This time time of year, many people have their windows open to let in the sweet smells and comfy breezes Spring has to offer. Unfortunately, along with those smells and breezes, a number of allergens seem to make their way into the home as well. Pollen from trees and dust and dirt from freshly cut lawns, overtime can sneak in through window screens and settle on window sills, furniture, and floors; causing allergies for many people. The solution to this problem is a thorough cleaning. However, what you clean isn’t the whole answer, how you clean it can be just as important. Here are a few tips on how to rid your home of allergens this spring.
“Dusting”- When it comes to dusting, try to use microfiber cloths instead of cotton cloths. Cotton cloths can actually spread particles on surfaces and send them back into the air. Microfiber cloths do a much better job of trapping the dust and other allergens on hard surfaces.
“Vacuuming”- The best kind of vacuums to use for people who suffer from allergies, are vacuums with a HEPA filter. These filters prevent smaller particles from blowing back out.
“Mold”- Sometimes it’s not the dust or pollen in the air that causes allergies, but the moisture. Moisture can cause bathroom mold to form. Besides just looking gross, bathroom mold can also cause allergies. The best natural solution for this kind of mold is a combination of water and borax.
It is hard to believe it is already the first of April. That means it has been over a week since the official start of Spring, it also means it is probably time to start the dreaded spring cleaning.
After a long Colorado winter, a thorough spring cleaning is most likely in order. Unfortunately, many people may not have the time or energy to accomplish this, sometimes formidable, task. Many times, you may not even know where to begin. Well, here are a few tips to help you get your home “spring-clean”.
“Welcome Mats”- A good step to keeping your home clean is to keep the dirt outside. Unfortunately, even the mats used to wipe the dirt off your feet need to be cleaned after a long winter. So, shake them out, hit them with a broom, or wash them. They’re the first line of dirt-defense.
“Vacuum/ Shampoo Carpets”- Even though everyone may have wiped their feet thoroughly on those welcome mats, there is still a good chance any carpets in the home may have taken a hit this winter. Vacuuming and/or shampooing your carpets will help get out any winter dirt or germs that may have traveled in on someones boots.
“Dust, dust, dust…”- After a long winter of having all of the windows and doors closed, there is going to be a decent amount of dust somewhere in your home. Even if you dust fairly regularly, the tops of cabinets, fans, and baseboards; may still have collected a shocking amount of dust.
“Light Fixtures”- An often overlooked spring cleaning task, is cleaning light fixtures. Luckily, a step-ladder, a rag, all-purpose cleaner, and a few minutes is all you really need for a light fixture to go from grimy to shiny.
“Wash the Walls”- Even though most dust and soot eventually falls and settles somewhere, there may still be some on your walls. Sponge wash them and dry with a cloth, and you may be surprised just how dirty they got over the winter months.
“Bring in the Pros”- Of course, you could always save yourself the trouble of having to clean yourself, by calling the professionals at Clean Conscience. If you happen to live in the Boulder or Denver areas, you can set up an appointment and have Clean Conscience do your spring cleaning for you!!
By this time in May, most people have already tackled those daunting spring cleaning jobs inside their home. However, spring cleaning may not quite be over, don’t forget about cleaning your outdoor spaces as well. Over the Autumn and Winter months, chances are pretty good the outside of your home took a bit of a beating, now is the time to clean things up. In this article from Enviro Maids, they focus on several areas of your outdoor space that most likely would need to be addressed.
Spring Clean Your Outdoor Space
When you think of spring cleaning you probably think about dusting, organizing, polishing, and shining the inside of your home. But what about the outside of your home? The outside needs just as much TLC as the inside. After all, it’s the first thing people see when they come to your home. We’ll guide you through how to get your outdoor space looking tidy and welcoming.
Perfect Porch
Your front entryway should be welcoming and inviting. Go outside and take a good look at your entryway. Pretend you’re a guest at your door. Look up and down and all around for any eyesores. As guests wait for you to answer the door, they’re looking around and yes, they’re noticing the cobwebs, clutter, and dirty walkway. Remove cobwebs, sweep the entryway, remove toys, shoes, or any other clutter that’s blocking the area. Remove light fixtures and clean out any bugs; wash the glass with dish soap and water.
