Not only does Thanksgiving require hours of cooking, you have to clean the house for guests too! You’ll be too busy to clean every corner, closet, and bedroom. Plan ahead and tackle big projects first, then focus on cleaning the rooms that your guests are going to see and spend time in. Here is our thanksgiving cleaning checklist:
Two Weeks Ahead: Tackle any organizational tasks or things that will stay relatively clean for 2 weeks
Clean the refrigerator to make room for Thanksgiving food.
Clean out a coat closet if you plan on hanging guest’s coats there
Do any outdoor chores: raking leaves, etc.
Wash any serving dishes or utensils that haven’t don’t get used regularly
If you are using special china or glassware, wash and polish
If you have any cluttered areas you don’t want guests to see, organize them now
One-Week Ahead: This is the time to do a really deep cleaning so that the house will be just need a quick touchup the day before
Thoroughly dust, paying extra attention to window sills and other places guests might lean and talk
Vacuum, and sweep
Use a brush attachment on the sofa and other upholstered furniture.
Clean windows in dinning room, kitchen, living room and any glass in the front door
Wash and iron any tablecloths and napkins that have been stored for a while
Deep clean bathrooms guests will be using- sink, toilet, shower, tub, mirrors, and floors. Don’t forget to dust!
Thoroughly clean the oven and stovetop and exhaust fan- you’ll want to have a clean range for all the cooking you’ll be doing
The Day Before Thanksgiving: Touchup Time
Touch up the bathrooms- wipe mirrors, the top of the toilet, an the faucet
Touch up dusting, vacuuming and sweeping.
Run and empty the dishwasher
Set the table- if you don’t need to use the dinner table for cooking preparation, set it the day before so it will look nice for arriving guests and you’ll have one less thing to do
Put out any candles or decorations
Thanksgiving Day:
Put out fresh towels in bathrooms
Take out the trash before guests arrive.
Wipe down the stove
Clear away countertops.
While Thanksgiving is a lot of work, it is also very rewarding to spend time with friends and family in a festive atmosphere. Taking the time to clean ahead of time will help you enjoy the cooking and socializing without being stressed or embarrassed about your housekeeping. 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 get ready for Thanksgiving guests, contact Tidy Up Angels LLC at 913-642-2006.
No matter how much ghoulish fun you and your little ones have on Halloween, nothing can be scarier than the messes left behind after a fun night of ghostly partying and sticky trick-or-treating.
Pumpkin Seeds
Nothing says Halloween more than a festive jack-o’-lantern, but the mess left behind can be a pain to clean up. Becky’s best tip for cleaning up a pumpkin’s seeds and slimy insides is to start the carving process by putting down newspaper or paper towers. “When the inevitable happens and you get the icky stuff where you don’t want it, spray with all-purpose cleaner and let it sit for a minute or two to break down the residue. Wipe clean with a paper towel or damp sponge.”
Glitter
Avoid having yesterday’s ghoulish glamour turn into today’s ghastly mess. Start with a damp rag or washcloth to grab the excess. If you still have glitter in unwanted places, use your vacuum cleaner’s nozzle attachment to grab any excess.
Caramel Apple Drips
Gummy caramel can be a nightmare to clean up. If caramel drips onto your cook top, let it soak in dish soap for two minutes and use baking soda to gently scrub it off.
Marshmallow
Cleaning marshmallow, or other sticky yummies, from cooking utensils is to fill the pans with water and dish soap and bring it to a boil. The pan will wash up easily.
Melted Chocolate
Chocolate, while delicious, can be a nightmare to clean up on clothing. Getting to the stain early with a detergent pre-treater can work wonders, but if you don’t have one handy, reach for dishwashing liquid instead. Treat the stain several times until you feel confident that it’s gone, before placing the garment in the dryer where the heat will set the stain in.
Candle Wax
Arm yourself with these simple tips for cleaning up the inevitable drips. Use a utensil like a paint scraper or dull knife to remove the wax from scratch resistant countertops, and then treat the area with a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser. Carpets, fabrics and non-scratch resistant surfaces can be cleaned by melting the wax with an iron applied over several layers of paper towels and then dabbing up with a carpet cleaning solution, dry cleaning solution or rubbing alcohol and paper towels.
Gum
Gum stuck in hair can be removed with olive oil or peanut butter gently rubbed into the hair and then rolled off, prior to shampooing.
If you are tired of the tricks and treats – treat your house to a custom house cleaning, move in/move out cleaning and put on market cleaning. 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.
If ever there was a time to give your home a thorough once-over, it’s now. And unless you have a magic cleaning fairy stashed in your pantry, chances are, it’s going to be YOU who’s responsible for cleaning your benchtops, blinds, floors and any other surface to kill the coronavirus. So how to keep your home virus-free?
The federal government’s cleaning guidelines are a great place for those on the grubby frontline to start. Here, the easy-to-understand official cleaning tips and guidelines to kill the virus pronto…
Why is cleaning important to keep your home virus-free?
