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Tag: deep cleaning

  • Simplified Prep: Get Ready for a Refreshing Residential Deep Clean

    Simplified Prep: Get Ready for a Refreshing Residential Deep Clean

    There’s a myth about deep cleaning your home that we come up against time and again. The myth is that deep cleaning is an extensive time and cost commitment. However, this is often far from the truth, particularly when you understand how to prepare for a professional deep clean, along with what you can do to customize your service for your needs and budget.

    Let’s dive into our top three recommendations that you can do to prepare your home for a deep clean with confidence and a clear plan of attack.

     

     

    Preparation Tip 1: Declutter for Efficiency

    Before your professional cleaners arrive to deep clean your home, take the time to declutter the rooms they’ll be deep cleaning. Clearing surfaces, organizing belongings, pulling out furniture – if required – and tidying up make the deep cleaning process more efficient. Remember, the easier it is to navigate your home, the more effective and less time-consuming the deep cleaning will be. If you want, take it a step further, make three piles, placing your items in them: one to keep, one to donate, and one to toss.

    Be strict about getting rid of things that are just taking up space. This not only makes cleaning quicker but also gives your place a neater, more organized vibe. Keep it real, keep it simple, and set the stage for a no-nonsense deep clean that leaves your home looking sharp and clutter-free. To learn more, visit our article on how to reduce clutter here.

     

     

    Preparation Tip 2: Create a Cleaning Checklist for Clarity

    To facilitate a smooth deep cleaning process, create a cleaning checklist for the cleaners. Clearly outline any specific requests or areas that need special attention. This ensures that the cleaning team addresses your unique concerns and focuses on the aspects that matter most to you. Some items that we often see on these checklists from our clients include dusting, mopping, wiping down the inside kitchen cabinets (upon request only), etc.

    If you’re looking for an example of a cleaning checklist, visit this article on Spring Cleaning, scroll down to the bottom, and download our Spring Cleaning checklist. 

     

     

    Preparation Tip 3: Provide Clear Instructions for Special Cleaning Requests

    At Clean Club Calgary, we understand that every home is unique, and our goal is to tailor our deep cleaning services to your specific needs. To ensure your expectations are met, we recommend that you provide clear instructions for any special cleaning requests you may have. Whether it’s highlighting delicate surfaces, requesting specific cleaning products, or detailing areas that require extra attention, communicating these details beforehand helps our team address your concerns effectively. A comprehensive set of instructions allows us to customize our approach so your deep cleaning experience aligns perfectly with your preferences.

     

     

    Common Deep Cleaning FAQs

    Not all deep cleaning appointments are the same. The following frequently asked questions will give you deeper insight into how you can make the most of your deep cleaning experience.

    Q: We have pesky stains that we don’t know how to remove. Can you help with this?

    A: We do our best to remove those pesky common household stains when they are included on the checklist. However, there are often several factors that come into play when it comes to stain removal. We recommend that for common stains, review this article on how to remove common types of stains so that you can remove the stain itself. This way, the stain itself doesn’t set while you’re waiting for your regular or deep cleaning session.

    Q: Do you customize your deep cleaning services?

    A: Many homeowners shy away from deep cleaning, assuming it involves cleaning the entire house. At Clean Club Calgary, our deep cleaning services are fully customizable, allowing you to choose specific areas that need attention. Whether it’s your bathrooms, the main floor, or a combination of spaces, we tailor our services to fit your requirements and budget. This flexibility makes deep cleaning accessible and affordable, dispelling the notion that it’s an extravagant undertaking.

    Q: What’s the difference between a regular, routine cleaning and a deep cleaning?

    A: It’s important to recognize that deep cleaning and routine cleaning are distinct processes with different time requirements. The more tasks involved, the more time it adds up. Be realistic about your expectations for subsequent cleanings after a deep clean as regular maintenance is key to preserving the results and ensuring your home remains a clean and healthy environment. To learn more about the details of the differences, visit this article on the differences. 

    Q: How often should I schedule a deep clean?

    A: The frequency of deep cleaning depends on factors like lifestyle, pets, and personal preferences. On average, we recommend a deep clean every 3 – 6 months. To help determine what cleaning schedule works best with your calendar, refer to this guide on different considerations for cleaning schedules.

