When you or someone you live with is getting over an illness, you’re eager to stop it from spreading. A thorough cleaning of your living area can help eliminate germs and prevent the likelihood that someone else that you live with gets sick, too.
Before you begin your cleaning spree, follow these tips to make sure you’re getting to all the places germs can hide…and doing so effectively.
Start with frequently-touched items and surfaces
Think about the surfaces or items that you touch most often and start with those. These can include:
• Electronics (TV remotes, tablets, video game controllers, cell phones, keyboards, etc.)
• Doorknobs
• Light switches
• Countertops and bedside tables
• Refrigerator handles or cabinet knobs
• The handles on sinks or toilets
• Bedding, blankets or stuffed animals
Focus on hot spots where you would spend most of your time if you were sick. For most people, this is the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom as well as any common living areas.
Start with soap and water
Wash first, then disinfect. Before you begin to disinfect surfaces, start by cleaning them with detergent and warm water to remove any excess dirt or grime. Once you’ve done this, you can begin to disinfect.
To effectively disinfect an item, use an alcohol-based solution with at least 70% alcohol or a bleach and water solution. You can prepare a bleach solution at home by mixing four teaspoons of bleach with one quart of water.
Let some fresh air in
Even during chilly weather, it can be helpful to open the windows during your post-sickness cleaning. During the winter months especially, germs, dust, bacteria and dander are recycled through air vents in our homes. The more time you spend inside, the more you’re exposed to these germs.
Try opening a few windows to allow some fresh air in. Not only will this reduce your risk of exposure to germs, but it can also alleviate the concentrated smell of cleaning products.
Don’t reuse cleaning products
If you’re disinfecting your house after being sick, make sure you’re not spreading sickness as you do it! Use a new wipe or rag every time you clean a different surface to ensure you’re not spreading germs around. Whenever possible, opt to use disinfectant wipes or cloth rags/towels instead of sponges to clean surfaces in your home. Sponges can absorb and trap bacteria that can be easily spread.
Wear gloves
Wear disposable gloves when you clean, especially if it’s after you or someone in your home was sick. When you’re finished cleaning, dispose of your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water.
Wash on warm
When you’re washing bedding, stuffed animals or other fabrics, opt for a warmer setting. When you’re cleaning bedding, blankets, stuffed animals or any other fabrics that you may have used or been near when you were sick, make sure you’re laundering them on the right setting. Dr. Cobbett recommends using the warmest setting appropriate for the material and making sure your items are completely dry before reusing them.
While steps like these can help you disinfect your home after someone is sick, there are little things you can do every day to protect yourself from the spread of germs, including:
• Washing your hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds. In a pinch, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol will work.
• Covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. After you use a tissue, discard it right away.
• Avoid touching your face, eyes, mouth or nose. This can cause germs to spread more easily.
• Frequently disinfect items and surfaces you use regularly at work.
These tips and tricks will go a long way when it comes to cleaning your home after someone is sick– while you have your hands full and all the things on your mind – let us help with giving your home a great and clean and even after all the hustle and bustle – give us a call and let us help you and your family to get back your clean home. 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
There are some amazing household products that we already have that can make a huge impact when it comes into cleaning. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful, non-toxic, and environmentally safe cleaning agent that disinfects and whitens, making it a versatile choice for many household tasks like cleaning countertops, floors, and laundry, as well as tackling mold and mildew. It breaks down into water and oxygen, leaving no toxic residue, but requires proper usage, including pre-cleaning surfaces, allowing for adequate contact time, rinsing food-contact surfaces, and testing on a small, inconspicuous area first.
How Hydrogen Peroxide Cleans
Disinfection:
The oxygen that bubbles off when hydrogen peroxide encounters dirt or mold helps to disinfect surfaces by killing germs and other microorganisms.
Whitening:
It acts as a powerful, gentler whitening agent, similar to bleach, but breaks down into water and oxygen, making it safer for use around children and pets.
Stain Removal:
It can lift stains from porous surfaces and is an effective treatment for mold and mildew.
Common Cleaning Uses
Kitchen:Disinfects countertops, cutting boards, and the inside of dishwashers; removes pesticide residues from produce.
Bathroom:Cleans and disinfects mold and mildew from showers and tiles, and can be used on grout.
Laundry:Can be used in place of chlorine bleach for a gentler whitening effect.
General Surfaces:Cleans floors, walls, appliances, and mirrors.
Personal Items:Disinfects toothbrush, makeup brushes, and retainer.
Tips for Effective Cleaning
Pre-Clean:
Always wipe away loose dirt and debris before applying hydrogen peroxide for maximum effectiveness.
Use the Right Concentration:
A 3-10% solution is sufficient for most household tasks.
Allow Contact Time:
Let the solution sit on the surface for several minutes to maximize its disinfecting or bleaching power.
Test First:
Perform a patch test on a small, hidden area to prevent unexpected reactions on certain fabrics, paints, or surfaces.