Dapper Front Door
After a long Connecticut winter, your front door probably could use a good scrubbing. Remove traces of the dirt and grime left behind by the winter elements by washing your front door. All you need is warm water, a bucket, a rag, and mild soap. Wipe the door with the soapy water and rinse; dry with a clean, soft cloth. Don’t forget to clean the doorbell and wipe the threshold, too.
Gleaming Garage Door
Another door that needs some attention is your garage door. A hose, bucket, mild dish soap, sponge, and some elbow grease are all the tools you’ll need. Wet the door with a hose and dip your sponge in a bucket filled with soapy water; clean using a circular motion and rinse. You can even recruit your kids to help you out with this chore.
De-gunked Gutters
Twigs and leaves hanging from your gutters don’t do much for your home’s curb appeal and clogged gutters means a bigger problem — water can’t drain properly away from your house. While you’re cleaning dirt and debris from your gutters, check for leaks and make sure everything is connected properly.
Tip: HGTV.com recommends using decomposed leaves you collect as compost for your garden.
Pristine Patio Furniture
Now that the warm weather has arrived, you’ll be doing a lot of your entertaining outdoors. Before you offer your guests a place to sit, make sure your patio furniture is presentable and ready for use. If your furniture has cushions, remove them and vacuum up any dirt, debris, or pet hair; be sure to vacuum the bottom of your furniture and get into all the cracks and crevices. If your cushions have removable fabric covers, launder them according to the label instructions. If you can’t remove the covers, give them a good shaking to rid them of dust, dirt, and pollen. You can also use the handle of a broom to “beat” the dirt out. To remove stuck on grime from tables and chairs, you’ll need some warm water and about ½ teaspoon mild dish soap. Dampen a rag or sponge with the soap-and-water solution and wipe the legs, arms and front and back of furniture. Dampen another clean rag with clean water to wipe any remaining soap residue.
Wicked Weeds
Don’t worry, you don’t have to have a “green thumb” to get your yard looking good. Spending some time pulling out weeds and dead foliage in flower beds and raking any left-over fallen leaves can make a big difference. Once your flower beds are free of weeds and dead foliage, plant some in-season annuals for pops of color. According to Frontdoor.com, another easy way to up your curb appeal is to add mulch to your flower beds for a neat and finished look.
We are now a little over 3 weeks into spring, and the weather finally seems to be warming up (at least a bit). Unfortunately, along with warmer temperatures, green grass and flowers blooming, springtime also brings back bugs. To make sure your home remains bug-free this spring, try bug-proofing your home before they have a chance to move in. Here is a list from How Stuff Works, with ten ways you can make sure your home doesn’t become a springtime resort for some unwanted guests.
10 Ways to Bug-proof Your Home
While some people are frightened of bugs, others may be fascinated. But the one thing most people will agree on is that insects don’t belong in the home. Not only do they create unsanitary conditions, but they’re also just plain annoying, from the buzz of a fly to the itchy bite of the mosquito. Bees, wasps and scorpions can cause painful stings, while fleas, mosquitoes and ticks can carry diseases that they transport to pets or humans. Even the common cockroach can be a major contributor toward allergies and asthma attacks, especially in children [source: Asthma and Allergy Foundation].
With more than 10 quintillion bugs in the world (that’s 10,000,000,000,000,000,0000!), bug-proofing the home can sometimes feel like a losing battle [source: Smithsonian Institute]. Fortunately, by understanding what attracts bugs to your home, you can begin making changes that will help get rid of them for good.
Just like humans, insects need food, water and shelter to survive. By eliminating their food supply and getting rid of bug’s favorite hiding spots, you can reduce the risk that insects will take up residence in your home. Of course, the best way to prevent infestation is to keep bugs out entirely. To do this, you’ll need to seal up the cracks and gaps in your home’s exterior. By tightening up the entry points that insects use to gain access, you can greatly improve your chances of staying bug-free.
Ready to get started? Read on to the next section to learn how some simple door hardware can help you begin bug-proofing your home.
10. Seal Your Doors
Just as a locked door can keep intruders out, a properly sealed door can help keep out unwanted pests. If you examine your entrance ways carefully, you’ll likely be surprised by the number of unsealed gaps you see, each of which makes an easy entrance path for bugs.
To keep insects from crawling under your door, install a sturdy steel or aluminum threshold under the door. For even better protection, combine this with a door sweep. A sweep is a cheap device that can be found at most hardware stores, and helps to cover the gap between a threshold and the door bottom. Choose nylon brush sweeps over vinyl or neoprene, as they offer the best protection against bugs.
