Lemons Lemons Lemons

Lemons Lemons Lemons

If you’re wondering why lemons and lemon juice are often recommended for cleaning, you’re not alone. I had the same question, but a quick search confirms this is down to the properties found in citric acid. These help lemon juice function as an antibacterial, antiseptic, and bleaching agent.

This is also what makes lemons so great in a kitchen, where you’re bound to confront a wide variety of messes in all of these categories and more, from grease to rust.

Cleaning My Countertops
We live in a rental, and—if I’m being honest—our countertops are not my preferred finish. They’re a black granite that instantly shows any crumb or mark, and can easily look scuffed and stained. Paired with hard water, the area next to my sink is constantly dull and covered in white limescale rings.

Usually, we tackle these with either an all-purpose spray or white vinegar, both of which work fine—though I’m not the biggest fan of the vinegar smell.

Because lemon is supposed to be great for removing these stains, I decided this was a good place to start. I simply cut a lemon down the middle, and used one half as if it were a sponge, wiping in a circular motion around the whole area. The end result?

Not too bad, actually! It removed the rings, and smelled great. This is definitely something I’d do again, especially if I had a leftover lemon I could use rather than toss.

Killing Bacteria on Wooden Accessories
Like many kitchens, most of our cooking utensils and cutting boards are wooden. Because of the aforementioned antibacterial properties found in citric acid, I learned that wooden kitchen accessories take well to being cleaned with lemon. Naturally, I decided to take the second half of my countertop lemon and scrub accordingly.

Once again, the lemon smelled great and it certainly didn’t seem to harm anything (with no suds and no shiny, sparkling end result, I honestly can’t be sure if it worked).

I think in the future, this would be a great option to quickly clean after cutting veggies or stirring pasta water with my wooden spoon. Though for anything with real bacteria—such as raw meat—I’ll stick to more traditional dish soap.

Removing Odors From a Microwave
For my next lemon-flavored trick, I cut a second lemon in half and squeezed all the juice into a Pyrex measuring cup full of water. Then, I popped the glass container into my microwave and blasted it until it was boiling.

After a recent family movie night that left our microwave smelling extra buttery, this was my favorite hack so far. The odor was completely cleared, leaving only the scent of lemons in its wake.

This is one I’m sure I’ll do again and again.

Leaving Glassware Streak-free
I let this microwaved mixture cool in the fridge, and then poured it into a spray bottle and tackled a few drinking glasses, wiping them down with the solution. While I was promised a streak-free shine, I was dubious about this tip—and I was right to be.

The end result wasn’t particularly streak-free, and I decided to revert back to my normal cleaning methods for glass moving forward.

Conclusion
Out of the many natural home cleaning hacks I’ve seen and tried – this makes the top of my list. I loved the way it made my kitchen smell, and in a few places, it was incredibly effective. My favorite, hands down, was to remove the odor in my microwave.

How to make cleaning a game with kids

How to make cleaning a game with kids

Teaching your kids to clean up after themselves can be a chore in itself. (And good luck trying to enlist an extra pair of hands when you’re trying to declutter or deep clean the entire house.) Though having a little one at home means it’s inevitable that mounds of toys and clothes will pop up, there are actually plenty of ways to make cleaning fun for your kids. Making kids part of the solution is all it takes. And at the end of the day, keeping things tidy is a plus — the real goal is to instill good habits in your children at a young age. So if you’re wondering how to make cleaning fun for your family, here are easy ways to get your kids cleaning (without a fuss).

Teach Them How to Organize
At some point, it’s worth incorporating a bit of design or aesthetic instruction into your child’s cleaning routine. After all, kids might be so eager to finish the actual task of organizing their room that they rush through it and end up sweeping things under the rug, literally and figuratively. Teaching your child to color-code their toys can be a great way to have them engage more deeply with the way their belongings are stored. When it comes to books, for instance, show your child your own library and how to organize their books the same way. Work with them to develop a purpose for every drawer or shelf, so that every object has a home that makes sense.

Stage a Cleaning Contest
Why not entice your kids to clean by offering them a fun contest? If you have more than one child, you can assign each one a room to clean and whoever can clean that room the quickest will receive a prize You can also set a sliding scale for allowances — for example, if your kids clean their room once a month, they get $10. If they clean the living room on top of that, they’ll get an extra $10. Instead of money, you can also invent a points system, where each household chore earns a certain number of points that can be traded for rewards such as an extra book at bedtime, a video game, a toy or a sweet snack, depending on their age.

