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8 EASY CLEANING TIPS TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE PARTY-READY (FREE PRE-PARTY CLEANING CHECKLIST!)

Follow these 8 easy cleaning tips to make your house party-ready (with a free pre-party cleaning checklist) & you’ll be ready to host the best party of the year!

Good morning friends! Today I’m excited to introduce you to my friend Maria from the blog Leisurely Does It. She is the queen of all things cleaning and organization!

Over the years, several of you have specifically requested cleaning tips to make your house party-ready. I’m the first to admit, cleaning and organization are not my strong suits. ☺️ So, I thought it would be helpful to have Maria over to share her tips with you.

And as a special bonus, she’s created an easy checklist for you to grab at the end of the post. Take it away Maria!

I bet you love a good party. Who doesn’t?

If you’ve decided to throw a party at your house, then you’ve probably thought about how you’re going to tackle cleaning up afterwards.

But, what about a plan for cleaning before the party happens?

You want to make a good impression on your guests. The last thing you want is for your friends to remember how dirty your house was instead of what an awesome time they had.

So, here are some cleaning tips to make your house party-ready. There’s a free printable checklist with all the steps included so be sure to grab that after you read this post!

bet you love a good party. Who doesn’t?

If you’ve decided to throw a party at your house, then you’ve probably thought about how you’re going to tackle cleaning up afterwards.

But, what about a plan for cleaning before the party happens?

You want to make a good impression on your guests. The last thing you want is for your friends to remember how dirty your house was instead of what an awesome time they had.

So, here are some cleaning tips to make your house party-ready. There’s a free printable checklist with all the steps included so be sure to grab that after you read this post!

8 Cleaning Tips to Make Your House Party-Ready

Curb Appeal

Guests will see the front of your home first so before you even think about making the inside of your house sparkle and shine, go outside.

Look at your house with a critical eye. It’s easy for those cobwebs to go unnoticed since you walk past them every day but visitors will see them. Clean the front porch and power wash your driveway.

Tidy up the garden and front lawn. Mow the grass, trim the hedges and pull those weeds up.

Wash the windows close to the front door too. You’d be surprised how much dirt sits on them and just how much light will come in once they’ve been wiped clean.

Move exterior trash cans away from areas where guests will pass. No-one wants to be greeted by stinky garbage at the front of your house.

Get rid of clutter

Okay, now that you’re done with the outside, go indoors. Get rid of clutter in areas your guests will see. Focus onclutter hotspots like the entry, guest bathroom, kitchen and living areas that will serve as the party venue.

Even if you’re having an outdoor party, it’s still important to complete this step. Guests will inevitably have to use the bathroom or may somehow find themselves in the kitchen.

Create Space for Coats

If it’s cold out, you’ll need a place to store your guests’ winter gear when they arrive. Make room in your coat closet for all the extra coats and place a basket in there for any gloves and scarves as well.

A rolling clothing rack can be a good alternative if you don’t have space in your closet or make a room close to the entrance the temporary coat room.

Sponge or microfiber cloth
OxiClean
All-purpose cleaning product
A dust pan and hand broom

Clean the Bathroom

When the party gets good and drinks are flowing, there will be a line outside the bathroom door. Make sure your guest bathroom is in good shape and ready for all the extra traffic. This is the one room where party-goers won’t be too distracted to notice clutter and dirt.

Do the following:

Clear the counters of clutter
Fill up the liquid soap dispenser
Scrub the toilet, sink and shower
Wipe off the mirrors
Change the towels. Ensure there are clean hand towels or a fresh roll of paper towels
Stack a few toilet paper rolls in a basket on top of the toilet tank or somewhere close-by so guests don’t have to rummage through your cupboards to find some if it runs out
Put down clean bath mats
Spray the room with air freshener and maybe leave that in plain sight too, in case anyone wants to use it

Clean the Kitchen

Guests love to congregate in the kitchen. Maybe it’s because that’s where the food comes from. Whatever the reason, you’ll want your kitchen to be spotless.

Clear the countertops and wipe them down. Use warm soapy water or a cleaning product suitable for the material your counters are made of. Avoid abrasive kitchen cleaners and pads. Seal the counters to prevent stains.

Wipe off the stovetop, clear the sink and dishwasher. You’ll need room for the dirty dishes after the party is over.

