Every now and then we like to have some fun on the blog! We’ve done some research to bring you a list of few unorthodox cleaning supplies that you might want to add to your supply closet. We’ll start of with traditional items that some people are using in a non-traditional manner.
This list on Consumer Report’s website explains how to use every day items like toothbrushes and credit cards to tackle tough-to-clean items. Here are a few of our favorites:
Toothbrush
The rough bristles and small head of a toothbrush make for a fantastic cleaning tool in difficult to reach spots. It works well for cleaning grout, the corners of your showers, or even for scrubbing out stubborn stains. Next time you swap out your toothbrush, toss the old one in with your cleaning supplies. You won’t regret it.
Credit Cards
Use the straight edge of the credit card to scrape up stuck on messes on your stove or microwave. It even works wonders with dried wax. The plastic is hard enough to get things unstuck, but gentle enough not to scratch the surfaces.
Old Socks & Cloth Diapers
Both of these items can be used for dusting or wiping surfaces without the dangers of scratching. Author of the CR article, Mary H.J. Farrell suggests wearing the damp sock like a glove to wipe down the leaves of house plants. How brilliant!
Wacky Inventions
Apartmenttherapy.com listed several unique cleaning items in their article titled Odd, Weird, Wack (& Possibly Helpful) Cleaning Supplies, and we’ve found a few of our own. You can check them out at the links below!
- The Foot Dustpan is just what it sounds like. A dustpan you can operate with your foot. It eliminates the need to bend over while sweeping up messes.
- Cyber Clean is a ball of goop to roll around on your keyboard to catch all the loose particles stuck between your keys.
- FOKI is a pair of cordless, battery operated floor cleaning shoes.
- Baby Mop allows your crawling infant to sweep the floors instead of you!
- Double-Sided Window Cleaner uses a strong magnet to save you time by allowing you to clean the inside and the outside of the window at the same time.
- Bottle Cleaning Beads help ensure the inside of your reusable bottles gets as clean as possible.
What unexpected supplies do you use to help clean your home? Let us know in the comments below!
One of the most difficult things about cleaning is staying focused long enough to get it done (and done well). Some of you may find yourselves hopping from chore to chore and never quite completing any one task. Others might get lost in a magazine or old box of random items. We’re here to share with you some of the easiest tips from professional cleaners that can keep you focused and on task until the job is done.
Task by Task
Most professional cleaners, including Lisa Romero who was featured in this Women’s Day article, recommend working on a task by task basis. Cleaning by “zone” can be much more time consuming because it is easy to get lost in the little things that need to be done in each area.
For example, instead of trying to tackle everything in the bedroom, start by stripping all the linens in the house and putting the load in the washer so it can wash while you’re doing other parts of your job.
Top to Bottom
Professionals also recommend cleaning top to bottom, upstairs to downstairs, and top of the room to the floor. This is the first tip that you will find on almost any search for cleaning advice. This saves you a lot of extra work and wasted time. Who wants to wipe dirt and dust off the counter onto a freshly vacuumed floor?
Work Until Completion
Hopping from one task to another can leave you feeling unaccomplished and your house in even worse shape than when you started. Whether you chose to work room by room or task by task (like this Wiki How article recommends), completing one thing before beginning another is imperative to getting the job done well.
Stick to a Schedule
One of the most common sense tips we have found is to stick to a schedule. Pencil in cleaning time on your calendar, or you will never have enough time to do it. If you want to have a well cleaned house, it can’t be an afterthought. This is probably one of the most convincing reasons to hire a professional cleaner that will come in on a regular basis. If that is something you’d like to do, you can call us today at 541-601-6236 to get a free quote!
Easy and Effective
There is a plethora of cleaning advice out there, but here is a final list of some of our top tried and true, easy and effective tips:
- Wearing comfortable shoes and clothes that you can move in
- Listen to music or a book on tape to keep you entertained while you work
- Have your supplies stocked and ready without having to refill or replenish
- Finish everything in one spot before you move
- Spray with one hand, scrub with the other
- Let your cleaning products do the work–spray and let them soak
- Don’t clean with dirty supplies. Clean or replace brushes, sponges, and rags as needed.
