Cleaning Grout: Tips for Sparkling Tiles
The Ultimate Guide to Cleaning Grout: Tips for Sparkling Tiles Grout is the unsung hero of tiled surfaces, holding everything together and adding a polished finish to your home. But over time, grout can trap dirt, grime, and mildew, leaving your floors and walls looking less than fresh. The good news? With the right techniques and a little elbow grease, you can restore your grout to its original sparkle. Here’s how Clean Arrival Home Services can help you tackle grout cleaning like a pro! Why Is Grout So Hard to Keep Clean? Grout is porous, meaning it easily absorbs dirt, spills, and moisture. Whether it’s in the bathroom, kitchen, or entryway, grout lines are constantly exposed to elements that cause discoloration and buildup. Regular maintenance is key to keeping them clean and mold-free. Tools and Materials You’ll Need Before diving in, gather these essentials for the best results: A stiff-bristle grout brush or an old toothbrush Baking soda Vinegar Hydrogen peroxide Dish soap A spray bottle Warm water Grout sealer (for long-term protection) At Clean Arrival Home Services, we use professional-grade tools and eco-friendly products to ensure your grout gets the deepest clean possible. Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning Grout 1. Start with a Quick Surface Clean Remove any surface debris by sweeping or vacuuming the area. If you’re cleaning a shower or wall, wipe it down with a damp cloth to remove loose dirt. 2. Create a DIY Grout Cleaner There are several natural solutions you can use: Baking Soda and Vinegar: Mix baking soda with water to form a paste. Spread it over the grout lines, then spray vinegar on top. Let it fizz for 5-10 minutes. Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda: Combine equal parts hydrogen peroxide and baking soda for a powerful stain remover. 3. Scrub, Scrub, Scrub Using your grout brush or toothbrush, scrub the grout lines in a circular motion. Focus on areas with visible discoloration or mildew. 4. Rinse Thoroughly Wipe the area with a damp cloth or rinse with warm water to remove the cleaning solution. Be sure to remove all residue to avoid leaving a film on your tiles. 5. Address Stubborn Stains For particularly tough stains, apply hydrogen peroxide directly to the grout and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing. 6. Seal the Deal Once your grout is clean and dry, apply a grout sealer to protect it from future stains and buildup. Sealing should be done every 6-12 months for best results. Pro Tips for Maintaining Clean Grout Wipe Down Regularly: Use a squeegee or cloth to wipe down tiled surfaces after showers or spills to prevent grime from settling. Use a Mild Cleaner Weekly: Incorporate a gentle cleaner into your routine to prevent dirt from building up. Avoid Harsh Chemicals: Strong cleaners like bleach can damage grout over time. Stick to natural or mild solutions. Address Mildew Immediately: If you notice mildew starting to form, clean it right away to prevent it from spreading. When to Call the Professionals Grout may seem like a small detail, but clean grout can make a big difference in how your home looks and feels. With these tips and a little consistency, you can keep your grout sparkling clean year-round. Need a hand? Contact Clean Arrival Home Services today for professional cleaning services that leave your home gleaming! Visit us at Clean Arrival Home Services to learn more.
