Category Archives: Uncategorized

As the electricity ⚡️ comes back on, water 💦 begins flowing normally again, and outside temperatures 🌞 hit above freezing, we will all exhale into some normalcy in our homes.  But before you exhale, it’s time to put on your own home inspector hat and pull out the notepad and phone. 🔎
This time is crucial for picture 📲 and note 📝 taking for insurance claims and more.
As things thaw out and settle, sometimes the hidden issues arise. 🚨 Let’s think about some home inspection tips (some you probably have not thought of) for after this unprecedented winter storm to get your home back up and running quickly.

Four Home Inspection Tips You Never Thought Of After the Texas Winter Storm

How To Inspect Your Home After The Texas Winter Storm

​Check your home like you are Sherlock trying to solve a crime. 🔎
Inspect rooms you rarely go into over the next few days (and month) often. 
​Areas including:
✅closets
✅the flooring
✅the window sills and baseboards
✅and especially in rooms you aren’t in often.
Water damage 💦sometimes doesn’t show up immediately. So consistently inspect areas you rarely pay attention to.While offering Austin cleaning services, we clean many areas our clients rarely notice in detail as we do. We tend to always see the water damage in the window sills, or the mold building up in hidden areas after a rain storm.
​We are gearing up on high alert after this Texas winter storm, to be on the lookout for more than dust when our Austin home cleaning schedules open back up.NEED HELP CLEANING UP AFTER THE TEXAS WINTER STORM? CLICK HERE AND WE WILL GET STARTED!

Ice Machines and Bacteria 🦠

With Austin and most surrounding areas having a city wide boil notice, even though you may not have used your ice, toss it. The freezer and cold temps do not kill bacteria. Some ice makers like the one shown in the photo, are consistently making new ice. Keep tossing the ice it makes until the Austin boil water notice (and surrounding counties) is lifted.

Update or Create A Home 🏡 Emergency Contact List.

Remember back in the day, our parents had that emergency contact list for us, the babysitter, and more…on the fridge or the wall?
Well, your home needs one for its needs, too. You need a reliable source of contacts for your home for emergency situations – BEFORE an emergency arises.
And, if you already have a list, you may want to take a look at it. Is it old? Does it need some updating? You may need to update contact information or create a new relationship. The keyword here is UPDATE. Take some time to look at it now, before you need the information, so that it will be ready if/when you do.
Here is a list to get you started:
Home warranty number:
Electrician:
Plumber:
Appliance repair:
Carpet cleaner/water extraction:
Garage door repairman:
Pool repair:
Sprinkler repair:Helpful Tip: Build relationships with these contacts by sending them thank you 😊 🙏 cards (for example: during the Thanksgiving season).  Your home 🏡 is most likely your biggest 💰 investment, that houses most of your material possessions.
​Having a team of professionals on standby for your home is a must. ☎️
(Home Depot and you can’t fix it all every time).

The Garage

The garage is still considered a room, and is sometimes used to house many liquids that cannot take extreme temperatures like these we’ve had during this Texas winter storm. 🥶

Any cleaning supplies or liquids that have not returned to a normal appearance after thawed to room temperature and being shaken or stirred are most likely unusable.

If you must discard them, please check your local hazardous materials department for proper disposal details.

A Personal Note From Penny

Knowing that Austin Plumbers are most likely going to be on the top of everyone’s list this upcoming week, I’m one step ahead of you.
Here are a few local businesses I recommend for your Emergency Home Contact list.

Plumber: Alta Vista Plumbing (512) 713-0226
Carpet: BB&B Carpet and Tile (512) 589-6406
Insurance: Christopher Washington Goosehead Insurance (512) 599-9111
Electronics Fix: Longhorn Mac Repair (512) 902-3789
Garage Door Repair: Lake Travis Overhead Doors (512) 910-3667
Personalize your list to meet you and your home’s needs.

I hope you are staying safe and warm. This Texas winter storm showed us Texans what we’re made of. We saw neighbors helping neighbors – folks providing food, heat, water and shelter to some they had never met before. That’s what we’re really all about. 

Please continue to care for one another and, hopefully, these home inspection tips have helped you care for your home as well.

What are some tips you have for inspecting your home after this brutal Texas winter storm? We’d love to hear from you in the comments section below.  And please don’t forget to follow us on social media!

