Cleaning tile floors and grout lines can be a challenging task, particularly when dirt and grime build up over time. This guide will provide you with a step-by-step process to deep clean your tile and grout, leaving them looking like new.

Step 1: Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before you begin cleaning your tile and grout, gather all necessary supplies to ensure effective and efficient cleaning. The following items will be needed:

• Broom or Vacuum: To sweep or suck up loose dirt, dust, or debris on the surface before cleaning.
• Mop or Sponge: To apply the cleaning solution to the tile and grout.
• Grout Cleaner: To clean the grout lines effectively. Choose a grout cleaner that is suitable for your tile and grout type.
• Grout Cleaning Brush or Old Toothbrush: To scrub the grout lines and remove any dirt or stains.
• Clean Bucket of Water: To rinse the tile and grout after cleaning.
• Towel or Mop for Drying: To dry the tile and grout after cleaning.

By gathering these supplies before cleaning, you can complete the task without having to stop and search for additional supplies.

Step 2: Sweep or Vacuum the Floor

Start by sweeping or vacuuming the tile floor to remove any loose dirt, dust, or debris, preventing it from getting into the grout lines and making them harder to clean later on. If the floor is particularly dirty, use a dust mop or microfiber mop instead of a broom or vacuum.

If you’re using a broom, make sure it has soft bristles to prevent scratching the tile. If you’re using a vacuum, use the hard floor setting to avoid damaging the tiles. Empty the dustbin or change the bag if it becomes full.

Begin at one end of the room and work your way towards the other end, getting into the corners and along the edges of the room where dirt tends to accumulate.

Step 3: Wash the Floor

Washing the floor is an essential step in deep cleaning your tile and grout, as it helps to loosen the dirt and grime on the surface of the tiles and in the grout lines. Here’s how to do it:

• Fill a bucket with warm water. The water should be warm enough to help break down the dirt and grime, but not so hot that it damages the tiles.
• Dip your mop or sponge into the bucket of water and wring out any excess water. You don’t want the floor to be soaking wet, just damp.
• Begin mopping the floor in small sections, starting from the farthest corner of the room and working your way towards the door. Overlap your strokes to avoid missing any areas.
• Rinse your mop or sponge frequently in the bucket of water to avoid spreading dirt and grime around.
• If your floor is particularly dirty, consider using a cleaning solution at this stage. Commercial tile and grout cleaners are available, or you can make your own cleaning solution using ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide. However, be cautious when using DIY cleaning solutions, as they can be abrasive and may damage certain types of tiles.

Step 4: Apply the Grout Cleaner

After mopping the entire floor, allow it to sit for a few minutes to let the water soak into the grout lines and loosen any dirt or grime. Next, apply the grout cleaner onto the grout lines using a grout cleaning brush or an old toothbrush. If using a heavy-duty grout cleaner, allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes before scrubbing to allow it to penetrate the grout and break down any buildup or stains.

Read the label of your chosen grout cleaner carefully to ensure that you follow any specific instructions or safety precautions. Some grout cleaners may require dilution, while others may need to be applied directly to the grout lines. Make sure to wear gloves and protective eyewear, and ensure adequate ventilation in the room.

Using your chosen tool, scrub the grout lines thoroughly, applying extra pressure to any heavily stained areas. Work in small sections at a time to ensure that you cover the entire floor.

Step 5: Rinse the Floor

Once you’ve finished scrubbing the grout lines, rinse the entire floor thoroughly with clean water. You can use a mop or a bucket of water to do this, making sure to change the water frequently to ensure that you’re not just spreading dirty water around.

After rinsing, inspect the grout lines to ensure that all of the cleansers has been removed. Any remaining residue can cause the grout to become discolored over time.

Step 6: Allow the Floor to Dry

Once you’ve finished rinsing, use a clean mop or towels to remove any excess water from the floor. Then, allow the floor to air-dry completely before walking on it or replacing furniture. This may take several hours, depending on the humidity and temperature in the room.