According to the guidelines, “cleaning is an essential part of disinfection. Basically, cleaning reduces the soil load, allowing the disinfectant to work.
So I need to clean first, then disinfect my home? Short answer is yes. The removal of germs such as the virus that causes COVID-19 requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection.
How long does the COVID-19 virus survive on surfaces? Experts are still unsure about this, but the general consensus is it can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several days. The cleaning guidelines state: “The length of time that SARS-COV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid – such as respiratory droplets – present and environmental temperature and humidity. In general, coronaviruses are unlikely to survive for long once droplets produced by coughing or sneezing dry out.”
Which home surfaces and spaces should you clean with detergent and/or disinfectant? There’s only so many hours in the day, so prioritize between the frequently touched surfaces and fittings and the minimally touched surfaces. Frequently touched surfaces typically include:
Door handles, bedrails, tabletops, light switches, taps, computer keyboards, toilet flush buttons. If you have little children, this might also include cupboard doors, chairs, and any surface at ‘little person height’.
How often should you clean these and with what cleaning solution? The guidelines recommend cleaning frequently. Use detergent solution, “with the exact choice of detergent determined by the nature of surface and likely degree of contamination.” Detergent-impregnated wipes are also fine to use.
Additionally, clean fittings with visibly soiled surfaces pronto, and surfaces immediately after any spillage.
Minimally touched surfaces typically include: Floors, ceilings, walls, blinds, mirrors and windows, sofas, chairs. See a list of 7 germy places in your home here.
How often should you clean these and with what cleaning solution? The guidelines states “detergent solution or wipes (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) are adequate for cleaning general surfaces” and areas. And…
• Damp mopping is preferable to dry mopping.
• Walls and blinds should be cleaned when visibly dusty or soiled.
• Window curtains should be regularly changed in addition to being cleaned when soiled.
• Sinks and basins should be cleaned on a regular basis.
How long will it take to kill the virus? “Sufficient time is required to kill the virus, i.e., at least 10 minutes contact time.” Using disinfectant.
If you use the same disinfectant over several hours, don’t. “Use freshly made bleach solution and follow manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution and use,” recommends the guidelines.
To get more cleanliness from your disinfectant buck, the guidelines direct cleaners to:
• Wipe the area with bleach solution using disposable paper towels or a disposable cloth.
• Dispose of gloves and mask in a leak proof plastic bag.
• Wash hands well using soap and water and dry with disposable paper or single-use cloth towel.
• If water is unavailable, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub.
How to protect yourself when cleaning? It’s human nature to touch our eyes, face, mouth and other body parts. When cleaning, wear a mask and non-penetrable gloves. Practice good health and hygiene. For good hand hygiene, use soap and water regularly.
For house cleaning services in Overland Park, contact Tidy Up Angels LLC on 913-642-2006. Some of our services include custom house cleaning, move in/move out cleaning and put on market cleaning. 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.
As the seasons change, so should your cleaning routine. You might already conduct an annual spring cleaning, but it’s just as important to give your home a refresh once summer comes to a close. Fall typically brings cooler weather and more time spent indoors, which can mean increased foot traffic, dust, and debris. It also signals the approach of the holiday season, which often brings houseguests and extra cooking along with it. Deep cleaning an entire home, however, is a big job, and sometimes even tackling a single room can be overwhelming. To make seasonal cleaning a breeze, break down each room into a checklist of must-do tasks. Then integrate cleaning into your daily schedule to make it feel less like a chore. Follow this fall cleaning checklist for a room-by-room approach to tidying your home for the season.
Inside Your House
Outside Your House
For house cleaning services in Overland Park, contact Tidy Up Angels LLC on 913-642-2006. Some of our services include custom house cleaning, move in/move out cleaning and put on market cleaning. 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.
Although it seems counter-intuitive, dishwashers can get pretty darn dirty—even with all the hot water and detergent constantly running through it. Whether it’s the chemicals in dish washing soap or grease and grime buildup, your once-pristine dishwasher may be brimming with scummy residue, germs, and odors. Not only that, they can get clogged and there will be nasty, smelly water sitting in the bottom, which is gross! While we know we need to properly care for our coffee machines, clean our electric kettles, and sanitize our counter-tops, we rarely think to do the same for our cleaning devices. Luckily, cleaning your dishwasher is quick and easy with items you already have in the pantry: vinegar, baking soda, or bleach.
HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO CLEAN MY DISHWASHER?
Don’t worry! You don’t have to spend all your free time with your head in the machine. Do a deep clean including an alkaline wash and drain trap scrub once a month. You should wipe down the panel and controls once a week. That said, if you notice that the dishwasher is smelly, moldy, or not cleaning as well as it normally does, it’s time to don the rubber gloves and get in there.
HOW DO I CLEAN MY DISHWASHER WITH VINEGAR?
