Cleaning Tips & Helpful Home Articles

As time goes on, we all start to notice changes — not just in our parents or grandparents, but eventually in ourselves too. The simple everyday tasks that once came easy—like making the bed, bending to mop the floor, or cleaning out the fridge—can slowly become more difficult.

In my work with Extreme Clean Solutions, I see this often. Many of our older customers feel sad or even embarrassed that they can no longer keep up with the same level of cleaning they once did. It’s not just about a clean house—it’s about pride, independence, and feeling capable in your own home. When that slips away, it can take a toll mentally and emotionally.

The truth is, a messy or dirty home can make anyone feel overwhelmed, but for seniors, it can lead to anxiety, loneliness, and even depression. Clutter and grime don’t just affect a home—they affect how a person feels inside of it.

That’s where we come in.

At Extreme Clean Solutions, we believe cleaning is more than a service—it’s an act of care. We bring love, compassion, and kindness into every home we clean. For many of our elderly clients, having us come in regularly isn’t just about dusting or vacuuming—it’s about bringing back peace, comfort, and dignity to their space.

If you have an aging loved one, take a moment to think about how much their home means to them. Maybe they don’t ask for help because they don’t want to be a burden, but the truth is—helping them with cleaning is helping them feel happier, safer, and more at ease.

We’re proud to be the helping hands (and hearts) for so many wonderful people who simply need a little support.

Because when a home feels clean, life feels lighter.

Keeping your home clean and organized can sometimes feel like an overwhelming task, especially with busy schedules and day-to-day responsibilities. However, with the right strategies and a systematic approach, maintaining a spotless home becomes both manageable and rewarding. Below, we explore practical cleaning tips, methods, and hacks that can simplify your chores and keep your living space fresh and inviting.

A clean home is more than just visually appealing; it plays a crucial role in promoting a healthy lifestyle. Dust, allergens, and bacteria can accumulate over time, potentially causing health issues like allergies or respiratory problems. A tidy environment also boosts mental clarity, reduces stress, and creates a welcoming atmosphere for family and guests.

Starting with the basics ensures you cover all essential areas of your home. Here’s how you can begin:

1. Declutter First: Remove unnecessary items that create visual and physical clutter. This helps in making the cleaning process easier and more efficient.
2. Dusting: Always start cleaning from the top, like shelves and ceiling fans, so dust doesn’t settle on cleaned surfaces below.
3. Vacuuming and Sweeping: Tackle floors after dusting, paying attention to corners and hidden areas.
4. Disinfection: Use appropriate disinfectants to clean high-touch surfaces like door handles, light switches, and countertops.

Home cleaning becomes less daunting when you break it down room by room. Here's a guide:

• Wipe Down Appliances: Clean your stove, microwave, and refrigerator using mild cleaners or natural solutions like vinegar.
• Sanitize Surfaces: Countertops and cutting boards should be disinfected regularly to prevent the spread of bacteria.
• Declog Drains: Use baking soda and hot water to keep your sink drains fresh and odor-free.

• Scrub Tiles and Grout: A mixture of baking soda and water works wonders for removing grime from grout lines.
• Clean Mirrors and Glass: Use a streak-free glass cleaner or a vinegar-water solution.
• Sanitize Toilet and Faucets: Use a toilet cleaner and disinfectant to ensure these areas are germ-free.

• Vacuum Upholstery: Dust and vacuum your sofa, chairs, and other fabric surfaces.
• Tidy Electronics: Wipe down TV screens, remotes, and other devices with a microfiber cloth.
• Organize Decor Items: Dust and rearrange decorative pieces to refresh the look of your space.

• Wash Bedding: Clean sheets, pillowcases, and duvets weekly to maintain hygiene.
• Vacuum Under Furniture: Don’t forget to clean under the bed and dressers.
• Declutter Closets: Donate or store away clothes and accessories you no longer use.

For those days when time is limited, these quick hacks can save the day:

• Use Dryer Sheets on Baseboards: They not only clean but also repel dust.
• Lemon for the Microwave: Heat a bowl of water with lemon slices for 5 minutes and wipe away grime easily.
• Vinegar for Hard Water Stains: Soak a cloth in vinegar and apply to faucets or glass to dissolve stubborn stains.
• Baking Soda Deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda on carpets, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum for a fresh smell.

Consistency is key to a spotless home. Implement these habits:

1. Daily Cleaning Routine: Spend 15-20 minutes a day tidying up key areas.
2. Weekly Deep Cleaning: Dedicate one day a week for more thorough cleaning tasks.
3. Involve the Family: Assign age-appropriate tasks to family members to share the workload.
4. Invest in Quality Tools: Use reliable cleaning supplies like a sturdy vacuum, microfiber cloths, and natural cleaners.

