Category: Cleaning

The Ultimate Guide to Residential Cleaning Services

When selecting a professional to conduct cleaning services on your residential property, it is important to ensure they hit the minimum health and safety requirements listed below:

IRATA certified for rope access

Advanced Rigging

EWP Licence (elevated work platform)

licence to perform High Risk Work

Working at Heights

White Card

Working with children’s check

Police checked

20 million public liability

Water Fed Pole

Certificate of compliance

How to Make an Efficient Weekly House Cleaning Schedule Template & Checklist Chart

A few weeks ago, I had some friends over for lunch. I hadn’t cleaned my house in weeks so before they arrived, I had to go into mad dash cleaning mode. For about three hours my husband and I were running around like chickens with our heads cut off dusting everything in sight. Our friends wouldn’t have judged us on the cleanliness of our home (they may not even have noticed), but you don’t want guests to have to experience – or witness – your messiness.

Why Make a Cleaning Schedule?

No More Frantic Cleaning – Your house will be reasonably clean all the time if you stick to your cleaning schedule.

Share Responsibilities – I usually end up doing all the cleaning in my house simply because I know what has been done and what needs to be done. If there is a posted schedule, people can be assigned tasks or pick up tasks that haven’t been done yet.

Less Stress – When my house isn’t clean, I always feel as though I have something I should be doing, which makes it hard to relax. If I follow a schedule, I can relax once I have done everything on my checklist for the day.

Greater Efficiency – If you don’t have your tasks planned out, time is wasted figuring out what to do. With a schedule, everything is mapped out for you to get started. Not only that, your schedule can be tailored to your family members’ strengths and availability.

Fight Procrastination – I procrastinate cleaning for a variety of reasons, but being organized and having a cleaning schedule is one way for me to stop and overcome procrastination.

Steps to a Cleaning Schedule

1. Determine the length of your schedule

Before you begin to list out your tasks, you need to determine the length of your schedule. Will it be a weekly, biweekly, or monthly schedule? I suggest making a 4-week schedule because that way you are able to include tasks that you do daily as well as monthly tasks, such as checking your smoke detectors to protect your home in case of a house fire.

2. List your tasks

Make a list of everything that you can possibly think of that needs cleaning. Use my document as a starting point. Your list will probably vary from mine since we all have different homes and different needs.

3. Determine frequency of tasks

To determine the frequency that you need to do a certain task, think about what makes sense and what is reasonable for you. If you have a guest room that no one ever uses, perhaps you just need to dust it once a month. If you have 2 dogs that shed a lot, like I do, you probably need to vacuum more than the average household. You may have some tasks that you only need to do once a year or a few times a year. For those tasks, assign them as fall or spring cleaning. Then spend a day in the fall and a day in the spring knocking out these tasks.

4. Assign specific tasks to specific days

If there is a day of the week that is particularly busy for you, don’t schedule any tasks on that day. And if you want to have a couple days off each week, that is OK (and probably good for your sanity). Do what makes the most sense to you. For example, I go to the grocery store on Tuesdays because that is when their truck comes so I know that everything has been restocked.

5. Assign people to tasks

Assign tasks to the most qualified person. I cook, and my husband mows the lawn. I don’t think we would want that any other way!

6. Put it in writing

You can document your schedule however you like. You are welcome to modify my document for your own cleaning schedule. I like using an electronic template so that I can save time by just printing it out, rather than hand writing each month’s schedule.

7. Stick to it

Easier said than done, right? This is definitely the most difficult step. As a motivator, put a dollar in a jar each day you do not finish your tasks, otherwise known as the “Swear Jar Mentality.” This money can then be used as savings!

How to Use My House Cleaning Schedule Template

Using my document to make your own cleaning schedule is simple. After you download and open the Excel file (click on the download link above), you will notice that there are two tabs. The first tab, “Checklist,” is a matrix of chores and dates. It is a 4-week schedule, and you can enter the date of the first day of your schedule in the yellow cell at the top. Inside the matrix, a slash represents the day the chore is to be done. After you have listed your chores and owner and have made the schedule, print it out. When a task is completed, use an opposing slash to make an X to indicate that it is done.

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners

What Would I Do?

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners do light cleaning tasks in homes and commercial companies. Those who work in private homes keep these places clean and neat. Additionally, they may polish silver, clean ovens, refrigerators, and sometimes windows. Some also shop for groceries, pick up and drop off dry cleaning, and do other errands.

Some Housekeeping Cleaners work in hospitals, nursing homes, and clinics. They clean such areas as patients’ rooms, bathrooms, hallways, and emergency rooms. These Cleaners disinfect and sanitize equipment. They may need to clean blood and other body fluids. Housekeeping Cleaners must also dispose of waste material

Those who work in hotels and other commercial establishments are responsible for cleaning and maintaining the premises. Common duties include changing bed and bath linens, cleaning bathrooms, vacuuming, and cleaning floors. Housekeeping Cleaners in hotels may deliver ironing boards, cribs, and rollaway beds to guests’ rooms. They may also share other duties.

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners typically complete the following activities:

Clean rooms, hallways, and other living or work areas.

