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Summer vacations are meant for sandy toes, poolside naps, and exploring new places—not worrying about what you left behind. The last thing you want after a relaxing trip is to walk through your front door and be greeted by mystery smells or a kitchen mess you forgot to deal with.

 

At Kingdom Keepers Cleaning, we’ve got your back. We’ve put together an easy, eco-friendly guide to help you create a fresh, stressless welcome for your return.

3-4 days before you leave:

Back to Basics

A quick clean before you leave can make a world of difference when you get back. After all, you’ll be busy unpacking, restocking your kitchen, or taking a nap—no need to add cleaning to that list! Focus on high-traffic areas like the kitchen, living room, and bathrooms (deep cleaning can wait for another day). Here’s a checklist to get you started:

• Wipe bathroom counters and mirrors
• Scrub and sanitize sinks
• Sanitize toilets
• Clean microwave and stove
• Vacuum and mop

If you’re short on time, prioritize areas where odors tend to build up, like toilets, sinks, and drains. It’s also a good idea to start clearing out any food in your fridge or pantry that will expire while you’re away. Then give the refrigerator shelves a good wipe-down.

1-2 Days Before:

Laundry & Linens

Catching up on laundry not only frees your washing machine for vacation laundry upon your return; it ensures you don’t come home to a pile of musty clothes and towels. To really bring home the welcoming vibes, change your sheets as well—there’s nothing quite so nice as crawling into your own freshly-laundered bed after a long day of travel!

 Fresh—Not Funky—Air

Want to walk into a home that smells clean and inviting? Leave out a bowl of baking soda or activated charcoal in rooms that tend to trap odors. You can also add a few drops of essential oil (like lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus) to cotton balls and place them discreetly around your home—inside closets, drawers, or near air vents.

Here are some other cleaning tasks you’ll want to tackle closer to your departure:

• Take out small trashes: Save the kitchen trash until the day you leave for any last-minute items.
• Run the dishwasher: Do this the night before you leave. If you don’t have time to unload before hitting the road, just crack it open to air out.
• Clean pet bowls: When was the last time you emptied and cleaned Fido or Fluffy’s food and water bowls? This is the perfect time!
• Clean the garbage disposal: Use a mixture of baking soda and vinegar to neutralize lingering smells, and for a fresh scent, toss small pieces of lemon or orange peel down the garbage disposal with a little vinegar.

Departure Day:

If you’re leaving really early in the morning, tackle this list the night before. Otherwise, save these steps until everyone is ready to leave:

• Clear the floors: Pick up and put away any stray toys, shoes, or trash. (This will make unpacking much less overwhelming.)
• Clean the counters: Declutter and wipe up any breakfast crumbs or coffee spills.
• Empty the coffee maker: No one wants to come home to a moldy coffee filter!
• Unplug small electronics: Save energy and avoid worry!
• Take out the kitchen trash: Because again—no one wants to come home to “that” smell!

Need a Hand?

As exciting as vacations can be, preparing for them can be stressful. There’s a lot on your plate—packing bags, scheduling pet-sitters, taking time off work, rescheduling family appointments. To make things easier on you, let us take care of the cleaning! After all, vacations are meant to give you a break from all that work, right?

Summertime in Oklahoma means lake days, outdoor grilling, and kids running through sprinklers from sunup to sundown. It also means your home sees a unique set of stains and spills. At Kingdom Keepers Cleaning, we’ve put together some practical tips to help you stay ahead of the mess, so you can enjoy a relaxing, peaceful summer.

Keep Sand from Taking Over

A trip to the lake or a beach vacation are great ways to cool off, but they usually come with a not-so-fun souvenir: sand. It gets into shoes, bags, car mats, and eventually, your floors. The best way to keep sand out of your home is to stop it before it gets in.

Before leaving the lake or beach, shake out your towels, bags, and shoes while you’re still near the water. We also recommend bringing a laundry hamper with large holes—you can use it to store your beach necessities and give it a good shake before loading up to get rid of excess sand. 

