Category: Cleaning

How to clean a ceiling fan and when to do it

Warm weather and ceiling fans go hand-in-hand. The hotter the days, the longer the fans run — and the more that dust collects on the edges of the blades. Unless you want clumps to fling around every time you turn it on, you need to start dusting those blades

How to clean ceiling fans without making a mess

The other method involves climbing a ladder. It’s harder, but you can take care of several chores while you’re up there: cleaning the blades, the motor, the fan’s direction, light bulbs and glass shades. But, of those, the only chore you need to do weekly is dust. The others can be done two or three times a year or as needed.

Here’s what to do:

Before turning off the fan, notice if it’s spinning clockwise or counter-clockwise. If you haven’t done so already, switch the direction the fan spins to accommodate the season. Clockwise warms a room; counter-clockwise cools it. (The more you know!)

Slip a pillow case over the blade, then use the case to wipe the dust off the sides, top and bottom. That way, all the dust stays on the pillow case — instead of going everywhere! Repeat for each blade and remember to press lightly or you’ll damage the blade. (When you’ve come down from the ladder, take the pillow case outside, turn it inside-out and give it a good shake so that the dust comes off on the lawn instead of your floor. Then simply launder the pillowcase as usual.) To reduce future dust buildup, Vila recommends using a dust-repelling spray like Endust (or a DIY version: one part liquid fabric softener to four parts water). Spray it on a microfiber cloth and wipe both sides of the blade.

Motor: Wipe the pull chain and the motor housing with a clean cloth. Spray motor housing with compressed air to remove interior dust.

Light bulbs: Change light bulbs as needed. If bulbs are still working, wipe them with a dry microfiber cloth to remove dust

Glass globe or shades: Remove and wash in warm, soapy water. Rinse and dry completely before replacing. Make sure the mounting screws are tight so the glass won’t rattle or shake while the fan is on.

For extremely dirty blades or kitchen fan blades that are caked with grease, wipe with a damp cloth first to remove dust and dirt. Then apply an all-purpose cleaner, or whatever cleaner is recommended by the fan manufacturer, to a sponge or cloth and wipe each blade to remove grease. Rinse cloth after cleaning each blade and repeat as needed. Then wipe each blade dry.

 

How to clean carpet — and how often to do it

Dirty carpets not only look bad, they’re also loaded with pollutants and grime. These dirt particles act like sandpaper, breaking down carpet fibers every time you walk on them. That’s why it’s important to clean carpets regularly.

Vacuum

The best way to keep carpets clean is to vacuum them s-l-o-w-l-y, back and forth in repetitive strokes. How slowly? says it should take about 15-20 minutes to properly vacuum a 300-square-foot room. Doing so removes 83 percent of the dry soil in the carpet. In the average household, vacuuming should be done at least twice a week.

Professional cleaning

Now here’s a surprising bit of advice. If you want to extend the life of your carpet, it is important to have it professionally cleaned at least once a year. According, most carpet manufacturers recommend the steam-cleaning method. This penetrates deep into the fibers and lifts out the dirt and the many pollutants we track in on our shoes. Also, it removes most of the moisture, so carpets dry fast

DIY steam cleaners

Sure as the sun rises, there will be times when your carpet needs an emergency cleaning. For larger messes, a DIY steam cleaner works, but do not use the cleaning solution that comes with the steam cleaner, cautions. This leaves behind a soapy residue that will attract dirt. Instead, use water and, if you need a boost, a drop of dish detergent or even a bit of white vinegar.

If one of those “emergency” cleanings is due to muddy footprints, offers a time-saving tip. Allow mud to dry first, scrape dried mud off the carpet, then vacuum. Clean remaining stain with steam cleaner or with the water/drop of Dawn solution and a cloth. Blot dry.

 

Here’s how to clean painted walls without ruining the color

You love your sunshine yellow walls, but that crayon masterpiece your 2-year-old created might not be yoru favorite. Before grabbing a scrubby sponge and your favorite spray cleaner, here’s what a professional painter has to say about safely cleaning those colorful walls. It’s so simple, you may be surprised!

How to clean latex-painted interior walls

cleaning walls depends primarily on whether the paint is oil-based or latex. To safely clean latex-painted interior walls, follow these steps.

