well as spot cleaning any spills or stains.
Another tip for maintaining a clean bedroom is to declutter regularly. This means getting rid of any items that are no longer needed or used. This will help to keep the bedroom organized and will make it easier to clean.
Finally, it is important to have a cleaning schedule. This will help to ensure that you are staying on top of the cleaning and that your bedroom remains clean and organized.
Conclusion
A deep clean of your bedroom is an important part of maintaining a clean and healthy environment. With this guide, you will learn how to deep clean your bedroom, when to hire a house cleaning service, and how to maintain a clean bedroom. By taking the time to deep clean your bedroom and maintain it, you can improve your overall wellbeing and create a more pleasant living environment.
Did you know that the dirtiest places in your house are probably also the most unassuming? Even though it’s not exactly something you think about, your home is filled with hidden germs and bacteria. These surfaces can be breeding grounds for all kinds of nasty stuff, which is why it’s important to clean them regularly to avoid getting sick. If you’re anything like me, then you might cringe a little bit when thinking about cleaning your house. Perhaps images of bending awkwardly over laundry baskets or scrubbing grimy bathroom tiles come to mind… But don’t worry! Cleaning doesn’t have to be a nightmare. In fact, once you know where germs lurk and how they thrive, keeping things tidy becomes second nature.
Kitchen sink
Your kitchen sink is a breeding ground for bacteria, especially if you forgot to clean it after chopping raw meat on it. The best way to clean your kitchen sink is to use antibacterial spray and hot soapy water. Make sure to scrub the corners and other hard-to-reach areas. You should also clean the faucet regularly. Bacteria can build up under the faucet, which can then drip back into the sink and contaminate your food. If you want to clean the sink quickly and efficiently, use a sponge or scrubber that has disinfectant built in. And if you have children or pets, use kid-friendly cleaners and be sure to clean underneath the sink regularly.
Bathroom sinks
Just like kitchen sinks, bathroom sinks are breeding grounds for bacteria and germs. You should clean them regularly using antibacterial cleanser. In addition to cleaning the surface, you should also check for cracks and holes. If you find any, you should seal them with silicone. To avoid clogging the drain, you should clean the sink regularly. You should also clean the walls and back of the toilet regularly as these are two of the dirtiest areas in the bathroom. You can vacuum them or use a disinfectant cleaning spray.
Shower and tub
Shower walls and tubs are perfect places for bacteria to thrive. Make sure to clean them regularly to avoid getting sick. You can use a scrub brush or a cleaning sponge to clean the walls and floor of the shower and tub. Make sure to use gloves while cleaning the walls and floors to avoid germs getting into your hands. You can also use disinfectant spray to clean your shower. You can also use a squeegee to clean the walls and the floor of your tub after each use.
Toilet bowl
The toilet bowl is one of the dirtiest places in your house. You can disinfect it using bleach and water. To do so, mix a few drops of bleach with water and pour the mixture into the toilet bowl. Let it sit for 30 minutes and then flush the toilet. You can also use disinfectant wipes to clean the toilet bowl. To clean grout between tiles, use bleach and water.
Floor tiles
Carpeted areas are not the only places in your home that bacteria can thrive. Floor tiles are also ideal for bacteria to grow, especially in humid environments, such as bathrooms and kitchens. Taking care of and cleaning your tile flooring doesn’t have to be a huge chore. Wants some tips on tile floor cleaning? Read more in our “How to Clean Tile Flooring” article.
Doors and windowsills
Doors and windowsills are some of the dirtiest places in your house. You can use disinfectant wipes to clean them. You should also regularly clean your closets and drawers as these are also ideal places for bacteria to grow. You should also clean your shoes regularly as these are another ideal place for bacteria to live.
