The Best Cleaning Tools to Keep Your Home in Tip-Top Shape

With the right tools, keeping a home looking tidy and at its best does not have to be a chore.

There are some essential household cleaning products that everyone should have in a well-stocked cleaning caddy that will make bathroom grime a thing of the past. 

Read on as we detail the best home cleaning tools every novice should own and how to use them.

Choosing the Best Home Cleaning Tools 

Before tackling your weekly (daily) household chores, you’ll want the basic tools on hand. But the best brushes for the job do not mean the most expensive. Or the ones with the most bells and whistles.

When shopping for home cleaning products, go for ergonomic. These are tools you’ll be using daily, so choose durability over the latest gadget that might handle only one job.

VACUUM 

The vacuum is the workhorse among the essential cleaning tools to keep a home dirt-free. Look for a powerful vacuum that fits the size of your space. There’s no easier way to trap a week’s worth of dust build-up on the carpet and hardwood floors than with a vacuum.

With so many options and models, choose a vacuum that fits your lifestyle. If you own a pet, look for one with a pet hair attachment. Keep dust mites at bay pick a vacuum with an allergen filter.

MOP AND BUCKET

A mop and bucket is an important cleaning duo to have at the ready to clean up any spills.

If you have tile or wood flooring in high-traffic areas, you’ll want to pull out the mop and a bucket of warm sudsy water to get the dirt off the floors. Weekly cleaning will keep your floors looking pristine.

For expert cleaning tips, specialists at professional cleaning services can provide basic home cleaning services.

BROOM AND DUSTPAN 

Another essential cleaning tool is the broom and dustpan. The pair work together to clean up daily debris that collects on kitchen floors and entryways.

To accommodate cleaning at different heights, look for a broom with a telescoping handle. To dust ceiling fans or high corners, wrap a microfiber cloth around the brush end of the broom and use it to dust hard-to-reach areas.

ALL-PURPOSE BRUSH 

A sturdy all-purpose cleaning brush is a must-have in the cleaning toolkit. Whether you’re using the brush to clean grout or bathroom tile, look for a heavy-duty brush with a solid grip handle.

MICROFIBER CLOTHS

One of the most effective tools in cleaning up tiny dirt and dust particles is a set of microfiber cloths. The small fibers trap the dust and bacteria and lift them off mirrors and countertops.

It’s Time to Clean With the Right Tools

A spotless home means having the most effective cleaning tools in your household cleaning toolkit. With an all-purpose brush, a powerful vacuum, a broom, and a mop, anyone can enjoy a sparkling living space.

If you’re interested in learning more about ways to keep your home clean, contact us for a personal housekeeping quote.

5 Hidden Dangers of a Dirty House

Did you know that 74% of Americans say their house has been at its dirtiest because of their family being home due to the pandemic? Even prior to 2020, your house might’ve not been at its cleanest either.

You might think that keeping your house clean is only a matter of aesthetics.

Here are 5 hidden dangers of a dirty house you may not have known about.

1. Skin Irritations

Your bedsheets might look and smell clean after weeks or even months. But if you could get a more microscopic view of them, it’d be a whole different story.

Anytime we’re on our beds, we shed dead skin cells. Dust mites feed on these, so the longer you go without washing your sheets, the more they’ll grow in numbers. As a result, you might get skin irritations or even contact dermatitis.

You (and your pets) might also track germs and dirt into the bed.

2. Allergies and Infections

It’s important that you disinfect and sanitise your home. And we don’t just mean surfaces either; you must do this regularly with flooring too.

All surfaces can trap bacteria, dust, dirt, dander, and allergens. Those in the bathroom trap moisture as well, which can lead to mold and fungus growth.

So if you leave your surfaces uncleaned, this can exacerbate allergies and cause rashes and skin infections to occur.

3. Food Poisoning

One of the biggest reasons to clean your home is to avoid getting sick. If you’re guilty of opening food or leaving half-eaten takeout boxes in your refrigerator, then you’re asking for trouble.

Most families opt for a big clean-out once a year. But realistically, you should be cleaning it at least once every 2 or 3 months.

4. Injuries

You probably already know that clutter can create obstacles. And as a result, you might trip over some boxes or slip on a slick magazine.

In addition, precariously stacked boxes can also fall and injure your household, especially if the top’s not taped up. Heavy objects can spill out, causing further injury.

So if you’ve been asking, “is an uncleaned home unsafe,” then the answer is a big “no”.

5. Mental Health Issues

Very few people know about this effect of dirty houses, but it can have a profound effect on your mental health too. After all, there’s a reason why the idiom of “clean house, clean mind” is so popularly used.

When there’s lots of clutter around, it can cause anxiety and even depression. It can also contribute to low energy.

Let Us Help You Clean Your Dirty House

Now that you know about the hidden dangers of a dirty house, you might feel stressed out and overwhelmed about cleaning it up yourself.

In that case, not to worry. We at Lehakoe Cleaning Services are here to help you out. You’ll get the benefits of a deep cleaning, all without lifting a finger.

So request a quote from us now. We’ll be more than happy to get your house spotless again!

Can Regular Dusting Help Improve My Seasonal Allergies?

Twenty million Americans have some form of allergy to dust or dust mites. It can be a nuisance for many people and make them reach for their tissues and allergy medication constantly. Thus, dusting around your home is thought of as an easy solution.

If you have any questions about whether dusting your home regularly will help improve your seasonal allergies, this post is for you.

What Causes Allergies?

Our immune systems protect our bodies from foreign pathogens that could put your body in danger. Yet, doctors do not know the exact reason why the immune system triggers a response to a harmless substance. Allergies have many different triggers, and how harmful their effects are can vary from person to person. 

Some of the most common allergens that can affect humans are:

• Insect stings
• Mold
• Plants

Seasonal allergies will give you watery, itchy eyes and runny noses, thanks to the pollen given off of plants inside and outside your home. Allergies can also be caused by the presence of animals in a room. In this case, pet dander and dust mite waste would be the main culprits. 

Is Dust Harmful?

Dust is made of small, dead skin cells, dust mite parts, and small debris to float around your home. Because it is so small, dust can be inhaled by an individual and enter the lungs. From there, it can trigger a reaction by the immune system.

While a small amount is not immediately harmful, having a significant amount in your home will cause health problems.

Tips for Preventing Dust and Dander Build-Up

Dust and other allergens can come into your home no matter what time of year it is. So how can you stop them from lingering before they affect you? Here are some tips to live by when you want to prevent dust and dander from entering your home:

• Vacuum and dust around your home weekly
• Begin taking allergy medications a few weeks before allergy season starts
• If you have a pet, wash any upholstery they may have contact with
• Buy an air purifier that filters out any allergens or pet dander within a room
• Keep animals out of your bedroom
• Make the temperature in your home between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit (20-22 degrees Celcius)

While cleaning your home during allergy season helps your immune system, you should clean your home regularly all year long.

Deep Clean Your Home to Prevent Seasonal Allergies

Seasonal allergies can be hard to deal with, but there are some things we can do inside our homes to stop them from getting worse over time. If it is too overwhelming to deal with dust, pollen, or other allergens, then you should hire cleaning services that will go through the home and get rid of them for you.

, Clean Sweep of America prides itself on our reputation for delivering quality cleaning services at competitive prices. If you need to hire a maid service or need other cleaning services in Memphis, Tennessee, or Mississippi, you can get a quote from us today.

How to Find House Cleaning Near Me

Hiring a housekeeping service can alleviate stress, save you time, and even improve relationships with other members of your household. If you live in a major metropolitan area like Memphis, there are hundreds of services to choose from. It can be difficult to know where to start.

If you are wondering, “How do I find good house cleaning near me?” there are a few things you can look for to narrow down your search. The information below lays out steps you can take to identify a house cleaning service that will fit your schedule and budget.

Housekeeping Service Basics

One of the first things you should do when identifying “house cleaning near me” is to ask a prospective service if they perform background checks on their employees. Also, find out if the same people will be cleaning your house every time.

House cleaning does not require licensing. But find out if the company maintains liability insurance and a surety bond.

Ask for references and check them. Read online reviews and see if there are any glaring complaints made about the service.

Cleaning Details

Ask a company about the use of environmentally friendly products, and see what options they offer. Sometimes “green” products are included in the base cleaning service fee. Other companies will charge extra for using these products.

Make sure you are clear on what a “cleaning” entails. Compare “apples to apples” when looking at different services. You may be attracted to companies that offer lower rates, only to find out it only covers a few rooms or is an introductory rate.

Most cleaning services include things like:

• Emptying trash
• Cleaning bathrooms
• Cleaning bedrooms
• Vacuuming
• Mopping
• Changing linens
• Washing dishes

A company may perform other services, like cleaning appliances or doing laundry, but usually, these require extra fees.

Deep cleaning is almost always a separate charge. By definition, it covers areas like window tracks, vent covers, or floorboards that are not done during routine cleaning.

It’s a good idea to ask about this service though–sometimes companies will give a discounted rate if you sign up for deep cleaning along with standard services.

Self-Employed vs. Prominent Companies

Some people are tempted to go out and find a self-employed housekeeper on their own, assuming they can keep costs down. There are several reasons you would be wary of this option though. 

One is that an individual may not be insured or bonded, or have a recent background check. Also, there is no supervisor to handle any issues that arise.

Also, with companies, if a cleaner calls in sick, they can replace the worker with someone else to clean your home. With a self-employed housekeeper, there is no backup substitute.

Find House Cleaning Near Me

Now that you have any idea of how to find “house cleaning near me,” look around for services that can work with your schedule and are within your budget.

Clean Sweep of America is a female-owned business that has a reputation for delivering quality services at competitive prices. We provide house cleaning in downtown Memphis, midtown, and East Memphis. Reach out to us today for a free quote and consultation.

Can I Afford Apartment Cleaning Services? (Hint: Yes!)

Cleaning services aren’t just for the top 1% anymore. Nowadays, cleaning services are more accessible to everyday homeowners and even renters!

Maybe you’re moving out or moving in; either way, apartment cleaning services in Memphis can help! So if you’re tired of cleaning, put the sponge down and keep reading to learn more!

What to Look For in a Cleaning Service

When looking for apartment cleaning services, there are some factors you should consider. For example, before paying for any services, you should ask for a written statement.

Often, a company will verbally say a price but will charge more after the fact. That’s why you should get a written statement with an itemised list of charges.

It would help if you also looked at the companies credibility. This can be done by looking at the reviews and getting in touch with their references.

Lastly, you should make sure the company is fully licensed with at least five years of experience. Checking all of these boxes off will save you from any unnecessary stress.

How Much Are Apartment Cleaning Services?

