9 Tips & Tricks for Doing Laundry

9 Tips & Tricks for Doing Laundry

lebanon ct residential maid servicesWhether you regard doing laundry as a tedious chore or a chance to reflect upon your existence, it’s an essential part of your life. You probably find it straightforward and don’t devote too much thought to it. But have you ever asked yourself how much time you spend doing it and if you can do it better?

Doing laundry efficiently requires some organizational skills, a certain level of expertise, and an eye for detail. Lebanon, CT, based professionals who offer residential maid services in the area highlight that if you employ particular strategies and implement a systematic approach, you can transform this seemingly mundane chore into a streamlined and smooth ritual. Keep reading to find out more!

What is the most efficient way to do laundry?

If you feel overwhelmed by the amount of laundry you need to do every week, here are 9 tips that can help you optimize your efficiency: 

  1. Keep your laundry room neat. If everything is well-organized, you won’t need to waste time searching for dryer sheets or stain sticks.
  2. Don’t forget to sort your laundry. Place your dirty clothes into different bins, hampers, or baskets as you go depending on their fabric types and color, instead of just piling them up together. This will save a lot of time as you won’t need to classify dirty clothes once you need to wash them.
  3. Pre-treat any stains before turning the machine on. Use commercial stain removers or DIY solutions, such as white vinegar and baking soda paste. Just make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommendations first. 
  4. Don’t overload your washing machine. If you put too many clothes in the washing machine, you’ll reduce your washing machine’s efficiency and wrinkle your clothes. The washing machine should be 80% full to get the optimal results.
  5. Make sure to use the appropriate wash cycle setting. The most energy-efficient option is using a cold water cycle. But if you need to wash heavily soiled clothing or bed linens, you’ll need warm or hot water. Also, if you have some delicate clothing, use cycles specially designed for sensitive fabrics. 
  6. Choose the right detergent for your clothing. The market abounds with various washing liquids intended for different kinds of fabrics. Make sure to pick one suitable for your clothes.
  7. Boost drying efficiency. Before each load, tend to the lint filter to maximize airflow. If possible, air-dry some garments or use lower heat settings. This will significantly save energy and extend the life of your clothes.
  8. Don’t postpone folding and hanging your clothes. Once clothes are dry, take them out of the dryer immediately. If you hang and fold your clothes right away, you won’t have to iron them much later.
  9. Keep your washing machine in top shape. Prevent odors from forming in your washing machine by keeping it clean. Address the detergent dispenser regularly and run cleaning cycles according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will prolong your washing machine’s work life and improve its performance.

What is the most efficient way to do laundryWhere in Lebanon, CT, can I find first-rate residential maid services?

Do you need to clean your walls, keep your dog’s cage hygienic and take care of your houseplants? What about vacuuming your carpets and mopping the floors? There are so many chores to do, and you don’t have that much time. Well, call Orchid Maids to the rescue. 

We offer top cleaning services in Lebanon and the area and cooperate with professionals who apply efficient maintenance methods to make your household spotless. Have an adventure with your kids at Mooween State Park while highly qualified experts deal with your home. Book now!

Easy Wall-Cleaning Guide

The list of your household chores is very long: vacuuming and mopping the floors, dusting the furniture, doing the laundry, removing stains, etc. It sometimes seems never-ending. But are you sure you’ve included everything? What about your walls? They collect dust and dirt as well.What is the best way to clean walls

Walls tend to escape most homeowners’ attention as they usually focus on horizontal surfaces around them. So if you’ve neglected your walls, it’s time to give them some love. Professionals who provide residential maid services throughout Lebanon, CT, share their ultimate wall-cleaning guide with you today. Read on!

What is the best way to clean walls?

