House cleaning is one of the most important—and often undervalued—jobs around. Not only does it make your home more comfortable and inviting, but it also keeps your property in good repair and free of pests. In this blog post, we’re going to give you the ultimate guide to cleaning like a pro. From tips on how to select the right cleaning products to how to tackle tricky areas like mold and pet hair, you’ll have everything you need to clean your home like a boss.
Tools and Supplies for House Cleaning
House cleaning can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and supplies, it’s easier than you think! Here are some of the most important tools and supplies for cleaning your home:
- Broom. A good broom is essential for sweeping up dirt, dust, and debris. Make sure to get a sturdy one that can handle the weight of your cleaning materials.
- Dustpan and brush. Alongside the broom, a dustpan and brush are essential for picking up dirt and debris. Be sure to select a brush with soft bristles to avoid scratches on wood floors or surfaces.
- Litter box/cat litter scoop. For pet messes, it’s important to have a litter box scoop available in case you need to clean up after your furry friend. Similarly, if you have cats, be sure to keep a litter scoop nearby so you can easily clean their litter box (or any other spots they tend to make messes).
- Clothes hanger or wire mesh rake. In addition to using the hanger or rake to pick up dirt and debris from floors, you can also use them to quickly clear clutter off furniture backs, or ceilings.
- All-purpose cleaner or anti-Bacterial cleaner spray. For general cleaning tasks around the house, mix 2-3 drops of all-purpose cleaner with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle (for larger areas such as kitchens). Alternatively, use an anti-Bacterial cleaner spray to fight against bacteria and odors.
- Vinegar. Adding vinegar to your cleaning supplies can help to break down oils and stains, making them easier to remove. Use 1 cup of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water to clean most surfaces.
- Pine-sol or other air fresheners. When it comes to cleaning the smell of your home, nothing beats a good air freshener! Sprinkle some pine-sol or another air freshener around the rooms you want to refresh, and let it work its magic.
- Dust cloths or vacuum cleaner dustpan and brush attachments. In addition to using a dust cloth or vacuum cleaner dustpan and brush attachment for sweeping up dirt and debris, you can also use them to clean hard-to-reach areas such as light fixtures or corners.
The Process of House Cleaning
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to cleaning, so it’s important to know what works for you. Here are seven steps to cleaning like a pro:
- Choose the right tools. A powerful vacuum cleaner and a dust cloth are essential for thorough cleaning but don’t forget the basics—a mop and bucket.
- Plan the layout. Decide where furniture and windows will be cleaned first, then work your way around the room systematically.
- Start with the high points. Cleaning surfaces that are easily visible—like countertops and floors—first will help get the most dirt off the ground floor before tackling more difficult areas.
- Use vinegar liberally. Vinegar is effective at breaking down oils and grime, making it a great ingredient for cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, and other heavily-treated surfaces such as wood or tile floors and walls. For hard-to-reach places, mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar with 2 cups of water in a spray bottle before spritzing it onto surfaces to be cleaned.
- Be patient! House Cleaning can be tedious work but it’s well worth it when everything is sparkling clean afterward!
- Finish up with a polish…or two! Once all areas have been cleaned, use a cleaner designed specifically for wood or hard surfaces to give them a final polish before putting things back in their rightful place to learn how to clean like a pro, you can also enroll in cleaning classes for houses.
How to Properly Dust and vacuum a Room
If you’re like most people, you probably think of cleaning as a chore. But with a bit of effort, cleaning can be fun and rewarding – especially if you clean like a pro! Here are four steps to clean like a pro:
1. Dust and vacuum the floor
Dust and vacuum the floors first thing in the morning, when the room is relatively dust-free. This will help to remove any loose dirt and debris that may have settled overnight. If your floors are particularly dirty, consider using a steam mop instead of a vacuum cleaner.
2. Clean windows and mirrors
Windows and mirrors get plenty of dust and dirt were thrown at them, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Wipe down all surfaces – including the inside edges and corners – with a damp cloth. Be sure to remove any pollen or leaves before wiping down the surface with a dry cloth.