The Hidden Dangers of Oil-Based Mop Products
The Hidden Dangers of Oil-Based Mop Products When it comes to keeping your floors clean and shiny, oil-based mop products may seem like an easy and effective solution. However, while these products promise to deliver a polished and pristine look, they often come with hidden dangers that can harm your home, health, and even the longevity of your flooring. At Clean Arrival LLC, we believe in informed cleaning practices, so here’s what you need to know about oil-based mop products and why they might not be the best choice. 1. Slippery Residue = Safety Hazard Oil-based mop products often leave behind a slick residue that can turn your floors into a slipping hazard. This is especially concerning in households with children, elderly individuals, or pets. A polished floor may look great, but the risk of falls and injuries isn’t worth the shine. 2. Sticky Build-Up Over Time While oil-based products can give floors a temporary glow, repeated use often leads to sticky build-up. This layer of residue can attract dirt, dust, and grime, making your floors look dull and dirty faster than they should. The result? You end up cleaning more often, negating any initial convenience. 3. Damage to Flooring Materials Oil-based products are not suitable for all flooring types. Hardwood, laminate, and tile floors can suffer long-term damage from repeated exposure to oil. Over time, the oil can seep into cracks or joints, weakening adhesives and causing discoloration. In some cases, it might void the warranty on your flooring. 4. Difficult to Remove Once oil-based residue builds up, removing it can be a challenging task. Specialized cleaners or professional services are often required to strip the oily layer from your floors, adding unnecessary cost and effort to your cleaning routine. 5. Indoor Air Quality Concerns Many oil-based cleaning products contain chemicals and fragrances that can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) into the air. Prolonged exposure to VOCs can cause headaches, respiratory issues, and other health problems, particularly for individuals with asthma or allergies. 6. Eco-Unfriendly Ingredients Oil-based mop products are often less environmentally friendly than water-based alternatives. They may contain non-biodegradable chemicals that can harm the environment when washed down the drain. Safer Alternatives for Your Floors To keep your floors clean and safe, consider switching to these alternatives: Microfiber Mops: Microfiber mops are highly effective at picking up dirt and dust without the need for harsh chemicals or oils. Water-Based Cleaners: Opt for pH-neutral, water-based cleaners that are designed for your specific flooring type. DIY Solutions: Simple mixtures of water and vinegar (for certain surfaces) or a mild dish soap solution can work wonders without leaving harmful residue. Professional Cleaning Services: For a deeper clean, trust professionals like Clean Arrival LLC to use safe, effective products tailored to your home’s needs. Conclusion While oil-based mop products may offer an appealing shine, the risks they pose to your safety, health, and flooring make them a less-than-ideal choice. By opting for safer, residue-free alternatives, you can keep your home clean and beautiful without compromising on safety or quality. Have questions about the best cleaning practices for your home? Contact Clean Arrival LLC today—we’re here to help!
Simple Tips for Better Indoor Air Quality
Improve You Indoor Air Quality with a Few Simple Tips The air quality in your home plays a vital role in your overall health and well-being. With allergens, pollutants, and germs constantly circulating, taking steps to ensure clean, healthy air is essential. At Clean Arrival LLC, we’re here to share practical tips to help you breathe easy every day. 1. Ventilate Your Home Fresh air circulation is crucial for reducing indoor air pollutants. Tip: Open windows and doors daily, even for just 10-15 minutes, to allow fresh air to replace stale indoor air. Trick: Use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms to remove moisture, odors, and airborne particles. 2. Invest in Air Purifiers Air purifiers can significantly improve the air quality in your home. Tip: Choose a purifier with a HEPA filter to trap allergens like dust, pollen, and pet dander. Trick: Position air purifiers in commonly used rooms like bedrooms and living spaces for maximum effectiveness. 3. Change HVAC Filters Regularly Your heating and cooling system can be a major contributor to indoor air quality. Tip: Replace HVAC filters every 1-3 months, depending on usage and filter type. Trick: Consider upgrading to high-efficiency filters designed to capture smaller particles. 4. Keep Your Home Clean Dust and dirt can harbor allergens and pollutants, so regular cleaning is key. Tip: Vacuum carpets and rugs at least once a week using a vacuum with a HEPA filter. Trick: Dust surfaces with a damp microfiber cloth to trap particles instead of dispersing them into the air. 5. Control Humidity Levels Excess humidity can lead to mold growth and increase airborne allergens. Tip: Use a dehumidifier to maintain indoor humidity between 30-50%. Trick: Fix leaky pipes and ensure proper ventilation in damp areas to prevent moisture buildup. 