Show Appreciation
Instead of resorting to punishments or rebukes when your child throws a tantrum or makes a halfhearted attempt at cleaning their room, try to be supportive and encouraging as often as possible. Make sure to thank them for their hard work rather than insincerely praise them for a less-than-successful execution, and find opportunities to continue practicing the task again together while giving them helpful hints that will make them more successful the next time around. If you ask them for help during a spring cleaning binge or weekend tidy-up, be sure to express your gratitude and explain to them exactly how they’ve made the space clean to positively reinforce their contribution.

After some great bonding time and cleaning with the kids – and if you are looking for a easy solution for all your in home cleaning needs and services – we can help! For ongoing cleaning whole home schedule– using our cleaning service in Kansas City, you can count on our skilled staff to take care of any loose ends throughout the week. Call us today to our teams of professional cleaners are ready to take care of the hard work for you. Book a clean today and leave the rest up to us – Treat yourself and your home! Tidy Up Angels has been providing residential cleaning service to the Overland Park area since 2008. Trusting someone to clean your home can be a little unnerving. If this is your first time hiring a cleaning company, we want you to know that you can relax with Tidy Up Angels. Our company is fully insured and bonded; safeguarding your most personal possessions. Honesty, integrity, and good work ethics are the back bone of our company. We aim to meet all your expectations and we hope to exceed them during each service. Let us know how we can help with your house cleaning services in Overland Park and how we can help you – contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006

Valentine’s Day House Cleaning

Valentine’s Day House Cleaning

Valentine’s Day is all about love, connections, and creating beautiful memories. Whether you plan an intimate dinner at home or just surprise your loved one with a warm, cozy place, creating a perfect place for love, cleanliness, and freshness.

Tidy Up Angels makes your home shine and preparing your place for any occasion or event. With attention to every detail and tailored cleaning solutions, we leave every corner sparkling so you can focus on what matters, making this Valentine’s Day unforgettable.

Why Valentine’s Day House Cleaning is the Perfect Gift
A clean home would be the perfect Valentine’s gift since it implies thoughtfulness, care, and attention to detail, just like genuine love. You and your partner won’t need to think about doing the house chores and enjoy your day of relaxation.

Every corner of your home is deep cleaned, from your living room or bedroom to your kitchen. Give your partner the house cleaning gift of comfort and relaxation this Valentine’s Day with our residential cleaning services, which speak volumes about your love.

Declutter for a Stress-Free Space
Decluttering forms the foundation to create a smooth, welcoming ambiance that boosts romance. Removing clutter reduces distractions and enables one to find time for having quality moments with their partner.

Deep Clean Key Areas for Maximum Impact
Deep cleaning specific areas, including the bedroom, bathroom, and living room, is essential to creating the most romantic and inviting atmosphere on Valentine’s Day. When a bathroom shines, it makes a place seem luxurious, and the living room is the center of your home and should be a fresh space for spending quality time together.

Professional deep cleaning services handle every minute detail, such as dust-free surfaces and shiny fixtures. Our Valentine’s Day house cleaning services will make your residence a lovely place to live.

Valentine’s Day House Cleaning
Freshen Up with Seasonal Touches
Add a subtle yet romantic touch to your home this Valentine’s Day through fresh flowers, soft candlelights, and crisp linens. These touches enhance a welcoming ambiance that invites love and relationships.

With expertise in residential cleaning services, we transform your space into a spotless, fresh environment perfect for creating romantic moments. We deep clean key areas, handle those hard-to-reach spots, and deliver exceptional results to make your Valentine’s Day stress-free and memorable.

If you are looking for a easy solution for all your in home cleaning needs and services – we can help! For ongoing cleaning whole home schedule– using our cleaning service in Kansas City, you can count on our skilled staff to take care of any loose ends throughout the week. Call us today to our teams of professional cleaners are ready to take care of the hard work for you. Book a clean today and leave the rest up to us – Treat yourself and your home! Tidy Up Angels has been providing residential cleaning service to the Overland Park area since 2008. Trusting someone to clean your home can be a little unnerving. If this is your first time hiring a cleaning company, we want you to know that you can relax with Tidy Up Angels. Our company is fully insured and bonded; safeguarding your most personal possessions. Honesty, integrity, and good work ethics are the back bone of our company. We aim to meet all your expectations and we hope to exceed them during each service. Let us know how we can help with your house cleaning services in Overland Park and how we can help you – contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006

How to clean up salt after tracking it into the house

How to clean up salt after tracking it into the house

Cleaning the salt residue left behind from being tracked into the house may be a large job, and you may not have the time,  But here are the things needed and a recipe for those hard surface floors and carpets.

