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

Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall Cleaning Checklist

#1: Fall Clean Checklist for the Entryway
Prepare your home for the colder months with a thorough cleaning of the entryway. This area serves as the first impression of your home, so it’s essential to keep it organized, clean, and welcoming.

  • Shake out or replace door floor mats
  • Declutter items like old mail or keys
  • Organize and clean shoe rack or storage
  • Wipe down and clean mirrors
  • Sort and arrange coats, hats, or bags
  • Mop or vacuum entryway flooring
  • Dust furniture and decorative pieces
  • Clean light fixtures
  • Sanitize door knobs and handles
  • Refresh seasonal decorations or plants

#2: Fall Clean Checklist for the Living Room

Book Your Fall Cleaning Services Now
As the season changes, it’s the perfect time to give your living room a deep clean. This often-used space deserves special attention to ensure it’s comfortable and inviting for the holidays and beyond.

  • Dust all surfaces, light fixtures, ceiling fans
  • Vacuum carpets or hire a professional
  • Vacuum and spot-clean upholstery
  • Clean windows inside and out
  • Reorganize and clean bookshelves
  • Wipe down electronics
  • Polish wooden furniture
  • Sanitize remote controls and game controllers

#3: Fall Clean Checklist For the Kitchen
The kitchen serves as the heart of the home, especially during the holiday season. A thorough fall cleaning can set the stage for enjoyable cooking and entertaining in the coming months.

  • Deep clean oven
  • Clean out fridge
  • Sanitize cutting boards
  • Clean sink and garbage disposal
  • Clean microwave interior
  • Run an empty dishwasher cycle
  • Organize pantry
  • Wipe down countertops and backsplash
  • Clean stove top and control knobs

#4: Fall Clean Checklist For the Bedroom
The bedroom serves as your haven for peace and unwinding. A thorough fall cleaning can enhance your comfort and set a peaceful tone for the colder months ahead.

  • Rotate and flip mattresses
  • Wash all bedding
  • Declutter room
  • Transition wardrobe for colder months
  • Clean windows
  • Vacuum and declutter under the bed
  • Dust nightstands and dressers
  • Clean mirrors and other glass surfaces

#5: Fall Clean Checklist For the Bathroom
The bathroom is a high-traffic area that requires regular upkeep. Fall is the perfect time to deep clean and sanitize, ensuring a healthy and pleasant environment throughout the season.

  • Deep clean toilet
  • Clean grout
  • Disinfect surfaces
  • Clean vent fans
  • Maintain or replace shower curtain
  • Sort medicine cabinet
  • Clean and polish faucets
  • Wash bath mats and rugs

#6: Fall Clean Checklist For the Home Office
The home office can become a cluttered space, especially with the demands of remote work. Use the fall season to reorganize, clean, and set the stage for productivity in the coming months.

  • Wipe down computer screen and keyboard
  • Organize and declutter workspace
  • Sanitize phone and other frequently-touched electronics

#7: Fall Clean Checklist For the Laundry Room
The laundry room often becomes a catch-all for miscellaneous items and clutter. Utilize the fall season to declutter, clean, and maintain your laundry appliances, ensuring a smooth laundry routine for the colder months ahead.

  • Clean dryer lint trap
  • Run washing machine cleaning cycle
  • Wipe down washer and dryer exterior

#8: Fall Clean Checklist For the Hallways and Stairs
Hallways and stairs frequently get overlooked in cleaning routines. The fall season is the perfect time to give these high-traffic areas some much-needed attention.

  • Vacuum and dust railings and light fixtures
  • Wipe walls and baseboards

This fall cleaning checklist serves as a comprehensive guide to keep your indoor spaces well-maintained and winter-ready. 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.

 

Spring Cleaning of some key rooms in the home – great checklist!

Spring Cleaning of some key rooms in the home – great checklist!

As much as I love fall and winter, by the time spring comes I’m ready to welcome the sunshine and warm breezes, the trees coming back to life, and the blooms opening their cheery faces. Most of all, I’m ready to fling open the windows (and blinds) and let that fresh air flow through rooms that have been shut in against the cold for months.

