eric

Winter Is The New Spring: Why Deep Cleaning Should Be Your New Cold-Weather Hobby

December 29, 2023 by eric

Forget waiting for spring; we say winter is the unsung hero of deep cleaning and home organization. After all, who wants to be inside dusting when the flowers are finally blooming?

For this blog, we’ll discuss some practical winter cleaning projects that will not only rid your home of those pesky germs but refresh your living space so you can truly enjoy snuggling up indoors this winter.

Create Space for Comfort

Winter is the perfect season to declutter. Everyone is nestled indoors, making it easier to spot what’s no longer serving you. Plus, Christmas usually brings a lot of new “stuff,” and a family purging session can be a great way to start fresh in the new year.

When you declutter, you’re not just cleaning up; you’re creating a vibe. It’s a chance to make your space more you. And the best part? You don’t have to do it all in one go. Tackle one room, one drawer, one shelf, one folder at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have a space that’s less about mess and more about living. We recommend starting with the family room, where you likely spend most of your cozy evenings. Sort through books, magazines, board games, and DVDs (if you still own any!)—keep what you love and donate or recycle what you don’t.

Attack Overlooked Areas

Now, let’s talk about those neglected spaces. (We’re looking at you, under-the-bed cave and behind-the-furniture gap!) These are the hidden realms where dust bunnies and crumbs love to party, and winter is the ideal time to move furniture and get to those hard-to-reach spots.

Pull out those vacuum attachments you’ve never used (they’re not just for decoration!) and channel your inner ghostbuster, going after dust and allergens hiding in the carpet and woodwork. Those long, skinny nozzles? They’re great for sneaking into the tight spots between couch cushions or along the base of stair steps. The brush attachment? Perfect for scrubbing caked dust off of baseboards and molding.

Pro Tip: While you’re at it, give your floors some extra love—sprinkle baking soda on the carpet before you vacuum to neutralize odors. If you have hardwood or tile, a nice mopping with a mix of warm water and vinegar can do wonders. This kind of deep cleaning can make a significant difference in the air quality of your home, which is especially important in the winter months when windows are seldom open.

Refresh Your Closet

Revamping your closet is about so much more than organization; it’s about starting your day with less stress and more joy. Take a moment to assess your wardrobe—if an item doesn’t fit, you haven’t worn it in a year, or you just don’t love it, consider donating it.

Once you’ve streamlined your wardrobe, organize your closet in a way that makes sense for your daily routine (color-coordinated tops, anyone?). To save space and create order, consider adding accessories like multilevel hangers for pants and scarves or shelf dividers to keep your sweaters from toppling into chaos. Don’t forget about your shoes—clear boxes or a hanging organizer can turn a mountain of mismatched footwear into a navigable display.

Declutter, Deep Clean, and Decompress

This winter, take advantage of your time indoors to create a living space you love. (Your future self will thank you, especially if we get hit with an infamous Oklahoma ice storm and you’re stuck inside for days!) Whether you deep clean or declutter (or both), creating a tidier home isn’t just about appearances; it’s about making a space where you can relax, rejuvenate, and enjoy the winter season to its fullest.

If you want help with your winter cleaning, contact us today to receive a free estimate for our residential cleaning services. We’re here to help keep your home clean and cozy all winter long and beyond.

The Art of Green Cleaning in Your Kitchen

November 30, 2023 by eric

In the heart of every home, the kitchen stands as a bustling hub of activity. It’s where meals are crafted, memories are made, and inevitably, messes occur. And in today’s eco-conscious world, the approach to cleaning this hub of the home is shifting. Trends are moving toward greener, more sustainable cleaning practices, especially in the kitchen.

But the room in which you prepare food is the last place you want to compromise sanitation—so how do you transition to a greener cleaning routine without sacrificing safety? Here are some tips for green cleaning in your kitchen to transform your home into an environmentally friendly—and spotless—haven.

What is Green Cleaning?

“Green cleaning” refers to using cleaning products with environmentally friendly ingredients that are designed to preserve human health and environmental quality. These products avoid harsh chemicals, opting for natural, biodegradable components. In the kitchen, that might mean swapping conventional cleaners for those made with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils.