What you’ll need:

Dish detergent

Water

Bucket

Distilled white vinegar

Sponge

What you’ll do:

Mix three or four drops of dish detergent in half-filled bucket of water. (Or you can go “old school” using two or three tablespoons of distilled white vinegar to a gallon of water.)

Wet a sponge in the mixture and wring it out to dry. (This is important as you don’t want to mess up your walls with lines of dripping water.)

Wipe off the dirt, rinse the sponge and repeat as needed. This works for all types of latex paint — flat, semi-gloss and gloss.

Make sure the sponge is wrung out dry before cleaning around electrical outlets, light switches and telephone connections. Before cleaning dirty outlet covers, turn off electricity to those areas to avoid shocks.

Bias cautions that you should never use a degreaser or any other harsh chemical cleaners on latex-painted walls. “If marks don’t come off using just soap and water or white vinegar and water, you’ll have to repaint. “

How to clean oil-based painted interior walls

Because oil-based paints are a bit hardier, in addition to cleaning with the detergent/vinegar and water mixture, you can safely use a mild degreaser to remove grease, especially on kitchen walls.

 

How to mop correctly and the best mop to use

The best mop to use

When first went into business, his favorite tools for mopping were a string mop and a bucket. For years, that’s how and his workers cleaned floors. In fact, if it weren’t for the discovery of one item, he’d probably still be using a string mop today. Since the invention of microfiber, with its thousand-plus fibers per square inch, has changed his style. He now uses a mop that has a reusable microfiber pad instead of strings.

“I haven’t found anything that cleans better than a microfiber pad mop,” “It picks up dirt fast and easily and does the job without bulky buckets.” Just be sure to use the microfiber pad best suited for each type of floor, he adds. Hardwoods and laminates clean easily with a short loop microfiber, while tile floors need longer fibers — or “noodles,” as Aslett describes them — to reach down into grout.

Find the right cleaning solution

For string mops:

recommends an easy cleaning solution: a quick squirt of dish detergent in a bucket of water. “Dish detergent is made to cut through grease and grime. Just don’t use too much or the floors will be dull.”

For microfiber pad mops:

The best part about mopping with microfiber is that you only need plain water and a small amount of your favorite cleaning solution, which often saves money.

How often should you mop?

To put it simply, you should mop when the floor looks dirty. For small households, this may be every other week; for households with kids and pets, it may be once a week or more.

How to mop

Start with a floor that’s well swept, vacuumed or mopped for dust. Otherwise, you’ll be pushing food, dust bunnies and who knows what else all around the room.

String mop method:

For lightly soiled floors, wiping just once with a damp mop may do the job. For heavily soiled floors, you’ll likely have to mop twice. The first time, wet the entire floor (don’t flood it, just get it good and wet). This will loosen the dirt and any sticky goo. Mop around the edges first, then move to the middle of the floor, using overlapping, figure-eight strokes. When one side of the mop gets dirty, turn the mop over to the clean side. When both sides are dirty, wash the mop in the bucket; otherwise, you’ll be spreading dirt around instead of removing it. If any stubborn soil remains, remove it with a scrubber before rinsing.

 

How to clean a keyboard — and how often you should do it

Ah, our computer keyboard — we pound on it for hours with Cheetos-stained fingertips, yet we never give a thought to cleaning it properly. But we should. Let’s face it: keyboards are disgusting. That’s why TODAY Home checked with Logitech and Apple for advice on how to clean keyboards (on laptop or desktop) properly. They should be cleaned one to two times a month using the steps below.

ecommends the following cleaning tips:

The first thing you want to do is turn the keyboard off or disconnect it from the computer before cleaning. “It’s a safety measure when dealing with electronics,” said . “Plus, you don’t want to accidentally send someone an email.”

Use only a damp, soft cloth, like microfiber, to wipe the keys and keyboard. There’s a special coating on the keys that prevents the letters from rubbing off. Using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials to clean the keys could irreversibly damage this coating and cause an even bigger problem later.

When it comes to removing dried-on gunk from hard-to-reach places on the keyboard, recommends using a slightly dampened swab or a dry, soft toothbrush.

To clean out dust, particles and crumbs, use a can of compressed air. Just make sure to use the straw that comes with the can and never spray while holding the can upside down. Doing so may cause propellant to spray on the keyboard. Don’t have compressed air? suggests turning the keyboard upside down and shaking or tapping it gently to dislodge debris.