Add weatherstripping or door-seal kits to the perimeter of the frame to keep insects from entering along the sides or top of the door. Use a clear caulk to seal the joint where the door frame meets the wall and also along the bottom of the frame, at the area where it meets the ground.
Remember, all of these door sealing techniques won’t help if the door is left open. If you have forgetful kids, consider installing a door closer. This hydraulic device will automatically close and latch your door after it’s been opened and can be adjusted to control closing speed and power. You can find affordable door closers at your local home improvement store, and the average homeowner can install this device using only simple tools.
9. Add Screens
Many homeowners rely on natural ventilation from doors and windows to bring fresh air into the home. This can be especially tempting during the hot, humid days of summer. Unfortunately, summer is also the worst time of the year for mosquitoes, fleas and other pests to invade your home.
To enjoy the feeling of fresh air without the annoyance of insects, install screens in windows and doors. Choose a 20-mesh or finer screen to keep out most common household pests [source: Gouge, Olson, Snyder, Stoltman]. Screen installation is relatively simple and requires only basic tools.
Don’t forget that bugs can also sneak in through holes or tears in your existing screens. Try using a screwdriver or scissors to carefully push the broken wires back into place. Add a coat of household cement or clear nail polish to seal the hole and prevent insect entry. If the screen has simply come loose along one side or corner, use staples (for wood frames) or a splining tool (for aluminum frames) to reattach it to the frame [source: Ramsey].
8. Maintain Your Yard
Yard maintenance can have a big impact on bug infestations, especially when it comes to mosquitoes and fleas. Mosquitoes need a water supply in order to breed, so eliminating pooled water in your yard is one of the top ways to reduce the mosquito population. This can not only help you to better enjoy time spent in the yard, but will also reduce the number of bugs that are trying to enter your home.
To eliminate pooling, look for areas where water tends to collect in your yard. If you find standing water on your lawn, you may have a thatch buildup. Aerating the lawn can reduce this problem and allow water to naturally absorb into the soil. Another common problem is poor drainage, which is related to the slope of the Earth. You can try to add fill dirt yourself to correct this, or have the yard professionally regraded [source: Amundsen].
It’s also important to maintain regular drainage channels, such as gutters and drains. Keep them free from leaves, grass clippings and debris so they’re able to operate effectively. If you have a pool, keep it chlorinated and filtered, even when not in use. Change the water in your fountains or birdbaths twice a week to keep mosquito eggs from hatching in them.
While you’re working on your yard, be sure to remove any piles of leaves or debris. These areas are the perfect hiding spot for insects to hide and reproduce, preparing themselves for an infestation that can be difficult to eliminate.
7. Repair Cracks
Given the microscopic size of many bugs, it’s not hard to believe that they can enter the home through cracks or holes that are nearly invisible to the homeowner. That’s why sealing cracks on your home’s exterior can be one of the best ways to bug-proof your home. One good guideline to keep in mind is this: If a pencil can slide into a crack or gap, a young mouse can also fit through, as can an endless stream of insects.
Start by examining the exterior of your home with a critical eye. Look for damaged or missing sections of siding, cracks in foundations, loose or crumbling brick and rotted wood. You’ll be surprised by just how open and inviting your home is when you pay attention to the number of openings you find.
To keep bugs out, use mortar or cement to patch foundations and masonry walls. Clear away damaged bricks and add new ones, filling the joints with mortar. Replace rotting wood or trim, and repair or replace damaged sections of siding or cladding. Consider adding a layer of cementitious backerboard to areas susceptible to termite damage, including exposed foam insulation or wood sheathing. Pay particular attention to the roof line, where bees and wasps frequently build nests. Gaps or holes in the fascia board or soffit can lead to a dangerous encounter with a stinging insect in your home [source: Amundsen].
To really seal your home and repair small cracks, take time to enjoy the wondrous properties of caulk. Caulk is cheap, easy to apply and can go a long way towards keeping bugs out. Add caulk around window frames, as well as around any air intake or exhaust grilles. Use caulk to patch small cracks in foundations and siding, or use it to seal joints where the siding meets the roof or foundation. Latex varieties are best if you plan to paint over them, while clear silicone caulk is more flexible and less likely to dry out and crack over time [source: Gouge et al].