Change sheets and towels and make beds.

Wash, fold, and iron clothes.

Empty wastebaskets and take trash to disposal areas.

Replenish supplies, such as soap and toilet paper.

Dust and polish furniture and equipment.

Sweep, wax, or polish floors using brooms, mops, or other floor-cleaning equipment.

Vacuum rugs, carpets, and upholstered furniture.

Clean or polish windows, walls, and woodwork.

Lift and move light- and medium-weight objects and equipment.

TOOLS AND TECHNOLOGY

Maids and Housekeeping Cleaners typically use vacuums, cleaning solvents, carpet cleaning equipment, and floor polishers. They also use cleaning brushes, scrapers, and dusters. They may operate laundry type washing machines, clothes dryers, and clothes ironing equipment. Several may use ladders and wheeled carts. Some run data entry, facilities management, and inventory management software.

The coronavirus is giving spring cleaning fresh urgency

Spring cleaning has taken on a new urgency this year. Heeding the Covid-19 prevention guidance from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other health authorities, people are intensely washing, dusting, and disinfecting homes and offices, with the knowledge that lives may literally depend on it.

Though the novel coronavirus is known to spread mostly through respiratory droplets (like mucus or saliva) from person to person, there’s evidence that transmission can also happen by touching infected surfaces. These include door knobs, handles, light switches, remote controls, and even iPhone screens. A new study suggests that the virus thrives on plastic or steel surfaces for days. The CDC recommends a two-step preventive measure: “cleaning of visibly dirty surfaces followed by disinfection.”

Some are taking extra precautions. Professional cleaning companies are now being deluged with requests for deep cleaning, a process that involves diving into forgotten nooks and crannies to snare dust, dirt and virus-carrying particulate.

Compared to the casual dust-up, a deep clean is an obsessive’s agenda. It means hunting for dust mites behind furniture and cabinets, addressing scum from shower heads and faucets, scrubbing inside ovens, mopping floors under rugs, and sweeping along base boards, ceilings, and window frames. It requires emptying out cupboards to clean the surfaces within.

the pandemic has dramatically impacted their business. More clients are calling for the deep clean service or have increased the regularity of their service. On the other hand, some clients have suspended cleaning schedules for fear of letting anyone in their homes who may have come in contact with someone infected with Covid-19.

How to Clean a New Home

Moving into a new home is akin to making a fresh start. Before heavy furniture or other objects are in place and the items of everyday living are unpacked, give your new abode a thorough cleaning.

Here’s how to clean your new house to help you start off with a clean slate:

Be Systematic: The house cleaners use a methodical approach as they clean room by room. Start at the entryway and move around clockwise. Clean left to right and top to bottom, so that dust and other debris that falls to the floor can be swept or vacuumed at the end of the clean-up.

See the Light: Dust or wipe down light fixtures and shades that are not washable. Glass or plastic light globes should be washed in the sink or bathtub using warm water and soap. Clean the tops of ceiling fans using a damp cloth or vacuum attachment.

Wall-to -Wall: If the previous owners haven’t repainted recently and you don’t plan to, clean the painted or paneled walls now. Test a small area to be sure you won’t damage paint or texture on your walls. First remove dust and cobwebs, then use a soft cloth with mild soap and warm water or a water/vinegar mixture to wipe down the walls. Vinegar is an effective, environmentally-safe cleaner that eliminates most molds, germs, and smells. Pay special attention to baseboards and moldings, tops of door frames, light switches, and heating vents.

Kitchen Cleaning: Pull out your appliances and thoroughly clean behind and beneath them. Use hot, soapy water – or a baking soda and water mixture – to clean your stove top. Baking soda is a mild abrasive that helps remove stains but won’t scratch surfaces. Remove oven racks and clean with soapy water. Turn on the oven’s self-cleaning function. Remove and wash refrigerator shelves and drawers, and clean inside with hot, soapy water (or a water/vinegar mixture). Wipe down cabinets, shelving and counters, but avoid using vinegar on marble. To get rid of sink odors and prevent clogging, pour ¼ cup of baking soda down the drain and follow with one cup of white vinegar.

Bathroom Basics: Clean hard-to-reach places such as under the sink, inside the medicine cabinet and behind the toilet. Clean tiles, tub and sink with a paste made of baking soda and vinegar that also dissolves soap scum. Wipe down glass shower doors with a vinegar/water mixture.

Floor and Carpet Cleaning: Spot-clean carpets or consider hiring a professional steam cleaner to remove pet hair, odors and stains. Sweep floors, cleaning under heating vents. Most surfaces can be washed with a mild soap and water, but make sure to follow manufacturer’s directions for your type of flooring

When the Tenant Moves Out

You may serve the notice in one of three ways:

in person;

mail the notice by first class mail;

or post and mail if your rental agreement allows for it.

For all notices that are mailed, add an additional 3 days to calculate when the notice will go into effect. For all notices that are posted and mailed, you do not need to add an additional 3 days

If you are renting month-to-month, you must notify your landlord in writing 30 days (33 days if the notice is mailed only and not posted) before the day you move. See Sample Letter 5 in the resource ‘Sample Letters to the Landlord’. You do not need a reason to end the tenancy. Your landlord may agree to accept a shorter notice but is not required to do so. Get the agreement in writing.

