Cleaned to Perfection's 5 Simple Steps to Cleaning Your Home After the Flu Has Taken Over

After someone in your family has had the flu/cold/virus, do you get the urge to bleach the house from top to bottom?

We don’t blame you, this winter has been a rough one. But, there’s help (and spring!) on the horizon. Our 5 simple steps will get you on your way to a refreshed home.

Open the windows and let some fresh air inside!

Cleaned to Perfection's 5 Simple Steps to Cleaning Your Home 

After the Flu Has Taken Over

1. Frequently used surfaces. Your phone, laptop, TV remote, door knobs and light switch plates. 80% of phones in homes that have someone with the flu in them, have the flu virus on them. Cold and flu viruses survive on surfaces, anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Simply use an alcohol wipe, or carefully spray disinfectant on a paper towel and wipe these surfaces down.
2. The bathroom. Sink faucets, toilet bowls, towels. When someone in your home has a virus, half of all bathroom faucets have cold and flu viruses as well. Give the sick person their own hand towel to avoid spreading disease through a shared towel.
3. Tables. Kitchen tables, coffee tables, play-area tables, and night tables tend to host cold and flu viruses because they're touched often and aren't wiped down enough.
4. Stuffed animals. If possible, toss Teddy in the laundry. If it's not washable, keep it away from everyone for a few days to let viruses on its surface die.
5. Sheets, blankets, towels. Wash and replace.  If you can, leave the mattress stripped for a while to air out.

This is a widely known bonus tip, but many people forget: When someone in your home is sick, everyone should wash their hands more often! Soap and water or hand sanitizers are effective at helping to diminish germs.

Give yourself a break!

We are the professionals at doing your dirty work and getting rid of those germs.

We've also created a list of “extras” where we offer things like vacuuming your mattress. . When was the last time you did that?! 

Check it out here and book today! 

How to Enjoy Entertaining in Your Home

Do you want to do more entertaining in your home, but procrastinate with the mere thought of getting your home guest-ready?

Do you find you spend more time catering to your guests than enjoying them?

In our ongoing effort to help bring more quality time in to your life, here are few helpful tips:

• There is no need for guests to wander through every room of your house. Focus your cleaning time and energy on the rooms you want your guests to spend time in and close the doors to the rest. 

• Get your surface clean on. Put clutter away, dust, vacuum, mop, and fluff cushions.

• Make room for trays of food and drinks by putting away some of the room/table decor normally on display.

• Put effort in to the guest bathroom. Clean the toilet, sink, and floor. Make sure you have everything that they may need. A nice touch is to fill a basket with extra soaps, disposable hand towels (less germ-spreading) and air freshener.

• Candles can catch the eye and help focus your guest's attention to the areas that you want them to see. Candles also bring a welcoming, warm and pleasant-smelling environment.

• Plan foods that can be prepared in advance and just need to be heated or pulled from the fridge. 

• Set up a "bar" area where you will be sitting so that you, (or you can designate someone else), can keep guests drinks fresh without missing the conversation.

• Don't forget the one thing you absolutely want your guests to focus on ..... YOU! Leave time to rest and dress, then put on a smile and ENJOY!

Cleaned to Perfection loves to get our client's homes party-ready!

Book Now or give us a call to find out more! 631•941•4607

Your Ultimate GREEN Spring Cleaning Tips

Spring is here! Here come the flowers, bunnies and sunshine! It's also the time to open the windows and treating your home to deep spring cleaning.

Why do we emphasize the "GREEN?" It’s not because of the green grass we're going to start seeing as the snow melts and the grass grows. We're emphasizing "green" in because we encourage the use safe and natural cleaning products. Going green will clean your home naturally, while at the same time keeping you and your family safe without the use of chemicals. 

15 Green Spring Cleaning Tips

..But First: Open up the windows and let the fresh air come in!

1. Replace old pillows: Pillows that are over 2 years old can be composed of up to 10 percent dust mite feces and carcasses. 

2. Sprinkle baking soda on musty carpets: Instead of using chemical cleaners, baking soda will help get rid of odors. Let it sit for an hour or so and then vacuum it up.

3. Clean your windows with vinegar: Combine 2 teaspoons of vinegar with 1 quart of warm water in a spray bottle. Spray and wipe with a microfiber cloth. 

4. Flip your mattress and sprinkle with baking soda: Just like carpet, you can sprinkle baking soda to absorb oils and odors. After absorbed, vacuum it up. 

5. Install a clothes line: Dry your clothes naturally when the weather permits!

6. Eliminate chemical fabric softeners: Instead, add 1/4 cup of vinegar to your washing machine's rinse cycle.

7. Leave coffee grounds in the fridge: Coffee grounds absorb funky odors that may linger in your refrigerator.

8. Polish wood with olive oil: Add 1 teaspoon of olive oil to 1/4 cup of lemon juice for a non-toxic furniture polish that remove dust and make the wood shine.

