Category Archives: Green Cleaning

House cleaning

Quick Tips to Sanitize the Kitchen & Bathroom

It might be common sense, but it’s “common” for a reason: In times of particular concern over germs, bacteria, and infections—especially when families are spending so much time indoors together—it’s only logical to sanitize the most susceptible areas of your home to keep everyone and everything in it as safe and healthy as possible.

Which rooms see the most traffic and carry the most risk? The kitchen and bathroom, of course. And although they get the most wear and tear, they’re also the easiest to target and tackle, with all their hard surfaces, removable parts, and washable elements. These on-point checklists will leave the most essential rooms in your home spotless and hygienic in no time. Whenever possible, use alcohol- and bleach-based products to best kill germs and eliminate odors. Don’t have those on hand? Good old-fashioned water solutions featuring vinegar, lemon, and baking soda work beautifully—always have, always will!

Quick tips to sanitize the kitchen:

  • Wipe down all countertops and appliances
  • Clear and wipe out all drawers and cabinets
  • Defrost and wipe out the freezer
  • Pull the refrigerator out and clean behind it
  • Clean the stove and under the range
  • Run the dishwasher with vinegar
  • Run the garbage disposal with baking soda and some frozen diced lemon cubes
  • Mop floor
  • Throw out any old food in the pantry, fridge, or freezer

Quick tips to sanitize the bathroom:

  • Clear out all drawers and replace any liners
  • Wipe down all countertops and sinks
  • Clean all tile and inspect seals, caulk, and grout
  • Clean the tub and toilet
  • Wipe down the shower doors and clean shower
  • Replace the shower curtain
  • Disinfect and update any first-aid kits
  • Mop the floor
  • Throw out old and expired hygiene and beauty products

During the busy holiday season, you may not have time to get to all these to-do items yourself. Home Services Enterprise can help you thoroughly sanitize and sterilize any of your living and working spaces, greatly reducing the risk of exposure and contagion with the proper cleaning products and procedures. Call us today for availability and pricing: 301-674-9564  |  www.homeservicesenterprise.com

Going Green in Your Home

It’s not just “trendy” these days to adopt a more environmentally conscious lifestyle—it’s actually better for our health and our diets, cleaner for our food and water supplies, less invasive of our planet’s oceans and lands. But it can also be expensive! Sure, a hybrid car cuts down on emissions and gas use, but the cost of a whole new vehicle? Organic foodstuffs contain fewer chemicals and toxins, but the price tags rise with the health benefits. And who has the time to clean cloth diapers, the resources to purchase only all-natural cosmetics, or the convenience of finding recycled-only goods?

Some eco-friendly measures are easier to commit to than others, like reusable grocery bags, glass water bottles, and cloth dishtowels over paper towels. And luckily for the average consumer, going greener when it comes to your housecleaning is another area where you can easily make great strides without breaking the bank. At all.

Three back-to-basics staples, in particular, should be stocked in every home—not only because they’re cheap, pure, and environmentally responsible, but because they’ve been doing the trick for centuries and show no signs of losing their effectiveness! Go greener today in your home and your life by making your own cleaning products out of these tried-and-true ingredients:

  1. VINEGAR: The active ingredient in vinegar is acetic acid, which can be a strong cleaning agent that dissolves dirt buildup, grease, and grime. It also kills germs, mold, and bacteria. To make an all-natural spray that can be used all over your kitchen and bathrooms—on the stovetop, appliances, and countertops … on tile floors, tubs, showers, sinks, and toilets—simply mix equal parts vinegar and water in a spray bottle that you can buy at any discount or dollar store. Opt for white vinegar to eliminate the possibility of any staining or discoloration.
  2. LEMONS: Lemon juice is another natural ingredient that can be used for cleaning, either concentrated or diluted with water. The citric acid in lemons, with its low pH and high antibacterial properties, dissolves mineral deposits and soap scum. It also shines stainless steel, brass, and copper fixtures; it sanitizes cutting boards; it can be nuked in half a cup of water to clean your microwave; it’s a terrific scrubbing and de-griming agent (frying pans, coffeepots, etc.); and with a little help from an old toothbrush, it can be used to clean grout. The applications are virtually endless. And of course there’s the added benefit of the fresh smell that will infuse your home!
  3. BAKING SODA: Look in any refrigerator in America. Chances are, there’s an open box of baking soda tucked in the back somewhere. That’s because baking soda is a known deodorizer that absorbs unwanted scents and smells. But it’s not just for sitting on a shelf! On its own or combined with water, dish soap, and/or vinegar, baking soda can be used as a non-abrasive cleanser on hard surfaces in the home—walls, furniture, floors, you name it. It gets the smell out of drains and garbage disposals. It cleans sponges, batteries, grills. It can even be used as a fruit and veggie wash.

