As the flowers blossom and the grass turns greener, it becomes apparent that spring is approaching, and so is the time for spring cleaning. Now, this might seem like a dreadful task to some of us, we need to remember the importance of keeping our homes deep clean to maintain a healthy lifestyle. The first step to start any project is to map out or search for a comprehensive guide. Therefore, we have compiled an effective and ultimate spring cleaning guide for you to follow.

De-clutter

We don’t realize it, but we buy a lot more things than we need. Go through your closet, and take out all those clothes you think you won’t wear anymore.

Here is a pro-tip: be generous! If you find a sweater that has been sitting in your closet for the past four years, don’t delude yourself into thinking that you might need it at some point. Some other person probably needs it more than you. Chuck it out and take it to some charity. Similarly, go through your garage, attic, bookshelves, kitchen cabinets, dressers, and drawers in your lounge, etc.

Organize

As you de-clutter, arrange the remaining items in your drawers/closet. Make sure that you keep the most needed items within easy access. You wouldn’t want to mess up all your hard work!

Moreover, don’t forget to wipe the furniture you put your stuff back in. It is not very difficult. Simply mix some dishwasher with water and use a cloth to sparkle up that furniture! That may sound easy to those who have small homes, but some of us may need a helping hand. At MyCleaningAngel, you can choose from a variety of packages to help you with spring cleaning. Their professionals come to your place and take care of everything. A sparkly house may only be a click away!

Clean Away!

Apart from the general cleaning and disinfecting of the floors and the walls, dusting the ceiling fans and light fittings, cleaning out the sockets, dusting windows, and throwing curtains in the washing, is a list of things you might want to add to your spring cleaning. Follow the room-to-room rule to make the process easy.

Here’s how you can proceed.

Kitchen

A clean, hygienic, and shiny kitchen will ensure that you and your family are in good health. You can clean the kitchen spotless using the following tips and tricks.

• Use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide to get rid of those water rings on your countertops.
• How can you bear those greasy stovetops! Dip a microfiber cloth in a mixture of hot water and dish soap and start cleaning.
• Make sure your dining table is clean. Not just the top, but its legs, the underneath, and of course, the chairs!
• Clean the insides of any electrical appliances. For example, throw away all expired items in your fridge, clean and disinfect the shelves, and effectively arrange things. Similarly, clean the inside of the microwave, oven, toaster, etc.
• Plugholes, pipes, seals, and garbage disposals cleaned.

Bathrooms

• Discard empty shampoo bottles
• Wipe mirrors and shower doors. Rubbing alcohol can work wonders in leaving your mirrors streak-free and shiny.
• Replace the towels (although you should be doing this regularly)
• Send in the bathmats for dry-cleaning
• Freshen up the drains by pouring down a mixture of half a cup of baking soda and one-fourth cup of salt. Then pour down a cup of hot vinegar. The mixture will foam up and bubble, let it stand for 15 minutes, then turn on the tap to hot water for 15 to 30 seconds.
• Wash your shower curtains and shower caps
• Loofahs and shower sponges accumulate a lot of bacteria over time, even if you clean them regularly, so be sure to replace those

Sitting Area and Bedrooms

Sitting areas are frequently used and need a super fresh cleanse and so do bedrooms.

• Deep clean the carpet
• Dust your mattress and rotate it to ensure even distribution of the fillings.
• Wash the cushion covers. Pro tip: Leave the cushions in sunlight for a day to kill the mold and rid them of the smell. Thank us later!
• Wipe the furniture and shelves, etc. Also, move around the furniture to clean underneath it. You will for sure find lots of dirt accumulated underneath
• Give those sofas a vacuum or hire a service to do it for you
• Wipe down picture frames and paintings, door frames, and wall hangings
• It is the small things that matter the most. Pay attention to the little things you miss out on regularly. Use a wet cloth to clean the TV remote, your DVD collection, the cosmetic bottles on your dressing, etc. Don’t forget to clean the mirrors!

Staircases

Staircases are one of the most used places in our houses and can also be the most neglected ones.

