10 Common Cleaning Questions

After being in the cleaning business for more than 15 years, we have had our fair share of “cleaning questions.” We have rounded up some of the most common questions we get asked on a daily and compiled the answers we think are best to your cleaning dilemmas. If you have any that are not listed, always feel free to send us an e-mail or call us.

1-Dust or Vacuum First?

Always dust first. If you start vacuuming before doing the dusting, you run into the problem of having loose dust that has settled on other surfaces after vacuuming.

2-Should you replace sponges or disinfect them?

Disinfecting sponges is not very effective at home. Replace cleaning sponges every week, if possible. This is crucial if you are cleaning your toilet bowl with a sponge, to battle the multiplying bacteria!

3-How do you get stains off the walls without chipping the paint?

The important rule to getting off stains from walls is to make sure you don’t use any abrasive material. Sometimes, we have the urge to scrub away, which will make it more likely that the paint chips off. We have a dedicated blog post to stains and how to get rid of them. One common trick is to use white bread. Another method that works is a magic eraser.

 

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4-My dishwasher stinks, what do I do?

Dishwasher smells are common, especially if you use them frequently. One way to get rid of this smell is to make sure to clean the dishwasher filter located at the bottom. The filter traps food particles, but most people usually don’t think to clean this area. Every week, wash and clean the filter. For more information on dishwasher cleaning, check out our blog post.

5-Why doesn’t my vacuum cleaner do a good job?

Vacuum cleaners need regular maintenance as do any other cleaning tool. Check to make sure the bag is not full. If it is, replace the bag. Also, check the vacuum cleaner filters and wash them. Sometimes, the brush may not roll if there is something wound up on it. Make sure to check the nozzle.

6-How do you freshen up stinky shoes?

Stinky shoes are a pesky problem! Not only do the shoes smell, but it can make your whole shoe closet have the same problem. There are two great solutions for this! Put your shoes in a plastic bag and place them in the freezer. The cold will kill the bacteria that causes smells. If this doesn’t do the trick, sprinkle the inside of the shoes with baking soda and fresh citrus peel. The baking soda will absorb the odors and the citrus peel will leave them smelling fresh.

7-How often do you need to launder towels?

A problem in most households is that some people don’t take the time to hang their wet towel, leaving the towel moist. This creates smelly towels. Bath towels, if hung to dry should be washed once a week. Hand towels should be washed every 3 days.

8-How do I clean the microwave?

Real Simple Magazine has a great article on how to clean your microwave without scrubbing. Maid Bright’s tip was featured, check it out!

9-Why doesn’t my TV look clean?

With flat-screen, wall-mounted televisions on the rise, we often forget to clean them. Using a microfiber towel and some distilled water, spray the water on the cloth. Wipe left to right. Never spray the water directly on the screen.

10-Easy cleaning tips?

Cleaning will become easier if you do a little each day. Start the day by making your bed. Avoid paper clutter by organizing once a week. Put your things where they belong, everything should have its own place. Clean as you go!