6. Incorporate Indoor Plants Certain plants can help improve air quality naturally. Tip: Add low-maintenance, air-purifying plants like snake plants, peace lilies, or spider plants to your home. Trick: Avoid overwatering plants to prevent mold growth. 7. Reduce Indoor Pollutants Minimizing pollutants at the source is one of the most effective ways to maintain clean air. Tip: Avoid smoking indoors and limit the use of candles or wood-burning fireplaces. Trick: Use non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning products to reduce chemical exposure. 8. Wash Fabrics Regularly Soft furnishings can trap allergens and contribute to poor air quality. Tip: Wash bedding, curtains, and throw pillows regularly in hot water to kill dust mites. Trick: Use allergen-proof covers on mattresses and pillows for added protection. 9. Keep Pets Groomed Pet dander is a common allergen that can affect air quality. Tip: Brush and bathe your pets regularly to reduce shedding. Trick: Designate certain areas of your home as pet-free zones, especially bedrooms. 10. Schedule Professional Cleanings For a deep clean that targets hidden dust and allergens, turn to the pros. Tip: Hire professional cleaning services to thoroughly clean carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach areas. Trick: Ask about additional services like air duct cleaning to ensure your HVAC system is free from debris. By following these tips, you can create a healthier, more comfortable living environment for you and your family. For expert assistance, contact Clean Arrival LLC and let us help you maintain a clean and healthy home—starting with the air you breathe!
Everyday Cleaning Tips and Tricks to Maintain a Clean Home
Keeping your home clean and organized doesn’t have to be a time-consuming chore. With a few simple habits and strategies, you can maintain a sparkling home every day. At Clean Arrival LLC, we believe that small, consistent efforts make a big difference. Here are our top tips and tricks for everyday cleaning success. Create a Daily Cleaning Schedule Breaking cleaning tasks into manageable daily routines can help prevent messes from piling up. Tip: Focus on one room or task each day (e.g., Monday for bathrooms, Tuesday for dusting). Trick: Set a timer for 15-20 minutes and clean as much as you can within that time. You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish! Keep Cleaning Supplies Handy Having supplies within reach makes it easier to tackle messes as they happen. Tip: Store a small cleaning kit in each major area (e.g., bathroom, kitchen) with essentials like disinfectant wipes, a microfiber cloth, and an all-purpose cleaner. Trick: Use a caddy or bucket to carry supplies from room to room for efficiency. Tidy As You Go Incorporate cleaning into your daily activities to minimize clutter. Tip: Make it a habit to put items back in their designated places after use. Trick: Use the “one-minute rule”—if a task takes less than a minute (e.g., wiping the counter, hanging up a coat), do it immediately. Prioritize High-Traffic Areas Some areas of your home require more frequent attention than others. Tip: Vacuum or sweep high-traffic areas daily to prevent dirt and debris from spreading. Trick: Place a doormat at each entrance to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home. Adopt a “Clean As You Cook” Habit The kitchen can quickly become a mess, especially during meal prep. Tip: Wash utensils and wipe down surfaces while waiting for food to cook. Trick: Keep a small trash bowl on the counter to collect scraps and avoid frequent trips to the garbage can. Delegate Tasks Cleaning doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Get the whole household involved. Tip: Assign age-appropriate tasks to children and other household members. Trick: Turn cleaning into a fun activity by playing music or setting up a friendly competition. Invest in Multi-Tasking Tools Using the right tools can make cleaning faster and more effective. Tip: Choose products like microfiber cloths, which can clean various surfaces without the need for multiple cleaners. Trick: Use a vacuum with attachments for dusting, cleaning upholstery, and reaching tight spaces. End the Day with a Quick Reset A few minutes of tidying up before bed can set you up for a stress-free morning. Tip: Spend 5-10 minutes putting away stray items and wiping down surfaces. Trick: Encourage family members to do a quick “room check” before bedtime to ensure everything is in order. Schedule Regular Deep Cleaning Even with daily maintenance, deep cleaning is essential for a truly clean home. Tip: Set aside one day a month for deeper tasks like washing windows, cleaning carpets, or scrubbing grout. Trick: Create a checklist to ensure you don’t miss any often-overlooked areas. Call in the Pros When Needed Sometimes, life gets busy, and maintaining a clean home becomes overwhelming. That’s where Clean Arrival LLC can help! Tip: Schedule professional cleanings periodically to reset your home and save time. Trick: Use our customizable cleaning packages to target specific areas or focus on the tasks you’d rather not tackle. With these everyday cleaning tips and tricks, maintaining a clean home is easier than ever. A little effort each day goes a long way in creating a tidy, stress-free environment. Need a hand? Contact Clean Arrival LLC for professional cleaning services tailored to your needs!