The wall-cleaning approach you should apply solely depends on the wall paint type. Check out these general wall maintenance tips and tricks:

  1. Determine the wall paint type. Some paints and finishes are more sensitive than others, so you should know what paint type you’re dealing with. For instance, you must be very gentle when cleaning eggshell paint walls. However, in most cases, dish soap and warm water are the safest solution. 
  2. Always remove the dust first to avoid smearing dirt all over the surface. You can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment for this purpose.
  3. If you’re using a commercial wall cleaner, always test it on an inconspicuous spot before applying it to the entire surface to ensure it won’t mar your wall.
  4. Dish soap can remove stains from your wall. Simply mix it with warm water and apply it to the problematic area. Don’t scrub hard, as it can damage the finish. Instead, blot the stain. 
  5. You can also use white vinegar to deal with persistent stains. But if you have to deal with oil-based paint, this substance isn’t a good idea, as its acidity can dull the finish.
  6. Always move top to bottom to avoid drips and streaks.
  7. Don’t forget to rinse thoroughly with a slightly wet microfiber cloth.
  8. Pat the walls dry with a dry clean microfiber cloth. Ensure appropriate airflow to accelerate the wall-drying process.
  9. If you have to deal with stubborn stains, such as scuffs or crayon marks, mildly abrasive baking soda paste may be helpful. However, always test it beforehand to be on the safe side.

What is the best thing to clean painted walls?

You have to go about your painted walls carefully as you don’t want to damage them permanently. The best solution is to use a non-abrasive cleaner mixed with warm water. Dish soap is an all-time favorite, as it removes dirt and stains efficiently without causing any harm.

You simply need to combine warm water and unaggressive liquid dish soap in a bucket and apply it to your wall, making sure not to over-soak your cloth. If you prefer, you can use commercial paint-safe wall cleaners. But always read the labels carefully to ensure you’re using them adequately. Harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaners can ruin the paint, so keep them away.

You can also use white vinegar and baking soda, but they aren’t safe for all paints. For instance, vinegar’s acidity can diminish oil-based painted walls, and baking soda isn’t recommended for latex paint since it’s mildly abrasive.

Who offers reliable residential maid services in Lebanon, CT?residential maid services lebanon ct

Did you do the laundry, scrub inside your pet’s cage, and tend to your houseplants today and have no energy for other chores? Leave them to Orchid Maids, the top house cleaning experts in Lebanon.

They’re highly qualified for every household maintenance challenge, and they’ll apply appropriate approaches to make your home shine as you go hiking in Pomeroy State Park. Reach out today!

6 Tips for Deep Cleaning Appliances

hosekeepign pawcatukHow often do you use your kitchen appliances? Every day, right? Your life would be totally different without them. Just imagine hand washing your dishes. It would be so tiring, wouldn’t it? Since you use them so often, they can get dirty quickly, so their maintenance should be added to your to-do list.

But how can you deep clean your kitchen appliances? Industry professionals providing housekeeping services throughout Pawcatuck share their ultimate guide on keeping your favorite kitchen appliances in top shape. Keep reading to find out more!

How do I deep clean my kitchen appliances?

Deep cleaning your kitchen appliances is as crucial as deep cleaning your bathroom, as they can easily become allergen hotbeds. For instance, look at your dishwasher. If you neglect it, mold can develop there due to excess humidity.

Regular maintenance boosts their performance and prolongs their lifespan too. But if you have no idea how to tend to your kitchen appliances, check out this short guide.

1. Oven

Take out the racks and submerge them in warm soapy water. Coat the interior with baking soda paste (combine ½  cup of baking soda and 3 tablespoons of water) and leave it for 10 to 15 minutes. Grab a microfiber cloth, dampen it, and wipe the entire surface with it. Finally, rinse the racks and place them back.

2. Dishwasher

Fill a dishwasher-safe cup with white vinegar and place it on the top rack, then run a complete hot-water cycle. Once it finishes, open the dishwasher and sprinkle a cup of baking soda on the bottom and run another hot-water cycle. After it ends, leave the dishwasher open to air dry.

3. Microwave

Put several lemon slices into a microwave-safe bowl full of water. Turn the microwave on for several minutes. The steam created this way will cut through baked-on food remains, and the lemon will neutralize unpleasant odors. Finally, make the interior shiny with a damp microfiber cloth.

4. Coffee maker

Combine equal parts white vinegar and water and pour the solution into your coffee maker’s reservoir. Run half of a drip cycle to allow the mixture to sit in the water channel and reservoir for half an hour. Resume the cycle and then do a few water-only cycles to eliminate the vinegar smell.

5. Blender

The first step is to mix a few drops of dish soap and warm water. Next, disassemble the blender and wash its removable parts (blades, jar, and lid) in the soapy water you made. Scrub gently with a brush if there are any tough stains or food residue.

6. Refrigerator

Remove all the food and shelves from your fridge. Add a few drops of dish soap into warm water and wash the removable parts with it. Ideally, soak them in the mixture.