    Q: Do I need to be present during a deep cleaning session?

    A: Nope. We have many clients who trust us to come and complete our cleaning services. However, to do this, they provide a detailed list of what they need cleaned, they move their valuables and other furniture, if required, so we can access certain areas, and so forth. Other clients prefer to be present because this allows them to directly communicate specific requests and preferences to the cleaning team. This is all about your personal cleaning preference.

    Preparing your home for a deep cleaning doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Clean Club Calgary’s customizable services, combined with effective decluttering and clear communication, ensure a seamless and personalized experience…and a deeply clean home! Book your deep cleaning session right here.

  • Discover These Cleaning Hacks with Common Household Items

    Discover These Cleaning Hacks with Common Household Items

    Cleaning – ugh! It takes so much time. There are so many fancy cleaning products out there to choose from, it’s overwhelming to know what to choose. The cleaning cloths you use always seem to leave streaks on the mirrors. And, just when you finish cleaning, you find yourself right back at the beginning with new smudges, trudged in dirt, and toilets that seem to need yet another deep scrubbing. It seems like it’s a never-ending chore.

    What a hassle!

    Feeling as though you can relate a little too much? You are not alone!

    Did you know that there are easy cleaning hacks to save you both time and money, making this chore a bit less of a hassle? These hacks could even make cleaning – dare I say it – fun!

    It’s true! Here are five cleaning hacks to help make this never-ending chore more enjoyable while making your house sparkle just a bit longer.

     

     

    General House Cleaning Hacks

    You do not need any fancy cleaning products to make your house shine. All you need are vinegar, dish soap and baking soda. These are what the team at Clean Club Calgary uses. For really tough jobs, we do use Bar Keeper’s Friend, but that tends to be it. Why these items?

    • Dish soap is a gentle solution that (typically) doesn’t irritate your skin or give off any harmful fumes like many cleaners do over time.

    • Baking soda is a versatile cleaning agent that can be used for everything from removing odours to cleaning ovens and sinks. One note – be sure to rinse surfaces thoroughly to avoid leaving a white residue behind.

    • White vinegar is a great choice for deep cleaning tasks like descaling coffee makers, removing hard water stains, and cleaning and disinfecting cutting boards.

    A few reasons why these common household items are great for general cleaning hacks around the house include:

    • A dollop of dish soap in water goes a long way to cleaning your showers, washing your cabinets, baseboards and doors, scrubbing the toilet – literally the entire house.

    • With your floors, you can use a mixture of vinegar and water. Just beware as vinegar can be harsh on some materials. Learn more about which dish soap, vinegar, and baking soda concoctions work best on which type of flooring here.

    • From a health perspective, when using these basic household items, you reduce the risk of allergies in family members because they do not contain harsh chemicals.

    One final general house cleaning hack is to keep a simple pattern when cleaning: clean left to right, top to bottom. This way, you have a rhythm to your cleaning and you’ll never miss a spot.

     

     

    Maid Service Cleaning Hacks

    If you work with a cleaning service, know that you should be allowed to say what products are used in your house. Simply share that vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and dish soap, along with water, are the items you would like used rather than any chemical-based products they may provide. This will help reduce the risk of unintentional damage to your household surfaces because these items are more gentle than traditionally used cleaning products. Before starting your cleaning, let them know that you would prefer to use these common household items for cleaning. This will help ensure that they come prepared with the right tools and materials. Alternatively, they may ask that you provide these items for them to use, along with instructions for how to use them effectively. If this is the case, below are Clean Club Calgary’s recommendations for which products to use where:

    • For kitchen cleaning, vinegar and dish soap are great choices for cleaning countertops, appliances, and floors (material dependent).

    • For bathroom cleaning, hydrogen peroxide and baking soda can be used to clean and disinfect sinks, toilets, and shower tiles.

    • For dusting and vacuuming, microfiber cloths and vacuum attachments are great for getting into tight spaces and removing dust and dirt.

    If you have any concerns or questions about using household items for cleaning tasks, your cleaning service should know how to use these items properly, providing you with tips and advice for using them safely and effectively. If not, please reach out to Clean Club Calgary with your questions.

