A Clean Home is a Happy Home: 5 Mental Benefits of Having a Clean Home

A clean home is a happy home. This saying has never been truer. Having a dirty home can make you feel anxious, unmotivated, and insecure. Not only will you worry about bacteria, laundry, and dishes piling up, but there might be some underlying mental anxieties that come with a messier home. We’ve rounded up some of the many benefits of cleaning to your mental health and mood. From feeling less stress to reducing fights with your husband about whose turn it is to vacuum, a clean house means less friction all around. Here are five mental benefits of having a clean and happy home.

1. Less Stress

A study conducted in 2009 revealed that women who reported higher levels of stress feel they have messier homes. It’s no wonder that clutter, mess, and disorganization can make you feel anxious. When your home is a mess, you’re more likely to feel chaotic and out of sorts. Whether you are always misplacing your keys, or your kids can’t find their homework, messes amplify stress. Having a reoccurring cleaning service can lower your stress levels. You won’t always have the daunting task of cleaning hanging over your head every weekend. Instead, you can spend more time decompressing and with your family.

2. Increase in Productivity

It can be hard to stay motivated when you’re surrounded by clutter. A chaotic space doesn’t lend itself to a productive environment. According to a study conducted by Princeton, having a cleaner home can actually make you feel more productive. If you work at home it can be hard to stay motivated. You may put off work or weekend tasks to avoid the cleaning you need to do beforehand. End the cycle of procrastination with cleaning and organization.

3. Feeling Secure: What Does a Messy House Say About You?

Having a messy home can lead to feelings of insecurity. You might avoid having people over or enjoying time with friends and family. If you feel anxious every time someone is coming over, the mess in your home may be to blame. When your house is clean, you’ll feel more prepared to entertain. You’ll feel a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders. Instead of panicking when someone comes to your home, you can sit back and enjoy quality time with them.

4. Reduces Conflict

In a messy house, there are often conflicts over cleaning up. You might battle over who’s turn it is to unload the dishwasher or sweep the floor. Whatever the fight, a house that isn’t clean can create tension. When you have a house full of people, having a streamlined home is even more important.

5. Boosts Creativity

Having a clean and organized environment can make your mind clear to focus on other things. Instead of looking at a chaotic mess, you’ll have a fresh and organized space to think and brainstorm. Get those creative ideas flowing with an organized workspace. No matter what project you’re working on, having a clean home will boost your inspiration.

A Clean Home Is a Happy Home

Having a clean house means less stress, anxiety, and tension. A clean home is a happy home after all. When your home is clean and organized, you’ll be excited to come home each day. When you’re not worried about always cleaning, you can enjoy your leisure time. Leave the stress for work and make your home a sanctuary. A regular cleaning service can take the pressure off. To get in touch with a home cleaning professional, get your instant cleaning quote from Immaculate Clean.

Cheers to Our Unsung Heroes

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’— Fred Rogers

Our country, and indeed, the whole world, is certainly living through a difficult time. Many of us are isolated at home, missing our friends and family. Some of us have lost our source of income, at least temporarily. Some of us are juggling learning to work remotely and educating our kids at home. We are bombarded with scary reports about COVID-19 on tv and via social media 24/7, and we are worried about our health and about the people we love. It’s hard to escape feelings of anxiety and fear. We need to step back from our anxiety every once in awhile and look for things to be grateful for. Even amongst all the negatives, think about what is going right in your life right now. Are you healthy? Are you still employed? Are you lucky enough to be isolating with your family and your furry friends? Do you have the technology to stay in touch with loved ones in a safe, socially distant way? These are all things to be grateful for right now, and I am. But I am especially grateful for the helper—the unsung heroes who are out there on the front lines keeping the rest of us safe and healthy. Of course, the first people that come to mind are our healthcare workers. I have friends who are Emergency Room physicians and nurses. They are worried about the same things the rest of us worry about, and they also are already reporting that they are dangerously low on equipment to protect themselves. But they still show up and do the best they can. They are saving lives even as they are risking their own through exposure. We owe them a huge debt of gratitude. I’m also grateful to the people who are keeping us fed. The truck drivers who continue to deliver food to our grocery stores; the grocery store workers themselves, who are working in one of the only places that everyone is still allowed to visit freely; the restaurant workers and owners who are providing take-out and delivered meals—even though it is financially difficult for many of them to stay open without dine-in service; the delivery drivers who are taking groceries and meals to strangers’ houses every day… I’m grateful for other “essential” workers (as defined by the government, but also as defined by those of us who truly need their services), who, let’s face it, are at a greater risk than those of us who are staying home: The mail carriers and UPS/FedEx drivers. The sanitation workers. And yes—residential house cleaning services! These are just some of the helpers and the heroes that are keeping us safe and keeping our country running during this turbulent and strange time. But even those of us who are deemed “non-essential” can be heroes right now. We can donate to food banks and homeless shelters. We can sew face masks for first responders and healthcare workers. We can support local small businesses by buying gift cards or ordering take-out. And, perhaps most importantly, we can stay home and practice safe social distancing in order to stay healthy and stop the spread of the virus! To that end, Immaculate Clean can help us all stay healthy with their “High Touch Point Sanitizing Service.” As a stand-alone service or as an upgrade to regular service, they can come in and sanitize frequently touched surfaces like door knobs, faucets, remote controls, chair backs, appliance handles, stair rails, and more. Call 410-549-0727 to schedule!

