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"Top to bottom, left to right, back to front - you can't go wrong!"
by Amy Sardone on Aug 07, 2024
The Speed Cleaning Method REALLY WORKS!
Check out this great testimony from real people just like you! We LOVE our Speed Cleaning Method and the fabulous products we offer, and we're thrilled to hear our clients feel the same!
Cleaning Tips
Does the Quality of a Microfiber Cloth Matter?
by Amy Sardone on Aug 07, 2024
It's just a cloth, right? Can't I just use any old rag? There is an enormous difference between a high quality microfiber cloth and those cheap ones you can get at a place like amazon. Don't get me wrong, I use amazon for lots of things. I just had a coffee pot delivered to our warehouse from amazon, so if you give us a call and everyone is a little amped up, you know why... :) Why should you care if a cloth is larger or more absorbent? Because your time is limited. And I know that using a high quality tool is very effective in saving you time. Who has time to deal with changing out your cloth after just a few minutes of wiping because your cloth is already saturated? (No one, that's who.)Here are the 2 main benefits of using a great, high-quality microfiber cloth:
More absorbency means that you are switching out your cloths less frequently, doing less laundry, and generally getting more out of your tools.
A larger cloth means you are able to cover more area with one cloth.
It's just physics: larger surface area from your cloth = larger dirty surface area cleaned! Make your tools work for you, not the other way around!So, ditch the thin, cheap, microfiber rags and opt for a ultra-high-quality cloth that saves you time and frustration!
Cleaning Tips
Should You Use Cotton or Microfiber to Clean With?
by Amy Sardone on Aug 07, 2024
I recently received the question: "Should I use a cotton cloth or a microfiber cloth?"
Now if you didn't get a chance to read up on why we care about having a good, plush microfiber cloth versus those cheap, thin microfiber rags, then go check out the blog post called "Does the Quality of a Microfiber Cloth Matter?"
And if you've ever wondered how to choose between using a cotton cloth or a microfiber one, I have several things here for you to think about before you make your decision, so read on...
But ultimately, it will come down to preference.
I know...there really is no right or wrong answer, just another gray area in life.
I'm going to break this into 2 categories of cleaning: Floors and Everything Else.
First up - FLOORS. Again, this is still up to your preference but here is what you should know:
Microfiber Mop Covers:
Microfiber mop covers, like our yellow Sh-Wipes, can work better on hardwood floors because they glide over the floor with little friction while still using those little micro fingers to grab dirt.
Microfiber also needs less cleaner and less water, so you can do more of a damp mopping of hardwood. You never want to saturate hardwood floors, so microfiber damp mopping is a great option.
Cotton Terrycloth Mop Covers:
Cotton Terrycloth mop covers are great for a couple of different reasons. We like to use them in areas with high traffic or heavily soiled rooms like bathrooms and kitchens because they can handle more wetness, heavier duty cleaning, and more scrubbing power.
Since they are cotton, you can also wash them on hot, and bleach them if needed.
Next - EVERYTHING ELSE.
Cotton Cloths:
We like to use 100% linen cotton. They are high quality, and lint-free. Don't waste your time going back over your clean mirror just to try to remove all of that leftover lint. Now, notice that I didn't recommend using an old cotton t-shirt (or worse...) or an old newspaper. Those items will make more work for you and waste your time. Notice also, that I did not call them "rags" because we don't want to work with tools that are in tatters..again, time wasters.
They are (almost) endlessly reusable. We like these for general use cleaning, and when they become too worn for that, use them on heavier duty cleaning like the oven. After I'm ready to retire my cotton cloths, I use them to wipe my puppy's muddy paws after she comes inside (it rains a lot here in Ohio).
Since they are so reusable, they are extremely economical, so you can keep a large enough supply on hand so you will not run out once you've started to clean.
We wash them with hot water and a little bit of bleach to sanitize them.
Microfiber Cloths:
These give you the option to color code. Color coding gives you a couple of different advantages. a) you can save time by always grabbing the blue cloth for windows and not have to guess, or second guess, if you've already used that cloth on your furniture with polish. b) you can differentiate between cloths that have been used for the toilet and those that you use on your kitchen counters near your food.
Color coding is also potentially going to save you from damages. Use your red or black microfibers on your grunge and grime where you might also be using a scrubbing cleanser. Then you'll never reach for that color when you want to polish a delicate surface, and risk scratching it with any remaining scrubbing residue from your grime cloth.
Here's the color code structure we recommend, but whatever colors you choose, just stick to it:
Blue for glass,
Yellow for furniture polish,
Red for grunge and grime,
Green for everything else.
Now you might also want to have a color code for other things like buffing stainless steel, general Red Juice use, or just for kitchen counters. Whatever you choose, don't change it up.
Lastly for microfiber, a little goes a long way. They do not require as much cleaner or wetness. But they also cannot be washed or dried on high heat, so be careful to wash in cool-warm water and don't use bleach.
I hope this has been helpful! Just remember, in the end, you choose what makes cleaning easier and faster for you.