In conclusion, Cleaning grout can be a challenging task, and it requires effort, patience, and attention to detail. But it’s a necessary task to maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of your tiled floors, especially in areas like bathrooms and kitchens where dirt, grime, and mold can quickly accumulate.

By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your grout is thoroughly cleaned, and your tiles look as good as new. However, it’s important to note that some stains or buildup may require professional cleaning services.

A professional cleaning service like Spekless Cleaning can help you with all your grout cleaning needs. Our trained professionals use specialized equipment and cleaning solutions to remove tough stains, mold, and buildup, leaving your floors looking clean and refreshed. With our services, you can save time and effort and enjoy the benefits of a professionally cleaned floor.

Whether you choose to clean your grout yourself or opt for professional cleaning services, keeping your grout clean is essential for maintaining the appearance and hygiene of your tiled floors. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Spekless Cleaning for a professional and hassle-free grout cleaning experience.

A clean bathtub is an essential part of any home. With proper cleaning and upkeep, you can maintain a hygienic and inviting environment in your bathroom. However, different types of tubs require different cleaning methods to prevent damage to the material. In this ultimate guide, we will provide a step-by-step approach to cleaning every type of bathtub, so you can keep your tub looking its best.

Porcelain enameled steel bathtubs are a popular choice among homeowners because they offer both durability and ease of maintenance. When it comes to cleaning, these tubs require minimal effort and can be kept sparkling clean with just a few simple steps.

To begin cleaning a porcelain enameled steel bathtub, gather the necessary supplies. You will need a soft sponge, a non-abrasive cleaner, and warm water. Avoid using harsh chemicals, abrasive sponges, or steel wool pads that can scratch or damage the surface of the tub.

1. Wet the sponge with warm water and apply a small amount of the non-abrasive cleaner to the sponge.
2. Begin wiping the tub in a circular motion, working your way from the top of the tub down to the bottom. This will help ensure that you don’t miss any spots or leave streaks behind.
3. Pay special attention to any areas with visible stains or buildup. For tough stains, you can use a paste made of baking soda and water to gently scrub the area with the soft sponge. However, avoid using harsher chemicals or tools that can damage the enamel.
4. Once you’ve cleaned the entire tub, rinse it thoroughly with water, making sure to remove all traces of the cleaning solution. Any leftover residue can leave behind a dull film, which can be unappealing and difficult to remove.
5. Finally, use a clean towel to dry the surface of the tub. This will help prevent any water spots from forming and leave the porcelain enameled steel looking shiny and new.

Acrylic bathtubs are a popular choice among homeowners due to their lightweight, sleek design, and availability in various colors and styles. However, acrylic tubs require proper cleaning and maintenance to prevent scratches and damage to their surface. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you clean your acrylic bathtub effectively.

1. Gather the necessary materials for cleaning your acrylic bathtub. You will need a soft sponge, a non-abrasive cleaner, and warm water. Avoid using abrasive sponges, steel wool pads, or any cleaning products that contain ammonia or bleach, as they can cause damage to the surface of your acrylic tub.
2. Fill your tub with warm water and add a few drops of dish soap or a gentle, non-abrasive cleaner to the water.
3. Using a soft sponge or cloth, clean the entire surface of the tub in a circular motion. Be sure to clean the corners and the edges of the tub thoroughly.
4. Once you have finished cleaning the tub, rinse it thoroughly with warm water to remove any soap residue or cleaning solution.
5. Use a soft cloth or towel to dry the tub. Avoid using a rough or abrasive cloth, as it can scratch the surface of the acrylic tub. Once the tub is dry, you can add a protective coat of wax to the surface to help prevent future scratches or damage.

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s essential to maintain your acrylic bathtub by avoiding harsh chemicals or cleaning products. Also, it’s important to be careful with the type of objects you put in the tub to prevent scratches or damage to the surface. Avoid placing metal objects or heavy items on the surface of your acrylic bathtub, as they can cause scratches and damage.

Fiberglass bathtubs are popular for their affordability and ease of installation. However, they are also known to be more prone to scratches and stains than other types of tubs if not cleaned and maintained properly. Fortunately, keeping your fiberglass bathtub clean is not difficult with the right approach.