• Clean any windows
• Deep-clean the carpet (if your staircase has one)
• Thoroughly clean through the banisters or railings
• If the flooring or handrails are wooden, then polish them
• We easily miss the many things around our staircases. Use a long-stick broom to wipe out the cobwebs from the ceiling lights, dust the walls and clean the wall hangings
• Some staircases also host shoe racks beneath them, so clean those up too. In any case, you probably have a shoe rack somewhere in the house that needs cleaning.

The Attic

As much as you will hate to, you need to make sure that you clean up that attic too.

• Apart from dumping things in our dressers and closets, we also dump stuff in our attic. Our spring cleaning guide suggests you go up there, sort everything out and throw away things you don’t need. Remember! Be generous and give away. The baby cot you feel too attached to give away can have mold the next time you spring clean.
• De-clutter, organize, and clean
• If you can see moisture on the ceiling, smell mildew, or feel like the insulation is contaminated, hire a service to rid your attic of all these issues.

Check Safety Equipment

The ultimate spring cleaning guide would never neglect the safety of your house. Check and refresh your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and security system batteries. Also, double-check that all of your alarms are operational. Check your fire extinguishers’ expiration dates and replace them if necessary.

Go the Extra Mile

Cleaning and ridding the house of dirt is our primary concern, but you should also consider going the extra mile and doing something supplementary.

Sparkle up Your House

Polishing the wooden furniture can make your home shiny and refreshing. Of course, the smell of newly polished wood is just an added benefit! You can buy a wood polish or make your one by mixing olive oil with vinegar or lemon juice and spraying it. Clean wooden window frames, door frames, and doors, staircases, etc.

Change the Furniture Setting

Think about ways that make your house more spacious and easy to move around or settings that let more light enter. If you have kids in the house, think of ways that would benefit them. Change in the setting of your home can guarantee a happier and more satisfied you. Shuffle the furniture, add more plants, and see the difference.

Windows and Doors

Make sure you thoroughly clean everything related to windows and doors. People often forget frames, hinges, and locks. Make sure to lubricate the hinges if they have become noisy and opening or closing the doors has become difficult.

Add a Fragrant Touch!

Grab those scented candles and place them around the house so that they are within easy access. Light them up whenever you feel like it. The sparkling, sanitized, candlelit, and fragrant home will uplift your mood instantly.

Tips and Tricks

We know spring cleaning can be hectic and that you would rather spend the day binge-watching on Netflix, but as we said, we have come up with the ultimate spring cleaning guide. So, here are a few tips to get you through the spring cleaning season.

Pre-plan

The key to success lies in pre-planning. Write down everything you need to so you don’t forget. As you get done with one thing, tick it off. Also, treat yourself to a cookie!

Focus!

Don’t think about what you have to do next. Just focus on one area. Thinking about what remains on the list will make you feel overwhelmed and tired even before you start. Take a deep breath, and get started!

Motivation

Motivate yourself. Remind yourself that this is a task that cannot be ignored in any way. If you are a health freak, remind yourself of some statistics. According to the International Sanitary Supply Association, one square yard of commercial-grade carpeting can amass one pound of dirt in only a week. Yuck!

Set A Timer

Another technique that works wonders is to set a timer. You wouldn’t want to spend the entire day cleaning. Set a specific time that you will spend cleaning, otherwise, you will procrastinate and end up with zero results.

Music to Set the Mood!

Put on some music! Pick up that washcloth, vibe to the music, and clean!

We hope that our spring cleaning guide will help you. Pick up that broom and get started! Happy cleaning!

Online spring cleaning service has never been easier. Get an instant quote and schedule your cleaning now.

Clean door handles of all the doors can seem like an unnecessary task, but it can have big payoffs in terms of your health and safety. After the hit of COVID-19 worldwide, it has become imperative for us to follow cleaning measures as a precaution against the deadly viruses and bacteria. The door handles of your home are no exception. They accumulate the most germs because of frequent use. Here’s why wiping door handles is so important and how to do it properly every time!

Why is it Important to Keep Door Handles Clean?

When discussing effective methods of infection control and good hygiene practices in any environment. Whether it’s a home, school or office, restaurant, or health care facility, we cannot ignore the importance of door handle/knob cleaning and disinfection. 