Rinse Thoroughly:
After heavy cleaning, rinse surfaces, especially those that come into contact with food.
Use in Well-Ventilated Areas:
While nontoxic, hydrogen peroxide can be an irritant, so use it in a well-ventilated area and wear gloves.
Store Properly:
Store hydrogen peroxide in its original brown bottle, as light causes it to break down.
These tips and tricks will go a long way when it comes to cleaning – while you have your hands full and all the things on your mind – let us help with giving your home a great and clean – give us a call and let us help you and your family to get back your clean home. 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
Hard water stains in your toilet bowl can be both unsightly and stubborn. These chalky white or rusty brown rings are caused by minerals like calcium, lime, and iron that accumulate over time. If you’re tired of scrubbing with no results or simply want a more effective approach, you’re in the right place.
Let’s break down why hard water stains form, how to remove them, and tips to keep them from coming back.
Why Do Hard Water Stains Appear in Toilets?
Hard water contains high levels of minerals, especially calcium and magnesium. When this water sits in your toilet bowl, it leaves behind mineral deposits that build up and form stains. Over time, these stains can darken and even damage the porcelain if left untreated.
How to Remove Hard Water Stains from a Toilet
1. Vinegar and Baking Soda (Natural Option)
What you need:
1 cup of white vinegar
1 cup of baking soda
Toilet brush or scrub pad
Steps:
Pour the vinegar into the bowl, targeting the stained area.
Let it sit for 1 minute.
Add the baking soda and a bit more vinegar to create a fizz.
Let the mixture work for 10–15 minutes.
Scrub the stains with a toilet brush.
Flush to rinse.
This method is gentle, safe, and often effective for lighter stains.
2. Pumice Stone (For Tough Stains)
What you need:
A pumice stone (specifically made for toilets)
Gloves
Water
Steps:
Wet the pumice stone and keep the stained area wet too.
Gently scrub the stain—avoid pressing too hard.
Flush periodically to check your progress.
Tip: Always test in a small area first to avoid scratching your toilet bowl.
3. Commercial Cleaners (Quick and Effective)
What you need:
A lime and rust remover (e.g., CLR, Lime-A-Way)
Gloves and proper ventilation
Steps:
Apply the cleaner as directed on the label.
Let it sit for the recommended time.
Scrub and flush.
These cleaners are powerful and often provide fast results, especially on rust-colored stains.
️ How to Prevent Hard Water Stains
Flush regularly: Don’t let water sit in the bowl for long periods.
Use toilet tablets: Some are designed to prevent mineral build-up.
Install a water softener: If hard water is a common problem in your home, this can help reduce mineral content in all your plumbing.
Clean weekly: A quick clean once a week keeps stains from setting in.
Final Thoughts
Hard water stains are annoying, but they don’t have to be permanent. With the right tools and some consistency, you can restore your toilet bowl to a sparkling clean state. Whether you go natural with vinegar or use a commercial cleaner, tackling stains early is the key.
Need more cleaning tips for your bathroom? Check out our other blogs for expert advice to keep your home spotless and if you are looking for an 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
From Spring Through Summer: Watch for Algae Around Your Property
As the weather warms up and humidity rises, you may start to notice algae forming on concrete surfaces around your home, condo, lake house, or vacation rental. While there are over 350 million known types of algae—most of which thrive in oceans—many types can also take hold in damp, humid environments around residential properties.
Algae typically appear as a deep green, slippery coating. Unlike common weeds, algae have no roots or stems. Instead, they spread by clinging to hard surfaces, making driveways, patios, walkways, and pool decks both unsightly and potentially hazardous.
Green algae begins to grow on concrete and cement when the surface is relatively moist and shaded most of the day. As long as the conditions are damp, you will at some point have to look for ways to remove algae from surfaces including concrete patios, basement floors, and walls in your home.
Even though it does not cause any permanent damage to the structure’s stability, it can be troublesome if left untreated. Also, since the growth can be somewhat slippery, it can become a safety hazard when left to manifest. It can also cause permanent discoloration on the concrete.
To remove green algae from concrete, a bleach and water solution is often effective. Mix bleach with water and apply it to the affected areas, allowing it to sit for 5-10 minutes before scrubbing with a brush and rinsing thoroughly. Alternatively, white vinegar can be used, applied directly or in a 50/50 mixture with water, followed by scrubbing and rinsing.
Detailed Steps:
Preparation: Sweep or vacuum the concrete to remove loose debris.
Bleach Solution (Optional): Mix 3/4 to 1 cup of bleach per gallon of water.
Vinegar Solution (Alternative): Mix equal parts white vinegar and water.
Application: Apply the solution to the algae-covered areas and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, ensuring the concrete remains wet.
Scrubbing: Use a stiff brush to scrub the algae away.
Rinsing: Thoroughly rinse the area with water to remove the cleaning solution.