Drying rack for your laundry
Your laundry drying rack is a great place for bacteria to thrive. You should make sure to clean it regularly. You can use bleach to clean it. You can also use disinfectant wipes to clean the drying rack.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this article has helped you recognize the hidden germs and bacteria in your home so you can clean them and keep them out of your life. Remember, these places are ideal for bacteria to thrive, so make sure to clean them regularly to avoid getting sick. One of the best ways you can keep these elusively dirty spots clean is by hiring a home cleaning service. Check out our house cleaning services if you’re look for professional help to keep your house sparkling.
Image Source: FreeImages
Who wants to spend all their time cleaning? Sadly, no one. That’s why people love tile floors. A quick wipe with a mop or a bucket of soapy water is usually enough to keep them looking clean and tidy. But if your tile floor ever gets really grimy, there are some specific things you need to know in order to make it look its best again. This guide is filled with expert advice on the ins and outs of cleaning and maintaining tile floors, including tips on how not to damage the surface when mopping it, the best way to tackle stubborn stains, what products are safe for use on tile floors, and much more…
What You Should Know About Cleaning Tile Floors
A tile floor is made up of individual tiles that are usually made from ceramic, porcelain, stone, or slate. Depending on the type of tiles you have, you may need to take some special precautions when cleaning them to make sure they stay in good condition. Before you start cleaning your tile floor, you need to know what type of tile it is. If you don’t know what type of tile you have, you can find out by removing one of the tiles and checking the underside. Look for markings that indicate the tile’s name and type. Before you start cleaning your tile floor, you also need to know what kind of grout you have. Grout is the substance that fills the cracks between tiles. Most types of grout are porous and can stain easily.
How to Vacuum a Tile Floor
If you want a quick, easy clean on your tile floor, a vacuum cleaner is the perfect tool for the job. But you do have to be careful. There are a few things you need to know about how to vacuum a tile floor. – First of all, avoid using a rotating brush on your vacuum cleaner when cleaning your tile floor. Grout is porous and can be easily damaged and stained by bristles that are too strong. – If your vacuum cleaner has suction controls, make sure that you turn it down to the lowest setting possible when cleaning your tile floor. – Make sure to use a wide head on your vacuum cleaner nozzle. You want to make sure that you are covering as much of the floor as possible with each sweep of the nozzle. – Make sure that you vacuum your tile floor as soon as it’s dirty. Wet grout is much more likely to stain than dry grout.
How to Mop a Tile Floor
If you have a relatively clean tile floor, a good water-based mop and some plain water will be enough to keep your tile floor clean and looking great. If you have a relatively clean tile floor, a good water-based mop and some plain water will be enough to keep it clean and looking great. But if you have a really dirty tile floor, you may need to use something stronger to tackle tough stains. If you have a really dirty tile floor, you may need to use something stronger to tackle tough stains. But be careful when choosing a cleaner for your tile floor. Some common products, such as bleach and vinegar, can stain tile floors and grout lines. There are special tile floor cleaning products that are made to be safe for use on a tile floor, such as Bissell Little Green Professional. The best way to mop a tile floor is to start at the outside edge of the room and work your way in.
How to Mop a Ceramic Tile Floor
Ceramic tile floors are usually relatively easy to clean, but you may still have to do a little more than just mopping with water in some cases. If your ceramic tile floor is really dirty, you may need to use a stronger cleaner with enzymes to break down tough stains and odors. You may also want to use a scrub to help remove built-up dirt and grime. Choosing a mop for your ceramic tile floor is important. It’s best to avoid using a sponge mop on ceramic floors, as sponges can easily scratch the floor and leave it dull. Instead, choose a mop with a soft, microfiber head. This will be gentle on the floor while still being effective at cleaning it.
How to Mop a Marble Tile Floor
Maintaining a marble tile floor is similar to maintaining a ceramic tile floor. You want to avoid spilling or spraying water directly on the surface of your marble tile floor. This can cause water stains on the tile surface. A microfiber mop is the best choice for cleaning a marble tile floor. A sponge mop can scratch the surface and cause it to look dull and worn. Avoid using strong chemical cleaners on your marble tile floor. Some common household cleaners can etch the surface, causing permanent damage to the tile.