Here's what a cleaning expert had to say about the two options:
"We prefer a combination of cotton cloths for heavy-duty cleaning, and microfiber for buffing dry and light use cleaning." -Debbie at Buckets and Bows Maid Service
-Amy
Cleaning Tips
Step-By-Step Guide to Removing a Sticky Buildup on Wood
by Amy Sardone on Aug 07, 2024
What is the best way to remove sticky wax buildup from wood furniture? Why is my wood furniture sticky? If you’ve got a thick, sticky film on, say, your wood kitchen table and chairs, your kitchen cabinets, a coffee table, a door, a hand rail, etc., it’s time to remove that gummy mess and get down to the clean original finish. Sticky buildup and grime on wood comes from cooking grease and vapors, layers of furniture polish, cigarette smoke, moist hands, and even the breakdown of the original finish. Fortunately, the waxy buildup doesn't typically ruin the original finish. You just need to take care in cleaning the wood without having to strip and refinish the surface. Pro Tip: Always test any method of cleaning on a hidden area to make sure it doesn't have an adverse affect on the furniture's finish. Bring back your furniture’s natural beauty Dark Wood Furniture Follow these steps to cut through the film and reveal the wood’s natural beauty. Dust thoroughly with a microfiber cloth to grab as much dust as possible. Rinse the cloth out well if you want to use this same cloth for the next step. Mix equal parts vinegar and water; dip a soft cloth in the mixture and wring out really well or use the solution in a spray bottle. Wipe the wood in the direction of the grain, re-wetting and wringing your cloth often. After several passes to remove the buildup, dry the wood thoroughly with a cloth so the excess moisture doesn't eventually damage the wood. Repeat as necessarily. If the vinegar doesn't totally do the trick, next dampen a clean cloth with mineral spirits and wipe onto the wood making sure to wipe in the direction of the grain. Quickly wipe the excess moisture with a damp cloth and then dry completely. Pro tip: Use a cleaning toothbrush or cotton swab to thoroughly clean any crevices in the wood that a microfiber cloth can't quite get. Light Wood Furniture Make some hot tea. Yep, steep 3 black tea bags in 1 cup of hot water and allow to cool. Apply the tea to the surface using a clean microfiber cloth being sure to wipe with the grain of the wood. Use a new clean cloth and wipe with the grain again to remove the excess moisture. Wipe one more time with a damp cloth to fully clean the surface. Buff dry with yet another fresh cloth. Polish the surface like new. Still feel a buildup? If this method doesn’t remove the sticky buildup completely, move on to a product made specifically for cleaning wood. These can be found in most home improvement and hardware stores. Certain restorative solvents, such as Howard Feed-N-Wax, dissolve wax buildup on wood furniture. Be sure to apply the solvent to a disposable polishing cloth or directly to the furniture. Loosen and remove the old wax with the polishing cloth, assisted by a toothbrush for the nooks and crannies. During the removal phase, you can position the toothbrush over the cloth so the bristles poke the cloth into the hard to reach areas. As with any product, Speed Cleaning advises testing on an inconspicuous area first. Older finishes on a cherished heirloom may best be addressed by a professional wood care specialist. Pro tip: In the future don't use wax on the intricate parts of the wood furniture for more than one coat and only rewax the flat tops and occasionally the flat sides. It will be easier to clean next time. For more unique, time-tested professional cleaning tips, check out Talking Dirt by Jeff Campbell featuring answers to the 157 most frequently asked cleaning questions collected by the experts at the The Clean Team.
Cleaning Tips
Quick Tips for Getting Your House Ready for Company
by Shopify API on Aug 07, 2024
Preparing your home for guests can be a delightful yet challenging task. Whether you're hosting a dinner party, a family gathering, or just some friends dropping by, creating a welcoming atmosphere is key. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through quick tips and tricks to ensure your house is ready for company. From cleaning strategies to decorating ideas, we've got you covered. Let's make your guests feel right at home!Quick Tips for Getting Your House Ready for CompanyGet out your stopwatch and tie on your cleaning apron to get started. You can do this! Ready? Go!Clean and Tidy SpacesMaintaining a clean and tidy home is the foundation of successful hosting. It's the first impression that your guests will have, so make it count.
Entryway Elegance: Start by cleaning your entryway. A well-organized entrance sets the tone for the rest of your home.
Dust and Vacuum: Dust all surfaces and vacuum carpets and floors. A dust-free environment is a healthy one.
Sparkling Bathrooms: Ensure your bathrooms are spotless with clean towels, fresh soap, and toilet paper.
Declutter the Living Room: Remove unnecessary items from the living room, leaving space for your guests to relax.
Inviting AmbianceCreate a warm and inviting ambiance that will make your guests feel comfortable and relaxed.
Lighting Matters: Adjust your lighting to create a cozy atmosphere. Consider using candles or fairy lights.
Fragrance Welcomes: Use scented candles or essential oil diffusers to fill the air with pleasant scents.
Soft Furnishings: Add plush cushions and throw blankets to your seating areas for added comfort.
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