Next, make a baking soda solution by mixing one part water and three parts baking soda and apply it to the fridge’s interior, paying particular attention to door gaskets. These areas are prone to accumulating all sorts of impurities, so you need to tackle them carefully.

Apply some vinegar to the interior and exterior, dust the backside, if possible, and rinse the shelves. Finally, dry everything before placing it back.

Where can I find dependable housekeeping services in Pawcatuck?

If home maintenance represents a burden you can’t easily handle, call professionals to the rescue and if you’re unsure where to find them in Pawcatuck, we’re here to help. Call Orchid Maids today!How do I deep clean my kitchen appliances

We provide trustworthy customized services throughout the area, and the experts we cooperate with will amaze you with their comprehensive approach to hygiene and the deep cleaning methods they incorporate. They’ll cover every nook and cranny, ensuring a healthy home environment. Enjoy your day off hiking by the Pawcatuck River while experienced professionals tackle your living space. Call now!

Deep Cleaning & Allergies: Why Is It Important?

housekeeping service pawcatuckResearch has indicated that over 50 million Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. If you’re among them, what do you do to ease the symptoms? Taking medication isn’t enough, as you also need to eliminate the source of these allergies. That’s why you probably seek refuge in the comfort of your home, away from outdoor pollution.

But did you know allergens can easily enter your household and thrive there, making you feel even worse? So what can you do?

Professionals who offer a reliable housekeeping service throughout Pawcatuck have the right answer for you: deep clean your home regularly to eliminate all irritants. Want to know how this helps? Keep reading to learn more!

How does deep cleaning alleviate allergies?

What does deep cleaning of your home include? Tackling your kitchen appliances, disinfecting your bathroom thoroughly, reorganizing your closets and cabinets, getting rid of clutter, and much more, right?

Since it’s such a comprehensive maintenance project, it promotes a healthy home environment by increasing indoor quality and minimizing allergic reactions. Here’s how:

1. It reduces allergens.

Did you know that a neglected bedroom is a breeding ground for allergens? Dust mites may thrive in unkempt sheets, and what about pet dander and hair? All these lower indoor air quality and can aggravate your allergic reactions.

On top of that, think of pollen that enters your home on your clothes and through windows, and excess clutter is a perfect hideout for all kinds of irritants.

But if you deep clean your living space regularly and adequately, you’ll leave no room for allergens to accumulate. Vacuuming your mattresses, carpets, and upholstery with a HEPA-filter vacuum cleaner can significantly reduce allergen populations. Wiping surfaces eliminates dust and other impurities, and decluttering helps clear all the areas that have the potential to be allergen hotbeds.

2. It removes mold and mildew.

Mold and mildew exposure can cause wheezing, itching, a runny nose, coughing, headaches, and difficulty breathing.  Some types of mold, such as Stachybotrys chartarum and Aspergillus niger, are toxic and produce mycotoxins, which are highly detrimental to humans and animals.

These irritants can grow in damp areas such as bathrooms and kitchens, and the only way to prevent their expansion is to address these areas regularly. Also, ensure enough air circulation and pay special attention to corner linings and the grout between the tiles, as these are mold’s favorite spots to develop.

3. It improves indoor air quality.

Indoor air quality is essential for the quality of your home life. High concentrations of allergens and other impurities create an unfavorable environment where your family can’t feel healthy and peaceful. Allergic reactions might become commonplace, disabling a smooth family life. You or your family members can develop bronchitis or chronic asthma too.

The best way to secure a flourishing home environment is by tending to all surfaces as frequently as possible. Investing in efficient equipment, such as HEPA-filter vacuum cleaners, is essential as it can trap tiny particles, including unpleasant allergens. An HVAC system may be helpful, too, as it can help you control the humidity, temperature, and air purity.

Where can I book a trustworthy housekeeping service in Pawcatuck?How does deep cleaning alleviate allergies

You don’t want your home in Mechanic Street Historic District or elsewhere in Pawcatuck to become an allergen hotspot, but you have no time to deep clean your house, right? On top of that, you aren’t sure what deep cleaning methods to incorporate. Well, no need to worry. Orchid Maids is there for you.