Cleaning a little bit every day helps to keep the cleaning job from getting too overwhelming. If you dedicate ten to fifteen minutes every day to do a quick pick-up, then your house should be prepped for an effective and efficient deep clean whenever you have time to schedule it in.
Life has always been busy. But, now-a-days, when we have plenty of advancements in technology to help us save time, many of have less time than ever. Let’s face it, keeping a clean house is on the top of most of our priority lists, but it can be hard to manage with a crazy busy schedule. So, here at The Cleaning Crew, LLC, we want to help you.
We’ve come up with a few easy scheduling tips to keep your house in order by helping you organize necessary duties. The first thing we recommend is separating your tasks into three lists: everyday, weekly, and monthly. These free printables even go as far as organizing by room. After you’ve made your list, prioritize the items accordingly. Below, you’ll see our recommended schedule and links to other helpful resources that you can use to handcraft a housekeeping schedule that fits your needs.
Everyday
If you do a little bit of work every day, it will take less time than if you let it pile up throughout the week. Our recommendation is to start the morning by making the bed, unloading the dishwasher and putting a load in the washing machine. Toward the end of the day, reload and run the dishwasher. Then, dry and fold the load you started that morning.
We also suggest sorting through mail every day instead of piling it up for later. Shred things that need to be shredded. Throw away the trash. Clip the coupons. It only takes a few minutes and will save you quite a bit of time (and a big messy pile) in the long run.
Other quick daily tasks include:
- taking out the trash
- sweeping or vacuuming rooms as needed
- spraying the shower down with a daily cleaner or vinegar/water mixture
- wiping all counters and toilet seats with wet cloth
Weekly
There are several cleaning tasks that can wait a few days without becoming overwhelming. Assign a day of the week to take care of all of these tasks at once, or create a weekly schedule to complete one task each day. However you do it, staying on top of these chores will keep your house fresh and clean without too much stress.
A few things you might want to add to your weekly cleaning list are:
- Washing and changing the sheets
- Vacuuming furniture and/or window treatments
- Cleaning out refrigerator
- Dusting
- Washing rugs
- Mopping
- Scrubbing bathtubs and toilets
- Disinfecting countertops
Monthly
Monthly tasks are not urgent, but they are important to the overall maintenance and organization of your home. There are several homeowner maintenance schedules out there. We like this one from My Home Ideas. It organizes tasks into monthly and seasonal tasks.
Some important monthly tasks include:
- Organizing garage and other storage areas
- Getting rid of unused or broken items
- Changing air filters
- Cleaning garbage disposal/washer/dryer
Once you get into the habit of doing these things, none of them take much time. This nifty schedule even estimates how much time each task takes. Incorporating a 10-minute pick-up at the end of every day can be very helpful. It’s impressive how much can be accomplished in 10 minutes!
>>>These schedules will help your housecleaning be more organized and efficient. But, you know what’s even easier? Calling us at 541-601-6236 for a free, no hassle cleaning quote. We will do all the cleaning for you which can help to give you more control of your crazy busy schedule in 2017!<<<
—> We’ve rounded up the best DIY Laundry tips and hacks that make laundry actually fun! A little bit of TLC can go a long way when you’re doing the laundry. Enjoy these classic cleaning tips —>
1) DIY Laundry Scent Booster
Via Simply Shellie
2) DIY Laundry stain Remover
Via She Knows
Do you have a tough stain on your clothing? This handy guide will tell you how to remove stains from different fabrics. Read on for natural stain removing tips! –> Click HERE! + Printable
3) DIY All-in-One Laundry Bombs
Via PopSugar
Enjoy the convenience of laundry bombs, but without all the expense. Bonus? You’ll know exactly what is in them! —> Click HERE!
4) DIY Reusable Dryer Sheets
Via The Mama’s Girls
Ditch that fabric softener and those store bought dryer sheets and try these Reusable DIY Homemade Dryer Sheets and fabric softener –> Click HERE!
5) DIY Better Smelling Towels
Over time, your bath towels will build up detergent and fabric softener residue. This not only attracts SMELLY mildew, it can essentially “waterproof” your towels. If water can’t get into the fabric to clean it, the towel won’t BE or SMELL clean. Here’s an easy fix:
–> Click Here!