Apartment cleaning cost varies depending on the size and the frequency. However, most apartment cleaning services rates are $30.00 per hour, with a $100 minimum. 

For apartment carpet cleaning, these prices may go up to $90 to $100. However, let’s say you have kids, so you need a deep clean.

The price for this service is around $250 to $300! Be aware that these are only estimates. To get exact rates, ask for a quote today!

What Services Are Offered?

After looking at the prices above, you might be wondering what all is included in these services. For basic cleaning services, these are some of the areas that will receive attention:

• Kitchen appliances 
• Kitchen cabinets 
• Polish utensils 
• Bathroom clean up
• Disinfecting surfaces
• Dust and polish
• Changing bedroom linens
• 
  

If you’re interested in deep cleaning, then these services cover mainly everything! So you will receive everything mentioned above plus these services:

• Bedroom clean up 
• Laundry services
• Full disinfection 
• Organising 
• Deep carpet clean and stain removal 

These are just some of the services that apartment cleaning provides. However, for a detailed description, you should contact your apartment cleaning provider!

How Do I Make an Appointment?

Look for “apartment cleaning near me,” once you’ve found a reputable business, give them a call. They will be able to provide you with an estimate. However, the final price will be based on the cleaning time. 

The representative might ask you questions about your apartment, like the size, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Once you’ve answered all of the questions, they will set up a time and date.

Make sure the cleaning team has access to your home around this time. You don’t have to present during the clean. However, payment is expected at the time of service. Therefore, ensure that a payment has been successfully set up if you’re not present. 

Hiring a Cleaning Services Just Became Easy 

Now that you know about apartment cleaning services, it’s time to make that phone call. So don’t overwork yourself. Just leave it to the professionals! 

Don’t forget to get a free quote today and for any further questions, visit our FAQ page!

5 Reasons You Should Hire Post-Construction Cleaners

Hiring post-construction cleaners for any construction site cleanup job can save your company time and money.

Many companies go without professional construction cleanup at the expense of both safety and time. This means increased liability and lower quality work, which translates to more money spent than necessary.

In this article, we will explain the 5 reasons why you should hire post-construction cleaners for your job site. Continue reading to find out all the perks involved with proper construction site cleanup. 

Safety

Construction site cleanup is a surprisingly hazardous part of a job. From loose screws to harsh chemicals, there are all kinds of threats to the safety of you and your crew. This is why working with a professional cleanup company will ensure proper compliance with OSHA regulations.

Professional construction cleanup is essential for the safety of your clients as well. It’s a meticulous process that needs to be done correctly so no one gets hurt down the road. 

This is one of the reasons why working with post-construction cleaners is an essential part of any job. Safety matters, so hiring someone who knows how to clean up after a construction site can save you a lot of liability issues. 

Save Time

As we said, cleaning after construction is meticulous, which translates to time-consuming. This can be a problem for construction crews, especially if you have a fast-approaching deadline, as many crews do. 

Plus, working with a crew dedicated to the cleanup process will increase efficiency since that is their focus. This is in contrast to the construction crew that sees the cleanup process as an additional task, not the main task.

Save Money

With increased safety and efficiency comes savings. Post-construction cleaners are skilled at what they do. Their experience translates to a quick process that means less overtime pay for your construction crew.

Plus, you don’t have to pay for the costs of cleanup materials. The professional construction cleanup crew will have everything needed.

Don’t forget the monetary benefits involved with increased safety. When proper cleanup occurs, safety increases. This means fewer worker’s compensation claims and liability claims. 

Attention to Detail

Cleaning after construction takes time and attention to detail. The peace of mind involved with hiring post-construction cleaners comes from counting on quality work. 

Working with the right professionals means you can have this peace of mind. This comes from years of experience and a solid cleaning process.

Proper Disposal

One of the biggest hassles involved with construction site cleanup is the disposal of waste. It takes time to find where to take what kinds of materials for proper disposal. That’s because there are rules to follow and you can’t simply toss everything in the trash.

Professional construction cleanup crews know where to take materials for disposal, which saves you time, money, and stress. 

Get Your Post-Construction Cleaners

Working with post-construction cleaners provides a lot of benefits to you, your crew, and your company. You no longer have to stress over how to clean properly or where to take all the debris once you’re finished.

If you want to know where to hire post-construction cleaners, visit our website to get more information and to get your free quote today. 

The Importance of Post Construction Cleaning

The United States construction industry is expected to be worth a staggering $25 billion by 2024. If you’ve worked in the construction industry before, then you probably know how messy the whole affair can be.

Even a simple six-by-six-foot structure can leave a considerable mess once you finish the construction. This mess is not only an eyesore but is a health and environmental hazard.

Unfortunately, for most contractors and engineers, cleanliness is rarely an area of focus. Most are too busy focusing on the logistics, design, and financial aspects of the construction process.

However, meticulous post construction cleaning might be just what you need to get an edge over other construction companies. What’s more, you don’t even have to put your best men to task on the cleaning part. You can outsource to construction cleaning companies and let them do your bidding. 

In this piece, we’ll be delving into why post construction cleaning is paramount for any construction project. 

Appropriate Debris Disposal

You can’t just toss drywall, wood, or concrete with your usual trash. In most states, you‘ll have to separate construction debris from the rest of your trash. This can be very difficult if you have tons of construction debris littered everywhere.

Cleaning up after construction allows you to sort out construction waste for proper disposal. That way, you can separate the metal, bricks, and wood for appropriate disposal. You can even do the environment a solid by collecting all recyclable materials for recycling.

If you add a reputable cleaning company into the mix, you’re guaranteed professional work done within legal parameters. It also paints a good picture for your company and helps you sidestep hefty fines for improper waste disposal.

Enhanced Safety

Everyone knows how risky working on a construction site can be. That’s why most project managers emphasise the utmost safety throughout the entire process. You can’t have a safe working space when you have nails, exposed wires, and broken glass littered all over the site.

Construction debris can be an accident hazard to both the workers and site visitors. You should arrange for post construction cleaning to eliminate any safety risks brought about by the construction debris. A construction cleaning company makes sure it gets everything for ultimate safety on the site.

Saves a Lot of Time

Most construction projects have strict deadlines that the contractor must meet. Even if you complete the project in time, you can’t present the building to your client with debris all over. You’ll have to clean up the mess for your work to be presentable.

Of course, you can have the construction workers take care of the mess, but that’s not in their job description. Instead, you should hire a cleaning company for a diligent, quick, and efficient job. If you’re a contractor, you’ll be able to meet the deadline and move in on time if you’re building a new home.

To Uncover Hidden Messes

Imagine how embarrassing it would be to find a heap of waste hidden in the corner while showing off your new garage. While you may get rid of the obvious construction waste, you may miss a spot or two. That’s certainly something you don’t want in your shiny new house.

That’s why you should always opt for the professionals when it comes to post construction cleaning. Pro cleaners know where to uncover hidden dirt and dust to ensure the entire structure is spic and span. This is probably because of the experienced they’ve amassed cleaning various construction sites.

Construction Workers Can Focus on Their Real Job

Unless your construction workers are also professional cleaners, they’re likely to do an average cleaning job. Plus, cleaning after construction distracts them from their actual job. This can be a huge inconvenience, especially if you run a busy construction company or have a tight construction deadline.

Hiring the pros frees up your workers to do what they are actually trained for. Doing so allows them to move on to the next project while the cleaners tidy up the place.

Tips for Hiring the Right Post Construction Cleaning Company

With so many cleaning companies on the internet today, it may be a tad difficult to find the right one for your project. Here are a few tips to help you pick the right post construction cleaning company.

CHECK THE REPUTATION

The first thing you want to do is to check the reputation of the cleaning company in question. Make a point of checking company reviews online t know what you’re getting yourself into. If possible, check the company ratings on BBB or Bizrate.

You can never go wrong with a reputable cleaning company. However, make sure you explore all your options first.

LOOK FOR A WRITTEN CONTRACT

The cleaning company should furnish you with a written contract that details the scope of work. The contract should also outline the cost and terms of service. Ensure you read the contract diligently to know whether hiring the cleaning company is a good idea.

If you find something unsettling after you read the contract, then you better find another company. Alternatively, you can always contact the company to find out whether they can change their terms of service.

EXPLORE ALL YOUR OPTIONS

As mentioned earlier, it’s always a good idea to explore all your options before settling on a post construction cleaning company. The internet is the best place to find cleaning companies but recommendations from family and friends are also great.

Post Construction Cleaning Is Very Important

Cleaning after construction shouldn’t be an optional activity. That’s because it’s just as important as the setting out and any other construction activity. If you can’t do it on your own, you can always outsource the cleaning to a cleaning company.

However, make sure you get a competent and experienced cleaning company to do our bidding. If you need professional and expedient construction cleaning services, get a quote today, and we’ll sort you out.

7 Apartment Cleaning Tips Before the Big Move

Today, more American families are renting houses than at any other point in the last 50 years. If you live in a rented house, the chances are that you might need to move or change homes at some point. The process of moving is often hectic and draining. 

Apart from thinking about the new apartment, you intend to move to; you also need to consider leaving a clean space in your current abode. Deep cleaning your current apartment before finally exiting is critical. 

Apartment cleaning before moving ensures that you leave the current house in a habitable state for future renters. By doing this, you also increase your chances of maximising your claim for the initial deposit. 

Could you be stuck trying to figure out how to go about cleaning an apartment before moving? In this article, you’ll learn how to go about apartment cleaning. 

1. Clear the Cobwebs

Cobwebs are an eyesore! If you have failed to clear the cobwebs for a while, this could be the perfect timing to remove all cobwebs. Part of apartment cleaning involves cleaning the ceilings to ensure that no traces of cobwebs are visible. 

An apartment that’s infested by cobwebs looks old and unkempt. The good thing is that you can proceed to clear out the cobwebs using a broom or a vacuum cleaner. If yours is a popcorn ceiling, you may use a dam high-nap paint roller over the ceiling. 

The approach will help you clear out any dust particles in the ceiling. Once the cobwebs are out of the way, you’ll have one less concern to handle. 

2. Dust the Blinds 

The blinds are often highly susceptible to dust accumulation. Unless you pay attention to this conspicuous part of your house, you’ll leave your apartment looking messy. The good thing about cleaning the blinds is that you only need to have water and a pair of socks. 

Once you have these, you only need to put on the pair of socks as gloves, then run your hand across each of the rungs on the blinds to rid them of the accumulated dust. If you have been overthinking how to go about cleaning your apartment blinds, then now you know that this process is pretty straightforward. 

3. Work Towards the Door 

Once you feel satisfied that the roof and the blinds are okay, it’s to time for the real job. The best way to go about apartment cleaning should be to work towards the door. This means working from the farthest corner of the house, all the way towards the exit. 