Because laptop keyboards sit atop the electronic components of the computer, extra care should be taken when cleaning them. Here are the instructions that Apple gives for cleaning a laptop

Disconnect the laptop and allow it to cool.

Wipe the keyboard using a, clean, lint-free microfiber cloth that’s lightly dampened with only water. Avoid getting moisture directly into any of the openings. Never spray water directly on the keyboard.

To remove debris from between the keys, use a can of compressed air. Make sure the straw’s attached to control the airflow. Do not turn the can of compressed air upside down while spraying. This could spray propellant, instead of air, onto the keyboard.

Apple recommends the following technique when using compressed air. Open the laptop. Hold it so that the keyboard is at a 75-degree angle, tipping slightly backward. Spray the keyboard with compressed air, moving the can from left to right. Keep the end of the straw about a half-inch away from the keyboard while spraying.

Turn the laptop to the right and spray the keyboard again, from left to right, top to bottom. Then turn the laptop to the left side and spray, left to right, top to bottom.

How to disinfect keyboards

There are times when you may want to disinfect a keyboard, especially when using a public computer or one with multiple users. According to Apple’s website, use Lysol Wipes or Clorox Disinfecting Wipes to do the job. Do NOT use disinfectant sprays or wipes containing bleach

First turn off the computer, unplug the power cord and remove the battery if cleaning a wireless or portable keyboard.

Using light, gentle strokes, wipe the keyboard first with a disinfecting wipe. (If a wipe is too wet, squeeze out excess liquid before using it. Don’t allow the liquid from the wipe to remain on the area too long.) Wipe again with a damp, soft, lint-free cloth, such as microfiber.

Dry with another soft, lint-free cloth.

Frequently Asked Questions

QUESTION: What exactly will I learn?

ANSWER: You’ll learn the professional way to sell additional cleaning services to your existing clientele.  Then, you’ll learn how to incorporate those extra care tasks into your regular cleaning routine… at an additional cost.

QUESTION: What makes this guidebook any different than any other “how to clean” resource?

ANSWER:  This guide takes you from start to finish highlighting the exact steps to take in order to upsell your cleaning services.  There is a haphazard way to upsell, and there’s a professional way.

QUESTION: How long will the bonus be offered with this guide?

ANSWER: The bonus will go away soon.  It’s best to act now because the bonus is a paid product valued at $25!  It features 25 different house and office cleaning tasks such as window cleaning, wall washing, floor strip and wax jobs, lampshade cleaning, refrigerator and dishwasher detail cleaning items.  Each with a cleaning supplies list, step by step instructions and a some tasks have videos!  It’s a steal all on it’s own.

QUESTION:  How long do I have to wait for it to be shipped to me?

ANSWER: No wait at all!  You’ll get the  book digitally downloaded via email the very moment you check out.  You will have immediate access to all instructions, all links, pages and bonuses.

Upselling is a powerful marketing tactic.   It’s one way for professional house and office cleaners to offer extensive cleaning maintenance and sanitizing services.

 

Instructions for Deep Cleaning

Periodontal disease can affect one tooth or many teeth. It begins when bacteria in plaque (sticky, colorless film that sticks to your teeth) causes the gums to become inflamed. In the mildest form of the disease, gingivitis, the gums redden, swell and bleed easily. Gingivitis only effects the gums and can be reversed with consistent and good brushing, flossing and routine cleanings.

Untreated gingivitis can lead to periodontal disease (gum disease). With time, plaque can spread and grow below the gum line. The longer plaque and bacteria stay under the gums, the more irritated your gums can become. Toxins released by bacteria stimulate your body’s inflammatory response and in essence, the body turns on itself and destroys the supporting tissues and bone around the teeth creating pockets. Pockets can become increasingly difficult to clean and maintain with regular brushing and flossing if they progress down the roots. Eventually, your gums will recede and ultimately, your teeth can become loose.

Scaling and Root Planing (Deep Cleaning) is a procedure that involves removing bacteria, plaque and tarter from the root surfaces involved with the pockets. We do this with hand instruments and ultrasonic tips. The goal of this treatment is to allow reattachment of the gums to the clean root surface and to shrink the periodontal pockets to levels that can be maintained by daily oral hygiene. The following guidelines have been prepared for you in order to maximize healing and minimize any discomfort.