Next, make room in your refrigerator. Your home won’t be party-ready if there’s no space for the food you’re serving, drinks and leftovers. Throw out expired products and wipe down the interior and exterior of the fridge. The refrigerator handle and door can get pretty grimy.

Empty the Trash

Go through the house and empty the garbage bins especially the one in the kitchen.

Wash the bins with warm soapy water and a little disinfectant to get rid of odours. After they dry, add new liners and put them back.

Final Steps

Finally, mop and vacuum the floors in areas guests will see. Yes, you will have to do it again later but they’ll look good when people first arrive.

Set up the area where the actual party will be. Move fragile or irreplaceable items into a room away from the party zone to prevent unfortunate accidents.

Close the doors to any rooms you want to keep out-of-bounds. This will signal to visitors to stay away.

Straighten and fluff throw pillows. Spray the house with air freshener.

It may take a little extra work to make sure your home is party-ready but it just requires some planning. Break the tasks down into little chunks so you can easily complete them throughout the week.

Once you’ve finished, you can be proud to open your door to guests knowing that all they’ll talk about after they leave is how great the party was.

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5 Benefits Of Professional Cleaning Services

Top 5 Benefits of Hiring Professional Cleaning Services

If you’ve ever tried to clean a commercial workplace by yourself then you’ll know that it is a difficult and demanding task and it can end up looking ‘not quite right’. This is because despite your best efforts it is still missing the professional touch. So, if you are thinking about hiring professional cleaning services but haven’t quite made up your mind yet, these 5 reasons should convince you that it’s really worth it! All businesses can see astonishing results and will notice many benefits when they hire a professional cleaning provider.

Specialised Tools and Equipment

A professional provider will be aware of all of the major innovations and developments in the cleaning industry. They have invested their resource into finding the absolute best cleaning materials and equipment available on the market. They should have a wide range of supplies and specific tools and cleaning products for every job. They will know when and where to use each tool and will use these to deliver impeccable and high-quality cleaning results.

Trained and Skilled Staff

A professional cleaning company will have a pool of highly trained and skilled staff. The employees are professional and have attended many hours of training. They will have unique training to clean all commercial environments and will do be able to deliver cleaning results efficiently. All of their staff should also be security vetted and background checked so that you are confident that they are hiring only the best teams of people.

Reduce your Environmental Footprint

When it comes to environmental care, the cleaning industry has made great strides in recent years. A reputable cleaning company will be committed to ensuring that its products are as environmentally friendly as possible. They will have environmentally friendly solutions that are safe for both the environment and of course the people in contact with them.

A Plan Tailored to your needs

Professional cleaning companies will be eager to please their clients and will listen to your requirements closely. They will work alongside you ensuring that they devise a cleaning schedule that suits your business. They should be flexible and ready to work inside or outside of your business hours and should be able to mobilise their teams if extra work becomes a requirement. They will also remain adaptable and will change their schedule to suit business needs.

Deliver Exceptional Results

The most noticeable overall benefit to your business will be the physical transformation. You will be surprised at just how much of a difference a professional cleaning services provider can make to the look of your business. Your business will be gleaming and will become a very welcoming environment. With their professionally trained staff, superior work and fast response times you should be 100% satisfied with the look of your business. A superior cleaning routine like this leaves a great impression every single time.

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Tips On How To Clean The Hard-To-Reach Spots

Cleaning 6 Hard-to-Reach Places

Out of sight, out of mind doesn’t always work when it comes to cleaning. Sure, you can pretend that those areas you can’t easily see or reach are immaculate. But, deep down you know the truth and it is to everyone’s benefit to clean these spots periodically. You’ll reduce dust that can trigger allergies and asthma, kill some bacteria that can cause illness and make your mother proud.

– Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures

You don’t have to sit on someone’s shoulders to clean a ceiling fan or high-up light fixture (nor is that a good idea). A disposable duster with an extendable handle is a much better way to capture dust and spider webs. Choose a disposable duster over a feather duster because the disposable dusters are made of materials that cause the dust to cling rather than simply be scattered around.

If you don’t have a disposable duster, use a clean microfiber cloth and secure it to a broom or mop handle with a rubber band.

And if you must use a ladder, it’s a good idea to have another person to brace the ladder and come to your aid if you slip or fall. Using a ladder when you’re home alone is never a great idea.