We offer various services customized to respond to your individual needs. You can rest assured that the professionals we dispatch to your doorstep will utilize the latest cleaning methods and tools to ensure a healthy home environment for you. Book today!

8 Deep Cleaning Tips for Your Bathroom

8-Deep-Cleaning-Tips-for-Your-BathroomBathroom deep cleaning time! Not very excited about it, right? Scrubbing your toilet or bathtub is at the bottom of your favorite household chores list. But you don’t want a grimy bathroom full of hazardous germs, do you? So what can you do?

Well, call a trustworthy cleaning company from Pawcatuck, CT, to the rescue, or roll up your sleeves and do it yourself. If you opt for the second option, we’ve prepared an 8-step guide on how to effectively scrub down your bathroom from wall to wall. Keep reading to learn more!

How do I deep clean my bathroom?

Having trouble with deep cleaning your bathroom? You’re not the only one. Most people find it particularly tricky since dust mites, mold, and other allergens lurk there. But no worries, with the following 8 tips, your bathroom will soon be spotless and allergen-free.

1. Gather your supplies.

You’ll need white vinegar, baking soda, dish soap, a few microfiber cloths, a plastic bag, a mop, a bucket, a spray bottle, a step ladder, a hamper, and a vacuum cleaner. What’s more, baking soda and white vinegar are excellent for other challenges, such as deep cleaning your kitchen appliances and removing hardened stains.

Of course, if these solutions are not to your liking, you can always use specialized cleaning chemicals instead.

2. Take everything out.

Empty the vanity cabinets, drawers, and shower caddy. Place dirty towels into a hamper, and take the trash out. If you have any rugs, you can remove them too. If they’re machine-washable, now would be a perfect moment to start a cycle following the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Apply the top-to-bottom approach.

As usual, begin with the highest corners of the room. Start with the ventilation fan cover. If it’s possible, take it off. Pour hot water and a few drops of dish soap into a bucket and soak the vent cover for 5 to 10 minutes.

Then, wipe the light fixtures and top wall corners. Use a stable step ladder and place it on an even surface. Once you’ve dusted the highest areas of the room, wipe away the grime from the vent cover with a cloth, and dry it thoroughly.

Caution:

If you can’t remove the ventilation cover, your vacuum cleaner’s upholstery brush attachment may be handy.

4. Move to your toilet, sink, and mirror.

Add a cup of baking soda and a cup of white vinegar to the toilet bowl and put the lid down. Combine equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle, apply it generously over the sink and faucet, and let it sit.

In the meantime, spritz the same solution onto the mirror and wipe it with a clean microfiber cloth. Finally, rinse the sink and the faucet, scrub the toilet with the toilet brush, flush it, and wipe it clean.

5. Deal with the shower/bathtub.

If your showerhead is clogged, submerge it into a plastic bag filled with white vinegar and water (50:50). Use a rubber band to fasten the bag around it and let it sit while you deal with it bathtub stoppers, hair catchers, shower walls, floor/ bathtub.

Spray white vinegar and water (1:1) lavishly onto these areas. This solution is safe for your fiberglass and ceramic tile. But if you have an acrylic or enamel bathtub or marble tiles, use dish soap instead.

6. Clean around the bathroom.

While waiting for the white vinegar to unclog the showerhead and cut through the scum and soap remains, use this moment to deal with other areas. Wipe the door handle, towel rack, inside the cabinets and drawers, etc. The white vinegar-water combo is perfect for this purpose too. Just make sure not to oversaturate the surfaces, and dry them thoroughly.

7. Rinse the shower/bathtub.

Remove the plastic bag from the shower head and rinse it. Then rinse the shower and bathtub.

8. Address the floor.

Vacuum it first. Then mop it with some dish soap and water. Rinse and dry.

Pro tip:

Keep the room well-ventilated while cleaning, and wear rubber gloves to protect your hands.

How-do-I-deep-clean-my-bathroomWhere can I find a reliable cleaning company in Pawcatuck, CT?

Making your bathroom pristine is daunting indeed. There are so many tasks to cover, you’re unfamiliar with practical deep cleaning methods, and multitasking doesn’t always work for you, right? So why don’t you call Orchid Maids, top industry professionals from Pawcatuck and the area?

We cooperate with dependable experts who take nothing for granted. They’ll dust, wipe and sanitize your living space, and you’ll be amazed by the results. Book now!