6. Seal Around Pipe Penetrations
believe that they can enter the home through cracks or holes that are nearly invisible to the homeowner. That’s why sealing cracks on your home’s exterior can be one of the best ways to bug-proof your home. One good guideline to keep in mind is this: If a pencil can slide into a crack or gap, a young mouse can also fit through, as can an endless stream of insects.
Start by examining the exterior of your home with a critical eye. Look for damaged or missing sections of siding, cracks in foundations, loose or crumbling brick and rotted wood. You’ll be surprised by just how open and inviting your home is when you pay attention to the number of openings you find.
To keep bugs out, use mortar or cement to patch foundations and masonry walls. Clear away damaged bricks and add new ones, filling the joints with mortar. Replace rotting wood or trim, and repair or replace damaged sections of siding or cladding. Consider adding a layer of cementitious backerboard to areas susceptible to termite damage, including exposed foam insulation or wood sheathing. Pay particular attention to the roof line, where bees and wasps frequently build nests. Gaps or holes in the fascia board or soffit can lead to a dangerous encounter with a stinging insect in your home [source: Amundsen].
To really seal your home and repair small cracks, take time to enjoy the wondrous properties of caulk. Caulk is cheap, easy to apply and can go a long way towards keeping bugs out. Add caulk around window frames, as well as around any air intake or exhaust grilles. Use caulk to patch small cracks in foundations and siding, or use it to seal joints where the siding meets the roof or foundation. Latex varieties are best if you plan to paint over them, while clear silicone caulk is more flexible and less likely to dry out and crack over time [source: Gouge et al].
6
Seal Around Pipe Penetrations
If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve had to deal with utility installation at some point. Whether it was a new cable line, Internet service or phone wiring, the installers likely ran the lines into your home through holes drilled in the exterior walls. The more conscientious installers may have added sealants or caulk around these lines on your home’s interior, but what about on the outside? Most likely, there are at least some utility or pipe penetrations in your walls that are surrounded by large gaps, providing an open invitation for insects.
Some common types of through wall penetrations include those made for water, gas, electrical or air-conditioning piping. Check the entire exterior of your home for these types of openings, as they may be located at either ground level or along the roof line. Often, you can visually follow cable and telephone lines from outside poles to find the path they take into your home. Don’t forget to check around outdoor faucets and electrical outlets [source: Gouge et al].
Fill smaller gaps or cracks using pipe sealants or caulk. For larger openings, look for expandable polyurethane foam. Some installers prefer to add copper mesh or steel wool as a base layer behind this foam to deter insects that may bore through [source: Potter].
5. Cover Large Openings
Some of the largest holes in your home’s exterior are more difficult to cover. After all, you can’t exactly fill your chimney or roof vents with caulk. To fill larger openings and keep bugs out, use very fine wire mesh, often called hardwire cloth. This material comes in rolls that can be stapled over holes to keep out pests. It not only keeps bugs out, but can prevent squirrel and raccoon infestations, which often bring fleas, ticks and other insects into the home [source: Potter].
Look for large holes on the roof, which are often found at the chimney and roof vents. A pre-fabricated chimney cap can be used in lieu of wire mesh, and may be more successful at keeping a variety of pests out of the chimney. Wire mesh should also be installed over holes in crawl spaces and basements, as well as over grilles, vents and registers [source: Gouge et al].
Some vents have pre-installed dampers, which are designed to keep bugs out. Check to see if yours are operating properly, and repair or replace the dampers as necessary. You can also replace existing grilles or vents with screened models that are designed to keep bugs out.
4. Don’t Invite Bugs To Dinner
No matter how many ways you try to bug-proof your home, there’s likely going to be some way for them to enter your house. To keep them from making themselves at home, get rid of their favorite amenities. This means eliminating clutter, as well as unprotected food and water sources. Without these resources, bugs will move on to the next house and leave you in peace.
A cluttered home is an easy breeding ground for bugs. Hidden by piles of newspaper or in a packed cupboard, insects can reproduce in huge numbers before they’re even discovered. By that point, it’s almost impossible to get rid of them. Keep clutter to a minimum, and end infestation before it begins.
Insects also need a source of food to survive. Keep them from dining in your home by storing all food in airtight containers and storing unsealed food products in the refrigerator whenever possible. Limit food consumption to a single area of the home, and wipe up crumbs or spills quickly [source: Heloise].Wash dishes immediately after use, or put them into the dishwasher.