6) Homemade Liquid Fabric Softener
This homemade liquid fabric softener can be used in your washing machine just like commercial softeners! Here’s how to make your own liquid fabric softener.
1. Add 20-30 drops of your favorite essential oil to a one-gallon jug of white vinegar.
2. Close the lid and give it a good shake.
3. When it’s time to do your laundry, shake it once again, and use 1/3 cup per load.
That’s it!
7) DIY Clean Your Washer
Via I Heart Naptime
Here is the easiest way to clean your washer …all it takes is ONE ingredient and a few minutes to leave your washer smelling squeaky clean. –> Click HERE!
What are some of YOUR favorite laundry room tips, tricks, and hacks? Leave a comment below and share the love.
Summer’s in full swing. If you get a case of “summer overwhelm” and need some housecleaning help, give us a call for a simple and quick over the phone quote: 541-601-6236.
Mom’s 6 Best Kept Cleaning Secrets – Technology has definitely made life – and cleaning – easier! No complaints here! But even robotic vacuums and fancy dishwashers can’t replace the timeless housekeeping tips, tricks and memories of our mothers and grandmothers. We have asked our clients and cleaners to share their generational cleaning tips, tricks and memories so that we can share their nostalgia and brilliance with you!
Treat Your Laundry With Care!
“My mom always insisted we rush to the dryer as soon as it chimed to pull the sheets out. We’d then pull in opposite directions to remove wrinkles. Sometimes it would turn into a little tug of war with more than a few giggles. But heck, it sure beat ironing them!” ~ Joan
Hot wax spilled all over…..the carpet?
Candle wax often finds its way onto our carpets, area rugs, or upholstery. But with this quick tip you can easily get the candle wax out and make your carpet as good as new. With a damp rag and a steaming iron removing spilled wax is easy. After preheating your iron place a wet but not dripping rag flat over the waxy spill. Place the hot iron on top of the rag and check every 15 sec. till the wax transfers onto the cloth. You may have to re-adjust the rag a few times to remove all spilled wax.
“I tried to tell my grandma it was the cat that spilled the hot candle wax on the carpet, but I think she knew better! (I don’t think cats like fire as much as curious 9 year olds.) I thought I was doomed, but she didn’t freak out. She calmly went to the utility room and returned with her iron and a damp rag. She got the iron hot, placed the damp rag over the spill, and started ironing away. It took several passes, but eventually all the wax got absorbed into the damp cloth. The carpet was good as new! I told my grandma I’d keep a closer eye on the cat. Grandma? She gave me a knowing wink and waltzed back to her utility room. Lesson learned!” ~Adrian
“If candle wax drips on your tablecloth, rub it with an ice cube until they get hard, and use a butter knife to pop them off.” – Lauren
Housekeeping Secrets Every Mom Should Teach Her Kids
“My mom was ahead of her time. Maybe it was her years living in a commune in the 70’s, but she was always suspicious of harsh chemical cleaners. She insisted on using natural products to clean the house – and taught us kids to do the same. Her go-to? Vinegar. Mold, mildew, and just plain old grime didn’t stand a chance. I still use it to this day!” ~Bev
What’s your secret use for vinegar? Here at the Cleaning Crew we use vinegar a ton with lots of variations. Here’s a great one we found from @ModernDayMom. Give it a try & let us know what you think!
Orange Vinegar – A Greener Cleaner!
Let orange peels soak in vinegar for 2 weeks in a cool dark place, then remove the orange peels and dilute with water by 50% in your regular spray bottle to add extra cleaning power to your natural cleaner. Check out these other effective and zesty recipes on Pinterest!
Busy Mom Secrets For a Clean Home
Clean your microwave in 30 seconds! Place a couple slices of lemon or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice into a bowl with 1/2 cup of water. Place in the microwave for 30 seconds – 1 minute and wipe away stuck on food in a snap without scrubbing!