Check out any number of DIY listings online to find out how to use these three products most beneficially, effectively, and harmlessly—on their own or in combination. Then, if you want more ideas on how to “greenify” your home, consult the experts at Home Services Enterprise for more tips or to undertake the tasks for you. We’re an eco-friendly company that uses natural products upon request, such as microfiber cloths to keep dust from becoming airborne for allergy and asthma sufferers.

301-674-9564  |  www.homeservicesenterprise.com

Going Green in Your Home Office: Good Tips for the Environment

home house office cleaning

If you work from a home-based office, then you’re already contributing to the environment by reducing your carbon footprint via telecommuting. Way to go! But did you know you can do even more to be eco-conscious, right from the comfort of your own desk? Regardless of how large or small your workspace, there are ways to make it more eco-friendly and productive.

“Going green” doesn’t have to be as difficult or intimidating as some people think; in fact, it’s quite easy and convenient. Not only that, but it will benefit your wallet as well, since a home office — outfitted with computers, technology, printers, chargers, adapters, and other electronics — typically uses more energy and resources than any other room in your house. These simple steps that anyone can take will help both you and your surroundings.

THREE WAYS TO GO GREEN:

  1. Save on resources: Be conscious of how you use your office equipment, turning it off, shutting it down, putting it to sleep, unplugging it, or making use of screen savers whenever possible to conserve energy. This will preserve the life of your technology while also decreasing your energy bill.
  2. Recycle: Adding another bin next to your trash can in your office will remind you to separate items that can be recycled, like batteries and printer cartridges, instead of just throwing them away. When we take measures to reuse, less is added to trash heaps and more is renewed and refurbished.
  3. Cut down on your printing: Before sending something to your printer, ask yourself if a hard copy is absolutely necessary. It’s much more cost-effective and environmentally conscientious to reduce waste and save ink — and your paper supply and printer cartridges will last much longer to boot!

Start practicing these eco-friendly habits around your home today to create a cleaner environment for you and your family and to impact the future environment as well. Both you and your world will be better for it.

Home Services Enterprise is committed to protecting our environment by using ecologically responsible products to clean your home and office. To set up a cleaning, call 301-674-9564 or go to: www.homeservicesenterprise.com

New Year’s Resolutions for your home – A Fresh Start

Home House office cleaning

This is the time of year when most of us typically make some New Year’s resolutions in our lives; whether to lose weight, save money, or spend more time with family and friends. But what goals do you set for your home? January is the best month to set some goals around your house because you are usually taking down holiday decorations and already cleaning and sorting through your items. Setting new goals for your home will make it more efficient, clean, and green for the coming year.

THREE TIPS FOR HOME CLEANING IMPROVEMENT

  1. Streamline and organize your things:
    One of the best ways to start feeling better about your home is to clear out some of the clutter! Each year, most of us accumulate many things that we don’t ever use. But without regular purging, all that stuff can become jam-packed in drawers and cabinets. Resolve to go through each room and throw out or donate any items you are not using. Clear off your kitchen counters and keep them spacious and clutter free. You will enjoy the cleaner look of your home and be able to find things more quickly and easily.
  2. Go green in your home:
    The best way to start going green in your home is by cutting energy usage. There are a few things we take for granted around the house as far as lighting and energy usage is concerned. Making an effort to turn off the lights and TVs when you leave a room or turn down the heat or air conditioning when you leave the house will cut down on your energy usage and will make a difference in cutting your energy bills so you can save money at the same time.
  3. Daily systems for cleaning your home:
    Cleaning up around the house at the end of the each day or in the morning when you wake up will help keep your home organized and tidy. Keeping up with the dishes in the dishwasher and dirty clothes in the hampers every day can eliminate the clutter and mess around your home. Try enlisting family members to help with dusting and vacuuming each week so that dust does not pile up, making it even harder to clean later on. Using green cleaning products while washing floors, counters and bathrooms will keep the air in your home fresher and cleaner and may be more cost efficient if using natural products that you store in your home such as vinegar and baking soda.