You may give the notice on any day of the month, not just the first day of the month or on the day that rent is due. If you have a lease, read the lease carefully to see if the lease requires written notice before you move at the end of the lease term. You may be able to break the lease earlier if the landlord violates the lease terms or the law or you are a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault.

even if you move out before the 30 days are up, unless the landlord agrees to your moving early without paying. (Get all agreements in writing). If you do not pay, the landlord will probably deduct the rent from your security deposit and might sue you in small claims court if you did not pay a security deposit or your landlord claims that you owe more money than your security deposit. If you move out early, and don’t pay for the full 30 days, the landlord must make reasonable efforts to find a new tenant

You can terminate your rental agreement and the rental agreement of your immediate family members* with at least 14-days’ written notice to your landlord. Your written notice must include verification that you have been a victim of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault within the last 90 days** or that you have a current order of protection from the courts. The “verification” of your having been the victim can be in the form of:

a valid court order requiring the abuser to stay away from you (such as a restraining order signed by a judge),

a court order of conviction or a police report regarding an act domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, or sexual assault, or

a statement signed by a qualified third party (law enforcement officer, attorney, licensed health care professional, or victims’ advocate at a victims service provider) law enforcement officer saying that you have been a victim of abuse within the past 90 days

Move Out Cleaning

It’s almost time to move out of your home, but you feel a little rushed and don’t have time to clean! Moving is a hassle in itself, so leave the cleaning to us. Whether you are trying to run down your landlords’ checklist to get your security deposit back or getting your home ready for resale

What is Included in a Move Out Cleaning Service?

A move out cleaning typically takes a little bit of extra time because we make sure to get those hard to reach areas that need some extra attention. Then rather than bundling add-on’s together such as: inside the oven, inside the fridge, inside the window etc. – we let you customize your cleaning to your exact needs. You can simply add the extra services YOU need and forget about the ones you don’t!

do ask that you have all of your belongings moved out prior to the cleaning to ensure we can clean everything to our standards. If for some reason you are unable to move everything out, we will clean around the furniture and boxes. However, this is never ideal because once you move those out… the areas will obviously not be satisfactory.

Cleaning and repair rules when you move out

The last thing you probably feel like doing as you move out of a rental is cleaning the place. Like it or not, though, you’re expected to leave it just as nice as it was when you moved in.

If you leave a dirty place for your landlord, they can hold back the cost to clean up from your security deposit. After all, it is your mess. But the security deposit is your money. You want as much of it back as possible, right? So just what are your responsibilities?

Read your lease

Besides typical cleanup duties such as washing the floor or vacuuming the carpet, the landlord expects you to do a thorough job of getting that rental back into shape. Move-out expectations vary, so check your rental agreement or lease to see what the landlord wants you to do.

Common cleanup duties

Common cleaning requests include wiping down baseboards, doorknobs, and light switches; dusting ceiling fixtures; washing the windows; and thoroughly cleaning appliances. Some landlords may expect a professional carpet cleaning as well. It’s definitely worth your time to read every move-out detail in your agreement, as some landlords levy extra fees if you don’t take care of an item on the list or if you don’t do it within the specified time frame.

Repair damages

Even minor damage to the rental must be repaired before you hand over the keys. A couple of nail holes may not seem like much to you, but if you don’t repair them, the landlord has to. That means they can bill you in the form of a deduction from your security deposit

Guide to Apartment Cleaning for Moving In or Out

Whether you’re just moving in or about to move out, you might not have thought about an important factor for both: cleaning. Cleaning before or directly after you move in might not be your biggest concern, but cleaning your rental space before moving out could help ensure return of a security deposit. Read our tips and checklists below to make sure your apartment is sparkling:

Moving In

Cleaning can be tricky during the move-in phase. Depending on when your lease starts and when you physically move into your space can determine a lot. If you have a few days in between the two, take the time to visit the apartment and do some overall cleaning and double checking of appliances, faucets and other things that might need attention before you begin using them. If you notice something that wasn’t a problem during your walk-through, or if you didn’t have a walk-through, be sure to contact your landlord or property manager to ensure it’s fixed before your official move-in.

Before Move-In Cleaning Checklist

Vacuum and/or steam clean carpet

Lightly wipe down surfaces

Clean bathtub and toilet

Open a window (weather permitting) to allow fresh air in

Check vents and air filter

Check faucets for potential leaks

Clean refrigerator and freezer

Moving Out

While moving in can be less stressful when it comes to cleaning depending on how tidy you are in general, cleaning when moving out can determine whether you get your full security deposit back or not. Follow the checklist below to make sure you leave your space in good shape for the next renters:

Moving Out Cleaning Checklist

Vacuum and/or steam clean carpet

Double check for potential stains on carpeting and remove best as possible

Remove all nails, staples and hanging strips from the walls

Remove scuffs from the wall using a magic eraser

Remove all food and trash from the apartment

Cancel all utilities for that specific rental

Do a move out inspection with your landlord to discuss any, or lack thereof, damages

MOVE OUT CLEANING

MOVE-OUT CLEANING CHECKLIST

Kitchen Cleaning

Oven and Inside Fridge have to be cleaned if a deposit is held.

