Speed Cleaning Your Home- Quick Tips!

Let’s look at a 10-minute quick house cleaning procedure you can follow if you hear that some guests are coming within a short notice. First of all clean those areas they most likely will see.

Grab a laundry basket and collect all loose items strewn around in the main living space. Next, go to the bathroom and clean the sink and wash basin with liquid soap and dry it with a clean cloth. Mildly spray some cleaner on the mirror and wipe it out. Take a wipe and clean the exterior of the toilet seat and sprinkle some toilet cleaner inside. 

Same way do some quick cleaning around the kitchen too. Collect all loose items on a laundry basket and hide them somewhere! And put all the unclean dishes in the dishwasher. Spray a cleaner on the countertop and wipe it out with a rag to make it glittering. And finally dust and wipe the surfaces if you have the time- wet rag dusting will be fine to save time.

How about keeping a home cleaning kit? 

Anytime the requirement may come to wipe down quickly. Include bottles of all-purpose cleaner, glass cleaner, a disinfectant, and a collection of cleaning items like sponge, roll of disposable cleaning cloths, paper towel, microfiber cloth, and even used toothbrush etc. in the cleaner tray or basket. You may also a use a cleaner’s caddy to store these things nicely. Keep the cleaning kit thus prepared at some convenient place safely away from toddlers.

Take this cleaning kit with you as you move around starting from one end of the house and clean room to room.

Putting things in their proper place

Make it a daily practice, and include your family members too. Guide the children where all the scattered things will go. When all are contributing to put the things in their places in the hall and other rooms, it’ll be pretty quick to complete the home cleaning task.

Bathrooms

Use a cleaning liquid made out of dish soap & white vinegar and rub down the tub, countertops and shower. Afterwards clean everything with fresh water and wipe down. 

Kitchen cleaning

Greasy residue and soap scum in the kitchen area can be cleaned with a paper towel and rubbing alcohol. Any number of repeated scrubbing and scouring greasy kitchen splatters won’t clean it perfectly unless you use rubbing alcohol.

Spray the bench tops and stovetop with suitable cleaners and wipe down. And for the microwave, do the following: Add about 1cm each of vinegar and water into a coffee cup and put it into the microwave and turn on for 2 minutes. After 10 minutes, remove the cup and give the microwave a wipe. The trick here is that the vinegar steam will have lifted off any gunk and made the cleaning easy. 

However, for thorough cleaning of your house in a hygienic way, you need to go for a deep scrub of everything, and even more! Things like dusting the skirting boards, cleaning out under the fridge, removing stains from floor tiles etc. have to be done occasionally to keep your home germ free. For this, remember, there are no shortcuts to practical and perfect house cleaning.  No other way to do it than calling professional home cleaners in New Zealand who are affordable and customer-friendly.

Contact Select Cleaning now and escape from the tiring work of weekly or fortnightly home cleaning you would normally do. Main home cleaning works done by Select Cleaning are:

• Vacuuming all floors
• Dusting surfaces
• Spot cleaning marks around doors & switches
• Washing all hard floors
• Cleaning all kitchen surfaces
• Completely cleaning bathrooms and toilets
• Additional works can be done like cleaning inside the fridge or oven. 

Their professional and affordable house cleaning service is available now in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Tauranga and Hamilton. Call them on 0800 000 907 and get your free quote now!

Home Maintenance Checklist for Autumn Months

The weather is now excellent in this autumn season as temperatures are a little cooler than summer. Here are a few home maintenance activities for March to May autumn months. Never use cleaning materials that are harmful to plants and animals. Make sure that the home cleaners use mostly Eco-Friendly products.

March:

Caulking and weather-stripping - Check for worn caulking and weather-stripping around doors and windows. They are the ones that reduce entry of cold air into the home during winter. Cracked or worn weather stripping should be replaced with new stripping. Same way, worn and ragged caulking has to be removed and re-caulked with branded products. Properly weather-stripping the gaps will seal all air leaks and thus pay for itself in terms of energy savings.