Once you’re home, shake out your sandy belongings one more time before bringing them inside. After everything is put away, sweep or use a dry mop to gather any stray grains from the floor. A sticky lint roller or handheld vacuum can help lift sand from car seats and furniture. If sand makes its way into your washing machine, be sure to wipe it out after each cycle to prevent it from spreading further.

Banish Sunscreen Smudges

Sunscreen is a vital part of summer safety, but it can also leave behind greasy stains on furniture, fabrics, and car seats. If you spot a stain, blot (don’t rub) it with a clean cloth to lift as much of the grease as possible. Then mix warm water with a bit of dish soap and dab the spot gently with a sponge. Rinse and blot dry.

For leather or vinyl, a dab of rubbing alcohol on a microfiber cloth usually does the trick, followed by a conditioner to keep the material supple and fresh. To manage the mess, designate specific beach and pool towels to cover car seats and other furniture as necessary.  

Nix Summer Stains

Grilling season is the best season—but it often comes with ketchup spills, grease splatters, and barbecue sauce drips. Here’s how to keep stains from sticking around:

• For greasy spots on fabric: Sprinkle baking soda or cornstarch on the stain and let it sit for 15 minutes to absorb the oil. Then brush it off, treat with dish soap, and wash as usual.
• For sauce stains: Blot up as much as possible, then clean the spot with a mixture of white vinegar, warm water, and dish soap. This works well on both fabric and hard surfaces like outdoor furniture.

 

Pro tip: After each use, wipe down grill tools and patio surfaces with a degreasing cleaner to keep buildup (and bugs!) at bay.

Control Grass & Water Messes

Summertime in Oklahoma can get H-O-T, so it makes sense that your kids (and you!) will want to spend as much time as possible in the pool or running through the backyard sprinkler. These activities can drum up mess as well as fun, though—namely, lots of muddy, grassy, wet footprints. To keep the mess outside:

• Place a washable rug or towel just inside and outside the door.
• Encourage kids to dry off before coming in, and shake out their towels before bringing them inside.
• Keep a laundry basket handy to collect wet swimsuits and towels.
• If grass clippings get tracked in, run a vacuum or broom over the entryway to keep them from spreading throughout the house.

Let Us Handle the Heavy Lifting

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, not spent scrubbing stains or vacuuming sand out of the carpet. With the right strategies and a little consistency, you can keep your space feeling clean and tidy. And when you’re ready to pass the cleaning baton, we’re here to help—with professional services tailored to meet your needs. Give us a call or click here for a free estimate!

 

Ahh, springtime in Oklahoma—the flowers are blooming, the temperatures are (mostly) mild, and allergy season is in full swing. It’s beautiful, but also frustrating. As the season unfolds, many of us find ourselves sniffling and sneezing, even in our homes.

 

But don’t worry—at Kingdom Keepers Cleaning, we’re here to provide effective and eco-friendly strategies to keep those pesky allergens at bay.

First Things First: Frequent Cleaning

One of the key ways to minimize allergens in your home is frequent cleaning. Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery weekly using a HEPA-filter vacuum, and use microfiber cloths during your dusting routine to prevent redistribution of dust into the air. It’s also important to pay special attention to moisture-prone areas like bathrooms to prevent mold growth.

 

To avoid harsh chemicals (which can also trigger allergic reactions), opt for eco-friendly cleaning solutions like vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice.

Allergy Air Care

Keep Windows Closed During High Pollen Counts

While opening windows in the springtime is a great way to invite fresh, cool breezes, it can also allow pollen to enter your home, which can exacerbate allergy symptoms. Keep windows closed during peak pollen times (typically midday) and use fans to circulate air instead (be sure they’re dust-free first!).

 

Use High-Quality Air Filters

To capture airborne allergens like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites, consider investing in air purifiers with HEPA filters. It’s also a good idea to equip your HVAC system with filters rated MPR 1500 or above to ensure they effectively capture particles. And of course, remember to replace them regularly.

