Top 20 questions about cleaning housekeeping in Auckland 2021
For some people, housekeeping is a nightmare. Especially when it is a big family Auckland home, cleaning become one of the main part of routine. Sometimes, life gets so busy that we postpone cleaning duties and then we have to deal with cluttered home and accumulated dust and dirt everywhere.
We always trying to make life easer by finding better way to keep home clean within the less time and effort. Often, when things done fast, especially when it comes to cleaning cluttered home, the result might be disappointing. Dust and clutter builds up fast and every time it’s harder to rid out of it.
It is possible to handle cleaning in less time and achieve high standard cleaning results. There are many tips, guidelines, checklists, that may really help you and make your life easier.
Here you can find the most popular housekeeping questions and answers for it based on more than 11 years experience in Auckland cleaning industry, that will change the way you was cleaning your home and provide you with the best cleaning results.
There is no formula of how exactly things in cleaning have to be done. Cleaning and housekeeping itself has certain rules like any process, but no one can tell you what you have to do. It is all about what you prefer and what suits you the best.
Also, every house is different as well as people’s standards and expectations on how good housekeeping looks like.
We can only share our experience in Auckland cleaning market and answer Top 20 the most popular questions about cleaning and housekeeping.
1. Dusting or vacuuming – what goes first?
Vacuuming without dusting can work only if you maintain your big clean after day or two to keep your home tidy for longer. By the way, this is a great thing to do, because home look tidy and make the next cleaning easier and less stressful. To clean cluttered, dusted home much harder and it requires more effort and time.
Usually, people who don’t do vacuuming between main cleans, spend more time for each cleaning. Deep cleaning better to do weekly, then home is never dirty and dusty and easy to clean and achieve healthy, tidy home.
When it is a deep clean of home, dusting always go first. This way it will allow to vacuum up any loose debris and dust that is settled after you’ve dusted.
Always dust from top to bottom, from highest shelfs to lowest. Don’t forget to dust your tv, pictures on the walls, light switches, lampshades before vacuuming as well. It will allow to keep home clean longer and every next clean will be easier and take less time.
2. What is the best for cleaning – Wet or dry duster?
Dusting is very important. Dust can produce side effects: runny noses, coughing, sneezing, itchy eyes, and asthma.
Dusting provides not only clean surfaces, but also reduces the harmful impact on your health.
Dry cloth is not the best choice when it comes to dusting.
Use a damp cloth because it reduce static and capture dust rather than just spreading it around.
If there are stains on shelfs or surfaces, use slightly damp cloth and appropriate cleaning solution to rid out of stains. Use soft brush to help with hard stains and marks if there are any.
Microfiber cloth or soft sponge work the best for dusting.
3. Cleaning with Anti-bacterial wipes or spray and cloth?
Sanitisers, alcohol wipes, anti-bacterial wipes and many other products that promise to help to make home germs and bacteria free have become even more popular by 2021.
Cleaning with Anti -bacterial wipes is great for a “quick fix” cleaning. It can be used when you need to wipe small area quickly. Unfortunately, anti-bacterial wipes are not particularly environmentally friendly, so kept it for occasional use.
Instead, it is better to use spray and reusable cloth to wipe surfaces, shelfs, etc.
If there is a need of sanitizing all touch points and surfaces, it is ok to do so, but make sure you wipe all these areas again with damp cloth and frequently rise the cloth or sponge with hot water to wash out unwanted chemicals from areas that have been sanitized.
4. What’s the best way to clean a laminate or wood floor?
Laminated or wooden floors are quite expensive. The main thing to keep it as a brand new for years is to take a right care of it, right cleaning method.
Laminated and sealed wood floors should be swept or vacuumed first and then damp-mopped. Don’t over wet as the wood swells. To remove marks and stains, try homemade cleaning solution of water and vinegar.
Cleaning of hardwood floors with vinegar will save money as well as providing a safe cleaning method for cleaning floors. Clean wood floors with vinegar: add 1/2 cup white vinegar to approximately 3 litters of lukewarm water.
Also, unsealed and waxed floors should be swept regularly and occasionally wax polished.
If you using cleaning services in Auckland, let them know about wooden floors, so they can bring the right equipment to handle the clean with no hazard.
Make sure that cleaning services that you use is fully insured. In this case, if cleaners damage your expensive floors, you will get it replaced for free.
5. Are there any easy way to help keep down the clutter?
The answer is yes!
The best way to keep down the clutter is to manage it well.
Go over your wardrobes and keep the items you love and regularly use and give away the rest. There are many places in New Zealand and Auckland, where you can donate your cloths, bags, footwear and even kitchenware. You can donate all these to a charity: red cross, hospice shops, etc.
Ones you rid out of all items that have been never used or there is no need for it anymore, you will feel the difference straight away. Home will feel lighter, spacious and easy to breath.
Cleaning routine will become easier and more efficient, because dust and dirt have no space to “hide” anymore.
Every time when you’re cleaning, take 2 bags around with you wherever you go. Use one of bags to collect all items for donation and another bag use for rubbish. It will make the cleaning process much easier and faster. You will enjoy the result !