How to Find a Cleaner for Your Home: The Only Guide You Need

The average amount of time spent cleaning each week is six hours. When you consider all of the other things you do in a week, that 6 hours takes up precious time with your family. Hiring a cleaning service helps you reclaim that time and makes your life less stressful, especially if you’re not a cleaning fan. When you find a cleaner, you want a service that’s reliable and trustworthy. After all, you’re letting them into your home. You also want a service that actually cleans well. Stuck on who to hire? Check out these tips for finding a house cleaner.

Ask For Recommendations

Do you know friends, coworkers, or family members who use a cleaning service? They’re a great resource for recommendations since they have firsthand experience. Start by asking them which company they currently use. Get their feedback on the quality of the service, including how clean they get the house, how well they communicate, and the overall experience. It’s also a good idea to ask if they’ve used other cleaning services in the past. If they’ve had a negative experience with a different company that caused them to switch, you want to know so you can avoid the previous company.

Research Available Services

Cleaning companies might offer different services, so it’s important to understand what you need and ensure the companies you’re considering offer those services. Visit each cleaner’s website and look for a services section. This tells you specifically what the company does. Some companies might specialize in a specific type of cleaning, such as commercial cleaning, deep cleaning, or moving cleaning. Some offer only basic house cleaning services, while others have add-on services, such as cleaning ovens and refrigerators.

Investigate Online

Do a little online investigation to look for red flags about the company. You can’t always trust everything you see online, but if one company has lots of similar complaints, you may want to avoid it. Review sites and the Better Business Bureau are good places to check for red flags. If the company has a Facebook page, you can check the ratings and reviews there.

Clarify the Specifics

Verify the cost per visit, how you can pay, and when payment is due. Check on the terms of the service, especially relating to changes and cancellations. You may have to pay a cancellation fee or give a certain amount of notice to make changes. Ask if you have to provide the cleaning supplies or if the company provides them. If they provide their own, find out about the type of cleaning products used. The quality of the products and tools used affects how clean and sanitized your home is.

Verify Credentials

You’re letting cleaners into your home, so you want some level of protection should something happen. Verify that the cleaning company is insured and bonded. Depending on the state requirements, the company may need to be licensed. If it’s a large company with multiple employees, verify that they have workers’ compensation insurance. This covers any injuries the cleaners may have while in your home.

Find A Cleaner

When you’re ready to find a cleaner for your home, take the time to research the options fully. Find a reliable, quality cleaning service that will protect your home and give you the fresh, clean results you want. Are you looking for a cleaner in the Eldersburg, Maryland, area? Explore our cleaning services and give us a call at (410) 549-0727 to avail cleaning services around Eldersburg .    

How to Clean a Glass Dining Table the Right Way: This is What to Do

Glass furniture was once the purview of royalty, gracing the homes of seventeenth Century nobility and even the palace of Louis XIV. Today a glass dining table is an easy way to bring elegance and sophistication to any living space. Whether your glass table is part of a simple Scandinavian style set up or the centerpiece of a sleek modern dining room, keeping your glass table sparkling clean is integral to keeping your space looking beautiful. Glass is unlike most other finishes, so if you’re used to varnished wood or marble you may be stumped as to how you’re supposed to go around cleaning your glass dining table. The good news is it’s super simple! If you’re looking for an easy how-to, keep reading for our favorite technique to keep your glass table shining.