 

Control Indoor Humidity Levels

Dust mites and mold thrive in humid environments. Try to keep your home’s humidity level below 50% by using dehumidifiers, especially in damp areas like bathrooms. Use exhaust fans when cooking or showering to keep areas well ventilated, and check for leaks regularly to prevent mold growth.

Fabrics & Fur

Allergy-Proof Your Bedding

Your bed should be a haven for rest, not a hotspot for allergens. To kill dust mites, wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week in hot water (130°F or above). You can also use dust-mite-proof covers on pillows, mattresses, and box springs, and consider replacing wool or feather bedding with synthetic materials to reduce the accumulation of allergens.

 

Clean Curtains and Upholstery

Fabrics trap allergens over time, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Wash curtains, throw blankets, and decorative pillows, and vacuum upholstered furniture frequently to remove dust and dander. Blinds are also prime dust magnets, so don’t skip them during your regular cleaning routine.

 

Groom Pets Regularly

No matter how much you love your dog or cat, their fur and dander can still wreak havoc on allergies. To reduce the spread of hair and dirt, bathe and brush your pets regularly. As you likely know, you’ll probably need to vacuum more frequently than non-pet-owners, particularly if you have a high-shedding breed. To make your job easier, try to keep them off the furniture (it’s difficult, we know!).

 

By implementing these strategies, you can reduce allergens in your home and breathe a little easier this spring. If you want help freshening your space this allergy season, contact us for a free estimate. At Kingdom Keepers Cleaning, we’re here to make clean, comfortable living a breeze.

 

April showers bring May flowers—and a fair share of mud, moisture, and mess into our homes and businesses. At Kingdom Keepers Cleaning, we understand that the rainy season in Oklahoma can make it challenging to maintain a clean space. But we’re here to help—with a proactive approach and a few pro tips, you can keep your space sparkling, rain or shine.

Entryway Essentials

The battle against rainy season messes begins at your doorstep. Equip your entryways with heavy-duty, absorbent mats inside and outside to trap moisture and dirt before they get tracked onto your floors. Assign a space for wet jackets and hats, whether that’s a row of hooks or a bucket that gets sent to the laundry room each day.

For businesses, consider anti-slip mats to ensure safety for both employees and customers, and remember to clean and dry them regularly to maintain their effectiveness. You might also install hooks or put a stand near the door for customers to park their wet umbrellas and jackets.

Defend Against Mud & Mess

Implementing a no-shoes policy indoors can significantly reduce the amount of dirt and water tracked inside. At home, create designated areas near entrances for shoe removal, complete with shoe racks or trays.

Of course, this isn’t an option for businesses, so be ready for a little extra mess; consider assigning someone to spot-clean the floor throughout the day to manage the inevitable grime.

Pet Protocol

If you’re a dog owner, you know how hard it is to keep your floors clean during rainy spells. One of the best ways to prevent messes is to investment in a pet-specific microfiber towel. These towels are super absorbent and make quick work of mud and moisture. Keep it by the door for easy access, and for major messes (we’re looking at you, digging dogs), use a shallow basin of warm water to rinse mud off paws before drying. (It’s wise to have your dog sit on a big towel when using this method, as it’s not uncommon for pups to flinch and spill the water.)

Swift Response to Spills

Accidents happen, whether it’s a wet umbrella or jacket dripping on the floor or an unexpected leak in the ceiling. To prevent stains and potential water damage, keep essential cleaning supplies on hand and address these incidents as soon as possible. If you have wood floors or carpet at your entryways, keep a towel handy to minimize water damage.

If water does make its way to your carpet, blot it immediately with a clean towel to avoid moisture build-up in the padding. For muddy messes on carpet, allow the area to dry before vacuuming so the stain doesn’t spread.

It’s also a good idea for businesses to update your staff on “spills protocol” and make sure you have the necessary equipment on hand to address messes.