How to Bleach a Tile Floor
If you have a really stubborn stain on your tile floor, you may want to consider bleaching it. You want to be careful when bleaching a tile floor, though. If you use too much bleach, or if you leave it on the floor for too long, you can damage your tile floor. The best way to bleach a tile floor is to dilute the bleach with water in a spray bottle and then spray it on the tile floor. Let it sit for two or three minutes, and then scrub it off with a sponge or scrub brush. If you have a particularly tough stain, you may want to alternate between using the diluted bleach solution and a mild cleaning solution. This will help prevent the bleach from etching the tile surface.
How to Mop and Bleach a Grout Line
If your tile floor has a grout line, you may have noticed that it’s a bit harder to clean than the tile itself. The grout can get really dirty, especially in high-traffic areas like kitchens and entryways. The best way to clean the grout in a tile floor is to use a grout cleaning product. There are lots of different products you can use to clean grout. You may want to try a few different products to see which one works best for you. Be careful when cleaning grout, though. You want to avoid scrubbing too hard when cleaning the grout. If you scrub too hard, you can scratch the surface of the tile and cause it to look dull and worn.
Conclusion
A tile floor is a beautiful addition to any home, but it can be hard to keep clean. Luckily, most tile floors are fairly easy to clean when you know what you’re doing. If your tile floor is really dirty, it’s best to scrub with a cleaning product that’s designed for tile floors to avoid scratching the surface. And make sure to always use a soft scrubber to prevent scratching. When all is said and done, a tile floor really is a beautiful thing.
Image Source: FreeImages
On average, you will spend roughly one-third of your life in your bed, rolling around in the linens, comforters, and pillows galore and sweating a remarkable half a pint of perspiration just about every night. And whether you realize it or not, you and/or your partner are not the only ones sharing that mattress. Dust mites and bacteria are cuddling down into the surfaces along with you to wish you a good night.
Now that you’re good and unnerved, let’s explore some tips to make sure you are as safe as possible when it’s time to count sheep.
Proper Mattress and Foundation Care
In the hustle and bustle of life, it can be easy to forget your mattress, foundation, and bed frame need maintenance and TLC as well. Protect your mattress from sweat and stains with a washable cover and ensure it is laundered every 30 to 40 days in at least 55 degree or hotter water. While the cover is rolling around in the washing machine, lightly dust the mattress itself with baking soda to lift odors and allow that to sit for around 20 minutes before vacuuming.
Vacuuming your mattress will penetrate the porous fibers to lift the dead skin cells and dust mites that are living on the surface. Rotate your mattresses while you’re at it and check for any evidence in the foundation or frame of insect activity. Bed bugs and mites feast on dead skin cells and fresh bites and will leave behind black fecal matter and blood smears. If you are looking for a solution to bed bugs that is food, pet, and child safe, explore Diatomaceous Earth (DE), a cheap and harmful chemical free powder that kills these pests by absorbing the oily layer on their exoskeletons, effectively dehydrating them with a few hours.
Pillow Maintenance
If you feel like your pillows have become heavier over time, it is because they absolutely have! Your pillow can increase its weight up to 10% just with the build-up of dead skin cells, dirt, oil, hair product, perspiration, and saliva. To combat this haven for all-things-horror-movie, you should wash the pillows once per month and replace them entirely at least once a year. When washing the pillows, please do not use bleach products as they have been proven to cause allergic and even asthmatic reactions. Instead, use an oxygenated cleanser, tea tree or eucalyptus oil products, or other gentler detergents. When it is time to dry the pillows, toss dryer or tennis balls into the machine to help restore their natural fluff and discourage uneven balling of the fibers inside. Dry on high, unless the care labels state otherwise, to ensure mites and bacteria have been eradicated.