Sometimes, hiring professional cleaners can be a practical choice, especially for deep cleaning or tackling challenging areas like carpets, upholstery, or hard-to-reach spots. Professional services can also save time and energy, allowing you to focus on other priorities.

Maintaining a spotless home doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a clear plan, the right tools, and consistent habits, you can create a clean and inviting space that promotes health and happiness. Embrace these cleaning tips and watch your home transform into a haven of comfort and organization.

1. How often should I clean my home?

• Regular cleaning should be done daily or weekly, while deep cleaning can be scheduled monthly or seasonally.

2. What natural cleaners can I use?

• Vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice are excellent natural cleaning agents for various surfaces.

3. How do I remove pet hair from furniture?

• Use a lint roller, rubber gloves, or special pet hair removal tools for effective cleaning.

4. What’s the best way to clean hardwood floors?

• Use a damp mop with a mild wood floor cleaner to avoid damage. Avoid excessive water.

5. Can I make my home smell fresh without chemicals?

• Yes, use essential oils, homemade potpourri, or simmer cinnamon and cloves in water for a natural fragrance.

Winter allergies are triggered by indoor allergens such as:

DUST MITES: Microscopic creatures that thrive in warm, humid environment's like bedding, upholstery, and carpets. 

PET DANDER: Tiny skin flakes shed by cats, dogs, and other furry pets.

MOLD SPURS: Mold can grow in damp areas like bathrooms, basements, or even in overwatered houseplants.

It's easy to confuse winter allergies with a cold since both cause sneezing and congestion. However, here are the key differences:

ALLERGIES: often include itchy eyes, a persistent runny nose, and symptoms that don't go away unless the allergen is removed.

COLDS: are typically accompanied by body aches, fever, and fatigue, lasting about 7-10 days.

Keeping your home allergen-free takes consistent effort, but its absolutely doable. Here are the best cleaning and maintenance practices to minimize allergens:

1. Regular cleaning routine

• Dust and vacuum weekly: Use a HEPA filter to trap allergens effectively.
• Wash bedding frequently: Launder sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water every week to kill dust mites.
• Declutter: Minimize clutter where dust can accumulate, like piles of clothes or knick-knacks.

2. Manage humidity levels:

• Keep humidity between 30-50%. Dust mites and mold thrive in moist environments, so consider using a dehumidifier in damp areas like basements or bathrooms.

3. Opt for allergen-friendly cleaning products

• Using cleaning products that are free of harsh chemicals or fragrances, as these can irritate your respiratory system. 

4. Take care of pets

Groom and bathe pets regularly to minimize dander. You may also want to keep them out of the bedrooms to reduce allergen exposure while you sleep.

Winter allergies may be frustrating, but with the right cleaning habits and preventative steps, you can create an allergen-free sanctuary. By staying on top of cleaning, managing humidity, and investing in tools like HEPA filters and air purifiers, you'll breathe easier and enjoy the cozy comforts of winter without sneezing up a storm. 

Are winter allergies keeping you from enjoying your home? Contact Extreme Clean Solutions today! Our professional cleaning services focus on reducing allergens, leaving your home spotless and healthier for you and your family. Let us handle the cleaning while you enjoy the season.

Top Cleaning Tips to Reduce Allergens

For people with allergies, maintaining a clean home is crucial for minimizing triggers such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and pollen. At Extreme Clean Solutions, we specialize in deep cleaning services that target hidden allergens and improve indoor air quality. If you’re looking to reduce allergens in your home, follow these expert cleaning tips to help create an allergy-free environment.

1. Dust Frequently with Microfiber Cloths

Dust is a significant contributor to indoor allergens. To keep it under control:

• Use a microfiber cloth for dusting, as it traps dust particles more effectively than traditional dusters. Make sure to clean surfaces like shelves, tables, and countertops at least once a week.

• Don’t forget about hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans, window sills, and baseboards where dust tends to collect.

• For allergy sufferers, it’s best to avoid feather dusters as they tend to stir up dust, spreading allergens around instead of trapping them.

2. Vacuum with a HEPA Filter Vacuum Cleaner

If you’re looking for an allergy-friendly home, vacuuming is essential. Make sure to:

• Vacuum carpets, rugs, and upholstery at least once a week using a HEPA filter vacuum cleaner, which traps small particles like pollen, pet dander, and dust mites.

• Pay special attention to high-traffic areas and spots where pets often rest, as these can harbor more allergens.

• If your home has hard floors like tile or luxury vinyl plank (LVP), vacuum regularly and mop to ensure dust and allergens are removed.

