Cleaning and janitorial companies are trained for proper cleaning that avoids cross-contamination and reduces the spread of disease and germs. This specialized training is above what a layperson at a business or homeowner may have. Nonetheless, during flu-season, and/or times of increased threat, such as the COVID-19 virus exposure we are now facing, additional steps are being taken to ensure everyone’s safety. How is this being done?

Staying Knowledgeable

Keeping abreast of developments, best practices, and the Center for Disease Control mandates and recommendations allows cleaning companies to evaluate and improve their practices. During high-crisis times, this may change daily. Daily operations may adjust to best meet these requirements.

Success All Along

Wiping down common areas and high-touch surfaces have always been a priority of cleaning crews, but now workers are doing it more often, between cleaning. Professional cleaning companies use disinfectants already and apply them in the correct concentration and allow them to sit untouched for the recommended time by the product manufacturers, ensuring their effectiveness.

Improved Measures

Many organizations and individuals are being more diligent in their hygiene practices during this time. Being extra cautious helps everyone to stay safe and healthy. Organizations that don’t use professional cleaning services may now better understand the value and importance of such workers and may be looking to increase the frequency of visits during this time. Cancelling services is counterproductive. Professional cleaning staff will take extra care to disinfect reception areas, phones, elevator buttons, railings, and doorknobs/handles during visits.

Avoiding Contamination

All cleaning tools used and brought onsite will be wiped down with disinfectant wipes prior to arrival to avoid cross-contamination. All staff, whether organization workers, or outside vendors such as cleaning staff, should avoid reporting to work if they have had a fever or flu symptoms in the last 24 hours, and after they have tested negative for COVID-19, if suspected.

Anyone who may have been exposed to the virus should self-quarantine and not return to work until they are cleared to do so by a medical professional. Please don’t allow the cleaning staff to come into your home if you are quarantined in order for our workers to stay safe and healthy as well.

Together, we can all take action to minimize the impact of this global threat.

Once the new year begins rolling around, you may start to feel the itch of Spring Fever. The stale, stagnant air in your home, coupled with the muddy, dirty boots by the door may have you going crazy to clean. Well, winter is an excellent time to dive into some deep cleaning projects. 

After all, it is cold and flu season as well, so cleaning is never more important. And cleaning may be just what you need to burn off some energy – or crank up the music and include the kids to make it into some quality family time. If it’s too difficult to get the family to clean, we offer cleaning services in DC.

Chimney
Why not start at the top and get your chimney cleaned?  This is especially important if you have been burning firewood. Some people wait until the end of the season, but there’s nothing saying you can’t do it now, especially if you’ve put it off for more than a year.

Hire a professional for this messy job that should be done annually, whether or not you use your chimney. Debris, dirt, build-up, and even critters can get into the flue, creating fire hazards or blockages that cause smoke to enter the house. While you’re at it, check your smoke detectors for proper function and charged batteries.

Declutter
While staying inside and out of the cold, pull out some boxes from storage and go through them. Sort what is no longer needed and donate, recycle, or throw away. Often we discover that boxes in the basement or attic contain old baby clothes or items we had good intentions to put to use and never did. Take some time to get rid of anything that is not valuable or useful.

Replace Furnace Filters
This is now a good time to change furnace filters, especially if you didn’t have a pre-season tune-up. Filters should be replaced every 3-6 months depending on your unit. The filters help reduce the dust in the air, keeping it out of your lungs and off of household surfaces. Less dusting and better air quality? Yes, please!

Clean the Dryer Vents
Lint build-up in the dryer vents can become a fire hazard. Pull the dryer away from the wall and sweep or vacuum up any rogue lint. Take the dryer hose off and clear it out using a vacuum as well.

Deep Clean the Kitchen
Deep cleaning the kitchen can easily be a family project. Start with the refrigerator and throw out anything expired or never used. Wipe down the shelves and interior walls. Remove drawers and wipe or rinse them out. Carefully pull the fridge out from the wall and clean behind and under it. Gently brush any dust or debris from the coils with a cloth or special vacuum attachment.

Sort through the pantry and/or cabinets as well, removing crumbs and expired goods. Wipe cabinet shelves and the front surfaces of the cabinets, including the hardware. Replace shelf paper, if desired.

Deep clean your stove, oven, and backsplashes with a degreaser. Soak the stove surface and/or any drip pans in hot soapy water to lift grime.

Winter is a great time to deep clean – there is no reason to wait for spring cleaning! If you want to keep your home clean year-round, A Cleaning Service is an award-winning cleaning company serving the Greater Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas and would love to earn your trust. Read our reviews, then call us for a quote today. Let us help you keep your home healthy for every season with regular cleanings or a deep clean, so you can focus on the tasks and relationships that matter to you!