Benefits of Green Cleaning

Making the switch to green cleaning has several benefits:

Healthier Home Environment: Traditional cleaning products often contain harmful chemicals that can linger in the air and on surfaces, posing health risks for your family and pets. Green products reduce exposure to toxic substances.
Environmental Impact: Green cleaning reduces water and air pollution and minimizes your carbon footprint.
Economic Benefits: Many green cleaning solutions can be made from everyday household ingredients, potentially saving you money.

Essential Green Cleaning Products for Your Kitchen

To start your green cleaning journey, stock your kitchen with these key items:

White Vinegar: A natural disinfectant great for cleaning countertops and appliances, and even unclogging drains.
Baking Soda: Excellent for scrubbing surfaces and removing tough stains.
Lemon Juice: Its acidic properties make it effective for cutting through grease, and it leaves a fresh scent.
Castile Soap: A versatile, plant-based soap that can be used for washing dishes and surfaces.
Essential Oils: Not only do they add a pleasant aroma, but some oils like tea tree and lavender have antibacterial properties.

Transitioning to a Green Cleaning Routine

To start your green cleaning journey, stock your kitchen with these key items:

Start Small: Begin by replacing one or two conventional products with green alternatives. As you adjust, continue to incorporate more green products.
DIY Solutions: Experiment with making your own cleaners. A simple mixture of vinegar, water, and lemon can be an effective all-purpose cleaner.
Read Labels: When purchasing cleaning products, look for those with eco-friendly certifications.
Mindful Practices: Green cleaning isn’t just about the products; it’s also about the methods. Try reusable cloths instead of paper towels, and don’t leave the tap running unnecessarily.
Educate and Involve the Family: Share the importance of green cleaning with your family and get them involved in the process.

The Key to a Spotless Car Dealership

October 31, 2023 by eric

If you’re in the car dealership game, you already know first impressions are everything—and your showroom is part of that. But beyond the aesthetic appeal, maintaining a pristine facility is an integral part of customer service. Believe it or not, the cleanliness of your space plays a massive role in shoppers’ buying decisions.

Below are some pro tips on how to keep various areas of your dealership customer ready.

Showroom Floors

The showroom floor—this is where dreams are made and deals are closed. You’d think the cars would be the only things that need to sparkle, but your floors should shine too. Daily cleaning is a must here. Foot traffic brings in dirt and dust, and you don’t want that ruining your customers’ experience.

A high-quality commercial floor cleaner is your best bet for tile or linoleum surfaces. If you have hardwood floors, a gentle cleaner designed specifically for wood should do the trick. To add that extra shine, consider buffing the floor once a week. And remember to keep cleaner handy for accidental spills, which are inevitable.

Customer Lounges and Waiting Areas

For seating areas and other customer spaces, plan a once-daily deep clean in addition to touch-ups throughout the day. Staff members should be on the lookout for used coffee cups, crumpled papers, and other clutter.

Soft surfaces like sofas and chairs benefit from fabric fresheners and a good vacuuming. As for hard surfaces like coffee tables and counters, non-toxic multi-surface cleaners work wonders.

And let’s not forget about the coffee station—be sure to wipe down the area with food-safe cleaners several times a day to ensure it remains a welcoming spot for those free cups of Joe.

Service Areas and Workshops

Service areas and workshops can get real grimy, real fast. And even though customers won’t spend much time in these areas, they will see them occasionally, and you want them to look well-kept when they do.

Given the nature of the work, these areas need to be cleaned multiple times throughout the day. A nightly deep clean is also essential.

Heavy-duty degreasers and industrial-strength cleaners are your go-to here. Oil spills and grease stains are tough to treat, so opt for absorbent materials made for industrial messes. Safety is crucial in these areas, so using cleaners that are non-slip is also key.

Unpacking the Secret to Unpacking

September 29, 2023 by eric

Buying or renting a new home is a great opportunity to start fresh and create a space that reflects your style, but it’s not without its challenges. Whether you’re moving cross-country or just a few blocks away, the process of packing and unpacking boxes is stressful.

Without a plan in place, it can feel overwhelming or unorganized — but it doesn’t have to be. Below we’re sharing a few of our top tips for staying organized, decluttering your space, and getting settled into your new home faster after a move.

