Spring Cleaning

Cleaning Your Bathroom In 5 Easy Steps

by Jennifer | 1 Comment Friday, February 3, 2012

Cleaning and maintaining your bathroom is not as hard as you might think. When you think of doing it, do hours of sweaty and nasty hard labor pop into your head? Well, the good news is it doesn’t have to be that way. Follow these steps in this order (to keep things sanitary and easy) and you will find that it’s really a piece of cake! All you need is a few clean rags, microfiber cloths (to help with lint and streaks,) a broom, mop, magic erasers, and cleaner. And don’t forget to go green! If you need help deciding what products to use, check out Our Blog On Creating Your Own House Cleaning Kit!

1. Mirrors

You always want to start with the mirrors with a fresh, clean rag for the best result, and spray the product directly on the mirror, followed by a dry microfiber cloth to ensure a clean finish. If you use a rag that has already been used elsewhere, you will likely have problems with streaking and smudging.

2. Counters

Using a fresh rag with the cleaning product of your choice, clean your countertops and sinks. Make sure you get underneath all items on the counters, as well as wiping off the items. Also, spot check the cabinets and clean as needed.

3. Tub and or Shower

Whether it’s a standing shower or combination tub/shower, you want to begin with the walls and work your way down. Spray down the walls and use a magic eraser if necessary to remove any soap scum, then wipe down again with a rag to smooth out. Then clean out the tub with the eraser and rags, and making sure the fixtures are clean as well.

4. Toilet

If you are using a homemade vinegar solution, you can pour or spray some in the bowl first and let sit to disinfect. Start with the tank, the sides, outside of the bowl, and the area between the tank and toilet seat. Then lift the lid and clean the seat and rim. Finish by scrubbing the toilet bowl with a brush and flush.

5. Clean The Floor

If you have carpet, simply vacuum, and use the hose attachment to go around the areas the vacuum can’t reach and over the baseboards. If you need to sweep and mop, sweep first, going over the baseboards as well. If your mop does not reach behind the toilet, use a rag to clean that area, then mop the rest of the floor. Let dry for 10 minutes and voila! Your bathroom is clean and sparkling!

Keeping The Dust In Your Home Under Control

by Jennifer | No Comments Thursday, April 14, 2011

Minimizing dust in your home is a major factor in your overall health and well-being. Of course, there’s no way to completely eradicate all of it, especially because dust is constantly being formed from shedding skin, material fibers, pet hair, and other particulates. But keeping it from getting out of control is important because dust can trigger allergies, asthma attacks, and in extreme cases, a heart attack.

Regular cleaning by you and/or a maid service plays a key role in keeping dust under control. Avoid using feather dusters, and other things that do little more than move dust around. Instead, use a slightly dampened microfiber cloth or rag to hand-wipe all surfaces. Check out http://www.rd.com/home/8-smart-strategies-to-make-your-home-dust-proof/ for great tips on dusting.

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service in Plano, Frisco, Dallas and the surrounding area.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

Preventing and Reducing Spring Allergies

by Jennifer | No Comments Sunday, March 13, 2011

Simple ways to reduce allergy inducing pathogens in the home for a brighter, more enjoyable spring!

- Keep your house clean, making sure your carpets are vacuumed regularly (and that the vacuum has a hepa filter) and your belongings are dusted often.  Doing just a little bit every day helps maintain a healthy home.

- Do your “spring cleaning,” and get rid of unwanted and unused items in your home that can increase clutter and make maintaining cleanliness difficult.

-Keep your pets well groomed, especially if they love the outdoors. They bring a numerous amount of particulates back in the home.

-Take your shoes off at the door. Just like your pets, you bring in a little piece of the outdoors every time you come back inside. If you have been out all day, change your clothes before you unwind.

-If you need allergy medicine, make sure you have what works best for you. Talk to your doctor about your options, and how severe your discomfort can be.

-When breaking out your spring and summer clothes that have been stored away all winter, run everything through the laundry before putting them where they belong.

-Make sure your air conditioner filters are clean. They should be replaced about every three to six months, depending on the size of your home, and if you have pets.