3 Deep Cleaning Innovations to Incorporate

3-Deep-Cleaning-Innovations-to-IncorporateDeep cleaning your home in Pawcatuck, CT, probably isn’t your favorite household activity, as it tends to be very labor-intensive and time-consuming. You need to cover every nook and cranny of your home and deal with chores you normally skip in your weekly clean-ups.

Since it entails many tasks, it requires a lot of patience, organizational skills, and multitasking. The article below shares some ground-breaking hacks for tidying up your home in detail. Read on!

What deep cleaning methods should I use?

No matter how tedious deep cleaning may seem, it should always be included in your home maintenance routine. Not only does it make every corner of your house organized and nice-smelling, but it also helps remove allergens and other pollutants.

If you’re looking for ways to boost your deep cleaning efficiency, check the following 3 tips.

1. Dividing chores and multitasking

If you decide to deal with all your kitchen appliances, bathroom, and living room on the same day, you’ll soon discover it isn’t a wise idea. You’ll probably feel exhausted and discouraged by the scope of work.

That’s why it’s advisable to devise a deep-cleaning schedule and allocate chores to specific days. This is especially helpful because some jobs need to be done more frequently than others. On top of that, with a well-rounded deep-cleaning plan, you’ll always stay on top of your assignment, know what chores are due, and never feel overwhelmed by your project.

Multitasking is a great way to speed you up too. For instance, you can run a dishwasher cycle while tending to other surfaces in the kitchen. Just make sure not to tackle more rooms simultaneously, as you’ll quickly hit the wall and lose track of the chores you’ve completed.

2. Natural vs. chemical cleaning method

What supplies do you use while deep cleaning? Do you prefer store-bought products or opt for DIY alternatives? Here are some factors you need to consider:

  • Environment

Natural alternatives (baking soda, vinegar, essential oils, etc.) contain environmentally friendly, biodegradable ingredients that don’t pollute water and air. However, chemical products may contain substances potentially dangerous to the environment.

  • Your family’s health and safety

Since DIY solutions contain no hazardous substances, they’re safer for your and your loved ones. On the other hand, chemical products may abound with ingredients aggressive for your skin, eyes, and respiratory system.

  • Effectiveness

You probably think that chemical products are more effective than natural alternatives. The truth is, baking soda and white vinegar can remove hardened stains and dirt if appropriately used and given enough time. They’re excellent for making your bathroom spotless, and they can help you keep your kitchen appliances in top shape.

  • Cost

Natural cleaning is usually more affordable since your pantry has everything you need. Chemical products, on the other hand, are relatively expensive, especially if you have to apply them often.

Final thoughts:

The natural deep-cleaning method pays off in the longer run. It safeguards your family’s health and well-being. However, if you still prefer commercial products, follow the instructions carefully.

3. Modern technology to apply

What cleaning tools you use is definitely significant. That’s why you might need to invest some time and money to find ones suitable for your household. Here are some options.

  • Microfiber cloths and mops are excellent at trapping dust and dirt as they’re positively charged. In most cases, a microfiber cloth/mop dampened in soapy water will be sufficient to remove layers of dirt.
  • Also, make sure to have a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner to efficiently remove dust, allergens, and other impurities from your floors, carpets, mattresses, upholstery, and other surfaces.
  • Another innovation for removing grime and germs is steam cleaning. This method applies hot water on contaminated surfaces.
  • Finally, electrostatic disinfection uses an electric charge to spread the disinfectant on various surfaces evenly, reaching hard-to-reach areas more effectively.

What-deep-cleaning-methods-should-I-useWho offers first-rate deep cleaning services in Pawcatuck, CT?

If you find keeping your home in Pawcatuck tidy stressful as you don’t have the right resources to get the job done, feel free to rely on Orchid Maids, your reliable maintenance partner.

We’ll send a crew of highly qualified professionals with the right approach and equipment for every challenge. Enjoy some fresh air by Pawcatuck River while dependable hygiene enthusiasts make your home sparkle. Book now!

Why We Clutter & How Do We Stop?

Why-We-Clutter-How-Do-We-StopDo you feel like you need a bigger home to find a place for all the items you have? Are there some belongings you keep moving from one spot to the other because you can’t make yourself throw them away? We all have been there. Clutter can invade our homes within a blink of an eye.