Inside/Outside and top of fridge (if Selected)

Stove top and Oven  (if selected) (Self cleaning ovens take 3 hrs to clean and 2 hrs cooling down)

please run self clean cycle the night before we are to clean

Polish stainless steel appliances. (if you have them)

Inside and outside of cabinets and drawers.

Clean light switch plates. Wash baseboards.

Wipe down door facing and frame. Sweep/mop floor.

Bathroom Cleaning

Tub, shower, shower doors and door tracks

Clean sink, toilet. Inside and out medicine cabinet/mirror.

Clean vanity, under the sink, and drawers.

Wash  windows sills, and ledges.

Clean light switch plates. Wash baseboards.

Wipe down door facing and frame. Sweep/mop floor.

When you move out of a rental apartment, the biggest priority is getting back your deposit. Landlords require a deposit before you move in .Your deposit will either be subtracted for any necessary repairs after you leave or will be fully reimbursed to you if everything is in the same shape as when you moved in. To get back your deposit, it’s important to take good care of the home while you’re living there. When you move out, it’s just as important to give it a good, deep cleaning, even if you have maintained it well over the course of your stay.

House Cleaning Tips When Someone at Home Is Sick

If someone in your home is sick, he or she can leave behind cold and flu germs that remain on surfaces for days at a time. With these germs infecting everything, the cycle of illness becomes never-ending in your home. That is of course unless you get rid of the germs for good

How Germs Work

Generally, bacteria and viruses survive on surfaces and are spread from one person in your family to the next by skin contact. So anything that you touch regularly can be a potential threat. In fact, flu virus can actually survive for as long as 48 hours. While the frequency with which you need to disinfect each area or surface in your home depends largely on its size and how frequently you or your loved ones come into contact with it, cleaning regularly and effectively is important.

Most Important Things to Disinfect

While giving your home a good once over is important, while you or your loved one is still sick, you can effectively diminish the spread of illness by focusing on a few key items. If someone in your home has the cold or flow

make sure you regularly clean these items:

Your phone: Roughly 80 percent of phones in homes that have an infected individual have the virus on them.

The remote: One of the most touched items in your home, the remote is likely also the least cleaned so you’ll want to be sure to disinfect it during illness.

The bathroom: It’s common for nearly half of bathroom faucets to have cold and flu viruses on them. Be sure to disinfect the faucets as well as the sink and toilet, and make sure the sick individual uses his or her own hand towel.

Tables: Tables throughout your home are often touched without being wiped down, so make sure to pay close attention to these areas when you are sick.

Linens: Bed linens and any stuffed animals or should be washed after an illness. If the animal cannot be washed, keep it away from the family for a few days.

Whatever you are cleaning, it’s important to follow a few rules of thumb for keeping you and your family healthy.

Make sure your whole family washes their hands frequently with soap and water, scrubbing at least 20 seconds.

Wipe down all of the surfaces in your home with disinfectant wipes or a household disinfectant each day.

Be sure to cleanse the sick person’s utensils, bedding, clothing, and other belongings with detergent.

Wash sheets, towels, and other linens on hot because germs can live through cold and even warm wash cycles.

Avoid using sponges and rags to clean as they can spread germs. Instead use disinfecting wipes.

Clever Cleaning Products That Will Help You With That Fresh Start

The right tools can make getting—and keeping—your home in tip-top shape so much easier, so if you’re also in the mood for a fresh start but could use a little help, these cleaning gadgets have you covered. From dusters to robot mops, here’s everything you need to get your home totally spick and span.

Dusting breakables and other delicate items is suddenly a whole lot easier, thanks to the fine microfiber strands on this duster.

This $5 squeegee is so versatile—once you have it, you won’t know how you lived without it. Use it to clear food from dishes (saving water!) and clean your counters and sink.

One of the most annoying cleaning tasks is dusting your window blinds, but this handy gadget can clean 3 slats at a time. Plus, it comes with 4 microfiber sleeves you can easily change out.

Also up there on the list of annoying chores? Cleaning your ceiling fan. This clever duster is designed to make it so much simpler—no step stools or ladders required.

Affordable Gadgets For People Who Hate to Clean

Some people genuinely love to grab a sponge and scrub their house from top to bottom — and then, there are the rest of us. If cleaning isn’t on your “favorite things” list (welcome to the club), then keep reading — these are the must-have cleaning gadgets for anyone who hates to clean. From sonic brushes that make cleaning grout a breeze to a high-tech way to keep your phone free of germs, these easy-to-use gadgets will help make all the pesky upkeep your home requires way more bearable.

Rubbermaid Reveal Power Scrubber

The oscillating head on this Rubbermaid scrub brush moves at 60 times per second — meaning it does all the scrubbing for you at a faster rate you can do it yourself. Use this handy gadget around faucets and the hard-to-reach places of your sink, stove or other fixtures, to deep-clean the grout that’s turned rusty, and even to spot clean golf clubs

Good Grips FurLifter Furniture Brush

This tool is like a lint brush with superpowers. If you have a pet who sheds, you will love this magical, self-cleaning FurLifter Brush that cleans fur off your sofas, chairs, rugs and bedding. It also works on hard-to-vacuum places like pet beds and curtains, and the base easily removes fur and makes it simple to store anywhere.

Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

Nobody likes to clean the microwave, but now it can be done in seven minutes flat. Just fill this angry little mama with water and vinegar and place in the microwave. The steam produced will loosen up all the gunk and grime — and afterwards, just wipe with a towel. No scrubbing required. You can even use lemon juice for a pleasant smell, and it has hundreds of five-star reviews. One reviewer wrote: “This gadget is a game changer! It takes out the funky odors that I never could get out from regular cleaning.”

Casabella Blinds Cleaner

This blinds cleaner makes a dreaded task much simpler. The dual-ended brush tackles every part of your windows: the microfiber fingers easily get the dust between your blinds, and they can be removed and thrown in the wash to be used again and again. The brush on the other side cleans the grooves at the base of your window, where grime always seems to linger.

How to Keep a Clean House

The secret to keeping a clean house is doing these simple tasks daily, so messes and clutter never get out of control. If you’re tired of spending Saturdays cleaning, only to find on Monday that your home looks like you did nothing, here’s help. From what you should tidy first thing in the morning, to a 2-minute task to do before bed, these tips to keep a clean house will have your place looking tidy all week.

Make Your Bed

As the most visible surface in the bedroom, an unmade bed makes the whole room look messy. If tucking in sheets isn’t your thing, switch to a duvet with a removable cover that you can launder each week — you have to pull it up and, boom, your bed’s tidy.

Empty the Dishwasher Every Morning

Emptying the dishwasher makes keeping a clean house easier because dirty dishes won’t have to sit in the sink or on your counters. If you’ve ever timed yourself doing this, you know it only takes 5 minutes. Do it while the coffee brews, or while you wait for the kids to get ready for school.

Clean Up Every Time You Cook

Dirty countertops attract household pests and make your kitchen look awful. Since you already emptied your dishwasher, you can quickly load dishes after meals or snacks and then wipe your counters. This task doesn’t involve moving everything. Put any food away, then spray and clean around the rest.

Do a Load of Laundry Daily

A daily laundry habit is life-changing. Pop a load in before heading to work. Or, if your washing machine has a delayed start cycle, set it to run right before you get home. Transfer damp clothes to the dryer after dinner, then fold them while during commercial breaks on TV. Putting away one load of laundry takes almost no time. Do it on your way to bed.

THINGS I DO EVERY DAY TO KEEP A CLEAN AND ORGANIZED HOME

MAKE THE BED

I don’t know about you, but I feel that when my bed is made I can at least make it through the day. I try to make my bed as soon as I get up.

Even if I get nothing else done during the day, making the bed is a simple way to help keep the room tidy. Plus a made bed is much more inviting to get into at the end of the day, at least I think so anyway!

I clean off the countertop by putting away all of my personal products. I wipe around the sink to remove any water rings, makeup, or loose hair. I quickly spray the shower down with a daily shower cleaner and use a squeegee to remove excess water. I also do a quick wipe of the floor too with an old bathroom towel.

ONE LOAD OF LAUNDRY WASHED, FOLDED, AND PUT AWAY

Laundry seems to multiply around here and if I let a day go by without doing at least one load of laundry, the clothing piles can quickly add up and seem unmanageable!

LOAD, RUN AND EMPTY THE DISHWASHER

As soon as breakfast, lunch, and dinner are over, I immediately clean the dishes and load the dishwasher. Most days I run the dishwasher after dinner, but there are some days when the dishwasher needs to be run and unloaded before dinner.

Get Your Deposit Back: A Move-Out Cleaning Checklist

The last thing you want to do before you leave one home to start another is clean out the old place. But alas, it must be done, so just throw on some tunes, grin and bear it. If your place is just surface dirty and not damaged, how well you clean could be the difference between getting back your deposit money that has been held hostage for years or not. So here is a checklist of things not to forget as you prepare your home for its next inhabitants.

Everywhere:

Take all nails and screws out of the walls and ceiling and putty them smoothly.

Dust the ceiling fixtures.

Dust all ledges.

Clean the windows.

Clean the door knobs and doors.

Clean all light switches and outlets.

Clean the walls and baseboards.

Vacuum (get any stains out of the carpet, or get the carpet professionally cleaned).

Get rid of all cobwebs

Bathroom:

Get soap scum off the bathroom tiles and tub/shower and bleach the grout.

Clean out the bathroom drawers and vanity, making sure you get all the hair out (and remove any liners).

Clean the toilet, sink, countertop and finally the floor (sweep and mop). If the toilet seat is unsavory looking, replace it.

Clean the mirror.

Vacuum out the surface of the exhaust fan if super dusty.

Kitchen:

Clean out all cabinets and liners.

Wash the front of the cabinets.

Clean and disinfect all countertops.

Clean and shine up the sink and faucet.

Scrub the refrigerator inside and out. Remove all shelves and clean separately if necessary.

Scrub the oven inside and out. Remove shelving, drip pans and burners. Use steel wool, it is your friend.

Clean out the dishwasher if you have one.

Clean exhaust fan if needed.

Remove all appliances and sweep behind them.

MOVE OUT CLEANING TIPS

START CLEANING AFTER PACKING

Start your home cleaning after your furniture has been dismantled and the moving boxes have been packed. It’s easier to clean uncluttered spaces – plus you’ll be less likely to trip over things. It is also very time consuming and strenuous having to lift up heavy couches and bed frames so that you can clean under them.

HIRE A PROFESSIONAL CLEANING COMPANY

We always recommend hiring a professional cleaning company to do your final clean. The reason for this is it needs to be thorough as this is not just a regular weekly clean. Experienced cleaners know where dirt and grime build up and which areas to focus on. They also have the right products and equipment for every room. If you were renting the property, having professional cleaners do the final clean will mean there is a far greater chance of receiving your rental bond back from the real estate agent

MATERIALS RECOMMENDED FOR THE JOB

Having made the previous point about hiring a cleaning company, should you want to go it alone, ensure you have the following essential cleaning supplies before starting:

• Duster • Broom, dustpan and brush • Vacuum cleaner • Glass cleaner • White vinegar • Bicarb soda • Disinfectant • Oven cleaner • Cleaning cloths and rags • Mop • Bucket • Sponges and scouring pads • Rubber gloves

EVERY ROOM COUNTS

Dust every room. Pay attention to:

• Corners • Built in shelves and wall units • Skirting boards • Window frames and sills • Door frames • Blinds • Light fittings • Vents

TAKE IT SLOW

Tackle one room at a time. Vacuum each room. Mop any non-carpeted floors. The kitchen and bathroom will probably require the most work.

checklist: move-out cleaning

When it comes time to move out of your current apartment and into something new, no doubt that you’ll be focused on getting 100% of your security deposit back (check out our tips here).  And there’s no worse feeling than cleaning your heart out only to have your landlord charge you to have it re-cleaned.  Why do they do this?  Professional cleaning companies cover special details that tenants tend to overlook.

What usually happens is that when tenants are busy moving, they’re now invested in making their new place look great and just moving out of the old place quickly.  Typically, when tenants elect to clean the apartment themselves, they’re rushed and maybe a little stressed out so things that cleaning companies scour and scrub can sometimes be missed. We’ve got you covered with our Move-Out Cleaning Checklist to help make sure that those hidden nooks and crannies sparkle.

There’s no such thing as over-cleaning an apartment and as a rule of thumb, you want to leave your apartment “as clean as the day you moved in”.  If you don’t want to be charged for cleaning from your security deposit, we recommend that you leave it cleaner.

First, make sure that you have a full day to dedicate to cleaning and all of your personal belongings have been moved out.  This includes taking down any curtain rods and their hardware, recycling phone books and menus left in the drawers, clearing out cleaning supplies under the kitchen sink, etc.  Then, with a fresh set of eyes, look at your apartment as if you were moving in to it and were putting things away.  You don’t want to place your glasses on dusty shelves or hop in a shower where the walls haven’t been scrubbed down.  Then, get to work room by room.  We like to start in the bedroom and work our way out towards the front or back door to ensure that there are no footprints on the floor we just cleaned.

MOVING YOU HOME

When you are moving out of an apartment, one of the most pressing things to consider is how to get your full security deposit back. After the moving truck is loaded up, your landlord will likely conduct a final inspection of your unit. Based on this assessment, they will estimate the repair costs of any damages they discover and deduct that amount from the security deposit you paid with your lease application. To get your full deposit back, here is a move out cleaning checklist.

PURCHASE THE RIGHT SUPPLIES

To clean most efficiently make sure you have plenty cleaning supplies and equipment.

GIVE ALL ROOMS A ONCE OVER

Start by giving the entire place a once over

TACKLE THE KITCHEN

The kitchen is one the most highly contested areas when it comes to getting a deposit back. Errors here could cost you hundreds of dollars from your deposit reimbursement.

MOVE ON TO THE BEDROOM

Now that you’ve conquered the kitchen, you can move on to the other rooms. The bedroom should be easy

A Moving Out Cleaning Checklist for Tenants

Although every property is likely to have slightly differing cleaning requirements when it comes to moving out, we’ve saved you some hard work by putting together a collection of cleaning tips, with a bonus cleaning checklist you can use as a tenant moving out of your rented accommodation.

Some of these you may already be accustomed to doing on a regular basis, but we wanted to cover all bases to ensure you’ve got the best chance of regaining your deposit if you’ve decided to do a great deal of the move out cleaning yourself. We’ve also noted where we think a professional would come in handy to help ensure everything looks as good as new before you depart

The windows (inside and out)

Perhaps one of the larger jobs on our cleaning checklist, you’ll need to give your windows some TLC when you move out, especially if you haven’t employed the help of a regular window cleaner. When it comes to cleaning the inside of your windows, you’ll need to ensure that all dirt and dust is removed first, then use a glass cleaner generously on the windowpanes. If you prefer, you could instead make a homemade solution, using white vinegar, washing up liquid and surgical spirit or water. Use a microfibre cloth to ensure the glass is left sparkling and streak free. This solution also works wonderfully on mirrors.

Defrost your freezer

The best and easiest way to defrost a freezer is to simply turn it off, pad it with towels and newspaper and let the ice slowly melt. We highly recommend doing this in advance of moving, as it’s not something you’ll want to deal with on your last day in the property.

The inside and outside of the fridge

Not forgetting the fridge, you will want to remove all food and give your fridge a good wipe down to eliminate any grime or spillages that have occurred. If you can take the shelves and drawers out, do so, and wash those up separately, so when you put it all back together your fridge is squeaky clean. For any awkward dirt, you can use a solution of vinegar and water to break it down.

How to Choose the Right Commercial Cleaning Service For You

Attention To Detail

Attention to detail is what happens when you work with a knowledgeable company who places value on high-quality work. A company that cares about its work and is knowledgable in its practices will also pay close attention to detail. Oftentimes smaller areas are forgotten or missed due to inexperience or the fact that so much cleaning time is spent elsewhere.

A great cleaning company won’t skip of these often-forgotten places such as window ledges, corners, under desks, and more. Ask your cleaners if they pay attention to these areas, if they clean up cobwebs and crumbs, etc. You should be able to tell how much attention they pay to the little things when you ask these questions.

High-Quality Work

“Good enough” should not be your commercial cleaners slogan! When you work with a professional cleaning company, you’ll notice that they not only meet your expectations, they constantly work to exceed your expectations!

A great cleaning service will take pride in their work. You will also see that they actually enjoy it too, so they will do more than just meet the bare minimum standards.

When working with professionals, you shouldn’t have to ask them to re-clean or re-do any work, as everything will be left cleaner than you’ve ever imagined!

Wants To Hear Feedback

No one is perfect. Even experienced and professional companies may find themselves in a situation where a client or customer is unsure about or unhappy with their service. A great commercial cleaning company will not avoid feedback or constructive criticism, instead, they will actively seek out feedback to ensure clients feel happy and all needs are met!

A professional cleaning service will always look for productive feedback, whether by encouraging online reviews and testimonials, asking over the phone or in person, or conducting regular check-ins with business owners.

Affordable

When you work with a professional cleaning service, you should feel good about what you are paying. That’s not to say that cheapest is necessary better! Remember that if something looks way too good to be true, it usually is!

Still, a professional cleaning company will understand budget restrictions and will work with you to find a plan and schedule that works well for all of your needs – and your budget! Talk to your potential new cleaners to see what prices they offer, how many different plans they have, and what options fall within your budget.

Dependable

A professional cleaning company will be dependable and reliable. You should never have to guess when your cleaners will arrive at your office. A professional, experienced cleaning company will work closely with their clients to create a cleaning schedule that works well for everyone.

Since cleaning can create disruptions in the office, professional cleaners will do their best to avoid any unnecessary disruptions. Keep in mind that dependable cleaners also provide dependable work! You can rest assured that every clean will be as good as the last. You may want to ask your potential cleaners for references to see if other clients have found the company to be dependable.

Tips for Choosing a Commercial Cleaning Company

1. Services Offered

The first thing you’ll want to know before hiring a commercial cleaning company is if they provide the services you need. Some companies specialize in janitorial services while others focus on window cleaning. You might also be in the market for a commercial cleaning company that can provide multiple services. This will streamline your process and eliminate any companies you don’t need to contact. Some services you may be in need of are:

• Hard Floor Surface Maintenance
• Carpet Cleaning
• High-Pressure Cleaning
• Janitorial Services
• Window Cleaning

2. Past Reviews and Experience

Commercial cleaning companies enter your property after hours for the most part. Handing over this responsibility requires confirming that they are a reputable company. Inquire about current clients and experience to gain a sense of well established the cleaning company is. Having an idea of who they work for and how long will help you decide if you can trust them.

3. Quality of Employees

Protecting your property starts with trusting a company to provide service after hours, but ensuring they do a quality job requires asking about their workforce. A professional commercial cleaning company should be able to walk you through the steps of their hiring process. The process should include screening with background checks followed by employee training for a uniformed end product. You can also ask if a staff member will visit your facility regularly or if turn-over requires irregular scheduling.

4. Experience in Your Industry

Your industry can determine the level of experience needed by a commercial cleaning company. For example, if you are seeking services for a medical facility you’ll need a business that can adhere to rigorous guidelines. On the other hand, if your institution is data-driven and houses technology there will be a process for making sure wires are not moved in a destructive fashion.

When it comes to choosing a Boise-based commercial cleaning company, you’ll want to make sure they provide your needed services, have extensive experience, hire and retain quality employees, and know how to maintain your facility. To learn more about choosing a commercial cleaning company, call us today!

What Is a Commercial Cleaning Company?

1. Reputation and Experience

Trust is necessary when hiring a business facility cleaner. Why?  Cleaning company employees will be in your facility, often after hours, and after you and your employees have gone home for the day.  Thus, your cleaning company is responsible for working diligently and in a professional manner with minimal direct supervision.

How can you gauge a cleaning company’s trustworthiness? These vetting baselines can help:

Years Of Experience: Choose a company that’s well-established in your service area and with years of experience.

Industries Served: Investigate the types of industries, buildings, and settings the cleaning has experience servicing.

References: The most reputable cleaning companies will be happy to share references!

2. Employee Training and Screening

The best commercial property cleaners view hiring as a critical responsibility.  They hire only the most qualified and trustworthy employees, and they provide their staff with formal and consistent training to ensure quality and safety.

As you vet cleaning providers, ask about their employee hiring and training procedures.  These guidelines can help:

Employee Screening: Does the cleaning company perform background checks?  Are work references checked? Are state and federal hiring laws strictly followed?  What is the interview process?

Employee Training:  Don’t hesitate to ask for specific details on staff training.  Is safety training a priority?  Are written procedures in place?  Is ‘acceptable conduct when in buildings’ training conducted? Who performs the training?  Is re-training a formal process?

3. Full-Service Capability?

As mentioned, a full-service cleaning company has the capability to provide turn-key cleaning solutions.  Choosing a cleaning company with full-service capability can reduce the number of vendors you must manage.

For example, suppose you’re the Facilities Manager for a sizeable office building with multiple suites and tenants.  A full-service commercial cleaning company might propose and deliver this type of program:

5X Week Evening Janitorial Service

Monthly HVAC Vent Cleaning Service

Quartley Buffing of all wax floor surfaces

Quarterly machine scrubbing of all lobbies and entrance floors

Semi-Annual Window Cleaning Service

Annual Carpet Cleaning Service

Annual strip & wax of all wax floor surfaces

4. Bonded and Insured?

Never contract a commercial cleaning company without ensuring appropriate insurance policies are in place!  The easiest way to do this is to request a COI (Certificate of Insurance) from the cleaning vendor.  This will formally validate the types and levels of insurance(s) held.

Reputable commercial cleaning companies should always maintain a fully insured status.  General liability, umbrella liability, workers compensation, commercial auto, theft and bonding insurances are typically in place. Finally, requesting the COI annually is never a bad idea!

How to Choose a Cleaning Company

24/7 Cleaning to Suit Your Business

Some clients require us to work around the clock. Whatever the situation, we are confident in our abilities to meet the demands of your requirements, day or night.

Reliable Cleaning Solution

With an extensive and growing network of fully trained cleaning operatives, we are confident to exceed your requirements when seeking a reliable cleaning company.

It is important for businesses to know our cleaners will arrive on time and perform their duties effectively. If a member of staff is ill and unable to attend, rest assured we can easily deploy replacement staff to ensure your cleaning requirements are met.

Proven Track Record

We support a wide range of businesses, from small to large, throughout London, Kent and the South East. We are confident in our abilities and are happy to provide references from clients on request. We have a proven track record in delivering a first class cleaning service.

Attention to Detail

As with any modern day company, it’s essential to go the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction. Our aim is to constantly exceed expectations and become THE go to company for all cleaning solutions in the South East. Our attention to detail is second to none.

The structure of our staff ensures that we cater for your every need. Supervisors are always on hand to discuss adjustments to service.

Effective Management

The cleaning operatives are front line staff for SoClean and behind the scenes, a full support network of Supervisors and Management staff are in place to ensure our customers expectations are met. The management team at SoClean are constantly monitoring to guarantee optimum service is deployed at all times.

Choosing the Right Commercial Cleaning Service

Services A good commercial cleaner should have a menu of services that fits your business now and will grow with you over time. Even if you start small, you’ll want to be able to scale your needs with a business that has a wide service offering and the capacity to handle your growth. In addition to your regular cleaning schedule, special add-ons or seasonal needs like window cleaning, carpet maintenance and more can be a huge benefit to your business. Working with a single company for all of these cleaning tasks is much easier for your business. It can also prove to be more cost efficient as you may be able to bundle services to get the best bang for your buck.

Equipment Anyone can buy a vacuum, but that doesn’t meant that everyone will buy the right vacuum for the job (or know how to properly use it). Choosing a commercial janitorial company that’s dedicated to using commercial grade equipment can mean getting the job done right and done in less time. It may also mean that your space is better maintained over the long term and suffers less wear and tear. When choosing a service provider, make sure they have commercial grade equipment that is well maintained. Also, if green cleaning or low-odor supplies are essential, you’ll want a professional who gives you that option.

People It’s important to hire a cleaning company that hires people who are dedicated to doing a good job. Not only should employees be able to properly use all cleaning equipment, and correctly treat and care for the furniture, flooring and other materials used and being cleaned in your business space, but you as the business owner should have peace of mind about and trust in the people servicing your location. How do you find a business that has trustworthy employees with this level of expertise? That’s simple. Ask about their hiring process, background checks and training procedures. Training is especially important as it should include in-depth upfront tutorials as well as ongoing check-ins and training.