“There’s nothing more refreshing than the sparkling fresh scent of lemons in the air. My mother’s home always had a hint of citrus. She knew that squeezing lemon juice into salt and wiping down the counter top would remove stains and disinfect just like a magic eraser. She would also remove stains from our lunchbox Tupperware by squeezing lemon juice into the stained dish and then adding baking soda. She would then use a small brush to work in the lemon and baking soda into the stains and allow it to sit. If the stain was bad, she would let it sit overnight before rinsing with warm water. There’s nothing like the fresh smell of home” ~ Sue
“At the end of the day, pick up miscellaneous items throughout the house, and put them into a pick-up basket. When you have more time, you can put everything in its proper place.” – Maria
Baking Soda Magic
“Sprinkle baking soda on carpet and let sit for several minutes before vacuuming. Keeps things fresh!”
~ Carrie Ann
“Pour some baking soda in the washing machine to remove the musty smell from towels.” ~ Nancy
We hope you’re able to take advantage of some of these old-school, time-honored organic cleaning methods in your own home. Your Mother & Grandmother would be proud.
~ The Cleaning Crew
PS – Do you have a favorite “Mom’s Cleaning Tip?” Leave it in the comments section below.
Lemons! Forget pricey toxic household cleaners. You have all you need to clean your home sitting in your fruit bowl! Lemons are Nature’s Sunniest House Cleaner. Cleaning with lemons is simple with these 7 fresh and effective DIY recipes!
Cleaning with Lemons: 7 Safe, Fresh, and Effective Recipes from The Cleaning Crew, LLC.
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #1
All-Purpose Lemon Cleaner
Via Live Simply
–> Make an all-purpose kitchen cleaner with this easy DIY recipe. This recipe is great because the vinegar and lemon combo has some superhero germ-killing properties in addition to being a great all-around cleaner. –> Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #2
Lemon Glass Cleaner
Via Doterra Blog
—> Make this easy Window and Glass Cleaner and you just might have to put up a warning sign for pigeons! Take a 16oz spray bottle and add 8 drops lemon essential oil or 2 table spoons lemon juice. Fill the rest of the bottle with equal parts vinegar and water then give it a shake. –> Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #3
Refresh Your Cutting Boards
Via The Cleaning Crew LLC.
–> Clean your wooden cutting boards plus remove stains from butcher block counter-tops. Before the wood grain has the chance to absorb stains and before you reach for the sandpaper, try this easy DIY stain removal recipe. –> Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #4
Lemon Polish Copper & Clean Mineral Build-up
Via The Kitchn
–> Here’s how to clean copper naturally with just lemon & salt! Cleaning your kitchen copper is easy. No need for harsh chemicals or special solutions when all you need are two natural ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen! –> Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #5
Lemon Garbage Disposal Ice Cubes
Via Redefined Mom
—> DIY natural garbage disposal cleaner. Clean up sink smells with these DIY Garbage Disposal cleaning cocktail cubes. These are so easy to make, and you will LOVE the fresh sent of lemons in the air.–> Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #6
Lemon + Salt Scouring Scrub
Via Hello Glow
–> Freshen up your sink and tub with this scrubby, lemon-scented paste. When the tub gets those gross rings or the sink looks stained, use this recipe for a little extra scrubbing and whitening power. Click Here!
Cleaning with Lemons Recipe #7
Rosemary and Lemon Foot Soak
Via A Bird Sleep
—> Rosemary and Lemon Foot Soak This soothing foot soak is a must-have for anyone on their feet all day long. Fill a shallow bowl with warm water, add the rosemary infused hot water, (recipe below) and pour in a 1/2 cup of Epsom salt. Mix up and relax! Relax. Seriously. You deserve it! Click Here!
When life hands you lemons, what other Lemon-based solutions do you make?
Our homes can become cluttered without us realizing it. This is especially true during the transition from winter to spring. Generally speaking, we’ve spent more time inside our homes during the winter. We have accumulated more stuff during the holidays. And the motivation to get stuff done is typically lowest during the winter months. But if your lack of space is becoming a real problem then it might be worth looking at storage containers for rent. With Spring on the horizon, we’ve put together a handful of super handy DIY Home Hacks and Home Storage Solutions to help keep our homes organized and clutter free. And of course, it is always fun looking at the different DIY products others have done and learning more about DIY from places like https://howtohome.com/.
DIY HOME HACK #1. Eliminate Paper Clutter Forever!