So how can you control all the mugs, cups, shoes, etc.? Norwich, CT, based professionals who offer housekeeping services in the area explain the root of clutter and how we can get rid of it in a short guide below. Keep reading to learn more!

What is the root cause of clutter?

When you look around your house and see loads of items strewn all over, you probably wonder how you’ve come to this situation. You desperately want to get rid of them as soon as possible, so you just toss them in your attic, which quickly becomes cramped with your belongings.

But the clutter is still there, lurking at every corner, and you might feel trapped. To find your way out, you need to understand how it passed your doorstep in the first place. Here are the four most common causes of cluttering.

1. Buying too much.

Do you go shopping to buy new shoes and end up with rugs, unnecessary cleaning supplies, and other stuff you don’t need and don’t know where to put?

The lure of trendy home ornaments and fashionable clothing is powerful, and most people find it challenging to resist. The best thing to do is to make a shopping list and stick to it, thus overcoming the temptation of purchasing items you don’t need.

2. Sentimental value.

Do you keep your notebooks from your university days? Or maybe you inherited some items or got gifts you don’t need or use? These things prove to be difficult to purge.

Well, imagine how relieved you’ll feel if you have an extra drawer or a shelf for new gifts. Or if it’s hard to let go of old things because of their sentimental attachment, you can keep a part of them in a way. Take pictures and make an album dedicated to old memories.

3. Keeping something “just in case.”

If you decide to keep things only because you think you might need them again sometime in the future, belongings can accumulate quickly. Who knows what you’ll need, so you’d better keep everything, right?

So, if you haven’t used something for a long time and are unsure if you’ll ever need it, let it go. You can always borrow, repurchase, or rent it.

4. Overwhelmed by the thought of decluttering.

You’ve been planning to restore order in your home, but you’ve been postponing it because you don’t know where to start, right? The idea of spending your free time gauging what you need and what should go stresses you out. Plus, your partner is constantly too busy to get involved.

The trick is to think of it as a cathartic process: you’ll liberate yourself from the unwanted burden and make your home ready for new experiences. Also, motivate your spouse to take part in it. It’ll be relieving for both of you, and you’ll get to discuss household matters.

Bonus tip:

Make sure to return everything where it belongs to after using it. This will instantly reduce the amount of clutter sprinkled all over your home.

What is the 20/20 rule for decluttering?

You understand the root of clutter in your living space, but you still can’t decide what to throw away. Well, the 20/20 decluttering rule might help you. The rule says that if you can replace the item for 20$ and 20 minutes or less, you can let it go.

For instance, if you have some Christmas decorations you’re not sure you’ll use ever again, think about how much they cost and where you can buy them. If they’re less than 20 dollars and you can buy them in a store down the street, get rid of them.

What-is-the-root-cause-of-clutterWhere in Norwich, CT, can I find dependable housekeeping services?

Don’t have time to take care of your home in Norwich? No problem. Orchid Maids is a trustworthy cleaning company waiting for your call. We know how to keep grime and germs out of your house and only use EPA-approved cleaning supplies to ensure your safety and well-being.

Take a relaxing stroll near the Thames River and let the most experienced experts in the field make your home spotless. Book now!

Top 6 Most Useless Cleaning Products

Top-6-Most-Useless-Cleaning-ProductsDo you tend to pile up bottles of cleaners specially designed for different surfaces, plus various mops, dusters, and other supplies in your home? You do, right? Well, you’re not the only one! With all those cleaning solutions available at every corner, many homeowners succumb to hoarding numerous home cleaning tools and products in their residences.

To save yourself from the stress of choosing the right cleaning agent for every task at hand, you can always hire reliable housekeeping services from Norwich, CT, to handle all the chores for you. But since too many products can clutter your living space, it’s good to know which ones to avoid. Keep reading to learn more!

What cleaning products to avoid?

You’ll definitely be shocked to discover how many cleaning agents are actually unnecessary and potentially hazardous. Below is a list of the top six products you should stay away from and what to use instead.

1. Toilet bowl cleaners

As with oven cleaners, these strong-smelling products usually contain harsh chemicals potentially harmful to your skin, lungs, and eyes. Again, you can simply use baking soda and white vinegar and let their fizzy reaction do the job for you.

