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

Classroom Cleaning Hacks and In Home Cleaning Hacks For Teachers and Non Teachers

Classroom Cleaning Hacks and In Home Cleaning Hacks For Teachers and Non Teachers

The school year is upon us and here are some great classroom cleaning hacks and home school cleaning hacks and even just great tips and tricks for all those items that we have grown very accustom to.  Here are some great hacks for all those items:

Dry-Erase Marker Method For Your “Permanent” Mistake
If you’ve accidentally reached for the permanent marker to use on your whiteboard, there’s no need to panic. You can quickly fix the issue by using a dry-erase marker to trace over the stains. After that, simply wipe the board clean, and your whiteboard will look as good as new again.

Glitter Cleaning: Lint Rollers and Masking Tape as Allies
Glitter is a commonly used art supply for various arts and crafts activities. However, it’s also one of the messiest materials and can be extremely difficult to clean up. If you are having trouble cleaning up glitter, consider using a lint roller or masking tape. These two methods effectively remove even the most stubborn glitter-related messes.

Battle Whiteboard Discoloring and Stains with Ease
If your whiteboard is showing signs of wear and tear, there are a few different methods you can try to preserve its condition. You can use Mr. Clean Magic Erasers or a light mist of Febreze to clean and freshen up your whiteboard. For a more budget-friendly choice, a swipe of 91% rubbing alcohol can also do the trick. Additionally, to help keep your whiteboard looking new for longer, consider trading in your traditional whiteboard eraser for a microfiber cloth.

Lemon Fresh Trash Cans
For a fresh-smelling trash can, consider adding a cotton ball infused with lemon essential oil. This is a handy trick to help eliminate odors and leave a delightful fragrance, ensuring the environment is more inviting for teachers and students alike.

Restore Crystal-Clarity to iPad Screens With Microfiber Cloths or Felt Pieces
To ensure an uninterrupted and optimal learning experience, it’s essential to keep your iPad screen clean and free from smudges. One effective way to do this is by using microfiber cloths. For a cost-friendlier alternative, you can also provide students with small felt pieces, which work just as well. Preserving the longevity and appeal of your devices safeguards your investment while keeping students engaged in their learning experience.

Shaving Cream or Hand Sanitizer for Desk Detailing
For stubborn ink markings and desk dirt, consider using shaving cream to clean desks in your classroom. This foam-based product is essentially a concentrated form of soap, making it an effective cleaner that cleans up the desk and keeps it fresh. Hand sanitizer works great, too, while giving you a cleaner, more hygienic workspace. As an added bonus, students will be able to enjoy a fresh scent on their desks all day.

Tape Residue Removal with a Hair Dryer or Goo Gone
Use a hair dryer or Goo Gone to remove wall tape residue. Apply heat with the hair dryer to loosen the residue, or use Goo Gone, a product designed for removing sticky residue. These methods keep your walls clean without damage, helping you achieve a smooth and clean wall to display art or educational materials.

Ant-Free Classrooms/homes with Baking Soda
Use baking soda to keep ants and other insects at bay. Sprinkle it in areas where ants are likely to enter, and you’ll have a safe and effective solution for pest control. Since baking soda is also a natural and non-toxic substance, you won’t have to worry about harmful side effects.

Toothpaste Power: Erasing Crayon Art from Walls
Finally, you can use toothpaste to gently remove any crayon drawings from walls, causing minimal damage to the wall’s surface. This will also relay the message to students that having respect for and taking responsibility in communal spaces is a necessity.

Treat your teacher to an in home cleaning of their residence – and or 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.

How Often Should You Clean Your Garage?

How Often Should You Clean Your Garage?

How often you clean your garage depends on your lifestyle and how frequently you use this space.  Deep cleaning your garage includes cleaning floors and surfaces, inspecting for pests and mold, organizing storage spaces, and donating or tossing unused items.

Before Getting Started
Before starting the cleaning process, think about how your garage can best serve you and sketch out a plan for how to achieve an end result you’re happy with. Are you an avid gardener? Do you need easy access to sports gear? Does your garage double as a laundry room?

How to Clean Your Garage
Now that you have a plan in place, you can begin cleaning your garage.

1. Empty Your Garage
For a proper deep clean, start by emptying out your entire garage. This may feel overwhelming, but it’s the best way to ensure you go through every item in your garage. Fully emptying this space out also allows you to better reach the floors and corners where there may be a build-up of dirt and other grime. To break this process up, empty and edit one section at a time.

2. Go Through Your Items
Once everything is out of your garage, sift through your items and make piles for things you want to keep and those you can donate or get rid of. If you’re having trouble letting things go, try itemizing things into “use regularly,” “use annually,” “never use,” and “sentimental storage” categories.