Protect Your Surfaces

Another way to protect your space against the elements and make it easier to clean is to use protective coatings on floors and furniture. This can help prevent water damage as well as stains. For a more eco-friendly option, use inexpensive area rugs and blankets to protect your floors and furniture.

Ventilation is Vital

Rainy weather often leads to increased humidity (even indoors), which can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew. To combat this, keep air circulating by opening windows during dry spells and using exhaust fans. You can also invest in a dehumidifier to maintain optimal humidity levels—not only does this protect your property, but it contributes to a healthier indoor environment.

Call in the Pros

Rainy days don’t have to spell disaster for your space. With a little preparation and some smart solutions, you can keep the mud and moisture outside where it belongs. And if you ever feel overwhelmed by the mess, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals—we’re always ready to help make your home or business shine, no matter what the weather brings.

As the cold months finally give way to the brighter, warmer days of spring, there’s no better time to give your home a nice, deep clean. 

Winter tends to leave its mark in ways we don’t notice immediately. From muddy boots tracking dirt onto carpets to windows clouded with grime, it’s all too easy for a home to feel a little drab after months of being shut tight against the chill.

But don’t worry—we’re here to guide you through your spring-cleaning checklist and help you breathe new life into your home this season.

Carpet Care: Bring the Bounce Back

Winter can be tough on carpets. Snow, salt, dirt, and the extra time spent indoors all add up, leaving them looking tired and dingy. Deep-cleaning carpets in the spring is one of the most satisfying tasks because it instantly brightens a room.

Here’s what we’ve learned over the years:

• Vacuum thoroughly first. Go over high-traffic areas multiple times, and don’t forget corners and under furniture.
• Spot-treat stains. A simple solution of warm water, dish soap, and white vinegar can work wonders for many stains.
• Consider professional cleaning. If you don’t own a carpet shampooer or your floors have really taken a beating, a professional steam cleaning can be like hitting the reset button.

Crystal-Clear Windows: Let the Light Shine In

Nothing brightens up a space more than sunshine pouring through clean, streak-free glass. Spring is also a great time to clean window frames and tracks, which often become filled with dirt, bugs, and other debris over time. Consider dusting and wiping your blinds as well, and wash curtains if you have them.

We recommend cleaning the glass on a dry, overcast day—it’s the best way to avoid streaks. For an effective, eco-friendly cleaner, we like to use a mix of equal parts white vinegar and water. Spray this generously on the glass and wipe with a microfiber cloth (an old t-shirt works well, too).

Hard-to-Reach Places: Out of Sight, Out of Mind?

It’s easy to avoid cleaning those hard-to-reach spots, but spring is your chance to take the plunge. Often-overlooked areas include:

• Ceiling fans: Slip a pillowcase over each blade to catch the dust as you wipe.
• Light fixtures: A quick wipe-down makes them sparkle and improves the quality of light in your space.
• Behind appliances: Pull out your refrigerator and stove and vacuum and mop the floor. It’s surprising what collects back there!
• Baseboards and molding: Use a damp cloth to remove months of built-up grime with minimal effort.

Don’t Forget the Fireplace
A winter’s worth of cozy fires can leave behind soot and creosote, which not only look messy but can also be a fire hazard.

Unless you’re experienced with chimney cleaning, we recommend hiring a professional. They’ll ensure everything is safe and ready for the next chilly season. While you’re at it, check your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms—they’re essential for safety year-round.

Spring Cleaning bonus items
Here are some other ways to transition your home away from “winter mode” and welcome spring: 

• Store winter items: Pack away heavy winter gear, clothing, and decorations to free up space and reduce clutter.
• Tend the outside: Sweep porches, throw out old plants that may not have survived the winter, and pot new ones.
• Air it out: Open your windows on a nice day (preferably after rain for minimal dust flow) to circulate fresh air.
• Swap linens: Trade heavy winter blankets and sheets for lighter fabrics with brighter colors.
• Buy fresh flowers: Grocery stores often stock inexpensive bouquets, which bring fresh color and life to your space.

we’re here to help
Spring cleaning might seem daunting, but it’s incredibly rewarding. Cleaning carpets, windows, and those hard-to-reach spots makes your home feel lighter, fresher, and more inviting. And once everything is finished, you can relax and enjoy the sunshine with a sense of accomplishment.