Declutter As You Go

Depending on your timeline for moving, it’s possible you didn’t get a chance to go through your belongings before putting them in boxes. But as you settle into your new home, start things off on the right foot by being selective with what stays and what goes. As you’re unpacking your kitchen boxes, for example, you might come across some old appliances you haven’t used in years.

Think of it this way: If you didn’t use it at your last home, chances are you won’t use it here either. Take this opportunity to edit and rethink what you really want to keep and what you can afford to let go. This can be especially helpful if you’re downsizing your home or otherwise working with less space than you had before.

Map Out Your Plan of Action Before Unpacking

Efficiency is the name of the game, and your new space will only get more cluttered the more you unpack boxes. Take advantage of this clean slate by moving boxes to their appropriate destinations in the home. If a box contains your clothes, move it to the bedroom closet. If it has pots and pans, put it in the kitchen. Getting as organized as you can now will help you contain the clutter and unpack each room more efficiently.

Once you have boxes organized by room, make a game plan. Some people prefer to move through the house room by room, completing one entirely before starting on the next. If you have multiple family members helping out (like a spouse and kids), think about how you might want to divvy up the chore of unpacking. Your kids can work on unpacking in their own bedrooms, and your spouse can take the guest room, for example. Dividing and conquering can help move the process along quickly.

Start With the Kitchen

If you’re not sure where to turn your attention to first, start with the kitchen. Most people consider the kitchen to be the social hub of the house, and getting it settled in first can really help you feel at home faster. It’s possible to live out of a suitcase (or boxes) for a few days when it comes to your bedroom and bathroom, but it’s hard to cook and dine in an unpacked kitchen. Even just getting the essentials out and stored away will help you feel more organized — your pots, pans, utensils, plates, and coffeemaker, for example.

Clear Out Boxes As You Go

Imagine the frustration of unpacking every last item in one room, only to turn around and see a heaping pile of moving boxes in the corner. Save yourself the annoyance and break down or remove boxes as you go. Set aside a designated corner or area of the home where you can put flat boxes and contain the clutter. Getting boxes out of the way from the start will help your house feel more like a home from the get-go.

Don’t Try to Rush the Process

Moving is one of the most stressful events in a person’s life, and unpacking is no easy feat. It’s going to take time, so allow yourself to move through the process at a manageable pace. Don’t expect to unpack an entire home in a weekend, or even a week — especially if you have other responsibilities to manage (like going to work or raising kids).

Start with the essentials first, and work your way through those moving boxes in order of importance. You might find it helpful to set aside time each day (even just one hour in the evenings) to focus on unpacking. That way, the job gets done over time, and you’re not taking time away from other responsibilities to do it.

Special Considerations for a Military PCS Move

You’ll be required to show paperwork upon arriving at your new home on base. To make things easier before hitting the road, create a special binder or box that holds all of your paperwork including copies of your orders, birth certificates, Social Security cards, mortgage documents, rental agreements, etc. As you relocate, put this box in an easy-to-access location for when you arrive at your destination.

Preparing for an Upcoming Move? We Can Help

There’s no getting around it, moving is a stressful life event we all experience at one point or another. If you’re preparing for an upcoming move (or have recently started unpacking at your new place), this can be an opportune time to have your home cleaned by a team of experienced professionals. Our team at Kingdom Keepers knows how to come into a new space and transform it into a clean and welcoming environment for you and your family. To learn more about our services, please contact us today.

Eliminating Odors in Your Home

August 31, 2023 by eric

Part of what makes your house a home is the welcoming, cozy environment you create within it. But when bad odors start to linger, it can make your home a less-than-inviting place to be. Rest assured, home odor is normal — inevitable, even. With a little help from some common household products, you can eliminate bad smells in your home and ensure your family and guests have an enjoyable place to gather.

First, Look for Potential Sources of the Odor

Deodorizing or masking odors only gets you so far, especially if a smell is persistent or out of the ordinary.

Some odors are just to be expected, resulting from your everyday activities and habits (old clothes in the hamper, dirty dishes in the sink, dogs or cats sleeping on the furniture, etc.).

However, some odors may be caused by a specific problem that requires you to find and eliminate the source. For example, if you suddenly start smelling mold, must, or mildew, you may have a leak in your plumbing system and water is pooling somewhere undetected. If you think that could be the case, call a plumber and have your home’s pipes inspected.