Everything in “never use” can be donated or tossed. Check annual and regular-use items for signs of wear and tear, and replace or store them. Move sentimental items into your home, like photo albums and old toys, as these risk being damaged in your garage.

3. Create Additional Storage
If you’ve gone through all of your items and still don’t have enough room to store everything efficiently, now is the time to create additional storage solutions. In a garage, utilizing vertical space is ideal.

Overhead storage racks suspended from the ceiling are great for storing bulky items such as seasonal decorations, camping gear, or bins of less frequently used items, says Sokolowski. Other options include: creating a peg board with hooks for hanging tools, installing a wall- or ceiling-mounted bike rack, and hanging hooks for gardening tools.

4. Dust and Clean Garage Surfaces
Once your garage is empty and you’ve installed additional storage (if needed), you can start the cleaning process. Wipe down all of the garage surfaces with a damp cloth and a cleaning solution suited to the materials in your garage.

5. Clean Garage Floors
Sweep up any loose dirt and debris, then give the floors a good scrubbing.  Depending on the type of flooring you have, you may need to use a mop and some soapy water or a specialized cleaner to get them clean.

6. Wipe Down Garage Items
Return to the pile of items you moved out of your garage, which should now be down to the essentials. Take the time to wipe down these items with a damp cloth to remove accumulated dust and avoid tracking it back into your garage.

7. Organize the Garage
Come up with a thought-out plan when returning items to your garage. Store frequently used items within easy reach, creating designated zones for different purposes like yard work, gardening, and seasonal items to maintain organization.   Keep these items in clear, labeled bins to ensure they stay contained but are still easy to see and access.

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.

 

Summer Road Trips – Keeping your car clean Tips

Summer Road Trips – Keeping your car clean Tips

You have spent all year keeping your home clean and doing all the fun adulting things in your life…. now it’s time to kick back and relax and take that family road trip.  So how and what should you do to keep your car clean?  Here are some of our basic thoughts when it comes to traveling and from bugs splattering on the windshield to dirt and grime getting kicked up onto the doors and rear, your once-pristine car may start looking grimy and dull. Protecting your paint job and keeping the outside of your vehicle sparkling clean requires being proactive while on the road.

How do you keep your vehicle looking its best while on the road this summer?

Bug goo, sap, road tar–the sooner you address those problems the better – these items can bake on your vehicle as you’re driving along hot summer roads and etch the paint, causing permanent damage.

Use microfiber towels, waterless car wash/wax, upholstery cleaner for spills, bug and tar remover made specifically for automobile paint and vehicle glass cleaner.  A clean windshield is essential for safe driving. Early morning and late afternoon create glare on dusty glass surfaces.

Pack a car care kit

To keep up with life on the road and the messes that come with it, make sure to pack a car care kit that can easily be stored in your trunk or cargo area.

Here is a list of some basic items whenever you go on road trips:
– Waterless wash and wax solution. These kinds of products work well for quick touch-ups, removing bugs, bird droppings and fresh water spots before they have a chance to bond to your car’s exterior and cause damage.
– Glass cleaner or glass cleaner wipes designed for automobile surfaces.
– Interior detailer wipes are great for impromptu clean-up on upholstery. Food and liquids can be safely removed to prevent odors, surface stains, and mold.
– Microfiber towels are great for both exterior and interior clean-ups or wipe-downs. They are absorbent and easy to clean.
Handheld vacuum you can easily store in your car for those unexpected spills.
– Clay bars to help remove hardened grit and grime. They are easy to stow and safely remove contaminants stuck to glass, wheels, and painted surfaces.
Some cleaning waxes add shine but don’t remove contaminants bonded to the car. Clay bars can remove smudgy swirls, grit, brake dust, and other contaminants, plus he says they can be used on just about any exterior surface.

Keep up with bug removal

While touchless car washes are great for deeper cleanings, be sure to spot-clean the front end of your car each time you stop for gas to maintain good visibility through the windshield and headlight lenses.

A bottle of bug remover spray and microfiber cloths to quickly dissolve and wipe away splattered bugs before they harden and bake onto the glass and paint.

Mind the sprinklers

When stopping at hotels or campgrounds, be mindful of sprinklers that could unexpectedly spray your car. Getting doused with sprinkler spray can leave behind unsightly water spots and stains that are tough to remove if they bake in the hot sun. Try to park away from sprinkler systems or get in the habit of drying your car off with microfiber towels after such a surprise shower.

Head to the car wash

Even with diligent spot cleaning, you’ll want to take your car to a self-serve or drive-through car wash during extended driving trips. This helps blast away road grime, tar, tree sap, dead bugs, and any other crud that builds up on your car’s exterior. Make sure to use the undercarriage wash and wheel cleaner functions too.

Hope you and your family have a great and safe travels while on vacation and if you are like us and want a clean home when you get back from the family vacation – have us come in while you are gone and or before you leave.  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.