This approach is essential, considering that it allows you to embrace a systematic process of cleaning. You don’t want to trod over freshly vacuum-cleaned carpets. You also would wish to avoid leaving dusty marks on the sparkly floors. Starting from the farthest part of the apartment means that you won’t need to keep going back to specific spots in the house. 

4. Start With the Closets

There could be things you want to get off the closet before moving. Most closets are often full of odds and ends. Even after decluttering in readiness to move, your wardrobe still needs a deep cleaning. If the shelves have vinyl or decorative covers, exercise greater cautiousness to avoid damages. 

Work your way around any mystery marks or stain of gross that may be in the closet. If you are unable to handle this process, you could always call our team of experts. Some parts of the apartment tend to be hard to clean, a situation that may require the input of a specialist. 

5. Don’t Forget the Windows 

There’s always the chance that you’ll neglect the windows when cleaning the apartment in readiness to move. If this happens, you might have overlooked one of the essential parts of your home. The best way to avoid an embarrassing situation when handing back the apartment is to ensure that the windows are clean and sparkly. 

Dust off the locks and anything in between the sliding tracks. It may also help to call in experts in window cleaning if you aren’t sure of how to go around the process of washing the windows. Sometimes, due to a lack of experience, you might mess up the cleaning process. 

6. Move to the Walls and the Baseboards 

You might need to be extra cautious when cleaning the walls and the baseboards. You don’t want to end up interfering with the coat of paint when the process is finally over. One critical pro-tip to have in mind when cleaning your walls and baseboards is always to use the appropriate cleaner that complements the paint finish. 

This is important to avoid having to repaint affected wall patches. The risk of wall damage is why more people consider apartment cleaning from the more seasoned professional companies. 

7. Vacuum Carpets and Mop Floors 

You started from the top with the roof, then moved to the farthest corners, now it’s time to mop the floors. But first, vacuum the carpets to give them that unique, sparkly wash. Once done with the vacuuming, it’s time to focus on the floors. 

Mopping the floor may seem easy, but it’s never a walk in the park. Apartment cleaning can be challenging if the current house has multiple rooms. If you feel overwhelmed, you could always call us in for support with wet mopping your floors and carpet vacuuming. 

Get Apartment Cleaning Services Today

The idea of moving into a new apartment sounds fascinating. However, before you move, you need to deal with any mess in the current apartment. Apartment cleaning requires a specific focus on the entire home, from the roof to the entry point. 

Everything in between, including the windows, blinds, closets, and carpets, require a thorough wash. While you might be able to deal with a few aspects of the apartment washing process, you’ll be better off calling in the experts. 

Apartment cleaning requires dedication and precision. If you don’t have the time, yet you need urgent and satisfactory services, contact us today for unmatched delivery.

6 Benefits of Hiring a Restaurant Cleaning Service in Gauteng

Are you thinking about using a reputable service that specialises in cleaning Memphis restaurants? You may have concerns about keeping your restaurant clean throughout the year. 

A restaurant cleaning service comes in handy by helping you to obtain a positive business image.

Need more motivation to hire professionals? Keep reading to discover six reasons why you should contact a Memphis cleaning company. 

1. Saving Time

When you’re running a busy restaurant, you will not always have enough time to keep your place clean. Saving time is one of the greatest benefits you get from hiring Lehakoe Cleaning Services

Memphis cleaning professionals focus on providing quick and thorough service. They can clean your floors, bathrooms, baseboard, chairs, tables, and bar areas. You can opt for daily, weekly, or biweekly cleaning service to maintain a safe work environment.

2. They Save You Money

You don’t have to bother spending money to buy supplies to keep your restaurant clean. You save money by hiring a cleaning company.

Cleaning professionals will already have the right supplies on hand for each project. They also have an abundance of products in stock to manage specific cleaning tasks that you have.

3. Years of Experience

You might not have the skill to deal with certain cleaning projects on your own.

Cleaning experts possess vast expertise using the best restaurant cleaning equipment to keep your place spotless. They also know which cleaning products to use.

They have years of training and skills to use the right techniques to remove tough dirt and grime. They will also know how to clean hard-to-reach areas in your restaurant.

4. Equipment Preservation

You may have concerns about removing dirt and bacteria from your restaurant equipment. Your restaurant equipment lasts longer when you use a commercial cleaning company. 

This strategy helps you to maintain the efficiency of your equipment. This also prevents your machine from breaking down.

5. Business Reputation

An untidy or unclean restaurant has a negative impact on your business. Customers will be turned off from an unsanitary restaurant. You can lose a significant amount of customers if your restaurant is not always clean.

A cleaning service can help you to maintain a clean and healthy environment. This is appealing to customers and helps you to develop a good business reputation. 

6. Fewer Worries

You have fewer worries when you can rely on a good cleaning company. When you’re overwhelmed with dusting, sweeping, and cleaning, you can hire professionals.

You have the peace of mind that you can contact a service whenever you want to clean your restaurant.

When you’re too occupied, you can leave your cleaning tasks in the hands of professionals. This takes the pressure off your shoulders and makes it easier for you to operate your business.

Maintain Quality Hygiene by Hiring a Restaurant Cleaning Service

These are good benefits for you to consider using a Memphis restaurant cleaning service. You can rely on cleaning professionals that specialise in providing you with an efficient service that surpasses your needs.

Are you looking for an exceptional cleaning service for your restaurant? If you want to contact a reputable company, you can get a quote from us today.

7 Common House Cleaning Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Around 77%of South Africans think it’s important to keep their homes neat and clean, with many cleaning before they even see dirt. However, many people also make some pretty big house cleaning mistakes without realising it.

You could be making some unfortunate mistakes as you clean, sometimes doing more harm than good.

Learn which mistakes you need to avoid, so you can keep your home spick and span.

1. Reusing the Same Rag

If you’re reusing a rag in different areas around the house, you’re spreading germs from room to room! Never use the same rag from one room in another. Imagine bringing bathroom germs into the kitchen.

Either use a new sheet of paper towel for each surface or designate a reusable microfiber cloth for each room. Wash reusable cloths after each cleaning session.

2. Using Furniture Polish the Wrong Way

Furniture polish can really bring a shine to our favorite wooden furniture, but only if you use it the right way. Don’t spray furniture directly with the product. Instead, spray some onto a cloth and then apply to your furniture.

Not all furniture polish is created equal. Some types of polishes contain chemicals that can dull the surface or attract more dust.

3. Not Dusting the Blinds

Blinds tend to collect a lot of dust, meaning they require regular cleaning if you want to keep your home in top shape.

Many people wash their blinds with a damp cloth, but neglect to dust them first. Doing so can leave you with a muddy mess.

Wipe down your blinds with a microfiber duster or use a vacuum attachment.

4. Forgetting the Touch Points

Touch points are areas in your home that get touched often, such as doorknobs and light switches.

Think about everything you touch when you enter a room. It’s crucial that you remember to wipe these areas down with a disinfectant cleaner or wipe to

reduce spreading germs.

5. Using a Feather Duster

If you still have a feather duster, consider making the switch to a microfiber duster. Microfiber dusters grab and trap dust rather than spread it around.

6. Neglecting to Deep Clean

Most people don’t mind performing light cleaning, such as tidying up the house, cleaning the toilets, or wiping down the kitchen sink. The problem is that many people neglect to deep clean their houses.

Deep cleaning is more time consuming as you’re targeting areas you don’t often think about, but it’s an essential part of cleaning the home. If you don’t have time to do it yourself, hire a house cleaning service to perform a deep cleaning for you.

7. Not Drying the Toilet Brush

Are you using your house cleaning tools properly? Putting a toilet brush back into its holder after use traps germs and moisture inside, which can spread to the toilet the next time you use it. Instead, it’s important you let your toilet brush dry before storing it again.

Avoid Making These House Cleaning Mistakes

These seven house cleaning mistakes are just a few examples of what homeowners can do wrong.

We all mean well when we break out our cleaning supplies; we might even make a regular cleaning schedule to follow. However, if you want to make sure your home is as clean as possible, leave it to us!

Get a quote today and see how our professional cleaning services can help.



5 Signs Your Business Needs an Office Cleaning Service

Anytime you meet a new potential client, you take steps to make a good first impression. For example, you make an effort to dress in professional attire.

Your office space becomes part of your first impression for new and existing clients every time they visit. A clean, well-ordered office space gives the impression of a business that minds the details.

While rank-and-file employees bear some responsibility for keeping things clean, it’s not a key responsibility for most of them. Plus, many things can distract from those tasks. Keep reading for five signs you need an office cleaning service.

1. Employees Get Sick

Your employees will get sick occasionally. If there’s a cold or flu going around, there isn’t much you can do to prevent it.

If your employees get sick regularly, though, that can mean you need an office cleaning service. Even if your employees pitch in with cleaning, there are areas to clean that they might all avoid. No one enjoys cleaning a bathroom.

Bathrooms, countertops, and door handles can become havens for bacteria or viruses without regular cleaning.

2. Productivity Drop

Cluttered, dirty office spaces often sap productivity. Even if it only happens at a subconscious level, clutter and dirt distract employees. This distraction translates into a loss in productivity.

Plus, a dirtier environment can trigger allergies and increase the odds of illness. Both things that will also reduce overall productivity.

3. It’s No One’s Responsibility

Every company must deal with some level of turnover. The problem with turnover is that implicit responsibilities often don’t transfer over to new employees. While all of your original employees helped out with cleaning, a large portion of your current employees may see it as someone else’s duty.

If general cleaning isn’t part of your hiring discussion with all new employees, you likely need a cleaning service.

4. Business Picks Up

Maybe it’s your busy season, or your company is finally established, but business picks up. As the overall workload increases, people will focus more on core operations and less on secondary duties. You’ll need some help with cleaning while everyone keeps busy with the business side of things.

5. You’re Business is Growing

It’s normal for solopreneurs and small startup teams to assume multiple roles. That routinely includes taking on some responsibility for cleaning up.

As your business grows, though, people typically specialize more and more. As their jobs become more defined, they’ll think less and less about cleaning. That’s the point when you need an office cleaning budget and a cleaning service.

Do You Need an Office Cleaning Service?

While there no definitive checklist exists that can tell you if you need an office cleaning service, there are signs.

Persistent employee absenteeism or illness can serve as a warning that you need cleaning help. Business growth often requires that you bring in a cleaning service since employees must focus on their primary duties.

Of course, the general state of the office often proves the deciding factor.

Clean Sweep of America offers office cleaning services in the Memphis, TN area. If your office needs a professional cleaning touch, reach out and get a quote from us today.



The Professional Way to Clean Granite Countertops

Granite countertops are stylish, strong, and resilient. Not only are they a nice addition to any kitchen, but they can withstand heat and last hundreds of years. But despite their strength, they require a lot of care.

