As a self-proclaimed cleaning enthusiast, I’ve always been fascinated by the tried-and-true techniques that professional cleaners use to tackle even the toughest messes. After all, these are the folks who make a living out of restoring order to chaos, and they’ve undoubtedly picked up a few secrets along the way. So, when I stumbled upon a treasure trove of insights from the cleaning pros themselves, I knew I had to share them with you.
Declutter, Dust, Then Clean
One of the first pieces of advice I gleaned from the pros is the importance of tackling a room in a specific order. As Sacha Dunn of eco-friendly soap company Common Good puts it, “Declutter, then dust, then clean.” This methodical approach ensures that you’re not just moving dirt and dust around, but actually removing it from the premises.
Think about it – if you start cleaning without first decluttering, you’re essentially just pushing the clutter around, making it harder to get a thorough clean. And if you skip the dusting step, you might end up wiping that grime right back onto your freshly cleaned surfaces. By taking the time to clear out the unnecessary items, then tackle the dust bunnies, you can set the stage for a truly deep clean that leaves your space sparkling.
Clockwise Cleaning for Maximum Efficiency
Another tip that caught my attention came from Adriana Aziz of MaidForYou. She shared that her team’s “standard operating procedures stipulate that whatever room you’re cleaning, make sure to clean clockwise.” The reason behind this methodical approach is simple: it helps to avoid missed spots.
“Since we implemented this, we’ve seen a drastic decrease in the number of re-cleans requested by customers – upwards of 80 percent,” Aziz revealed. By moving in a consistent, clockwise direction, cleaners can ensure that they cover every nook and cranny, leaving no surface untouched. This strategic technique not only saves time but also ensures a more thorough job, which is music to the ears of any homeowner.
Plan Your Cleaning Routine
As the saying goes, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” And Alex Varela of Dallas Maids of Frisco couldn’t agree more. He emphasizes the importance of having a carefully thought-out checklist to “maximize time and resources.”
“Everything works better if you plan things out,” Varela explains. “This checklist should be thought both in the sense of a weekly or monthly planning and on the actual cleaning time itself. Try to plan things out in a way that you can leave cleaning products working on the surface or your washing machine running while you are doing something else.”
By taking the time to map out your cleaning routine, you can streamline the process and make the most of your time. It’s all about working smarter, not harder – a lesson that professional cleaners have clearly mastered.
Embrace Multipurpose Cleaners
One of the most surprising insights I gathered from the pros was their preference for multipurpose cleaners over a vast arsenal of specialized products. As Alessandro Gazzo from Emilys Maids in Dallas points out, “Using all-purpose cleaners or DIY cleaners is much cheaper and easier on so many different levels.”
Gazzo explains that with a multifunctional cleaner, it’s “much easier to carry and store them, and because you can buy them in bulk, they’re cheaper in the long run.” Plus, you don’t have to keep track of how much is left of every specialized product in your cleaning cabinet.
Of course, there are some exceptions to this rule, as Gazzo notes: “Organic materials such as wood, leather, and natural stone are sensitive, and in this case, it’s safer to use a specialized product.” But for the majority of your cleaning needs, a versatile all-purpose cleaner can be a game-changer.
Leverage the Power of Steam
Speaking of game-changers, Steve Evans of Memphis Maids swears by the power of steam when it comes to cleaning. He explains, “Steam is more powerful than you think, and of course, it is extremely safe for basically all surfaces.”
Evans points out that a power steamer is a relatively affordable investment that can make cleaning a breeze. “It can soften up grime and dirt without using cleaning products or without scrubbing, just by wiping with a microfiber cloth afterward,” he says. “I think buying a steamer is cheaper in the long run and it makes cleaning easier.”
The beauty of using steam is that it’s a natural, chemical-free way to tackle tough stains and buildup. And with no need for elbow grease, it’s a win-win for both efficiency and your overall health.