Holiday Cleaning Tips & Tricks
Holiday Cleaning Tips and Tricks for a Stress-Free Season The holiday season is a time for joy, gatherings, and celebration, but it can also come with its fair share of stress—especially when it comes to keeping your home clean and guest-ready. At Clean Arrival Home Services, we know how overwhelming holiday prep can be, so we’ve compiled some expert tips and tricks to help you maintain a sparkling home throughout the season. Start with a Declutter Session Before you dive into cleaning, spend some time decluttering high-traffic areas like the living room, kitchen, and entryway. Tip: Use the “4-box method” (keep, donate, toss, relocate) to quickly sort items. Trick: Provide a basket for each family member to collect their belongings and stash them in their rooms. Focus on High-Impact Areas During the holidays, your home doesn’t need to be perfect—just focus on the areas guests will notice most: Bathrooms: Clean sinks, mirrors, and toilets. Keep fresh towels and extra toiletries on hand. Kitchen: Wipe down counters and appliances and empty the trash regularly. Entryway: Create a tidy, welcoming first impression by sweeping floors and organizing shoes or coats. Establish Daily Maintenance Habits Small, consistent efforts can prevent messes from piling up: Tip: Assign 15-minute daily cleaning tasks to each household member. Trick: Wipe down surfaces and vacuum high-traffic areas every evening to stay ahead of dirt. Get Your Home Guest-Ready Preparing for gatherings doesn’t have to be overwhelming: Tip: Focus on “guest view” areas like the living room, dining table, and powder room. Trick: Use a scented candle or simmer pot with cinnamon, oranges, and cloves to add a festive aroma. Deep Clean Before the Holidays Schedule a deep clean at least a week before major events: Kitchen: Clean the oven, fridge, and pantry to prepare for holiday cooking. Bathrooms: Scrub grout, sinks, and mirrors for a spotless look. Floors: Vacuum and mop thoroughly, especially in areas with heavy foot traffic. Plan for Post-Holiday Cleanup After the festivities, don’t let the mess linger: Tip: Set up trash and recycling stations to make cleanup faster. Trick: Tackle one room at a time, starting with the kitchen to avoid lingering food odors. Let the Pros Help When the to-do list gets too long, let us lighten your load! Clean Arrival Home Services offers: Pre-Holiday Cleaning: A deep clean to ensure your home is ready for guests. Post-Holiday Refresh: Quick and thorough cleaning to help you reset. Customized Packages: Tailored services to fit your specific needs. Enjoy the Season Remember, the holidays are about connection and joy. A spotless home is great, but don’t stress over every detail. Embrace imperfections and focus on making memories with your loved ones. With these tips and tricks, your home will be holiday-ready in no time. Need a little extra help? Contact Clean Arrival Home Services today to schedule a cleaning and enjoy a stress-free season! Let us take care of the mess so you can focus on what truly matters—spending time with the people you love.