3. Mop the floor
Once the floor has been dust-free for at least two hours, mopping is an effective way to clean it quickly and thoroughly. Wet mopping should be done in low spots first, then high spots; rinse off excess water after each section of the floor has been cleaned. When mopping large areas, use several overlapping circles to cover more surface area quickly; be sure to change out wet mops often in order to avoid swamping areas with water or leaving behind suds that promote mold growth.
4. Clean surfaces with a solution
If dusting and vacuuming aren’t enough to clean a surface, try using a cleaning solution. Choose one that is specifically designed for surfaces such as wood, tile, or granite. Pour the solution onto the surface and scrub with a soft cloth until the dirt and debris are gone.
How to Mop a Floor
If you’re looking to up your game when it comes to house cleaning, read on for our ultimate guide to mop-cleaning perfection! Whether your floor is hardwood or laminate, here are six tips for getting the job done right:
- Start with a clean surface. Make sure your floor is free of dirt, dust, and any other debris before starting. This will make mopping much easier.
- Use the correct mop. A microfiber cloth works best on hardwood floors, while a standard plush mop is best suited for laminate floors. Experiment to see what works best for your floor type and fabric.
- Wet the mop first. This will help remove any built-up moisture on the floor, which will make mopping much easier.
- Moisten the cloth once it’s wetted. Sweep across the surface in small circles, then wring out the cloth before refilling it with water and continuing your cleaning process.
- Do not over-mop! Overlapping can damage your floor and leave spots that need to be cleaned again later on. Just use enough water and cloth to cover the area you’re cleaning – no more, no less!
- Finish by taking care of tricky areas like edges and corners.
How to Wash Walls and Ceilings
Walls and ceilings can be dirty, dusty, and grimy. To clean them like a pro, follow these tips:
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a crevice tool to reach deep into the corners and behind furniture.
- Wipe down walls and ceilings with a damp cloth. If there is any dirt or dust embedded in the grime, use a brush to remove it.
- Use a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment to clean floorboards and furniture pieces. Be sure to get into all the nooks and crannies!
- Try using lemon juice or white vinegar to clean walls and ceilings; they are both effective at removing grease and dirt accumulation. Avoid using scented cleaners as these can produce fumes that can irritate your nose and throat.
How to Disinfect a Room
- Remove all pets and any items they might have brought in on their fur or tongues.
- Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant wipe.
- Sterilize all surfaces with an antibacterial spray or solution, such as Clorox® Bleach or Murphy’s Oil Soap® Antibacterial Liquid Laundry Soap.
- Preheat the oven to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and turn off all lights. Place a full sheet of newspaper on the floor inside the room and open the windows for circulation while you clean.
- Clean all floors, walls, furniture, and utensils with a bleach solution or antibacterial spray/solution. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning.
- Allow the room to air-dry completely before re-entering it, using fresh paper if necessary to prevent mold and bacteria growth from setting in again.
How to Change a Litter Box
If you’re looking to get your home clean like a pro, there are a few key steps you need to take. First and foremost, make sure you have the right tools. Next, establish a cleaning routine that works for you and stick to it. Finally, focus on specific areas of your home where dirt and dust accumulate most often.
When it comes to selecting the right tools for cleaning, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. However, some of the key items you’ll need include a vacuum cleaner with filters, a mop or bucket with water and detergent, a dust cloth or duster, and an upholstery cleaner. Once you’ve assembled your cleaning supplies, it’s time to establish a basic cleaning routine.
To start off, sweep all the floors in your home using a broom and dust cloth. Then use your vacuum cleaner to clean oriental rugs and other flooring areas that tend to accumulate dirt and debris over time. Next, go around the house spraying down door sills and window sills with cold water before wiping them clean with your dust cloth. Last but not least, use your mop or bucket filled with warm water and detergent to clean hardwood floors (or any other area that needs attention).
It may take some practice before you perfect your cleaning routine but with patience and perseverance, you’ll soon be able to whip your home into shape like a professional!