Dryer Sheets for the Win
One of the more unexpected cleaning tips I encountered came from Jennifer Rodriguez, the Chief Hygiene Officer at ProHousekeepers. She revealed that dryer sheets are an absolute game-changer when it comes to tackling those pesky areas that often get overlooked.
“Dryer sheets are amazing when it comes to getting rid of dust, hair, and other small things usually missed by sweeping or vacuuming,” Rodriguez shares. “They’re especially great for cleaning ceiling fans and baseboards.”
The trick, she explains, is to “wrap dryer sheets over a duster or an extended paint roller for those hard-to-reach places by using rubber bands to hold them in place.” This clever hack not only helps you reach those high and low spots but also harnesses the static-cling properties of the dryer sheets to attract and trap all that stubborn dust and debris.
Lemon and Salt for Grill Greatness
When it comes to tackling the grill, Jennifer Rodriguez has another unexpected pro tip up her sleeve: “All you need to clean a grill grate is lemon halves and salt.”
“Rub the lemon and salt together and then proceed to the grill grates,” she explains. “Make sure the grill is heated, and swipe the halves carefully through the grates. The acid of the lemons will sterilize the grill and cut the grease off.”
This simple, all-natural solution is a far cry from the harsh chemical cleaners that can sometimes leave an unpleasant taste or odor on your grilled fare. Plus, it’s a great way to put those leftover lemon halves to good use.
Handy Cleaning Hacks
In addition to the top-notch tips from the pros, I’ve also stumbled upon a few other clever cleaning hacks that are worth sharing:
Melamine Sponges: As Adriana Aziz of MaidForYou points out, “Cheap melamine sponges are amazing for cleaning walls and a great substitute for the Magic Eraser. They’re also considerably cheaper and do the same job. They work especially well in getting rid of stubborn stains from your bathtub.”
Rubbish Bin Placement: Adriana Aziz also recommends setting a “small rubbish bin out the front entrance of your home” to make it easier to dispose of any trash or items that need to go. This simple trick can save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run.
HEPA-Filtered Vacuums: According to Adriana Aziz, using a HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaner is crucial for truly effective cleaning. “HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners prevent excess pollen and dust from leaving the exhaust of your vacuum cleaner,” she explains. “A regular vacuum will just end up spitting out whatever pollen and dust mites have already entered the vacuum cleaner, making non-HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners highly inefficient for actual cleaning.”
The Importance of Proper Chemical Usage
While the pros have shared a wealth of practical cleaning tips and tricks, it’s important to note the importance of using cleaning products correctly. As Steve Evans of Memphis Maids cautions, “Mixing manufactured cleaning products is not a good idea. In fact, if you don’t know very well what you’re doing, chemicals can actually cancel each other out and you’d be getting just plain water or a different chemical that is not cleaning effective.”
Evans provides the example of castile soap and vinegar – “both excellent cleaning products, but if you mix them, the castile soap would revert back to just plain oil.” Furthermore, he warns that you can “create a potentially dangerous reaction if you don’t know enough about the chemicals you’re mixing.” To avoid potential harm, it’s best to use the original products individually as intended.
Embracing the Cleaning Journey
As I’ve delved deeper into the world of professional cleaning tips and tricks, I’ve come to realize that the true art of cleaning goes beyond just scrubbing and dusting. It’s about embracing the journey, learning from the experts, and finding joy in the process.
Whether it’s mastering the clockwise cleaning technique, leveraging the power of steam, or discovering the versatility of multipurpose cleaners, the insights shared by these cleaning pros have opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking about household chores.
So, the next time you’re faced with a daunting cleaning task, remember the words of Jennifer Rodriguez: “A job worth doing is worth doing well.” With the right mindset and these expert-approved tips in your arsenal, you’ll be well on your way to a sparkling clean home that you can take pride in.
And don’t forget, if you need a little extra help, the team at Adam Cleaning is always here to lend a hand. After all, who better to call on than the cleaning pros themselves?