     

     

    Deep Cleaning Hacks

    Once or twice a year, you should complete a deep cleaning of your house. Ideally more…but let’s be realistic. This is the type of clean where you get into all the corners, underneath all the furniture, and behind all the cabinets. Like regular cleaning, we recommend you use baking soda, dish soap and vinegar. However, here is where you’ll use more hydrogen peroxide to help remove tough stains that have built up, disinfect surfaces rather than simply clean them, and eliminate odours that may appear (such as down the garburator).

    One thing to note is that hydrogen peroxide is a powerful cleaning agent that can be used to remove stains from fabrics, clean and disinfect surfaces, and even whiten grout. A few notes to consider when using hydrogen peroxide include:

    • Always wear gloves and avoid getting the solution in your eyes or mouth. While this product is safer than other cleaners on the market, it still can be harmful if ingested or irritating to the skin.

    • To prevent damage to surfaces, test it on a small, inconspicuous area before using it on a larger scale.

    • Always make sure to read the labels and follow instructions to use them safely and effectively. This goes for any household cleaning product, including our preferred product, Bar Keeper’s Friend.

    In addition to deep cleaning the above-listed areas of the house, there are also items throughout your home that should be deep cleaned. These items often include descaling your coffee maker, polishing your glasses and silverware, cleaning your oven, or purging your fridge of expired items. Another item that should be cleaned – one that many cleaners, including Clean Club Calgary, steer clear of unless given explicit permission to clean – is the China cabinet and all the sentimental, often breakable items contained within. During your deep clean, do a thorough dusting and wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinet and everything in it. Add these types of items to your deep cleaning checklist and you’ll add extra zhuzh to your after-sparkle.

     

     

    Recurring Cleaning Hacks

    There are items that everyone should clean regularly – think the kitchen, bathroom, and vacuuming of high traffic areas. Below are a few tips to help limit your time on these regularly cleaned areas.

    • When dusting with a microfiber cloth, spray a bit of water or vinegar onto the cloth so you can easily trap dust, limiting the number of times you have to go over a spot.

    • To freshen up a room, place a small bowl of vinegar – ideally in a central spot – and let it sit for a few hours. The vinegar helps absorb unwanted odours, leaving the room smelling fresh.

    • Sprinkle a light layer of baking soda on the carpet and let it sit for a few minutes before vacuuming it up. This hack helps eliminate odours often trapped within the fibres, improving the smell of your carpets and rugs.

    • Create a checklist of regular cleaning tasks and identify which household items are used for which task. When ready to clean, you’ll know exactly what you need for each room.

    • Set a regular day and time for specific cleaning tasks. Note that you do not have to do all your cleaning in one day (unless you want to). Some families have a designated day for dusting and vacuuming, another for bathrooms, and another for laundry. Others choose one day of the weekend to get everything done. The trick is to stay consistent from week to week.

     

     

    Spring Cleaning Hacks

    Spring cleaning is one of my personal favourite times of the year. Similar to deep cleaning, spring cleaning takes “clean” to a whole other level!

    Here is where your vinegar and baking soda will truly earn their keep. In addition to all the great cleaning hacks listed above, the following items will benefit from these products:

    Windows

    Add vinegar to water and wash the inside and outside of your windows with it for extra shine.

    Fridges

    When cleaning your fridge, scrub inside using diluted vinegar/water solution to eliminate odours and remove any spills or stickiness that may be lurking.

    Pots and pans

    Add baking soda to your pots and pans, let them sit for a few minutes, add a bit of vinegar, then scour them clean. One warning – do not do this with cast iron items!

    Carpets & Furniture

    Sprinkle your carpets and upholstered furniture with a light baking soda dusting, let it sit for a few minutes, then vacuum up the soda. On your furniture, use the proper vacuum attachment so as not to damage the material.

    For more tips, tricks, and spring cleaning hacks (and checklists), visit our Spring Cleaning blog here.

    There is a world of cleaning hacks out there to be discovered. The above are some of the easiest, most cost-effective ones to start with.

    Of course, we believe that the best cleaning hack of all is to not have to do it because you work with a professional cleaning service. If this is the hack you’d like to try, then connect with us for an initial quote.