Don’t forget pet food, which can be a tempting treat for ants and cockroaches. Put pet food away after mealtimes, or invest in a bug-proof container, which gives your pet access to food while keeping insects out.
3. Store Trash Properly
Just as one man’s trash is another man’s treasure, the trash cans in a home can be a gourmet smorgasbord to cockroaches and other pests. To prevent bugs from feasting on your trash, proper storage and handling are critical.
Keep food trash in the kitchen and not in wastebaskets throughout the house. The trash should be placed in a can with a lid, and should be emptied each night. Exterior cans should have self-closing lids along with tight seals to keep insects out. All interior and exterior trash receptacles and recycling bins should be cleaned and sanitized regularly, especially if they’re exposed to spills.
If you keep a compost bin, it should have a secure lid and should be lined with hardwire cloth to keep bugs from feasting. Be sure to remove fully composted materials every three to six months [source: Gouge et al].
2. Keep Foundations Clear
Because your home’s foundations are the closest part of the house to the ground, they’re also one of the most common entry spots for bugs. By keeping foundations clear and protected, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of infestation.
Insects such as termites, ants, fleas and spiders are particularly good at breeding and thriving in wet areas. By keeping moisture away from your foundations, you can make it more difficult for them to reproduce. Keep piles of wood, leaves, mulch or grass clippings away from foundations, and place firewood far away from the house to avoid tempting termites [source: Amundsen].
Check for gaps along the foundation and siding joints as well. Often, the bottom row of siding or trim is not securely sealed to the home and provides a gateway for insects. Check up under this row for gaps or poor connections, and use trim, caulk or foam to fill this space [source: Gouge et al].
Many homeowners choose to use chemical insecticides or termicides to treat their foundations, and these treatments are often unavoidable. For a more natural solution, consider placing boric acid or diatomaceous Earth at the base of these walls. These substances are non-toxic and will not harm pets or family members [source: Garrett].
1. Encourage Natural Predators
One of the simplest methods for bug-proofing your home is to rely on the insects’ natural predators for help. Small insects are the main source of food for a large number of birds and bats. Warblers and swallows, in particular, are potent mosquito killers [source: Lyric Bird Food]. Bats eat a much larger variety of bugs and pests, including wasps, flies, spiders, mosquitoes and even scorpions [source: Carstens].
To encourage birds to help with your pest control efforts, it helps to provide trees and bushes where they can establish nests. Add a fresh water supply, and change it often so that it doesn’t grow stagnant. You may also wish to add a birdseed or nectar feeder to supplement their insect-based diet [source: Gouge et al].
Many homeowners may be hesitant to encourage bats in their yard, despite their ability to help control insect populations. Fortunately, bats sleep during the day and only fly at night, which means you’re unlikely to even notice them. As you’re sleeping they’ll be hard at work getting rid of bugs before they can crawl their way into your home. Encourage bats by installing a bat house or roost in your yard.
While some areas of the country may still be dealing with some winter like conditions (hopefully not for long), most of the country is beginning to feel more and more like spring. With the melting of snow and overall thaw of spring, lawns and gardens begin to emerge again. Before you can have the greenest lawn or prettiest garden on the block, there is a clean-up job to be done. In this article from Lawn Doctor, there are several tips on how to properly clean-up your yard after the harsh winter months.
End of Winter: Tips to Clean Up Your Yard After Winter
This winter has been one of the worst in years – and in some areas of the country, even decades. That severe weather, including snow and ice, has wreaked havoc in many parts of the United States. Even areas like Atlanta faced multiple snowstorms this year. All of this winter weather could mean damage to your yard. Here are some tips to clean up your yard and prevent winter yard damage:
Clean up rock salt and other deicing products
Using rock salt, ice melt, and other liquid or solid products to deice the sidewalk or the street may be important in the winter to keep you from falling or sliding around on the roads. But some of the products can potentially cause damage to your greenery. When the snow starts to melt, make sure that you clear off the deicing materials off your lawn, shrubs and trees to potentially protect against any winter yard damage. Apply gypsum to the areas of the lawn where road salt or salt from the driveway or sidewalks may have made contact.
Prune trees and shrubs
You many have put burlap around your trees or shrubs to protect them from the worst of the winter. If so, now is a great time to remove the burlap. However, winter storms may have done damage to the shrubs or trees in your yard. Make sure that you clean up your yard by pruning any branches damaged by the winter, so that new growth can take its place.