Imagine walking intoyour favorite hotel suite that’s freshly prepared for your arrival. They’ve thought of everything, and maybe even personalized some things for your stay.
This whole set up that you’ve walked into, sets the mood.
The sight, the scent, the luxurious feeling of the bedding, and personal touches have been made to create a memorable experience for you to come back again, and again.
You can quickly do this in your own bedroom for yourself, your significant other, or the both of you.
The goal is to make it memorable and personal, so let’s dive into the personal touch.

THE SITE

Forget the cleaning for a minute, I know it’s weird for me to say that since I own an Austin Home Cleaning Service, but trust me on this. The task of clearing is going to be more important in the bedroom than the sweat of cleaning the baseboards.
Clear the entire bed ✅
Clear the nightstands✅
Even if you get a box or container and stuff that crap in there to set the mood of a clear non distraction area ready for play, I promise the baseboards and blinds can wait.
A quick lightbulb change can also help in this task.
​💡
Changing your bulbs to a softer tone or even taking a few out can help for when the lights actually have to go on after the experience.
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THE FEELING

Everyone always thinks sheets have to be soft. Well let’s talk about the mattress.
Flip it! Yes, flip that mattress at least every 6 months for even wear.
If you don’t have a new set of sheets, the feeling of not laying in the same indentations on the bed can make a huge difference before you even consider what sheets you’re dressing the bed in.

THE TOUCH

Instead of adding a fabric softener or dryer sheets to your sheets, add white distilled vinegar and baking soda instead.
It’s time to strip the sheets of the build up of laundry soaps, body oils and more.
​They will look brighter and feel lighter.
Check your duvet covers and comforters too. Some are machine washable and could use a shaking in the washing machine or dryer to feel softer.

THE SCENT

Now this gets real personal.
Scents have a lot to do with arousal.
Don’t overdo it here.
That’s why I suggested washing the sheets with items that removed build up of scents and soaps.
I like to switch in between these two options for scents for my blankets if needed.
The Laundress and Le Labo signature Santal 33 detergent is a nice sexy lingering scent that is known for sensual arousal.
If I’m not adding scent to my blankets I’m going for the option of candles to set the mood.
Again I’m going with Le labo but the calzone 17 for a light fresh scent.

A TIP FROM YOUR FAVORITE AUSTIN HOUSEKEEPING SERVICE

Less is always more. It’s more about the personal touch than the abundance of pillows on the bed, sheet thread count, and roses. A simple personal touch in your bedroom ambiance can make a big difference.

Let’s push into 2021 feeling accomplished about not only doing these money savings tasks, but feel great about saving the money it could cost you if you don’t.

The Austin Weather has been just about as odd as 2020 this December. Since we are stuck inside more often than we’d like anyway, wine not, I mean why not 🤷🏻‍♀️ start the year off on a routine to save you money.

How To Clean The Dishwasher Drain:

We have an Austin Cleaning Service client that has a $10,000 dishwasher. If you think that’s shocking, you’d be shocked at the cost a repairman would charge for something you could routinely do yourself to avoid a bigger problem. Most drains are easily removable once you pull out the rack.
Imagine if you knew that one simple cleaning task if not done, could not only cost you a new dishwasher, but a plumbers bill telling you what you could have done to save it.
Dishwashers have filters usually at the bottom of the dishwasher.
The easiest way to learn how to clean your specific dishwasher filter is to google the brand and how to clean the filter. Here’s a past blog we wrote on cleaning the drain that should help too! HOW TO CLEAN MY DISHWASHER DRAIN

What’s that smell in my shower?

The dirty secret of what is removed while cleaning is usually hidden in your drain. If you are a hair shedder, or tend to wash the family pet in the shower, this tip is a must. Check out the dirty secret that was clogging our clients drain in our TarryTown Cleaning Service clients shower that shocked them. https://instagram.com/p/CHwGx4MlLeL/

Remove the drain cover, and get ready to be severely grossed out by the smell and slime build up. However, your simple step of cleaning this can save you a hefty plumbing bill or severe blockage backup.

The Dirty Secret Behind The Washing Machine Secret Compartment

Had to bring some fun on a flashback of 2020 to remind us of the broom challenge because WineNot?
​Most front loaders have this hidden door that no one really knows what it’s for. Well if you’ve ever had a load not completely drain the water, or other issues with your washing machine, this is usually a first step to possibly resolve the issue. You’ll need a bucket and towel.
Find the filter door and remove it.
Put the bucket under this area to catch the water.
Unscrew the knob inside and water will begin to flow out.
You will also see a lot of debris stuck in the filter compartment that you can easily clean off.
This step will keep your washing machine free of build up blockage that may have gone through the wash cycle and gotten stuck.
HOW TO CLEAN THE WASHING MACHINE FILTER

The Schedule For Your AC That Saves You Thousands!