Service Scope at Clean Arrival
About Services at Clean Arrival Here at Clean Arrival LLC, we do our best to provide top notch service to all our clients. We do this by focusing on specific services we know best and training our staff to the best of our abilities. By keeping our services as focused as we do, we can truly hone in our skills and make sure we are the best at what we do. Our services focus on surface cleaning of finished interior spaces. You can review our linked Standard and Deep clean checklists for more detailed scope of work as well as our Cleaning Agreement. Due to scope, liability (health and safety), training, and equipment requirements certain services are not included and/or prevent us from doing our job. As such we have started to compile a list of service providers who can address some of these needs for our customers outside of our scope. Please note we are always looking for additional service providers to recommend to other clients in situations we do not cover. If you have worked with a great provider, please let us know, we are happy to add them to the list! Services not Included: Bio-hazards; blood or any bodily fluids, mold, etc. Restoration including fire or water damage Pest remediation, including but not limited to fleas, cockroaches, termites, and bedbugs. Animal waste cleanup including but not limited to litter, feces, urine, training pads, and vomit. Junk/Waste removal Provide any pet or children-related services Clean/Shampoo carpet Clean Chandeliers Personal organization Cleaning exterior of windows Remove Paint Move or lift items over 35lbs including moving furniture or appliances Service Providers – Service provider websites have been linked to their names. Biohazards: Bio-One – Specialize in blood, mold, odor removal, rodent dropping, animal waste, medical waste and more. Contact: (503) 277-8763 Olimpia’s Biohazard & Restoration – Specializes in biohazard, blood, hoarding and more. Contact: (971) 895-4262 olimpias.biohazard@gmail.com Spaulding Decon – Specializes in biohazards, animal waste, water damage, restoration, mold removal and more. Contact: (503) 447-2929 Restoration: SERPRO – Specialize in fire and water damage, and mold remediation. Contact: (503) 427-9535 office@servprosoutheastportland.com Spaulding Decon – Specializes in biohazards, animal waste, water damage, restoration, mold removal and more. Contact: (503) 447-2929 Animal Waste: Bio-One – Specialize in blood, mold, odor removal, rodent dropping, animal waste, medical waste and more. Contact: (503) 277-8763 MJS Portland Hoarding Cleanup – Specialize in hazardous waste, animal waste, and junk removal. Contact: (503) 738 1069 Spaulding Decon – Specializes in biohazards, animal waste, water damage, restoration, mold removal and more. Contact: (503) 447-2929 Junk/Waste Removal Frog & Toad Hauling – Specialize in Junk removal, estate clear-out, organizing, home repair, deliveries, and more. Contact: (503) 468-6169 frogandtoadhauling@gmail.com MJS Portland Hoarding Cleanup – Specialize in hazardous waste, animal waste, and junk removal. Contact: (503) 738 1069 Metro Junk Removal – Specialize in Junk removal, estate cleanouts, furniture removal, garage cleanouts, hoarding situations, and more. Contact: (503) 521-6019 Simon@metrojunksolutions.com Carpet Cleaning: Carpet Surgeon – Specializes in carpet cleaning, repairs and stretching, hard surfaces, and upholstery. Contact: (503) 520-9717 TLC Carpet Cleaning – Specializes in carpet cleaning, carpet repair and recoloring, and upholstery cleaning. Contact: (503) 595-5379 TLC.CLEAN.REPAIR@gmail.com Personal Organization: Frog & Toad Hauling – Specializes in Junk removal, estate clear-out, organizing, home repair, deliveries, and more. Contact: (503) 468-6169 frogandtoadhauling@gmail.com SolutionsForYou, Inc Organizing – Specializes in residential virtual organizing, small business and digital virtual organizing, ADHD specialist. Contact: (503) 706-3502 The Practical Sort LLC – Specializes in on site organizing, online coaching, workshops, and classes, and more. Contact: (503) 462-4222 Assorted Services: Thumbtack.com – Free to use website to find assorted service providers, including general contracting, window cleaning, organizing, handy work, movers, etc. You simply request a quote, with specific details of the job and you’ll receive a quote from multiple service providers to compare.
