Archive for the ‘House Cleaning – Kitchen’ Category

• Home Cleaning Advice – Benefits of an Automatic Trash Can

  Date: 2010.04.16 | Category: House Cleaning - Kitchen, House Cleaning Tips | Response: 0

  When it comes to Home Cleaning Advice keeping the home germ free is crucial. One popular place for germs to congregate, and where germs are easily paased on to another person, is the trash can. Everytime you touch the lid to throw away some garbarge, there is a risk of picking up germs. But, I here you say, how can you avoid touching the trash can lid? Well have no fear as over the last few years there has been a rise in the number of automatic trash cans.

  The use of motion detector technology in the home has been steadily on the increase, as the technology has improved. The beauty of this technology is that it can can assist in creating a hygienic environment. The problem with a dedicated Kitchen Trash Can is that they require you to touch the lids so that you can open them. You are probably well aware that germs may be rapidly spread from one person to the next merely by touching common objects similar to this. This is precisely one of the grounds for why you should buy an automatic Kitchen Trash Can for your house since these open for you when garbage is detected in range.

  When it no longer senses movement, the lid automatically lowers to prevent trash from stinking up the place. This is quite beneficial for several reasons as these motion sensitive receptacles can help to stop the spread of germs.

  When it comes to automatic trash cans there are a number avauilable, and they all vary in cost, (between $40-$80) depending on the brand and model you purchase.  You should be able to find a finish and color to match your overall kitchen design style.

  Here is what to look for when buying an Automatic Trash Can

  1 – Look for a decent capacity so it does not fill up to soon - 10 gallons or more as these can rapidly get stuffed.

  2 – Does it have the option to turn off the automatic feature so you may keep the lid open.

  3 – To prevent the trash bags from falling inside, a retainer liner is something else you will want to ensure your can has, as you will not want the bag to fall in and the garbage to fall out of the bag.

  Here are some recommendations:
  iTouchless Stainless-Steel Hands-Free 13-Gallon Infrared Automatic Trash Can
  Nine Stars Motion Sensor Trash Can, Stainless Steel
  Automatic Sensor Trash Can – Infrared Touchless Trash Can DZT-8-2 in White

  So for a mess free and germ free Home Cleaning life an automatic trash can is worth the investment

• Housekeeping Cleaning – Kitchen Surfaces

  Date: 2010.02.06 | Category: House Cleaning, House Cleaning - Kitchen, House Cleaning Tips, Housekeeping Cleaning | Response: 0

  

  Home Cleaning Spray

  The kitchen worktop is often what makes our kitchen look fabulous. But of course it has a practical purpose, and regular cleaning is essential. So here are my house cleaning tips for a number of different kitchen tops.

  General Kitchen Surfaces

  I tend to clean as I go, wiping down with a mild cleaner (this could be just a mild washing up liquid and water in a spray) or anti-bacterial spray. After all, this is where most of the food preparation takes place.

  As a minimum, you should clean your surfaces everyday.

  Kitchen Tiles

  When it comes to tiles, these will need wiping down, again either with mild cleaner as above or antibacterial spray. In addition, where there is grout, you may want to make up a cleaning solution consisting of bleach and water (one part bleach to four part water). If you have an old toothbrush, this can be great for getting into the narrow grout.

  Glazed Tiles

  If you have special tiles – such as glazed tiles, then you want to avoid using a cleaner that is too harsh or abrasive

  Laminate Surfaces

  Laminate can be cleaned and wiped as normal, but for those particular difficult stains, I find a cream cleaner works well. Alternatively you can make up a paste of bicarbonate of soda and washing up liquid.

  Wood surfaces

  Solid wood surfaces will need oiling on a regular basis. This is essential to prevent to the wood absorbing too much water. Make sure you tackle any spills from food that stains, such as curry or tomato sauce immediately. Again a mild cleaner, and antibacterial spray is fine for wood surfaces. You need to rub firmly, and you will have your wood surfaces looking vibrant and clean.

  Stainless steel surfaces.

  Stainless steel surfaces show fingermarks up very clearly. A decent microfibre cloth is great at getting rid of these. If you add a tiny drop of baby oil, those fingermarks will disappear in no time. With metal surfaces do not use any wire wool, or abrasive materials as you will only scratch and damage the surface.

  Granite surfaces

  Most people consider the granite surface as the most hard-wearing. They tend to avoid staining, and can look fantastic. You will still need to clean on a regular basis as described above, and mild cleaner is all you need. Again, as with metal you need to avoid using materials that are abrasive as you do not want to scratch the surface.

  The kitchen can be the heart of the house, and a clean kitchen is a healthy kitchen, and can be a place to be enjoyed. Tidy and wipe down the surfaces as you go and you will have a place where you will enjoy cooking and entertaining.

• Housekeeping Cleaning – Home Cleaning Room by Room

  Date: 2009.11.29 | Category: House Cleaning, House Cleaning - Bathroom, House Cleaning - Kitchen, House Cleaning Tips, Housekeeping Cleaning | Response: 2

  When Housekeeping Cleaning and Home Cleaning, one of my key house cleaning tips is to have a plan or breakdown of the tasks you need to address. Like anything in life, sometimes we can be overwhelmed by the work a head of us if it is left to mount up. In addition, in today’s world of busy schedules, trying to fit everything in can seem stressful.