AC Filters
It’s something we know we should do, but if we don’t see it, we tend to forget. Use your smart phone to put a 1-3 month alert in your phone to remind you to order and change the AC filters.
We are in our homes so much more now, that this step is a must for our indoor air quality and AC Lifespan too.
No one wants to hear an AC technician say that if you would have just changed the $30 air filter more often you could have saved thousands.

What’s That Smoking From The Chimney?

Meet Birdie, our Spanish Oaks Cleaning Service client that loves belly rubs by the fireplace.
Even if you don’t use your fireplace, there are so many things that could build nests and it get stuck in there that you’d never know until you went to burn your next fire. There’s nothing sexy about the smell of dead bird when trying to light a fire, but a routine chimney cleaning can avoid that.

When you’re done with these 5 simple money saving home tasks you deserve to relax in the comfort of a clean home too. Click above to routinely schedule your 2021 cleaning and enjoy spending time on your New Year Goals.

The last thing I wanted to see after a week of providing Austin Cleaning Services, was streaky sheets out of my own washer. I’m usually one up on the maintenance list at home, but heck, I’m not even wearing earrings anymore (I usually feel naked without my daily earrings) So the rest of the regular stuff is kind of out of sync too.

​Why Did My Washing Machine Leave Dark Marks On My Clothes?

I tend to wash once a week since I’m an empty nester now. I ran my darks through a cycle of washing but I don’t dry them, and that’s when I noticed some streaks. I figured it was a stain from work but I should have known better.
Next I washed my white sheets. Can I tell you that the highlight of my days are getting into bed in fresh clean sheets! Mind you, it’s about 8pm so I’m exhausted and wasn’t ready for the streak of luck I had, to now be up another hour trying to figure this dirt out.
Since I didn’t put anything in the dryer I knew it was the washer. I stuck my head and hand in to look for anything inside, but nothing was found. I knew it was the drum.
Funny that something we rely on to clean, doesn’t do it’s job, and we realize we didn’t maintain it to help it routinely work.
Routine cleaning of the washing machine helps it routinely clean your clothes. My washing machine even has a tub cycle clean button, but just like not wearing earrings daily, I got used to not maintaining my washing machine too.
​

So the washing machine drum (especially in front loaders) gets grimy. It collects greasy residue from past loads and sometimes gets a buildup of fabric softeners and grime mixed together causing these marks on your clothes.
I don’t use fabric softener, but I do usually wash all loads in cold water. So I knew it was time to press that Tub Clean.

How To Clean The Drum Of The Washing Machine Even If You Don’t Have a Tub Clean Cycle.

Of course most machines have manuals that we store more than read right? Yes I’m guilty too, because I know what to do, but out of sight out of mind happens to the best of us. My machine even has these maintenance things that stick to the side of the washing machine.

No one is looking to the side of their machine or even inside unless they are missing a sock.

If you don’t have. Tub clean cycle, this method works just as good.

Run a heavy duty cycle on Hot and replace the detergent with White Distilled Vinegar in the dispenser.

I ran my cycle this way even though it has the tub clean and washed my sheets again to test it out.

Fresh, clean sheets again!
My extra hour washing cycle could have been prevented if I ran a tub clean, or a cycle of white distilled vinegar a month to prevent it. Unless it’s scheduled like a dentist appointment most of us will forget.

How our Austin Cleaning Service Can Help You.

We can personalize a cleaning service to meet your needs. We have many downtown Austin Cleaning Service clients that are too busy to even realize their fridge has a built in filter let alone how to routinely maintain their washing machine.
We understand busy personally, and can schedule routine maintenance things like this washing machine cycle to your service.
If my own home was on our Austin Cleaning Services Routine, I would have a personalized to do list with dates and more. 

 I guess I need to be my own client so that I too can get my time back.

​​​If your fridge has an outer water and ice dispenser, the chances that you’ve seen

white marks on the drip pan are probable.  Not nice to look at but actually easy to clean.

Here’s two options, ones Eco Friendly, and ones not.