Via Design Sponge
—> Clipboards! Any desk is bound to get messy at some point, but there are certain items that you need to have within arm’s reach 24/7. These DIY gold and acrylic clipboards keep papers and notes all together and easy to access. Click Here!
DIY HOME HACK #2. DIY Clothes Pin Scarf Holder
Via Sally Ann
—> Scarf Holder! Scarves are easily tangled, lost, or damaged and organizing them can be a pain. We are always looking for ways to organize our plethora of scarves. We’re pretty sure you can think of a dozen other brilliant ways to use this clever clothespin holder. Click Here!
DIY HOME HACK #3. Organize The Mail
Via Design Sponge
–> DIY: Nature Office Organizer. Bring nature in—along with your mail! Try this DIY home hack with a simple, mossy mail organizer. Click Here!
DIY HOME HACK #4. DIY Book Shelf
Via wikiHow
5. DIY Food Storage
—> Glass Jars: Banish all commercial packaging for a clean, natural effect. You don’t need to hide your baking products behind pantry doors when they’re stored so beautifully. Easy DIY home hack –> Click Here!
DIY HOME HACK #6. Easy DIY Magnetic Knife Strip
Via Turning It Home
—> Magnetic Knife Strip! Proudly display your collection of knives and keep them within reach. After all, this is a work-space and chefs need their tools handy. Click Here!
DIY HOME HACK #7. Under Your Sink
Via Martha Stewart
—> Tension Rod Storage! Who knew your housecleaning products could look so cool? Conquer under-the-sink chaos and clutter with the help of a humble little tension rod. Suddenly housecleaning and storage doesn’t seem so daunting. Click Here!
Which of these hacks are you planning to use in your home? Chat with us about your favorite storage solutions in the comments.
As always, if you would like help with your organization projects, contact us today. Our team of trained professionals would be happy to help give your space the organization treatment!
Start the conversation here:
A DIY Deep Clean for your House often becomes necessary during the early spring due to the increased time spent inside our homes. Here are sure-fire DIY tips and recipes to get your home DIY deep cleaned.
1. DIY Deep Clean Living room
Clean regularly using your vacuum’s upholstery attachment, or you can use warm water on a cleaning rag to restore the fabric.
Treat the occasional stain as quickly as possible with a microfiber cloth — slightly dampened, if necessary.
Mix together 1 tsp. dishwashing liquid, 1 tbs. white vinegar, 1 cup warm water and 1 tsp. baking soda in a spray bottle.
Vacuum your carpet, then wipe any stains gently with the abrasive side of a sponge. Spray the soiled area with the mixture, then gently rub and dab with the towel. You will start to see cleaning results right away.
To quickly restore wood surfaces, use this simple recipe. Squeeze the juice of one lemon into container straining the pulp and seeds then add a tablespoon of olive oil and a tablespoon of water. Tighten lid and shake until emulsified. Dab small amounts of this mixture onto a cloth and begin wiping down your furniture.
For older heirloom furniture, we recommend Howard’s Feed-N-Wax.
Since this is a natural and perishable recipe, make it fresh each time.
2. DIY DEEP CLEAN Kitchen
All you need to clean the surfaces of your kitchen is a good cleaning cloth and this simple, but effective all-purpose cleaner.
Use it to scrub down countertops, appliances, tables, walls and the sink.
- 1 cup white vinegar
- 2 cups water
- 5 drops essential oil of your choice
- Mix all of the ingredients in a spray bottle, shake, and get cleaning!
If you have hard water buildup, a simple mixture of white vinegar, lemon juice, and dish soap is effective at removing the grime.
For the faucet, scrub with baking soda and an old toothbrush. It’s perfect for tackling that narrow, grimy space where the base of the faucet meets the sink. Rinse when finished.
How to Clean A Toaster (Pop Up & Toaster Oven) Via Clean My Space
Pour equal parts vinegar and water into the bowl. Insert a toothpick or another small wooden object into the vinegar-water solution. This will help keep the solution from spontaneously exploding.
Heat the bowl for 5 to 10 minutes, depending on how dirty the microwave is. After letting it sit for a bit, take the bowl out. Then, take a cleaning cloth and dip it into the hot vinegar-water mixture and scrub down your microwave. The gunk will come off easily with a few swipes of the cleaning cloth.
