In order to clean properly, you need to clear away all the stuff that gets in your way. This includes things on counters and tabletops, draped over furniture and in the corners of rooms.

A clean home can benefit your physical health, mental well-being and productivity. It’s also much easier to maintain a clean home if you know how to go about it efficiently. Contact House Cleaning New Haven CT for specialized services.

Floor cleaning may be the most time-consuming part of your house cleaning operation, but it’s also one of the most important. Dust and dirt from furniture, bookshelves and countertops all fall onto floors where it can scratch and stain the finish. To avoid this, sweep or vacuum before you mop. Bulky items like furniture legs and rugs must be moved to make mopping easier, and a “dry” mop should be used to collect all loose dust that could otherwise be stirred up by the wet mop.

To prevent permanent damage to your floor surfaces, mop regularly with a neutral cleaner or soap solution (never use oil, furniture sprays or waxes that can leave residues). If you have laminate flooring, consider placing a door mat at the entrance to encourage guests and family members to wipe their feet, and impose a no-shoes-indoors policy to further reduce dirt buildup. To keep your mop from becoming too saturated with cleaner, rinse it often.

Walls

Walls need to be cleaned periodically. Dirty walls make a home look unkempt and can also affect indoor air quality by trapping dust, which can trigger allergies. Walls can be cleaned with a cleaning solution made from water and mild soap or all-purpose cleaner. Whether or not you choose to use chemical solutions, it’s important to protect your floors and arms from splashes during the washing process. Put down some old towels or blankets to catch excess water and wear rubber gloves.

Begin by removing any loose dust or cobwebs. This can be done with a soft broom, a brush tied around the end of a long-handled sweeper or by using a vacuum with a brush attachment. Be sure to get into corners and along baseboards. Next, dust the walls. It’s best to do this dry, as moisture can complicate subsequent steps. After dusting, wipe down walls with a sponge dipped in clean water and wrung out. Pay special attention to areas where people touch, like light switches and doorknobs.

Cabinets

The cabinets are another major part of your home and should be cleaned as frequently as possible to maintain their beauty and functionality. Wood cabinets have unique qualities that can’t be duplicated by manufactured materials, and regular cleaning helps them look their best and stay in tip-top shape for years to come.

To clean your cabinets, start by emptying them completely. Next, wipe down the outside and inside of each cabinet, paying special attention to crevices and trim. After rinsing the cabinet, be sure to dry them thoroughly to prevent water damage.

To keep your cabinets looking their best, we recommend using a safe and grease-cutting all-purpose cleaner with a microfiber cloth or soft rag. Spritz the solution onto your cloth or sponge and dampen it, but not so wet that it drips. Then, wipe away dust, dirt, and grime.

Furniture

Furniture is a large part of any room and can take up a lot of space. Cleaning furniture involves a process that involves taking cushions off and vacuuming underneath, and also dusting. It is often a good idea to do this regularly as this will help prevent stains and odors from accumulating.

For upholstered furniture, it is important to have the fabric treated with a stain repellant. This will help keep stains from forming and prolong the life of the furniture.

For wood furniture, a furniture polish can be used to make the furniture shiny again. To do this, mix a small amount of mild soap with water, dip a cloth in the solution and then wipe down the furniture, making sure not to soak it. After wiping the furniture, it is a good idea to dry it with another clean cloth. Another cleaning tip is to make cleaning a team effort by enlisting family members to do certain tasks. This can be fun, save time and get the job done faster.

Windows

Windows need to be cleaned inside and out on a regular basis, especially in high-traffic areas where grit from passing cars can damage the glass. Dust, pollen, bird droppings, and caked-on salt can also make windows look dingy.

To clean interior windows, use a spray bottle with a solution of one part distilled white vinegar to 10 parts water. The vinegar helps break down the film that accumulates on windows. For outside windows, you can use a store-bought cleaner, a sponge mop, or a microfiber cloth on a pole.

For best results, choose a soft microfiber cloth that is lint-free. Lint particles can leave streaks on the windows. If you’re using a squeegee, place a towel along the windowsill to catch drips and avoid damaging the surface of the window. Make sure to choose towels that can absorb moisture without leaving lint behind, such as the Good Housekeeping 2023 top pick Bounty Regular.

Doors

Doors in your home are a touch point for a lot of germs, especially the handles and knobs. These should be sanitized regularly to remove built-up dirt and grime. Using a disinfectant spray on these areas can help to keep your family healthy.

Start by gently dusting your door to loosen up any dust particles. A clean microfiber cloth is best for this task, avoiding abrasive materials.

Next, wash your doors with a mild solution of soap and water. Be sure to test the solution on a small area of the door to make sure it won’t react negatively with the paint or stain. If it does, use a different cleaning solution that is safe for your door material. Always rinse and dry your doors completely after washing to prevent streaks. The faster you wipe stains off your doors, the easier they will be to remove. This includes smudge marks and chalk stains.

Bathrooms

Bathrooms can be tricky to clean, especially if there is a lot of stuff in the room. The best thing is to declutter before you get to work. This will save you a lot of time. It also helps to have the right cleaning tools and supplies on hand.

Bathroom cleaning is done by spraying surfaces with a cleaner, scrubbing them, and wiping down mirrors. It’s important to check for mildew and mold as these can be a sign that the room hasn’t been cleaned properly.

Keeping the bathroom clean is essential for good health, so it’s a must for every household. It’s recommended to start by dusting the light fixtures and shelves, followed by wiping down the cabinets and counters, then scrubbing the toilet, sink and shower. Finally, the floor should be mopped and sanitized.

Kitchens

The kitchen is one of the most challenging rooms for a professional cleaner to keep pristine. Food preparations produce crumbs, spills and splatters that can cover counters, appliances and the backsplash. Regular foot traffic through the room can also lead to dirt, dust and grime buildup.

Cleaners should start with emptying and wiping down all surfaces in the kitchen, including appliances and cabinets. This should include wiping down the refrigerator and freezer interiors and removing any expired food.

When cleaning, it’s best to work from the cleanest area towards the dirtiest to minimise contamination of areas that have already been cleaned. In addition, it’s important to wipe down any high-touch areas in the kitchen, such as knobs, outlet covers and light switches, that are handled regularly. This helps to prevent the spread of germs throughout the home. Finally, it’s important to remember to sweep or vacuum the floor and mop the sink and countertops.