​As we’ve all seen in this pandemic, you have to adapt to what’s needed in cleaning to be effective.
So don’t be afraid if the eco friendly cleaning option doesn’t work well for your stains. The back up option is effective and fast too!Remove the drip pan.
You may notice a lot of black mold where the drip pan was located. The water has seeped in the cracks for quite some time.
Going forward, we recommend removing the drip pan weekly and washing it, and the area around this to stop the growth of mold.about:blankGet a plastic or glass container that’s long enough and deep enough to fit the drip pan.

Place the drip pan inside the container.
Pour white distilled vinegar on the drip pan to cover it.
You may begin to scrub with a toothbrush or scrubby side of the sponge to see if the water marks easily come off.
If you notice they aren’t budging, then soak it for a few hours and scrub.
​Soaking overnight may be the best option for stubborn stains.

The Eco Friendly Method To Remove Hard Water Marks On The Ice Dispenser Drip Pan

The Easy Way To Remove Hard Water Stains From An Ice Maker Drip Pan Using A Chemical

Remove the drip pan and place it on a thick rag that you don’t mind ruining.
Use a Heavy Duty Acidic Cleaner found at your local hardware store and pour it directly on the drip pan.
You will immediately see bubbles form.
Begin scrubbing the white stains away and rinse.
This is literally a 1 minute time removal process.
Acid eats through things fast so you have to act faster.
Rinse, wipe and replace.

Personal Note From Penny

With both of these methods you can soak paper towels with the White Distilled Vinegar or Acidic Cleaner and wipe/scrub the other areas around the drip pan.
Be sure to rinse the areas with a spray bottle of hot distilled water after, since you can’t remove and rinse those areas off in the sink. 
A major thing we have noticed when providing Austin Cleaning Services, is that clients have a hard time removing hard water because they are using their hard water to clean.  Our Austin Housekeeping services understand theres a method to the madness of Hard Water removal and it’s a process best left to the Pro’s to routinely clean your home for you. 

I’m sure my phone was listening to me scream “I need a getaway” for the last couple of weeks, so of course I wasn’t surprised when something titled Getaway House Hill Country barely an hour outside of Austin popped up on my social media feed. What made me book was the affordable pricing and the image they showcased. Once we stayed, we realized why the price was so affordable and what the image meant to a visitor. It’s not foreveryone, so don’t be like me and let the showcase image or paid bloggers posts make you leap into it. Here’s some inside scoop into our Getaway in Wimberley in between juggling our Austin cleaning services and trying to exhale at the same time.

Getaway House Hill Country Location

No, this picture is not from the Getaway House Hill country, but it was from the drive there. Passing so many Private Property, No Trespassing Signs made me want to know the story and history behind the stone walls and Iron Gates. Let’s just say if you want to hide out here, it’s easy to do that!
​A nice scenic drive barely an hour outside of Austin was great but bad at the same time. Since it’s the covid-19 pandemic time, it was sad to drive by so many places that looked worth stopping in (Like The Deep Eddy Distillery) and some cute antique shops, but we had to stay focused on getting to Getaway. They sent us a map and some local hot spots to check out while we were in the area like Jacobs Well and Blue Hole, but trying to get away from people with the thought of so many people at those hot spots made my daughter make the executive decision of NO. Here’s the link they sent us with places nearby https://journal.getaway.house/explore-get

Arrival Procedures Down The Unknown Dirt Road in Wimberley

If you’re like me, I like to know who, what, where, when and why. So this whole not knowing what we were driving up to had me leery. I’m just glad we came during the daylight.
All communication was done through text and email. A code was sent prior to our 3pm arrival to the door and they were welcoming in asking if we needed anything to just reply back.
We arrived early and kind of scoped out the area. We were thankful that someone stopped and asked us of our reservation and let us check in early. They post that they don’t allow that, so I wouldn’t bank on it, but I was grateful that some personnel were driving through to keep an eye on things.

Wimberley Tiny House/Cabin/Trailer, I don’t know?

I don’t know if we want to call this a cabin since it’s on wheels but the inside pine wood and simplicity in design made it feel cabin-like.