Or, it’s possible an animal could crawl down your chimney, get into appliances, or otherwise make their way into your home. If the odor is coming from a particular area of your home and is especially pungent, it’s possible an animal may be taking up residency in your home or, worse yet, has died. If you suspect this is the case, call an exterminator to have the pest removed.

Wash Fabrics Regularly

To eliminate those day-to-day odors, turn your attention first to any soft or plush items in your home. Furniture and fixtures made of fabric include couches, curtains, carpets, dog beds, towels, bedding, and mattresses. These are all notorious for attracting and retaining the odors around them. Even if you’ve eliminated the source of the smell or used an odor-eliminating spray to neutralize the air, stubborn smells will still cling to fabrics throughout your house.

Wash all pillow covers, blankets, dog beds, curtains, and anything else that can easily fit in your washing machine. Make it a habit to clean these regularly, and that should help eliminate persistent odors.

For surfaces you can’t throw in the wash, like carpets, rugs, and furniture, two kitchen staples will help take care of the problem. Sprinkle baking soda on any desired surface, allow it to sit for a few hours (overnight if possible), and simply vacuum it up. Or, lightly mist vinegar on fabric and allow it to dry. Once it dries, the smell of the vinegar (and the original odor) should dissipate.

If you’d like something more heavy-duty, there are a number of odor-eliminating sprays and foams that are safe for soft surfaces. Just be sure to spot test any new product to ensure it doesn’t discolor or stain your furniture.

Consider a Dehumidifier and Air Purifier

From large rooms and basements to small closets, dehumidifiers help keep areas of your home from smelling musty and damp. Anywhere that lacks ventilation or isn’t connected to your central air conditioning unit (if you have one) could benefit from a dehumidifier.

Air purifiers make a great addition to any room in your house, especially areas where you and your family sleep or your furry friends hang out. Air purifiers collect the air, run it through a filter, trap odor-causing bacteria and dirt, and release the purified air back into the room.

Focus on Stubborn Areas, Like the Kitchen

The kitchen is, by nature, the area of your home most prone to odors. And that’s okay! By incorporating a few extra steps in your cleaning routine, you can help reduce the build-up of bad smells and keep your kitchen smelling fresh, clean, and inviting.

Here’s how to address the most common sources of smell in your kitchen:

Fridge: Keep items wrapped up tightly in baggies, plastic wrap, or containers with sealed lids. Once a week (or at an interval that works for you), remove any food that’s hit its expiration date. By regularly cleaning out old food, you’ll have a better chance of avoiding smells in the first place. If you do find that your fridge is still emitting unwanted odors, keep an open box of baking soda in there to help eliminate odors. You can also shop around for fridge air filters or odor-absorbing gels.

Garbage disposal: After weeks of sending food down the garbage disposal, it’s likely your disposal will start to stink. To clean it out, put ice down the disposal followed by Borax. If you don’t have Borax on hand, you can follow the ice with a bit of baking soda and vinegar. Allow the mixture to fizz before washing it down with hot water.

Garbage can: You may surprised to know that it’s not always the contents of the garbage bag that are causing odors in your kitchen. Over time, the can itself accumulates dirt and grime. Use cleaning wipes to clean the surfaces of your trash can thoroughly between bags. In addition, you can use an odor-eliminating spray (such as Febreze or Lysol) to help freshen up the area around your garbage can.

Microwave: If you’ve ever microwaved a piece of fish, you know just how much odor can linger in your microwave. Microwave a bowl of vinegar or water and lemon for five minutes. When time is up, take a damp cloth and wipe down any remaining residue.

Dishwasher: Your dishwasher accrues food debris and dirt. Eventually, these can cause it to smell. If you see food particles stuck at the bottom of the washer, use a damp cloth or paper towel to get them out. To eliminate the odor, use dishwasher cleaning tablets regularly.

Eliminating Odors in an Eco-Friendly Way

While there are hundreds of products on the market geared toward eliminating odors, you really don’t have to look much further than your kitchen cupboards for an effective and eco-friendly solution.

Both baking soda and white vinegar are effective and safe deodorizers for almost any surface in your home. If you’re concerned about pets or kids coming into contact with harsh chemicals, baking soda and vinegar are great alternatives — even coffee grounds and tea leaves can help keep a space smelling cleaner.

