Tag: how to

How to Clean a Shower Head

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date October 12, 2020
No Comments on How to Clean a Shower Head

What do you do when you want to feel squeaky clean?0 Hop in the shower! For most of us, a long, hot shower is the height of luxury and offers that all-important me-time.

But, before you drift off in a lather of sweet shampoo, consider this; when was the last time you cleaned your shower head? Think of it this way: would you clean your floor with a dirty mop? Your car with a dirty rag? It’s doubtful! So then why would you cleanse your body with a dirty shower head?

Maybe you have been putting the chore off for being too complicated? Or it just genuinely never occurred to you?

Here at TLC Cleaning, we make it our mission to impart wisdom to those looking to transform their homes. Even better, we can offer the ultimate first-class deep clean to get you started. Our team has transformed houses and worked with families all across Fargo & Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, and we’d love it if you were our next client.

Whether you are a keen cleaning fan or just discovering your love of scrubbing, we are here to help. Read on for your ultimate guide on how to clean a showerhead with finesse. You can enjoy a squeaky clean shower head in no time!

Why Do Shower Heads Need Cleaning?

Showerheads can be easy to overlook in your cleaning routine because the majority of the dirt is hidden. Unlike the rest of your bathroom or shower curtain, grime is not immediately apparent, and so easy to neglect.

A dirty showerhead can cause several problems – apart from merely being gross. Over time, organic matter and mineral deposits will develop in the head. The build-up can hurt your water flow and pressure. This can lead to a drop in pressure or sudden, random spray patterns – neither of which is conducive to a great shower.

As well as problems with your pressure, neglecting your shower head can also be bad for your health. By their very nature, showers exist in hot, humid conditions – the ideal breeding ground for mold, germs, and bacteria.

The mineral build-up we discussed can cause a nasty slime to build up, and this forms a seal over the head. As a result, any irritants and unwanted shower visitors stay trapped in the showerhead. When cleaned, the flow helps ensure that they are flushed out by chlorine in the water when you run the shower.

According to recent studies, a whopping 30% of all showerheads in the US contained alarming levels of Mycobacterium Avium. This is a fancy name for a pathogen, often associated with pulmonary disease.

As an added not-so bonus, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia can also be present. It is a bacillus that thrives in that black gunk you will see around your showerheads. Left untreated, it may spread infections. Microbes run free when you turn on the hot water, making it easier for you to inhale.

If risking your health isn’t enough, take our word for it: a dirty shower is grim and unlikely to win you many friend points.

How Do I Clean My Shower Head?

Your routine will depend mainly on the type of showerhead and the current level of build-up and grime. As a general rule, experts suggest that showerheads should be cleaned thoroughly at least once a month. Additionally, a quick scrub should happen at least once a week.

To get started, you need to rub the nozzles clean gently. You can either use your finger or go in with an old toothbrush. The goal is to massage the nozzles, allowing the debris to dislodge, and enable excellent streamflow to come through.

What About White Vinegar?

White vinegar is a fail-safe ingredient in many cleaning tasks, and it shines here once again – this time quite literally. The vinegar contains acids perfect for breaking down the rust, limescale, and mineral deposits. There are a few tricks to try here:

The Plastic Bag Method

For a fast, effective method that does not require removing the entire shower head, the plastic bag is perfect.

This method involves filling a plastic bag with white vinegar and tying it onto the showerhead. Once in place, secure it in place with twist ties or an elastic band. Leave it for a few hours to soak – or overnight, if possible – before removing the bag. When removed, run the hot water for a short while to remove any debris which remains.

If any debris or stains remain, you can remove them by gently scrubbing with an old toothbrush.

The Complete Removal Method

The best method for a shiny shower head is to totally remove and dismantle the showerhead for an in-depth and thorough clean. Submerge the pieces in a bucket of warm water mixed with white vinegar for at least three hours – overnight is best.

Once again, you can use a toothbrush to scrub off any stubborn stains or marks and clear the holes of any debris. Once complete, give everything an excellent rinse with clean, hot water before reassembling and replacing the head.

The Extra Touch

For a sparkling finish, add baking soda to your white vinegar mixtures above. This combination kicks off a chemical reaction, causing the vinegar to bubble and form carbonic acid.

Carbonic acid is a top-quality natural cleaning agent. It is handy for lifting off stains and adding extra shine to metal showerheads.