The Neighbor Vibe 40 Cabins
Deep In Getaway House Hill Country

There were 40 other “cabins” around us. We barely saw anyone or heard anyone unless they were walking their dogs (dogs allowed no cats lol) we all had our own 4 chairs, bench, and fire pit to cook, but since they asked for the fires to be out by midnight, it seemed that we all shut down too early to hear any ruckus if any was being made. Oh and the metal fine note was another reminder to not get too drunk by the campfire or else lol

I think a lot of us were trying to walk around the area to find the suggested nature trail that was showcased on our map through the campsite area but none of us really found that, so the dirt road gave us a workout. My daughter and I ventured to the only water we saw and found obvious clues of alive, well, and moving nature, so venturing anywhere after that kept us close to the “cabin” area.

What GetAway Hill Country Offers and What They Don’t that we noticed

They have a Provisions Kit of which they tell you about prior to coming that has items to purchase.  

We brought our own food, wine and only used a few items on their list.
The best part of what they offered was the S’mores. It was a freebie for us to enjoy, so that sweetened the idea to fire up and use the wood they provided (starter log too) to set the cabin mood.  (Bundle of wood cost $6.50) 

Tip: check the Provisions items when you arrive to see if the quantity matches what is there. We were charged for items we didn’t use. I remember seeing tea on the list and saying Yay until it wasn’t found in the basket. It however found its way to my bill  w/4 tea bags $2.50 uh no ma’am. Refunded and appreciated but take note of that. 
The Pot, pans, dishes, silverware (including sharp knives, lighter, kettle, books, and deck of cards,  were great.  

The bathroom had small toiletries as well in the shower and towels. 
Note that no face towels were provided. 
A hilarious find was the Red Emergency Kit by the toilet paper holder. What would you think would be in an emergency kit? Yeah me too? Bandaids, etc. nope.  Ours had tampons, 4 to be exact. 

I was reminded I was camping when I looked to brush my teeth and wash my hands after using the bathroom. The only sink is in the kitchen area outside of the bathroom. So toothbrush time may need to be done in the shower. 
Oh, and the only mirror was a very small mirror that would fit in your junior high school locker that was tucked in the kitchen cabinet.  So if you’re trying to come here for the Instagram photo session honey bring a mirror.  lol 

 A dog bowl, foil, dustpan, and small sweeper were hidden under the sink for use too. 

So basically if you come for a night with nothing but the clothes on your back, you will be just fine. 

The water from the faucet states “drinking water” so I’m guessing that was filtered to use but of course, we didn’t risk that one and brought our own.  ​

Overall Personal Experience 

Well for $99 a night, barely an hour drive, and what they offer inside and outside of the Getaway House I would say yes for me. I guess it’s personal and about the expectations, you have for a full Getaway. Notice I didn’t mention they have an entry lockbox on the table for phones. I for one would like to have my phone on me in the middle of no damn where for the just Incase moment. I would also like to have a few friends rent Getaway Homes next to me for us all to camp out and have a quick getaway house time together.  So take my advice and others and personalize it to what you want and GetAway if you feel it’s a good fit. 

Two months deep into this pandemic and stores still can’t match the demand for Lysol wipes and sprays. It’s a shame because most people are thinking a quick wipe or a spray will sanitize their home.
Oh so far from the disinfecting truth.
The truth is
no ones home can be sterile but everyone can use these tips to keep their homes high touch areas disinfected often.

5 Don’ts of Lysol Wipes

1. Don’t use it on a porous surface!
For example:
Granite is porous. Even if it is sealed. It’s sealed for protection but, these wipes can actually eat away at the sealant damaging your granite surfaces!

2. Don’t Use a wipe to clean everything!
I know that sounds weird but it’s not meant to clean.
Soap and water with a microfiber rag will agitate the dirt and clean.
​The wipe will then disinfect a small area. (One wipe can only provide adequate disinfection to an area of around three-square-feet or less)

3. Don’t use these wipes on anything your mouth will touch.

4. Don’t use these wipes to wipe the leather in your car! The wipes will strip the leather of its natural oils causing it to brittle.

5. Don’t flush a wipe in the toilet

5 Do’s of Lysol Wipes

1. Do KNOW your surface before wiping!

2. Do use a wipe rather than a spray on REMOTES. Just take the batteries out as to not mess your settings up.

3. DOORKNOBS (especially the entry doors to your home.) you haven’t had a chance to wash your hands inside yet so doorknobs are icky.

4. LIGHT-SWITCHES get used more than cleaned in the regular cleaning routines for sure.

5. DOOR HANDLES such as the frequently used handles on the fridge, faucets, cabinets and drawers.

What To Use If You Don’t Have Lysol Wipes

Got an empty Lysol Wipe Container?