How to Handle Bedding
While your linen routine is a matter of personal preference, it is recommended never to exceed two weeks before washing and changing your bedding. Sheets, duvets, and comforters need to be washed in 40 to 60 degree warm water to eliminate mites and bacteria while preserving fibers, coloration, and patterns. Oxy powders along with detergent will go a long way to removing stains and perspiration. Beyond that, we strongly suggest you run an iron over the bedding after it is clean and dry as the heat will kill off remaining bacteria and allow the linens to rest on the bed neat and even.
Here Comes the Sun!
When we wake up in the morning, it’s easy to dive right into making our bed. Believe it or not, this discipline is not recommended. In fact, one of the best ways to have a clean and healthy bed is to pull back the covers for at least 20 minutes to allow body moisture to evaporate and natural sunlight and air to hit the sheets and kill surface bacteria. Before jumping in the shower, yank back the bed covers and let the magic happen!
You’ve just settled down in a comfy chair with your favorite cup of java and get an alert on your phone. Unexpected guests are coming over and you have little time to prepare. It is the nightmare scenario we have all faced a time or two. If it has been an exceptionally busy day or week, you feel the stress settle in and are now noticing all of the spots around your house that are not ‘guest ready.’
If you have run low on any of your products and are pressed for time, we have solutions for you! Having a few useful cleaning tips utilizing items laying around your home can help make your process quick and easy. Of course, you always have the option to check into a service that will eliminate all of your need to worry as well…
Coca-Cola Removes Tough Stains
This classic soda is loaded with phosphoric and carbonic acid which makes it super effective in busting through rust and hard stains. One of the best locations to test this out is in your bathroom. Grab a can of Coke and pour it around the rim of your toilet allowing it to flow down into the bowl. Let this sit while you focus on other areas of the house. Upon returning, you can use your toilet wand to scrub off any stubborn stains that have not already dissolved. Flush and you’re done!
Grapefruit and Salt for a Sparkling Tub and Sink…with a Bonus!
You have probably read about the cleansing power of lemon and vinegar; it’s all true. Grapefruit, however, is just as effective and leaves behind a bright citrus scent in its wake. It is important to note that while it is a great cleaning agent for grime, it does not have antibacterial properties and should not be used as a substitute for areas where bacteria might abound. If you have tub rings or sink stains, simply slice your grapefruit in half, sprinkle salt on both the fruit and the surface you intend to clean, and scrub vigorously. The rind can be used against particularly stubborn areas. Rinse away the remaining salt and pulp with warm or hot water, and voila!
BONUS: Your used grapefruit halves can be boiled in water for a few minutes before tossing out to add diffused fragrance to the air (do not eat/drink!) or dropped down your kitchen garbage disposal to freshen/clean the piping and blades.
Coffee Filters for Clean Screens
Coffee filters are a perfect substitute for traditional feather dusters and can do an even better job at leaving behind a shiny surface. Because of their rippled surface and anti-static properties, you can use fresh filters on just about any screen in your home; television, tablet, phone, laptop, computer, and more. Run them across wooden surfaces – especially dark colors – to watch the dust lift off in an instant with a streak and lint free sparkle.
Eliminate Grease and Smudges with White Bread
Do not toss out stale bread or unwanted end-pieces! The sponge-like surface is loaded with gluten that can absorb grease, dirt, and stains. Notice fingerprints or grease on your kitchen walls? Gently dab and brush the surface with a piece of bread and watch those unwanted marks disappear. The perks do not end there! If you drop a glass object and it shatters, you can carefully press the slice down onto the tiny shards to help lift them for disposal.
Combat Dust with Dryer Sheets
Just like coffee filters, dryer sheets can bust through dust while making every room smell like fresh laundry! Take your sheets and run them along baseboards, blinds, chandeliers, light fixtures, and mirrors in order to lift and repel dust. Dryer sheets are so effective in preventing dust from resettling on your delicate surfaces, you will notice your need to swipe these spots will decrease overall.
If you’re looking for a way to clean a random stain or dirty furniture in the simplest way, you only need one thing… A magic sponge! Brand name or not, these can be used for numerous clean-ups. It can be hard to keep up with the dust and dander so keep clean with the must-have tool in your house.