The Touch-Up

One of the two methods above should happen every month to clean the head and remove any debris. Weekly, you will need to keep it touched up. An excellent condition can be easily achieved and maintained by spraying a white vinegar-based solution once a week. Why not keep it by the shower, and give everything a spray as you get out? Doing this regularly will help to save time and keep your shower head in tip-top condition?

Get The Perfect Finish

For the perfect finish, you need the perfect product. The Barkeepers Friend is the final touch to a super clean shower head that is worthy of praise. The vinegar and baking soda combo will keep you free of germs and unwanted visitors. Meanwhile, a rub of Barkeepers Friend offers the sparkle you need for a top-quality bathroom. Now it is time to enjoy your squeaky-clean shower in perfect peace!

How Can We Help?

Getting your showerhead clean as a whistle is an excellent start to sprucing up your home, but why stop there? Here at TLC Cleaning, we can take care of your house from top to bottom, offering the ultimate deep clean.

A clean showerhead can be a great starting point and make it far easier to keep on top of day-to-day housework. Alternatively, get ready to host visitors, show your home for sale, or just sit back and enjoy that clean feeling!

Get in touch today, and see how our team could take your home from dive to deep clean in no time. You can just put your feet up, kick back, and relax!

Tags bathroom, how to, shower, showerhead, tub, tub enclosure

Deep Cleaning Dusting Floor Care

How to Clean Baseboards

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date September 11, 2020
No Comments on How to Clean Baseboards

You’ve lost your remote for the TV again; while you’re on all fours looking for it, you look over and go “ew.” Yep, dirty baseboards. Baseboards are one of the most frequently overlooked places within the home. Knowing how to clean baseboards is an often-overlooked skill, but let me tell you, those things are dirt and hair magnets!

If you have pets and live in an area where there’s a lot of dirt and dust, you should strive to clean them weekly. However, if you’re flying solo and keep your home pretty clean, you can feasibly get away with cleaning them every month.

Or maybe cleaning baseboards isn’t your thing. If that’s the case, give TLC Cleaning a call. With locations in Fargo and Grand Forks, North Dakota, and Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, TLC Cleaning can provide you with a quote to schedule either a one-time cleaning, deep cleaning, or recurring cleaning service.

Keep reading to learn how to clean baseboards quickly and efficiently in your home.

First, Prep the Area

You’ll want to pull the furniture away from the walls. Sweep or vacuum the floors to make sure you have most of the room’s dust and dirt. This step is also a great time to grab a friend or one of your children if they’re old enough to help out. Working together will make moving the furniture moving easier and the cleaning process faster.

Now let’s talk about different techniques to use and how to clean baseboards.

Broom Technique

Using a broom to dust the baseboards is excellent if you already have the broom handy, and they’re only a little dusty. You may have to do a quick vacuuming after to clean up any dirt on the floor. A handheld broom works best for getting in the crevices. Another way to clean them is if your vacuum cleaner has one of the hose attachments with a brush.

Vacuum Attachment Technique

As previously mentioned, a hose with a brush attachment is an excellent tool to clean baseboards. Using a vacuum cleaner attachment to clean baseboards is less strain on your body. Brush attachments work the best when vacuuming the dust and dirt from the cracks and crevices.

Lysol Wipe Technique

Using a cleaning wipe is an easy and quick way to bust baseboard grime. It can be an effective method for small homes. On the down-side, this method costs more money in the long run and can be quite wasteful. We suggest saving them on-hand and using them to disinfect door handles and frequently touched surfaces. But, in a pinch, disinfecting wipes will work just fine to clean your baseboards.

Dryer Sheet Technique

Do you have a box of dryer sheets lying around? You can grab one of them and attach it to the end of a Swiffer and swipe it along the baseboards. The anti-cling properties of the dryer sheet will repel dust. Now you can go a little bit longer between cleanings.

If you use scented dryer sheets, you’ll leave a pleasant, fresh scent behind, too.

Magic Eraser Technique

Grab your magic erasers and a bucket of warm soapy water. Really, you can use your choice of household cleaner with water. Use the damp sponge to scrub the dirt from the baseboards.

Wring out any excess water so the baseboards have a shorter dry time and won’t leave water stains.

You can easily tackle any other wall or floor scuffs with this technique while you’re cleaning your baseboards.

Try the Magic Eraser Sheets to avoid a crumbly mess from the sponge.

Sock and Yard Stick Technique

Yes, it sounds a little silly, but it works. Slide an old sock on the end of the yardstick and spray it with your preferred household cleaner (or even a vinegar and water mixture). Slide the sock across the baseboards to pick up loose dirt. Then, simply toss it in the wash to use it to clean again later.