Cut a roll of paper towels to match the length
(bread slicer works fine 😉)

Ingredients

1. select-a-size paper towels.
2. 18 ounces 99% isopropyl alcohol.
3. 5 ounces water.
4. 2 tablespoons hydrogen peroxide.
5. 45 drops essential oils. Tea tree, eucalyptus, and thyme were actually studied for their antivirus properties and we use them in our own Austin Home Cleaning Service office made cleaning solutions.

SHAKE IT LIKE A POLAROID PICTURE 🤪

My 2 Pennies Worth🤷🏻‍♀️

Disinfecting wipes are a good go-to for disinfecting small areas.
Check the manufacturer’s guidelines but most keyboards, remotes, game controllers, and phone cases can be safely disinfected with a wipe. (Please don’t swipe a wipe off on your iPhone with one!) Some cell phones have a protective coating on the screen that can be harmed by certain chemicals so check before you clean.

By the look of the cleaning aisle in H-E-B, it seems that everyone seems to think that every cleaning product is essential right now. This couldn’t be further from the truth because the surfaces in everyone’s homes are different, not everyone has COVID-19 in Austin, and you don’t have enoughspace where you store your cleaning supplies as it is.about:blank

A Ph Neutral Cleaner/Degreaser (disinfectant added in is a bonus)

Whether it’s the kitchen or bathroom, grime, built up dirt, grease and body oils need one cleaner that can remove dirt without removing the finish off of the surfaces in your home.
Personalize this to your own home. If your surfaces are mainly granite, marble or stone, find a specific cleaner for the specific surfaces. From that same ph neutral line, you will be able to find a specific mold/mildew cleaner too. Check our Instagram feed for the product we recommend for stone, tile, marble and granite. https://www.instagram.com/pennyspersonaltouchservices/

​PRO TIP: Buy the cleaner by the gallon and make your own spray bottles dilutions for the kitchen and bathroom. The most effective oh neutral cleaning supplies by the gallon cost less than a 24 oz spray bottle of regular All Purpose grocery bought cleaner.

WE CAN PERSONALIZE A CLEANING KIT FOR YOUClick the button above to have Penny come out and personalize a cleaning caddy for your home.

Essential Glass Cleaner/Polish

The essential cleaning product after this one is what makes our method more cost effective and easy.  You don’t have to buy or spray Windex, especially since windex and most other glass cleaners can literally strip the sealer off of your granite and marble as well as dull the shine. 
A very effective glass cleaner/Polish is simply a spray bottle filled with Distilled water and about 10 drops of your favorite essential oil.  The key to this polish working effectively is the rag you specifically use which is why the next product is essential. 

Colored Microfiber Rags

 Providing cleaning services in Austin has us in and out of many homes with many different needs and issues.  Not everyone is going to tell us if they have been sick since we were there last.  We have to not only clean in a protective way for ourselves, but for the next Austin cleaning service client we attend to.  
Buy colored microfiber rags and assign each color to each cleaning task.
We use Green microfiber rags for glass/mirror cleaning
Blue for bathroom
Yellow for Kitchen ( We use two since the kitchen usually has stainless steel and other hard surfaces
Orange for hand dusting
We use one set of rags and floor microfiber mop heads when we provide Austin cleaning services as to not cross contaminate from home to home.

Essential Toilet Bowl Cleaner

Every one from our Downtown Austin cleaning clients to our Spanish Oaks cleaning clients should have clean toilets because the grocery stores don’t have toilet bowl cleaners lately.  I am glad we don’t rely on the local grocery store for our cleaning products!  
Pick a toilet bowl cleaner that has a great spout to put the cleaner directly under the rim of the bowl.
Pro Tip: Bar Keepers friend ( liquid formula only please) will also clean your porcelain toilet and it is in stock everywhere because a lot of people don’t know how it works. 

Essential Stainless Steel Polish

Please don’t try any DIY methods on your stainless steel to polish and clean it.  You should assign a microfiber rag for stainless steel polishing only to be effective. 

Wood Furniture Polish

Your wood furniture polish should have an assigned microfiber rag as well to polish and not spread the dirt.  Any wood polish that is orange based is an effective degreaser as well if there is built up grime on the wood furniture.  

