As the warmer weather approaches, we’re more inclined to open our windows to let in some fresh air and cool breezes. But with those open windows often comes a bit more dirt, pollen, and debris. Today we’ll give you some tips on keeping your home clean as you enjoy the season. 

Deep Cleaning

Some items in our home, such as drapes, high shelves, or behind appliances, only need to be cleaned every once in a while, making them easy to overlook. We recommend creating a set routine or a schedule, so you don’t miss those good (and necessary) deep cleans! A deep clean will involve some elbow grease but tackling all the details makes our homes feel almost new. 

5 Spring Cleaning Strategies

Clean from top to bottom

When doing a professional deep clean, it’s always a good strategy to start from the top and work your way down. Starting with dusting and cleaning fans, changing air filters, dusting blinds and shelves, and then moving on to the floors and baseboards. 

Create a schedule

Make a list of what to deep clean and how often. Don’t try to take it all on at once. Pace tasks out over the year, doing what makes the most sense for the seasons, such as shampooing the carpet AFTER the yuck of winter has passed or cleaning the chimney in the fall before the first use of the fireplace.

Timed cleaning

Use a timer to get through your cleaning task faster. Timed cleaning creates a sense of urgency and removes the dread of cleaning taking too long by assigning an allotted amount of time (i.e., 15 minutes) to cleaning tasks. The timer gives a competitive edge and helps us clean more efficiently and effectively.

Organize areas

Having specific areas for items to be put away helps with keeping cleaning tasks minimal. For example, when there are places for tools or dirty clothes, they are more likely to be put away. Organization creates “rules” for where things go – consider a classroom with student cubbies or lockers as an example. Designated areas where we can empty our pockets, hang our jackets, and take off shoes upon entry are examples of how organized areas help reduce cleaning tasks.

Clean a bit every day

Whether it’s timed cleaning or cleaning as we go, a good routine for our daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning needs is essential. Taking care of it systematically, a bit at a time, will help things from getting overwhelming.

If you find yourself too busy or too tired to complete your cleaning chores, consider a cleaning service. Weekly or bi-weekly services may be more affordable than you think and can make a huge difference in your peace and sanity. 

For over 30 years, homeowners have relied on the skill and expertise of A Cleaning Service. If you reside in the Greater Washington DC, Virginia, or Maryland areas, our award-winning residential cleaning company seeks to earn your trust and make your life easier with professional, reliable, and knowledgeable maid services. Read our reviews, or call us for more information or a quote today! 

Every new year we tend to set goals and make resolutions. For many of us, this includes health and wellness. According to this article by Yahoo News, a clutter-free space improves our mood, reduces stress, and provides a sense of satisfaction. Therefore, having a clean and organized environment, whether at home or work, helps our mental health and well-being.

If you’ve resolved to have a more organized and cleaner environment this year, here are our three best tips.

Make a place for everything

Organization is largely based on having a place for everything. It is easier to keep areas clean and organized if there is an easy way to put items away. Use bins, labels, drawers, and organizers to create a place for the items that cause the clutter in your home.

Remember that sometimes the best location for some stuff is the trash! Make rules for how certain items will be handled, such as mail into the trash, laundry into a basket, or random junk into a designated drawer.

Hire a cleaning service

If cleaning is one of your resolutions and isn’t one of your favorite things to do, or if you don’t have time, consider a professional cleaning service. Many people find it more affordable than expected, and it helps keep a higher standard of cleanliness.

A cleaning service gives you time to focus on other resolutions, relationships, or areas of cleaning and organization that need greater attention. Let them handle the routine stuff like sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, dusting, and cleaning the bathrooms while you organize files, sort your pantry, or do other deep detail cleaning and organizing.

At the office, outsourcing cleaning will ensure it is being done to industry standards and effectively.

Make a list

Create a list of all the cleaning and organizing projects you want to accomplish. Determine what is the most important and what needs to be handled by you or what can be delegated. Use your list to help guide the cleaning company so you can be on the same page. The list can also show the progress being made as you cross things off throughout the year.

Some items on your list will be ongoing or recurring cleaning, and organizing and others will be done at specific intervals. For example, your list may include cleaning vents annually, dusting ceiling fans or baseboards quarterly, and doing dishes or laundry daily. Note these times in your list to help you stay on top of what you want done and be better prepared to reach your goals.

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. Let us help you keep your home healthy so you can focus on the tasks and relationships that matter to you!

Speed cleaning isn’t about perfection – it’s about reducing the stress and workload while providing a welcoming environment for guests, even if they are your family. Hosting a holiday meal should be enjoyable, and spending minutes, not hours, cleaning is one way to make that happen. Here are a few speed cleaning hacks to get you going. 

Make it fast and fun

Put on fun music and set a timer- you’ll move quickly and keep it lighthearted, rather than being so burdensome. Now isn’t the time for a deep clean, rather a touch-up. Light a scented candle or prep an air diffuser with a great holiday scent, so it smells festive and welcoming when everything is clean. If it’s still not fun, consider hiring a professional cleaning service. 

Stash your stuff

With your timer going, you must move fast. Don’t worry about getting everything in the right place. Make a temporary fix by picking up clutter and throwing it into the trash or a box or laundry basket that can easily be stashed in a closet or garage. Put stacks of mail, catalogs, or other paper clutter into a drawer.

When you have more time, and the guests are gone, you can go back through and organize. Bonus, you have a single place to look if it’s something stashed that needs to be found.

Use multipurpose wipes

Wipes are a fast way to tidy everything from countertops to toilet seats. Simply wipe and throw them away- no need for multiple cleaners or rags. Keep it quick! Use the wipes to dust high visibility areas and skip the areas guests aren’t likely to see (for now).

Squirt cleaner in the toilet before you do any other cleaning so it can sit. Then, use a brush to quickly clean the bowl once everything else is done.

Make your bed

Making your bed instantly makes your room look cleaner, which will help you feel better. Make it a contest to see who can make their bed the fastest or the best looking to get everyone to participate. The winner gets extra dessert or more time to play a game… whatever works for your family.

Load the dishwasher

Put everything in the dishwasher that will fit. You can reorganize it later if needed, such as removing pots and pans to handwash them. It’s frustrating to have dirty dishes pile up and a dishwasher full of clean dishes – so don’t run it unless you also have time to unload it. Just keep filling it and deal with it a bit later.

Tidy remaining areas

A kitchen will look clean if the cabinets are empty. Remove extra appliances and store them in the cabinets. Wipe the counters and stove and clean the sink. Sweep floors and spot clean any spills. Vacuum all carpeted areas and sweep as needed.

Speed cleaning is even easier when the deep cleaning has been done. If you really want to save time and sanity, consider hiring A Cleaning Service. An award-winning cleaning company serving the Greater Washington DC, Virginia, and Maryland areas, we 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!