If you have dark-colored socks, they may still be wearable after using this method. Although, it may be best to have a stash “designated cleaning socks” instead.

Tried and True Technique

First, grab a rag (we recommend microfiber) and a bucket of warm water with your choice of cleaner. Then, get on your hands and knees and start scrubbing. The microfiber cloth helps pick up and lock dirt into the rag. Clean Mama has an informative post on how to clean white baseboards using natural solutions. Take a peek if you love cleaning tips and eco products.

For an extra level of clean, use q-tips to get all the edges, corners, and detailed areas. This technique is through and is useful if it’s been a while since you have washed your baseboards. Once they’re sparkling clean, you can use some of the other less-involved techniques to maintain them.

A Deep Clean You Can See

Baseboard cleaning comes with every seven-hour Deep Clean Package from TLC Cleaning.

When you schedule a deep cleaning, you can expect your baseboards to be wet washed in every room of your home.

With a Deep Cleaning Package, you can also expect dusted light fixtures, hand washed floors, dust-free door frames, deep cleaned blinds, and even a good old-fashioned trash can scrubbing.

Check out a full list of everything included in a TLC Cleaning Deep Clean Package by clicking here.

Stop Asking How to Clean Baseboards, Call TLC Cleaning Instead

Now that you know how to clean your baseboards, consider giving yourself the break you deserve.

Contact TLC Cleaning at the North Dakota or Minnesota locations so we can clean some of those harder to reach spaces, like your baseboards. Get your free online estimate and bid unwanted baseboard dust “bye-bye!”

Tags baseboards, deep clean, deep cleaning, floors, how to, Magic Eraser

Bathroom

Get Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date October 19, 2019
No Comments on Get Your Cleanest Bathroom Ever

Having a clean bathroom is one of the most satisfying feelings ever. A dirty bathroom is a huge turnoff, not only for yourself but for any guest.

There is nothing worse than sitting on a dirty toilet seat or looking at someone else’s hair stuck to the walls while you shower. Having fresh towels and a gleaming sink basin, on the other hand, makes you feel relaxed as you get ready for your day.

There are many tasks in life that we love to procrastinate on: calling 1-800 numbers, donating old clothes you don’t wear anymore, canceling that gym membership you never use, and the list goes on.

But there is one activity that even the highest functioning people have a hard time mustering the energy for–cleaning the bathroom.

The bathroom has a nasty habit of getting dirty very quickly because it is, of course, where you do your dirty work. To save your precious time and energy, schedule with TLC Fargo and hire a recurring cleaning service today. We appreciate that your time is better spent doing things you love, so let us take care of you and your home!

Our friendly staff will clean your house until it’s immaculate. We strive to be both thorough and swift, and we always exceed our clients’ expectations. Stay sane and happy in a sparkling home.

You will be shocked at home much time you save once you book your professional cleanings at TLC Cleaning. Until we arrive at your doorstep, check out these handy tips and tricks on how to painlessly clean your bathroom.

Start from Top to Bottom

So, gravity, am I right? Beginning by mopping the floor of your bathroom is, of course, a rookie mistake. By the time you are finished with your countertops and sink, the floor will be a wreck again.

Begin by spraying the corners of the high walls with cleaning spray and wipe down debris from there. In the tub, remember to take full advantage of your sprayer by aiming it high. You can use a duster or Swiffer to wipe down the wet walls in places you can’t reach.

Once the walls are spotless, clean the bottom of the tub, the countertops, and sink. Move your way to the toilet, and finally, mop the floors last.

Miracle Citrus

woman holding round lemon slices to her eyes

Lemons are not just good for iced tea or cocktails! Citrus cleans well, removes bacteria, and leaves a pleasant smell. You can make your detergent at home using lemons and water by merely discarding your used lemons into a large jar, filling with water, and letting it sit for a few days.

You can also rub lemons over stained chrome fixtures to get rid of water stains. These annoying spots should disappear instantly.

Lemon juice can be used to clean practically anything, especially when combined with vinegar and water. It has powerful stripping properties that loosen calcium deposits, dissolve grease, and lift grime. Of course, once you’re done cleaning the bathroom, they make a perfect garnish for that much-deserved cocktail.

Use Black Tea for a Shining Mirror

a woman on a pink background drinking iced tea

If your mirror sometimes gets so bad that you can’t see what you actually look like before leaving the house, try this unlikely solution: black tea.