To start, gather the necessary cleaning materials. You will need a soft sponge, a non-abrasive cleaner, and warm water. It’s important to avoid using abrasive sponges, steel wool pads, or any cleaning product that contains bleach, as these can cause damage to the surface of the tub.

When it comes to cleaning your fiberglass bathtub, a gentle touch is key. Start by wetting the surface of the tub with warm water. Then, apply the non-abrasive cleaner to the sponge and use a circular motion to gently scrub the surface of the tub. Pay special attention to areas with visible stains or build-up.

Once you have finished scrubbing the tub, rinse thoroughly with water to remove any remaining cleaning solution. Be sure to rinse well, as any leftover cleaning product can leave a residue or cause the tub to become slippery. Finally, use a clean towel to dry the tub and remove any remaining water spots.

It’s also important to note that preventative maintenance is crucial to keeping your fiberglass bathtub looking its best. Avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasive tools, as these can scratch the surface of the tub. You can also consider applying a protective wax or polish to the surface of the tub to help repel water and prevent stains.

In addition to regular cleaning and maintenance, you can also take steps to prevent damage to your fiberglass bathtub. For example, avoid using bath mats with suction cups, as they can scratch the surface of the tub. Instead, opt for a non-slip mat or install non-slip strips on the bottom of the tub.

Enameled cast iron bathtubs are known for their durability and longevity. They are made of a heavy-duty material that can last for decades with proper maintenance. However, they can be easily scratched or damaged if cleaned with harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.

To clean an enameled cast iron bathtub, start by filling the tub with hot water and adding a small amount of dish soap. Let it sit for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or grime. Then, use a soft sponge or cloth to wipe the entire surface of the tub in a circular motion, taking care to remove any stubborn stains or build-up. Avoid using abrasive sponges or steel wool pads that can scratch the surface of the tub.

After cleaning, rinse the tub thoroughly with warm water to remove any remaining soap residue. You can also use a soft-bristled brush to reach difficult areas or to clean around the drain and overflow. Finally, dry the tub with a clean towel to prevent water spots or streaks.

For stubborn stains or discoloration, you can use a mixture of baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the stained area and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing it gently with a soft sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a clean towel.

It’s also essential to avoid using harsh chemicals, bleach, or abrasive cleaners that can damage the enamel surface of the tub. Always use a non-abrasive cleaner, and test it on a small, inconspicuous area before applying it to the entire tub. With proper care and maintenance, your enameled cast iron bathtub can last for years to come.

Bathtubs Made of Cast Polymers (Like Cultured Marble, Granite or Onyx) If your bathtub is made of cast polymers like cultured marble, granite, or onyx, you will want to be extra careful during the cleaning process. These materials are often softer than other bathtub materials and can scratch easily. To clean cast polymer bathtubs, follow these steps:

1. Clean with Mild Soap and Warm Water – Begin by cleaning the surface of your cast polymer bathtub with a mild soap and warm water. Be sure to use a non-abrasive cleaning pad or soft cloth to avoid any damage to the surface. Avoid using any cleaning products that are acidic or contain bleach, as these can cause discoloration and other damage to the surface.
2. Rinse with Clean Water – After cleaning the surface, rinse it thoroughly with clean water to remove any soap residue. Be sure to dry the surface with a clean, soft cloth to avoid any water spots.
3. Use a Non-Abrasive Cleaner for Stubborn Stains – For stubborn stains or discoloration, use a non-abrasive cleaner specifically designed for use on cast polymer surfaces. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully and avoid using any abrasive cleaning tools, as these can cause damage to the surface.