Remove dead materials and litter
One of the pitfalls from winter is that many things may blow onto your lawn that do not need to be there. Once the snow melts, you may see that litter has made it onto your lawn. Obviously, you need to clean it up. Other things you will need to remove include things like leaves, pine cones, fallen tree branches, and dog waste that may have ended up on your lawn.
Trim back perennials and remove annuals
Cut back the dead leaves and branches on your perennials to ensure future growth. In addition, if you have some annuals that you did not remove in the fall, now would be a good time to do so. Many of this plant material could end up in your composting bin.
Control weeds
If you did not get rid of any existing weeds at the end of fall, apply weed controls when temperatures are 50 degrees or higher.. Do not put the weeds, though, in the compost pile, as they could sprout and overwhelm your yard.
Treat snow mold
You may have an unpleasant surprise after winter – snow mold. This is common in areas with significant snowfall. Areas that have been matted down by the snow mold, use a leaf rake to remove the dead leaves and allow the lawn to recover.
Fertilize for spring
Now is a good time to start on spring fertilizing to get your yard ready for summer enjoyment. Use a fertilizer which includes crabgrass preventer. Follow label directions to avoid over fertilization.
When it comes to cleaning our homes, I’m sure we all think that we have every inch of the place covered. We sweep the floors, vacuum the rugs, wash out the sinks, scrub the toilet, wipe down counters and even clean out the refrigerator. While it may seem like we have covered everything, there are still a few places that may often be overlooked. This list from I Dream Of Clean, reminds us of the ten places most people forget to clean. Some of the areas are easy to forget because, “out of sight, out of mind”. However, others are right under our noses and used regularly, perhaps we just don’t even think to clean them.
Ten Places Most People Forget to Clean
Since running across the mess under my stove, I’ve been pondering the places we often forget when cleaning. Here’s a list of the top ten places most people forget to clean:
Under the Stove – Although, based on the comments on that post, there are a LOT of you who do clean under the stove on a regular basis. I’m impressed!
Dishwasher – Cleaning the dishwasher is actually quite easy but few take the time to do it on a regular basis.
Behind furniture placed along the wall – Have you checked out those dust bunnies lately?
Closets – Closets can get quite dirty! Make sure to vacuum them often and wipe down the baseboards at least once a year (maybe during Spring Cleaning).
Remote Control – This is one of the germiest places in your home. Just think about how often unwashed hands have touched yours.
Cell Phone – Think about the remote control times one million!
Door Knobs – Pretty much self explanatory.
Toilet Handle – Cleaning the inside of the toilet is a must do, but don’t forget the outside of the commode and especially the handle!
Under the Refrigerator – There’s a good chance you clean under the refrigerator every once in a while, but it is still an area that is overlooked by many.
There is really no way around it, spring cleaning can be tough. After the long winter, things just seem to pile up. If you happen to be tackling this job yourself, you may actually be making the task at hand harder by making some simple mistakes. In this article from Enviro Maids, they have compiled a list of 7 mistakes you should avoid, to make your job a little bit easier. And remember, if you are in the Boulder or Denver area, you can avoid the hassle of spring cleaning yourself by setting up an appointment with Clean Conscience today!
Spring Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid
While you eagerly await the arrival of spring, one thing you may not be eagerly anticipating is tackling your spring cleaning list. You long for a shiny, spotless house, but thinking about all you have to do in order to get your home in pristine condition, is leaving you unmotivated. Rather than giving you tips on how to spring clean your house, we’ll clue you in on common spring cleaning mistakes that are slowing you down. We hope our tips will help you get through your to-do list a bit faster so you can get out and enjoy the warm air.
Mistake #1: not having a battle plan
You make a list before you go grocery shopping and make a household schedule for appointments and events you need to attend, so why not make a list and schedule for your spring cleaning? It’s best to have a clear plan of attack before you grab your cleaning supplies. Decide the order you’ll clean each room and what needs to get done in each room. Don’t stress about getting everything done at once. This leads us to mistake #2…
Mistake #2: trying to get everything done in one day
Spring cleaning has a negative connotation for some people because they associate spring cleaning with having to get a lot of cleaning done in a short amount of time. Trying to get your entire house clean in one day or even one weekend is a recipe for disaster. Depending on the size of your house, break down your chores over the course of several weekends. Limit the amount you clean each day to prevent burnout and to make sure you give yourself enough time to clean each area properly.