Black tea has tannic acid, which will dissolve dirt and other debris, keeping you from seeing your pretty self. Just make a generous pot of black tea, bring to a boil, and let cool.

Using a funnel, pour the cooled tea into a spray bottle and use it to clean mirrors and reflective surfaces. By using natural alternatives to traditional cleaning supplies, we cut down on the number of harsh chemicals in our homes and save money all at once!

Chuck Hair in the Trash Can Instead of the Sink

We all have hair, no matter how long. And no matter how silky, styled, or beautiful, it has a way of being very inconvenient once removed from your head.

Hair can get stuck to shower walls, sink basins, and floor. You can use gloves to pick this hair up, but don’t flush it down the toilet or let it slide down the drain. This can cause serious plumbing issues that could eventually cost you hundreds of dollars to hire a plumber.

Instead, wrap the hair in a piece of toilet paper and throw it in the trash can. Don’t take your pipes for granted! You never know when they may become too clogged to work, and then you will have a nastier mess than hair could ever provide.

Toilet Tips

someone in yellow rubber gloves cleaning a toilet

Within the unpleasant task of bathroom cleaning, cleaning the toilet takes the cake for the worst chore. To ease the grossness, let your toilet bowl cleaner sit in the bowl for 30-45 minutes before scrubbing. That way, the stains will come off without a whole lot of effort.

An alternative for toilet bowl solution is, believe it or not, mouthwash. With just a quarter cup of breath freshener poured directly into the toilet bowl, you will be surprised at how quickly it is restored to its original porcelain.

For those hard-to-reach places behind your toilet, use a screwdriver to reach under the tank and in the nooks. Wrap a disinfectant wipe around the head of the screwdriver and scrub away. This tip makes for an easy clean-up, too! Just discard the wipe and return the screwdriver to the toolbox!

Or Change Your Life With TLC Cleaning

a cleaning service worker smiling and holding cleaning supplies

If you are sick of scrubbing, brushing, and getting grossed out by a dirty bathroom, leave the mess to us! Your time is important, and we understand that. Let us make your life easier.

We look forward to booking your regular appointments for deep full-house cleaning or a more specific cleaning of carpets and area rugs. At TLC Cleaning, we can do it all, so you don’t have to!

Reduce stress and feel good about the state of your home. Schedule with TLC Fargo and hire a recurring cleaning service today that will completely change your life, leaving you stress-free and with more time to spend time with your loved ones.

Tags bathroom, how to, shower, toilet

Cleaning Products General Cleaning

How to Easily Clean Your Home Using Baking Soda

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date September 12, 2019
No Comments on How to Easily Clean Your Home Using Baking Soda

yellow cleaning gloves, lemons, dish towel, baking soda and blue sponge

Everyone knows to put an open box of baking soda in the back of the fridge, and it will help absorb odors. Did you also know that by cleaning with baking soda you can freshen every room in your house?

So much cleaning, so little time. Do you know what would make house cleaning way more fun? A maid.

A maid or TLC Cleaning would make house cleaning way more fun. Schedule with TLC Fargo to get the best clean and give yourself some more fun time.

In the meantime, give the once over to the tips below on how to use baking soda throughout your home.

Let’s start in the kitchen

If you sprinkle some baking soda onto a damp sponge, you can use it to wipe down almost any surface. Use it to make counters, stovetops, sinks, and faucets gleam.

Want to make your produce gleam? Add a teaspoon of baking soda to a large bowl of water. Let your fruits and veggies soak in there for a couple of minutes. Gently scrub with a brush and rinse. Waxy layers and pesticides are gone!

Want to store those fruits and veggies in gleaming containers too, but you reheated spaghetti in them last, and now they are pale orange? Baking soda to the rescue!

Try wiping the containers with a baking soda and water paste first. If that’s not enough, mix four tablespoons of baking soda into one quart of water and soak the containers overnight.

Now that we’re done in the kitchen let’s move down the hall.

To the dreaded bathroom

someone pouring baking soda down a bathroom sink drain

Cleaning with baking soda is a dream come true in the bathroom.

We may have left the kitchen, but is your curling iron a baked-on mess? You can use a baking soda paste here too.

Apply the paste to the curling iron and scrub gently. Too much abrasion can wear away some ceramic coverings, so be gentle. Baked on styling products are now gone.

Are your drains running a little slow? Try pouring a half cup of baking soda down the drain, followed by a half cup of vinegar. Wait until the combination stops bubbling. Then pour six cups of hot water down the drain as well.