How Often Should You Clean Your Appliances
Cleaning Appliances Cleaning your appliances will not only keep your home happier and healthier, but it also ensures to get the longest life out of your equipment. Regular maintenance of appliances helps them run more efficiently extending their lifespan and reduces regular wear and tear. Stovetop Off all appliances, stovetops probably get the most abuse. Regular use leads to common spills and spatters, grease grime, and burnt-on food. The best way to maintain your stovetop is to handle any regular messes immediately and clean as you go. As long as regular maintenance is performed, you’ll only need to do a thorough deep cleaning every 3 – 6 months depending on how often the appliance is used. During a deep cleaning, you should make sure to not just wipe down the surface, but also clean any drip pans, remove knobs, and if applicable lift stovetop and clean underneath. Oven Oven cleaning is a task most of us hate. It’s time-consuming and typically requires quite a bit of elbow grease. Maintaining your oven can mean the difference between hours and minutes of scrubbing. We recommend wiping down the exterior of your oven every week. This will remove fingerprints, grim and nasty germs. The interior of your oven should be cleaned every 3 – 6 months or seasonally as needed. If capable, run the self-cleaning cycle on your oven before using any products/chemicals to clean the interior. The cleaning cycle will burn off residue grease and food debris, and reduce how much you need to scrub afterward. Make sure to remove the oven racks before running the cleaning cycle. Remember to also read the appliance’s manual before cleaning. You may accidentally void your manufacture’s warranty if you improperly clean your oven. Microwave The germiest part of your microwave is likely to be the handle, touchpad, and dial. Microbes from your hands and any food debris get deposited every time you handle the appliance. Every week use and all-purpose or disinfectant to wipe down the exterior of the appliance. To clean the interior Place one cup of water and a couple of tablespoons of white vinegar in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high for three minutes and leave the door closed for about five minutes following to allow steam to permeate the interior. Follow by wiping the interior with a damp towel or sponge to remove loosened food particles. If you have some tough stuck-on debris use a food-safe all-purpose cleaner to scrub the rest of the debris off. Refrigerator Your refrigerator should be cleaned at least every 3 months, but the more often the better. Raw food is a breeding ground for all sorts of nasty bacteria. Regularly cleaning and disinfecting your fridge can keep bacteria and mold at bay. Wipe up any spills and splatters immediately if possible. Clean and disinfect high traffic, high touch areas such as handles and drawer pulls on the weekly. To clean the interior, remove all the food contents. Make sure to inspect and dispose of any expired or rotten items. Next, remove and wash all drawers and shelves. Then wipe down the interior surfaces with hot soapy water, rinse afterward to remove soap, and dry with a clean towel. Put back all the drawers and shelve. Finally, place all food items back inside. Make sure to wipe down any sticky jars or containers. Please note the CDC recommends not leave any food that needs to be refrigerated out longer than two hours. Dishwasher Clean your dishwasher every 1 – 3 months. Not only does your dishwasher have food debris to contend with, but minerals in your water can also build up within the appliance. Built-up hard water can clog up your machine and also lead to deposits on your dishes. To descale and sanitize place a microwave-safe dish with white vinegar in the machine and run a full cycle. Follow by sprinkling baking soda in the dishwasher and running another cycle. For more detailed instructions on cleaning your dishwasher check out our blog here. Garbage Disposal Garbage disposals should be cleaned on a weekly basis. This will prevent bacteria growth and nasty odors. Even with constant water running, food and other debris can and does get stuck around the mechanisms in your drain/disposal. Regular cleaning will remove this debris and the stink mold, mildew, and bacteria that can surround it. To clean, first, make sure the disposal is turned off. Next, sprinkle ½ cup of baking soda into the drain and add ½ cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with your sink stopper and allow it to foam for a few minutes. Finally, rinse with hot water to flush the grime. Washing Machine Studies show washing machines can hold all sorts of nasty bacteria and viruses you might never have imagined. Running a cup of distilled vinegar or chlorine bleach in an empty cycle once a week will help kill the germs, clean your machine, and help keep it running smoothly. Dryer Emptying your lint trap after every dryer cycle will keep the appliance running as well as possible. Built-up lint with the machine, filter, and vent can also lead to house fires. Lint is highly flammable and can ignite when exposed to the heat of your dryer. Vacuuming out the filter trap, washing the filter, and cleaning out the vent at least once every three months can help prevent fires. Air Conditioner AC systems have filters that collect dust mites, spores, allergens, and other particles. Change these filters every couple of months so they don’t become clogged. Clogs can put extra strain on the appliance as well as allow extra nasties to pass through. Clean Arrival Looking for more tips and tricks to keep your home and appliances sparkling clean? Check out our Facebook or Instagram. To help maintain the rest of your home discover our recurring cleaning service on our booking page or call us at 503-567-5404.