Get rid of the clutter – Cluttered homes generally create tension and bring in negative energy. De-clutter your home efficiently. Never keep too many furniture in the living room. Magazines and newspapers are not to be piled up in the bedroom or living area, they have to be kept in the storeroom. Don’t pile up things on the coffee table! Clear, unimpeded traffic flow will keep your mind free and fresh, that’s why clutter shouldn’t be allowed at any place.

Neat and clean exterior - Remove piles of leaves and dirt in the courtyard and garden and prune back trees, shrubs & vines. Trees should not obstruct light from entering into your living room.

April:

External surfaces - In addition to routine home cleaning and maintenance, give attention to clean the outside of the house in the month of April - Wash down all external surfaces including windows, driveways, and fencing etc.

Fire Alarms - Check all smoke and fire alarms when turning the clock ahead for Daylight Savings. Change the batteries of the alarms if necessary.

Tree-planting - After thoroughly cleaning the garden, make sure to plant seeds & bulbs for spring and summer fruiting. April is the ideal time to do that.

May:

Clean gutters - Replace old or damaged gutters with new ones. Better to purchase gutters with built-in leaf guards. Never compromise on quality regarding gutters, and drains etc. as there are plenty of cheap varieties available in the market. Take only the good quality products.

Clean fireplace & wood burners - In the fall, it’s advised to have your chimney inspected by a home cleaning expert and give it a professional cleaning. Ensure that all the ash from the fireplace and any stuck on stuff on the walls and the bottom of the fireplace are completely removed. Once the cleaning is over, inspect it for yourself and see to it that everything is sparkling clean.

Clear autumn leaves & dead wood - Rather than calling a landscaper or a house cleaning company to do the fall leaf cleanup, it’s recommended to do the task by the DIY route! The reason is cleaning of the autumn leaves and dead wood is not a onetime process. As leaves will be falling regularly covering a longer period of time, the cleaning has to be done two or three times. With proper tools and a well thought-out plan, leaf cleanup won’t be a difficult task for you and the family members.

 
Select Cleaning offers fantastic home cleaning job- extremely honest and reliable service. Security is never a problem with Select Cleaning Company as all their professionals are police checked and verified. The advantage here is that you get a high-quality cleanup at a cost effective price. Their home cleaners in New Zealand and Australia are continuously trained with the latest technology in the field. Each of their cleaning professional is a SelectCleaning Franchisee owner who takes pride in doing the home cleaning perfectly every time conforming to the SelectCleaning standards! Call them now on 0800 000 907 for an obligation-free home cleaning quote to experience it for yourself.

Follow the Stipulated Hygiene Standards for Your Healthy Home

As we spend over 80% of our time indoors, we should make it a point to reduce the presence of a wide variety of micro-organisms in our home. The air we breathe should be fresh and oxygen rich without harmful germs. Frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and then drying by a clean towel is necessary when you’re working in the kitchen or spending too much time indoors.

For strictly adhering to the hygiene standards of healthy living, let’s look into different areas in the home where you need to concentrate more. 

Doormats

The doormat placed outside the main door harbours bacteria, viruses, fungi etc. which can cause infectious diseases. These germs can easily enter your living area from the doormats in many ways. Keeping your shoes outside can prevent the free flow of germs to a great extent.  Nylon yard or polypropylene mats have the quality to collect most of the dust particles from the shoes.

It’s thus clear that more attention should be given to doormats while cleaning the house. Inculcate good hygiene practice by vacuuming the mats weekly and washing them neatly on a monthly basis.  Use a standard disinfectant spray while cleaning the mats.

Kitchen Dish Towels and Germs

A new study reveals that kitchen dish towels contain more bacteria than any other place in our homes. Damp dish towels, even those cute embroidered ones, are breeding grounds for germs.  People working in the kitchen have the tendency to touch the towel too often and that too sometimes even before washing the hands after handling raw meat. This causes the towel to be contaminated with bacteria.

Replace kitchen dish towels daily or at least on those days you cook. This is to avoid bacteria in an area in your home that needs to be the most hygienic place.  Stock up on alcohol wipes could also cut down on bacteria.

Cell Phone Usage in the Kitchen

It’s advisable to keep your smart phone out of the kitchen. People have a tendency to grab the mobile while cooking. Bacteria are sure to infest your phone and you’ll transfer them to all the places you and your phone move!

