Cleaning your home to keep your home virus free

Cleaning your home to keep your home virus free

If ever there was a time to give your home a thorough once-over, it’s now. And unless you have a magic cleaning fairy stashed in your pantry, chances are, it’s going to be YOU who’s responsible for cleaning your benchtops, blinds, floors and any other surface to kill the coronavirus.  So how to keep your home virus-free?

The federal government’s cleaning guidelines are a great place for those on the grubby frontline to start. Here, the easy-to-understand official cleaning tips and guidelines to kill the virus pronto…

Why is cleaning important to keep your home virus-free?
According to the guidelines, “cleaning is an essential part of disinfection.  Basically, cleaning reduces the soil load, allowing the disinfectant to work.

So I need to clean first, then disinfect my home?  Short answer is yes. The removal of germs such as the virus that causes COVID-19 requires thorough cleaning followed by disinfection.

How long does the COVID-19 virus survive on surfaces?  Experts are still unsure about this, but the general consensus is it can survive on surfaces for anywhere from a few hours to several days. The cleaning guidelines state: “The length of time that SARS-COV-2 (the cause of COVID-19) survives on inanimate surfaces will vary depending on factors such as the amount of contaminated body fluid – such as respiratory droplets – present and environmental temperature and humidity. In general, coronaviruses are unlikely to survive for long once droplets produced by coughing or sneezing dry out.”

Which home surfaces and spaces should you clean with detergent and/or disinfectant?  There’s only so many hours in the day, so prioritize between the frequently touched surfaces and fittings and the minimally touched surfaces.  Frequently touched surfaces typically include:
Door handles, bedrails, tabletops, light switches, taps, computer keyboards, toilet flush buttons.  If you have little children, this might also include cupboard doors, chairs, and any surface at ‘little person height’.

How often should you clean these and with what cleaning solution?  The guidelines recommend cleaning frequently. Use detergent solution, “with the exact choice of detergent determined by the nature of surface and likely degree of contamination.” Detergent-impregnated wipes are also fine to use.
Additionally, clean fittings with visibly soiled surfaces pronto, and surfaces immediately after any spillage.
Minimally touched surfaces typically include: Floors, ceilings, walls, blinds, mirrors and windows, sofas, chairs. See a list of 7 germy places in your home here.

How often should you clean these and with what cleaning solution?  The guidelines states “detergent solution or wipes (follow the manufacturer’s instructions) are adequate for cleaning general surfaces” and areas. And…
• Damp mopping is preferable to dry mopping.
• Walls and blinds should be cleaned when visibly dusty or soiled.
• Window curtains should be regularly changed in addition to being cleaned when soiled.
• Sinks and basins should be cleaned on a regular basis.

How long will it take to kill the virus?  “Sufficient time is required to kill the virus, i.e., at least 10 minutes contact time.”  Using disinfectant.
If you use the same disinfectant over several hours, don’t. “Use freshly made bleach solution and follow manufacturer’s instructions for appropriate dilution and use,” recommends the guidelines.

To get more cleanliness from your disinfectant buck, the guidelines direct cleaners to:
• Wipe the area with bleach solution using disposable paper towels or a disposable cloth.
• Dispose of gloves and mask in a leak proof plastic bag.
• Wash hands well using soap and water and dry with disposable paper or single-use cloth towel.
• If water is unavailable, clean hands with alcohol-based hand rub.

How to protect yourself when cleaning?  It’s human nature to touch our eyes, face, mouth and other body parts. When cleaning, wear a mask and non-penetrable gloves. Practice good health and hygiene.  For good hand hygiene, use soap and water regularly.

For house cleaning services in Overland Park, contact Tidy Up Angels LLC on 913-642-2006. Some of our services include custom house cleaning, move in/move out cleaning and put on market cleaning. 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.

Fall Cleaning Checklist

Fall Cleaning Checklist

As the seasons change, so should your cleaning routine. You might already conduct an annual spring cleaning, but it’s just as important to give your home a refresh once summer comes to a close. Fall typically brings cooler weather and more time spent indoors, which can mean increased foot traffic, dust, and debris. It also signals the approach of the holiday season, which often brings houseguests and extra cooking along with it. Deep cleaning an entire home, however, is a big job, and sometimes even tackling a single room can be overwhelming. To make seasonal cleaning a breeze, break down each room into a checklist of must-do tasks. Then integrate cleaning into your daily schedule to make it feel less like a chore. Follow this fall cleaning checklist for a room-by-room approach to tidying your home for the season.