23 Things You Never Knew You Could Clean in a Washing Machine
The invention of the washing machine irrevocably changed the way we do housework, taking out much of the hassle of doing laundry. But are you truly using your washing machine to its full cleaning potential? You can clean any number of household items safely in your washer, saving you time, trouble, and leaving your home happier and healthier. Below is our list os 23 top items you may not have expected to be able to clean in your washing machine. 1. Baseball hats: Our caps and hats tend to get a lot of use, but often not as much love when it comes to keeping them clean. Mot baseball style caps and hats can be washed using cool water and a gentle cycle. Read any tags for proper care instructions. You’ll want to avoid washing hats with torn stitching or are in need of repair, as the washing machine puts additional stress on these issues. 2. Yoga mats: Yoga mats will absorb sweat and body odor when regularly used, just like any other gym gear or equipment. Throw your yoga mat in with your gym gear and towels to keep your washing machine balanced. Wash with a heavy-duty detergent on a gentle cycle with warm or cool water. Allow your matt to fully air-dry. To help your mat dry quicker, roll the mat up tightly with a clean towel to squeeze out excess water. 3. Oven mitts: Oven mitts and hot pads have likely come in contact with food and liquid at some point. Washing them with your kitchen towels can keep them fresh and ready to go for your next meal. 4. Shower curtains & liners: No need to regularly replace your plastic liners every time they start to get mildew. Instead, regularly run your shower curtains and liners in the wash with your bath towels. When you run into a bit of mildew add a small amount of bleach to the load to get rid of stains. Use chlorine bleach for whites and plastic liners and oxygen bleach for colors. 5. Small rugs and mats: Fabric mats and small rugs like bathroom and kitchen mats can be washed on cold with a small amount of detergent. Evenly space mats around the agitator and add a few towels if you have a small load to keep your washer balanced. Use cold water and a liquid detergent. Don’t use chlorine bleach with any rubber or rubber back mats as it will cause the rubber to deteriorate. 6. Car mats: Sure you might vacuum your car regularly, but unless you get your car detailed its unlikely that you’ve ever washed your car’s floor mats. Imagine how much built-up dirt, dust, and debris is hidden inside them. As long as your car mats aren’t too big and bulky they can be washed in your machine. Make sure to vacuum the mats before washing for the best results. 7. Patio cushions: As long as they fit and the tag instruction doesn’t deter you go ahead and wash your outdoor cushion in the wash to keep them clean. Make sure when placing these items in the wash they don’t overfill the machine. You want the cushions to have some room to move in the washer drum to be properly clean. Typically you’ll want to use a normal cycle and detergent unless the tag directs you otherwise or the items are heavily soiled. 8. Hair ties: Have you ever washed your hair ties? It might be time to start doing so. Hair ties come in close contact with sweat, body odor and dander the more you use them. Throw hair ties in a small mesh laundry bag and wash with your regular laundry. 9. Canvas shoes: Make sure to read any labels or tags first to confirm your shoes can be washed in a machine. Start by removing laces and sole inserts. These pieces can be placed in their own mesh bag and wash separately. Pretreat heavy soils and stains with a good stain remover. Place your shoes in a laundry bag and wash them in warm water with a strong detergent. Wash with towels to keep your washing machine balanced. If you have some extra stinky shoes, add a cup of banking soda or disinfectant to combat odors and help rid your shoes of odor-causing bacteria. 