Here is a list of some things to give you an idea about their magical powers!
remove dried paint from door hinges
remove tarnish from silver
remove mold & mildew from anything plastic
clean & polish gold jewelry
remove soap scum in the tub and shower
remove marks on walls
clean splatters inside the microwave
remove marks on vinyl siding
remove adhesive residue after removing stickers
remove waterline mark around the pool
remove hair dye from countertops & floors
clean light-colored suede
remove black scuff marks from baseboards (where the vacuum cleaner hits)
clean the outdoor side of window sills stained from leaves, dust and dirt
clean plastic coolers inside and out
remove rust spots & stains on countertop
remove cooked-on stains in pots and pans
remove soot off the walls near the fireplace
clean within the grooves of lawn ornaments
clean sticky/dusty range hood over the stove
remove nail polish spills or stains
Now that this seemingly infinite list is over, here are a few more tidbits…
How To Get The Most Out Of Magic Sponges
To get more life out of your sponges, try these things out:
Cut each sponge into 4 equal-sized pieces (across the shortest width of the eraser, rather than lengthwise). This way, you get 4 times the amount of cleaning out of one sponge!
Lightly mist it with water (by misting or using the kitchen sink sprayer), rather than saturating it with water — which causes it to shrivel up more.
Scrub lightly, then wipe the area with a wet towel to prevent smearing the dirt/grime and remove any residue.
When it starts to get yucky (after cleaning a few different items), simply spray rinse it again to revive it a bit. Then squeeze the excess water out, and continue using it until it starts to shred.
Have you ever noticed your grout goes from white to grey? Yup, dirt builds up here and one day it’s not going to look so new anymore! It can be pretty expensive to hire a vendor who specializes in grout cleaning so if you are cost conscientious and are in for a chore that can double as a workout you can do it yourself. Now that’s self-gratification!
Steps for Grout Cleaning
Here are a few different ways you can get the job done:
Baking Soda & Water
Mix 3 parts of baking soda to 1 part water to make a thick paste. This cleaner is versatile and works with all colors of grout (this isn’t the best option for natural stones like marble or travertine).
It’s easiest to use your fingers to apply the paste between the grout lines, that way you can reach every nook and cranny.
Rubber gloves aren’t a necessity but can help prevent scratches protect your skin from irritation.
Vinegar & Water
Couple the paste from the baking soda with vinegar and water in a spray bottle. You can spray the grout lines without getting hands-on.
Pause for the bubbles! The combination of baking soda and vinegar causes the mixture to bubble and is a sign that the solution is working. Once it simmers down after a couple of minutes it’s time for you to wipe the surface clean.
Use a nylon-bristled brush. If you use steel or wire bristled brushes they may damage the grout.
Mop and rinse. The last step would mean to mop the floor with plain water to pick up any leftover residue and you’re done!
Oxygenated Bleach
Let 2 tablespoons of oxygenated bleach dissolve into 2 cups of warm water. You’ll want to make sure that you are ready to use the mixture as soon as it’s made for the best results. Bleaching is gentle enough for different types of tile but this isn’t best for colored grout. Test it first! Use some of the solution on a small corner of the floor to make sure there is no discoloration by the bleach and then you’re clear to go!
Clean one section at a time. This will ensure that the solution is used evenly and you’ll be less likely to have a totally wet floor! Pour just enough for each room so all grout lines are reached.
AGAIN – Nylon bristled brushes! Don’t forget the corners!!
For more stubborn stained grout lines, dip your brush in the solution itself before scrubbing for maximum potency.
Lastly, rinse with plain water and let that floor shine!
Time for the big guns! Rent or buy a steam cleaner!
Steam cleaners can effectively clean and sanitize all types of tiles and grouts and a big plus for many, without any chemicals. You can usually find them in a home improvement store. Just make sure that the steam cleaner you acquire has a steam hose and brush attachment regardless if you’re renting or buying the unit.
