In general, the Coronavirus has indefinitely changed our way of living. Now more than ever, it’s critical to be conscious of our cleanliness habits inside and outside of our homes in order to prevent the spread of the disease. Because most of us spend our time inside our homes, especially now that it is state-mandated to do so, our homes must be our first priority in terms of disinfection. COVID-19 can live on surfaces for many days so it’s imperative to pay extra attention to plastic and stainless steel hotspots including appliances, doors and handles, switches, toys, and electronics.

One of the most important places in your home to make sure is always properly disinfected is your entryway. This is because it is the spot of the most foot traffic, whether someone in your household is entering, leaving, picking up a food delivery service, picking up a package, etc. Because of the constant exposure to the outside environment, this is the spot that will most likely be the point of entry for the virus to come inside your home. Therefore, it is important to clean this space very often as well as very thoroughly. This can be accomplished by routinely disinfecting your doors, handles, locks and light switches. It’s also a good idea to wipe down packages and leave them outside for some time before bringing them inside. This also goes for your shoes and bags as well!

Cleaning solutions are one of, if not the most, desired products on the market during this time, and there are plenty of them to choose from. Cleany recommends reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of approved COVID-19 disinfectant products and choosing which are the best and most available for you. Additionally, Lysol and Clorox are the most common and reliable household cleaning products to look for. Should they be unavailable to you during this crisis, you can also mix rubbing alcohol (at least 70%) with water to create a homemade cleaning agent.

Below are some other quick and helpful tips to keep in mind for the most effective clean:

Don’t wipe right away!

Many disinfectants such as wipes and sprays must stay wet on surfaces for several minutes in order to work properly

Use saran wrap on your smartphones and devices.

Cell phones are one of the most germ-ridden objects that we come in contact with every day. It’s a good idea to wrap your phone while using it and then dispose of the wrap when finished for the day.

Change when you re-enter your home.

It’s currently unknown how long COVID-19 can survive on fabrics, so it’s valuable to consider removing your shoes when entering your home and changing into clean clothes immediately. Although it seems tedious, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Though times are tough, Cleany wants to ensure your home is taken care of in the best possible way by offering Platinum Properties’ clients 15% off of any of its services! Simply mention Platinum Properties when booking your first Cleany service.

The post How to Keep Your Home Extra Clean During the Coronavirus Pandemic appeared first on #1 Maid Service & House Cleaning .

Like painting, people frequently ignore the strategy it requires to get an ideal coating on a pane of glass. Besides the methods the pros use you also need the right tools, and also a track to help you along. We can not consider a better song than Van Morrison’s really own ‘Cleansing Windows’ – to help you obtain that job done!

I’m happy cleaning windows

Take my time

I’ll see you when my love grows

Baby don’t let it slide

I’m a working man in my prime

Cleaning windows (number a hundred and thirty-six)…’

Lyrics by Van Morrison © Sony/ATV Songs Publishing LLC, BMG Civil Liberty Management.

Now you have that tune for your task, let’s have a look at what equipment you require. We will certainly then get down to the nitty gritty as well as offer you the list you want.

Home window cleaning equipment checklist.

You might think you can escape a cloth as well as a container of warm water – but you actually require some basic equipment to get your home windows squeaky clean. Fortunately, it is all readily available in your local hardware store, and sometimes at your local grocery store. The window cleaning gear you really require includes:
A squeegee.
Sponge.
Huge pail.
Some lint-free or microfibre cloths.
Streak-free glass cleaner or vinegar.
Water – preferably distilled.

What cleaner is best for glass and also windows?

There is a lot of debate about the most effective item for cleaning windows and also glass.

The trouble with lots of business cleaners is that they consist of soaps and scents which leave a residue on your glass. This subsequently attracts dust as well as airborne contamination which ends up looking meh.

We like an option of water, white vinegar as well as a little fluid detergent or dishwashing soap. Merely utilize one part water (preferably distilled) to one part vinegar as well as a squirt of the dishwashing soap. Mix all this in a spray container for easy application.

List: Just how to cleanse your windows like a pro.

Ok, let’s get down to the core as well as exactly how to clean your windows like a pro. Follow these actions for a streak-free clean:
Start by attempting to cleanse your windows when there are clouds or undercover. Why? Sunshine heats up the glass and also makes your cleansing solution to completely dry as well quickly.
After that tidy your window frameworks and tracks with a soft brush to do away with any type of dirt and debris. You might likewise use a vacuum cleaner.
After that pre-wash your windows as well as structures making use of the vinegar/water/soap option as well as a sponge.
Rinse off with water.
Currently, you can start to utilize your vinegar/water remedy with a squeegee.
Constantly dampen the squeegee initial and clean from the top down working in a side-to-side or up-and-down pattern, cleaning the edge of the squeegee after every stroke.
After that dry your home windows with a tidy lint-free or microfibre towel.
Done!