Things To Avoid When Cleaning Your Bathtub
While it’s important to clean your bathtub regularly, there are some things you should avoid doing during the cleaning process to prevent damage to the surface. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Avoid Abrasive Cleaners and Tools – Using abrasive cleaners or tools can cause damage to the surface of your bathtub. This is especially important to keep in mind if you have a bathtub made of a softer material like cast polymer or acrylic. Stick to non-abrasive cleaners and soft cloths to avoid any scratches or other damage.
2. Avoid Using Harsh Chemicals – Harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia can cause damage to the surface of your bathtub, as well as create fumes that can be harmful to your health. Stick to mild soaps and cleaners, and avoid using any products that contain strong chemicals.
3. Don’t Use Sponges or Scrub Brushes – Sponges and scrub brushes can also cause damage to the surface of your bathtub, especially if you use them with abrasive cleaners. Stick to non-abrasive cleaning pads and soft cloths to avoid any damage.
4. Don’t Let Stains Sit Too Long – If you notice a stain or discoloration on your bathtub, don’t let it sit too long before addressing it. The longer a stain sits, the harder it can be to remove. Try to clean any stains or discoloration as soon as you notice them to prevent them from becoming more stubborn.

Conclusion Cleaning your bathtub may not be the most glamorous task, but it’s an important part of keeping your bathroom clean and hygienic. By following the tips in this guide, you can ensure that your bathtub stays looking its best for years to come. Whether you have a porcelain enameled steel bathtub, an acrylic bathtub, a fiberglass bathtub, an enameled cast iron bathtub, or a bathtub made of cast polymers like cultured marble, granite, or onyx, there are specific steps you can take to keep it clean and looking great. Remember to avoid abrasive cleaners and tools, harsh chemicals, sponges and scrub brushes, and to address any stains or discoloration as soon as you notice them. With a little bit of regular maintenance and care, your bathtub can continue to be a relaxing and enjoyable part of your home.

Since vinyl floors are economical, dependable, and simple to maintain, they are a common choice for many homes. However, vinyl floors can develop wear and tear with time, just like any other type of flooring. The best way to maintain the appearance of your vinyl floors is to carefully clean and protect them. You may extend the lifespan of your vinyl floors by revitalizing and protecting them using the advice in this professional guide.

Step 1: Cleaning Your Vinyl Floors

Cleaning thoroughly is the first step in rejuvenating your vinyl floors. What you need to know is as follows:

• Use the proper cleaner: It’s crucial to use the correct kind of cleaner while cleaning vinyl floors. Avoid using abrasive cleansers or harsh chemicals on your flooring since they might scratch the surface. Choose a cleaner that is made especially for vinyl flooring instead. These cleansers are gentle enough to get rid of filth and grime without harming your floors’ finish.
• Vacuum or sweep frequently: Keeping your vinyl floors clean requires frequent sweeping or vacuuming. If left uncontrolled, dirt, dust, and debris can scratch the surface of your flooring. This will assist in removing them.
• Regular mopping is recommended in addition to cleaning or vacuuming vinyl floors. To get rid of any filth or grime that might have escaped regular sweeping or vacuuming, use a damp mop and a mild cleanser.

Step 2: Removing Stains

No matter how well you clean your vinyl floors, they may still develop stains. Here’s what you need to know to remove stains from your vinyl floors:

• Identify the type of stain: Before you start cleaning a stain, it’s important to identify what type of stain it is. Different types of stains require different cleaning methods, so it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.
• Use a light cleaning: Most stains can be removed with a mild cleanser. Apply the cleanser directly to the stain, let it stay for a short while, and then wipe it away with a damp cloth.
• Use a specialized cleaner: You may need to use a professional cleaner for persistent stains. Use a cleaner made especially for cleaning grease or oil stains as an illustration. To get the stain out, just adhere to the cleaner’s label’s directions.

Step 3: Protecting Your Vinyl Floors

It’s time to safeguard your vinyl floors once they’ve been thoroughly cleaned and stain-free. What you must do is as follows:

• One of the greatest ways to protect your vinyl floors is to place mats at the entrances. This will assist in catching dust and other particles before they damage the finish of your floors.
• Use felt pads under furniture: Placing felt pads beneath your furniture is another excellent technique to safeguard your vinyl flooring. When you move the furniture, this will stop it from damaging the floor’s surface.
• Avoid wearing high heels: High heels can cause deep scratches in your vinyl floors, so it’s best to avoid wearing them. If you must wear high heels, try to use a rug or mat to protect the surface of your floors.
• Avoid dragging heavy objects: Dragging heavy objects across your vinyl floors can also cause scratches and damage. Always lift heavy objects when you need to move them, rather than dragging them across the surface of your floors.