You may take an over the counter pain medicine like ibuprofen (advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). Avoid asprin.

Rinse with warm salt water- 1 tsp salt + 8oz of water before bed the first night

After brushing and flossing, rinse with Chlorhexidine (peridex), for 30 seconds in the morning and the evening for 10days. Do not rinse with water afterwards.

Avoid strong spicy seasonings, and hard crunchy for the next few days. Smoking should be stopped. Success of the treatment will be substantially reduced by the cigarette smoke chemicals in your body. As the tissues heal, some temporary sensitivity to cold may occur.

 

Deep Cleaning : The Down and Dirty Guide to Proper Cleaning and Sanitation

Deep Cleaning. One of the most beneficial things you can do for yourself and your family—especially when preparing for flu season—is to perform deep cleaning throughout your home. A deep clean is designed to not only catch those areas of dirt and grime that are often missed during weekly cleaning sessions, but also to completely disinfect the home, ridding it of bacteria, viruses, and toxic mold. Properly sanitizing your home in this way can significantly reduce your family’s risk of illness, as well as controlling allergy symptoms and helping to prevent asthma attacks.

Cleaning Household Surfaces

Surfaces are notorious germ carriers due to their frequent use (particularly for things like food preparation), so any deep clean should begin with fully disinfecting them. Acrylic and glass surfaces should first be wiped down with a damp microfiber cloth (use color-coded cloths to avoid cross-contamination between bathroom and living surfaces), then washed with either a mild detergent and water solution if the surface is acrylic or with an ammonia and water solution if the surface is glass. Be sure to rinse with a clean damp cloth in order to rid the surfaces of residue.

For cleaning appliance surfaces, floors, and walls, you should use an all-purpose non-abrasive cleaner, with the exception of stove-top areas where baked-on food is present; to remove baked-on food, you should use either an abrasive cleaner or baking soda (which acts as a natural abrasive). Sinks and toilets should also be cleaned with an abrasive cleaner (ideally a quaternary cleaner; more on these below) in order to remove stains and bacteria, and you should be sure to scrub these areas gently but thoroughly with the appropriate instrument before rinsing.

Properly Tackle Nasty Areas

Contrary to popular belief, bleach does not destroy the pathogens present in mold, nor does it prevent the mold from simply growing back, even when it is used at full strength. Bleach is also highly destructive to household surfaces due to its corrosive nature. To remove mold from various surfaces within your home and prevent it from forming again, you should instead use what is known as a “quaternary ammonium cleaner”. These are not, it should be noted, ammonia-based solutions; instead, they are composed of various anti-microbial salts, known as quaternary ammonium chloride salts, which have been shown to eliminate the pathogens in mold (as well as killing many common viruses, such as the Norovirus, a virulent form of stomach flu). Called “quat cleaners” for short, these salts have been used as disinfectants in food processing for years owing to their efficacy in killing mold.

However, while quat cleaners have a long history of safe use when handled properly, they can be dangerous if one does not follow strict safety precautions. If you’re unsure of how to use quat cleaners or have an extensive mold infestation within your home, it is strongly recommended that you hire a professional mold removal service rather than attempting the task on your own.

 

How Much Does Deep Cleaning A House Cost?

Homeowners typically pay a flat rate between $200 and $400 for a deep cleaning service. Some companies charge by the hour at a rate between $25 and $50 per hour. Finally, some charge per square foot, and cost depends on the size of your home. A home smaller than 1,000 square feet starts at $100+. A home that’s 3,000 square feet or larger starts at $300 to deep clean.

Cost factors include the square footage of your home, the number of rooms and bathrooms, the size of your kitchen, and the level of dirt and grime build-up in your home.

A deep clean is different from regular maid services. With this type of work, you can usually expect a team to come in and pay special attention to every area of your home, from the cobwebs in the corners to the carpet beneath large furniture. Frequently used areas like a kitchen or bathroom may take longer

Deep Cleaning a House Cost

One-time services range from $200 to $400, but companies vary in the way they charge. Expect to pay one of the following average rates:

$25-$50 per hour

$200-$400 flat

Small House (up to 1,000 square feet): begins at $100

Larger Home (3,000+ square feet): begins at $300

For context, hiring a maid service costs between $120 and $240 but doesn’t include the type of thorough disinfection you’ll find with a deep clean.