– Ceilings and Moldings

Take a minute to look up; you may be shocked to see all the dust and spider webs that have taken hold near your ceiling and crown moldings. Use a long-handled duster, clean and dry sponge mop, or broom to whisk down the dirt. Always do this first when cleaning a room so you can vacuum up the fallen debris.

– Cabinet Tops and Tall Furniture

When you buy a disposable duster with an extendable handle, be sure to get one with a pivoting head so you can adjust the angle to reach to the tops of cabinets and tall pieces of furniture.

If you have allowed dust and particles of grease to accumulate on kitchen cabinets, use a sturdy step stool and clean with a soft cloth dipped in a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Wipe away the soil and then rinse with a cloth dipped in plain water. Dry with a soft clean cloth.

– Window Blinds

When you dust blinds with a static duster, remember to close them and clean one side and then reverse the direction to clean the other side.

Or, to clean both sides of the slats at once, wrap two microfiber cloths around each end of a pair of kitchen tongs and secure with a rubber band. Then simply slide the tongs along each slat to wipe away the dust top and bottom. Toss the microfiber cloths in the washer and you’re done.

– Window, Sliding Door and Shower Door Tracks

Window, sliding door, and shower door tracks attract dust and dirt in amazing amounts and cleaning them can be difficult because of the tight spaces. When it’s time to clean, you may need to remove screens and give them a good cleaning. Then, start by using the crevice tool on your vacuum or making a custom crevice cleaner. Removing as much loose dust and grime will make the rest of the cleaning easier.

After vacuuming, mix a solution of two cups warm water, one teaspoon dishwashing liquid and one teaspoon household ammonia. Use a flexible stiff-bristled brush to scrub out the tracks and then rinse with plain water. You may have to use some vinegar and extra care to remove soap scum on shower door tracks depending on the type of metal.

Here’s an extra tip on cleaning outside window and door tracks: if you have a pressure washer or pressure nozzle for the hose, a good burst of water can often make tracks sparkle.

– Behind the Toilet

Unfortunately, the floor and wall behind the toilet are very difficult to reach since most mops and cleaning tools simply won’t fit the space.

This is when it’s time to grab some knee pads and rubber gloves and get down to work. Start by using a dry stiff brush to remove loose dust, hair, and soil (don’t forget the baseboard). The crevice tool of your vacuum is useful to suck away the debris. Then use a soft brush or sponge dipped in warm water and a disinfectant cleaner to wipe down the area including the back of the toilet base. Rinse with a sponge or cloth dipped in plain water and dry with a soft cloth.

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8 Must-Have Cleaning Supplies For A Small Apartment

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6 Tips To Keep Your Home Clean Over The Holidays

The decorations aren’t the only things that you’ll want to be sparkling during the festive season. You’ll want your home gleaming, too, and ready for all the family and friends who are likely to drop by to share in some holiday cheer. Here are some tips you might use to keep your home snow white clean during the holidays.

Start off Fresh
Giving your home a really good cleaning prior to the festivities starting will help you keep it looking wonderful the entire holiday season. If you’re pressed for time, you might want to consider getting the experts in for a one time house cleaning. It’s a gift you’ll be glad you gave yourself! It will also keep you motivated to keep things neat and tidy.
Clear the Clutter
You know those boxes sitting in your utility room that you’ve been meaning to take to the thrift shop? Well, now is the time to do that! The more items that you can get rid of that you’re not using or that have outlived their purpose for you and your family, the better!
Quality, Not Quantity in Holiday Decorations
Overdoing the tinsel can just make things look tacky. Choose holiday decorations that are tasteful. A beautifully appointed Christmas tree, perhaps some garland and sparkling decorations on the mantel, and a wreath on the front door is all you’ll need.

All Things in Their Own Place
When you take something out to use it, be sure to put it back once you’re done. Get kids to put their toys away. Put away any craft items you’ve been using or cooking appliances you’ve dug out to make those festive goodies.
Let There Be Light
Show off your clean, organized abode by letting as much natural light in as possible. Pull the curtains back and roll up the shades. Sunlight makes spaces feel warm and inviting—just the kind of feeling you want to have during the holidays.
Make a Cleaning Schedule
If you have someone come in for a one time house cleaning, make sure you keep things in order by scheduling times to give your home a quick cleaning. There are chores that can’t be put off for long, like laundry and doing dishes. Staying on top of these things will allow you to enjoy the holiday season without stressing about a messy house.

shinning-clean-kitchen-by-Brantford-house-cleaners

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6 Cleaning Tips For When You Have Allergies

06 Tips for Cleaning with Your Allergies in Mind

After holing up in our homes this winter, it’s a great time to roll up those sleeves and put some elbow grease into deep cleaning your home. While this can be a welcoming activity for some, for those with allergies, it can be more of a necessary evil. Cleaning stirs up all kinds of allergens like dust, dust mites, mold spores, pollen, and animal dander, which can cause allergy symptoms to worsen.