RECIPE FOR CLEANING SALTY HARD SURFACE FLOORS
THINGS NEEDED:
White vinegar
Warm water
Microfiber mop/soft mop/soft scrubber
Towels

YOU MIGHT NEED:
Gloves (if washing by hand)
Liquid dish soap (if floor residue is really built up)
Deck brush (if floor residue isn’t coming up easily)

STEP 1: VINEGAR AND WATER
Ratio of water to vinegar:

1 cup vinegar to every 3 gallons of warm water.
If your hard surface floor is covered with winter salt, you can choose solution below if you need a more aggressive cleaner:

1 cup vinegar and 2 Tbls. liquid dish soap (preferably Dawn) to every 3 gallons of warm water.

STEP 2: CLEANING CLOTH TO USE
Use a microfiber mop (or something similarly soft when cleaning your flooring)
Don’t have a microfiber mop? It’s ok, hand-cleaning with towels works just as well. The floor is more exposed when vinegar and coarse salt is moving around, and a light, soft cloth will less likely scratch your flooring.

Make sure to use gloves and protect your hands. If the salt buildup is very bad and the vinegar and soap solution isn’t working properly, try using a floor scrubber or deck brush if your flooring allows.

STEP 3: CLEANING YOUR FLOOR
Apply water/vinegar solution of your choice to the floor.
Let the solution sit for about 10-15 minutes.
Use cloth of choice (microfiber mop, floor cleaner, deck brush, clean towels) to wipe down the floor and remove all liquid from the floor.

Salt ruins floor finishes, and using the wrong cleaners can possibly (1)concentrate the amount of sticky residue and leave excessive amount on the floor (2)begin to dissolve the finish on the floor.
Don’t leave the salt residue on your floors for too long, or you may need your floors stripped and re-coated.

WHAT ABOUT SALT ON CARPETS?
If not horribly stained, Please take caution as carpets are more delicate than you think, especially when stained with winter salt residue.

STEP 1: GET UP ALL SALT POSSIBLE
Vacuum first or sweep. Go back and forth on angles, making sure to push and pull from all angles of the carpet’s fibers.

Remember: any salt or soil still left in the carpet will dissolve when you add the solution and will hinder cleaning up the stains. Use a soft brush to loosen all salt and dirt, and then vacuum again before cleaning with the solution.

STEP 2: APPLY WATER/VINEGAR SOLUTION
Lightly apply the solution, using the mixture above, with a sponge or towel on a spot test area. If it passes the spot test, apply to salt stained areas and let sit 10-15 mins.

STEP 3: DAB UP SOLUTION
Remove all water solution from carpet using a clean dry sponge or towel. Blot the carpet until dry. You may possibly want to blot again with a damp sponge or towel to rinse and then blot again to dry. Make sure not to scrub.

If you are looking for a easy solution for all your in home cleaning needs and services – we can help! For ongoing cleaning whole home schedule– using our cleaning service in Kansas City, you can count on our skilled staff to take care of any loose ends throughout the week. Call us today to our teams of professional cleaners are ready to take care of the hard work for you. Book a clean today and leave the rest up to us – Treat yourself and your home! Tidy Up Angels has been providing residential cleaning service to the Overland Park area since 2008. Trusting someone to clean your home can be a little unnerving. If this is your first time hiring a cleaning company, we want you to know that you can relax with Tidy Up Angels. Our company is fully insured and bonded; safeguarding your most personal possessions. Honesty, integrity, and good work ethics are the back bone of our company. We aim to meet all your expectations and we hope to exceed them during each service. Let us know how we can help with your house cleaning services in Overland Park and how we can help you – contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006

Thanksgiving Pre Cleaning Checklist

Thanksgiving Pre Cleaning Checklist

Two Weeks Before Thanksgiving: Get Organized

The key to a good cleaning plan is starting early. About two weeks before Thanksgiving, focus on big tasks that will stay relatively clean, so you don’t have to worry about them again before the holiday.