What You’ll Need

• A drop of regular dish soap
• A microfibre cloth
• One tbsp white vinegar
• One cup of warm water
• One cup of rubbing alcohol
• Spray bottle
• Rubber gloves
• Newspaper

Step One – Prepare The Glass Dining Table

Before we get into the deep clean, the first thing you want to do is add a drop of dish soap on a damp microfibre cloth to do a quick spot clean. Focus on any visible stains and make sure the tabletop is free from any dust or debris.

Step Two – Mix Your Cleaning Solution

In a generic spray bottle mix the vinegar, rubbing alcohol and water. For a more effective mixture try using hot, but not boiling, water. Once you’ve added all the ingredients to your spray bottle, give it a good shake!

Step Three – A Streak Free Clean

Once you’ve prepared your cleaning solution, spritz the entire surface of your glass dining table. Crumple up your newspaper and put on rubber gloves to make sure you don’t get any ink on your hands. Then go to town! Use the newspaper to wipe down the glass, starting around the edges and working inwards. If you need to, spray some more of your cleaning solution over the glass. Once you’re done you can use a dry piece of newspaper to buff the glass, giving it a final polished sheen. Once the glass is dry you’ll be left with a beautiful streak-free finish!

More Tips And Tricks For A Sparkling Clean Every time!

The newspaper and vinegar glass cleaning technique is easy, eco-friendly and effective. By using simple household items you’re cutting down on plastic waste, reducing your use of toxic chemicals and saving some money while saving the planet! That being said, there are some more tips and tricks you can follow to keep your glass table shining in between cleans. We recommend using coasters and placemats to keep your glass tabletop as clean as possible. If you’re careful to reduce the likelihood of big messes and stains you’ll cut down on the frequency of deep cleans.

Need A Hand? We’re Here To Help!

Keeping your house clean can seem like an uphill battle at times. While keeping your glass dining table spotless is a simple chore, sometimes you still need a bit of help. So next time your to-do list is running longer than your patience, feel free to get in touch with our residential cleaning services in Eldersburg MD.

Are You Prepared For The Coronavirus?

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Check Out These Tips On How You Can Prepare At Home & Work To Prevent the Coronavirus

The CDC or Center for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States are currently letting everyone know that they need to be prepared in the event that the Coronavirus or COVID-19 outbreaks in their state or town. However, exactly how should you prepare? It is essential that you don’t panic, but make sure that you do take certain steps to get ready to deal with a possible outbreak. This essentially means that you should do some contingency planning for your entire. Experts recommend that you prepare for potential outbreaks in ways similar to how you would prepare for a natural disaster such as a hurricane. With that said, we have compiled a list on things that you should do in order to prepare for a potential outbreak near your home.

Is It Important To Buy Extra Medications And Food?

Yes, if your community is at risk of an outbreak, you should stock up on extra food and medications so that you can avoid the rush and shortages if an outbreak occurs. It is also necessary that you can practice social distancing where you avoid major crowds in order to avoid getting the Coronavirus or other illness. Essentially, if there are already Coronavirus cases in your community, you definitely don’t want to be among crowds or lots of people such as the grocery store, pharmacy etc. If you typically take certain medicines on a daily basis such as blood pressure medications, then you should definitely stock up on those pills so that you have enough for at least a couple of weeks. Be sure to talk to your insurance provider so that you an get approved for the extended supply. Additionally, you should also think about purchasing stocks of ibuprofen or acetaminophen which helps to lower fevers. In the event of an outbreak, you should consider buying additional non-perishable food and pack them in your pantry. You should purchase enough so that you have enough food to last a few weeks or even a month or two. Also, you should have foods that you usually prefer to eat while sick such as crackers, vegetable soup and broth, chicken etc. You should also stock up on particular drinks such as Pedialyte if you have kids as well as Gatorade. This is important because if you do happen to get sick, then you want to make sure that you’re well prepared to handle it at home. The majority of the Coronavirus cases, up to 80%, are actually relatively mild and are not much different from the typical cold or flu.

Do you need specific cleaning supplies?