• Door Handles are Hotspot for Viruses

Various viruses can cause the common cold, and many of them can live on interior surfaces. These viruses can survive for up to a week on nonporous surfaces like stainless steel. Which is a common element on door handles. After around 24 hours, however, they become ineffective and unable to propagate an infection. Which is why regular cleaning is so beneficial. The influenza viruses may live on hard surfaces for up to 24 hours. So if someone infected with the virus touches a door handle, everyone who contacts it within the next day will be in danger of contracting the infection.

• Bacteria Can Survive Up To Weeks

It is also more concerning because terrible stomach bacteria like E. coli, Clostridium Difficile, Staphylococcus, Aureas, MRSA, and Norovirus. These are a few of the most dangerous fungal bacteria that are notorious for living on door handles for up to weeks. Most researchers think that the droplets carrying the flu or a cold virus can remain contagious for a few hours after they land. Generally speaking, germs have a longer window of opportunity to spread on hard surfaces. Like stainless steel, plastic, and the like than they do on softer surfaces like fabric. Making door handles the hotspot for risky germs and bacteria.

• Public Places are Germ Magnets

In addition to homes and offices, door handles in public places are contagious as they are excessively used. Throughout the day, people come and go from public places like libraries, universities, and parks. The risk of catching hazardous germs or common viruses becomes even higher. Because of this and anyone who comes in contact with these handles can get affected.

How Often Should You Clean the Door Handle?

Door handles are the most neglected part of your home cleaning routine and this can result in serious illnesses. If you want to protect your family from unwanted risky germs from spreading around the house. Then you must regularly keep the door handles clean and free of harmful bacteria. Cleaning door handles regularly can help prevent the germs from growing and eventually wreaking havoc around the house. 

Generally, door handles around the house should be thoroughly wiped down at least once a week. Some door handles, like the kitchen or toilet, are a playground for germs. And they should be cleaned more frequently as compared to other spots. If you have an ill person at home, then it’s recommended to clean the high-touch areas. As door handles, at least twice a week.

Factors to Consider Before Cleaning Door Handles

Cleaning door handles can vary from home to home. Because each handle is made of different materials, coatings, and tarnish. To select suitable cleaning supplies and equipment, you need to know what materials are your door handles made of. Here are a few important things to consider!

Material

Before you roll up your sleeves and start cleaning your door handles, you have to keep in mind that each handle is made with a specific material. Like brass, steel, or zinc. Each type of metal necessitates a unique approach to cleaning and knowing the composition of your handles is crucial to avoid scratches and other damage. Furthermore, the plating of the decorative finish on your handle can get damaged by aggressive polishing or by using abrasive chemicals.

Location

In contrast to the interior door handles, which are protected from the elements, the exterior door handles are continually exposed. As a result, are more prone to become dirty, stained, or otherwise damaged.

Coated Finish 

Coatings or lacquers can also be used to protect the metal of door handles and knobs. This is especially prevalent with brass hardware. If your handles are particularly shiny, it’s because they’ve been coated with a clear varnish to keep the metal from rusting. These coatings require specific care, and you shouldn’t use general cleaning supplies to clean such door handles.

How to Clean Door Handles

Door handles are one of the easiest and quickest ways to bring bacteria and other contaminants into your home. Cleaning door handles isn’t typically the first thing people think about when it comes to cleaning their home. But it’s an important step that you shouldn’t miss during the deep cleaning.

Door handles can get dirty frequently, especially if you share your home with pets and children. But getting them clean again doesn’t have to be hard work or costly. With these cleaning tips, you’ll be able to clean door handles in no time at all!

1. Brass and Copper Door Handle

Knobs made of solid brass or brass plating require special precautions to avoid door handle germs and corrosion. If you have a powerful magnet, you can tell what kind of doorknob you have since the magnet will only be drawn to the plated metal. You can try a few things at home to restore the shine of a doorknob made of solid brass or copper!

How To Clean Brass/Copper Door Handles

Mix some flour, vinegar, and salt to make a paste. Depending on how much area you have, a tablespoon of each item can be a decent starting point. Lightly apply the paste and rub it into your brass and copper door knobs and rub it off with a soft cloth after a few minutes.