Once you turn the steam cleaner on, you’ll want to move the brush back and forth over the grout. The most effective way to go about this is to start from the back of the floor to the front. Watch as the steam loosens up that dirt and reveal a floor that’s like-new! Another benefit of steam is killing any mildew that could be growing.
No need to mop, just a simple wipe as the steam will have already blanketed the floor with moisture. And voila! Chemical-free cleanliness.
CAUTION: Grout sealant can be wiped away from steam cleaning so it’s best if the grout hasn’t been sealed already or if it’s something you’re going to replace in the near future.
Cleaning a fireplace is usually one of those items that is overlooked, even in a deep home cleaning. It is important to regularly clean the fireplace as the leftover build up from fires can become toxic and can potentially harm your family.
Cleaning the inside of a Fireplace
Wait at least 24 hours since the last time the fireplace has been used.
Supplies Needed:
Plastic tarp
Old Towels or Sheets
Apron
Handheld Broom and Dust Pan
Vacuum
Trash Bags
STEP 1: Prepare the Area
Lay a plastic tarp around and in front of the fireplace area. If you do not have a plastic tarp, old towels will do. Also, make sure to wear an apron and protective gloves. You may also want to wear old clothes as soot and dirt can be difficult to get off. If you have furniture close by it may also be a good idea to place sheets or towels over the surfaces to protect it.
STEP 2: Remove debris
First take out any metal grates that may be in the fireplace. Next, take any wood, tinder, or debris from the fireplace. We suggest wearing protective gloves to do this. Using a handheld broom sweep any dirt, debris or soot up and place it in a waste bin.
STEP 3: Get the small bits!
If necessary use a vacuum to pick up any remaining ash. Then throw away the debris into an outside bin.
Spot Clean the Brick on a Fireplace
Supplies Needed:
Cream of Tartar
Water
Old Tooth Brush
Rag
STEP 1: Make your mixture
Mix two tablespoons of cream of tartar with a little water to make a paste.
STEP 2: Apply
Spread the paste on the brick with an old toothbrush. Then wait for ten minutes to let the paste sit.
STEP 3: Wash
After ten minutes use warm water and a rag to wash off the paste. If necessary apply more past and repeat steps.
Detailed Cleaning of Larger Brick Areas
Supplies Needed:
Baking Soda
Dish Soap
Tooth brush and/or larger scrub brush
Dish Cloth
STEP 1: Make your paste
Make a thin paste that is easy to spread by mixing 3 tablespoons dish soap with a half cup of baking soda. You can add more dish soap if the paste is too thick.
STEP 2: Dip and Scrub
Dip the scrub brush into the paste you have just made. Make circular motions on the brick surfaces inside and/or outside of the fireplace. When all brick surfaces of the fireplace are covered, let sit for five minutes.
STEP 3: Rinse!
After the paste has sat for five minutes, rinse the paste off with a cloth and warm water.
STEP 4: Repeat
Repeat from step one as needed.
Cleaning Fireplace Glass
Supplies Needed:
Stove Glass cleaner
Soft Dish Clothes (3 or more)
Water
STEP 1: Check before you start
Be sure the glass has already cooled and that the inside of the fireplace has been vacuumed and cleaned out.
STEP 2: Spray
Get one of the clothes damp with warm water. Spray some of the stove glass cleaner onto the damp cloth.
STEP 3
Next rub the cloth over the fireplace glass focusing on the stained areas. Once again, use circular motions as well as back and forth motions. You may need to apply some pressure to get hard stains to come off.
STEP 4
Continue to apply more cleaner to the cloth and continue circular and back to forth motions until all stains have been removed.
STEP 5
After all stains have been removed take a new damp cloth and wipe the surfaces clean.
STEP 6
Lastly, take your last clean cloth and dry the glass so that there are no streaks.
That’s it!
VINEGAR
Vinegar is by far one of the most versatile cleaning agents. Use it to remove soap scum from the shower. Mix it with borax to get rid of hard-water rings in the toilet. Tape a bag of vinegar to your shower head and leave it overnight for an easy, sparkly clean; or add a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar to your dish soap to eliminate grease in the kitchen.