Mistake #3: tackling it alone
Two hands are better than one, and we say, the more hands the better! Enlist the help of family members to help you clean. Delegate tasks to your children according to their age and capability; Younger children can help put their toys away, while older children can help vacuum and dust.
Mistake #4: Not having enough cleaning supplies
Nothing will slow you down faster than realizing midway through cleaning that you’re almost out of cleaning supplies and need to go buy more. Avoid having to stop your cleaning momentum by taking an inventory of your cleaning supplies before you start cleaning. Once you have all your cleaning supplies, place them in a bucket or a basket with a handle for easy carrying between rooms.
Mistake #5: using the wrong cleaning equipment
According to the pros at GoodHousekeeping.com, using the wrong cleaning products can slow you down and make cleaning take longer than necessary. Four must-have products to have, include microfiber dust cloths, a steam mop, tools with extension wands, and a vacuum with attachments. Microfiber cloths work by grabbing dust, rather than just spreading it around like regular dust rags or feather dusters can. Steam mops clean and disinfect floors without the use of chemicals or abrasive cleaners. Water is heated to approximately 212 degrees Fahrenheit to produce a germ-killing steam. Extension wands are great for hard-to-reach areas, while vacuum attachments help to get into tight spaces.
Mistake #6: Not letting cleaning products do their job
In an effort to get your cleaning done faster, you might be making the mistake of spraying a surface with cleaner and scrubbing right away. Follow the directions on labels carefully. Many cleaners, especially bathroom cleaners, suggest spraying an area and waiting a set amount of time before wiping or rinsing to help loosen dirt. Following directions saves you extra scrubbing time.
Mistake #7: Cleaning with a dirty cloth
To avoid streaks on surfaces, avoid using the same dirty cloth. Keep extra cloths nearby and switch them, especially when you see they’re getting grimy. When using a dry microfiber cloth, remember to shake it out periodically over a garbage can or outdoors to remove trapped dirt.
When it comes to maintaining a clean home, perhaps the hardest thing to do is keep the clutter to a minimum. Even if you dust, sweep, vacuum, scrub, disinfect, etc….clutter can still make your home appear to be a messy home. So, how can you solve the problem of “too much stuff, too little space”? Well, you can donate things, put some things in storage, or you can hide the clutter. This article from Enviro Maids, gives you a few clever tips on how to hide the clutter in your home.
Clever Ways to Hide Clutter
As much as you try to keep your home free of clutter, sometimes life’s busy schedule makes it difficult to keep up with the piles of paperwork, toys, magazines, and other “stuff” that take over your home. Clutter usually goes unnoticed until guests announce their arrival and you need to get rid of the clutter fast. Here are some clever ways to get your home ready, so the next time guest will be paying you a visit you’ll know how to hide your clutter fast.
A Tisket, a Tasket…
Follow the advice of the old nursery rhyme: “a tisket, a tasket, a green and yellow basket,” to corral your wayward clutter. Baskets and storage bins are a great alternative to shoving everything under the couches or tossing things in the closet. Shop for baskets or storage bins in the same color to hide odds and ends — from your remote controls to toys. Baskets can be stacked in areas throughout your home such as under a coffee table, in your bathroom, or even in an unused fireplace. The pros at Better Homes and Gardens suggest displaying multiple, matching baskets together to not only offer tons of storage space, but to add a decorative touch as well. Decorative boxes are another chic storage option. Store a few boxes in patterns that complement your décor on a table in the foyer to store keys and mail.
Curtain Call
If your living room doubles as your home office, you may want to hide your office equipment and paperwork before guests arrive. Homedit.com suggests hiding your workspace with a curtain to easily and decoratively conceal your work area. Not handy with a needle and thread? How about covering your desk with a pretty tablecloth or fabric (use one that’s long enough to cover the legs or open areas) and storing stacks of papers and computer equipment hidden under your desk and out of sight? Another great no-sew option, is to section off your work area with a decorative screen. A decorative screen can transform your messy desk area into a decorative focal point in seconds.
Hide it Down Under
If you have a sofa with a skirt around the bottom (the part that covers the legs), use this space to store a shallow bin or box to house extra items.