2. Automatic toilet cleaners

These usually come in tablets you need to drop in the tank. However, most plumbers warn that these cleaners contain hydrochloric acid, which can damage the toilet parts. Experts advise using white vinegar instead. Simply pour ½ cup white vinegar into the tank and ½ cup white vinegar into the outflow pipe.

3. Disinfecting wipes

They seem handy when you need to do a quick clean-up, but in the long run, they’re a waste of money. When you rely on them too heavily, you can end up paying a lot of money and generating a lot of garbage in your home.

4. Feather dusters

As these dusters only circulate allergens and other particles in the air, you should leave them out of your upkeep arsenal, especially in heavily dusty areas like attics. Instead, grab a few microfiber cloths. They’re suitable for de-dusting most surfaces when slightly dampened.

5. Disposable toilet brushes

Not only are these items incredibly wasteful, they can also get costly in the long run because you have to keep replacing them. To make matters worse, these brushes are frequently built out of flimsy materials that can easily break if you put in some elbow grease. A regular old reusable toilet brush is a far better option.

6. Single-use cleaning products

As a general rule, you don’t want to rely on wet wipes, sanitizing wipes, and other one-time-use cleaning products. In addition to being environmentally unfriendly, these products tend to cost more in the long term, create more trash to dispose of, and just generally not be as effective at what they’re supposed to do as their reusable counterparts.

What-cleaning-products-to-avoidWhere can I find housekeeping services in Norwich, CT, and the vicinity?

Do you need to complete all the household tasks by yourself because your partner is too busy? Can’t squeeze home maintenance into your busy schedule? No reason for despair! Orchid Maids is just a call away.

We cooperate with trustworthy professionals with all the cleaning hacks at their fingertips. Have a relaxing day at Mohegan Park with your family while top professionals dust, vacuum, mop, and sanitize your home in Norwich and the area with the utmost care. Book today!

8-Step Attic Cleaning Guide

Ask yourself: how often do you usually tend to your attic? Very rarely. You just pile up items you don’t often use there, close the door, and forget about it, right? Then, when you need something from there, you’re welcomed with tons of dust, dirt, and cobwebs hanging all over the room, and you regret you’ve neglected it for such a long time. 

Well, worry not! Your attic in Norwich, CT, will be tidy again with a few tips we obtained from professionals who provide residential cleaning services in the area. Read on!

8-Step Attic Cleaning GuideHow do you clean a dirty attic?

Many people disregard their attics because they have many other daily obligations. That’s why most attics usually resemble cramped areas where nobody has stepped for ages. However, an attic is an integral part of your home and deserves your attention.

Dust and dirt accumulating there can quickly enter the central part of your house through attic doors, your HVAC system, and recessed lighting and deteriorate the indoor air quality. On top of that, you don’t want your attic to become rodent heaven, do you?

So roll up your sleeves and scrub your attic following this 8-step guide:

1. Prepare your supplies in advance.

To be as efficient as possible, get all the supplies handy. You’ll need a dustpan, a broom, a few microfiber cloths, a mop, a vacuum cleaner, extendable dusters, a bucket, warm water, dish soap, a sealer, and personal protective equipment.

  • Bonus tip 1.: No need for expensive products. Dish soap is effective at dealing with attic grime.
  • Bonus tip 2: Since your attic is probably very dusty, you should wear protective gear, including a face mask, gloves, and goggles.
  • Bonus tip 3: Choose a day when your partner can participate in the mission, as there will be a lot of stuff to do.

2. Clear the area.

Ideally, you’ll empty the area to address all the corners and har d-to-reach areas. However, if there is a lot of heavy furniture, move it to one side so you can scrub other segments of the room.

3. Inspect the area to spot any holes or gaps.

If there are any, seal them with a high-quality sealer to keep allergens and pests away from your household.

4. Check the insulation and dust it.

This step is crucial in making your home energy-efficient. Additionally, it’ll boost indoor air quality.

5. Get rid of large pieces of debris.

A broom and dustpan are excellent for this purpose. Just remember to wear PPE to protect yourself from dust particles.

6. Start dusting top-to-bottom.

Grab an extendable duster to pick up cobwebs. Then wipe the surfaces with warm water and dish soap. Dip your microfiber cloth in the mixture and wring it. Avoid over-soaking your microfiber cloths as excess moisture can’t do any good.