You can’t just use anything on these surfaces. There’s actually a certain process you should follow in order to effectively clean granite countertops. That being said, we’re going to walk you through the proper way to clean them so that you get the most out of your countertop! 

Keep reading to learn the best way to clean granite countertops. 

Microfiber Cloth

First, you’ll want to make sure you have a microfiber cloth on hand before starting the cleaning process. These cloths are softer and more gentle than normal cleaning cloths, making them great for use on granite countertops.

Sponges and other cloths can be too harsh for granite and can cause the sealant to breakdown. The goal is to clean and preserve your counters and the first step in ensuring that is done is by having the proper tools. 

Products 

This may come as a surprise to many, but warm water and mild dish soap will thoroughly clean your granite countertops. It’s simple, and maybe the most obvious choice, but it’s extremely effective. 

When cleaning your countertops, harsh and abrasive cleaners such as acidic cleaners, vinegar, and bleach should be avoided. These products, although powerful, will also weaken the sealant on your granite and cause it to deteriorate quicker. 

There are also granite specific cleaners available but they are not necessary to use on a regular basis in order to get a clean surface. 

Isopropyl Alcohol 

After using soap and water to wipe down your counter, you should go in with a disinfectant to finish it off. Isopropyl alcohol is a great product to use for this step because it removes any residue that may be left from soap, and it restores shine. It also helps to keep your home virus-free. 

After wiping your counter down with soap and water, spray alcohol and allow for it to sit for five minutes. Wipe your countertop down and your space will look new and refreshed. 

How Often Should You Clean?

Now that we’ve gone over the proper steps and products to use during the cleaning process, it’s important to know how often this should take place. 

Typically counters are wiped down daily to discard crumbs and small spills. While this is adequate, we recommend following our steps and doing a thorough cleaning once a week to get rid of bacteria and keep your kitchen space safe. 

Now You Know How to Clean Granite Countertops 

Granite countertops require delicate care but the cleaning process is quite simple. Remember to use warm water with mild dish soap, a microfiber cloth to wipe it down, and isopropyl alcohol to disinfect. By following these steps and staying consistent with your counter’s upkeep, you’ll have clean granite countertops all the time. 

You could do it yourself but you don’t have to! Contact us today to see how we can help you keep your granite in tip-top shape. 

What a Difference! The Benefits of Wet-Mopping Kitchen Floors

Do you find yourself constantly worrying over the state of your flooring? Are you spending hours trying to clean them, only to find them dirty the next day? Do you find standard cleaning tools ineffective?

I have a solution for you!

Wet mopping is the most efficient cleaning method and it will transform your kitchen floor! Keep reading to discover the differences between dry and wet mopping, and the benefits a wet mop can provide.

Dry Mopping vs Wet Mopping

Before outlining the benefits of wet mopping, we need to clarify the difference between these mopping methods.

A dry mop, also known as a dust mop, works to pick up dry material such as dirt, food, and hair. This mop is a more efficient alternative to a broom. A mop traps and rids debris while a broom spreads further by sending it into the air allowing it to contaminate other surfaces.

The head of a dry mop has either a detachable or disposable head. Detachable heads made of a fabric material can be cleaned in between uses, while disposable heads are meant to be replaced after each use.

Wet mops pair with water or cleaning solution for a deeper cleaning effect. The various wet mop heads include loop or cut-end that can be wrung out after use, detachable, washable heads, as well as one-time disposable wet pads.

So, why is a wet mop the best mop for you?

Liquid Spills

In every home, you’re likely to encounter a liquid spill, whether it’s from a cooking mishap or a dropped drink. A wet mop’s design allows for liquid absorption.

Dry mops can pick up particles on the surface of your floors, but for dried liquids and stains, wet mops are a more efficient option.

Disinfecting

Dry mops remove the particles we can see, but they’re useless against lingering bacteria or viruses.

The kitchen and bathroom floors, laundry rooms, sinks, and showers are hot spots for bacteria growth. Without frequent cleaning, this bacteria can spread to other areas in the home. The more we encounter bacteria the more susceptible we are to infection.

A wet mop allows uses soap and water or disinfecting solutions that remove bacteria and protect from potential sickness.

Appearance

One of the most compelling benefits for wet mop use is its sparkling finish. The professional cleaning result you’re looking for can be achieved with any wet mop. They’re versatile, too, and can be applied to several surfaces.

Wet mopping is safe on hardwood, tile, concrete, stone, and other uneven or rough surfaces. They’re used on baseboards, too, to prevent mold and mildew build-up.

Scrub Away

Wet mopping is quick and easy to do. This kind of mop is the best tool to get rid of a liquid spill, offers freedom from bacteria, and leaves your floors looking immaculate. This is the cleaning solution for you.

If you’re looking for other cleaning tips, or you’re in the Memphis area and need professional cleaning services, check out the rest of our site and give us a call!

The 3 Greatest Challenges of Cleaning a Restaurant

Keeping your restaurant clean is a must for keeping your customers happy and healthy. It’s also important to keep things as sanitary as possible to pass all of your health inspections and generate great customer reviews. 

Make sure you know all you can about cleaning a restaurant, and that you pay attention to the challenging areas that are often overlooked. Keep your restaurant a successful one by keeping it clean with these tips and tricks to cleaning tricker areas that need constant attention. 

1. Soda Fountains

Likely, your restaurant uses at least one or more soda fountain machines every day. The cleanliness of this area is of top priority whether you’re servers fill customer’s drinks or you have a self-serving station. This area can often be overlooked, but the nozzles can get gross very quickly. 

Because most sodas are made from sugary syrups, it can become a place for bacteria and other organisms to grow. It can also attract pests and bugs when syrup builds up. For this reason, cleaning your soda fountain station daily is a must. 

To clean your soda fountain nozzles, remove them using gloves. Use a brush or rag to clean off any sticky substances that are remaining. Use a chlorine-based sanitizer to clean these items, and soak them in the sanitizer for at least 3 minutes, then let them dry before replacing them. 

2. Menus 

Your menus are an essential part of the entire dining experience. Not only will dirty menus gross out your guests, but they are also incredibly unsanitary to hand out to tons of visitors throughout the day. Clean your menus between shits, allowing for daily sanitation to keep your staff and guests healthy. 

The cleaning methods for menus vary depending on the material type. If your menus are paper, recycle them after each use.

Consider laminating your menus or getting menu covers to cut down on waste while also having an easy to clean, reusable surface. Use a rag and sanitizer solution to wipe down your menus between uses.

3. High Chairs and Booster Seats 

Your little guests may have a harder time keeping their food on their plates. For this reason, it’s important to make sure your boosters and high chairs are cleaned between each use. Because these items can be made of different materials, it can be difficult to figure out the best cleaning solution for them. 

Sanitizer solutions work best for plastic chairs and seats, while diluted bleach or vinegar solutions work best for wood. Check with your high chair and booster manufacturers to learn about their suggested cleaning methods. 

Tips for Cleaning a Restaurant Effectively 

When it comes to cleaning a restaurant, it can be difficult to remember the areas that are easy to overlook. Yet, these areas are some of the most important to keep up with cleaning daily. Make sure you keep your guests and staff as healthy as possible by keeping up with all the best sanitary practices. Improve your customer base by paying attention to the cleanliness of your restaurant and hire a professional cleaning company to service your restaurant cleaning needs.

Are you looking for assistance with your restaurant cleaning? Contact us today for a quote on a restaurant cleaning service you can trust. 

Post-Construction Cleaning in Gauteng: What’s Involved?

Construction projects can leave behind dirt, dust, debris, and odors. These can be difficult for standard cleaning services to eliminate, present challenges, and add unnecessary stress.

Did you recently have a home or workplace renovation? Are you a developer who is constantly dealing with the hassle of cleaning up after a project? Did you know that the management and disposal of many post-construction materials are regulated by the government?

Post-construction cleanup requires attention to every surface in the product space. These can include ceilings, light fixtures, window frames, and other hard-to-reach surfaces. It also can involve the removal of dangerous debris or chemicals.

Eliminate the stress and hassle of trying to ensure a professional level of cleaning and safety. There are services available that can do this for you, quickly and effectively.

Here are a few things to consider when preparing for post-construction cleaning.

Post-Construction Cleaning in Gauteng: What’s Involved?

RANGE OF SERVICES

Each job is unique, but to ensure that the cleanup is thorough, hire a company that offers a variety of services. You want someone who can handle any problem that arises.

Basic janitorial service companies are great for regular, basic cleaning. But they will not deep clean major appliances, polish scuffs from walls, or remove hazardous chemicals.

At the same time, basic household cleaning should not be neglected. Rather than going out and hiring several companies to do different tasks, hire one that can do it all. Have the debris removed and the linens laundered in one swoop.

Comprehensive cleaning services can ensure that each space is properly cleaned, no matter what the job entails.

PROFESSIONALISM

Your newly refurbished floor, paint job, home addition, or renovated workspace should be treated with care and caution. Hire a company with experience, and one that can provide a quality service guarantee.

Also, see what others are saying about the company. Online reviews can give you some insight into what level of expertise and professionalism to expect.

Reputable companies can provide a level of convenience. They will employ personnel that can use lockboxes or keypad entries to access your home or office and secure the building once cleanup is completed. You will not have to worry about being present the whole time the project is underway.

QUALITY PRODUCTS

Remnants of a construction project are not your only concern. Many cleaning products can cause irritation, allergic reactions, or even more serious health issues, like cancer. They can release “volatile organic compounds” into the air, or react with other chemicals already in the space.

Find a service that uses non-toxic, eco-friendly products. This will make sure your living or work area is free of allergens, irritants, or dangerous chemicals.

COST

It is common for cleaning services to provide cost estimates over the telephone or by email. Others may quote a “per room” price. Be cautious. There is nothing wrong with getting a “ballpark” figure. But be aware that anything beyond basic cleaning services could be hidden from the price.

A prominent and professional cleaning service will want to view the space and understand details about the project before proposing a final price. This may require more upfront time but will ensure that you know exactly what you are getting for your money.

Find a Service Provider Today

Why spend your valuable time and effort on post-construction cleaning when you can hire a professional to make sure that the job gets done right? Get quality service and peace of mind, so that you can focus your attention on the things that matter. Contact us today to get a quote on all of our services.

What Is Included in a Deep House Cleaning?

Keeping a clean home is more important now than ever before. In fact, studies show that having a clean home makes you healthier! That being said, what about when it is time for something a little more than tidying up? 

We have the answer for you! We are going to go over exactly what is included in a deep house cleaning. So, if you are ready to get your house cleaned from top to bottom let’s get started!

What Is Included in a Deep House Cleaning?