HYDROGEN PEROXIDE
You use your toothbrush to clean your teeth, but don’t forget about cleaning your toothbrush. Let it soak in hydrogen peroxide for a few minutes to get rid of any lingering germs. Hydrogen peroxide is also useful on many hard surfaces. Use it to scrub your toilet, trash cans, shower, mirrors and doorknob. You can even mix it with equal parts water for a safe and effective solution for mopping the bathroom and kitchen floors.
LEMONS
The acid in lemons makes them a great natural cleanser. The juice is great for disinfecting kitchen countertops and cutting boards. Cut a lemon in half and scrub your bath and shower to remove soap scum. And if your shaving cream has left a rusty ring in your bathtub, use your lemon half to scrub it away.
VODKA
Do you have a mold and mildew problem in the bathroom? Skip a trip to the store, and pull out some inexpensive vodka from the liquor cabinet. Spray it directly onto the mold and mildew, and wait 15 minutes. Then use a cloth or small scrubbing brush to wipe it clean. And don’t forget to save a little for an after-cleaning celebration!
TEA
More than a favorite beverage, brewed tea can be used to clean windows, mirrors and countertops. Spray on your bathroom surfaces just as you would any typical window or surface cleaner. Then, keep your bags to hide in the back of the fridge. They will actually work to deodorize it. And if you need to remove the scent of onion, garlic or fish from your hands, cut a bag open, and wash your hands with the leaves to remove the odor.
SALT
Remember that miracle lemon that cleaned the tub? If your dirt stains are particularly stubborn, add some salt to the lemon, and scrub the surface of your bathtub, sink or toilet. Once your salt solution has done the trick, just rinse off any pulp and leftover residue, leaving your bathroom perfectly clean with a lemon-fresh scent!
BAKING SODA
Perfect for cleaning counters, sinks, drains, the toilet bowl, soap scum, shower doors, shower heads, and well, pretty much anything in the kitchen and bathroom, baking soda is one cleaning agent you don’t want to be without. For most kitchen and bathroom surfaces, a simple paste made of baking soda and water will do the trick.
DRAIN CLEANER
Though it is not a natural cleaning solution, exactly, a drain snake is an eco-friendly way to clean out the main source of drain blockage: hair. And if you don’t have a drain snake, you can still avoid pouring harsh chemicals down the bathtub drain by unwinding a wire hanger, hooking the end, pushing it down the drain as far as it will go, and pulling up hair that is keeping the water from draining properly.
Bacteria and viruses don’t live exceptionally long on hard surfaces outside of the body. However, given the right conditions these bugs can live long enough to spread around disease. Often times the dirtiest spot in the home gets missed when house cleaning. Here are a few spots in your home that are seemingly clean but really are not.
TV Remote:
What do you do when stuck sick at home? You binge catch up with all the series you are behind on. Your remote won’t look dirty but you can be sure there is a party of germs going on. A quick wipe with a sanitized towelette will stop germs from spreading around.
Keyboard/Laptop:
Are you the type of person that works and eats at their desk? You can imagine what that keyboard is covered with. Make sure to wipe down your keyboard every once in a while.
Door knobs:
Call it a flaw in its design if you want, but door knobs are touched by everybody and therefor gross. Door knobs at home are not much different from the one at the office. Clean them up to avoid the spread of unwanted viruses like Flu causing Influenza.
Toilet Handle:
It just makes sense. Not to get graphic, but if you think about it, nobody washes their hands before flushing the toilet. You may focus all the cleaning efforts into the bowl, but don’t forget to clean and disinfect the handles too.
Refrigerator Handle:
Your refrigerator is magnet for bacteria, think of all the food particles you leave all over its surface while cooking and eating. You probably worry about cleaning the inside of your refrigerator, next time spend some extra time on the outside of your refrigerator