Currently, we don’t know the length of time in which the Coronavirus/COVID-19 survives on various surfaces. However, what we do know is that many typical household cleaners such as rubbing alcohol and even bleach can effectively kill it. As a result, you should definitely wipe down all of the surfaces in your home with soap and water and that should be sufficient in order to kill it. According to Stephen Morse, who is an Epidemiology professor at the Columbia University Medical Center, the virus has a lipid envelop all around it. This envelop keeps the RNA inside and something as simple as soap and water can actually break it down. It works in the same way that you use soap and water in order to clean the grease off of your plates and other dishes. Once there is someone sick in your home, then the COVID-19 will begin to potentially spread throughout your community. As a result, it is essential that you clean your home thoroughly on a regular basis, especially areas that people use frequently such as the faucets, kitchen counter, drawer handles etc. It has actually been shown in various studies that by cleaning your home and environment regularly, it will actually reduce the presence of the virus in your home quite significantly.

Should you use face masks?

There are actually mixed results on whether face masks are of any help when it comes to preventing the spread of the Coronavirus. This is because it depends heavily on the type of mask that you’re using as well as if you’re using it as you should. There are a couple of infectious disease experts who don’t really recommend the use of these masks in order to prevent getting the illness as it can actually be ineffective and fool the person into thinking they are safe. However, other experts do indicate that using a face mask is a good idea, especially if you are currently ill. The mask can help prevent you from spreading your illness to other people such as your family or even people that you meet in public. According to some experts, you should definitely wear a face mask if you live with elderly persons or persons who have weaker immune systems. Unfortunately, according to the data, most adults that are over 60 are more vulnerable to the Coronavirus. There is research which shows that the mask can help you to protect yourself if you’re taking care of ill people or ill family members. However, you need to make sure that you wear it constantly while around them and you should not touch the mask since your fingers may have the virus and pathogens on them.

What bout telecommuting for work?

If the COVID-19 is present in your community or town, then you should speak to your boss about working at home. Now, if you are already ill, then you should definitely stay at home. Once there is an outbreak locally, there is a high chance that you will get infected. If you are able to stay at home during an outbreak, that is the best course of action. This is especially true if you live in an area with a large concentration of people such as New York where lots of people use public transportation.

What should you do if you become ill?

If you start to feel sick and have symptoms such as a dry cough and fever, then you should call your personal doctor. Only visit the emergency room if your symptoms include having issues with breathing or you’re dehydrated.  You should not go to a hospital’s emergency room unless your symptoms warrant since there is the high chance that you will spread your infection to many other people.

What can be done to stay healthy?

The best habit that you can adopt is to wash your hands as soon as you reach home. The best way to prevent getting the Coronavirus or even the typical flu is to make sure and wash your hands regularly and practice good hygiene. While washing your hands regularly is important, you should also stop touching your nose, face and eyes. This will go a long way in preventing any respiratory infections. You can reduce your chances of getting this virus and many other viruses by as much as 30 – 50% by washing your hands. You can use good old fashioned soap and water as well as hand gels that contain alcohol. You can use any regular type of soap as antibacterial soap isn’t necessary. However, you should make sure that you wash and scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds. Additionally, if you need to cough, then you should cough into the crook of your elbow so that the virus particles are not sprayed into the air. Once you do cough, make sure and wash your hands thoroughly as well as properly dispose of any tissues you may have used. Once you follow these guidelines, they will go a long way in reducing the exposure of this virus to others. [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

Unclutter Your Home…and Your Mind

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Overwhelmed by life?  Regain a bit of control one sock at a time.

