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Expert offers three-step quick cleaning process
By Heather M. Goodwin, hgoodwin@starlocalnews.com
The holidays are filled with marathon Christmas shopping, decorating, family traditions and inevitably, last-minute houseguests that can cause panic in someone unprepared.
But one cleaning expert said anyone can be ready for guests - in less than 30 minutes.
Debbie Sardone, owner of Buckets and Bows maid service and www.speedcleaning.com, detailed three steps any homeowner may take to get their home guest ready. Her three-step process focuses on certain areas of the home and allows for maximum cleaning potential.
Sardone said there are three steps you should take when don't have much time. The first is to de-clutter, followed by tidying up and finally touching up.
Begin by grabbing an empty laundry basket and make your way through the four identified rooms picking up what isn't supposed to be in there. Sardone said to sort at a later time and focus only on clearing the clutter.
"If you start taking the time to sort items, you'll never get anything done," Sardone said. "The object is to make your house look good. You should even put dishes in the basket after emptying the liquids into the sink. Put the basket in the laundry room or back room and shut the door."
After clutter is removed, Sardone said to move on to tidying the home. She suggested folding blankets, smoothing couch cushions and pillows, fanning out magazines and straightening crooked pictures.
"Another easy fix is straighten drapes, which make the room look cleaner," Sardone said.
In the kitchen, she said to unplug and remove items from the countertop that you don't have time to clean and put them in the laundry room.
"Not only does that save time, clear counters make the kitchen appear clean," Sardone said.
The final step to a speedy clean is to touch up each of the identified rooms.
"You need something that keeps you organized, like an apron or caddy that has everything close at hand. I suggest having three microfiber towels, glass cleaner and furniture duster," Sardone said. "This is no time to be a perfectionist. You should dust anything at eye level because that's what will be most notable to guests."
Next, Sardone said to use the towel with a little glass cleaner and focus on the coffee table and end tables. She said to touch up the family room then wipe down and clean the sink in the kitchen. Finally, touch up the guest bathroom by scrubbing the toilet bowl, touching up the mirror and facets, wiping up the floor and put a fresh towel on the rack.
"I'd also say to run the vacuum through major walkways and quickly Swiffer through the kitchen floor. The trick is to lightly spray cleaner on the floor, this is not the time to take a string mop - this is the time to take a quick dust mop."
Sardone said right before guests arrive, light a few candles and dim the lights because it will flatter the room more than overhead lights. She also suggested turning the lights on the Christmas tree.
"When choosing candles, anything too heavy on perfume is too risky. You should light candles with baked goods scents, those tend to bother people less," Sardone said.
She said her steps won't spring clean a home, but it will get it presentable for guests.
Sardone said this time of year is a great time to try out professional maid services.
"Most of us need a little extra help during this busy season making it the perfect time to give maid service a try," Sardone said. "Some people think they can't afford it, so I would say just hire the service for once-a-month cleaning. Most cleaning services do apartments, condos and even offices."
When choosing a company, Sardone said it's important to find one you can trust. When choosing a cleaning company she recommended hiring a professional service.
"It's risky to hire someone who's cheap and not affiliated with a professional company," Sardone said. "The professional companies are insured and bonded and do background checks on all employees."
Also, Sardone said price should not be deciding factor when giving someone the key to your home. She said to focus on how much trust you feel from that company. She also said to find out how long it has been in business.
"The cleaning industry is easy to start up and hard to stay in, so look for a company with staying power," Sardone said.
She also said to ask the company if they use employees and pay payroll taxes because that will help to ensure that whoever cleans the home is accountable to the company. Sardone also said to look at the company's reviews and to look for online feedback.
"You also need to realize that cleaning is an emotional, personal thing, so try to read through all reviews," Sardone said. "Finally, ask the company for current references that you can talk to."
Sardone said the first time you hire a cleaning service, they might need to do a "spring cleaning," so homeowners should expect to spend about $200, depending on home size. She said follow ups should be about $100-$120 for the average home.
For information visit www.SpeedCleaning.com or www.bucketsandbows.com or call
972-219-0400.
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