Cut a ripe lemon in half lengthwise, and sprinkle the exposed pulp with salt. Use the covered side to clean your brass or copper, removing grime, bacteria, and tarnish. Then wipe it off with a cotton cloth to remove any residue.

2. Stainless Steel Door Handle

Mild soap and water is the best cleaning solution for your stainless steel door hardware. Stainless steel can corrode if cleaned using commercial cleansers that contain chloride or chlorine bleach. Scratching the stainless steel with steel wool or other abrasives can also reduce the life of your stainless steel handles.

When cleaning your stainless steel door hardware, it’s best to use a soft, soapy cloth and then rinse it off with clean water. But if you see grime or residue that just won’t budge, you can use a mixture of olive oil and vinegar to make the handle squeaky clean!

3. Silver Plated Door Handle

While silver-coated or sterling door handles are the most stunning addition to your home decor. They are also prone to harboring germs and getting tarnished over time. You can clean door handles regularly using store-bought cleaning agents. But if you want to take a DIY approach to cleaning, here’s how you can do it! 

Method

Take an aluminum tray (commonly used for casserole) and fill it with boiling water and one cup of baking soda. Let your silver door handles dip in the mixture for a while. Take them out, and wipe them with a microfiber cloth. Fix the handles back into place and enjoy germ-free, sparkling handles until the next cleaning session!

4. Pewter Door Handle

Although not the most popular, pewter door knobs nevertheless require some care. Because of their susceptibility to tarnishing and wear and tear from frequent use. To disinfect and clean pewter handles, mix salt, vinegar, and flour and apply the mixture on the handles. Leave the paste for an hour, rinse with warm water and polish it again, bringing the handles back to their original glory!

Leave the Cleaning to the Experts!

Door handles are one of the most common places for dirt and dust to accumulate. They’re also a frequent point of entry for unwanted pests, germs, and bacteria which can mean messy jobs like pest removal. If you want to get rid of the grime and germs on your door handles, you’ll need to clean them thoroughly. Book cleaning service online has never been easier. Get an instant quote and book your cleaning now.

But clean door handles require attention at the right time to protect the handle’s material during the cleaning process. Cleaning these door handles also requires special equipment that is available to cleaning experts like MyCleaningAngel. Your one-stop solution for cleaning door handles and other door hardware.

We are a team of vetted professionals who have experience spanning decades. Giving us the right expertise to handle any kind of door materials that are installed in your home. So you can rest assured that your space will be free of unwanted germs and bacteria!

Home cleaning can often feel like a never-ending job. As soon as you finish tidying one room, it feels like another one needs your attention. Fortunately, many natural house cleaning products will help you keep your home spic and span without the use of harsh chemicals. 100% green cleaning.

Natural House Cleaning Products to Keep Your Home Clean

The best natural house cleaning products include:

• Baking Soda

Baking soda is a classic household item that can be used for several cleaning duties, including dusting, scrubbing, and deodorizing. It contains alkaline properties that help break down odors, making it a great choice for freshening up a room. 

It can be used to scrub floors and can also be used as a natural deodorizer, making it useful for cleaning both your home and car. You can use baking soda to clean just about anything, including appliances, toilets, sinks, and countertops.

• Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the natural, effective, eco-friendly, and non-toxic cleaning products. It can be used to clean everything from floors to kitchen counters and is especially good for getting rid of dirt and grime as it is antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antifungal.

Coconut oil is a natural, non-toxic, and biodegradable cleaning product that can be used to clean any surface. Coconut oil has antibacterial properties that help to keep your home smelling fresh and clean. It also helps to remove odors from shoes, pets, and furniture. It is safe for use on all surfaces including your kitchen countertops, tables, floors, and more.

• Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural product that’s used in many cleaning products and organic cleaning solutions. It has many uses, such as cleaning your home and laundry, and killing bacteria and fungus. Vinegar is also an effective means of removing soap scum from the shower and bathroom sinks. You can use vinegar on fabric and wood, as well as on natural stone and marble countertops. To clean with vinegar, dilute 1/4 cup of vinegar to 1 gallon of water.