I have a dream… that every sock should have a mate. Every so often, I am haunted by the same dream. It’s an incredibly vivid dream, intense and deeply satisfying. This dream involves a real-life giant basket of unmatched socks that sits on my bedroom floor. In the dream, I manage to find the mate for every single sock in that basket—even my sons’ Nike socks, with their maddening subtle differences in shading, ribbing, and swoosh colors. I remember the first time I awoke from this dream. After the initial feelings of satisfaction and contentment wore off and reality reared its ugly head, I thought: Is this how pathetic my life has become? (You’re probably thinking the same thing about my life right now, dear reader, let’s be honest.) How on earth could I seriously be having the emotional equivalent of an erotic dream about matched up socks? Then I had the dream again. And again. When I had the dream once again last week, I figured out that maybe this dream was my subconscious mind’s way of expressing something. I think my brain is trying to tell me that I am craving order right now. And it makes sense. The beginning of 2020 has been crazier than usual in our household. After living as empty-nesters for a year, my 19-year-old son moved back into the house, turning our lower level into his own studio apartment AND getting a puppy. I’m not saying any of this is bad—it’s really not—but none of this was part of my plan, and it is taking some adjusting. On top of all of that, I’ve taken on some very big work-related projects which involve a bit of a learning curve and some tight deadlines. Add in some travel and a steady stream of weekend guests—again, none of this is bad; I swear, I am not complaining—but clearly something in my psyche is feeling like life is careening a teensy bit out of control.

So now that my sock-matching dream has revealed my sense of losing a bit of control to my conscious self, what am I going to do about it?? One of the first things I did was to purge that giant basket of socks.

I threw out a huge pile of “hold-out” socks—the singles I’ve been holding onto since my young adult children were in middle school, holding out some slim hope that someday, somehow, a mate was going to magically appear. So, my basket of single socks has now been reduced to about 1/3 of what it used to be — still too many, but it’s a start… I’m also trying to take control of whatever small aspects of life that I can. I am trying to be consistent about exercising—which, in addition to the physical benefits, seems to help me calm my mind. I am making detailed to-do lists every day for both my work and personal life to help me stay on task when my mind is going in 10 directions at once. And I’m trying to keep my surroundings neat and tidy. I am definitely one of those people who thinks more clearly and performs better if my environment is uncluttered and clean. If there are dust bunnies on my floor or dirty dishes piling up in the sink, I have a hard time concentrating, and I feel even more stressed out than normal. So I am extremely grateful for and dependent on the twice-monthly cleaning crew that keeps my floors, bathrooms and countertops clean. When you consider the way it positively affects my productivity as well as my sense of serenity, the cost of a professional cleaner is more than worth it! If, like me, you’re feeling overwhelmed by the chaotic pace and messiness of life, there is an easy way to grab back a little sense of control. Give Immaculate Clean a call! And in the meantime, purge your unmatched socks, before they start haunting your dreams! [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

3 Simple Steps for a Beautifully Organized, Clean Refrigerator

A Clean Refrigerator is Healthier and More Convenient

Ah, the fridge. Easily one of the most important parts of the home. It also tends to be one of the messiest and least sanitary. With all of the food we bring after we eat out or store after a grocery trip, we constantly leave the fridge in a cluttered state. Add in the leftovers we’ve saved after the family dinner, and it’s a miracle the refrigerator has any space at all. If this situation sounds like you, then getting a clean refrigerator is a must. Luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place. This article has a few quick tips that you can use to get your fridge, clean, organized, and in top shape. Read on to learn more!

A Clean Refrigerator Starts with a Food Purge

One of the worst things to spot in a refrigerator is an expired bowl of food. It’s even worse when your friend or family member spots it before you do. Obviously, no one wants expired food in their stock, but it’s not hard for that to occur, especially if your fridge is spacious, compact, or otherwise easy to lose food in. Make sure you make it a regular habit (maybe twice a month) to go through the fridge and pull out any expired meals that made their way to the back, so you can clear up some space as you clean your house.

Give it a Wash Job

Everything in your kitchen deserves a good wipe down, and that includes your refrigerator. Unfortunately, we usually don’t add it to the list. It’s easy to overlook your fridge when it comes to cleaning. Apparently, we expect it to be able to do it on its own (it can do everything else, so why not?), but that isn’t the case. Make it a routine to go through your refrigerator and wipe down the inner and outer walls, as well as any drawers and shelves on the inside. You’ll love the nice shine afterward.

Organize, Organize, Organize

In order to keep your fridge clean, you need to know how to organize your items. Otherwise, you’ll be back to square one fighting against a bunch of expired food – and that’s the last thing you want Knowing how to organize your fridge is more important than you might think. When you have your food placed in its own proper location, you can not only keep things stacked correctly, but you also know which draw or shelf holds a specific item. Place your fruits, vegetables, meats, and leftovers all in separate and neat areas so that you can quickly get what you need and start eating.