Start by pouring a cup of baking soda into the toilet bowl and let sit for a few minutes. Brush and flush. Still seeing spots? A damp pumice stone is abrasive enough to remove stains caused by mineral deposits and lime scale but gentle enough not to damage surfaces (Pumice Scouring Stick). Be sure to soak the pumice stone for 2-3 minutes before using on the toilet.
Submerge the showerhead in a plastic bag with vinegar over night. Remove it in the morning and run the water to rinse. This will help remove any mineral deposits.
Give plastic shower curtains and liners a spin in the washing machine with your regular detergent and a few old towels. These act as scrubbers to help get rid of soap scum and mildew. Toss them into the dryer on a low heat for 2 to 3 minutes then rehang.
For shower doors, make a paste of a few drops of distilled white vinegar to a cup of baking soda. Wet the door and then apply the mixture and let it sit for an hour. Scrub the shower door with a microfiber cloth and then rinse. The tub is less of an issue and a weekly scrubbing is usually enough. For extra shine you can add the mixture to the bath tub and let sit for 15 minutes before scrubbing clean.
Remove the vent cover and soak in warm water with dish soap. While the cover is soaking, vacuum the fan blades, nooks, and crannies. Then wipe with a damp cloth. Remove the cover from the warm water and when it’s completely dry, replace the cover on the vent.
Homemade Natural grout cleaner!
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup baking soda
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/2 cup vinegar
Directions:
- Combine lemon juice, baking soda, and vinegar in a spray bottle.
- Stir in water to the mixture.
- Spray solution onto tile and grout.
- Allow cleaning solution to sit for 5 minutes.
- Scrub dirt/grime away using cleaning cloth or large scrubber pad.
- After scrubbing, wash with water
Removing grout stains from the floor can make your home look like new! As one of the most high-traffic parts of the home, the bathroom floor gets a lot of use. Use the recipe referenced above to easily clean the floor grout.
4. DIY DEEP CLEAN Laundry Room
To sanitize the inside of your washing machine, simply run a cycle through with white vinegar and hot water. This will also remove soap scum and mineral build up.
Empty the lint trap and wipe off fuzz with a used fabric-softener sheet.
Vacuum the inside of your lint trap area.
Wipe the interior walls of the dryer. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing liquid and warm water. Scrub any linty residue around the trap opening with an old toothbrush, if necessary.
Using a brush attachment, vacuum the vents and wipe grates with a damp cloth.
Give your Washer and Dryer the Rub – Soak a cleaning cloth in liquid dish soap and water, and wipe the washer’s drum to remove any residue or sticky who-knows-what (your kid’s red crayon, a stray piece of gum?). If you’ve got a front loader, clean the rubber door gasket as its nooks and crannies can trap moisture.
5. DIY DEEP CLEAN FRAGRANCE
Give your home a refreshing and invigorating new scent with this DIY air freshener.
- Grapefruit slices
- Fresh sprigs of lavender
- Whole juniper berries
The bright citrus paired with classically calming lavender and juniper make for a freshening and inviting scent, perfect to fill your entire space. It’s a great one to simmer on the stove or place in jars right at the entryway.
For more DIY air freshener ideas visit our Clean Air page on Pinterest.
If you’re needing more time in your life for other priorities, consider hiring a professional housecleaner. The time and energy saved, and the frustration avoided is well worth the investment.
If a no-hassle, no-obligation phone quote makes sense,
give us a call today at 541-601-6236.
You can also shoot us an email at info@thecleaningcrewonline.com
It’s time for some DIY inspiration!
Try one or all of our easy DIY home recipes. We’ve got you covered from beauty to home. These recipes will save you cash and work wonders too!
1. DIY SHAVING CREAM
Via Hello Glow
—> Here’s how to make an easy homemade shaving cream with coconut oil. It smells delicious and will leave your skin smooth and silky without using preservatives or synthetic ingredients.
Get started so you can get your shave on! Click Here!
2. DIY LIQUID DISH SOAP
Via Mommy Potamus
—> This is an easy DIY Homemade Liquid Dish Soap you can make at home with just a few ingredients. This simple eco-friendly recipe will remove food and grease with ease and make it easy to wash your dishes…and save money. Click Here!