  It helps to plan and breakdown the tasks into more manageable chunks. That is why I think it helps to have a Housekeeping Cleaning plan.

  I have broken the home down into the various rooms that need cleaning. Then for each room, break down the tasks for that room. Slowly reducing the tasks to more manageable chunks will make the house cleaning seem less daunting. In addition, by having smaller tasks means you can reward yourself for completing them.

  Here is my breakdown of how to manage the housekeeping and cleaning on a room by room basis.
  
  Bathroom Cleaning
  When it comes to the bathroom, it is best to tackle the two big items first. The bath and the shower. Check for any mildew or mold. If you do not tackle mold in a bath or shower, then it can spread very quickly. Next up is the toilet, inside and out. Then the sink and surrounding areas, such as splash backs, mirrors, shelves etc.
  Finally, finish off by tackling the floor, hoovering up or using a duster to remove hairs and dust. Then mop with a disinfectant or multipurpose floor cleaner.

  Kitchen Cleaning
  In my experience it is best to deal with the refrigerator and top of kitchen cabinets. I keep the surfaces cleaned down on a regular basis, but now is an opportunity to make sure you get under those kitchen appliances that you may wipe round as you go. Do not forget the oven, and this is a job that will only become bigger and more difficult if not tackled on a regular basis, ideally on a weekly basis. The microwave is another appliance sorely neglected, but if dealt with regularly it is easy to maintain. One good tip is to put slices of lemon in a dish of water and microwave on high for 3 minutes. Then wipe down the interior with a paper towel or dry cloth.

  Bedroom
  You need to change the bedding on a regular basis, again at least once a week, or twice if you are in a hot climate or in the summer season. Also laundering your bed lining on a high setting will kill of any dust mites (see Vacuum and Dust). Dust regularly, and pull back the bed covers and open your window while you shower and breakfast. You will lower humidity in the room, and significantly reduce the survival chances of dust mites (see below).

  Home Office
  Everyone knows that dust and computers do not get on. In addition, keyboards are riddled with germs and crumbs. If you have the right tool on your vacuum you can get rid of these, whilst also removing the dust. Consider purchasing one of those cans of compressed air that you can get to blast dirt and crumbs from out of your keyboard. Computer screens should be cleaned carefully, and use similar cleaner that you use for you LCD or plasma tv.

  Living Room
  Along with the vacuuming of carpets (or sweeping and cleaning of the laminate or wood flooring) and the dusting outlined below, you need to tackle the shelves, bookcases and television. If you have a plasma or LCD, be very careful with the screen, and use specialist cleaner and cloth. Do not forget to dust the set top boxes, DVD players and games consoles. Any ornaments or object d’art give a good dust. Wipe down or vacuum the sofa and armchairs, depending on their material. Bits of food can collect down the back of sofas and under cushions, so vacuum up.

  Dusting
  I have lived in old houses and new builds, but whether ever you live, penthouse suite or old manor house, you still have to deal with dust. Dust is made up of skin cells and dirt, and dust mites digest our skin flakes. Dust mites, or rather their excretions can cause health issues, especially in the bedroom. Yuk. So it pays to dust on a regular basis of at least a week. Sometimes it is better to use a slightly damp cloth, as otherwise you may just be swirling or pushing the dust from one place to another. A static brush or duster is good for picking up dust in difficult to reach places. If you have a handheld vacuum or the right attachments, then you can use this, as it will make sure the dust is not spread a round.

  Vacuuming
  It pays to invest in a good vacuum. Buying cheap can sometimes be a false economy as cheaper models are likely to breakdown, or not do such a great job. At the end of the day, something like a Dyson, which comes with a long guarantee is well worth the investment. As you are unlikely to need to replace it in a lifetime. If you vacuum the carpets and floors on a weekly basis, then move the lighter furniture, rather than just going round it, so dust and dirt does not pile up under sofas and beds etc.

  Window Cleaning
  Windows need to be dealt with inside and out. If you do not have a local window cleaner to do the exteriors then you will need to get out there yourself at least once a month, so the dirt on the outside of the window does not build up.

  Floor cleaning
  My dad used to mop the hallway and kitchen floor every night after everyone had gone to bed. This way it was nice and clean when everyone came down in the morning, and because he established this routine it was easier to maintain a clean sparkling floor. Again, the adage here is regular quick cleaning will make the task easier to maintain.

  Finish off
  Make yourself a coffee (or something stronger) and put your feet up.

  Remember, you do not have to do all this in one go. The above is merely a suggestion of how you should deal with each room. Check out my other blogs on establishing Routines for Daily, Weekly and Monthly jobs. As with most things in life, if you keep on top of things then good housekeeping cleaning and Home Cleaning will be easy. Leave it, and you will have a mountain to climb, and will more than likely not be inclined to tackle it. Do not put off those little jobs.