Deep Carpet Cleaning Cost

Professional carpet cleaning costs between $130 and $240, or between $0.20 and $0.40 per square foot. Rather than charging by the hour, carpet pros typically charge you based on the number of rooms you’d like them to tackle, or by square foot. To maximize the lifespan of your carpet, clean it every 6 to 12 months.

 

Deep cleaning

”’Deep cleaning is the process of taking a room out of a hotel’s salable inventory and thoroughly cleaning it to more exacting standards than is normally performed during the daily housekeeping maintenance.”

The ‘Deep Cleaning Checklist’ template has summarized and organized the deep cleaning process into a series of steps outlined below:

Turn the Mattresses and Change the Bedspread

Dust High and Hard to Reach Areas

Clean Window Glass and Draperies

Clean Walls, Carpets and Doors

Clean TV and Other Electronics

Clean Light Shades and Fire Exit Map

Clean Furniture

Clean Bathroom

With cleanliness comes quality. The focus of the hotel industry is to create a positive experience for the customer. It goes without saying hygienic, serene, pleasant and welcoming surroundings will significantly contribute to achieving this.

84% of travelers rated cleanliness as ‘very important’ when choosing hotel accommodation. Ensuring your hotel is clean is not only about obtaining good customer reviews. Poor sanitation can lead to the transmission of disease, such as fungal and bacterial infections.

The ‘Deep Cleaning Checklist’ standardizes the process of deep cleaning rooms. This checklist acts as a guide, ensuring steps are not forgotten. Checking off each task as it is being completed within a checklist, has been shown to increase the efficiency and productivity of any given process.

How To Clean Your Windows Like A Professional Window Cleaner

Most professional window cleaners have their own “secret” methods for getting windows sparkling clean. I won’t get thanked by some window cleaners out there for revealing some of their trade secrets, but I thought it would be useful to show you some quick & easy tips on how to clean the windows in your home or office like the professionals do.

A bucket of cold water and a bit of detergent can go a long way towards getting a smudge-free finish when cleaning windows. In fact, what you find with most professional window cleaners is that they don’t polish windows for hours on end as this just ends up leaving streaks which are difficult to remove. Below are some simple ways of ensuring your windows are clean, smudge free and sparkling.

No Need for Harsh, Chemical Detergents

There really is no need to use a chemical based detergent, no matter what promises might be made on the product packaging. Professional window cleaners don’t use harsh chemicals. Not only can they be potentially harmful to the user and the environment, they aren’t particularly effective. In fact most chemical window cleaning products end up leaving visible residues which are almost impossible to remove.

Use Cheap Washing Liquid

All you need to achieve brilliantly clean windows is a bit of washing up liquid and warm water. There’s no need to buy expensive washing up liquid as the cheap stuff will do the job just as well as long as you use just a little bit.

Get Yourself the Right Tools

You don’t need many tools to clean windows, but you must use the right ones if you want to get good results. Here’s the tools you’re going to need to get great looking windows.

 

Take the Pain Out of Window Cleaning

Finally, you can look past winter’s grunge and see the plants poking through in the garden. That is, if you learn how to clean the windows without leaving unsightly streaks and smudges behind. Here are some tips on window cleaning from the experts at Consumer Reports who contributed to our “How to Clean Practically Everything.”

Your supplies. You’ll need two buckets; a sponge; a good-quality rubber squeegee; a clean, lint-free cloth; a chamois cloth; and a commercial cleaning solution or your own. Take down your curtains—it’s a good time to clean them—or loop them over a hanger, out of the way. Clean windows from the top down. Use a slightly damp sponge to apply the window cleaning solution. Wipe across the window with a dampened squeegee blade, then wipe the blade. Follow with a rinse of clean water applied with chamois. Polish off any remaining moisture with the dry cloth.

Start with the window frames. Clean very dirty frames before you start your window cleaning. Vacuum the runners of aluminum window frames and doors, then polish the frames with silicone car polish, which can also be used in channels to help windows slide smoothly. Or lightly oil the channels. Wash painted or vinyl frames with a sponge dipped in warm water and detergent. Rinse with warm, clean water, and towel dry, if necessary.