Repeat: If necessary, repeat the process to achieve desired results.
Prevention: To prevent future algae growth, consider using an algae-resistant sealant or addressing issues like poor drainage that can contribute to algae growth.
Important Notes:
Always wear gloves and eye protection when working with bleach or other cleaning solutions.
Rinsing thoroughly is crucial to prevent harm to plants and other areas where the water drains.
For stubborn algae, a stronger solution of bleach or a commercial algae remover may be needed.
Consider using a pressure washer to remove loose algae and debris, especially for large areas.
Hope you enjoyed this great tip and trick for cleaning on the outside of your home – but if you are looking for an 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
Baking soda might just be the most versatile staple in your pantry. Also known as sodium bicarbonate, baking soda is an alkaline compound that produces small bubbles of carbon dioxide gas when mixed with an acid (such as vinegar, lemon juice, or buttermilk), making it ideal for leavening cakes, breads, and cookies to fluffy perfection.
But its uses go far beyond raising our favorite cake and cookie recipes. Baking soda’s naturally abrasive texture and chemical properties make it ideal for household cleaning uses as well, especially when scrubbing and scouring dirt, deodorizing bad smells, and lifting stubborn stains.
Deodorize Trash Cans
Trash cans naturally can become quite malodorous over time. But you can combat the smells by sprinkling a bit of baking soda inside. You can also mix it with water and use it as a spray to clean and deodorize the inside.
Remove Coffee and Tea Stains
Baking soda is great for whitening and removing stains, and sometimes nothing is tougher than coffee and tea stains left behind on our favorite ceramic mugs. Simply sprinkle baking soda into your mug and gently scrub the stain away with a damp sponge.
Clean Oven Racks
Oven racks can take a beating. Grease, oil, crumbs, and more can easily become stuck on during the cooking process. Soak oven racks in a bathtub with baking soda and hot water.
Unclog Drains
Generally speaking, you’d typically want to avoid mixing baking soda with an acid like vinegar because it produces bubbles, and you could be looking at combustion of some kind. But that reaction comes in handy when you have a stubborn drain clog. Sprinkle 1/2 cup of baking soda down the drain and follow it with 1/2 cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain and let it sit for 30 minutes. Follow it with hot water to flush away debris.
Clean Grout
Baking soda’s natural abrasiveness really shines as a grout cleaner. You can make a simple paste with baking soda and water, then apply it to darkened grout lines and scrub with a toothbrush.
Freshen Toilet Bowls
Of course, you could use a specific toilet bowl cleaner for your toilet cleaning needs, but a more natural and eco-friendly way to go is to use baking soda to remove stains and freshen the bowl. Sprinkle baking soda into your toilet bowl and let it sit for a bit before scrubbing it with a toilet brush.
Pre-Soak Stained Laundry
Pre-treating with baking soda is an easy and effective ways to help lift stubborn stains on your laundry. Soak your clothes in hot water mixed with baking soda for a couple of hours or overnight.
Boost Laundry Detergent
Additionally, you can add baking soda to your laundry cycle to give your regular detergent a bit of a cleaning action boost. Adding baking soda to your load of laundry is perfect for removing odors from clothes and brightening your white laundry.
Clean the Washer Drum
Baking soda’s myriad laundry uses don’t stop with clothing—it’s also effective for cleaning your washing machine. Run an empty washer cycle with baking soda to clean and deodorize the washing machine drum.
Scrub Pots and Pans
Scour off stubborn baked-on bits with baking soda. Baking soda is great for cleaning your oven, pots, pans, and other cookware. Simply make a paste with baking soda and water and apply to your cookware. Allow it to sit 15 to 30 minutes in your cookware before scrubbing away the residue.
Cleaning Shower Doors
Shower doors are susceptible to limescale and mineral deposit buildup. Get your shower doors sparkling again with a combination of vinegar and baking soda.
Remove Shoe Odors
Neutralize less-than-appealing shoe smells by sprinkling baking soda inside your shoes. Remember to empty your shoes of baking soda before you slip them back on your feet.
Scrub Down Stovetops
Stovetops can become a mess with stuck-on bits of food or grease. Cut through the grime and restore your stovetop to pristine condition by scrubbing it with a baking soda and water paste. Just be aware that some stovetops, such as those with smooth glass, could be susceptible to scratching. Use another type of cleaner for these.
Clean Your Wood Cutting Boards
It takes some diligence to keep wooden cutting boards in good working order. Clean your cutting board by using half a lemon to scrub some baking soda into the board. It’ll help lighten stains and deodorize any lingering smells.
Absorb Refrigerator Odors
To neutralize odors in your refrigerator, you don’t even have to take the baking soda out of its packaging. Most baking soda boxes come with a mesh side insert so that you can remove the cardboard box covering to expose the mesh side. Simply place one of these in your refrigerator and let it work its deodorizing magic.
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
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.
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
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