We’re Ready to Work

You know what it takes to get a clean refrigerator. Now it’s time to call in the pros to help you maintain the cleanliness of your living space!  Check out this great article for tips on how to clean your freezer. At Immaculate Clean, we can make your busy life easier. Our services include weekly, biweekly and monthly cleaning of your entire home or just those areas that seem to take up too much of your limited time.  It’s hard for busy people to maintain their homes with any consistency.  Whole house? Main floor only? Bathrooms only? Kitchen & floors? Dusting & vacuuming only? We’ll customize a recurring flat rate plan to meet your specific needs. Ready to get your house in top form? So are we. Send us a message whenever you want to start tidying up your home. We look forward to serving you!

“It’s Groundhog Day, again….”

Break Out of That Seasonal Rut

Groundhog Day, the movie starring Bill Murray, has always been one of my favorite movies of all time. In the film, Bill Murray’s character, Phil Connors, is a bit of a self-centered jerk in the beginning, to say the least. The TV weatherman inexplicably finds himself reliving the same day over and over again—Groundhog Day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. It’s only when he starts to use the day to better himself—learning to play the piano and reading poetry, getting close to all of the local people he used to look upon with disdain (“They’re hicks, Rita!”), unselfishly trying to help a sick homeless man—that he is able to free himself from the repetitive rut he is in, find true love, and move on with his life. When the movie came out in 1993, it spoke to me in a surprisingly deep way. At the time, I was a young newlywed working in a dead-end job that made me feel as though I was indeed stuck in a rut like Phil Connors was. It sounds crazy, but that movie truly inspired me to want to better myself. I got more involved with my community, joining a local civics organization and volunteering my time as a literacy tutor, and I started an earnest search for a new, more fulfilling job. And just the act of taking action helped me to break out of that rut. Don’t we all find ourselves in a rut sometimes? No matter what we have going on in our lives, at this time of year, when cold, dreary days can seem to be never ending, it is easy to feel like we are like Phil Connors, reliving the same day over and over again. It can help to be reminded that when we do feel stuck, it is usually within our power to find a way to break free of that rut. To this day, whenever I find myself in a rut, I think about Phil. Sometimes focusing on something new, like Phil’s piano lessons, is what I need: How can I push myself out of my comfort zone and try something new? Or, maybe what I really need is the energy that comes from other people: Who can I reach out to or try to get to know better? Sometimes just focusing on someone besides myself is helpful: How can I brighten someone else’s day or help someone with a problem? Sometimes all it takes is a fresh start of some kind to break free. If you’re bored with your work, sometimes it helps to change up your routine and come up with a new way of doing things. Sometimes something as simple as cleaning out a desk or a filing cabinet can be a boost. At home, the monotonous nature of housework can wear us down. Laundry and toilets are always needing to be cleaned; dust and dirt are always reappearing on our floors; clutter is always accumulating. Day after day, week after week, it’s the same thing all over again. The never-ending cleaning tasks can feel like a burden, distracting us from the potentially more enriching parts of life. For me, periodically coming home to a clean house can be the fresh start I need to help me break free of a rut and to allow me to start to thinking creatively and positively again. If you are stuck in a rut this winter, give Immaculate Clean a call! You might just find yourself breaking free from the monotony as you see your home, and your life, in a whole new light!

Get That Deposit Back With an Apartment Move out Cleaning Checklist

In the state of Maryland, renters are entitled to receive their security deposit back so long as the apartment is clean and undamaged. In fact, landlords must pay a tenant interest on any security deposit that was higher than $50. In other words, you should get more money back than you initially gave. Getting that deposit back can make or break your ability to move comfortably into a new place. Without it, will you be able to afford your new apartment’s security deposit and first month’s rent? If not, you’ll need to perform a thorough cleaning and make sure everything is up to your lease’s standards. Read on for our apartment move out cleaning checklist!

Clean the Floors and Windows

No one wants to inherit stains, ground-in dirt, or smudges from a previous tenant! Spot clean your carpet for any stains. It’s best to tackle stains not long after they happen but with the right cleaner, you should be able to get rid of even year-old stains. After the carpet is dry, hit it with a high-power vacuum and use attachments to get into nooks and crannies. Break out the glass cleaner and sponges or rags to clean the windows. Double-check them after they’ve dried to make sure you haven’t created new smudges with your cleaner!