Then the panes. How often the outsides of windows need cleaning depends on where you live, but the insides usually need cleaning twice a year. Most new double-hung windows have tilting sashes, a handy feature that lets you pivot them inward for easier cleaning. With most, you simply flip a lever to tilt the sash in. But with some, you must pull the sash out of the track.

If you’re painting. Remove new paint spatters with a cloth dipped in water or glass cleaner (for water-based paint) or turpentine (for oil-based paint). Use a single-edged razor to scrape old paint, holding it at an angle to avoid scratching the glass.

 

Tips For Easy, Spotless Window Cleaning

When you think of large office buildings, car dealerships or a plethora of other businesses, the first thing you might visualize are the windows of the building. Windows can make a dramatic visual impact as well as let sunlight in and help a space feel bigger and more open. The benefits of this visual impact can be greatly diminished when your windows are streaked with dirt, grime, and dust. Maintaining the appearance of your business can be made much easier with these helpful window cleaning tips.

Use the Right Products

The best products for cleaning your businesses windows are those that can get the job done without leaving any residue or particles behind. First and foremost, invest in microfiber cloths and avoid using paper towels or tissues. Paper towels can pick up dirt but then, they spread it around to other areas you are cleaning. Instead, use a partially damp microfiber cloth to wipe away smudges and dirt without leaving streaks. These cloths can also be used when dry to wipe away dust.

An effective cleaning solution is also critical to getting your windows to shine. Some glass cleaners use ammonia or alcohol which can leave a film on your windows that attracts dirt and dust. Instead, you can use one part warm water combined with one part white vinegar to get a gentler and equally effective cleaning solution. If you make your own cleaner, be sure to use filtered water. Tap water typically contains hard minerals that can cause streaks. When tap water is put through a filtration or purification system, many of these minerals are pulled out of the water, making it a gentler, less streaky product.

Another useful tool is a professional grade squeegee. These consist of a handle, channel and rubber. The channel holds the rubber in place and can come in varying sizes. The rubber is the part of the squeegee that actually removes the dirt or cleaning solution and will need to be replaced over time. Squeegees are helpful because they are able to evenly clean without damaging the surface of your windows.

Clean at the Right Time of Day

It may not sound like a big deal, but when you clean is almost as important as what you use to clean. Direct sunlight can prevent you from seeing streaks and imperfections in your work. In addition, the heat from the sun can cause your solution to dry quickly leaving stubborn water spots and stains. If you wait until earlier or later in the day, you will be able to more accurately assess any troublespots and leave your windows in tip top shape.

 

SUPER HELPFUL CLEANING TIPS FOR YOUR HOUSE WINDOWS

Cleaning your house windows in Fort Worth can be very tiring and time-consuming. The warm and humid climate may cause your windows to build up slimy and fuzzy dust particles. Moreover, the amalgamation of debris and filth can make your house windows in Forney, rough and dirty.

Old and dirty windows can get stuck, unhinge, or might even fall off from their foundation. If cleaning is overlooked, the moisture on your house windows in Forney, TX, can build up mold growth and water stains. According to research, the inhalation of mold can be very dangerous for your health. The thick layers of mold and debris can spell big trouble for your house windows in Forney.

CHOOSE A CLOUDY DAY

The first thing that must be considered before cleaning your house windows in Forney, is picking the right day for window cleaning. Cold weather makes window cleaning really hard; in fact, it allows bacteria and debris to stick to your house windows in Forney. The chilly wind brings in dust and bacteria that stick to the moisture that is already on the window and formed by the cold temperature.

CLEAN THE CURTAINS

Before cleaning your house windows in Forney, you must remove the curtains and blinds first. Dirty curtains and blinds can make your windows dusty once again. Therefore, it’s important to wash your curtains before the window cleaning process.

AVOID USING HOME REMEDIES

Earlier, people used to clean their house windows by following different home remedies like using a mixture of vinegar and water. This mixture is known to be a good alternative to window cleaning agents.

 

Window Cleaning Tips for Streak-Free Glass

Are your windows overdue for some thorough spring cleaning? Has your full-length bathroom mirror gone a little blurry at the edges? Whether you have family and friends coming over or you’re just finally getting around to a long-neglected chore, mirror and window cleaning takes equal parts elbow grease and know-how to get the job done right.