When you choose to have a deep house cleaning team of 3-4 will come to your home and complete an initial walk through of the home. From there they will utilise a checklist to ensure that each room is carefully detailed and cleaned. Let’s look at the breakdown of each living space. 

THE KITCHEN

One study found that bacteria like E. Coli and Salmonella were found on 75% of kitchen rags and sponges and on 45% of kitchen sinks. 

Here is what goes into a kitchen deep cleaning:

• Cleaning and disinfecting trashcans
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting of sink and dishwasher
• Deep cleaning of microwave
• Cleaning and organizing of all cabinets
• Deep cleaning of floors 
• Disinfecting knobs, handles, and pulls
• Cleaning of Oven and refrigerator 
• Deep cleaning and disinfecting all surfaces
• Cobwebs
• Windows
• Sills
• Blinds
• Baseboards

Deep cleaning in the kitchen is vital to a safe home. The peace of mind that your kitchen is sanitary is priceless.

THE BATHROOMS 

How can you get clean in an unclean area? Your bathroom can harbor bacteria and mold from the moisture build-up.

Here is what goes into a bathroom deep cleaning:

• Cleaning of air vents
• Disinfecting knobs and pulls
• Cleaning and disinfecting soap dispenser and toothbrush holder
• Cleaning and disinfecting shower and glass or curtains
• Scrubbing and disinfecting bathtub and toilet bowl and base
• Organizing all cabinets
• Disinfecting and cleaning trashcan
• Cobwebs
• Windows
• Blinds
• Sills
• Baseboards

Deep cleaning in your bathroom will keep your bathroom a safe and comfortable place. For an added bonus, request your favorite scents such as linen or lavender. 

THE BEDROOMS

Your bedroom should be a sanctuary. Unfortunately, our rooms often become havens for dust, clutter, and pet dander. 

Here is what goes into the bedroom deep cleaning:

• Decluttering the room 
• A dusting and wet wiping of all surfaces including baseboards, mirrors, fans, etc
• Organizing of drawers and closets
• Cleaning under the bed
• Disinfecting all surfaces 
• Vacuuming carpets
• Washing sheets and pillows
• Folding laundry
• Cobwebs
• Doors
• Vents
• Windows
• Sills
• Blinds
• Linen Changes

Having a clean bedroom will give you a refreshed night’s sleep. In addition, an organised closet is a huge stress reliever!

THE LIVING ROOM 

The living room is so versatile. Whether it is a movie night or a family gathering the living room can get messy quickly! Living rooms can become easily cluttered and studies show that clutter and messes negatively affect your health.

Here is what goes into the living room deep cleaning:

• Dusting and polishing of all surfaces including ceiling fans and fixtures
• Removal of scuff marks 
• Vacuuming furniture and carpets
• Cleaning under furniture 
• Cleaning windows and windowsills
• Cobwebs
• Windows
• Blinds
• Sills
• Baseboards
• Doors 
• Vents
• Decluttering the room of unnecessary items

This detailing process will ensure a comfy living area. Organisation is key in the living room!

A lot of clients sometimes choose to have a proritized list of things that they want done for their deep cleaning. You may also limit the time to a specific amount to suit your needs and budget.

Get a Sparkling Home Today

Now that you understand exactly what is included in a deep house cleaning there is no reason to wait! You will feel refreshed in a clean and comfortable home that feels like new again. Hiring a professional to get your house deep cleaned will give you the confidence that your home is being cleaned and detailed to perfection!

If you are ready to get your house sparkling clean today click here!

 Step-By-Step How to Clean Blinds

Dirty or dusty blinds are one of those small details that oftentimes gets passed by during a normal house cleaning. When’s the last time you gave your blinds a good cleaning? Over time, dust and dirt can build on the blinds on both sides, which can make them difficult to clean.

Blinds in the kitchen are even more prone to becoming dirty due to splashes that happen around the table, stove, or counters. Stop letting dirty blinds stare you down. We’re here to teach you how to clean blinds with ease so you never have to worry about staring dirty blinds in the face again. 

Continue reading to find out more!

Use A Vacuum Tool to Vacuum 

The first step to cleaning your blinds is to take a soft cleaning tool on your vacuum and vacuum them. The vacuum tools work great for removing dust from objects inside your home. Vacuuming the blinds will rid them of any loose dirt or dust with ease. 

Use your vacuum’s extender to reach the top of the blinds and don’t forget to vacuum both sides. 

Dust With a Soft Duster

After vacuuming away the majority of the dust, you can then use a duster to dust the blinds. This will wipe off any leftover dust or dirt that the vacuum was unable to remove. You can use a soft duster or even a microfiber cloth to complete this step. 

Remember to dust one side and then turn the blinds in the opposite direction to dust the other side as well. Be sure to dust and vacuum your blinds in a downward motion, otherwise, you might cause them to become unhinged. 

Close Blinds and Wash

Blinds with stuck-on dirt or grime can be gently washed cleaned using a damp cloth. Close the blinds and dip your cloth in warm water. Use the cloth to then scrub away any stubborn debris. 

The warm water should be enough to wipe the blinds clean, but if needed, you can add a small amount of soap to the water as well. When using soap, be sure to rinse well after washing. If all the soap isn’t removed, then it’ll leave a film on the blinds.

Remove for Deep Cleanings

In some instances, you might need to give the blinds a solid deep cleaning. This is true for blinds that haven’t been cleaned in years or for blinds that have lots of spills or splashes on them (blinds located in or near the kitchen). 

To deep clean your blinds, you’ll need to remove them from your window with care. Place them inside your bathtub filled with warm soapy water. You can scrub them clean inside the bathtub. 

Rinse well and then pat dry. 

We Know How to Clean Blinds!

Still not sure if you can clean your blinds as well as you’d like? We know how to clean blinds professionally!

Click here to get a quote today, and learn how we can help get your blinds and your entire home clean!

7 Questions to Ask Before Hiring Maid Services in Gauteng

A few decades ago, cleaning companies were reserved for the wealthy. Having someone come to clean your house was considered a luxury. 

House cleaning has become a necessity in recent years, and the current pandemic has made it crucial to healthy living.

Before hiring maid services to help you clean, make sure you ask these seven questions.

1. How Long Have You Been a Business?

Unfortunately, there are a lot of pop-up cleaning services that try to turn a quick dollar before closing the shop. Don’t get stuck with a company that has no intention of correcting mistakes or helping you again.

Because failure rates for cleaning businesses are high, see if businesses have been around longer than five years.

Cleaning services that have been around longer than five years have generally met exceptional standards of service and customer satisfaction.

You can still give a new cleaning service a chance by asking a representative for credentials or proof of past experience. They might also have a list of past clients that were satisfied and can speak to their service.

2. Do You Perform a Background Check on Employees?

When you allow people into your home to clean, you are put in a very vulnerable position. Maids will have access to your rooms, valuables, and important documents.

The last thing you want is someone with a criminal record or violent history spending time in your home.

Ask the company how they screen employees for their cleaning service. Do they do a standard background check? Ask to see if they’ll check the references of their employees.

Drug screens are also good filters to find out who is chemically dependent or abusing substances. A cleaner who is addicted to drugs will be more likely to try and steal something of value to sell later.

3. Do You Have Insurance and Permits?

One of the worst-case scenarios would involve a maid accidentally breaking a valuable asset while cleaning. Who pays for the damages?

Ask the maid service if they have insurance to cover accidents or damage. You don’t want to end up in court trying to recover the money to pay for repairs or replacements.

Make sure the insurance coverage has a high enough limit to cover everything in your house. 

You’ll want to see if the business has all required permits or licenses to operate within the city and state. If you hire someone who isn’t legally allowed to work, you can get into legal trouble, too.

4. What Happens If a Worker Is Hurt?

Another bad scenario is a maid getting injured at your house. Maybe she trips down the stairs or has a shelf fall on top of her. 

Ask the maid service if they have workers’ compensation insurance. You don’t want to be responsible for the financial burden of any injuries. 

A reputable cleaning service will have insurance coverage to protect you and the worker. If they don’t have it, ask for a document in writing that will release you of any responsibility.

If you hire an independent maid, make sure you are aware that you’re the employer. This is why it’s always best to go with a reputable company that has workers’ compensation protection.

5. What Are Your Basic Services?

A lot of customers have different expectations for what a basic cleaning entails. Get a copy of a cleaning company’s basic services. You want to know exactly what to expect.

If you have cleaning requests that aren’t involved in any level of service, then ask them how much it will be to include it. You want to have a clear understanding of what is expected as far as the detail of cleaning and the areas that are cleaned. 

Some companies will have discounts for repeat customers, so it might be advantageous to sign up for multiple cleanings in a month. There may also be specials for new customers.

6. Do You Have Training and Supplies for Workers?

The turnover rate in the cleaning industry is quite high. Some businesses are just looking for a body to place. 

Ask about a cleaning service’s training program to ensure you’re getting a person who knows what they are doing. The best cleaning companies will have documented training.

You’ll also want the company to provide their own supplies when cleaning your home. Part of the benefits of hiring a company is that you no longer have to keep a full closet of cleaning supplies.

You can still ask about what they provide in case you need a specific piece of equipment or environmentally-friendly chemicals. Be wary of a maid service that doesn’t provide basic cleaning and sanitation gear.

7. What’s Your Process for Getting in and out of the House?

While you might prefer to stay and watch a maid clean your home, this almost defeats the purpose of hiring them in the first place.

Find out if they have a good process for getting in and out of your house. Some companies will have very strict procedures that include a key pick drop-off and pick-up.

Make sure the only person who has access to the key is a manager or the owner of a cleaning business. The fewer keys you pass around, the better secure your home will be.

You may have to spend time showing the cleaners proper lock-up if you have security systems. It’s up to the customer to ensure animals and dangerous obstacles are put away. 

Hiring Maid Services to Make Your Life Easier

Make your life easier and get back precious hours by hiring maid services to clean your home. Ask these questions to make sure the cleaning company is perfect for your home.

Remember, this service is for everyone in gauteng.

If you’re ready to let someone else handle the messes, get a quote today!

5 Tips for Maintaining a Tidy Home in These Troubled Times

Do you sometimes struggle to keep a tidy home? Don’t worry. You aren’t alone.

It may seem that in times like these, keeping your house clean and organised has a relatively unimportant priority. But it’s important to keep things sanitary, and being in a clean and well-organised space can help greatly with feelings of depression — and being ‘stuck in the house’ when the house doesn’t feel like a home. 

Now, we understand that keeping a whole house tidy can seem like a ton of work, especially if you’re trying to do it all at once! But, with a little bit of planning and organisation, this challenging task can be made much simpler. And yes, YOU can do it!