This mix is safe for pipes and won’t hurt septic systems either.

Your kitty’s bathroom needs attention too. Add baking soda to litter boxes to keep litter box odor at bay.

In the boudoir

someone cleaning an engagement ring with a toothbrush and baking soda

Keep your jewelry sparkling by creating a paste of 3-parts baking soda to 1-part water. Apply to each piece with a lint-free cloth and rinse. Restore the shine in no time.

How long have you had that mattress? Vacuum the mattress and then sprinkle the surface with baking soda. Let it sit for 30 minutes and vacuum again. Voila – fresh-smelling sleeping quarters.

Speaking of smell, can we talk about the shoes? Pour baking soda directly into those smelly shoes and leave them to sit. Just tap out any excess powder before wearing again. It’s that simple.

Remember that open box of baking soda in the fridge? That trick works in the closet too. Leave a fresh, opened container of baking soda on the shelves, and it will absorb odors there as well.

Let’s do some living in the living room

vinegar, cleaning gloves, spray bottle, baking soda and sponge flat lay

Freshen up musty upholstery by sprinkling baking soda on the fabric. Wait 15 minutes and vacuum.

Mix a tablespoon of baking soda with 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil. Mix well. Place that mixture into an empty spray bottle and fill with water.

You now have a perfect room spray for the living room and the rest of the house.

Fireplace doors blackened? Sprinkle some baking soda onto crumpled up, wet, newspaper. Scrub the glass with this newspaper and wipe with a clean cloth: no scratches, but lots of sparkles.

Cleaning with baking soda gives you an unbelievable clean in the living room too!

Don’t forget the laundry

a person adding baking soda to a load of laundry

If you add a cup of baking soda, along with your usual detergent, to a load of laundry, you can make your clothes and linens brighter. Use as a pre-soak for heavy odors like sweat or smoke.

Add baking soda to diaper pails and create an always ready pre-soak. Soak diapers before washing to remove odors.

Time to make slime

Now, here is the real reason you need to give TLC Cleaning a call right now. With the time you save by letting them do the cleaning, you can make colored slime with baking soda too.

Here is what you need:

-One 4-6oz bottle of white liquid all-purpose washable school glue

-½ teaspoon of baking soda

-1 ½ tablespoon multipurpose contact lens solution

-a few drops of liquid food coloring

Mix the baking soda, lens solution, and food coloring in a bowl. Add the glue and mix with a spoon or your hands.

The slime will become less sticky the more it is kneaded. Add more baking soda for a thicker, grittier texture. Add small amounts of water for a thinner, runnier slime.

You can also add glitter, or start with glitter glue, to make sparkly slime.

And when you’re all done? Call TLC Cleaning and let them take care of the mess. You have things to go slime!

Tags baking soda, Cleaning Products, how to

Cleaning Products General Cleaning

How to Have the Best Smelling House on the Block

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date August 27, 2019
No Comments on How to Have the Best Smelling House on the Block

“What’s that smell?” is the last thing you want someone to say when they enter your home. Between pets, kids, whatever you made for dinner the night before, and who knows what else, funky smells can take over your living areas. You might be left wondering how to make your house smell good after realizing the dog smell isn’t fading when you put your furry friends outside. Or maybe your teenager’s room stench has made its way to other areas of your home.

There aren’t many things more embarrassing than bad odors in your house. When guests arrive, you want your home to smell clean and fresh. Sometimes you get so used to the way your home smells; you don’t even notice anything wrong. Or, you might be well aware of nasty smells throughout your home and decide it’s time to address the situation.

man holding a whoopie cushion with a look of detest on his face

While using room fresheners like candles, sprays, and other products can cover up and mask smells, the best way to address stinky odors is to make sure you wash them away with proper cleaning. We all love a yummy pumpkin spice candle now and then to make our space feel homey and smell delicious, but for day-to-day living, keeping clean is the best solution.

Let The Professionals Get Things Smelling Fresh

pink and yellow gloved hands holding up a variety of cleaning products

If you are starting to realize your home is smelling a little less fresh than usual, it might be due to an area in your house not being as clean as it could. Perhaps keeping things clean is something you have a hard time keeping up. The good news is, TLC Cleaning is ready to help you keep your home smelling good and looking its best. Professional cleaning services can be a complete game-changer. From freeing up your time for the important things in life to ensuring your home is ridiculously clean, TLC Cleaning’s team of experts can transform your life.

picture of a woman cleaning multiple parts of a room

Whether you’re looking for recurring cleaning services or deep cleaning services, TLC Cleaning is here. You’ll appreciate having more time to spend with your loved ones, enjoy your hobbies, and relax. At TLC Cleaning, we love giving the gift of time back to our clients, allowing them to stress less and enjoy a thoroughly clean home.