Conclusion

Vinyl floors are a popular and affordable choice for many households. With proper care and maintenance, your vinyl floors can last for many years. By following the steps outlined in this expert guide, you can revitalize and protect your vinyl floors, keeping them looking their best for years to come. Remember to clean your floors regularly, remove any stains promptly, and protect your floors from scratches and damage. With these tips, you can enjoy beautiful, long-lasting vinyl floors in your home.

After the holidays, it’s common for homes to feel cluttered and in need of a deep clean. Whether you hosted holiday gatherings or simply accumulated more mess over the weeks, tackling post-holiday home cleaning is crucial to get your space feeling fresh and organized again. While it may seem like a daunting task, breaking it down into smaller steps can make it more manageable. Here are five tips for getting your home back in order after the holiday season:

1. Start with the decorations. The first step in post-holiday home cleaning is to take down any holiday decorations and put them away neatly in storage bins. Not only will this make your home feel less cluttered, but it will also give you a sense of accomplishment. As you take down the decorations, make a list of any items that may need repair or replacement. This will help you stay organized and save time and money in the future.
   
2. Tackle the kitchen. The kitchen is likely the busiest room in the house during the holidays, and it can also be the most cluttered. Start by throwing away any spoiled food and recycling any packaging. Wipe down counters, appliances, and tables, and don’t forget to clean the inside of the fridge and pantry. Consider decluttering your pantry by getting rid of expired or unused items. This will make it easier to find what you need and save space.
   
3. Deep clean the living room. After the holidays, the living room is often in need of a thorough cleaning. Vacuum and dust the space, paying special attention to any areas that may have accumulated extra dirt or debris over the holidays. Consider steam cleaning the couch and chairs to get them looking and smelling fresh. If you have hardwood floors, consider giving them a good mopping or buffing.
   
   
   
4. Wash all the linens. Strip the beds and wash all the bedding, towels, and any other linens that may have accumulated dirt or stains over the holidays. This is also a good time to rotate your mattress and launder your pillows. Consider investing in high-quality bedding and towels to make post-holiday home cleaning easier in the future.
   
5. Don’t forget the outdoor spaces. The holiday season is often a time of excess, and that includes outdoor spaces like the porch and deck. Take a few minutes to sweep away any dirt or debris and tidy up any outdoor furniture. If you have a fireplace, now is a good time to clean out the chimney and get it ready for use.

By following these steps, you can effectively tackle post-holiday home cleaning and get your space feeling fresh and organized again. While it may seem like a lot of work, the sense of accomplishment you’ll feel when you’re finished is worth it. And if you don’t have the time or energy to tackle this task on your own, consider hiring a professional home cleaning service to help. With a little elbow grease and a thorough approach, you’ll be able to enjoy your home and start the new year off right.

Do you ever wonder how some people manage to maintain an absolutely flawless house, yet you never see them cleaning? This is because they do not attack the house in one sitting. Most of the time, they have a home cleaning checklist. 

A cleaning checklist gives you a system that enables you to continually keep your house in tip-top shape without feeling like you are running around like a headless chicken.

Four Reasons to Maintain a Home Cleaning Checklist

1. When you have a house cleaning checklist, you can prioritize what needs to be cleaned, and when you need to clean it. This makes it easier to handle different tasks. By breaking down your cleaning chores, you accomplish more than trying to tackle everything at once. 
2. Sometimes, the people living with you may not ‘see’ what needs to be cleaned. Having a cleaning to-do list also helps you to delegate duties as everyone will know what is expected of them. 
3. Consistent cleaning will prevent clutter and make your house safer. Routine house sanitization and disinfection prevents the spread of germs. Dust is less likely to build up, reducing the chances of allergic reactions and respiratory diseases.
4. A home cleaning schedule can save you from the embarrassment of a messy house, especially when you have unexpected visitors. It is not a nice feeling to apologize for the ‘state of the house’ when company just drops in. 