Vinegar can be used as a substitute for harsh chemicals, like bleach or commercial cleaners. 

Caution

While vinegar works well to clean and deodorize many surfaces, it’s not suitable for all types of cleaning. Avoid using it on delicate items such as crystal, porcelain, or silverware because it could damage them over time.

• Lemon

The lemon is an amazing cleaning product that can be used to freshen up your home and remove dirt and stains from countertops, floors, and other surfaces. Lemon juice has many natural cleaning properties that make it effective at removing grime. It also has antibacterial properties that help fight off harmful bacteria and it can even be used to repel pests!

Lemon is also effective at neutralizing odors and killing mold growth and is one of the best non-toxic cleaning products. This makes lemon a great option for cleaning both indoor and outdoor spaces. You can even use lemon as a natural household cleaner. Just add some lemon peels to your dishwasher to help clean it and freshen up your dishes! 

• Organic Laundry Detergent

There are a variety of organic and natural laundry detergents on the market today. Most, if not all of these products, claim to be more effective than conventional detergents. These natural products are made from plant-based ingredients and are free from all artificial chemicals, dyes, perfumes, and other additives.

While each product may have its unique benefits, there is one thing that all organic laundry detergents have in common: they are safe for the environment. Since they do not contain harmful chemicals such as phosphates, chlorine, and sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS), they are both good for your clothes and the environment.

• Organic Stain Remover

An organic stain remover is an organic cleaning solution made from natural ingredients like lemon, vinegar, and baking soda.

You can use an organic stain remover to remove stains caused by tea, coffee, fruits and vegetables, wine, oil and grease, food additives, and a lot more.

Organic stain remover can also be used on carpets, clothes, and other items. They are great for removing stains quickly and easily without the need for harsh chemicals or scrubbing your item with harsh cleansers that may damage the product in the end.

• Organic All-purpose Cleaner

There are three main categories of cleaners: all-purpose cleaners, disinfectants, and air fresheners. 

All-purpose cleaners are designed to do a variety of things, from cleaning surfaces to removing odors and helping prevent stains from setting in. They are also great for cleaning off hard surfaces such as tile or laminate floors. In addition, they can help remove grease from all kinds of sources, including kitchen appliances like stoves and ovens, as well as household items like pots and pans.

Organic All-purpose Cleaners as Disinfectants

Infection control is another area where all-purpose cleaners can play a key role. While there are several different types of disinfectants available, many of them can become ineffective when used too frequently. By using an all-purpose cleaner instead, however, you can maintain the effectiveness of your disinfectant while also keeping germs at bay.

Organic all-purpose cleaners are among the non-toxic cleaning products and are just as effective but not harmful. In addition, these cleaners make it easy to sanitize surfaces without having to use harsh chemicals. Disinfectants often have unpleasant and strong odors that may not be suitable for everyone. They are also safe for use on wooden surfaces.

Liquid and Spray

Organic all-purpose cleaners are available in different types, such as liquid and spray. The liquid type is usually applied diluted (1 part water: 1 part liquid). It can be used as a gentle de-greasing agent or a disinfectant. The spray can be applied directly to the surface or sprayed onto a cloth and wiped over the surface. The spray type is generally more convenient because it can be sprayed directly onto the material being cleaned.

• Organic Disinfectant Wipes

One of the most important things you can do to keep your house clean and healthy is to always disinfect it. This is particularly true for areas that are frequently touched, such as door handles, counters, and kitchen appliances. Disinfecting wipes are one of the best natural cleaning products and easy ways to do this. They’re easy to use and effective at killing off harmful germs and bacteria.

While there are many different types of organic disinfectant wipes on the market, they all work in essentially the same way. All of them contain some type of organic ingredient that can kill off harmful bacteria and germs. The main difference between them is how strong they are. Some may be more effective than others at killing off harmful bacteria and germs, but they will all leave behind a mild scent that can make your home smell nice while you clean it.

Why Go Natural?

One of the main benefits of using organic disinfectant wipes is that they are natural. This means that they won’t have any harmful chemicals in them, which can be a great way to reduce exposure to chemicals and toxins. Because they are also hypoallergenic, they can be used on all surfaces without causing irritation or skin reactions. Some even contain essential oils that can help to improve the smell and atmosphere of your home.

