Regular house cleaning reduces stress, creates a sense of well-being in your home and helps keep it looking its best. What do you need to prioritize, and who can you call to get help? Here’s what you need to know.
There are several reasons why it’s good to make house cleaning a priority. If it’s well done, you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable, welcoming living space. It will also reduce the amount of allergens, dust and dirt in the air.
The life expectancy of upholstered furniture and decorative items can be extended by maintaining good household hygiene. You’ll also easily spot areas in need of repair. House cleaning know-how will help keep your property’s overall aesthetic appeal and increase its value over time.
The 4 essential tasks when cleaning your house
House cleaning is organized around four primary tasks. Here’s what they are and why they’re so important. If you’re preparing to sell your home, it’s essential to follow these four steps to spruce it up before showings.
1. Clean all surfaces
Keeping all surfaces spotless is essential when cleaning kitchens, bathrooms and electrical appliances. Countertops must be cleaned frequently to keep them looking beautiful and prevent germs from accumulating.
Cleaning the surfaces in your house is relatively easy when you follow a few simple steps:
Use a mild detergent and lukewarm water to wipe the surface.
Make sure to get into corners and crevices as dirt tends to accumulate there.
After wiping the surface, use a damp cloth to remove any remaining dirt or residue.
For stubborn stains, use a specialty cleaning product or mix a water, vinegar and baking soda solution.
Once the countertop is clean, dry and polish the surface with a microfibre cloth. This helps prevent water spots and streaks.
You can apply a sealer or wax to the surface for extra protection. This helps guard against water and oil stains.
2. Dusting
It’s no secret that dust builds up quickly on all surfaces in your home, so it’s important to remove it often. Start with a feather duster or microfibre cloth to quickly clean most of the accumulated dust. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe any that the duster couldn’t reach.
Be sure to dust from top to bottom so the residue falls to the floor to be vacuumed. Use an anti-static cloth for wiping electronic devices like televisions and computers to avoid damaging them.
A few times a year, especially during spring cleaning, be sure to dust hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of cupboards, wardrobes, and light fixtures.
3. Vacuum
Vacuuming is the only way to keep your carpets and floors clean. Choose the vacuum best suited to your needs. Upright models are popular for carpets, while canister vacuums are best for wood, vinyl or ceramic floors.
Put away items at risk of being sucked up by mistake. Once the area is clear, plug in the vacuum and turn it on. When necessary, move furniture to get into the corners of the room, and remember the stairs and other hard-to-reach places. When finished, empty the cartridge or bag and replace the filters if necessary.
4. Window washing
Cleaning windows and mirrors can be daunting, but it’s pretty easy to do with the right tools. First, gather your cleaning supplies:
Bucket
Squeegee
Soft cloth
Window cleaning solution
A few rags
Fill the bucket with warm water and a couple drops of the window cleaning solution. Soak the cloth in the solution, then use it to wipe the windows, starting at the top and working your way down. Use the squeegee to remove excess water or residue and a dry cloth to remove streaks.
Eco-friendly products: A responsible choice
There are many benefits to using eco-friendly house cleaning products. For example, they’re usually made from natural, biodegradable ingredients such as essential oils. They are non-toxic and, therefore, safer to use around children and pets than regular cleaning products.
Who can lend you a hand with your house cleaning?
Hiring trained, experienced residential cleaning professionals will help you keep your home clean. They can provide regular cleaning services, like vacuuming, dusting, surface cleaning or any other household-related tasks, such as washing windows or opening the spa.
An independent house cleaner (previously referred to as a cleaning lady or man) can also help in your quest for a squeaky-clean home. This type of in-home service gives you peace of mind, knowing someone is carefully looking after your house, eliminating the need to call on a commercial cleaning service.
Perform necessary background checks
When looking for a house cleaning service, it’s important to research properly to find a reliable, trustworthy company or person. Start by asking for referrals from your family and friends. You can also take a look at the reviews for local companies online.
Get references from former clients and ask to see their certifications and licenses. You must confirm that the company is properly insured to protect you and the cleaning staff from accidents or liability. It’s also good to draw up a written agreement listing the tasks and payment terms before hiring the company.
And, of course, there’s an endless choice in the Montreal area! Companies such as Nettoyage Pro Cleaning, Fresh Cleaning, Daoust Eco-efficient Cleaners, Montreal Maid Services and MOM Cleaning Services have the capacity to take on many contracts.
House cleaning doesn’t have to be a total drag. There are ways to make it fun! Put on your favourite music, set your goals and, most importantly, reward yourself for a job well done!
Would you like to preserve the positive effects of your house cleaning for as long as possible? Here are some tips to keep your counters organized.
You love our ideas but need a little help to make them happen? Visit the Useful tips section of our site.