Keep reading for our top five tips to help your house sparkle every day.

Keeping a Tidy Home: Our Top 5 Tips

Having a clean house can positively impact your physical and mental health. So, while it will require a bit of effort every day, it’s well worth your while! 

1. CLEAN AS YOU GO

Don’t wait for messes and clutter to build up. Instead, clean and put away items right after you use them. This is especially important for areas like your kitchen and bathroom, which can become hotspots for germs in your house.

High-traffic areas like entryways and laundry rooms can also get out of control quickly. Putting up clothes and everyday items as soon as you’re done with them will keep these problem areas looking perfect.

During this time of COVID-19, it’s important to recognise that sanitizing is ‘different’ from traditional cleaning — and that the effective steps are simple, but must be prompt and consistent. So have the ‘right’ EPA List N sanitisers ready to hand, know how to use them, and then use them right away … on hands, and on surfaces you contact (including your telephone, your keys, your cards, and other things you breathe on or touch)

2. EVERYTHING IN ITS PLACE

You’ll find it much easier to keep your home tidy and organised if you start with clean habits. Creating a “home” for each and every thing you own will prevent you from just moving clutter from one room to the next… or ‘putting off organizing’ until it seems an overwhelming task.

Plus, having a system of organization in place will help if you want to delegate housework. This is ideal when you want to assign your kids chores, or you decide you want to hire a professional house cleaner to do the things you don’t want to do, or feel you can’t. 

Professional anti-viral sanitation services, for example, can bring peace of mind as well as best chances for health even should outbreaks of COVID-19 spread to your area. When you know just how and when to use these services, they can be valuable, particularly when they can be delegated ‘around’ much of the everyday cleaning you can do yourself — or pre-organize to be ‘done’ to your satisfaction when they arrive.

3. STICK TO A SCHEDULE 

Dedicating just a few minutes of time to cleaning every day will keep you from spending hours at a time catching up on scrubbing and scouring over the weekend. 

Start by choosing a part of your day that you can devote regularly to cleaning — a time when you can clean quickly and without disturbance or distraction. This might be first thing in the morning, right when you get off work, or just after dinnertime. Making it a habit to decide on short, achievable tasks, and then completing them fully at a particular time, builds both the discipline and the sense of achievement that are valuable in assuring a clean lifestyle.

This will also give you a clear idea when, for any reason, you can’t maintain tidiness entirely by yourself or with good discipline. Then you can ask for help only when and as you might need it … then go right back to maintaining on schedule.

4. FOCUS ON THE BIG PICTURE

It’s easy to get caught up in the details. But, when it comes to tidy housecleaning, you’ll want to keep the big picture in mind. No point in deep cleaning a countertop if you’re just going to stack piles of household clutter right back on top of it! 

Walk into a few different rooms in your house, and notice how you feel in each space. If your eye is drawn to piles of clutter or you start experiencing stress, you know the area needs some attention.  When you can, figure out a plan to get each of these spaces tidy, and then ‘work that plan’ — put clutter away, make decisions to keep or throw, reorganize as necessary — for each space, to get the ‘whole’ of your living space lined out and right. Then you can be more comfortable keeping it that way.

5. KNOW WHEN TO HIRE HELP

If you’ve let a few areas go too long without a good deep cleaning, it might be time to call in some professionals. Don’t worry; the right maid service will be happy to help!

Start by assessing the situation. If you think it’s going to take you more than a few hours to tackle your household clutter and mess … or you keep finding you don’t have the time to quite ever finish getting things right … you’re probably in over your head.

There’s nothing to be embarrassed about! Even if your home is spotless, hiring an expert for a deep cleaning once or twice a year will help get your living spaces to feel warm, inviting, and totally hygienic … after which you’ll find it easier to work to keep them that way.

Get Started Today

Now that you’ve got some basic information on maintaining a tidy home, you’re ready to think about tackling those ‘problem areas’.

Use this article as a checklist and make a resolution to put a few healthy habits in place, and you’ll find it easier to keep the house spotless later on. And, if you think it’s time to call for backup, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Wondering how much it will cost to get a professional cleaning ? Contact us for a discussion and free estimate today!

Clean All Viruses: A Complete Guide on How to Keep Your Home Virus-Free

It shouldn’t take a global pandemic for people to realize the importance of keeping their homes clean.

However, in times like this, it reprioritizes the impact that a clean living environment can have on you and your entire family.

Perhaps you’re worried that there’s more you could be doing to kill viruses in your house. Maybe you haven’t cleaned it well enough in the past and are looking for tips to start curbing that habit.

Whatever the case might be, here are several tips to ensure you clean all viruses and keep your home as illness-free as possible. Consider all of these methods as you reapply your cleaning efforts.

1. Enforce the 20-Second Rule

If you were to ask most modern-day Americans how long they should aim to wash their hands, they might not be able to tell you.

Studies have shown that over 40-percent of Americans choose not to wash their hands almost every time they go to the bathroom.

One of the best things for your family is to inform your spouse and your children as much as possible about the dangers of not doing so. Also, install a 20-second rule in your house and make sure everyone is washing and lathering for the full length of it. That’s the amount of time that the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends washing to kill most (if not all) the germs on your hands.

2. Find a Local Home Cleaning Service

All of the steps on this list are going to help you rid your home of viruses. However, with the current situation in the world, you might be hard-pressed to find certain resources that you need, such as disinfecting wipes.

For that reason, it’s well worth your investment to find a trustworthy home cleaning service that you can rely on. 

Be sure to write down a list of several different home cleaning companies in your area and interview each one that you like. The goal is to zero-in on a service that focuses on the details of each portion of their job.

Investing in a home cleaning service will give you access to all the resources you might not be able to find for yourself right now.

3. Allow Disinfectant to Do Its Job

It’s not easy to wipe down a surface with a wet substance and let it sit. The perfectionist inside of you might cringe at the sight.

However, your disinfectant solution needs between 10 to 12 minutes before it can kill all the germs that are on your table, island, sink, toilet, bathtub, etc. So if you dry it off before those 10 minutes are up, the surface won’t be entirely virus-free.

Also, before you apply the disinfectant, be sure to remove any visible dirt or dust that you spot. Removing the dirt before applying the disinfectant allows it to do its job more effectively.

Lastly, disinfectant wipes should be used more as a frequent touch-up tool, rather than your main source of disinfectant. For example, use the wipes to quickly wipe down areas of your house that are touched far more often such as door handles, toilet seats, chairs, or knobs. Use the disinfectant liquid for your floors, tables, etc.

4. Wash Dirty Laundry Effectively

There are many guidelines that you should be following when cleaning your dirty laundry to protect yourself and clean efficiently.

First and foremost, make sure to wear gloves while you handle the dirty laundry and place it in the washer. If you don’t have gloves, no worries, just make sure to wash your hands (for 20 seconds) immediately afterward.

Secondly, use the hottest possible settings on your washer and dry respectively. The hot temperature will kill more germs, thus ridding it of possible viruses. 

Lastly, make sure to effectively clean the surface of whatever you use to store your dirty laundry. If it’s a cloth bag, then you can simply wash it with the last load of dirty laundry. 

If it’s a basket of some kind, then be sure to disinfect the surface before placing it back in its normal location in your home.

5. Use Microfiber Cloth

If you don’t already have a microfiber cloth, then you’ll want to invest in one! As the name would imply, these cloths are composed of a finer fiber that allows them to pick up all the dust, dirt, and germs on a surface.

Lucky for the consumer (you), more and more companies are embedding microfiber technology into their cleaning products.

That means that if you’ve purchased a mop or gym towel recently, then it might have microfiber in it.

These cloths are especially helpful for wiping down what the CDC considers to be high-touch surfaces. 

You only need to apply a bit of soap and water to the microfiber rag, then wipe down your desired surface. These are especially helpful to use on electronic surfaces, such as your smartphone or laptop, without harming their display.

Microfiber cloths usually cost around R49.00  to R69.00  for a high-quality towel, and will quickly become your go-to cleaning towel.

Clean All Viruses With These Helpful Tips!

Now that you’ve seen several tips and tricks to clean all viruses in your house, it’s time to get to work!

Be sure to read this article about house cleaning vs deep cleaning. There you’ll learn more information on the advantages you’re missing out on without hiring a cleaning service.

For more inquiries, please feel free to fill out our form for an online quote and we’ll be happy to assist you further!

5 Reasons to Hire a Professional Cleaner Before You Sell Your Home

If you are selling your home, one item on the “getting the house ready to sell checklist” is to clean the inside and outside from top to bottom. A clean house sells faster because there is a certain level of care a buyer expects to find when they tour a house on the market.

If you’re experiencing the stress and overwhelm of having to clean before you sell your home, here are 5 reasons why you should give yourself a break and hire a professional cleaner.

1. Professional Results

When hiring a cleaning service, you’ll get a professional deep clean that addresses every inch of your home. 

It’s easy to overlook certain details when you are cleaning a familiar space because you are so used to every area in your home. Professional cleaners come in with fresh eyes to see every stain, dust bunny, and dull surface that needs to be addressed. They also use professional tools, products, and equipment to deliver a higher level of quality than you can find in your local big-box store. 

2. Increased Home Value

If a potential buyer is viewing a home that the seller did not clean, it gives the buyer a negative impression about how the home is taken care of in general. A buyer may wonder if the larger issues have been addressed when the small issues, like cleaning, were not. 

Allowing your potential buyer to step into a professionally cleaned home is only going to increase their confidence and trust that the home has been properly cared for and is a safe space for them and their family.

3. Convenience

Cleaning an entire home by yourself, with the care and detail required for selling, is an overwhelming task. Hiring a cleaner is convenient, as you would simply get a quote, schedule the service, and enjoy your freshly-cleaned home shortly after. 

You’ll be able to check off an item on your long list of to-dos, all by making that initial phone call. 

4. Reduced Stress

Getting ready to sell your house can be an emotional and stressful process. The good and bad feelings you have from leaving your home added to the many things you have to do to sell your home can cause you to feel overwhelmed with stress and emotion.

Having a task you can delegate is great for reducing the stress you will experience during this process. It’s one less thing you have to do, which will free up time and space for other tasks. 

5. Customized Service

A benefit of hiring a cleaning company is you can request customized service. If your kitchen floors need extra attention and your bedrooms need a basic clean, you can customise your service to fit your needs by asking the right questions during the interview process. 

Hiring A Professional Cleaner: The Bottom Line

While cleaning is one of the most important things to do before putting a house on the market, it doesn’t mean you have to take on the stress of such a big task by yourself. Not only is hiring a professional cleaner easy and convenient, but you’ll also get results that will help you sell your house in no time.

Are you ready to schedule your cleaning? Contact us for a quote!