Inside Your House

 

Outside Your House

For house cleaning services in Overland Park, contact Tidy Up Angels LLC on 913-642-2006. Some of our services include custom house cleaning, move in/move out cleaning and put on market cleaning. 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.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO CLEAN MY DISHWASHER?

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO CLEAN MY DISHWASHER?

Although it seems counter-intuitive, dishwashers can get pretty darn dirty—even with all the hot water and detergent constantly running through it. Whether it’s the chemicals in dish washing soap or grease and grime buildup, your once-pristine dishwasher may be brimming with scummy residue, germs, and odors. Not only that, they can get clogged and there will be nasty, smelly water sitting in the bottom, which is gross! While we know we need to properly care for our coffee machines, clean our electric kettles, and sanitize our counter-tops, we rarely think to do the same for our cleaning devices. Luckily, cleaning your dishwasher is quick and easy with items you already have in the pantry: vinegar, baking soda, or bleach.

HOW OFTEN DO I HAVE TO CLEAN MY DISHWASHER?
Don’t worry! You don’t have to spend all your free time with your head in the machine. Do a deep clean including an alkaline wash and drain trap scrub once a month. You should wipe down the panel and controls once a week. That said, if you notice that the dishwasher is smelly, moldy, or not cleaning as well as it normally does, it’s time to don the rubber gloves and get in there.

HOW DO I CLEAN MY DISHWASHER WITH VINEGAR?
You might be surprised by all the problems you can solve with apple cider vinegar. But for this chore,  works best. Fill a dishwasher-safe cup or bowl with white vinegar and place it on the upper rack of your machine. Run the otherwise-empty dishwasher on the hottest setting—this will allow the vinegar to absorb odors and erode grimy buildup on the walls of the machine. Vinegar is astringently acidic, which makes it a great agent for breaking down scum on most appliances (you can use it to clean your washing machine, too). Keep a spray bottle with vinegar on hand and spritz the inside of your machine frequently in between washes for prolonged sparkle.

HOW DO I CLEAN YOUR DISHWASHER WITH BAKING SODA?
Maybe you already use baking soda to remove pesticides from fruit. It’s a safe and mild alkali substance that goes a long way in removing persistent residue left by food waste. Sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda along the bottom of your dishwasher and rinse on a hot-water cycle. Repeat this process when you have especially stubborn stains or smells. For extra cleaning punch, create “baking soda bombs” by mixing 2 cups of baking soda with 3 tablespoons of hydrogen peroxide in a bowl until it’s a paste-like consistency. Drop spoonfuls onto parchment paper and allow to dry for a few hours. Toss them on the bottom of your dishwasher and run a hot-water cycle in an empty machine. For a fresher scent, add a few drops of an essential oil to the mix.

HOW DO I CLEAN A DISHWASHER WITH BLEACH?
Proceed with caution! While bleach is great for killing germs, mildew, and mold, it can ruin a dishwasher if the inside is made of stainless-steel or has any stainless-steel parts on the inside. If your machine has any stainless-steel parts on the inside, use one of the methods listed above. If you have determined with 100 percent certainty that your dishwasher is lined with plastic and has plastic parts (this is usually the case with less expensive models), then bleach away. Follow the same method as vinegar—fill a bowl with about 1/2 cup bleach and run the machine, empty, on the hottest setting.

HOW DO I CLEAN A DISHWASHER DRAIN TRAP?
With most modern dishwashers, you don’t need to fully rinse the dishes before loading them into the machine. Doing so can actually make the machine less efficient, as the internal sensor will think that the dishes are clean and sanitized before they actually are—causing it to run a shorter cycle. That said, go ahead and scrape off any large pieces of food as they are candidate no. 1 for clogging the dishwasher drain trap.
Speaking of the drain trap, check it frequently to make sure there’s not a bunch of gross stuff in there just waiting to stink up the place. If there is, start by removing and disassembling it. Once it’s apart, use a sponge or toothbrush and dish soap to remove any stuck-on food bits or mold.

These are just some great tips to help you get through your week – but if you would like to have your home professionally cleaned; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.

How to clean your washing machine

How to clean your washing machine

If your washing machine is smelling worse than your sweaty workout shirt, it’s time to give it a good cleaning. Yes, even washing machines get dirty.

Laundry soils, detergent and hard-water minerals build up in areas you can’t see and mold and mildew can thrive in the washer lid and the door..

So how do you de-funk a washer? These are some easy green-cleaning tips every six months to avoid any issues.