-Know your area’s most common allergens. You may be surprised to find out what’s bugging you! http://www.weather.com/outlook/health/allergies/common/states/TX-common-allergens

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

House Cleaning with Lemon Juice

by Scarlette | No Comments Wednesday, March 2, 2011

One of the best things we can do for ourselves, our children, and our pets is not only keeping our homes clean and safe from harmful pathogens, but also exploring the world of using natural cleaning alternatives as opposed to toxic chemicals. Also, the money you will save by making your own cleaning products is a great perk!

Lemons are one of nature’s many great contributions. It is not only beneficial to your health, but can also be useful in your home. It is a powerful antibacterial, and since it is highly acidic, it breaks up grease and grime with ease. It is also a very effective stain lifter. Since lemon juice can go bad after a while, be sure to keep everything that is not used within 24 hours refrigerated, and keep in mind the importance of proper labeling!

Before you begin, remember that it is always important to do an overnight spot test on any surfaces you are unsure about. Also, DO NOT use lemon juice on natural stone, granite, and stainless steel. (with the exception of the kitchen sink, which does not have a sealant on it that could be worn off by the acid in lemon juice.)  Below are some house cleaning tips using lemon juice.

1. To remove those pesky stains off your cutting board, simply rub a slice of lemon over it until the stain is gone.

2. Most air fresheners can be toxic with long term exposure, so to make your own, mix 2 cups of hot water, 1/8 cup baking soda, and ½ cup of lemon juice in a spray bottle.

3. Forget conventional furniture polish, make your own! All you need is 1 cup of olive oil mixed with ½ cup lemon juice. Use sparingly.

4. Remove rust from virtually anything by putting undiluted lemon juice directly to surface and let sit for 30 minutes, then wipe clean.

5. To make your microwave fresh and clean, put 4 tbsp. lemon juice in a microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water, and run for 5 minutes, or until water begins to boil. The combination of steam with the juice will break up all food spots, and all you have to do after you remove the bowl is wipe clean.

6. To increase the grease-cutting power of your favorite dish washing detergent, add 1 tsp. of juice before you run the load.

7. For your own all-purpose cleaner, mix equal parts juice with distilled water.

8. Make a paste with juice and salt to clean and shine copper, brass, and stainless kitchen sinks.

9. Add 1/2 cup of lemon juice to rinse cycle in laundry as an alternative to bleach.

10. Does your kitchen sink disposal have an unpleasant odor? Try running a lemon peel down it with hot water.

11. Add 2 tbsp. juice to a spray bottle nearly full of distilled water to make your own window cleaner that also repels bugs. Do not use on windows when they are in direct sunlight.

12 . Get rid of the lime scale by applying straight lemon juice to area, let sit for 30 minutes, and wipe or rinse clean.

At Bit a Bliss we are dedicated to providing extraordinary maid service.  Everyone deserves a Bit a Bliss!  www.bitabliss.com

Spring Cleaning to Fight Allergies

by admin | 1 Comment Sunday, April 4, 2010

The arrival of spring brings the blooming trees and flowers, and the pollen dust.  There seems to be a green dust on everything and even though you may not be able to see it, it is probably in your house too.   There are a few things you can do to help the sneezes and the itchy water eyes and improve your indoor air quality.

  • Dust thoroughly and often.
    • Pollen dust is just like the other dust you find in your home, it sticks around until you clean it off so it is very important to get all of those surfaces that you may not think about, tops of cabinets, ceiling fans etc…  Wet dusting is recommended, you can lightly dampen a cloth with water or use Murphy’s Oil Soap to dampen your dusting tools.   
  • Vacuum all upholstery and carpet with a HEPA filter vacuum.
    • The pollen can settle in your carpet and fabric furniture, using a HEPA filter will prevent dust and allergens from being blown out of a bag right back onto your carpet.
  • Wash or dry clean all of your bedding and curtains or drapes
    • Drapes, curtains and blinds are dust and allergen traps, they sit right there in front of your windows and catching alot of the dust and allergens coming in through open windows or the little crevices or closed windows.
  • Destroy mold and mildew
    • Get rid of mold and mildew indoors by cleaning under the refrigerator, washing and disinfecting garbage cans, thoroughly scrubbing bathrooms, and cleaning or changing shower curtains.
  • Change filters
    • Don’t forget to change the filters on your air conditioners, air purifiers, dehumidifiers and vent registers.  Dust and allergens can build up in these filters and if not changed can continue blowing the allergens into your home even after you have cleaned.

 

These are just a few tips to help get you through the allergy season, look for more soon!