And if your schedule is too busy to allow daily or weekly cleanings, Home Services Enterprise can help with regular cleaning and organizing of your home. You can begin your new year with a happier and cleaner home for you and your family!

 

Tips for Green Cleaning in Your Home & Office

House and office cleaning

Many cleaning products can be found just about everywhere in our homes and offices: on furniture, clothing, floors, windows, doors, and basically every single surface we come into contact with. Waging a war on dirt and germs may actually be making things worse instead of better!

Most conventional cleaning products we use every day contain petroleum-based substances that can be harmful to both our health and our environment. Cleaning products are meant to kill germs, but they don’t necessarily have to be made from strong and toxic ingredients. There are many good options for using natural products and cleaning methods available to us.

Four Tips for Green Cleaning:

  • Begin using green cleaning products
    As we are starting to realize the impact conventional cleaning products have on our health and the environment, more and more brands are now offering healthy and effective green cleaning products. It’s also easy to make your own: vinegar and baking soda mixed with water can also be used to clean almost anything.
  • Improve your indoor air quality
    Keeping the windows open and airing out your rooms is one way to freshen up the air to remove any indoor toxins present, leaving the air you breathe healthier and fresher. This is especially important while you are cleaning your home or office.
  • Be careful not to overuse antibacterial cleaners
    Antibacterial cleaners and overuse of them don’t necessarily make things any cleaner but do run the risk of breeding “super germs”, which are bacteria that can survive most cleaners. It has been proven that antibacterial soaps do not work any better than plain soap and water.

Employ a green cleaning service today. Hire a cleaning service that uses only green cleaning products and practices green cleaning methods to keep your home naturally clean and healthy.

Tips for Combating Spring Allergies

Tips for Combating Spring Allergies

Home and office cleaning

Springtime is the season of renewal… with flowers blooming and spring rains here to help things grow. Of course, that also means that the trees, flowers, weeds, and grass that are blossoming spread pollen throughout the air – which makes springtime the height of allergy season for many people who suffer from seasonal allergies. Often times, along with the rains making everything green outside, we are also renewing our homes inside with spring cleaning. This has the potential to bring out dust mites, and may cause some allergies to worsen.

With all of these factors in mind, here are some tips to help reduce allergens in your home:

Clean Air in Your Home
Keeping your indoor air clean is important so that you don’t allow more pollen to seep in through doors and windows. Keeping windows and doors closed as much as possible will help reduce the pollen inside, and the air you are breathing will be cleaner air. Be sure to change filters in air conditioning units and vents frequently.

Cleaning Rugs and Carpets
Area rugs can be washed once a week, and this will help remove any pollen brought in from outside. For the wall to wall carpeting, professional steam cleaning is best to have done mid-season. This will help to remove pollen tracked in from outside. It’s also a good idea to wash bedding once a week in hot water to remove any allergens.

Clean Surfaces in Your Home 
Hiring a professional cleaning service to come in and clean, dust, and vacuum all the surfaces in your home will not only create an inviting space, it will also greatly reduce allergens. This will help keep all your surfaces that you touch on a daily basis free from dust, allergens, and pollen build-up.

Remember to follow these simple tips during spring and summer seasons to help reduce your pollen levels and any other type of allergens that are present during these months. You will be breathing a little easier! To schedule a cleaning with us, please visit our website: www.homeservicesenterprise.com

Back to School? Time to Clean and Organize!

Home Organization

Now that the kids have gone back to school in the Rockville area and summer vacations have come and gone, the house is empty and (hopefully) quiet. This is the perfect time of year to clean and purge your home of unwanted items. Why not go through all the things you and your family members have accumulated all year long and decide what you’d like to keep, donate, or throw out?

With everyone is out of the house for most of the day, it’s much easier to go through and clean, organize, and donate things that are no longer wanted. Once that is accomplished and your home is more spacious and less cluttered, it’s time to clean and organize!

Home Services Enterprise offers a wide variety of Standard Cleaning Services and Special Services.