Cleaning services in Auckland can be also a great solution for keeping down the clutter and keep home clean. Regular cleaning service on weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis will help to keep home clean, hygienic and tidy.
You can also get one-off deep cleaning service from professional cleaners to make home sparkling clean and then just keep it clean regularly by yourself or by using regular cleaning service in Auckland.
This way you will achieve a great housekeeping results without getting exhausted and over stressed.
Get rid of Scuff Marks from Wood Floors
Wood floors are delicate when it comes to cleaning method. It make sense to avoid abrasive cleaners or tools when you’re figuring out how to remove scuff marks from hard floor.
Here are three cleaning methods you can use when removing scuff marks from wood floors.
Note : Please Keep in mind to spot test all methods in an inconspicuous place before scrubbing at that scuff.
1. Get rid of Scuff Marks with school eraser
When removing scuff marks from wood floors, you need a large light-colored pencil eraser that’s free of pencil residue or any other grime. Buy a fresh eraser.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth and use that to wipe the scuff mark.
- Rub the eraser over the scuff until it disappears.
- Immediately sweep up any eraser shavings.
Note: This may not be the best means of removing scuffs from lighter hued floors.
2. Get rid of Scuff Marks with the tennis shoe
- Place your hand in the heel of the shoe and set the shoe sole over the mark.
- Give the shoe a couple of good twists while applying light pressure to the heel. The scuff mark should come right up.
You might be confused because shoes create scuff marks! But just avoid dark soled shoes and the method will work amazingly well.
3. Get rid of Scuff Marks with tennis ball
Tennis ball can be used to successfully remove scuffs. In this case, used tennis ball will provide you with even better results . Just make sure that the ball you using is clean.
- Cut an “X” in the tennis ball and stick it on the end of a broom or mop handle, like you can see on the picture.
- Buff the scuff mark out using gentle pressure.
How to Remove Scuff Marks from Tile and Laminate Floors
You can also use the aforementioned methods on tile or laminate flooring. However, tile and laminate are a bit more durable than wooden floors, so you have a couple of more options.
Baking soda: Some scuffs can be removed using a paste of baking soda and warm water:
- Mix 2 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water to create a paste.
- Use a microfiber cloth to scrub the paste over the affected area until the scuff mark disappears.
- Wipe over the area with a damp microfiber cloth to remove any residue.
- Dry the area with a towel or clean microfiber cloth.
Nail polish remover: Acetone-based nail polish remover can also remove scuffs from some tile and laminate floors.
- Dampen a microfiber cloth with the nail polish remover.
- Gently rub the scuff mark until it fades.
- Wipe the area clean with a damp microfiber cloth before drying with a fresh cloth or towel.
Keep in mind that you’ll want to check your manufacturer’s instructions before using DIY cleaners to remove scuff marks from your flooring. You could invalidate the warranty if you don’t.
7. How can I remove marks on the wall without taking off the paint?
Wall marks and stains can be bad news, especially if you’re a tenant, whose landlord is coming over for a move-out walk through before returning your bond. And some of those stains seem impossible to remove, however, as experience shows, most of stains are possible to remove, if you know how to do so. Whether you rent or own home, the following three tips can help you get rid of marks and stains on walls.
1. Remove Stains on Walls with Cleaning Erasers tool
Nowadays, there are plenty of cleaning tools on the market. When we come to a cleaning section in supermarket, there are various of different cleaning solutions, clothes, brushes, sponges, etc.
Eraser cleaning tool that get rid of stains is one of the most popular cleaning tools for the last couple of years.
The secret behind these types of erasers is a material commonly called melamine foam.
With just a little water, melamine foam can dig in and destroy stains that other products can’t touch.
How to use it:
Wet the cleaning eraser (you can find it online or in grocery store) following the instructions on its packaging. Before you tackle that mark or stain, do a spot test on an out-of-the-way area. Cleaning erasers can work magic on wall stains, but they can also damage finishes, especially on wooden surfaces.
Be careful please, always test it first. Once you’ve determined that the cleaning eraser is safe for your wall, gently rub the mark until it disappears. Don’t scrub too hard, or you may create a stain on your wall that’s even worse than the original.
2. Remove Stains on Walls with Soap and Water
This is the most simple way to rid out of stains on walls.
Mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid and warm water. Then, dip your microfiber cloth into it. Wring out the cloth so that it’s not overly saturated.
Rub the stain with the damp cloth until the stain disappears. Wait 15-20 min until the wall dries to be certain that the stain is gone. If the stain didn’t go away, but at least become lighter, repeat the process.
3. To rid of walls stains and marks using cleaning services in Auckland
Cleaning services in Auckland can handle most types of stains on walls. Experienced cleaners can easily help you to deal with stains and marks without hassle.
When you decided to hire professional cleaners for your walls wash, call them first and provide them with all information about your walls, its condition and your expectations. When cleaners informed, they will be able to help you better with a cleaning and will find the best solution to your problem.
Not many cleaning services in Auckland have custom approach. However, it worth it to call and ask about it.
8. How to do a deep clean of oven without chemicals
Many people don’t like to use chemicals in the kitchen. The question is how to deep clean the oven with no chemicals and get the same sparkling result?