You might be surprised by all the problems you can solve with apple cider vinegar. But for this chore, works best. Fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with white vinegar and place it on the upper rack of your machine. Run the otherwise-empty dishwasher on the hottest setting—this will allow the vinegar to absorb odors and erode grimy buildup on the walls of the machine. Vinegar is astringently acidic, which makes it a great agent for breaking down scum on most appliances (you can use it to clean your washing machine, too). Keep a spray bottle with vinegar on hand and spritz the inside of your machine frequently in between washes for prolonged sparkle.
HOW DO I CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER WITH BAKING SODA?
Maybe you already use baking soda to remove pesticides from fruit. It’s a safe and mild alkali substance that goes a long way in removing persistent residue left by food waste. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse on a hot-water cycle. Repeat this process when you have especially stubborn stains or smells. For extra cleaning punch, create “baking soda bombs” by mixing 2 cups of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until it’s a paste-like consistency. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and allow to dry for a few hours. Toss them on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot-water cycle in an empty machine. For a fresher scent, add a few drops of an essential oil to the mix.
HOW DO I CLEAN A DISHWASHER WITH BLEACH?
Proceed with caution! While bleach is great for killing germs, mildew, and mold, it can ruin a dishwasher if the inside is made of stainless-steel or has any stainless-steel parts on the inside. If your machine has any stainless-steel parts on the inside, use one of the methods listed above. If you have determined with 100 percent certainty that your dishwasher is lined with plastic and has plastic parts (this is usually the case with less expensive models), then bleach away. Follow the same method as vinegar—fill a bowl with about 1/2 cup bleach and run the machine, empty, on the hottest setting.
HOW DO I CLEAN A DISHWASHER DRAIN TRAP?
With most modern dishwashers, you don’t need to fully rinse the dishes before loading them into the machine. Doing so can actually make the machine less efficient, as the internal sensor will think that the dishes are clean and sanitized before they actually are—causing it to run a shorter cycle. That said, go ahead and scrape off any large pieces of food as they are candidate no. 1 for clogging the dishwasher drain trap.
Speaking of the drain trap, check it frequently to make sure there’s not a bunch of gross stuff in there just waiting to stink up the place. If there is, start by removing and disassembling it. Once it’s apart, use a sponge or toothbrush and dish soap to remove any stuck-on food bits or mold.
These are just some great tips to help you get through your week – but if you would like to have your home professionally cleaned; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.
Kids are Back to School and It is Time to Clean the House before Colder Weather Sets In
As much as you have enjoyed having your kids around for the summer, their return to school presents a great opportunity to get your house cleaned before colder weather sets in. Throughout most of the summer with kids coming in and out your house was exposed to dirt and pollen. Now that the kids are back to school, it is time to clean up your home and get ready for the fall. Hope you will find helpful the following house cleaning tips.
Create a House Cleaning Checklist for the Kids
Kids and adults alike tend to get lax on their chores while enjoying summer activities. Now that school is back in session, it is time to take responsibility again for household chores and creating a house cleaning list for your children will get them involved in the cleaning process. You can start by having them clean their rooms once a week to prevent unnecessary clutter from building up and then give them a couple more chores throughout the rest of the house. You can motivate your kids to help out by establishing an award system.
Declutter Your Home
Unnecessary objects can accumulate quickly in your home and take up a lot of space. Objects that you no longer need, or use are just clutter and eliminating these objects can help reorganize the space in a better way. Decluttering is a good exercise for everyone in the family and you’ll be surprised at how much more space you will create.
Clean Your Carpet and Upholstery
Letting in fresh air during the summer is refreshing but the air coming in from outside contains dirt, pollen, and other airborne allergens that settle throughout your home. This dirt and debris accumulate on the furniture and carpeting which makes it a good idea to have your carpet and upholstery steam cleaned. For best results contact an expert like ServiceMaster DAK to provide professional carpet and upholstery cleaning services. After having your carpeting steam cleaned, you can keep it clean with regular vacuuming.
Use Doormats to Keep Dirt Out
The consistent in-and-out traffic in the summer results in dirt, grass, and other outside debris being tracked into the house. The best way to keep outside dirt out of your home is by establishing a “no shoes” rule in the house. Placing a doormat or shoe basket near the entrances in your home will encourage others to follow the no shoes rule.
Clean Your Appliances
We use washing machines and dishwashers quite regularly but do we clean these appliances as needed? Dishwashers and washing machines pick up residue and foul odors that should be cleaned out so that the appliances can be more effective. Wipe down these machines to remove any built-up residue and use white vinegar to eliminate any odors.
Now that the kids are back in school, take this opportunity to clean the house before the colder fall weather starts settling in.
If you do not have the time to clean your home before back to school and need an extra hand or would like to have your home professionally cleaned; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.
No matter how much ghoulish fun you and your little ones have on Halloween, nothing can be scarier than the messes left behind after a fun night of ghostly partying and sticky trick-or-treating.
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