If you feel that looming cleaning dread, here are ten tips for cleaning with your allergies in mind!

. Clean high to low

Start cleaning the highest spots and work your way down. Cleaning of any kind stirs up dust and particles into the air. Cleaning from high to low will help make sure you catch more of the dust and don’t leave any behind.

Tip: Clean your floors last.

2. Wear a mask when you clean

Masks are a highly effective way to keep allergens from entering your body. The mask will help filter out those particles that you would naturally breathe in as you clean. They can also help decrease the inhalation of chemicals. As you pull out cleaning solutions like bleach, masks will help protect your lungs from any harmful fumes.

Tip: Try an N-95 mask.

3. Don’t use scented cleaners

The heavy fragrances in some cleaners can trigger allergy or asthma symptoms, irritating your airways. Look for fragrance free cleaners and products.

Tip: A natural way to fill your home with a fresh aroma is by simmering sliced lemons or crushing mint leaves. You get the freshness without the irritation.

4. Use a damp cloth when cleaning

Using a dry cloth is a less effective way of cleaning. However, a cloth dampened with water or furniture polish will help trap that dust instead of brushing it into the air or onto the floor.

Tip: Try using a microfiber cloth. Microfiber attracts dust much better than a regular cloth or paper towel, plus the fabric is non-abrasive so it won’t scratch your surfaces.

5. Use a vacuum instead of a broom

Using a broom kicks up more dust than it removes. If you want to capture the allergens instead of pushing them around, a vacuum is your best option. The dust and allergens won’t float through the air if they are sucked up.

Tip: Make sure you’re using a central vacuum or a vacuum with a high-efficiency particulate absorbing (HEPA) filter. These filters are made to trap allergens so they don’t make it back into the air.

6. Clean the air

Filtering the air that circulates in your home is a good way to get rid of airborne allergens. Make sure you replace your air filters every 3-6 months with an allergy-friendly filter. Check out the ACAAI’s filter recommendations to find the right fit for you. Portable air cleaners can also help keep allergens down while cleaning.

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How Often Should You Use A Professional Cleaning Service?

If you are thinking of hiring a professional cleaner, your first question is typically: how often should cleaners come? The short answer is: it depends on your budget and the size of your home.

Four factors that determine how often you should get your house cleaned

Factor #1: the size of your house

If you have a mega mansion with five bathrooms, it will naturally take more time to clean than a single bedroom city apartment. Similarly, heritage-listed and older homes typically require more upkeep—perhaps floors to polish, high ceilings to dust and fireplaces to clean.

Factor #2: what you want cleaned

Most cleaning clients want the basics done like cleaning the floors, bathrooms, kitchens, toilets and other areas. Cleaners typically dust, vacuum, mop, wipe surfaces, clean the kitchen, bathroom and toilets. You might want extra attention paid to skirting boards, under furniture or other nooks and crannies too. Chairs, splashbacks, couch cushions, microwaves or ovens, mirrors, windowsills, walls and light switches might need regular attention too.

Factor #3: your messy level

Are you a neat freak, living alone and rarely at home? You definitely don’t need super-frequent cleaning. But if you have pets or children (the messy darlings) you may need to have cleaners come more often to deal with the aftermath of all that pet hair, crumbs and general mess that they’re so good at creating.

Factor#4: your budget

You need to factor in what you’re willing to spend on a cleaner. For many of our clients, they’d rather invest in a cleaner so they can spare up valuable free time. This may be to enjoy life with friends and family, without worrying about cleaning. Or, to earn money that far and beyond covers whatever cleaning costs are incurred. (Usually, it’s both) Investing in cleaning gives you the gift of more time, and less stress—so we think it’s invaluable. But you should always get what you can afford and what your budget allows.