Achieving streak-free glass doesn’t have to be difficult though. With the right tools and a few tips, you’ll be able to have sparkling windows and shining mirrors in no time.

Do Your Prep Work

Before you break out the glass cleaner, it’s important to do a little prep work first. Although not all glass needs a lot of prep, there are three areas that do: your kitchen, your bathroom, and your outside windows. In the kitchen, grease and dust can accumulate on windows and oven doors which can be a sticky mess.

Choose Effective Cleaners

There are a couple of options available to you for mirror and window cleaners. You have your traditional branded chemical cleaners that you can find at your average grocery store. These are useful because they are specifically designed and marketed as streak-free cleaners. If you tend to avoid chemical cleaners, know that there are many homemade cleaners that you can make with few ingredients.

Commercial Glass Cleaners

Suds are a guaranteed way to create streaked windows. That is why commercial glass cleaners are devoid of suds. Formulated specifically to clean glass, they are a good no-fuss option.

How to Clean Vacation Rentals

If you’re not a “detail person,” this gig probably isn’t for you. You need to be thorough, detailed and have an impeccable eye for ambience.

Those of us who become giddy thinking about a perfectly folded linen or finely chilled bottle of wine to welcome a guest (read: “born host”) will find this work enjoyable and rewarding. It’s not the same as cleaning your own home. It’s more of a mix between concierge and maid services.

But unlike hotel guests, who may leave a space in any shape they wish, guests who book through a rental site can be reviewed publicly by the owner on the site they used to book their stay. Because of this feature, you can usually expect to see a much cleaner and more orderly space.

You’ll need to be able to do the basics well:

• Clean and tidy the whole space
• Lift or slide rugs and furniture into place
• Wash and fold all linens, towels and blankets
• Dust, vacuum, mop, scrub and sanitize all surfaces and floors
• Clean and put away dishes
• Take out the trash and recycling

The details are crucial.

• Make the home cobweb and dust free — everywhere.If you think to clean the tops of doors, the wiring and cables behind the TV, or under books on a shelf, you’re probably a good fit for this work.
• Add concierge-like touches.From specially folded toilet paper to perfect bed service and a thoughtful welcome basket, guests have come to expect these details in vacation rentals.
• Have a strict “No Hair Left Behind” policy.No guest wants to see a former guest’s hair in the sink or tub!

 

WHAT MAKES A VACATION RENTAL CLEANING DIFFERENT

A vacation rental cleaning goes above and beyond what you’d expect from a typical house cleaning. Your housekeeper needs to be ready to provide a higher level of service, and handle tasks like: test

• Cleaning the linens that were used by previous guests
• Sanitizing surfaces after previous guests check out
• Checking that the next guest has sufficient quantities of toilet paper and cleaning products
• Keeping an eye out for damage
• Checking for missing items and taking pictures of any damage
• Testing various items in the house to be sure they work

 