Basic Cleaning Equipment

Before you begin spring cleaning your home, you will need some products and equipment to help you get the job done right. No, you don’t require a hotel housekeeping trolley, but there are some necessary cleaning supplies you would need to stock up on if you don’t already have them. These include:

• Microfiber cloths or disposable rags
• Scrub brush, scrub sponges and abrasive scrub pads
• Mop and bucket
• Extendable duster
• Toilet brush 
• Grout brush or an old toothbrush
• Lightweight vacuum 
• Rubber gloves
• Indoor broom (if you have a balcony or patio, have a separate broom for that area)
• Dustpan 
• Squeegee 
• Plunger
• Stovetop scraper – only for flat-glass ceramic cooktops

Cleaning Products You Can Purchase for Your Home:

• All-purpose cleaner – these are generally mild solutions used to remove grease and dirt. They can be used on a variety of surfaces such as stovetops, countertops, and sinks. It is good to note that all-purpose cleaners are not disinfectants. 
• Disinfectant – This is essential for the kitchen and bathrooms. These should be left on the surfaces for at least 5 minutes before wiping them off to kill germs.
• Tile and grout cleaners – Scrub free solutions are the better option for shower tiles and bathtubs as they will not eat through the enamel. 
• Wood cleaner – This should match the type of wood you have in your house to maintain its appearance. 
• Glass cleaner – A no-streak or streak-free glass cleaner will give you the best results.

If you are not a big believer in commercial cleaning products, there are several things around the house that can be substituted for cleaning supplies. 

The Best Way to Maintain a Clean House

It may sound like a daunting task, but a daily home cleaning routine will ensure that you are not living in a never-ending mess. This little known secret to keeping a clean home goes a long way. When you get into a daily cleaning routine, you will find that it takes just about 15 minutes a day to get your house in order. 

Before we get into the daily cleaning checklist, there are a few tidy habits you could start on:

• Make your bed as soon as you get out of it.
• When you take off your clothes, either hang them if they are still clean or drop them in a laundry hamper.
• Try your best not to leave dirty dishes in the sink before you go to bed.
• Use wet wipes to clean bathroom counters and sinks after use.
• Keep kitchen counters free from appliances to make wiping down easy.
• Teach kids to put away their toys before they go to bed.
• Squeegee the glass walls after a shower to prevent stains.

Daily cleaning checklist

Your daily cleaning schedule should tackle the areas in your home with the most traffic. This includes the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. 

Kitchen:

• After your last meal, load dirty dishes into the dishwasher.
• Use an all-purpose cleaner to wipe down kitchen counters, dining table, and food preparation surfaces.
• Sweep and mop dirty floors.
• Clean the coffee maker.

Rooms: 

• Straighten up the living room – fold blankets, tidy up remotes, magazines, or paperwork.
• Wipe down tables in the living room, playroom, or home office.
• Make beds and collect dirty laundry.

Bathrooms: 

• Wipe down the exterior toilet, sink, and bathroom surfaces.
• Squeegee shower walls.
• Fold or hang towels.

Weekly cleaning checklist:

Having a weekly home cleaning checklist can help you knock down one household task every day. This way, you do not get overwhelmed by a load of laundry or a messy kitchen. 

Mop up Mondays

After all the weekend activities, you would like to start the week with a clean home. Dedicate Mondays to moping and vacuuming:

• the entrance hallway 
• family room
• stairs
• corridors 
• bedrooms 
• bathrooms 
• kitchen

Be sure to go under the dining table to collect any crumbs that may have fallen there. Keep this weekly mop up to areas that can be easily accessed. 

Scrub down Tuesdays

A day of pulling out those gloves and dealing with the bathrooms. 

• Scrub and sanitize the toilets, bathtubs, showers, sinks, and counters. 
• Plastic shower curtains and bathmats can be sprayed with disinfectant. 
• Change towels and do an inventory of toiletries. You do not want to run out of toilet paper. 