Sink Skirt
Guests will most likely use your bathroom, so getting rid of bathroom clutter is a must. Finding a place to hide clutter in a small bathroom, especially one with a pedestal sink that offers no under-sink storage, can pose a problem. For small bathrooms with limited space, HGTV.com suggests adding a skirt around a pedestal sink. Store cleaning supplies, hair appliances, or skin and beauty products hidden behind the skirt. If you’re not handy with a sewing machine, there are many no-sew tutorials available online. Many tutorials use fabric glue and Velcro and take one afternoon to complete.
Dual-purpose Furniture
When buying furniture, consider purchasing dual-purpose pieces. Benches, ottomans, and side tables are excellent when it comes to multitasking. Ottomans and benches come in endless colors, patterns, and styles that offer a solution to your seating and storage needs. Use the storage area inside an ottoman to hide extra blankets, electronics, remote controls, books, and magazines. Your foyer or mudroom is the ideal place for a storage bench. Toss items that usually take up space in your entryway — shoes, coats, and backpacks inside the bench. You’ll not only hide unsightly clutter, you’ll also free-up space for guests to hang their coats and place their belongings.
Cabinet and Closet Doors
Use the backs of doors and cupboards for bonus storage space. Hooks and over-the-door organizers make convenient spots for loose items that never seem to have a home.
Yep, it’s that time of year again, the dreaded spring cleaning. It’s always kind of amazing to see how much mess and clutter seem to build up after a long winter. But, instead of focusing on the negatives of the often overwhelming job ahead, let’s try to look at some of the benefits of a good spring cleaning.
“A Fresh Start”- Spring is a time of rebirth, a fresh start of sorts. So, why not give your home and yourself a fresh start by getting rid of the clutter and mess left by Old Man Winter.
“Clear the Air”- With the windows closed all winter, the air quality inside your may be pretty poor. A good cleaning will rid your home of some of the mildew, mold, and dust that has been building up in your home throughout the winter. (As soon as it’s warm enough, it’s a good idea to open a few windows as well).
“Get Organized”- Another benefit of getting things cleaned and organized is you can actually find things you’re looking for. When your house is messy and cluttered, it’s often easy to misplace things.
“Feel Good”- Besides all of the other benefits of having a clean home, perhaps the most important is that it just feels good. Coming home to a messy home can be stressful and overwhelming. When your home is clean, it’s just one less thing to worry about.
If your home is in need of a good spring cleaning, contact Clean Conscience today to schedule a spring cleaning in Boulder or Denver!
When it comes to cleaning your home every room can be a bit of a pain, but which room is the biggest pain of all? After doing a little research online and asking friends and family, the room that seems to give people the most trouble when it comes to cleaning is………….the kitchen!
Although the bathroom and bedroom were a fairly close second and third, the kitchen appears to be the overwhelming choice for toughest room to clean. So, why is the kitchen so tough to clean? The obvious reason of course is that’s where you cook (and sometimes eat) your food. That means that when it comes time to clean your kitchen you must, clean off your stove top, clean out your oven, clean off any counter tops you may prepare food on or eat on, and clean all dishes and your sink.
Another reason the kitchen tops the list of tough rooms is, cleaning in and around the refrigerator is one of the most daunting cleaning tasks in the entire home. Cleaning out the fridge is a pain because it’s time consuming removing all of the items and then having to replace them. Cleaning on top and behind the fridge is tough because it is physically demanding.
Then of course there is the floor. The kitchen floor is one of the toughest to clean. With the inevitable spills of food and drink on the floor, the kitchen floor doesn’t just get swept or vacuumed, the kitchen floor gets scrubbed. Getting on your hands and knees to scrub a floor is demanding work, not only on your knees, but on any muscles used to get those stains out.
Those are a few examples of why the kitchen is the toughest room in the home to clean.
This time time of year, many people have their windows open to let in the sweet smells and comfy breezes Spring has to offer. Unfortunately, along with those smells and breezes, a number of allergens seem to make their way into the home as well. Pollen from trees and dust and dirt from freshly cut lawns, overtime can sneak in through window screens and settle on window sills, furniture, and floors; causing allergies for many people. The solution to this problem is a thorough cleaning. However, what you clean isn’t the whole answer, how you clean it can be just as important. Here are a few tips on how to rid your home of allergens this spring.
When you think of spring cleaning you probably think about dusting, organizing, polishing, and shining the inside of your home. But what about the outside of your home? The outside needs just as much TLC as the inside. After all, it’s the first thing people see when they come to your home. We’ll guide you through how to get your outdoor space looking tidy and welcoming.