9. Clean the dishwasher: Fill your dishwasher with 2 cups of vinegar. Run through on a hot cycle to clean and remove musty odors.

10. Clean the toilet: Pour 1 cup of baking soda in the toilet and let it sit for 1 hour. Pour in 1 cup of white vinegar, leave for 5 minutes and flush.

11. Natural Bleach: A mix of hydrogen peroxide and lemon juice creates a natural bleach. Use it in your bathroom, or even your laundry.

12. Help the refrigerator stay cool: Vacuum the coils about twice a year to remove any dust or dirt.

13. Bathtub and shower: Warm up white vinegar and spray it on shower walls once a week and let it sit for 5 minutes. Let the shower rinse it away, or wipe down.

14. Baseboards, door frames and walls: Scrub them down with a squirt of dishwashing liquid soap mixed with warm water (magic erasers work well).
15. Dust light fixtures: Use a microfiber cloth and lightly dampen your cloth with vinegar before wiping down.

GO GREEN! 

Check out this link to learn more about the harms of chemical household cleaning products.

http://health.usnews.com/health-news/family-health/allergy-and-asthma/articles/2008/07/25/health-hazards-in-household-cleaners-exposed

Cleaned to Perfection will have your home spring and summer ready in no time!

Give us a call today and tell us about your spring cleaning needs. 631-941-4607

Holiday Safety Tips for Pets

We at Cleaned To Perfection make pet safety a number #1 Priority.  So we are sharing our Holiday pet safety tips.

Holly, Jolly and Oh-So-Safe! Of course you want to include your furry companions in the festivities,  but as you celebrate this holiday season, try to keep your pet's eating and exercise habits as close to their normal routine as possible.  Be sure to steer them clear of the following unhealthy treats, toxic plants and dangerous decorations:

O Christmas Tree Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn't tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pet. This will also prevent the tree water—which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset—from spilling. Stagnant tree water is a breeding ground for bacteria and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they drink.

Tinsel-less Town
Kitties love this sparkly, light-catching "toy" that's easy to bat around and carry in their mouths. But a nibble can lead to a swallow, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery. It's best to brighten your boughs with something other than tinsel.

No Feasting for the Furries
By now you know not to feed your pets chocolate and anything sweetened with xylitol, but do you know the lengths to which an enterprising fur kid will go to chomp on something yummy? Make sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and be sure to secure the lids on garbage cans.

Toy Joy
Looking to stuff your pet's stockings? Choose gifts that are safe. 

• Dogs have been known to tear their toys apart and swallowing the pieces, which can then become lodged in the esophagus, stomach or intestines. Stick with chew toys that are basically indestructible, Kongs that can be stuffed with healthy foods or chew treats that are designed to be safely digestible. 
• Long, stringy things are a feline's dream, but the most risky toys for cats involve ribbon, yarn and loose little parts that can get stuck in the intestines, often necessitating surgery. Surprise kitty with a new ball that's too big to swallow, a stuffed catnip toy or the interactive cat dancer—and tons of play sessions together.

Forget the Mistletoe & Holly
Holly, when ingested, can cause pets to suffer nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Mistletoe can cause gastrointestinal upset and cardiovascular problems. And many varieties of lilies, can cause kidney failure in cats if ingested. Opt for just-as-jolly artificial plants made from silk or plastic, or choose a pet-safe bouquet.

Leave the Leftovers 
Fatty, spicy and no-no human foods, as well as bones, should not be fed to your furry friends. Pets can join the festivities in other fun ways that won't lead to costly medical bills.

That Holiday Glow
Don't leave lighted candles unattended. Pets may burn themselves or cause a fire if they knock candles over. Be sure to use appropriate candle holders, placed on a stable surface. And if you leave the room, put the candle out!

Wired Up 
Keep wires, batteries and glass or plastic ornaments out of paws' reach. A wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus, while shards of breakable ornaments can damage your pet's mouth.

House Rules
If your animal-loving guests would like to give your pets a little extra attention and exercise while you're busy tending to the party, ask them to feel free to start a nice play or petting session.

Put the Meds Away 
Make sure all of your medications are locked behind secure doors, and be sure to tell your guests to keep their meds zipped up and packed away, too.

Careful with Cocktails
If your celebration includes adult holiday beverages, be sure to place your unattended alcoholic drinks where pets cannot get to them. If ingested, your pet could become weak, ill and may even go into a coma, possibly resulting in death from respiratory failure.

A Room of Their Own 
Give your pet his own quiet space to retreat to—complete with fresh water and a place to snuggle. Shy pups and cats might want to hide out under a piece of furniture, in their carrying case or in a separate room away from the hubbub.