Wipe away Wednesdays

• Using an all-purpose cleaner and microfiber cloth, wipe away any dirt or smudge from the kitchen sink, stovetops, faucets, counters, and backsplash. 
• Wipe down the exterior surfaces of the microwave, oven, coffee maker, toaster, fridge, blender, mixer, and other kitchen appliances.
• Dust and wipe furniture; lamps and lampshades, picture frames, windowsills, doorknobs, light fixtures, ceiling fans, and vents. 
• Wipe the TV, entertainment system, and remote controls. 
• Dust off cobwebs and clean mirrors. 

Throw out Thursdays

Organize your home by getting rid of unwanted, outdated, or expired items. You can start with the fridge and move on to the medicine cabinet. Throw away junk mail, newspapers, old make-up, and lotions. Chuck out clothes with holes that you know you will not mend or craft projects from 10 years ago. 

If you have not used something in your house for the past two years, then there is the likelihood that you will not use it this year. Ridding your house of old, unused items every week will not only create space for other important things, but decluttering also gives you peace of mind. 

Fold it up Fridays

As the week comes to an end, the laundry basket should have filled up pretty well. Friday is a good laundry day. 

• Soak your whites separately as well as clothes with tough stains. 
• Strip the sheets, pillowcases, tablecloths, kitchen, hand, and bath towels and throw them in the washing machine. 
• Fold, iron, and put away clean laundry.

Pet-friendly Saturdays

If you have furry friends in your household, you can make use of Saturday mornings to show their living spaces some love. Empty the kitty litter box and scrub it with soap and water. Do not use any chemical cleaners such as bleach or ammonia because certain chemicals can be harmful to cats. Felines are also very picky and sensitive to smells. Any chemical odor may make a fussy cat have a bathroom break on your freshly cleaned carpet.

Saturday’s are also a great day to change the bedding for dogs and caged animals. If you have fish, doing a partial water change for the aquarium will keep them swimming happily.  

By following this weekly home cleaning checklist, your weekend should be free to enjoy with friends and family in a squeaky-clean home.

Three Months Spring-Cleaning Checklist

Every three months, we recommend that you set some time aside for a thorough, top to bottom, house spring cleaning. Understanding that not everyone can spring-clean like maid service, we suggest that you dedicate a specific section of the house for this particular task. You can work through the kitchen at one time, the living room, and bedrooms the next time and attack the bathroom last, then rotate. This way, you will not get tied down cleaning up for hours, and you can concentrate your effort on one cleaning duty.

Kitchen checklist

Refrigerator

Clear out your kitchen area because you will need space. 

• Take out everything from the fridge first. This includes the shelves and drawers and wash them in dishwashing liquid and warm water. Rinse and wipe dry. 
• Using a microfiber cloth dipped in warm water and baking soda, wipe inside the walls and floor of the refrigerator, as well as the top and outside. You can use a stainless-steel cleaner if that is what your fridge door is made of. 

Food inventory

• Take an inventory of items that need to be eaten soon, thrown out, or restocked before putting things back in the fridge. Do this with food in the freezer as well as the pantry.

Oven

• Using an oven cleaner and a cloth, wipe away any grease, grime, residue, or crusts from the door and inside the oven. 
• Clean the rangehood to remove any grease as this can be a fire hazard. 
• Clean the oven racks in dishwashing soap and hot water. 

It is good to note that oven cleaners contain harsh chemicals that can irritate. You should protect your hands with a pair of gloves and safety glasses for your eyes.

Microwave

• Clean the inside of the microwave by mixing a quarter cup of vinegar with one cup of water and boiling it in the microwave for 3 minutes. When the walls are all steamed up, wipe them with a clean cloth. 

Dishwasher

• If you start to smell something foul coming from the dishwasher, put one cup of vinegar and another bowl with baking soda on the top rack, and run a normal cycle.

Living room and bedroom checklist

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in: 

The Complete Living Room Cleaning Checklist

The living room is one of the most important rooms in the house. It’s where you relax, entertain guests, and spend time with your family. However, because people use it so much, it can be one of the most challenging rooms to keep clean. This is especially true if space is limited, like in a small apartment in San Francisco, CA, or a condo in Seattle, WA. From dusting to vacuuming to deep cleaning, there’s a lot to do to keep your living room looking its best. 