Kitchen: Make Room for the Feast
Clean the Refrigerator: Go through every shelf and drawer to toss old leftovers and expired condiments. You’ll need every inch of space for Thanksgiving groceries!
Tip: Wipe down shelves with a mix of water and baking soda for an easy clean.

Polish Your Special Serveware: If you plan on using any special china, glassware, or serving dishes that don’t get much use, wash them now. A quick rinse will make sure they’re sparkling for the big meal.

Entryway: Prepare for Guests
Declutter the Coat Closet: Make room for guest coats by clearing out the clutter. Store items you don’t need and give the closet a quick vacuum.
Pro tip: Place a few cedar blocks or scented sachets in the closet to keep things smelling fresh.

Tidy Up Outdoor Spaces: Rake leaves, sweep the porch, and make sure the entrance looks neat. First impressions matter! If you’re expecting cold weather, ensure walkways are clear and safe.

Dining Room: Set the Stage
Dust and Clean Light Fixtures: Focus on ceiling fixtures and sconces where dust and grime accumulate. A microfiber cloth works wonders here.
Polish Silverware and Glasses: A little shine goes a long way in creating a welcoming and festive table setting.
One Week Before Thanksgiving

A week before Thanksgiving, it’s time to focus on deep cleaning. Doing this now means you won’t have to worry about much more than quick touch-ups closer to the big day.

Living Room: Guest-Ready Spaces
Dust Thoroughly: Dust all surfaces, paying extra attention to window sills, baseboards, and areas where guests might lean or gather.
Clean Upholstery and Furniture: Use a vacuum brush attachment to clean your sofas, chairs, and cushions. If you have a microfiber couch, now’s the time to clean it.

Vacuum and Mop: Sweep and vacuum floors thoroughly, especially in high-traffic areas. If you have hardwood or tile floors, give them a good mop.

Kitchen: Where the Magic Happens
Deep Clean the Oven and Stovetop: After weeks (or months) of use, your oven probably has baked-on grease and food splatters. Use a non-toxic oven cleaner or baking soda paste to give it a deep clean. Don’t forget to wipe down the stovetop, knobs, and exhaust fan.
Clean Windows: Wash the windows in the kitchen and dining room—clean glass makes a world of difference in brightening up your space.
Wipe Down Cabinets and Appliances: Pay attention to high-touch areas like cabinet handles and appliance doors. A microfiber cloth and mild cleaner will do the trick.

Wash Table Linens: Pull out your tablecloths and napkins and give them a wash. If necessary, iron them so they’re ready to go.
Bathrooms: Sparkling and Spotless
Deep Clean Guest Bathrooms: Your guests will likely be using a specific bathroom, so make it shine. Scrub the sink, toilet, shower, and mirrors until they gleam.
Pro tip: Use a bathroom-specific cleaner to prevent soap scum buildup in showers and tubs.

Restock Essentials: Make sure you have plenty of soap, clean towels, and extra toilet paper ready to go.
Dust and Wipe Down Fixtures: Don’t forget light fixtures, mirrors, and vents. These often-overlooked areas can gather dust and grime.

The Day Before Thanksgiving: Last-Minute Touchups
It’s almost showtime! The day before Thanksgiving is all about touching up the work you’ve already done so everything looks fresh and ready for guests.

Living Room & Dining Room: Final Prep
Quick Dust and Vacuum: By now, you’ve already done a deep clean, so a quick once-over with the vacuum and duster should do the trick.
Set the Table: If you’re not using your table for meal prep, go ahead and set it. This gives you one less thing to worry about on the big day.
Put Out Decorations: Now’s the time to put out any candles, centerpieces, or holiday décor you’ve planned for the dining area.
Bathrooms: Freshen Up
Wipe Down Surfaces: Give mirrors, faucets, and counters a quick wipe to make sure everything’s spotless.
Restock Toiletries and Towels: Put out fresh towels, soap, and make sure there’s plenty of toilet paper on hand. Fresh hand towels will make a good impression.
Kitchen: Last-Minute Cleanup
Clear Countertops: Chances are your kitchen will be the hub of activity. Keep things tidy by clearing as much counter space as possible.
Tip: Use trays to organize ingredients and utensils to keep things neat.
Run and Empty the Dishwasher: A clean slate before the cooking frenzy starts will help keep the kitchen organized.
Wipe Down the Stove and Sink: Make sure both are clean and ready for action, especially since guests tend to congregate in the kitchen.