Deep Cleaning vs Regular House Cleaning: What You’re Actually Missing

Wondering if you really need a deep cleaning for your home?

Before you decide, you’ll want to know the difference between a regular cleaning and a deep cleaning service. They cover different things within your home.

Most people can benefit from both types of cleaning depending on the situation.

Keep reading to understand what you get in a deep cleaning and why you should consider it for your home.

Regular Cleaning Basics

Regular cleaning from a cleaning service usually happens on a weekly basis. The goal is to keep up with basic cleaning tasks.

Typical tasks that happen during this service include:

• Tidying up your spaces
• Cleaning floors
• Wiping surfaces in kitchens and bathrooms
• Taking out the trash
• General dusting

The frequency of regular cleaning is usually at least once per week. A regular cleaning service typically doesn’t take as long as a deep clean, so it generally costs less.

Deep Cleaning Basics

Deep cleaning goes further to get rid of dirt, grime, soap scum, and other gunk around your home. It’s a more thorough service than the standard cleaning.

You’re not just picking up the clutter and wiping down surfaces. You’re often sanitizing areas throughout the home. Sanitizing and disinfecting surfaces can help get rid of germs that can make your family sick.

Deep cleaning can make your home a healthier environment by getting rid of dirt, dust, and other junk. It also makes it look and smell fresh and clean.

Deep cleaning typically takes longer than a general cleaning service, especially if you schedule a deep cleaning for your entire home. It involves lots of detail work, which takes more effort.

Bathroom

During a regular cleaning service, your cleaner will clean and dust all surfaces. That includes things such as your shower, vanity, mirror, and toilet.

When you get a deep cleaning, your service goes deeper. This might include:

• Scrubbing grout
• Disinfecting wastebaskets
• Removing soap scum and limescale from fixtures
• Deep cleaning baseboards and door frames
• Cleaning inside vanities and medicine cabinets
• Disinfecting knobs
• Cleaning around the toilet base
• Deep cleaning shower doors, curtains, and crevices

The cleaning leaves your bathroom sparkling and sanitized. That’s a good thing since bathrooms germs often include things such as staph bacteria, athlete’s foot, gastrointestinal viruses, and viruses spread by contaminated food, such as E. coli and salmonella.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another place that can get quite dirty. Food splatters and grease can leave your appliances and cabinets filthy.

Your regular weekly cleaning likely includes tidying up your countertops, wiping down all visible surfaces, and cleaning the floor.

For a deep cleaning, the following things might be included:

• Cleaning behind and under appliances
• Cleaning inside appliances, including your oven, refrigerator, and microwave
• Interior range hood and filter cleaning
• Cabinet cleaning
• Cleaning grout lines on countertops or backsplashes
• Cleaning refrigerator coils
• Cleaning and disinfecting small kitchen appliances
• Cleaning and organizing inside cabinets and drawers
• Disinfecting knobs and switches

The deep cleaning ensures all grease and food remnants get removed. When those things build up, they can be difficult to remove, so having a professional cleaning service handle it makes it easier on you.

General Spaces

Your cleaner also tidies up general spaces during a normal cleaning. This includes putting things where they belong, cleaning floors, and wiping down surfaces.

Deep cleaning services might include:

• Cleaning under furniture
• Wiping down ceiling fans and light fixtures
• Vacuuming and cleaning upholstery
• Cleaning blinds
• Dusting individual decorations
• Sanitizing trash cans and other surfaces
• Dusting lamp shades
• Cleaning baseboards, window frames, and door frames
• Wiping vent covers
• Cleaning inside window sills and window tracks
• Scrubbing walls
• Vacuuming along wall edges and other crevices
• Polishing furniture

Once you get your general spaces cleaned, it’s easy to maintain them with regular weekly cleaning. Since those spaces don’t have water or food sources like the kitchen and bathroom, they don’t tend to get as gunky as quickly.

When to Get a Deep Cleaning

You don’t always need a deep cleaning. It’s typically an occasional service you get for a specific purpose.

You might schedule a deep clean when you move into a new home. This gives you a fresh start in your new home without worrying about the dirt and grime from the previous owners.

It’s also something you can do in your old home when you move out. That gives the new owners a clean start.

Some people start with a deep clean when they start using a service. You start out with your home being clean throughout. Then, when you start with regular cleanings, the cleaning service can maintain that level of cleanliness they create during the deep cleaning.

You might schedule a deep cleaning before a big party or event you plan to host at your home. If anyone looks closely at your baseboards or appliances, they won’t find any grease or gunk.

This service is also a good idea in the spring when you’re already spring cleaning your home. It gives your space an extra-clean feeling as you also declutter and simplify.

Benefits of a Cleaning Service

When you’re ready for a deep clean, using a cleaning service can make the job easier.

A professional cleaning service has the deep cleaning routine down. The cleaners know what needs to be cleaned and where the dirt and gunk typically hides. They have the cleaning supplies and tools needed to do the job correctly.

They also know how to clean different parts of your home safely. They know what works on baseboards or tiles, for example.

The cleaners handle heavy lifting, such as moving appliances to clean behind them. This can prevent you from getting injured during cleaning.

Hiring a service saves you time. It goes beyond the regular clean, so it naturally takes a lot longer. A service can get in quickly to do the job, leaving you with more free time.

It means you don’t have to do all of the tedious cleaning tasks that no one likes to do, such as scrubbing grout lines for hours or wiping down the individual slats on blinds.

Choose Your Type of Cleaning

When deciding between a regular and deep cleaning, it often comes down to your reasons. Deep cleanings tend to be occasional services, while regular cleaning might happen on a recurring basis.

No matter what type of cleaning you need, we have you covered. Get a quote today to get your home on its way to being clean.

11 Vital Housekeeping Interview Questions to Ask Before Hiring

Are you looking for a cleaning service to help you keep up with your household?

You have lots of choices, so how do you know which one to choose?

Doing a housekeeping interview helps you determine if a cleaning company has the services and qualifications you want. 

You’re trusting the cleaners to come into your home, so you want to do your research. Not only do you want to ensure your home gets clean, but you also want to know you can trust the people who enter your home.

If you have an interview scheduled with a cleaning service, ask these 11 questions to get the information you need.

1. What Credentials and Insurance Do You Have?

Research the background of the company before hiring them. Ensure they have plenty of experience.

Cleaning companies also need insurance to cover liability. This covers financial losses if damage happens in your home.

Ask if the company has workers’ compensation insurance if they have employees on staff. If a cleaner gets injured in your home, the workers’ compensation coverage pays for those injuries.

2. What Type of Cleaning Products Do You Use?

If the cleaning service provides the cleaning supplies, find out what type of products they use. You want a company that uses safe, quality products.

If you have a specific type of cleaner you want the service to use, ask if they’re willing to use the products you provide. 

3. Is It One Person or a Team?

Determine how many people will be in your home to clean. Some services might send a single person. Others have a team of cleaners.

The number of cleaners can affect the price. It can also affect the cleaning time. The company may charge more for two cleaners, but those two people can get the cleaning done much faster, so it could save money.

Find out if you can expect the same cleaners each time or if it could change. Many large cleaning services have a lot of people on staff, so you may not always see the same people in your home.

4. How Do You Vet Your Employees?

You’re letting strangers into your home, possibly when you’re not there. You want to know the cleaning service hires trustworthy employees.

Find out if the company uses employees or contractors. Companies have more control over employees and often use more rigorous criteria for hiring employees. Determine if they run background checks on the employees before hiring them.

It’s also a good idea to ask about the training process. This gives you confidence in the cleaners’ ability to perform the services well without damaging your property.

5. What’s Your Availability?

Quality cleaning services will have a lot of clients. Make sure the service has the availability to fit you into their schedule.

Determine how often you want the cleaning service to come to your home. This way you can compare your needs with the company’s availability.

Consider the time of day when the cleaning service is available. Make sure it’s compatible with your schedule and preferences.

6. What’s Your Payment Policy?

Understanding the pay structure and payment policy is important to avoid surprises.

Find out how the company charges for its services. Some might charge a flat fee while others might charge a per-hour rate. It can also vary depending on how many cleaners they send.

Understand when you’re expected to pay and what type of payment methods the service accepts. An independent house cleaner might not accept credit cards, for example.

7. What Services Are Included?

Cleaning companies usually have standard packages for cleaning. Ask about the packages and what’s included with standard cleaning services.

It helps to know what you’re looking for before the interview. If you know that you want beds made, bathrooms cleaned, and clutter picked up, you can ask if the company provides those services. 

8. Do You Offer Extra Services?

Sometimes you might want extra cleaning services. Perhaps you’re hosting a family holiday and you want your oven and refrigerator professionally cleaned. Or maybe you want the cleaning service to come after you host for a thorough cleanup. 

Think about the extra cleaning services you might want in the future. Determine if those services are available from the company. It’s easier to have one cleaning company handle all of your needs instead of hiring someone else for specialty cleaning.

9. What Happens If Something Gets Damaged?

Hiring a reputable company reduces the risk of damage, but accidents can happen. An employee might use the wrong type of cleaner on your marble, or they might knock over one of your belongings and break it.

Ask the company how they handle those situations. You want a company that’ll take responsibility for accidents if they happen.

10. What Happens If I Need to Cancel?

Things come up and sometimes you may need to change your cleaning schedule or cancel the service. Find out what happens if you need to cancel or want to end your service with the company.

Some companies require you to notify them a certain amount of time in advance. If the company charges a fee for cancellations, find out how much it is and when the fee applies.

11. Do You Have References?

Even if you don’t find any red flags during the interview, it’s a good idea to ask for references from current or former clients. This lets you get a different perspective instead of only relying on what the company wants you to hear.

If the cleaner doesn’t have references or doesn’t want to give you any, it could be a sign that you should stay away.

If you receive a list of references, give each one a call to see what they think of the company. Ask if there were any problems and how they were resolved. Determine if the person would hire the company again or would recommend them to someone else.

Conduct a Housekeeping Interview

A housekeeping interview is the best way to find a cleaning service that fits your needs. Doing your research helps you find a company that does the job well.

If you’re looking for a Memphis-area housekeeper, contact us to see if our services are a good fit for your needs.



How Often Should You Clean Your House? An Informative Guide

Most of us prefer a clean and tidy living space. This is why more than half of Americans prefer cleaning every week. But is this enough?

How often should you clean your house? Our in-depth guide looks at every common chore and how frequently they need to be done.

Every Week

Most people devote at least a day a week to clean. If this sounds like you, you should know which areas of the home deserve the most attention.

MICROWAVE

If you don’t clean your microwave every week but use it frequently, it’s time to put the microwave on your regular cleaning list. The microwave accumulates a lot of bacteria — which can get into your food!