Hiring a window cleaning service.

If you need help or simply don’t have time to clean your home windows, obtain some assistance from the pros – and get quotes from regional home window cleaners. Contrast the quotes you get and request for recommendations as well as other evidence of their skills. Some inquiries to ask before you employ a service include:
The length of time have you stayed in business?
Are you insured?
How long will it take to clean my windows?
What cleaning products do you use – and also are they eco-friendly?
Do you have references I can examine?

The post Window cleaning checklist appeared first on #1 Maid Service & House Cleaning .

Cleaning During COVID-19 in NYC

Courtesy of Oxford Property Group

In the midst of the global COVID-19 pandemic, it’s more important than ever to keep a clean home and workplace environment so you can help protect yourself and others from the virus. cleany nyc, a leading provider of residential and commercial cleaning solutions has put together a list of best practices to keep in mind for keeping home and office spaces clean.

COVID-19 has changed our way of living and adopting best-practice cleaning procedures is one of the best ways we can help to mitigate the spread of the disease. These days, it’s critical to be conscientious in our cleaning habits inside our homes and workplaces. COVID-19 can live on surfaces for many days, so properly disinfecting plastic and stainless steel hotspots like appliances, door handles, light switches, toys and electrics will go a long way in reducing our risk of getting or spreading the infection.

The entryway is one of the most important places to disinfect. This is the spot where the most foot traffic takes place, either from your entering and exiting the home, or picking up packages or food deliveries. Because of the constant exposure to the outside environment, this is the spot that will most likely be the point of entry for the virus to come inside your home. Therefore, it is important to clean this space very often as well as very thoroughly. This can be accomplished by routinely disinfecting your doors, handles, locks and light switches. It’s also a good idea to wipe down packages and leave them outside for some time before bringing them inside. If possible, leave your shoes and bags outside as well.

Cleaning your workplace is just as important if not more than your home because of the high exposure to viruses and germs. A typical desk has up to 10 million bacteria present, which is 400x more than the average toilet seat! Your desk is the first place you should disinfect, and often. Make sure to wipe down the computer monitor, keyboard, mouse, telephone, pictures and waste baskets. Office hot zones are high traffic areas that need disinfecting daily and often include the kitchen, especially the sink faucet, microwave, refrigerator, vending machine, coffee machine and water fountain. The restrooms, including the sinks, handles, mirrors and toilets are other areas that need to be cleaned properly. The common areas, including the reception desk, conference desks, copy machine, waiting area, door handles, light switches, and glass walls is another area of the office where the virus can linger. This is an effort by everyone so check in with your office administration to see how these goals are getting accomplished.

Cleaning solutions are a critical part of the defense against infection. Cleany recommends reviewing the Environmental Protection Agency’s list of approved covid-19 disinfectant products and choosing which are the best for you. Additionally, Lysol and Clorox are some of the most common and reliable cleaning products, which also kill the virus. Should they be unavailable to you during this crisis, you can also mix rubbing alcohol (at least 70%) with water to create a homemade cleaning agent.

Below are some other quick and helpful tips to keep in mind for the most effective clean:

Don’t wipe right away!

Many disinfectants such as wipes and sprays must stay wet on surfaces for several minutes in order to work properly.

Use saran wrap on your smartphones and devices.

Cell phones are one of the most germ-ridden objects that we come in contact with every day. It’s a good idea to wrap your phone while using it and then dispose of the wrap when finished for the day.

Avoid eating at your desk!

Try keeping your meal time outside the office and if you have to eat at work keep it within the kitchen common areas, not at your desk.

Change when you re-enter your home.

It’s currently unknown how long COVID-19 can survive on fabrics, so consider removing your shoes when entering your home and changing into clean clothes immediately.

Through these unprecedented times, Cleany wants to ensure your home and office are taken care of in the best possible way by offering Oxford Property Group clients 15% off of any of its services! Simply mention Oxford Property Group when booking your first Cleany service.

A full list of services can be found on Cleany’s website(www.bookcleany.com).

The post Cleaning During COVID-19 in NYC appeared first on #1 Maid Service & House Cleaning .

Wood floors are an essential element of modern, stylish home design, and can really add to the ‘look’ of your house or apartment. However, an unsightly oil stain in the wrong place can ruin the effect, or cost you your deposit if you’re renting. This can be especially problematic since oil can soak quickly into the grain of the wood and produce a stubborn stain. Fortunately, there are several easy ways to clean up in this situation.