Thanksgiving Day: Hosting with Ease
On Thanksgiving Day, try to focus on enjoying time with your friends and family and not stressing over cleaning. These quick tasks will help you stay on top of things throughout the day.

For your before whole home and deep clean for Thanksgiving we are here for you at Tidy Up Angels.  Tidy Up Angels would be a great next step to get you ready for Thanksgiving – using our cleaning service in Kansas City, you can count on our skilled staff to take care of any loose ends throughout the week. Call us today to our teams of professional cleaners are ready to take care of the hard work for you. Book a clean today and leave the rest up to us – Treat yourself and your home! Tidy Up Angels has been providing residential cleaning service to the Overland Park area since 2008. Trusting someone to clean your home can be a little unnerving. If this is your first time hiring a cleaning company, we want you to know that you can relax with Tidy Up Angels. Our company is fully insured and bonded; safeguarding your most personal possessions. Honesty, integrity, and good work ethics are the back bone of our company. We aim to meet all your expectations and we hope to exceed them during each service. Let us know how we can help with your house cleaning services in Overland Park and how we can help you – contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006

Cleaning up after a natural catastrophe storm

Cleaning up after a natural catastrophe storm

To clean up after a storm damages your home, prioritize safety by checking for structural issues, then remove standing water, discard any damaged items exposed to floodwater, thoroughly clean and disinfect hard surfaces with hot water and soap, dry affected areas with fans and dehumidifiers, and consider professional help for significant water damage or mold concerns; always wear protective gear like gloves and goggles when cleaning up debris.

–Key steps–
Assess safety:
Before entering your home, check for downed power lines, gas leaks, and structural damage.

Document damage:
Take photos of the damage inside and outside your home for insurance purposes.
Remove standing water:
Use pumps or buckets to remove any standing water.

Discard damaged items:
Throw away anything that cannot be cleaned or dried quickly, including soaked carpets, furniture, drywall, insulation exposed to floodwater, and food/medicine that came into contact with floodwater.

Clean hard surfaces:
Wash all hard surfaces like floors, countertops, appliances, and fixtures with hot water and detergent.

Disinfect with bleach solution:
Use a diluted bleach solution to disinfect cleaned surfaces.

Dry affected areas:
Open windows and doors for air circulation, and use fans and dehumidifiers to quickly dry wet areas. Open doors and windows to air out your home, especially if it was closed for more than 48 hours.

Clean and dry soft surfaces:
Wash clothes and bedding in hot water, and air dry upholstered furniture if possible.

Check for mold:
Monitor for mold growth and take immediate action to clean and remove mold if found.

Protecting yourself:
Wear protective equipment like goggles, an N-95 respirator, and protective gloves. You should also wear slip-resistant footwear when working in wet or slippery areas.

–Important considerations–
Wear protective gear:
Always wear gloves, goggles, and a mask when cleaning up after a storm to protect yourself from debris and contaminants.

Contact your insurance company:
Notify your insurance provider about the damage as soon as possible.

Professional assistance:
For extensive water damage or mold issues, consider hiring a professional restoration company.

Check for electrical hazards:
If electrical outlets or wiring are exposed to water, turn off power at the main breaker and contact an electrician.

After that is all said and done – a cleaning company like Tidy Up Angels would be a great next step to come in and clean up and disinfect everything and make it livable and feel like your home again – for you, your family, and pets. Our hearts and thoughts go out to those effected by the storms this past month and if you ever find yourself in a storm situation like that these steps we hope come will help you in the next steps of what to do. For all your home cleaning needs treat yourself every week or every month – it is time for a good clean at the house – using our cleaning service in Kansas City, you can count on our skilled staff to take care of any loose ends throughout the week. Call us today to our teams of professional cleaners are ready to take care of the hard work for you. Book a clean today and leave the rest up to us – Treat yourself and your home! Tidy Up Angels has been providing residential cleaning service to the Overland Park area since 2008. Trusting someone to clean your home can be a little unnerving. If this is your first time hiring a cleaning company, we want you to know that you can relax with Tidy Up Angels. Our company is fully insured and bonded; safeguarding your most personal possessions. Honesty, integrity, and good work ethics are the back bone of our company. We aim to meet all your expectations and we hope to exceed them during each service. Let us know how we can help with your house cleaning services in Overland Park and how we can help you – contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006