• Essential Oils

Essential oils are acquired through the process of steam distillation and are often used for aromatherapy. Essential oils are also very good at cleaning and have been used for thousands of years as natural cleaners. For example, lavender oil is great at getting rid of any musty smells in your home, and rosemary oil is great for removing stains from hard surfaces. 

While these can’t be directly used in cleaning processes, you can use these in your home after you’re done cleaning. Essential oils make your home smell heavenly, so you wouldn’t have to use store-bought air fresheners that are made from harsh chemicals. 

• Dishwashing Liquid

Many types of dishwashing liquids are free from toxic chemicals and fragrances. However, it’s important to check the label of whichever brand you intend to purchase to make sure it’s suitable for house cleaning. Using dishwashing liquid for everyday house cleaning is a great way to reduce the number of cleaning products you have to purchase. Make sure to opt for an organic cleaning solution when you’re buying a dishwashing liquid.

• Cornstarch

Cornstarch is one of the best natural cleaning products. It is a great cleaner that can be used for dusting, as well as for getting rid of stains on hard surfaces. It’s completely safe to use around pets, children, and even on food-preparation surfaces.

What Are the Benefits of Natural House Cleaning Products?

Natural home cleaners, though not a new concept, have become more popular in recent years. This is probably thanks to their ability to provide several benefits over their chemical counterparts. The main ones are listed below. 

• Cost Effective

You’ll find that natural cleaning products tend to last longer than their chemical counterparts, stretching your hard-earned dollar further.

• Eliminate Harmful Chemicals

Housekeeping products are full of chemicals, so it can be difficult to avoid them when cleaning your home. But exposure to these chemicals can be harmful, especially when they’re used in a setting where there is constant exposure. 

The best natural cleaning products are formulated with essential oils, which are extracted naturally and do not contain any harmful chemicals. 

• Help Your Home Stay Healthy

Regularly cleaning your home is essential to keeping it clean and healthy, but it’s important to use safe products. Natural cleaning products are mild and formulated with ingredients that are good for your health. Their fragrances are generally mild and not overpowering, making them great for allergy sufferers. 

Additionally, natural cleaning products are generally hypoallergenic, meaning they are unlikely to cause an allergic reaction. Using natural cleaning products helps your home stay clean and healthy. Natural cleaning products are safe for children and pets, making them a great choice for families. Another benefit of using natural cleaning products is that they are non-toxic.

• Benefit The Environment

Cleaning products contain harmful chemicals that can pollute our water sources, soil, and even the air we breathe. Using natural cleaning products helps to reduce this pollution.

Natural cleaning products are biodegradable and non-toxic, making them a better alternative to chemical cleaners. Because they break down quickly when placed in water, natural cleaning products do not harm the environment or nearby wildlife. Using natural cleaning products will have a positive impact on the environment. 

Another downside to chemical cleaners is that they can be bad for the environment. Many cleaning products are not biodegradable, meaning they are harmful to the soil and water supply. Natural cleaning products are environmentally friendly and do not contain harmful chemicals.

• Safer For You And Your Family

Natural cleaning products are mild and non-toxic, so they are safer for your family than chemical alternatives. Many natural cleaning products are designed to be used around children and pets, making them a great choice for families. Using natural cleaning products means you can ensure your family is protected from harmful chemicals. Natural cleaning products are non-toxic and child-safe, making them a great choice for busy families. Many natural cleaning products are also hypoallergenic, which is ideal for allergy sufferers. With those green cleaning tips and products to use, your house will be shining and with the use of no chemicals.

Make Your House Spotless While Keeping the Environment Safe!

Cleaning your home has a lot of benefits, but it can also be stressful and overwhelming. Green cleaning products and organic cleaning solutions make the task a little easier and are often less expensive than chemical cleaning products. These products can also be used safely around children and pets, making them ideal for busy families. There are a lot more natural cleaning products you can use to keep your home clean so cleaning doesn’t have to be a dreaded task any longer, as you will find those around your house.

Natural house cleaning products not only help to keep your home clean and smelling fresh, but they also help to reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals.