summer cleaning | Bredon Hill Cleaning Services

Blog Cleaning
August 17, 2021
garden cleaning summer, home management tips, home organisation tips, home reorganisation, pantry cleaning, pantry rearrangement, summer cleaning

What to Add, Keep and Remove from Your Summer Pantry

Hot temperatures and sunny weather call for a rearrangement of your wardrobe. Well, you probably don’t need a reminder for that. What most people forget is that their pantry also needs some editing once the warmer months arrive. Today we are talking about what you need to add, keep and remove from your pantry in the summer.

What to Remove from Your Pantry

Let’s start with the items we can get rid of for the season. Summer is a good time for detoxing and cutting on some comfort foods you probably enjoy in colder times. That said, leave less space for pasta, highly processed snacks and cereals. You can also get rid of some teas that are associated with winter. If you normally keep your eggs in the pantry, now is a good time to take them out and store them in the fridge. This will help you avoid nasty infections and serious stomach problems.

While you are removing stuff from the pantry don’t forget to clean up. There might be some spills or crumbles on the shelves. You won’t find a better time to wipe and disinfect this space. If you use labels on containers, replace those that are worn out with new ones.

What to Keep in your Pantry in Summer

Obviously, all your condiments can stay right where they are. Salads are very popular during summer, as well as seafood dishes. Your pantry is a good place to store some salad dressings, cooking sauces and canned fish. Check the best before date on all items. Those that expire sooner bring forward. If something is already gone, just toss it in the bin. It will create space for the new things you need to add.

What to Add to Your Pantry in Summer

Remember we said it’s a good time to get rid of foods with high carb contents? Well, if you chucked your pasta out, you can add quinoa. It is a fantastic ingredient for a variety of salads and light meals. Brown substitutes are also a good idea - brown sugar, brown rice, brown pasta. Detox tea can make a new appearance in your panty, along with some cold brews. Tinned coconut milk is an invaluable addition to any summer fruit smoothie.

Since it is also the season of garden parties, you may want to get a few more bottles of your favourite spirits or cocktail mixers. They can be safely stored in the pantry.

Last but not least, if you like growing or collecting herbs from fields and green areas, create some space in your pantry to keep and dry your natural health gems. Towards the end of summer you can put them in jars or paper bags and prepare for autumn and winter when hot herbal tea is almost a daily essential.

What do you currently have in your pantry? How do you organise the items? If you need help with bringing some structure to your storage space, give us a call. We are specialists in home organisation.

Plamen

Blog Cleaning
July 27, 2021
closet cleaning, freeing space, garden cleaning, home reorganisation, kitchen cleaning, summer cleaning, summer home organisation

Summer Home Organisation Ideas

Those of you who follow our blog know that we are not focused only on cleaning topics. In fact, even in our day-to-day work, home organisation and making a living place more cosy and inviting is a big thing. Since the sun is finally out and we can all feel the summer vibes, we thought a piece with some new home organisation ideas would be really cool.

Why change the look of your home every other month? Simply to feel more energised, excited and in the present moment.

Closet Reshuffle

First point of action, of course, is the closet. As the weather changes, it calls for a change in the wardrobe. Winter clothes and accessories should be neatly placed at the back and the lighter, brighter garments will now become the centerpiece of your closet arrangement. It is also a perfect opportunity to get rid of some items that no longer fit or have simply lost their magic for you. Let’s face it, you spent an entire year mostly at home. It’s perfectly normal if you put on some extra pounds since last summer.

Even More Free Space

Don’t hold onto things. We understand the emotional value of some items, but that’s no reason to clutter your living space. Especially during summer. Your home needs to breathe, so it can make breathing easier for you. Your ultimate goal for the warmer months should be to organise your home in a way that creates maximum free space. Objects that are not used frequently go in the garage, garden shed, storage space or are given away. Opt for minimal decorations, except for living plants. These are a great home interior enhancement idea for summer.

Pantry and the Fridge

Your pantry needs reworking. Hot days and strong sun call for lighter foods. Make sure you take the time to check for any expired items, clear potential spills and organise again in jars or containers, carefully labelled for convenience. The fridge will need more frequent checks than during other periods and you may want to introduce an organising system that helps you cycle foods easily, based on their shelf life.

Bright Colours Galore

If you want to be in a constant good mood at home, bring more bright colours in. Neon and electric shades scream summer. If you want something a notch more subtle, opt for the traditional sunny yellow, orange, sky blue and turquoise. These are all mental and mood stimulators, which means you will feel more energised and creative. No wall redecoration needed (unless you are down for it). Simply change the cushion covers, put up new paintings or removable wall decorations. If you are feeling more adventurous, you can exchange the arm chairs for comfy bright beanbags.

Garden Shine

You certainly can’t ditch the garden work anymore! The weather is inviting you outside and you need to take care of the lawn, the outdoor furniture and probably organise the shed. If you have a patio, invest in professional high pressure cleaning. It will brighten up the look of your garden and make it safer for outdoor play.

Plamen

Should I Have My Home Cleaned while on Holiday

Have you planned your summer holiday yet? Whether you are travelling abroad or just to another part of the UK, chances are you don’t want to spend the whole summer at home. Very often, when going away for a while, regular domestic cleaning clients wonder if they should keep their appointments. That’s a personal choice above everything else, but there are some benefits you may want to consider before you cancel your cleaning visit.

Maintenance is Key

People believe they only need to clean a home when there are people living in it because of the mess they create. Sure, it’s much messier when adults and children carry out their daily activities at home. Dirt, however, accumulates all the time, with or without your presence in the property. Dust particles, allergens and a variety of microorganisms continue to inhabit and spread in your home even if you are not there. Regular cleaning during your holiday is still very important for the maintenance of a healthy home.

Cost-Efficient in the Long Run

Many clients who choose to cancel their regular appointments while away, then find themselves in need of a deep clean. The longer your property goes without cleaning, the more there is to do once the cleaner is back. Deep cleaning takes a longer time and is also more expensive than regular visits. So, if you just keep your regular cleans while on holiday you can save money.

Come Back to a Welcoming Environment

Hopefully you had an amazing time during your trip. You are now relaxed and positively charged. Imagine how your mood would spoil if you came back to a home that doesn’t look its best. You will feel the difference in the quality of air. Some surfaces would have accumulated dust and generally the energy you feel wouldn’t be as welcoming as you would wish.

Alternatively, if your cleaner kept coming to the property while you were away, they would make sure the environment looks and feels cosy. At Bredon Hill Cleaning Services we pay great attention to the smallest details. What our clients love the most about our service is that we always add a little extra to make them feel special.

Security

Some people are uncomfortable letting cleaners in while they are far away from home. However, if you have a regular cleaner they almost become a part of the family. Therefore, it is someone you can trust to keep an eye on your home while you are gone. Domestic accidents happen when the residents are not in and if you can rely on someone to check the property even just once a week, that’s still a major security plus.

What is your opinion on having cleaners in while you are on holiday? Let us know what feels right for you. Also, if you are one of our regular clients and decide not to keep your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible, so we can update our schedule and give your slot to someone else.

Plamen

Blog Cleaning
May 15, 2021
cleaning habits, cleaning tips, cleaning tricks, home cleaning, home organisation, spring cleaning, spring cleaning home, summer cleaning, summer home cleaning, vacuuming

Easy-to-build Habits to Minimise Cleaning

Easy-to-build Habits to Minimise Cleaning

Leaving all the cleaning until the end of the week is not always the best strategy. It actually creates more work and can surely be exhausting. That said, building some basic daily habits can by far minimise the amount of cleaning needed at once.

1. Tidy up before bed

No one likes waking up in a messy house. It can spoil your mood for the entire day. Make it a habit to tidy for 5-10 minutes every evening before bed. Pick up toys and other items from the floor, clear the sofa and other furniture or things that do not belong there. If you have children, you can get them involved. It’s always best to build those habits from an early age.

2. No messy clothes lying around

This is probably a common scene in the average teenager’s room - clothes, both clean and dirty, lying all over the place. Well, some adults are guilty of this too. Make sure all clean clothes are always folded and put away in the closet. Get laundry baskets for the dirty ones to always keep them organised.

3. Vacuum daily

Dust and microorganisms build up in your home every single day. Make sure you run the vacuum daily for just 15-20 minutes. It will help you maintain your space fresh and also extend the life of your carpet.

4. Wipe off spills and spots immediately

Stains become much harder to remove when they’ve been left to set for a long time. As soon as you spill something, or you see a stain treat it. It will save you the effort of rigorous scrubbing and sometimes it could be the only way to prevent permanent damage to the surface.

5. Don’t let the dishes pile up

Who feels like washing the dishes immediately after dinner, right? Pretty much no one. But it is important to never let the plates and cooking utensils pile up. Whether you choose to do a quick wash before bed or early in the morning, just make sure it is done. If you have a dishwasher, it is even easier.