Kitchen Sink

Don’t get surprised if some tests by microbiologists prove that your kitchen sink is dirtier than even the toilet seat as far as harmful microorganisms are concerned! Some studies said around 500,000 bacteria per square inch can be found in a kitchen sink. A sink, where raw meat, dairy products or other things contaminated with bacteria are handled, easily becomes breeding ground for large colonies of the bacteria and poses a health risk.

Because dirty dishes are rinsed and washed frequently, there will be higher levels of moisture in the kitchen sink. This creates ideal conditions for heavy bacteria buildup.  So make it a point to wipe down your kitchen sink frequently.  

Water Filters

Not all types of bacteria are harmful. Many organisms, including some varieties of bacteria, are found in drinking water. They normally pose no health concern. But you have to be careful about E.coli, Coliform Bacteria, Salmonella & and other such disease causing microbes. 

A free-standing ceramic filter can be used on a countertop or under the sink filter housing. Some standard water filters use four-stage purification to cleans the water of bacteria and viruses.

Floors

Know where harmful bacteria lurk in your home. Floors occupy most of the space and face maxium foot traffic in your home, so they naturally contain large colonies of bacteria.  Vacuum the floor regularly and sweep it at least once in a week with a good disinfectant cleaner. 

Pets

If you have pets, learn the safety precautions and special cleaning procedures to follow so that you can control the levels of bacteria and fungi inside the house.

Bedding and Carpets

Wash your bedding on a weekly basis and vacuum the carpets regularly. Maintain a routine cleaning timetable for the carpets and beddings as they harbour dust-mites and other allergens.

Occasionally call a professional home cleaning company in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington & Christchurch to safeguard the well being and healthful life of your family members.

Some DIY User Guidelines for Your Kitchen and Home Appliances

Timely care on home appliances can save you costly maintenance issues later on. Let us look into simple care and DIY procedures that you’ll have to observe on a regular basis regarding all your home appliances, including fridge, washing machine, microwave, dishwasher etc.

Fridge and Freezers

Occasionally clean the door seals to remove dirt and mildew- this will ensure proper air sealing. Brittle or damaged seals will cause leaking of cool air. The result is more energy consumption and higher power bill! 

Check door seals for dirt & damage, and replace them if there are cracks, warps and damaged sections.  This will save power and enhance cooling performance. You can check the condition of a seal by closing the fridge door on a small piece of paper. If there is firm grip on the paper, the seal is working fine; otherwise it’s time to replace it.

How to Use Fridge and Freezer Cost-Effectively

If you are going away for vacation or other long breaks, don’t forget to switch off your fridge. Also remember to empty the fridge and thoroughly clean the fridge and freezer. Let its doors remain open to avoid moisture build up. If you have a second fridge for cool drinks, turn it off when not needed.

Ensure that the children are not spoiling your fridge. Its doors should not be opened frequently and kept opened for longer periods. This is to avoid leaking out of cool air otherwise your fridge will work for longer duration and consume more power.

Keep the fridge in a well ventilated space away from heat or direct sunlight. Don’t overfill your refrigerator; allow sufficient space for easy flow of cold air.

Microwaves, Oven/Stoves

Microwave should be cleaned after every use. There should not be any traces of food particles inside the oven. Salty spills can enter cracks and cause rusting, which will cost you dearly as repair may not be economical. Keep the door seal area clean and check the oven for damage as this can cause microwave leakage.

Check oven/stoves: Always refer manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning your oven and hob. Check the hinges and door seals of oven/stoves for dirt and grease build up.

Dishwashers

Use the manufacturer’s instructions to clean out the dishwasher filter and the seals on a regular basis. Run a damp cloth over the seals to clean the dirt.

Try to use the dishwasher when it’s full in order to save electricity and water.

Take out the dishwasher filter assembly and wash the internal filter under a running tap with the help of a plastic brush to remove the dirt. And for the bigger trap filter, just rinse it under hot water.

Dehumidifiers & Heaters

If you are using dehumidifier, ensure that its filter is cleaned from time to time. First dry out the filter and then use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to clean it.