To clean your microwave, take a damp rag with a little bit of dish soap. Wipe down the inside and outside, including the doors. If your microwave has a detachable plate, take that out and hand wash it in the sink.

BED LINENS

You should never forget to add your bed sheets to your regular laundry rotation.

Your sheets harbor dead skin, dirt, and bacteria. If you don’t regularly change your sheets and pillowcases, ensure you put your linens in the laundry machine at least once a week.

BATHROOM

Some parts of your bathroom are notorious because of their griminess. Take the toilet and the bathtub as prime examples — the average toilet has 34,000 units of bacteria and your bathtub has more than 1,000 bacteria units per square inch.

Fortunately, all you need is a bathroom cleaner or soap and give your toilet and tub a good scrub. There are also simple shower sprays you can spray in the tub daily to ensure you kill off that bacteria.

What about the counters and mirrors? If you’re cleaning the tub and toilet, you might as well clean these areas. Dust and bathroom products can build up on the counters and mirrors.

Take a damp rag with soap and wipe your counters. Spray your mirrors with glass cleaner and wipe them down with a paper towel.

DESK

If you don’t spend too much time at your desk, you can clean this area less. But if you’re sitting at your desk night and day, give it a good cleaning every week. Your desk is a breeding ground for bacteria, especially your computer.

Take an all-purpose cleaner and spray it all around your desk. Wipe it up with a rag. Pay special attention to your computer and any other object you use frequently.

SIMPLE DUSTING

Certain furniture items, such as tables, should be dusted every week. You can also do this task daily to prevent dust from building up.

Once A Month

Now that the basics are out of the way, there are some intricate tasks you should clean every month. Here’s a breakdown of these easily-ignored cleaning chores.

INTENSE DUSTING

Dust doesn’t only build on your furniture. You’ll find dust under your couch, on windowsills, and even your doors. Dust these areas every month.

REFRIGERATOR

Your refrigerator holds bacteria and food particles. Fortunately, most people don’t have to clean out the fridge as often as they think. Devote a day a month to clean out everything in your fridge and give it a good clean.

For rather clean fridges, use a slightly damp cloth with a little bit of dish soap. For dirtier fridges, use white vinegar on a paper towel. Wipe down the entirety of the fridge, paying special attention to the drawers.

LIGHT FIXTURES

Did you know dirty light fixtures results in dim lights? All you need to do is take a dry cloth and give your lightbulbs a good wiping (don’t forget to turn off the light first).

CEILING FANS

We tend to forget ceiling fans accumulate dirt and dust. And all of that dust is dispersed in the air! All you need is a specialized ceiling fan duster to get that pesky dust off of the fan blades.

CLEAN WALLS

Keep in mind, you don’t need to wipe down every wall on a monthly basis. But certain walls, such as ones that touch your trash can, deserve a frequent cleaning. All you need is a damp cloth with soap.

CLEAN UNDER CUSHIONS

Have you looked under your cushions? You’ll be shocked by what you can find there! Take a day out of each month to lift up each cushion. Use a small vacuum to suck out any dirt and dust.

CLEAN WINDOWS

Every month, take glass cleaner and clean the inside and outside of the windows — at the very least, clean the windows you can reach. You should also wipe down the windowsills and clean the blinds.

APPLIANCES

When was the last time you cleaned your oven or laundry machine? Don’t wait for spring cleaning to clean your appliances. You’ll want to pay special attention to the oven, garbage disposal, dishwasher, stovetop, and laundry machine.

Every Few Months

There are many odd tasks that homeowners only occasionally clean. Some homeowners don’t clean these areas at all. Here’s what you should clean every three or four months.

PILLOWS

No, not your pillowcases. Your pillows. If you’re washing them in the washing machine, use hot water and a mild detergent. Some pillows should be washed by hand, such as memory foam pillows.

Dry your pillows by placing them in the dryer — always use a low heat setting. You can also choose to air dry them and place them in the dryer on the “fluff” setting.

CLEAN YOUR CARPET

Your carpet contains a lot of bacteria and vacuuming doesn’t kill that bacteria. Call a professional to clean your carpet once every few months — however, you can clean your carpet less if you don’t have children or pets.

How Often Should You Clean Your House? You May Need To Hire A Professional

How often should you clean your house? This depends on what needs to be cleaned. Certain tasks, such as dusting and washing your bed sheets, should be done weekly. But you don’t need to clean that carpet for a few months.

What if you don’t have the time to clean frequently? Don’t worry — you can call a professional to handle these essential cleaning duties. Get a quote today!

Different Pool Plaster Colours & How to Find the Best One for You!

Your swimming pool is a refreshing oasis, but it’s also an aesthetic feature in your yard. If you’re looking to update the look of your pool, new or old, one way is with the colour of your pool plaster.

Get to know common pool plaster colours along with the reasons you might choose one colour over another.

Read on to learn how this is done, and what the project looks like.

HOW IS POOL PLASTER COLOURED?

Pool plaster, a smooth seal that is used to finish pool surfaces including concrete and gunite (a mix of sand, water, and cement), is colored with a variety of dyes that are mixed into the plaster. If you are installing a new pool, you will choose your plaster color before the seal is applied. If you’re looking to re-color an existing pool plaster, your pool will need to be replastered with the new color. To replaster a pool, the original plaster will be chipped or sandblasted away, and the new plaster will be applied to the walls and bottom of your pool surface.

Because pools should be replastered about every 10 years for structural purposes, you can try different colors each time as your design style and tastes evolve.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON COLOURS OF POOL PLASTER?

The four most common pool plaster colours are white, gray, blue, and black. Get to know more about these popular pool plaster colours:

• White – This is a popular choice due to the clean finish that matches many backyard aesthetics. Water in a white pool creates a very light and fresh blue hue. Stains and algae show up on a white pool finish more easily than other colors. Luckily, with regular pool cleaning services, algae and stain management can be made easy.

• Gray – Gray is a common alternative to a white plaster pool because it still offers a soft and luxurious hue while being more stain-resistant. This earth tone also creates a natural-looking poolscape that can match a variety of aesthetics.

• Blue – This is a great choice to enhance the natural color of your pool water and give your poolscape a tropical, refreshing, and truly aquatic feel. You can get a variety of blue pool plaster shades ranging from dark navy to light turquoise.

• Black – For a trendy pool color, many pool owners opt to make a statement with black pool plaster. Dark gray and black plasters create a tranquil and luxurious atmosphere.

HOW TO CHOOSE A POOL PLASTER COLOR

To choose a new pool plaster color you’ll need to consider the aesthetic of your poolscape, the surrounding environment, and the energy benefits of each color you’re considering.

Let’s break down these factors:

Aesthetic appeal – The color of your plaster affects the hue of the pool water, setting the mood for your outdoor space. With the color of your pool plaster, you can try new trends and keep your outdoor space looking modern and stylish. Color also allows you to personalize your pool to reflect your unique tastes and preferences, making it a true extension of your home.

Temperature regulation – The color of your pool can affect water temperature. Darker colors absorb and retain more heat from the sun, potentially warming the water. If you live in a cooler climate or want to extend your swimming season, opting for a darker shade might be beneficial. In warmer regions, a lighter color can help keep the water cooler, providing a more refreshing experience on hot summer days.

Related Blog:Does Having a Pool Increase Your Electric Bill?

Algae and debris camouflage – Algae growth is a common issue in pools, and it tends to be more noticeable in lighter-colored water. Changing your pool color to a darker shade can help mask the presence of algae. Additionally, if you have many trees and other foliage surrounding your pool, a darker-colored pool may mask some debris in the water in between cleanings.

Please note that having a darker pool plaster does not mean you need less pool cleaning. For the health and safety of all swimmers and the longevity of your pool surface and equipment, regular cleaning and maintenance is important for all pools regardless of color.

READY TO CHOOSE?

Choosing the best pool plaster color ultimately comes down to finding the color you enjoy and will want to see in your yard. The right color can help you create an environment that suits your style, enhances functionality, and provides an inviting space for relaxation and recreation.

CALL LEHAKOE BUNTU CONSTRUCTION FOR PROFESSIONAL POOL PLASTERING

Whether you’re installing a new concrete or gunite pool or replastering an existing pool, the pool professionals at your local ASP—America’s Swimming Pool Company—are prepared to create and apply a pool plaster color that you’ll love for years to come. Contact the team today at ........ or request a service online.

8 Tips on Setting up Parties at Home for Beginners

How do you throw an epic party that goes off without a hitch? We’ve all been to a party that didn’t go so well. Newbies setting up parties worry about burnt entrees, guest fights, and not getting the house cleaned in time. 

Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be like this. There are things you can do to ensure party success.

Setting Up Parties Like a Pro

When you’re just getting started throwing get-togethers in your home, it can be intimidating. Fortunately, there are some tried and true guidelines that will help keep your soiree on the right track and make planning and execution simple.

Here are our 8 tips for setting up parties as a beginner.

1. SET A PARTY BUDGET

When you’re planning an at-home event, it can be easy to get carried away. The food, decorations, and entertainment can add up quickly if you’re not paying attention.

Setting a budget for the entire shindig is going to keep you from going overboard and give you a realistic place to start.

2. CREATE AN EVENT TIMELINE

Much like the budget, time can easily get away from you. Write out and plan when everything needs to be done. This will keep you on track and save you from any last-minute disasters.

3. PLAN WHAT TO EAT

Knowing what you’re going to serve can be half the battle. Take into consideration your guest’s dietary concerns. If you’re not sure what everyone eats, serve a variety of choices that will keep everybody happy.

4. CHOOSE GUESTS WISELY

Everyone’s been to a get together that ended up with that awkward moment between two guests that brings everything to a halt. Don’t let that happen to you. Think about who you’re inviting and make sure there’s no animosity between anyone.

5. CREATE A THEME

 keeps it easier to plan and makes your party more memorable. This will help you make decisions about what kind of food to serve, what kind of decorations you use, and who will want to attend.

6. MAKE INVITATIONS A BREEZE

You don’t need to have a calligrapher on hand to make a good impression with your invitations. Make your life easy and send out a simple e-vite. It’s not a wedding, and no one will be upset.

7. MINIMIZE CLEAN UP

You may have noticed a common theme in these tips. That is simply, don’t make your life harder than it has to be. Serve food that doesn’t require a ton of dishes, use outdoor space, and keep clutter to a minimum.

8. CONSIDER HIRING SOME HELP

Leaving the hassle of it all to someone who knows what they’re doing can make life easier. Hiring services like set up or clean up can help you hold on to your sanity and relax and enjoy your party.

Put on Your Party Hat

If you follow these 8 tips, you’ll be setting up parties that your friends and family will be talking about for years.

Thinking about going with a professional? Get a free quote for party set up service today.