If you’re short on time or need an extra hand, don’t hesitate to call in the professionals. We’re here to help make your home feel brand new, so you can fully embrace the joy of springtime.

 

 

Winter is the official “cozy season”—the time for snuggles, warm blankets, and hot drinks by the fire. But if you’re a pet owner, it’s also the season of muddy paw prints, shedding fur, and that unmistakable wet-dog smell.

As much as we love our furry friends, keeping a clean house in the winter with pets can feel like an uphill battle. Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and we have some tried-and-true tips to help you enjoy a tidy home without sacrificing your pet-friendly lifestyle.

Manage Mud & Snow Before It Gets Inside

Winter weather often means wet paws and muddy fur. To stop dirt at the door, create a paw-cleaning station. A simple setup of a washable mat, a stack of towels, and a shallow dish of warm water can work wonders. Teach your pets to wait on the mat while you give their paws a quick rinse. Not only does this prevent mud from being tracked inside, but it also keeps your pets (and floors) safe from harsh salts they may have stepped in that can irritate their paws.

Pro tip: Keep a container of pet-safe wipes handy for those days you’re in a rush. They’re a lifesaver for quick clean-ups. 

Control the Shedding

It’s no secret—winter coats mean more shedding. Regular grooming is your best friend here. A quick brushing session a few times a week not only keeps your pet comfortable but also minimizes the amount of fur floating around your house.

Pro tip: Invest in a high-quality vacuum designed for pet hair—it makes a world of difference. Choose one with a HEPA filter to capture all those tiny allergens that like to linger in the air.

Freshen Up Between Baths

Bathing your pet frequently during the winter can dry out their skin, but most pet owners don’t want to live with the “eau de dog” aroma, either. Dry shampoos designed for pets are a fantastic alternative. A quick rubdown with a dry shampoo can leave your pet smelling fresh without the need for a full bath.

Protect Your Floors & Furniture

If you have pets, your floors and furniture likely take the brunt of the mess. Washable area rugs are a game-changer, especially in high-traffic areas like your entryway. For furniture, consider slipcovers or pet blankets that can be easily tossed in the wash.

Don’t forget to check your floors regularly for wet spots and muddy prints. Cleaning spills and stains immediately not only keeps your home looking nice but also prevents long-term damage.

Sanitize Their Stuff

From their bed to their toys, your furry friend’s belongings can carry a lot of dirt and odor. With more time spent indoors, sometimes those smells become more concentrated in the winter. Make it a habit to wash their bedding more frequently, using pet-safe detergents and ensuring everything is thoroughly dried to avoid mildew. 

Toys (especially the soft plush ones) can also trap odors and bacteria. A quick toss in the washing machine (check the care-label first) or a soak in warm, soapy water can work wonders to eliminate lingering smells from the toy basket. Rinse hard toys with a diluted vinegar solution to keep them clean and safe for play.

Treat the Air

With pets, it’s especially important to address your home’s air quality. Invest in an air purifier designed for households with pets—it can help with dander, fur, even odors.

For a natural touch, try simmering a pot of water with slices of citrus, cinnamon sticks, and a few sprigs of rosemary. It’s a great way to freshen your space for the holidays without using strong artificial scents that could bother your pets.

Winter with pets doesn’t have to mean a messy house. With a little planning, some pet-specific strategies, and a consistent cleaning routine, you can keep your home fresh and welcoming all season long.

If you want help maintaining a sparkling home this holiday season, we’d love to help. Give us a call or request an estimate on our website.