While you’re waiting to set up your cleaning services with TLC Cleaning, take a look at how to make your house smell good. Company coming over tonight? Had something delicious yet unpleasantly fragrant for dinner last night? Don’t worry; you can get everything smelling fresh in no time.

Target the Easy Areas First

woman holding up fridge drawer plugging nose

First and foremost, tackle the obvious stench culprits. The best way to make your house smell good is by getting down to business cleaning the common smelly areas in your home. Check these problem areas to ensure they aren’t causing any odors:

-Kitty litter box. Make sure to scoop the box regularly so smells can’t linger

-Take out the trash. This task might seem obvious, but how often do you throw food or other stinky elements away and then forget about them until the garbage can is full, often when it’s too late.

-Check the fridge. Frequently, old leftovers can create a smell-fest in the refrigerator that creeps out and into the open.

-Clean pet areas, such as beds and blankets–having pet beds that you can easily toss into the washing machine will make it easy to keep them from getting smelly.

-Carpets and furniture can really absorb smells. Wash your throw pillows if they’re machine washable, and use some baking soda on your carpet before you vacuum.

-Kitchen and bathroom sink drains can often harbor stench. Be sure to keep these clean.

-Dirty laundry can also be smelly. Check your baskets to make sure they aren’t contributing to any foul smells in your home.

Bring on the Good Scents

man with a look of surprise on his face holding up laundry

Once you take care of the glaringly obvious smell sources in your home, you can get to work making sure your home smells fabulous. Here are some helpful hints on how to make your house smell good.

-Air it out! Opening some windows and running fans can help clear out bad odors and give your home a fresh smell. Easier to do during mild weather, fresh air is one of the best ways to combat yucky smells. If you can stand it, even if it’s cold out, try just a few minutes of open windows and fans to get things smelling fresh quickly.

-Clean your surfaces with your favorite household cleaner. Wiping down countertops or mopping will give your home a clean smell.

-Catch up on the laundry. Not only can dirty laundry cause odor in your home, but running a load of laundry can make your home smell like your detergent and offer a clean scent.

-Time to do some baking–there’s a reason people who are selling their homes bake a batch of chocolate chip cookies right before a showing. Baking cookies will make your home smell cozy and welcoming, as well as naturally cover up any bad smells.

-Take it easy on scented candles and other products. While burning your favorite candle or blasting the room with a fragrant spray might seem like a good idea, it can become overpowering. Use subtle scents and not too much to create a pleasant yet non-overpowering smell.

Keep Your Home Clean to Keep Smells Away

woman putting blue cleaning glove on her hand

Keeping up on household chores and cleaning will help keep yucky smells away. Forgetting to empty the trash or not scoop the litter box daily can take a toll on your home’s scent. The best way to stay on top of unpleasant smells is to keep up on your housework.

If you’re ready to take a step back from constant cleaning or are having trouble keeping things smelling fresh in your home, consider a professional cleaning service. TLC Cleaning can ensure your home not only looks its best but smells its best as well. You won’t have to worry about hidden smells lurking around.

Tags air fresheners, how to

Chores General Cleaning

Simplify Summer Cleaning to Reduce the Summer Hustle

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date April 12, 2019
No Comments on Simplify Summer Cleaning to Reduce the Summer Hustle

Summer is coming, and if you’re a family with children, that means you’re about to have a houseful of kids 24/7. That also means their toys and sports equipment and dirty clothes will be all around too. You can plan on grass stains, the smell of chlorine, and wet footprints, but you don’t want to spend your entire summer doing chores or cleaning up messes.

After all, summer is a vacation for you, too. It’s a time for playing and fun in the sun. For drinking wine while watching sunsets and enjoying weekend getaways. And it’s precious time to spend with your kids without worrying about homework or school schedules or other obligations.

Nonetheless, the house still gets dirty in the summer. You may have gangs of neighborhood kids tromp through, or wet towels from pool time fun, or muddy shoes from river romps accumulating in the house. How do you manage all the fun while still getting the summer cleaning done? How do you balance the playtime with chores, and also have time for your bubble bath and wine hour?

At TLC Cleaning, we’re parents, too, and we know the drill. Here are some of our best tips for simplifying your summer cleaning to reduce the summer hustle.