10. Backpacks & soft lunch boxes: Backpacks tend to get a lot of use and a regular wash can give them some new life. Start by opening all the pockets, remove any items, and either vacuum out crumbs and debris or shake it out. Place the backpack in a laundry bag or pillowcase if you don’t have a large enough laundry bag. Run your machine on a gentle cycle with cold water and a gentle detergent. Allow the pack to air dry. Without regular cleaning, lunch boxes can be a breeding ground for bacteria, yeast, and mold. When in contact with your food these nasties can lead to you or your getting seriously ill. To wash, run soft lunchboxes in cool to warm water on a gentle cycle. Then let the boxes air dry. 11. Toys: When was the last time you cleaned or sanitized your kids’ toys? It’s easy to give larger items like play sets a quick wipe down, but cleaning all those smaller toys can be quite a tedious task. Throw small toys in a mesh laundry bag and run your washing machine using a cold wash delicate cycle. Try to avoid washing anything rubber or toys with batteries. 12. Pet accessories: Our pets may be our best friends but that doesn’t stop them from getting dirty and their accessories with them. Fabric Leashes, collars, harnesses, and even pet beds can all be put in the washer for a refresh. For leashes, collars, and harnesses, simply place the items in a mesh laundry bag and run in your regular cycle. Many dog beds have removable covers that can be easily take off and thrown
How to Clean Your Dishwasher
Many of us don’t even think about cleaning the interior of our dishwasher. It might seem illogical to clean something that is designed to clean other items, but regular maintenance will help your appliances perform at peak ability. Soap scum, food debris, and minerals from you tap water build up over time. This can lead to a breeding ground for germs, mildew, and mold. The mineral deposits can also attach to your dishes and prevent your machine from working properly. We’ve done the research and can help you learn how you clean your dishwasher without calling in the maintenance man. What you’ll need: Damp cloth 2 cups White Vinegar Dishwasher safe container – small container or glass 1 cup Baking Soda Steps to easily and safely clean your dishwasher: Empty any dishes: You’ll want to make sure the dishwasher is empty to clean thoroughly. Remove debris: Use your damp cloth to remove and large debris, such as food particles, from the interior of your dishwasher. Clear out the drain: Remove the bottom rack of the dishwasher. Most racks should easily slide out and lift off the tracks. Use your cloth to clear out any gunk and debris from around the drains. Add the vinegar: Place your 2 cups of regular white vinegar in the dishwasher safe container on the bottom rack of your dishwasher. The jets on the top of your dishwasher will fill up the container and release the vinegar solution into your machine. Then run your dishwasher on your “normal” or “regular cycle. Avoid the “hot” or “sanitize” cycles as the steam created can release irritating vinegar vapors into your home. Ultimately the vinegar with help descale the interior of the dishwasher and reduce/remove odors that may have built-up due to grim. Sprinkle baking soda: After the vinegar cycle is complete sprinkle 1 cup of baking soda across the bottom of your dishwasher. Then run the machine on a “short” cycle to remove any additional grime and stains. In the absence of a short cycle, you can use your “normal” cycle. Leave the door open: After both cycles are complete leave the door to your dishwasher open and allow the interior to air dry. This will help release any residual odors from cleaning and prevent any immediate excess moisture build-up which can lead to mildew and mold. For safety reasons make sure to keep pets and children away from the machine while open. Tips: Make sure to read the instruction manual of your appliance. Some machines may have specific cycles and products that work best for descaling and cleaning. Also make sure to refer to your warranty to ensure you won’t be accidentally voiding your policy, as some have strict guidelines for maintenance. While regular maintenance can help extend the life of your appliances, don’t overuse this process. Vinegar as an acid can potentially damage your machine if overused. Clean Arrival – Recurring Cleaning Services To help maintain the rest of your home discover our recurring cleaning service on our booking page or call us at 503-567-5404. You can also message us on Facebook or email us here.
Portland Cleaning Company
Choose a local professional Portland cleaning company like Clean Arrival LLC to do a spectacular job every time.