Essential PH-Neutral or Specific Wood Floor cleaner

As much as we recommend taking your shoes off at the door, your pets can’t do that.  We do recommend your floor cleaner to be specific to the material the floor is made of as to not damage the surfaces. 

Essential Soap

Soap is preferable to bleach in fighting this coronavirus so why is there still any kind of soap left on the shelves but bleach limited to two a person for purchase? Total miseducation on this one and not enough deep understanding on how to break down what could be on a surface. 
PLEASE CHECK THIS LINK TO SEE THE BREAKDOWN OF WHY SOAP IS ESSENTIAL
www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2020/03/why-soap-preferable-bleach-fight-against-coronavirus/#close

Essential Disinfectant Spray

Again, unless you have this infectious virus, spraying a disinfectant could bring more long term health risks than good.  It is always best to have a disinfectant spray in your cleaning kit at home because you do never know when someone will get sick.  It is however not essential to spray if your household is not sick.  The indoor air quality can be worse than the air quality outside with all of the things that we spray, cook, body scents and more that are trapped in a four wall space to live in.

A Personal Note from your Local Austin Cleaning Service Pro

Keep in mind that there is always a what if  your household becomes contaminated in this COVID_19 pandemic. Don’t wait!  Prepare now with the appropriate specific surface things to sanitize your home in an emergency only cleaning kit that you should only use if someone gets sick.  Prior Proper Planning Prevents Piss Poor Performance is one of my favorite quotes and needed at this time. 
​
Try to keep your essential cleaning products to no more than what can fit in a cleaning caddy that you can take from room to room to effectively clean and manage storage in your home too.  
If you are wanting to remove unwanted cleaning products, or have a Pro come out an personalize a cleaning caddy for your home, feel free to connect here.

There’s no need to go crazy disinfecting and cleaning daily unless someone is actively sick, but there is a crucial need for every member of your household to change the way they enter the home from here on out.  
After finding out how the coronavirus can last on surfaces, and realizing that the City of Austin and surrounding counties, feels it safer for us to be in our homes than outside of our homes to stop its spread, let’s revisit how we enter our homes daily.

Let the Coronavirus pandemic change the way you live your life before you relax at home with these five steps.

Why Removing Your Shoes At The Door Matters.

(Personal shout out to my Brother Immanuel who  didn’t know I was sneaking a pic behind him) 
I’m going to keep this one simple. Did you use a bathroom today? Did anyone else use that bathroom before you? Ever seen someone spit on the ground? Does your dog pee outside? I’m sure that’s more than enough solid info for you to see the reason removing your shoes at the door is crucial.  There is no  solid evidence of this new coronavirus strain to say it can be transmitted from clothes or shoes but, the soles of shoes are mostly made of materials that it sticks to for quite some time so why take the risk?

Why Washing Your Hands As Soon As You Get Home is crucial.

If you just removed your shoes, chances are your hands touched them. So you’re washing your hands from the daily grime and from removing your shoes that held more grime. Before you hug your wife, hold the baby, or touch that remote…. wash off the outside grime on your hands.

Why Properly Storing Dirty Clothes Matter w/a Virus.

Personal confession time ( I have a chair) you know what chair I’m talking about. The chair that seems to get the daily clothes and jackets of the day. If you’re in the healthcare field, or around many people that possibly may be sick with any kind of illness, it’s always best to properly store dirty clothes.

Why an Immediate Shower is a Must When You Get Home.

You’ve been outside around many things you can’t see on your clothes that have attached themselves. Imagine all that green pollen piling up on your car. I’m sure you have a dusting of it on you as well. Showering all of the outside dirt off makes sense to relax in your clean home.

Why Hiring A Routine Professional Cleaning Service is Crucial during cold/flu/virus/allergy and LIFE season.

Routine cleaning from a professional is totally different than an everyday pick up from yourself. Owning a professional Austin House Cleaning company myself, I understand busy and sacrificing time. We just wrapped one of our new company smart cars with a new quote that reads
“ You work too hard for everyone else, be smart & let us work for you”
You deserve the assurance in knowing your home has been cleaned with the right products so that you can maintain it in between if needed. Our Austin Home cleaning services has a very detailed approach in thoroughly cleaning each room. We understand cross contamination and details matter to you and your health.

​Follow us on Instagram for some behind the scenes videos and cleaning facts that just make sense to every day life beyond the Coronavirus pandemic because this too shall pass!
Amen!