Enlist the Entire Family

Just because it’s summer vacation doesn’t mean that there isn’t work for everyone to do. Everyone makes messes, so everyone cleans up. Make a small summer chore list for each person that only takes about a half-hour per day. And here’s the important part: you must accomplish your daily list before there is any fun for the day.

If your kids want to go to the pool, they finish daily chores first. If you can, set aside chore time after breakfast. Set a timer, put on some music, and make it fun. Everyone does their chores at the same time, then celebrates with popsicles, a run through the sprinkler, water balloons, or heading out to an activity.

Your kids can help keep things tidy. Consider assigning them zones of the house to be their area of expertise. They’re responsible for de-cluttering, emptying trash, and other maintenance.

Also Read: 5 Things to Do Instead of Spring Cleaning

Don’t Forget the Outside

You’re outside more in the summer, and those outdoor spaces need some TLC as well. Sweeping porches, tidying decks, and cleaning the gas grill are all items for your summer chore list, as well as weeding and lawn mowing.

Summer Cleaning Hacks

Grill Clean-Up Made Easy

Clean the grill when it is still warm, using a wire brush. If you forget to clean it after cooking, no problem. Just heat it again and get to it. If you have a lemon, cut it in half and use it to clean the wire racks. Lemons also leave a great shine on stainless steel as well.

Keep Outside Dirt Outside

Make sure shoes come off on the deck, front porch, garage, or in the mudroom. You may already be in the habit of doing this, but if not, summer is a great time to start. Wet shoes from the pool, sneakers covered with cut grass, muddy boots from hiking or playing in the woods — all that dirt and debris needs to stay outside. Assign a chore to clean off the shoes after the mud is dry and to sweep up all the wayward gunk that drops.

Water Rings on Your Furniture

Someone who will remain nameless unless you have a kid named “Not me!” left their drink cup on your wooden table. The house is warm, the drink is cool, and now there is a water ring on your furniture. No, darling child, spit and rubbing it with your finger does not fix it. However, this simple hack will: use mayonnaise. For this trick, you need the full-fat mayo, not a light version. Rub a small amount of the mayo onto the water ring. Don’t be skimpy but you don’t need an ice cream scoop, either. About a quarter-sized dollop rubbed into the ring will do. Let it sit for an hour, then wipe up with a cloth. Voila!

Banish Fingerprints with Fruit

Fingerprints on the fridge be gone! If you have a stainless steel fridge, you know how easily the shiny surface can fill with prints. It’s like it’s a magnet for smudges! With all those grubby hands reaching into the fridge all summer, your refrigerator front is going to look like a mural of fingerprints. Do away with those smudges by using citrus-based furniture polish on your fridge. Not only will it wipe away existing fingerprints, but the slightly oily surface will repel future ones.

Also Read: How to Deep Clean Carpet and Upholstery the Right Way

Monitor Mildew in the Washer

Summertime’s humidity can cause mold or mildew to form in your washer, especially if you have a front loader. Even if it’s not visible, you may encounter a musty smell that is unpleasant and can sometimes transfer to your clothes. To fix this, run an empty load with just detergent and hot water. Then leave the door open to let it fully dry.

Get Some Help from TLC

To thoroughly enjoy your summer, consider getting a weekly or monthly cleaning from the pros at TLC Cleaning. We can do your entire house or focus on problem areas, such as kitchens and baths. If you’re looking for more time at the pool or relaxing with friends and family, let us help you reclaim that time by taking your summer cleaning off your hands. Give us a call to get on our schedule before the summer is gone.

Tags cleaning schedule, how to, summer

Kitchen

The Love Hate Relationship with Stainless Steel Appliances

Post author By Trisha Lake, Owner of TLC Cleaning
Post date March 15, 2019
No Comments on The Love Hate Relationship with Stainless Steel Appliances

Stainless steel appliances have had their ups and downs. People seem to love stainless steel, but also maybe they hate that they love it.

When stainless steel is clean, it is beautiful. However, between fingerprints, smudges, dust, and everything else it comes in contact with, it doesn’t take long for your beautiful appliances to look dirty. You love your kids, but sometimes you wish their little fingers weren’t all over everything all the time.

At TLC Cleaning in Fargo, we always make sure your stainless steel appliances are wiped down and shining every time we visit for a cleaning. If you want information on a regular cleaning appointment, or want a deep clean, give us a call today.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

When it comes to stainless steel, the biggest hassle is keeping them looking clean and fresh. If you have kids or dogs, that task is infinitely more difficult. Between fingerprints, paw prints, dust, and grime, there always seems to be something on your fridge, dishwasher, or oven. Plus, the daily use adds a lot of build-up. Attempting to clean stove drip pans is panic-inducing for some people.