When using room heaters follow safety instructions given in the care and maintenance manual. Keep heaters away from curtains or furniture to avoid fire incidents.   

Washing Machines

Ensure that you’re using the recommended detergent in correct quantity for the type of clothes you are using. Electrical problems may occur if excess foam is generated due to overuse of detergent.

Have a periodical check on the water fill hoses of the washing machine- there can be wear, damage, corroded fittings and leaks. If you find these signs on the hoses, immediately replace them to avoid further damage. 

Clothe Dryers

Check that there is no lint build-up as it may cause fire. Also keep it a point to clear the lint filter after each load so things will improve and it’ll take less time to dry the clothes.

Make sure that all the home appliances are well secured against toppling over in case of an earthquake. If you inspect them regularly and read the user manuals while attempting any repair or adjustment, you’ll not only prolong their life period, but improve their energy-efficient quality also. These maintenance practice notes are issued by the customer care team at Select HomeCleaning — your first choice in dependable & affordable award winning home cleaning services in Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington & Christchurch.

Do You Face the Issue of Stuck Windows in Your Home?

There can be many reasons for windows to get stuck and not opening properly, blocking fresh air and scenic views. An inoperative window on a hot summer day can wreak havoc in your home. Find below some methods to fix a window stuck firmly closed. Remember, like any other equipment or things in your home, windows also need timely checks and maintenance. Ensure to keep your windows in good condition and extend their longevity.

Single and Double Hung Windows

There can be a build-up of dust, dirt, debris, grime and even dead insects inside the tracks of single and double hung windows. This can cause the window hard to open as the dust and other particles create friction, making it difficult for the windows to slide up or down.

Cleaning the window tracks thoroughly and then applying some lubricants will solve the issue.

Windows Kept Shut for Sometime

If the windows are kept shut for few months, it may become very tight and difficult to open fully. Use a wide wood chisel on a block of wood as a fulcrum to pivot on throughout the motion and you’ll find that the window is not stuck anymore. Check if there is the presence of any flaking paint. Remove paint flakes and neatly clean out the channel to avoid the window sticking again.

Paint Can be the Villain

If you are eager to free a window stuck with paint, try removing dried paint particles that might be remaining between the window and its frame.

There may be fixed or operable sash for the windows. Dislodge most of the loose, rotted wood with the help of a chisel. Run a knife along the seam between the window sash and frame, slicing carefully through any layers of paint covering the seam. Check whether you can open the window now. If it’s not opening, then try to move the stuck window sash using a wide putty knife inserted into the seam. Tap the knife with a hammer to break any seals between the frame and the sash. Most probably the window will open now. After opening the window, clean away the loose paint and do opening and closing 2or 3 times.

Casement Windows

Casement windows may get stuck when its gear mechanism becomes faulty. Never exert too much pressure while opening or closing the window as it’s the main cause of the gear getting damaged. Loose or stripped screws on the gear casing can also cause the windows to get stuck and very difficult to operate. Find out if there are loose hinges that lead to the sash being out of alignment. If you’re not able to fix it, better call a home maintenance service contractor.

Sliding Windows

When facing with difficulties to open a sliding window freely, first check whether there is any dirt or grime in the sliding track that doesn’t allow the sash sliding smoothly on the track. Clean the window thoroughly to remove all dust particles and spray some lubricant in the track.  If the problem is not solved, the problem may be with the rollers and you need to call an expert home maintenance company to fix the problem.

Same way dirt build-up in the grooves and a lack of lubrication can be the cause of vinyl windows becoming very hard to operate.

Other Issues

There can be other reasons too for windows getting hard-to-open. Always keep an eye on the windows- never overlook window maintenance. If you find that the windows won't open easily, try to fix the issue immediately.

Presence of moisture and mould can damage window frames. If the condition persists for a long time, wood frames may become rotten. Windows won’t be secure then for not being level within the frame and affecting its functionality. So, remember that the presence of a high percentage of humidity in your house can cause the windows to stick.

Routine house cleaning by a reputed home cleaner in New Zealand will help to get rid of several maintenance issues in your home. Prevention is always better than cure!