Cleaning your house is something we all have to do. Whether you love to do it or not, these five simple tips can help you get your home clean while also saving you time and money.
1. Hot water is your friend. The majority of cleaning in your home can be completed with hot water. There may be some grease or mold issues that require a cleaner or disinfectant, but hot water and elbow grease usually do a great job. One key is to dry surfaces when you're done cleaning to prevent spots and streaks.
2. Don't use bleach. Many of us grew up knowing the house was clean when we were overcome by the smell of bleach. Times have changed and there really isn't a need to use bleach for cleaning any more. Many toilet cleaners contain bleach which is fine, but you really don't need it beyond that. Bleach is a wonderful chemical and is very effective when used properly, but it can actually damage surfaces and grout when used incorrectly.
3. Be wary of Pinterest. I can't count how many “miracle cleaners” I see on Pinterest on a daily basis. Recipes folks have developed on their own. A lot of these home recipes are ineffective, can take a very long time to work, or can be downright harmful to your home and belongings (don’t put anything with Dawn on your hardwood floors!).
4. Green cleaners. One key to remember with green cleaners is that they require more elbow grease. Also, there is no accepted standard as to what is “green” and what isn’t. The consumer has to do their research to verify what the cleaner contains that actually does the cleaning and disinfecting. For these reasons, and because of the cost, green cleaners have not dominated the marketplace as many believed they would.
5. Trust the pros. If you have a question or concern about a cleaning chemical or process don't be afraid to make a call or shoot an email to a pro. Even if we don't clean for you, we don't want to see folks make a mistake that can damage their home or belongings, or worse, endanger their family.
Maid in Heaven is located in the Fredericksburg, VA, area and does residential and commercial cleaning. You can find out more information at www.yourmaidinheaven.com.