Tips For Cleaning Your Vacation Rental

1. Realize not all cleaners are created equal. Before she hires cleaners for her vacation properties, Cathy Bokman, owner of Beachcomber Vacation Rental Cottages in Colonial Beach, Virginia, asks her trusted staff for input. “They have been cleaning houses for 20 years, so they know each other,” she said. “They know who will show up on time, do a good job, and work efficiently.” Of course, you’ll interview potential hires and check references, but peer input is often invaluable.
2. Realize even top cleaners aren’t proficient at everything. That’s one reason Bokman will assemble teams that include those who pay close attention to top cleaning (ceiling fans, light fixtures) and lower cleaning (under furniture, baseboards). Play to people’s strengths.
3. Don’t just rely on checklists. Yes, you’ll want to set cleaning standards and walk through your property with those who will do the work. You’ll also want to spot check work, especially with new cleaning teams. But one mistake some vacation homeowners make is to give cleaning staff checklists. Completed checklists don’t mean everything was finished. They often mean cleaners did the work as they wanted and then just checked everything off by rote.
4. Keep things fresh. Of course, you’ll air out the home. But long-time vacation property owner David Hillard, founder of Piddlin.com, has developed many tips and tricks for cleaning and making a home smell fresh. He recommends using baking soda to freshen cloth couches, chairs and other upholstered furniture, rugs and even the garbage disposal drain. “When you sprinkle it [on furniture and carpets], allow it to sit for at least 15 minutes and then vacuum it,” he said. “Most people are not bothered by baking soda like they may be by strong perfumed cleaners.” Also – avoid bleach. The smell is industrial and stray splashes may ruin rugs and other items, said Bokman.
5. Always watch for stray hair. “At the end of a cleaning session, do a final inspection of all surfaces and look for any missed spots or stray hairs,” said Lauren Haynes of Star Domestic Cleaners. “A single stray hair at the wrong place can leave your guests with a bad impression of your rental.” A good way to catch stray hairs is to use a lint roller or double-sided tape. “It just takes minutes to remove pet hair and can even pick up small food crumbs,” added Hillard.
6. Discard all remaining food items left behind. Some vacationers leave condiments, spices, and other food items as a courtesy to guests. “I’ve found no one wants to use someone else’s ketchup or other foods,” said Bokman. “We clean out the refrigerator and cupboards and leave them fresh for the next guest.”
7. Attention to Detail Matters In Easy-to-Miss Spots. “You will be surprised how often guests change the position of your furniture, even drawers,” said Haynes. “Make sure to check under the furniture and deep inside all drawers for any leftover food, packaging, or other items.” Other must-clean spots: Cupboard fronts in bathrooms and kitchens, shower screens, sinks, and mirrors. “Dust is always a problem so all-horizontal surfaces should be cleaned between guests,” added Finch-Scally. “This includes indents in ornate doors, which quickly show a ridge of dust.  Make sure the rear of the door is cleaned at the same time as the front.”
8. Prepare for trash disposal. If your trash is collected once a week – say on a Thursday – make sure you can dispose of trash at other times, too. That way if a guest checks out on a Friday, their trash won’t be on your property until the following Thursday. Bokman has arranged for the property’s handyman to dispose of trash on off days.

 

MAKE CLEANING GO BY UNNOTICED

Your objective is to make the guest neither notice nor think about the cleaning of your vacation rental. You don’t want your guests to be unable to enjoy the impressive views or the stylish paintings you’ve chosen just because the carpets smell stale. Don’t let them leave with a bad impression just because of that stain on the floor, or the fact you didn’t de-grease the coffee pot.

Recent studies have concluded that cleaning (or indeed, a lack of cleanliness) are one of the principal reasons that lead guests to complain. In fact, they wouldn’t hesitate to leave a bad review about your property on the internet if there are problems regarding cleanliness.

So what can you do in the case that you (or your cleaners) have left something dirty? If your guests notify you of any issue regarding cleaning or maintenance, act as quickly as possible to resolve it. If the guests don’t tell you until they leave and you receive a negative review, breathe deeply and respond as calmly and best you can.

 

5 Things Good Guests Always Do

1. Arrive and leave on time.

Unlike a hotel, your vacation rental doesn’t have a 24-hour concierge — just a host who’s probably organizing their day around your check-in schedule. Be mindful of the listing’s check-in and check-out times, and send your host a message if you’re running late. If the place is booked after you leave, they’ll need a few hours to clean before their next guests arrive.

2. Strip the bed and group dirty linens together.

It’s a nice gesture to strip the bed before you go, and pile your dirty sheets and towels by the washing machine. However, it’s not necessary to make the bed or fold any linens, since your host will throw them all in the wash anyway.

3. Load and run the dishwasher before you go.

Respect your host and their time by washing any dishes you’ve dirtied. It’s also a good idea to wipe down counters and leave the kitchen as you found it.

4. Empty the fridge and take out the trash.

Don’t leave any of your own stuff in the fridge, unless it’s a thank-you gift like a bottle of wine (in which case, leave a note letting them know it’s in there). It’s also common courtesy to dump all of the trash into one garbage bag and, if possible, take it out when you leave. Different hosts have different rules about trash, and you can always check their guidelines or ask for details if you’re not sure what to do.

5. Write a note to say thanks or leave a review.

It’s a big deal to share your home with someone, so it’s nice to let your host know you appreciated their hospitality. A handwritten note is great, but it’s possibly even better to leave a positive review to help boost their business. And unless you have serious reasons for posting a negative review publicly (like a no-show host or a dangerous environment), use Airbnb’s private messenger to inform your host of any minor details about the stay that bothered you (like a burner on the stove that wouldn’t light).