Clean All Appliances and Fixtures

Anything that isn’t coming with you needs to look as close to “new” as possible. That means kitchen appliances like the fridge, stove, and sink. It also means everything in the bathroom from the toilet to the tub.

Fill Holes and Repaint

Depending on your lease, you may need to fill any holes in the walls made by nails or thumbtacks and cover everything with a fresh coat of paint. Filling holes is simple work but make sure that you’re using the right paint color or your landlord can knock you for it.

Dust Everything

Your floors are not the only things that have accumulated grime over the past year or two. Just about every surface in your apartment is a great landing zone for dust. Pay special attention to moldings along the walls and around doorframes as they provide tons of dust-trapping nooks and crannies. If you want to go above and beyond, consider getting a telescopic cleaning tool to dust your ceiling and ceiling fan.

Hire Professionals

Make sure you pay close attention to your lease as you make your way through the apartment move out cleaning checklist. Some companies require that you bring in a professional cleaning company to ensure that the carpets and other areas have been properly cleaned. Even if it isn’t required by your landlord or property manager, it may be worth considering. If you’ve lived in your apartment for over a year and haven’t kept up with a regular cleaning schedule, you’ve probably accumulated an extraordinary amount of dirt and grime.

Let Us Help You Complete Your Apartment Move Out Cleaning Checklist

If you’re worried about your security deposit or struggling to meet the requirements of your apartment move out cleaning checklist, let us help you! We provide top-notch cleaning services at affordable rates. To take off some of the financial burdens, we also provide free estimates so that you can make an informed decision at no cost to you. Request a free estimate today!

Five Ways to Brighten Up Gray Winter Days

It’s January, and another holiday season is behind us. The time has come to un-deck the halls and embrace what comes next: a cold, gray, gloomy Mid-Atlantic winter! Indeed, January is a tough month for a lot of people. In fact, January 24 is actually officially known as “the most depressing day of the year.” Clinical depression is one thing—see a doctor if you feel you are suffering from that—but there is also a very real, albeit less serious, kind of depression that happens for many of us when we couple the natural post-holiday letdown with the shortened hours of daylight: this is prime time for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) to set in. I’ve never been diagnosed with SAD, but I don’t need a doctor to tell me that I feel more “blah” at this time of year. So I’ve been working on a few ways to combat that feeling this winter.

1. Leaving up the Christmas lights. Inside the house, we are back to normal: the Christmas tree is down, and the decorations are all boxed up for next year. But as we were packing things away this year, I asked my husband to leave our outdoor lights up for just a little bit longer. They just seem to brighten up the dreary gray evenings. And heck, if Hallmark can start showing Christmas movies two months before Christmas, why can’t I extend this little part of it for few weeks AFTER the holidays?
2. Light therapy. Lights aren’t just for decoration… For people who suffer from SAD, there are actual lamps that are therapeutic in the way they mimic the natural daylight that is often in short supply during the winter months in our area of the country. I bought myself a relatively inexpensive one on Amazon this year, and I just keep it at my desk and turn it on while I am working during the day. It’s too soon to tell if it helps, but it can’t hurt, right?
3. Brightening my wardrobe. My winter clothing reflects my usual winter mood. In other words, just about everything in my closet is either black or gray. In the summer, I mix it up a lot, but in the winter, I basically am deciding which black top to wear on any given day. So this season, I’ve been slowly adding in a few items to brighten both my winter wardrobe and my mood: a pink scarf; a red sweater; animal-print shoes… Again—it can’t hurt!
4. Getting outside. Regardless of whether the sun is shining or not, it always helps my mood to get a little fresh air. And unless the temperature has reached dangerous wind chill levels, I try not to use it as an excuse. As my Hungarian grandmother would say: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only improper clothing.” So I make a point to bundle up, put a sweater on my little dog, and head outside for at least a 20 minute walk almost every single day during the winter. I never regret it.
5. Keeping the house clean. Seriously, who doesn’t feel calmer and more content when their house is clean? If ever there is a time of year that it is worthwhile to have Immaculate Clean come in and give your home a good once-over, January is it! It’s such a mood-lifter on those dreary January days to come home to a clean house—not to mention that this is a great way to combat those cold and flu germs that are so prevalent right now.

However you choose to cope with the winter blues this month, keep pushing on… Better, longer, sunnier days lie ahead!