  • How Often Should You Clean Your House?

    How Often Should You Clean Your House?

    If I had a nickel for every time I was asked, how often should I clean my house? I would have been able to retire a long time ago. I wouldn’t, because I love what I do, but I could. It’s that frequent of a question.

    In a study completed by the American Cleaning Institute, they found that the average American spends six hours cleaning every single week, with a third left wondering if they are cleaning enough or even correctly. After all, there is a proper way to scrub the toilet, remove dust bunnies, and vacuum the rug to ensure we’re not just moving, but actually removing dirt.

    Yet, how often you should you clean your house involves many factors, including how many people live there, if you have pets (particularly furry ones), your own preference and definition of what clean is, and so much more. Some may only require a monthly clean, some a biweekly, and still others weekly. The truth is, only you can decide how often you should clean your house.

    To help you determine your own frequency, whether monthly, biweekly, or weekly, here are some insights to support you in determining what’s right for you.

     

     

    1. Biweekly Cleaning

    The most common frequency requested at Clean Club Calgary is our biweekly house cleaning service. The reason is that a biweekly cleaning builds confidence in our clients that the main areas of their home are cleaned every two weeks. It’s a beautiful refresh that gives our clients time back in their weeks, so they don’t have to worry about scrubbing the toilet or scrapping food splatters off the stove’s backsplash. This has helped many of our customers take back their Saturdays to spend quality time with their families.

     

    2. Weekly Cleaning

    The next most common cleaning frequency requested by families is weekly. It provides assurance that the bathrooms, kitchen, and dusting are all being done, providing relief that the family can simply relax and be together during their downtime rather than worrying about what new dirt friend is growing in the kitchen corner. We also find that people who have furry pets – yes this can be your children – do best with a weekly cleaning so they can stay on top of all the additional fur, especially when it comes to the seasons changing. Sorry – we can’t do anything about your teenager’s mood swings though.

     

     

     

    3. Monthly Cleaning

    We often recommend monthly cleaning for those who live alone or a couple (without pets) who are generally fairly tidy. These are people who tend to want a deeper clean but won’t take too much additional time because they tidy and clean up after themselves during the month. They typically want to know that the cleaning they missed throughout the month is completed by us. It’s a true team effort!

     

    4. Cleaning Budgets

    While we would recommend weekly or biweekly cleaning for busy families and people who have pets, we do recognize that cleaning is a luxury item on a family’s budget, so we need to work with what they can afford. To learn more about the pricing involved and budget for different types and frequencies of cleaning, read this blog here all about how much to budget for a typical residential cleaning[1] .

     

     

     

    5. Cleaning Schedule

    When we say monthly cleaning, this doesn’t mean that the cleaning will fall on every 1st of the month or every 2nd Wednesday of the month for example. For cleaning companies to maximize their schedules, it is either weekly, every 2nd week or every 4th week.  It is extremely hard to offer regular cleanings every 3rd week. In fact, Clean Club Calgary doesn’t book tri-weekly cleans because these are too complex to accommodate our customers’ and our cleaning team members’ schedules.

     

    6. Deep Cleaning vs. Rotational Cleaning Services

    Monthly cleaning services typically require more deep cleaning and elbow grease because we’re removing a month’s worth of dirt/dust/etc. buildup. With weekly and biweekly cleanings, we’re able to rotate certain items (e.g., cleaning one room one week, another room the next, and so forth), so there is not as much buildup in between cleanings. This often comes down to the individual preference as to what type and how often the customer wants their space cleaned.

     

    7. Health & Cleaning

    Regardless of the frequency, there are items we clean each time to ensure the overall health of your family. This includes cleaning the bathroom (unless otherwise requested) and wiping down door handles, for example. The reason is that these items are often where germs remain and can directly impact the health of your family.

    At the end of the day, the type and frequency of cleaning comes down to personal preference and the budget available. If you are someone who prefers to have a superbly clean and tidy house and has the budget, then weekly cleaning is recommended. The ultimate goal is to provide a cleaning service that suits you and your needs.

    If you’re ready to take back your time and add regular cleaning to your household, then reach out to share which cleaning frequency best suits your needs. Simply connect here for a custom quote.