Method 1

Cleaning a Spill Immediately

1. 
   Act quickly. The faster you can deal with a spill, the better. If you wait for too long, you may have to buy special cleaning products or your floor may be damaged.[1]
2. 
   Spread kitty litter on the floor to mop up the spill. If you do not have access to kitty litter, you can use sawdust or baking soda. Kitty litter will work best as it is specifically designed to be absorbent. The more of the spill you can mop up immediately, the less likely it is to soak into the wood grain.[2]
   • If you do not have access to kitty litter, sawdust or baking soda, you can use newspaper or kitchen towel to blot up the spill.
   • Use gloves for this step to make sure the oil does not cause skin irritation.
3. 
   Wait 30 minutes for the kitty litter to soak up the oil. If you have used paper towel or newspaper, skip this step.[3]
4. 
   Clean up the kitty litter with a vacuum cleaner. Repeatedly vacuum the floor from different directions to ensure that all the litter (or comparable absorbent material) is picked up. Also skip this step if you have used paper towel or newspaper.[4]
5. 
   Mix a mild dishwashing detergent solution in a bowl. Use regular dishwashing detergent or a similar cleaner designed to cut through oil. Mix one teaspoon of detergent for every 4 cups (950 mL) of water. Use your hands to mix up the solution and create soapy suds.[5]
   • Do not use water-based cleaning products for this step. Oil and water don’t mix, and using a water-based cleaner will spread the stain rather than clean it up.
6. 
   Use a cloth to spread the detergent suds on the stain. Do not place too much water on the wood as this may damage it further. Use the cloth to gently work the suds into the woodgrain to break down the grease. If necessary, you can scrub the area using a soft brush.[6]
   • Wipe the soap away with a cloth dipped in clear water.[7]
7. 
   Use a cloth to clear up the suds/oil mixture. Ensure that you use a soft, dry cloth or towel. Once the suds are removed, dry the wood gently and thoroughly. Allow the area where the spill was to air dry completely. If possible, open a window or use a fan to speed the drying process.[8]
   • If the grain of the wood is raised after the floor is completely dry, smooth it with fine sandpaper.[9]

Method 2

Dissolving Older Spills

1. 
   Use tri-sodium phosphate (TSP) for a wax-finished floor. If the stain has penetrated into the woodgrain, you have a wax-finished or a penetrating-finished floor. TSP should be easily available at hardware stores.[10]
2. 
   Use odorless mineral spirits for a surface-finished floor. Paint thinner is a common and easily available example of a mineral spirit product. If the stain has only penetrated the finish (the top layer of the floor) and not the wood itself, you have a surface-finished floor.[11]
3. 
   Ventilate the room and put on rubber gloves. Open a window or use an electric fan to provide airflow through the room when using more powerful cleaning products. Rubber gloves can prevent skin damage or irritation.[12]
4. 
   Work the cleaning product into the stain with a cloth. Place a limited amount of the cleaning fluid on a clean cloth. Rub the cleaning product into the stain in the direction of the wood grain.[13]
   • If the stain persists, repeat this step.
5. 
   Allow the stained area to air dry. If possible, use a fan or open a window to aid the drying process. Wait until the area is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.[14]
6. 
   Apply a wax polish to provide a protective seal. Squirt a small amount of wax polish on to the affected area. Rub it into the wood in a circular motion using a soft cloth. Doing so will also help restore the lustre of the varnish.[15]

Method 3

Treating Stubborn Oil Stains using Fuller’s Earth

1. 
   Sprinkle Fuller’s earth powder over the stain. Fuller’s earth is a type of clay used for absorbing oil. Leave the Fuller’s earth on the stain for 10-15 minutes.[16]
2. 
   Treat extra-stubborn stains using a paste of Fuller’s earth and water. Mix Fuller’s earth with a small amount of water and spread it over the stain. Leave the paste for 24 hours. Dust the paste periodically to ensure it does not pick up dust and stick it to the floor.[17]
3. 
   Clear off the Fuller’s earth with a brush or palette knife. If you used the powder only, use a clean cloth or a stiff-bristled brush. If you used a paste of Fuller’s earth and water, use a palette knife to ease the dried paste off the floor.[18]
   • If using a palette knife, be careful not to scratch the floor while easing off the Fuller’s earth paste.
4. 
   Clean the floor with detergent. Mop the floor using a regular household floor cleaner (e.g. Flash). This will get rid of any Fuller’s earth residue.[19]
5. 
   Use sandpaper to gently sand the stained area. You only need to do this if any oil still remains on the raised woodgrain. If you do use sandpaper, be careful to only sand down the raised sections of the woodgrain where oil persists. If necessary, use wax polish to restore the wood’s lustre.

Cleany

Cleany is NYC’s premier home & office cleaning concierge. Servicing residential and commercial space of the New York City Metropolitan area. We provide a variety of professional services including home maid service, office cleaning, disinfecting service, move in/out, furniture and carpet cleaning & handyman service to name a few. You can book Cleany in under 60 seconds through our user-friendly App or Website. Receive quick simple pricing based on the information you provide. No surprises! Cleany has flexible scheduling, clear add on services, move in/out cleanings, free eco-friendly products and seamless checkout. Choose from a flat rate decided by the size of your home in New York, or choose our hourly rate, whichever you prefer. Our cleaning company in NYC offers maid cleaning through our maid service, and even deep cleaning and home organization. Need Help? Call our customer service who will guide you through the process. Helping you understand and decide what is the best cleaning or handyman service option is for you. All Cleany employees are professionals who are insured and bonded. They’ve been trained to deliver our 50 Point Cleany Check List and uphold themselves to the highest of standards. Cleany prides itself in being more than a cleaning and handyman service provider. With an emphasis on communication, all around trained cleaning professionals and customer relations that are one of a kind. We provide diligent and detailed work that is bound to please you. It is our mission to offer you the best possible experience possible. Not 100% satisfied? We will come back and re-clean for free! It is our 100% Cleany Guarantee! Book us now in under 60 seconds!

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If you’ve been cooped up at home for a couple of months, it’s time to clean house — and not in a superficial way. Here’s how the pros do it.

There’s no way around it: When you rarely leave home, things get dirty faster.

Windows are left open longer, kitchens and bathrooms are used more frequently, and bits of pencil shavings and cereal crumbs somehow manage to elude the trash bin.

Keeping up with the mess can be a challenge — especially when you have only a couple of minutes to give the floors a once-over before jumping onto your next Zoom call.

You may as well admit it. Your home is in need of deep cleaning.

“With the house getting so much use, it really does need more attention,” said Sabrina Fierman, the vice president of the cleaning company New York’s Little Elves.

We asked her and other cleaning pros for advice on what to do.

Gather Supplies

Most cleaning jobs around the home can be completed with a few key items: a vacuum, a mop, microfiber or cotton terry-cloth rags (or paper towels, but they create more waste) and an all-purpose cleaner.

It’s possible to make your own all-purpose cleaner, Ms. Fierman said: “Add half a cup of white vinegar, one pint of rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon of dish soap and enough water to make a gallon.” Then pour the mixture into an empty spray bottle.

“This is a really good cleaning product for the whole house,” she said. “It’s eco-friendly, it’s hypoallergenic, and it’s really effective.”

If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, try mixing equal parts white vinegar and water, and adding a couple of drops of dish soap, she suggested.

For bathrooms and kitchens, some specialty supplies, like tub-and-tile and toilet-bowl cleaners, will be required. Surfaces like natural stone, stainless steel and wood may also benefit from cleaners created specifically for them.

“The advantage of using cleaners that are designed for a particular surface is that they won’t damage that surface,” said Hedi Modaressi, the senior director of formulation and fragrance at Method Products. “You don’t get more cracks and crannies on the surface, which, in the end, become more of a good environment for bacterial growth or dirt to build up.”

Break It Up, Room by Room

Because deep cleaning involves targeted scrubbing in hard-to-reach areas, trying to tackle a whole home in one afternoon could prove impossible. “Deep cleaning involves a lot of detail, a lot of time and a lot of labor,” Ms. Fierman said.

To make the job more manageable — and for a quick sense of satisfaction — start by focusing on the room that needs the most attention, whether it’s a bedroom, bathroom or kitchen.

“That way, you can feel like you’ve accomplished something,” she said, which may inspire you to keep going.

Begin at the Top

Dust falls to the floor during cleaning, so it makes sense to start by cleaning the ceiling and then working your way down.

“Look for cobwebs in the corners,” said Kadi Dulude, the owner of the New York cleaning company Wizard of Homes, and inspect ceiling fans and light fixtures. “Most people don’t look up, so these are things that are missed all the time.”

Most cobwebs can be vacuumed away, but stubborn ones should be coaxed off the ceiling with an extendable duster or soft broom, Ms. Dulude said.

Cover furniture below with a bedsheet, Ms. Dulude advised, to catch falling debris.

Clean High-Touch Surfaces

During the coronavirus pandemic, most of us have learned to be wary of high-touch surfaces in public. But high-touch surfaces at home — doorknobs, light switches, cabinet and appliance pulls, faucet handles — can also be problematic, as they tend to collect grime, or what Ms. Modaressi called “biofilms.”

We touch these surfaces multiple times a day, she said, but “these things are rarely wiped down or cleaned.”

Wipe them with a cloth and an all-purpose cleaner, she advised, and polish until they look new again.

Address Picture Frames and Windows

Left undisturbed for months or even years, the framed art and photos hanging on your walls can get downright furry with dust. During a deep cleaning, take the time to clean the frames and glass properly.

Ms. Dulude suggested following the same two-step process she uses for ceiling fans to clean picture frames: Wipe the dust away first, then use a cleaner. For the glass, finish with a glass cleaner like Windex or white vinegar.

“I like to use vinegar because it’s effective, it doesn’t leave streaks and it’s also good for taking away odors,” she said, as the vinegar smell dissipates.

Clean windows the same way. Many people don’t realize it, Ms. Dulude said, but most double-hung windows have sashes with clips at the top that allow them to be tilted in, so the inside and outside can be cleaned.

Finally, clean windowsills with a cloth and soap and water. And “if it’s really bad,” she said, “use a scrubbing brush.”

Give Bathrooms Extra Attention

Most people clean bathtubs, showers and toilets as part of their routine housekeeping, but some parts of the bathroom are frequently missed.

Drains, for instance, are typically ignored until a clog or odor requires attention. To avoid that, clean them before they become problematic.

“When you open up the drain, there is usually some nasty stuff inside, because hair does get through, and it gets dirty, moldy and stinky,” Ms. Dulude said.

To take care of it, put on gloves and pull out the gunk, perhaps using the end of a wire clothes hanger. “Then pour a few spoons of baking soda and vinegar in, and let it bubble up,” she said. “Later, drain it with hot water.”

The areas where tiled walls meet bathtubs and shower enclosures can be breeding grounds for mold and mildew. To clean those areas, Ms. Fierman recommended using a specialty tile-and-grout cleaner like Tilex.

Apply the cleaner, let it sit and then scrub with an old toothbrush or other soft brush, she said.

Giving the cleaner time to work before scrubbing will make the job easier. “Letting the chemical penetrate is one of the key tricks” professionals use for difficult cleaning jobs, Ms. Modaressi said.

After scrubbing, rinse well and consider resealing the grout if it has been more than six months since it was last sealed, Ms. Fierman said.

Degrease the Kitchen

Cleaning the kitchen is always a lot of work — but that is especially true when you’re cooking more meals at home.

Look for spattered grease above, below and beside the stovetop, and scrub it away with soap and water or degreaser.

Ms. Dulude also recommended inspecting areas you normally don’t see, like the top of upper kitchen cabinets. “You don’t think about it, but they collect gunk,” she said, offering a trick of the trade: Once the upper cabinets are clean, put down a layer of paper towels that won’t be visible from below but will make cleanup easier next time.

Wipe the front of cabinets with soap and water, she said, then unload them and clean the insides, too. Toss any expired food from the pantry while you’re at it, before putting things back.

A thorough cleaning of the inside of the refrigerator should also be on your to-do list, Ms. Fierman said.

Finally, wash out the trash bin and wipe down the area under the sink, as those areas are often the source of odors.

Finish With the Floors

Once higher surfaces are sparkling, clean the floors.

Hard floors like wood, ceramic and stone should be vacuumed and then mopped, Ms. Fierman said. And if you have hardwood floors, the mop “should not be anything more than damp,” she said, because too much water can damage the wood.

For hardwood, Ms. Fierman uses Bona floor cleaner or a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. She recommended tying a cloth around the end of the mop, rather than using the mop head itself, so it can be replaced with fresh rags as cleaning progresses: “We don’t like to use the same surface over and over, because we don’t want to just push the dirt around.”

When vacuuming carpets, furniture should be moved in order to clean the entire surface. “You have to actually move the furniture and change the layout of the room,” Ms. Dulude said, “to make sure you get under everything.”

That includes rugs, which should be rolled up so you can clean beneath them. If possible, beat the rugs outdoors to remove embedded dirt.

If your carpets are looking a bit grungy, and perhaps even smelly, Jon Gholian, the founder of the New York cleaning company Cleany, suggested sprinkling baking soda over the surface before vacuuming. “Let it sit for half an hour,” he said. “Then go over it with your vacuum. That will take out a lot of the buildup and leave your carpet smelling great.”

Once you’re finished (and exhausted), try to maintain the new feeling of cleanliness with more frequent, lighter cleanings. That way, you can avoid having to do it all again for as long as possible.

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