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Chapter 1
Professional Cleaning Supplies
I would like to explain how to clean any home like a professional house cleaner. The first step is to purchase the proper cleaning supplies. I am going to explain exactly what each cleaner and cleaning tool does. I have added secret weapons that most people do not know about. Here is a list of exactly what is needed to clean like a pro.
Just remember one rule to NEVER MIX CLEANERS.
Cleaner caddy This caddy will hold all of the essential cleaning supplies. My favorite caddy:
https:// www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01A3GY1H8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_ b_asin_title_o00__o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Microfiber rags These are the best: thick, absorbent, and durable. Wash and dry before using to remove any lint. Wash microfiber rags separately from white towel rags.
https://www.costco .com/Kirkland-Signature-Microfiber-Towel-Case,-324-count.product.100341124 .html
White towel rags Durable and great price. Wash and dry before using to remove any lint. Wash towel rags separately from microfiber rags.
https://www.costco.com/Unitex- 100%25-Cotton-Towel,-White,-14-in-x-17-in,-52- count.product.100460088.html
Small plastic cups Cups will be used for rinsing, and to store the sponges, toothbrushes and a pumice stone. One cup is for the bathroom and the other cup is for the kitchen.
Blue sponges I do not recommend green sponges because they can scratch surfaces.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0043P0IAK/ref=oh_ aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Silver sponges A secret weapon to make difficult tasks much easier. Only for use in certain areas.
https://www.amazon.com/gp /product/B01E41WV9S/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8 &psc=1
Toothbrush Three toothbrushes minimum. Two for the bathroom and one toothbrush for the kitchen. I prefer medium to hard bristle toothbrushes.
Windex or vinegar For glass surfaces Purchase a large jug of vinegar at a local grocery store for about $2.00.
Simple Green For nonporous surfaces like kitchen counters, not wood furniture.
https://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00103YQ88/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie= UTF8&th=1
Granite & stone Require special cleaners Check with the manufacturer and purchase accordingly.
Stainless steel spray Weiman brand is great for stainless steel.
https://www.amazon.com/gp /product/B00EBAUTXS/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8 &psc=1
Bar Keepers Friend Great cleaning product; one of the best available.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/ B00I496FQW/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=
Pumice stone This is for calcium buildup in a porcelain toilet bowl. Nothing else.
https://www.amazon.com/gp /product/B01NB1HD99/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8 &th=1
Rag bag Cloth or canvas bags are best. I like one bag for towels and one bag for microfiber. I never mix these rags in the same bag. Microfiber rags attract lint and towel rags tend to have lint.
Shower glass The only product that completely removes hard water spots:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product /B01M7T3D99/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc =1
Razor blades To remove hard water buildup from porcelain sinks or tile only. Not for plastic.
https:// www.amazon.com/Titan-17002-Multi-Purpose-Razor-Scraper/dp/ B00132H4OE/ref=sr_1_4?crid=18H37ZT4DY1WA&keywords=razor+blades+scraper& qid=1573426264&sprefix=razor+blades%2Caps%2C214&sr=8-4
Glass stovetops Bar Keepers Friend may also be used carefully on glass/stainless steel stovetops. To be on the safer side go with a cream.
https://www.amazon.com/Cerama-Bryte -Cooktop-Cleaning-Cleaner/dp/B000MIWRTM/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=razor +blade+scraper&qid=1550623679&s=home-garden&sr=1-7
Squeegee for window washing
https://www.amazon.com/Unger-Professional- Microfiber-Window-Combi/dp/B000W8C14I/ref=sr_1_16?crid=2EDGBHLPWDHS6& keywords=squeegee&qid=1550623490&s=home-garden&sprefix=squee,garden, 196&sr=1-16
Duster with extension pole Removes cobwebs from the ceiling and dusts baseboards.
https://www.amazon.com/ gp/product/B00TRZV422/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie= UTF8&psc=1
Furniture oil If needed Do not keep furniture oil or oil rag in the cleaning caddy. Choose what is recommended for the furniture.
Dust mop This is great for hardwood floors before vacuuming.
https://www .amazon.com/s?k=dust+mop&i=garden&ref=nb _sb_noss_2
Vacuum cleaner Canister vacuums reach areas uprights cant: under furniture, beds, etc. Just because a vacuum is expensive does not make it the best. The goal of a good vacuum is to be light in weight, have a long cord, great suction, and a good sized bag.
Mops For hardwood floor and stone floor cleaners, please check with the manufacturer of the flooring in the home.
Bona mop Bona is safe to use on most hardwood floors. To be safe check with your flooring manufacturer. A Bona mop with the built-in cleaner is best and easier to use.
https://www.amazon.com/Bona-Hardwood -Spray-Microfiber
Pads/dp/B01MXPHX0B/ref=sr_1_16?crid=33KRBJA0BBC9W &keywords=bona+mop&qid=1573426047&sprefix=bona+%2Caps%2C311&sr =8-16
Wring mop Wring mops are great for older flooring that can handle water, or flooring that does not require a special cleaner.
https://www.amazon.com/Libman-Tornado -Mop-Extra-Refills/dp/B01IFQ3V7O/ref=sr_1_6?keywords=self +wringing+mop&qid=1550622525&s=home-garden&sr=1-6
Twist mop Twist mops are great for floors that need to dry quickly.
https://www.amazon.com/Libman-Wonder-Mop -Extra-Refill/dp/B018MNWO14/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=self+wringing +mop&qid=1550622525&s=home-garden&sr=1-7
Mop bucket Mop buckets with wheels are good for easy mopping. If you want a simple bucket that fits under the kitchen sink, follow the link below.
https://www.amazon.com /gp/product/B00940DVQ2/ref=oh_aui_search_asin_title?ie =UTF8&psc=1
Clorox or any cleaner wipes For when we need disposable cleaning rags.
Bio-Clean The only cleaner I have ever found to remove hard water from glass.
https://www.amazon.com/Bio-Clean-Professional-Windshields-t -c/dp/B01M7T3D99/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=bio+clean&qid =1574622972&sr=8-5
Deep Cleaning To-Do List
How to use tools and cleaners will be explained later. All of these areas should be cleaned when deep cleaning. Dry dusting works when there is minimal buildup. When dry dusting does not remove debris, then wet dusting or washing is required. Most of these explanations are for homes with a buildup that cannot be removed with dry dusting. The areas listed below tend to be forgotten during a deep cleaning.
Whole House Cleaning
- Ceiling fan blades (use a dry microfiber rag to remove buildup, then wash/dry). Sometimes fan blades need to be unscrewed, removed, and hand-washed.
- Light fixtures (use a dry microfiber rag to remove dust, then wash/dry). Remove glass light covers for washing when possible.
- Blinds (use a dry microfiber rag to remove dust, then wash/dry). Can be taken down and hand-washed when possible. Steaming blinds may be an option as well.
- Moldings (use a dry microfiber rag to remove dust, then wash/dry). Can be hand-washed with a microfiber rag and a bucket of hot soapy water.