How to clean a front-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Spray bottle
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Baking soda

What you’ll do:

  1. Before cleaning the washer drum, clean the gasket by spraying it with white vinegar and wiping with a damp microfiber cloth. The rubber gasket at the front of the washer, especially in a high-efficiency (HE) washer, accumulates water, hair, scum and mildew.
  2. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest water temperature.
  3. Add two cups of white cleaning vinegar to detergent dispenser.
  4. Run it through a complete cycle.
  5. Run another cycle on the highest level and at the hottest water temperature, this time adding one-half cup of baking soda to the drum.
  6. When cycle is done, wipe inside drum of washer with a damp microfiber cloth.
  7. While you’re at it, wipe down the front of the machine, too.

How to clean a top-loading washing machine:

What you’ll need:

  • White cleaning vinegar
  • Microfiber cloth
  • Toothbrush
  • Baking soda

What you’ll do:

  1. Set the washer to the highest level and the hottest setting.
  2. Add four cups of white cleaning vinegar to the wash cycle.
  3. After the cycle starts, pause the machine and allow it to sit for an hour.
  4. During this time, wipe down the top of the washer with a microfiber cloth dipped in the hot vinegar water.
  5. Use an old toothbrush to scrub the fabric softener and bleach dispensers.
  6. After an hour, continue the wash cycle.
  7. Then run another wash cycle using one cup of baking soda.
  8. At the end of the cycle, wipe the top inside of the washer tub with a microfiber cloth to remove any scum.

One final tip: Prevent mildew and mold by leaving the lid or door open when not in use.

Now your washer will be ready to clean your clothes again!

For all your home cleaning needs; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.

Tips to Cleaning Up The Kid’s Room

Tips to Cleaning Up The Kid’s Room

If you have children, you probably already know that their idea of a 15-minute cleanup is shoving everything under the bed and smoothing out the dust ruffle. Provide your kids with a real cleanup that takes only 15 minutes, but leaves the room actually cleaner. Give them this step-by-step guide to getting their room in great shape (and they won’t have to give up a whole Saturday).

Collect your supplies. You may already have a hamper, trash can, or toy box in your room. Use the list below to gather the things you need to clean your room. Don’t begin cleaning until you have all of your supplies in your room. Trying to find supplies one at a time is a waste of time.

Put dirty clothing in a hamper. Dirty clothes in your room are probably near the hamper, but we want to actually put them in the hamper. Don’t worry about unfolding your socks or turning clothes right side out—you’ll do that when you sort out the laundry.

Put trash in the trash can. Don’t worry about anything but trash right now. Pick up all the obvious trash and throw it in the can.
Make the bed. If making the bed seems like a waste of time, humor me. Smooth out the sheets. Smooth out the blanket or comforter. Fluff your pillows. Stand back and take a quick look at the bed. It looks much neater, not necessarily better, just neater. On the plus side, you’re not as likely to lose things in your bed when it’s neat.

Refold or rehang clean clothes. This is where that made bed comes in handy. If you have a lot of clothes to refold or rehang you can neatly stack them on your bed to remind you to fold them later. This saves you a little time now, keeps the room looking neat, and makes sure you will be reminded to fold them before trying to crawl into bed.

Pick up all the toys. Put them into a toybox, petnet, or wherever they belong. Don’t worry about sorting out what toy goes with what piece, etc. Just put them all into the box.

Identify items that don’t belong in the room and place them in a basket or box to remove. We’re not worried about placing the items where they belong right now. Just put them all in a basket for now.  Sweep and mop, or vacuum.

If you have a few minutes left over after vacuuming, older children can grab the basket and take the items in it to their proper area. With younger children, have them put the basket in the hall for an adult to sort through later.

Be careful about leaving the items in the basket. Very soon, you’ll find that the basket is overflowing from your mini-cleanup times. You’ll still have to sort and organize weekly.

Model the efforts with a young child’s help every day for a week to get them used to the new cleanup method.  Make a picture chart for young children to allow them to see the steps they need to go through.  Consider a visual reward chart using stickers to show that the kids have down their cleanup each day.

If you do not have the time to clean your home before back to school and need an extra hand or would like to have your home professionally cleaned; contact Tidy Up Angels and we will do your entire house cleaning. Call the Tidy Up Angels today at 913-642-2006 – or fill out our online estimator for your home: https://tidyupangels.com/house-cleaning/ And ask us about our whole house cleaning services in Leawood KS specials.