New Year's Noise
As you count down to the new year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in a cat's intestines, if ingested, perhaps necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. 

I Want to Clean My Home But I Just Don't Have The Time!

October has crept upon us, and its going oh sooo fast! Although it is cooler outside, we are still just as active as we are in the summer. The kids go back to school, they have extracurricular activities, there's more traffic on the road, and everything we do seems to get back into routine mode. On the weekends, this time of year, families like to go out to the movies, apple picking, pumpkin picking, corn mazes and haunted houses. Dont forget that there's scarecrow making, pumpkin carving, decorating and all the other fun things that autumn has to offer. We understand that you are busy and going bonkers running around with your little ones, we do. Thats why we offer residential and commercial cleanings at Cleaned To Perfection. We pay special attention to you and your homes specific needs. We believe in making your life easier by giving a helping hand. While you do whats more important to you, let us do what we do best. Clean To Perfection!

National Safety Month

       June has begun and Cleaned To Perfection is welcoming the summer month with open arms.  Along with the official start of summer, it is also National Safety Month, and we've compiled a list to keep you and your family safe not only while you clean, but also throughout the summer months. While this list does give many helpful hints, it is just a starting point, be sure to add a comment down below with some of your own helpful safety hints you use within your family!


CLEANING 

• Keep all products in their original containers
• Never sniff, touch, or taste to determine the product
• Keep all the products locked up, and out of reach of children
• Reach your labels, and never mix chemicals, they can release a harmful gas
• Open windows and turn on fans while cleaning and for an hour or two afterwards
• Wear protective clothing - long sleeves, long pants, socks, shoes, and gloves - it spraying pesticides 
• Even "all-natural" or "environmentally friendly " labeled products can be serious if ingested 
• Make sure mop buckets are carefully guarded; even a very small bucket of water or fluids can be hazardous, causing drownings or serious health issues if ingested. 
• The slippery surface of a freshly mopped floor is dangerous as well. It may cause a slip leading to a dangerous fall
• Never turn your back on a ladder
• If possible, use cleaning tools with telescoping handles 
• It is recommended to changed the batteries of smoke and carbon monoxide detectors twice a year (helpful idea is to change them with the clock)

OUTSIDE 

• Teach your children to never play on or around a lawn mower, even when it is off
• Children under 6 should be kept inside when the lawn is be mowed 
• Frequent playgrounds that have shock absorbent surfaces
• Teach children to use equipment properly 
• Enforcing no pushing, shoving, rough housing 
• Use appropriate and well fitted equipment in sports (helmets, goggles, etc) 
• Don't leave unattended kids near open flames (grills, campfires, fire-pits, bonfires, etc)
• Always have a bucket of way and fire extinguisher on hand
• Only let professionals handle fireworks 

POOL CLEANING 

• Keep water in constant moving; it prevents bacteria from forming 
• Check the pools filter and backwash frequently
• Brush and vacuum at least once a week
• Test your pools water, the pH balance and sanitizer levels needs to be checked 
• Have a water treatment going 
• If going on vacation:  brush and vacuum, test the levels, set the timer/ask a good friend to make sure pump runs eight hours a day 

POOL SAFETY 

• ALWAYS MANDATE A LIFEGUARD ON HAND
• Be CPR certified 
• Keep the water clean
• Have the children take swimming lessons
• Know the weather, realize if there is a storm coming in
• Wear your life jackets, remember toys are not a replacement for life jackets
• Always aha a phone on hand for emergencies 
• Don't clutter pool and the surrounding area 
• Have a 4foot or taller fence surrounding pool area 

To keep everyone properly protected from the sun use the proper SPF Sunblock for your skin type, wear a hat, and keep in proper shade.  

These are just a few helpful hints for your family, as always we love to hear any that you have to offer!  Any emergency immediately seek medical assistant or call 911. 

Mother's Day Gift Special

Cleaned to Perfection loves our clients, and loves moms. We wanted to give back to you for being such wonderful, dedicated clients so we have come up with a Mothers Day special.  We have teamed up with Nirvana Yoga to bring to you a deal like nothing you have seen before.

When you buy a Cleaned to Perfection gift certificate, you will receive a FREE, certified, 45 minute yoga lesson. This is a never before done opportunity. Moms can relax with a clean, sparkling home, and then enjoy an in home yoga lesson.

The green, natural way of life has always been something we strive for at CTP, we feel that offering this free gift of a yoga class goes hand in hand with our philosophy.  We have created a Pinterest board with some helpful yoga tools including beginner flows, instructor hints, products guides, meditation guides, myth busters, and much more. We urge to to take a look at the board and follow us on Pinterest as well.

 Happy Mother's Day and come on down and give your mom the gift of clean, and receive your free yoga class!