Before you start scrubbing, look closely at your stainless steel. They are not always easy to spot, but the steel has striations. Just like wood, stainless steel has a grain. You will want to be aware of the direction of the grain for the most effective cleaning.

Polishing your appliances against the grain will not ruin them, but it will allow more residue to get into the crevices. You might also notice the stainless steel looks dull and dingy when you clean against the grain. Go with the flow to get a higher shine.

You will also want to invest in some sturdy and high-quality microfiber cloths. These things are optimal for most cleaning. They will not leave dust or particles behind, and your appliances, counters, and everything in between will look fantastic at the end.

Once you have your rags and know the direction of the grain, you can start cleaning. Here are some helpful hints for how to clean stainless steel appliances.

Dish Soap

One of the simplest ways to clean stainless steel requires microfiber rags, dish soap, and water. Dish soap is excellent for cleaning steel because it removes grime and makes polishing easier. Place a little soap on your cloth and add enough water to dampen the rag. Wipe with the grain. For stubborn spots, you might have to clean a few times. Rub over everything with a dry cloth to remove any streaks.

White Vinegar

White vinegar is the crunchy mom’s best friend. To use vinegar, you can either pour the liquid directly onto the cloth or spray from a spray bottle onto the stainless steel. If you spray, let it sit for about 20 seconds. Wipe with the grain. You might have to reapply more times to obliterate the grime.

Club Soda

Put some club soda into a spray bottle and spray onto any stainless steel surfaces you have. Wipe with a microfiber cloth with the grain. Club soda will remove fingerprints and smudges. It will make the surface shiny, as well. If you have any soda left when you finish cleaning, add gin so you can celebrate a job well done!

WD-40

A unique way to clean stainless steel is with WD-40. (Note, use extreme caution with WD-40 in an area where you prep food because it is petroleum-based.) Spray WD-40 onto your stainless steel, or a microfiber cloth, and clean with the grain. The result is a fresh and gleaming surface. WD-40 also adds a layer of protection from future fingerprints. Now, while it’s out, take care of any squeaky doors that have been on your list for the last seven months.

Lemon Oil Furniture Polish

If you have any lemon oil furniture polish lying around your house, put some on a clean cloth and scrub your appliances. In this case, do not apply the cleaning solution directly to the surface as it might create more work.

Glass Cleaner

Most people have a bottle of Windex, or another brand of glass cleaner, under their sink. Glass cleaners work amazingly well to remove pesky fingerprints. Spray the cleaner onto a microfiber cloth and clean with circular motions. Windex really does fix everything, just as My Big Fat Greek Wedding promised us.

Commercial Stainless Steel Cleaners

These work great, but they are rather expensive. Personally, we like to save our money for the gin. See above.

Olive Oil, Mineral Oil, or Baby Oil

If your appliances somehow manage to stay fingerprint free long enough for you to finish cleaning, you can polish them with any number of things. Olive oil, mineral oil, and baby oil all work fantastic to make your appliances sparkle.

You only need a couple of drops on a clean microfiber cloth. Wipe with the grain of the steel and your appliances will look spectacular. This step is best completed minutes before the in-laws arrive.

Clean Stove Drip Pans

If your drip pans are black, resembling scorched earth, or if merely using the stovetop sets off the smoke alarm, it is probably time to clean the drip pans. This ungodly chore is a source of dread for many. But it doesn’t have to be.

If you don’t want to scrub the pans, give them a good baking soda soak. Leave one drip pan in place so you can boil a large pot of water with about ⅓ cup of baking soda. Place the other drip pans in the pot and let them soak for 30 minutes. Carefully pour the contents into the sink and rinse with cold water. A simple scrub should remove any remaining buildup. Repeat with the remaining burner. A hot soak can cure just about anything.

If you don’t feel like scrubbing and boiling, there is an even simpler solution to give you clean stove drip pans. Find your car keys, grab your wallet, and drive to the closest hardware store. For about $15 you can have brand new ones. Or, even better, log into Amazon and they will be at your doorstep in two days.

Call TLC Cleaning

If you want an extra hand cleaning your house, and keeping it that way, give us a call at TLC Cleaning. Whatever you need help with and however often, we have you covered.

Tags appliances, how to, kitchen, stainless steel