As the holidays come upon us, you may find guests coming over the river and through the woods, dashing through the snow, to join you in watching the chestnuts pop – pop – pop! Or, so you hope those warm, comforting memories will be created.

To best do this, many people choose to host family and friends and want to create a welcoming environment. Here are some tips to create a clean and cozy place for your guests to enjoy.

Clean Up & Wipe Down

Clean the primary areas where guests will be staying and using, such as the guest room and bath. Wash linens and towels and replace them. Dust, vacuum, and/or sweep and mop the floors in both.

Sanitize the bathroom, including wiping down cabinet faces and interiors. Hang fresh hand towels and replace the trash can liner. Refill soap dispensers and stock toilet paper and any other useable supplies.

Wipe door jams and light plates that get dirty with fingerprints over time and dust light fixtures, windows, and window coverings that are often overlooked in everyday cleaning.

Organize Common Areas

If your guests will be using a common area, such as a den or living room, clear off space for them to set personal items, storing your things until guests are gone. Leave empty baskets or clear drawers for them to use during their stay.

In the bathroom, also give guests a place for their necessary items. On the practical level, have a plunger accessible in case of a clog.

Warm up the Space

Consider a light fragrance, such as an essential oil diffuser or wax melts (avoid candles for safety reasons). Add extra towels, sheets, blankets or throws, and pillows.

Think like a B&B and provide special touches such as travel-sized items your guests may have forgotten and put out a bowl of candy or fruit basket.

Share the Responsibility

Often we become too busy because we take on more than our fair share. Consider areas where you can ask others for help, such as hiring a cleaning service or having a friend help organize or decorate. Make a game of cleaning with your kids, or take some time to finally get those boxes of junk to the dumpster or clothes to the local donation center.

Start early to give yourself the time and space to make the holidays enjoyable for everyone, not just your guests. And finally, remember the season is about giving, receiving, spending quality time with those we love, and taking time to reflect on the close of the year and beginning of next. Enjoy it!

Whether a deep clean for those areas you avoid or can’t get to or a simple clean so you can focus on family, A Cleaning Service is here to help. Locally owned and operated, and serving the Greater Washington DC area, A Cleaning Service helps our clients achieve the clean they desire for every season. Give us a call today for a quote and to get scheduled.

We naturally seem to be drawn to spring cleaning – opening the windows and letting in the fresh air and moving out the staleness of the winter. But don’t overlook the importance of fall cleaning and its importance, as well.  Prepping your home for the winter is always a smart move. Fall cleaning wards off the germs that can cause the flu, colds, and overall discomfort during our hibernating months.

Wash Bedding

Wash your bedding before you hunker down for the winter. Fresh linens, blankets that have been stored, duvet covers, and pillows should be washed to remove dust mites, body oils, and dirt.

Blankets and comforters that have been stored may be dusty and you won’t want to be breathing it in, so wash before you swap out your lighter bedding for the thicker, warmer pieces. Put a fresh blanket or throw on the sofa or your favorite sitting area for a comfy touch.

If you or a family member gets sick, get lots of sleep and wash bedding once again so the germs don’t stick around.

Tray Your Shoes

Shoes and boots can drag in a bunch of dirt, snow, and mud. Professional cleaners recommend swapping out your old welcome mat for a heartier one, or have a boot brush outside the door. A shoe tray inside the entrance invites guests to remove soiled shoes and lets the outside stay off of your carpets and floors.

Be ready for the wetter weather with a shoe tray and make cold and wet weather-gear more accessible.

Prep for Air Comfort

Depending on your client, you may want to install a humidifier or dehumidifier to balance the moisture in the air. If you have a central heating system, now is the time for a duct cleaning to reduce allergens from continually blowing through your home with less ventilation.

Change your furnace filter and have it serviced prior to its first use to ensure it’s ready for the cold weather.

Sanitize

Keep antibacterial wipes, cleaners, and soaps available and encourage frequent handwashing – such as when returning home, before food prep and eating, and after using the restroom, to reduce the spread of germs.

Wipe down surfaces with a wipe or cleaner regularly during the winter months, and consider using products with less powerful scents if you or anyone in your household is sensitive. If you are unable to keep up with sanitizing surfaces, consider hiring a cleaning service to help with this chore.

Get Deep

Fall can be the perfect time to get carpets and upholstery, including your mattress professionally cleaned. If you are a cuddler or expect to spend more time indoors, having fresh, clean areas to rest is a priority.

Set time aside for a deep clean of other areas as well, such as pantries which may attract pests looking for food and warmth. Check periodically for signs of critters and address it quickly to eliminate germs and bacteria rodents leave behind.

A Cleaning Service is an award-winning cleaning company serving the Greater Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas and would love to earn your trust. Read our reviews, then call us for a quote today. Let us help you keep your home healthy for every season with regular cleanings or a deep clean, so you can focus on the tasks and relationships that matter to you!