Also, since the surfaces are probably very dusty, you’ll need to refresh the water-dish soap solution and replace microfiber cloths regularly.

  • Bonus tip 4: Don’t wipe randomly. Start from the highest areas, as you can’t fight against gravity. Dirt particles tend to fall downward, and you don’t want to contaminate already wiped spots.

How do you clean a dirty attic7. Vacuum the floor and mop it.

Before vacuuming the floor, check it carefully to see if there’re any large pieces that can clog your vacuum cleaner. Next, if you have regular flooring and not just joists, mop it with a microfiber mop and dish soap. Rinse and dry.

8. Organize your belongings.

Return everything and try to find a proper place for every item. You may need extra storage options, such as plastic boxes. They’re great for storing items in an organized way, as you can label them.

Where in Norwich, CT, can I find trustworthy residential cleaning services for my household?

With a hectic daily life, keeping your home clutter-free is very challenging. Luckily, you have Orchid Maids right around the corner.

We aren’t ordinary maids. We’re a group of hygiene enthusiasts in Norwich with a single mission: to give you a healthy home environment and plenty of free time to relax at Brown Memorial Park. Call us today, and we’ll come right away!

How to Get Your Spouse to Help With Housework

Research conducted by Pew Research Center found that 59% of women in the USA believe they handle more household tasks than their partners. Are you among them? Do you have an impression you’re the only one wiping, moping, and decluttering around your home while your partner is too busy to contribute?

The easiest way to change this and give yourself more free time is to rely on trustworthy residential cleaning services from Norwich, CT. However, if you feel like your living space is your and your partner’s mutual responsibility, and you want to motivate your spouse to participate in its maintenance, here are 4 tried-and-true tips to help you out. Keep reading to learn more!

How to Get Your Spouse to Help With Housework

How do I get my partner to help with chores?

You probably spend hours every week reorganizing and decluttering your household, and no one seems to notice how much effort you invest. Housekeeping tasks are usually taken for granted and left for somebody else to deal with them.

If you wish to alter the dynamic of your family life and inspire every family member to take accountability for the mess they create, you can employ these 4 strategies:

1. Talk with your partner.

Many people don’t realize what a partner goes through and how much stress tidying up a neglected attic or wiping grimy counters can cause. That’s why discussing matters carefully and explaining the root of your frustration is vital.

Your spouse needs to comprehend that they need to take an active part in your home maintenance, and that they aren’t coming to your rescue if they vacuum the floor or wipe the counters. They are just doing their part.

2. Devise an upkeep schedule that works for both of you.

After your partner and you have concluded that household maintenance is a shared duty, you need to think of a housekeeping plan that suits you both. Here’s how you can do it.

  • Think about when both of you can squeeze some scrubbing sessions into your busy schedule. It’d be best if you could finish all the chores on weekdays and save weekends for fun activities.
  • Try to complete your jobs simultaneously. For instance, you can work in the kitchen together. As your spouse is dealing with the cabinets, you can sanitize the fridge. Just make sure you don’t get in each other’s way.
  • However, if working in the same room doesn’t seem practical, you can tackle different rooms and share your impressions afterward. You might get ideas on upgrading every room or making its maintenance more straightforward.

3. Give yourself a reward.

After a lot of strenuous work, both of you deserve a treat. It can be whatever pleases you both: a relaxing weekend in the countryside or a dinner out. You can agree on it before you start your mission. Awarding yourself will make you feel accomplished and encourage you to be persistent in your maintenance projects.

How do I get my partner to help with chores4. Don’t forget to involve your children.

Even the little ones can help pick up their toys. But if your children are old enough to do more serious jobs, you can definitely get them involved. For example, you can organize your family tidying-up competitions. Make teams, set reasonable time limits, and determine rewards for winners. Everyone will have fun. 

Your partner will be super-motivated when they see everyone doing their part, and your kids will learn the importance of clearing after themselves. 

 

Who offers reliable residential cleaning services in Norwich, CT & the vicinity?

You and your partner can’t make a feasible cleaning schedule? No big deal. Call Orchid Maids to the rescue! We’re a reliable cleaning company in Norwich that offers various services tailored to suit your needs. 

We provide weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, move-in/out services, and much more. Our professionals know what products work best and what chemicals to avoid, and they’ll make your Norwich home sparkle while you take a relaxing walk at McKeon Park. Book now!

 

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