3. DIY ANTIBACTERIAL SPRAY
Via Pop Sugar
—> Clean your home and freshen it at the same time with this DIY antibacterial spray. Keep your entire space germ-free with this awesome spray. What’s more, it’s safe to use around pets and kids. Click Here!
4. DIY LAUNDRY STAIN REMOVER
Via Dont Waste The Crumbs
—> Only the BEST Homemade stain remover EVER!
Remove tough stains only using 3 ingredients from your pantry. Don’t waist another moment Click Here!
5. DIY BUG SPRAY
Via Live Simply
—> While covering up is the best option for decreasing bug bites, it’s not always realistic. This quick, easy, and family-safe homemade bug spray does the trick. Live Simply’s insect repellent is great for mosquitoes, flies, and other annoying seasonal bugs. Tweak to your liking and apply with confidence. Click Here!
>>BONUS TIPS <<
Use a squeegee to remove pet hair from carpet.
First, use a squeegee with a long handle and move it back and forth across the carpet. The rubber attached to it will loosen the embedded hair. Then, pick up the clumps of hair that accumulate. Continue this process until all the hair is removed.
Ice cubes can take indentations out of carpet.
Use ice cubes to remove those annoying furniture dents from carpet. Let them melt, and then vacuum or gently lift the fibers with a spoon.
Do you have any genius home hacks we should know about?
Share with us in the comments below. 
As always, a free and simple no-obligation housecleaning quote is just a phone call away: 541-601-6236.
I think we can all agree that when it comes to cleaning, we’re always looking for ways to make the process more efficient. Efficient means quicker AND easier! Try these 5 New Cleaning Routine tips, tricks, and suggestions. They’ll help keep your home sparkling year-round and grant you a little more peace of mind in the process.
1.Cleaning routine Essentials
Tackle everyday messes with the best sponges, scrubbers, sprays, and more!
Here’s our take on the best cleaning essentials. The right tools make all the difference!
Establish a simple yet effective morning cleaning routine. Try this one.
- Start the Washing Machine–> On your way to get the coffee brewing, start a load of laundry.
- Unload the dishwasher –> “Everything has its place” is such a reliable motto. Then start the process over by loading everything after breakfast.
- Make beds –> Everyone makes their own as soon as they get up.
- 5-minute pick up –> Do a quick pick up of what might have been missed from the night before and the last minute tornado of the morning.
3. Night Time Cleaning Routine
Before you turn in for the night, spend a few extra minutes tidying up with these simple suggestions. Small efforts can have the biggest impact on your morning.
- Clean the kitchen –> Spend a quick 5 minutes clearing the counters and wiping them down. Load and run the dishwasher if it’s full. Make sure there are no dishes in the sink. Starting the morning with a clean kitchen will brighten your mood.
- Pack lunches and/or snack –> Mornings are busy enough. Take care of lunches and snacks the night before.
- Set the coffee maker –> When you’re groggy in the morning there’s nothing better than a freshly brewed, hot cup of coffee (or tea, if that’s your thing)! Get it ready for minimal effort in the morning.
- Take care of one load of laundry –> Fold, sort and put away the clothes from the last wash load. Biggest takeaway: don’t let laundry snowball on you.
- Five-minute pick-up –> Just take a few minutes to throw away trash, take items back to their “home” and wipe down messy areas.
4. Cleaning Routine Add-ons
In addition to your daily cleaning routine, practice the art of add-ons. For example, you can add dusting and/or vacuuming a room or two each day.
Once a week mop the kitchen and bathroom floors.
To take your cleaning to the next level choose one of the following to include once a week…
- Cleaning the Microwave
- Dusting the Molding and trim
- Cobweb Removal
- Interior Window Cleaning
- Inside Cabinet Cleaning
- Oven Cleaning
- Moving and cleaning under the furniture
5. How To Reboot Your Cleaning Routine
Via Clean My Space
A great way to effectively use your time is to maintain a set cleaning routine. But maybe It’s time to re-tool how the cleaning gets done. Check out theses quick steps from Clean My Space on how to get motivated to clean –> Click here.
What about you? What does your cleaning routine look like? What routines are your kids responsible for?