If fall and winter are a great time to clean in preparation for a bunch of time spent indoors, spring is a great time to clean because of all that time spent indoors. In fact, the practice of spring cleaning dates back centuries and has cultural and religious roots that span the globe.

Here are some of the areas to start with and a great checklist:

Kitchen
Clean out the fridge.
Clean out the freezer.
Clean your water and ice dispenser areas.
Get rid of entertaining items you didn’t use throughout the holiday season.
Toss broken dishware, duplicate kitchen tools, and items you don’t use.
Clean crumbs out of drawers.
Clean your coffee maker.
Clean your toaster oven.
Clean your oven.
Clean your vent hood screens.
Wash your garbage can and recycling bin.
Clean out your garbage disposal.
Wipe down cabinet and drawer fronts.
Clean any smudges on walls.
Clean light fixtures.

Bathroom
Thoroughly clean the bathtub interior and shower.
Rinse off shampoo, conditioner, and other containers.
Replace rags and loofahs, as needed.
Clean trash cans.
Clean the toilet thoroughly.
Clean showerhead.
Wash shower curtain liner.
Mop floors.
Declutter under-sink cabinets and medicine cabinets.
Clean light fixtures.

Bedroom (and Closet)
Put out-of-season clothing in storage.
Wash throw pillows and/or covers.
Wash pillows.
Wash duvet cover, comforter, blankets, etc.
Dust and clean the headboard.
Vacuum mattress.
Polish wooden furniture.
Clean closet floor.
Declutter seasonal clothes and shoes that weren’t worn during the colder months.
Clean under furniture.

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.

Cleaning Your Home Office

Cleaning Your Home Office

1. Start with a clean slate.
Take everything off of your desk, even if you know for sure you’ll be putting it back. Some people thrive when their desk is completely cleared of everything but the necessities. Others need a little controlled chaos to spark ideas and get creative. The key is to be intentional with what you allow to live on your desk so you don’t end up completely buried in a clutter avalanche. Add back only what you need and what makes you happy.

2. Wipe down your desk surface, keyboard, mouse, desk lamp, and any other high-touch hotspots.
You can’t be productive if you’re sick in bed. Wipe down all the surfaces and items handled regularly, like your keyboard and mouse, to minimize the spread of germs and accumulation of dust. (Get more tips from our cleaning experts on properly cleaning electronic devices in a previous post!) Then be sure to add these spots to your regular cleaning checklist.

3. Sort through paper clutter and get rid of what you don’t need.
Keep a wastepaper basket near your desk, and maybe a paper shredder, too. Paper clutter, like junk mail, fliers, and receipts, has a way of multiplying and accumulating without us realizing, often because we put off making decisions about each piece when we first encounter it. To keep paper clutter under control, sort through it regularly. Depending on how quickly it piles up for you, plan to do this anywhere from once a week to once a month.

Sort all the papers from your desk into four piles:
Toss anything you don’t need that doesn’t contain personal information (credit card numbers, bank account numbers, social security number, etc.).

Shred anything you don’t need that does contain personally identifying information. Invest in a small personal shredder or take your shredding to an office supply or shipping store that offers shredding service. (Pro tip: Take advantage of free shredding events sponsored by municipalities or businesses around the end of tax season!)

Keep important documents you’ll need in the future and file them away for safekeeping. When deciding whether to keep something, remember that many documents can now be accessed online, including instruction manuals, receipts, pay stubs, and tax forms.

Address things that require action, such as paying a bill, returning a purchase, or filing your taxes. Take care of these things as soon as you’re able to avoid amassing an overwhelming pile or, worse, missing a deadline and facing penalty fees.

4. Keep what you need within reach.
Think about what you use when you’re working. Make sure those things are on your desk or nearby. Having what you need at the ready can help you avoid interruptions to your workflow and save you time. If there’s room on your desk, add a small desktop bookshelf or file trays. Keep a set of rolling file drawers within arm’s reach. Add a bulletin board on the wall above your desk. Set yourself up for streamlined success.

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.