3. Wash Bedding Weekly to Eliminate Dust Mites

Bedrooms can be a hotspot for dust mites, which thrive in bedding and mattresses. To reduce these allergy triggers:

• Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets in hot water (130°F or higher) at least once a week to kill dust mites.

• Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows to prevent dust mites from embedding themselves in your bedding.

• Consider replacing heavy drapes with machine-washable curtains and wash them regularly to avoid dust accumulation.

4. Control Mold Growth with Proper Humidity Management

Mold spores are a common allergen, especially in damp areas like bathrooms and basements. To prevent mold buildup:

• Use a dehumidifier to keep humidity levels between 30-50%. This makes your home less hospitable to mold and dust mites.

• Clean bathroom surfaces with mold-killing products, especially around shower tiles and fixtures.

• Run the exhaust fan during and after showers to control moisture levels and keep mold from developing.

5. Opt for Hard Flooring Instead of Carpet

Carpet can trap allergens such as dust, pollen, and pet dander, making it harder to maintain a clean, allergy-free home.

• If possible, replace carpet with hard flooring options like hardwood, tile, or luxury vinyl tile (LVT), which are easier to clean and less likely to harbor allergens.

• If you prefer to keep your carpet, steam clean it every 3-6 months to remove deep-seated dirt and allergens that vacuums can’t reach.

Summer is here! The sun is shining, the days are longer, and our homes are the perfect place to relax and have fun. With beach trips and backyard barbecues, your home might need a little extra care. When hosting summer events, keeping your living space fresh and clean is key. That's why we've put together a handy summer cleaning checklist. Whether you're a busy parent, a professional, or someone who loves a tidy home, our guide will help you keep your space spotless this summer!

Floor Care: Regularly vacuum and mop your floors to keep them clean and free of dirt. This keeps your carpets looking fresh and helps maintain a healthy indoor environment. Start cleaning from the farthest corner and work your way out to avoid walking on clean areas. For more tips, check out our blog on the importance of dusting and vacuuming regularly.

Kitchen Clean-Up: Summer entertaining means more cooking and socializing in the kitchen. Make sure it's in top shape by thoroughly cleaning all surfaces. Don’t forget to clean the microwave, oven, cutting boards, and garbage disposal. Also, check your pantry for expired items. A clean kitchen makes guests feel welcome.

Air Vents and Filters: Clean your air vents and replace filters to improve air quality, especially with pollen and allergens in the air. Dust the vents and replace or clean filters every three months to ensure better air circulation.

Ceiling Fans and Light Fixtures: Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures regularly to prevent dust and allergens from spreading. Use a damp cloth or an extendable duster for fan blades and lights. Remember to switch your fan to summer mode to help cool your home.

Windows: Keep your windows clean to let the summer sunshine in. Use eco-friendly glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean both sides of the glass. Remove screens and wash them with mild soap and water before reattaching them once dry.

Bedding and Linens: Swap out heavy winter blankets for lighter ones. Wash and store winter bedding, and clean curtains, pillowcases, and cushion covers to create a fresh, airy atmosphere.

Following these tips will help you maintain a clean and inviting home all summer long!

When it comes to tackling the stubborn foe that is mold, few household items are as effective and environmentally friendly as vinegar. Boasting the ability to neutralize an impressive 82% of mold species, this mild acid is a champion in the eco-friendly cleaning arsenal. Its natural, non-toxic properties make it a preferable choice over harsh chemical cleaners, especially for those of us seeking a safer, greener way to maintain our homes. Among the varieties of vinegar, cleaning vinegar takes the lead in the battle against mold, thanks to its 6% acetic acid concentration. Not far behind is the commonly available white vinegar, which holds its own with a 5% acidity level. For those not yet stocking vinegar in their cleaning supplies, rest assured, it's a budget-friendly addition available at most supermarkets. Vinegar's mold-fighting capabilities extend across a range of surfaces, both nonporous and porous. This flexibility gives vinegar an edge over solutions like bleach, particularly for infiltrating and eliminating mold in more absorbent materials such as wood. Unlike bleach, vinegar can reach mold lurking beneath surfaces, offering a deeper, more thorough clean.  

Using vinegar to combat mold is straightforward: Fill a spray bottle with vinegar and coat the affected area thoroughly. Allow the vinegar to work its magic undisturbed for an hour. After the waiting period, scrub away the mold with a bit of elbow grease. Finally, wipe the area clean and let it air dry to banish any lingering spores.

Incorporating vinegar into your cleaning regimen is not just about effective mold removal; it's also about choosing a safer, more sustainable approach to keeping our homes clean and healthy. As we strive for cleaner, greener living spaces, vinegar stands out as a valuable ally in our cleaning toolkit, offering a potent, eco-friendly solution to one of homeowners' most common challenges.