If you do want to use commercial products but do so in an environmentally conscious way, consider purchasing products in glass or reusable bottles.

Persistent Odors May Need Addressing By a Professional

A clean-smelling home requires ongoing maintenance and a dedication to keeping surfaces clean and sanitized. If you’d like to ensure your home always smells fresh and clean, but don’t have the time to dedicate to regular deep cleanings, contact us today to learn about our professional home cleaning services.

Key Places to Clean Before an Open House

July 31, 2023 by eric

When buyers start looking at new homes, their expectations are sky-high. They want to walk into a space and be able to envision a future living there. So as someone looking to sell your home, this means doing what you can to help make their vision come to life. Namely, you need to look at your house from the buyer’s perspective and create a welcoming, clean, and friendly environment. To do that, you must declutter and deep clean.

Here are a few hidden, yet important, areas of your home to address before your next open house.

Make a Great First Impression

The entryway is the first thing buyers see when entering your home. While we may not regularly put much thought into how the sidewalks look, the front of your house serves as the first impression and needs to be prepped with care. Take a broom to any spider webs on your front porch, clean your front door, weed the garden beds, sweep the leaves off the sidewalk, and clean up any decorations or plants framing your front porch.

Evaluate the inside of your entryway or foyer as well. With so much heavy foot traffic through your front door, this area tends to accumulate more mess than other areas of the house. Declutter the coat closet, thoroughly clean the floor and any area rugs, wipe down mirrors, and make sure your entryway creates a warm welcome for potential buyers.

Look High and Low

Out of sight can mean out of mind, but when it comes to preparing for an open house, expect peeping eyes to see just about everything. That means as you prepare, consider the hard-to-reach places in your home both above and below eye level. While you probably vacuum and mop regularly, remember to deep clean the baseboards as you prepare for your open house. They often go undetected, but dust and dirt can accumulate quickly on low surfaces.

If you have pets or small children, be sure to give the lower half of your walls a thorough cleaning as well to remove any fingerprints, food debris, etc. In addition, check your vents for unsightly dust bunnies and pet hair.

Turning your attention upwards, be sure to thoroughly wipe down ceiling fans, chandeliers, and light fixtures that may be collecting dust, dirt, and cobwebs from the ceiling. While you have the ladder out, check the top of every window frame as well, as this is another commonly overlooked spot.

Deep Clean Appliances

Whether you plan on including appliances in the sale or not, potential buyers will be evaluating their condition when walking through your home. Not to mention, appliances like ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines can create unwanted odors over time. Give your appliances a deep cleaning to restore their appearance, remove dirt and grime, and eliminate odors.

While you’re at it, be sure to give other areas of your kitchen some extra attention as well. When was the last time you cleaned your garbage disposal? That’s another common source of unwanted smells. If you have countertop appliances like coffee makers or toaster ovens, those should be addressed as well. Your kitchen is one of the most-used and most-scrutinized areas of your home, which means it’s well worth having every nook and cranny cleaned before your next open house.

Check for Common Dust Collectors

If you have a lot of knick-knacks or bookshelves full of collectibles, be prepared to dust every surface thoroughly. Common decor items like fake plants, candles, wicker furniture, and the top of books are big dust magnets that can often go undetected. Before your open house, set time aside to dust all decor items. This may be a good opportunity to declutter areas of your home as well by packing away extra items, which means fewer surfaces to clean in the future.

Wipe Down Cupboards and Closets

Potential buyers want the illusion that they’re getting a brand-new house. During an open house, you can expect them to open every drawer and inspect every closet. Give the inside of your kitchen cupboards and drawers a thorough wipe down, as well as shelves, hanging rods, and hooks in closets. These areas tend to go unnoticed during our daily routines, but storage spaces are looked at with a critical eye during open houses.

Making Your Home Open-House Ready

Spending extra time and effort to make your home ready for an open house is an effective way to boost buyer offers. But selling your home is a long and time-consuming process, which means you may not have the bandwidth needed to give your house a thorough deep clean. Our cleaning professionals understand the tight deadlines involved with preparing for an open house. We work in sync with you, your realtor, and other contractors to ensure your home is looking like-new and ready to be showcased at your upcoming event. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you prepare your home to hit the market.