Standard Cleaning Services:

  • Dust all surfaces and under all furniture
  • Clean windows, ledges, and frames
  • Clean fans, vents, and doors
  • Dust and polish all baseboards, light switches, and doorknobs
  • Hand wash all floors
  • Clean bathrooms including sinks, tub and shower, toilet, and treat mildew
  • Vacuum all carpets and under furniture
  • Change bed linens
  • Scrub kitchen counters and sink
  • Clean interior and exterior of refrigerator, oven, and microwave
  • Load and unload dishwasher
  • Collect and take out trash

Special Cleaning Services:

  • Windows – cleaning interior and exterior
  • Walls – cleaning and washing
  • Plants – watering, dusting, and trimming
  • Decluttering and organizing – closets, kitchen, garage, children’s rooms, storage areas, paperwork,  and offices
  • Exterior – cleaning garage, sweeping deck, cleaning and polishing outside light fixtures, cleaning and polishing outdoor furniture
  • Laundry – washing, folding, ironing
  • Polishing – silver flatware, serving and decorative pieces

With all the cleaning services that are offered, you can enjoy that same old-fashioned cleaning that your mother and grandmother were proud of in their day. Your home will feel refreshed both inside and out!

Go Green & Clean! – Kitchens & Bath

Cleaning home and office

These days, most people are at least somewhat concerned about all of the chemicals that can be found in our food, cleaning products, clothing, and just about everything else. The good news is that it’s getting easier and easier to find natural products. The bad news is that these products are typically quite expensive.

The great news is that making your own cleaning products with the supplies most of us already have at home will be less costly and much healthier for both you and our planet. You may even have memories from childhood of our mothers and grandmothers using these methods. There are three natural ingredients found in most homes – vinegar, lemon juice, and baking soda – that are used not only for cooking and baking, but also for cleaning your home.

How Vinegar Works as a Cleaning Agent: Vinegar’s active ingredient, acetic acid, is a strong cleaning agent that dissolves dirt, grease, and grime build-up. It also kills germs, mold, and bacteria. Use white vinegar because it’s less harsh and will not stain light surfaces.

Using Vinegar in the Kitchen: Mix equal parts vinegar and water, then pour it into a spray bottle. Spray this on your stove top, appliances, and countertops, then wipe them down. Using vinegar and water to clean tile floors in kitchens will leave them shiny and clean.   

Using Vinegar in the Bath: Using straight vinegar, wipe down the bathtub, toilet, sink, and countertops. Use equal parts vinegar and water to mop the bathroom floor.

Lemon Juice and its Uses: Lemon juice is a natural ingredient that can be used to clean certain items in your home. Lemon juice can dissolve mineral deposits and soap scum. It’s also a good for cleaning and shining stainless steel, copper, and brass fixtures throughout your home. Lemon juice has the added benefit of keeping your home smelling fresh and clean.

Baking Soda: Baking soda is a great deodorizer for your home. Place an opened box in your refrigerator to absorb odors from food.  Baking soda also acts as a mildly abrasive cleanser that can be used to scrub surfaces throughout your home.  It will keep odors away and your home smelling clean.

Want to clean your home with eco-friendly natural products but don’t have the time in your busy schedule? You can count on Home Services Enterprise to use ecologically responsible cleaning products throughout your home. Give us a call today. 301-674-9564

5 Fun Ways to Clean House After the Holidays

Little girl wiping  dust off a kid chair

Now that the excitement of the holidays had settled, you may look around your home and find a bit of a disaster area. Whether you had holiday gatherings and house guests or traveled to see loved ones, the change in routine that the holidays bring can make it hard to keep things clean and organized.

Here are a few fun ways to get things back in order:

  • Have a party. Organize cleaning parties with a small group of friends where you all agree to help clean each other’s houses. Choose whose house will be first, and make the cleaning process fun by having races, singing along to loud music, and enjoying the support of community.
  • Take a vacation. If cleaning parties sound like the furthest thing from fun to you, hire a cleaning company (like us!) to come in while you’re on vacation and take care of everything for you, from laundry and dishes to organizing closets and paying your bills.
  • Barter the broom. Another creative way to get your house clean is to barter with a friend or neighbor. Find something you love to share with others (cooking, for example) and barter for cleaning services – trade a few homemade casseroles for a clean house.
  • Take it slow. If you’d rather clean things yourself but don’t have much time, remember that you don’t have to do it all at once. Try doing one room a day. Or start with dusting, and do the bathrooms another day and floors another. Taking small but consistent steps can get your house clean and keep you stress-free.
  • Get the kids involved. Make it a family event where everyone pitches in. And to celebrate the teamwork, take each other out to the movies or dinner when you’re done. The best part is that you’ll come home to a nice, clean house!

No matter how you choose to clean house, the results are always worth it. We encourage you to have fun with the process, and to call us if there is anything we can do to help. We wish you a Happy, Clean, and Healthy New Year!