One of the best ways to deep clean oven is with a thick, homemade paste.
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with ½ cup vinegar.
Mix it all in a large bowl and spread the paste evenly throughout the oven’s interior. Let sit for at least six hours, then remove with a damp sponge.
You can also use cleaning service to help you with oven cleaning. You can get your oven professionally cleaned just ones to get rid of accumulated dirt and then just maintain oven clean by yourself with the tip above.
If you use cleaning service on a regular basis weekly, monthly or fortnightly to keep home tidy and clean, ask your cleaners to deep clean your oven ones a month or ones per two months. You will forget what the oven clean is and enjoy shiny clean oven everyday.
9. How to prevent molds in the bathroom
With warm, humid conditions, the bathroom is the perfect place for mold, and it can grow on just about every surface. Once you find it, cleaning mold in the bathroom can be a big chore.
Molds can irritate allergies and asthma.
Molds are relatively harmless, but given the right circumstances it can definitely cause some irritation, People who are affected by bathroom mold will most likely experience runny noses, coughing and scratchy throats.
It is definitely worth to take actions on preventing the mold growing in the bathroom.
The best way to combat mold in the bathroom is to prevent it from growing. Eliminate excess moisture by running an exhaust fan for at least 30 minutes after a shower.
Wipe shower walls daily after use to reduce water in the bathroom. Keep the floor dry and remove damp towels. Disinfecting the bathroom once a week to prevent mold from becoming an issue.
You can also, call any cleaning services and ask them for advise. If you have molds in your bathroom already, hire cleaners to help to rid out of these molds and take care of your walls by using the advise above.
10. How to Clean Shower’s Glass Doors
Begin by wetting the shower glass with the shower sprayer.
Use a spray bottle with just a white vinegar, and spread it thoroughly on the shower glass.
Let the vinegar soak in for at least 15-20 minutes. Then dip a scrub sponge into baking soda, and scrub the glass. The baking soda acts as an abrasive, but it will not damage the glass.
Once you’re satisfied and the glass looks clean, rinse it off with hot water. Dry the glass with a microfiber cloth, and use glass cleaner to finish cleaning the glass.
Clean the glass and the whole bathroom regularly to avoid any hard stains, molds, bacteria, etc.
It is also a great idea to ask professional cleaners to help you. They will clean the whole bathroom and disinfect it for you. Thoroughly cleaned bathroom easy to maintain and keep clean all the time.
11.How to Clean a Smelly Dishwasher
Dishwasher making our life much easier every day by taking care of our dishes, glasses, cutleries. With so many food particles swirling around, your dishwasher is bound to pick up some unwanted scents over time.
After using a dishwasher for some period of time, you might notice some musty odor coming out of a dishwasher.
If the smell in your dishwasher has persisted for some time and you’ve never cleaned the drain screen or filter, the sprayer arm ports, or inside the door lip before, be aware: It may not be pretty.
In fact, it might be kind of gross. But once you know what needs to be done and the right way to do it, regular cleaning of a dishwasher will prevent food particles from building up and keep smell at bay.
Step 1: Clean the Drain Filter
Some dishwashers have self-cleaning filters. If you have one of these, then, you don’t need to worry about any buildup. However, manual filters are require regular cleaning.
Remove the lower rack and locate the drain on the bottom of the dishwasher toward the back. Manual filters are usually cylindrical and have arrows to indicate how to remove them to help you to do it right.
To clean a manual filter:
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Remove the cylindrical filter and, if applicable, the flat filter under it
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Wash the filter in warm water mixed with soap, using a brush or old toothbrush to get inside crevices where food pieces may hide
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Rinse thoroughly with warm water and allow to dry well
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Use a damp cloth or sponge to clear any debris or food pieces from under or around the dishwasher drain before replacing the filter
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Lock the filter in place
Often, this is enough to eliminate the bad smells.
Step 2: Clean the Spray Arm Ports
Food can also become lodged in the small holes of the spray arm. This can not only cause disgusting smell, it may also make it harder for dishwasher to clean dishes properly.
Remove and inspect the lower spray arm and, if applicable, the upper spray arm for any debris.
To clean the spray arms, remove them from the dishwasher and wash with mix of warm water and soap. Check the ports where the water jets out for any blockage, removing food pieces or other bits with a toothpick, tweezers, or other small pointy object.
Step 3: Clean the Bottom Lip behind the Door
The last place food may accumulate is the bottom lip where the dishwasher door meets the bottom basin.
To clean this, open the door all the way and, scrub away any accumulated sludge, grime, or food particles trapped on the lip between the door and the wash basin with a damp microfiber cloth or soapy sponge, . Give the bottom edge of the door a good wipe down while it’s open.
12. How to De-stink the waste master.
Simple and the most efficient and eco method is to run a few lemon rinds through the disposal and follow with cold water to dispel any sour odors.
13. How to fight pet stink
If you need help with your cleaning needs
Call us (09) 909 6560 to get free estimate or ask for a cleaning advice.
We provide cleaning services in Auckland for more than 11 years and happy to share experience!