• Vacuum all carpeting, upholstery, and area rugs. Don’t forget to get behind large pieces of furniture and under couch cushions.
• Take down and wash curtains, drapes, duvets, comforters, pillows, and cushion cover
• Dust and wipe down window blinds, windowsills, air vents, doors, walls, and molding
• Use a glass cleaner on the windows and glass cabinets
• Dust the smoke alarm and check the batteries
• Change your air conditioning and vacuum filters

Sparkling bathroom cleaning checklist

If not well looked after, your bathroom can become a good host for nasty fungi. Mildew and mold thrive in dark and damp environments. Discourage unwanted bathroom guests with these bathroom cleaning hacks. 

• Clean and disinfect the trash can with a cleaner that can kill bacteria and neutralize odors. Rinse it and let it air dry in the sun to prevent mold.
• Disinfect the toothbrush holder – most of them are dishwasher friendly. 
• Check the label on your shower curtain or liner and see if it can be run in the washing machine. For plastic shower curtains, you can soak them in water and vinegar and hang them out to dry. If the time has taken its toll, replace your shower curtain. 
• Wipe or vacuum the inside of drawers and cupboards. Put new lining in drawers.

Shine your porcelain throne both inside and out

Using a disinfecting spray, spritz the entire toilet, inside, outside, at the back of the base, under the seat, and the wall behind. Let the cleaner do its magic for at least 5 minutes. Wipe the exterior of the toilet from top to bottom with a paper towel. Use a stiff-bristled toilet brush to scrub under the rim and inside the toilet. Flush to rinse.

Annual house cleaning checklist

Good news – there are some areas of the house that can remain overlooked for a year. Having said this, you still need to have a go at them as they are essential for the overall upkeep of your home. 

• Clean and organize the garage and basement.
• Clear out gutters.
• Clear out chimney and fireplace.
• Special projects – Declutter, donate or sell any clothes, shoes, toys, sporting equipment, gadgets, or things you have stored in the house that you have not used in the past year.

When to call the experts

Starting a home cleaning routine when your house is already ‘too far gone’ can seem hopeless. Spekless House Cleaning is here to help. In just 60 seconds, you can book a quality cleaning appointment through our online and digital communication platform. 

You can choose whether you would like a standard cleaning to get you started on your way to maintaining a home cleaning checklist, or you prefer a deep cleaning where we get under every nook and cranny. We can help you create a house cleaning schedule and checklist that will work around your needs. 

We’ve got your back, so you don’t break yours while trying to keep a clean home.

The living room is often the center focal point of ones home. It’s often known as the family room. This is where the family gathers after a long day, where you visit with friends and family, and where you enjoy the holidays. Because of that, it’s important to keep a clean living room. Today we’re sharing living room cleaning tips that will help you get your living room on the right track.

Living room cleaning tips

Declutter

The first thing you want to do when cleaning your living room is to make sure that it’s not cluttered. A lot of times people confuse clutter with dirt. Just because something is cluttered, doesn’t mean it’s dirty. So first things first, declutter your living room. Make sure everything has a home and if it doesn’t toss it in the donate pile.

Dust

Next thing you’ll do is go through and make sure everything is dusted. Grab your microfiber cleaning rag and dusting spray and wipe down any wood furniture, shelving, blinds, end or coffee tables, etc. This is also the time to go around and disinfect any surfaces that need disinfecting such as the remotes and the tables.

Divide

After you’ve decluttered and dusted, nows the time to divide and conquer. By that I mean, work section by section cleaning the windows, washing any upholstery covers, changing out any air fresheners, and cleaning the floors. It’s best to work from the inside of the living room out.

Need help cleaning your living room?

The key to a clean house is keeping consistency. That means you’ll need to clean often. We know this can be hard to do when you have a career and a family to take care of. Which is why we’re here to help. Our professional house cleaners live for this type of work. It’s what we’re here for. Contact us today for a free service estimate.