6. Speed-scrub the bath/shower cabin after a shower

It may sound like something that would take time and effort, but actually it won’t. As soon as you take your morning shower, gently scrub any stains you see in the bath or shower cabin. It will prevent them from setting and when it’s time for a thorough bathroom cleaning you will have less to do.

7. Don’t wear shoes in the house

Wearing shoes in the house can significantly shorten the life and worsen the condition of your carpeting. Also, from a health point of view, it is best to leave the shoes you went out with at the doormat. That way you won’t bring in any germs you picked on the streets. It’s nice to have a shoe cupboard, so you can keep things organised.

8. Introduce an organised system

Speaking of organising, introducing systems in your home could be a total game changer. You can use cupboards, labels, colours and a ton more to keep everything neat and tidy. Not only it looks a lot more appealing, but it also minimises the need for cleaning and the time you spend trying to find something.

9. Do laundry daily

Dirty clothes can pile up pretty quickly, especially in large families or those with young children. Make every day a laundry day to save yourself the struggle of doing 5-6 rounds over the weekend, which sometimes may not even be enough to clear that huge pile!

10. Never miss a spring clean

Spring cleaning is very important, and it should be done at least twice a year. If you want to minimise your regular cleaning tasks, then don’t miss a deep clean. It’s a perfect opportunity to declutter and get rid of dirt built up in hard-to-reach areas.

Plamen

Blog Cleaning
August 10, 2020
cleaning checklist, decluttering, home cleaning checklist, home sanitastion, how to clean your home, summer cleaning, summer cleaning checklist

Summer Cleaning Checklist

Summer is finally and undeniably here. That’s very exciting, but it also means you have to put some more effort into cleaning your home. Although hot temperatures are bad for viruses and we can take a breather from the infamous COVID-19 spread of infections, bacterias thrive in warm and humid weather. Planning a holiday soon or opting for a staycation, either way you will have to roll up your sleeves and swipe the dirt away. And since everyone knows checklists are much easier to follow, we’ve prepared a summer cleaning checklist by room for you.

The Living Room

We always start from the top and work our way to the bottom. So, you should complete these tasks in the following order.

Remove all cobwebs from the ceiling corners and walls.
Dust the light fixtures.
Clean the inside of the windows.
Wipe clean all doors, door handles, sockets and light switches.
Spot clean the walls.
Dust and wipe all hard surfaces.
Wash the couch cushions and clean the upholstery if you know how to safely.
Sort out all clutter and put in bags for charity or disposal.
Wipe clean the skirting boards and pay attention to the edges.
Vacuum or mop the floor.

The Kitchen

The kitchen will take you quite a long time to finish, but it is absolutely crucial you leave it spotless for the summer.

Empty the pantry and the dry cupboards. Dispose of all food past its expiration date.
Empty the fridge and defrost if needed.
Wipe clean all shelves and sections in the fridge.
Wipe the shelves and the cupboards inside and out.
Disinfect the handles.
Clean the oven.
Clean the stoves.
Clean the dishwasher.
Wipe and disinfect all working tops.
Wash and disinfect the sink.
Empty the bin and disinfect if needed.
Mop and disinfect the floor.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is the other top priority on your summer cleaning checklist. High hygiene standards in that place are extremely important.

Dust and wash the air vents or windows.
Remove any cobwebs from the ceiling or walls.
Scrub the shower cabin, shower head, bathtub and the toilet.
Scrub the tile grouts.
Wipe all hard surfaces.
Wipe the vanity inside and out.
Wash and disinfect the sink.
Empty the bin and sanitise.
Wash and disinfect the toilet brush.
Mop and disinfect the floor.

Bonus: Add a scented candle or diffuser with essential oils to spread fresh and energising aromas.

The Bedrooms

If you were hoping for less work in the bedroom, we would have to disappoint you. There’s definitely a lot to do.

Remove all cobwebs from the ceiling and walls.
Spot clean the walls.
Wash the windows from the inside.
Wash the curtains.
Wipe and dust all hard surfaces, including light fixtures, sockets and light switches.
Declutter and rearrange your closet.
Wash all the bedding, including the pillows and duvet.
Dust any air vents.
Wipe clean the skirting boards.
Vacuum or mop the floor.

To finish off your summer cleaning checklist, complete these outside tasks:

Wash the windows from the outside.
Wash and clean the patio.
Mow the grass and clear the garden.
Declutter and rearrange the garage and/or the garden shed.
Wash all outside furniture.

Sounds like fun? Get to work. But if you think that’s too much for you, we don’t mind stepping in.

Plamen

10 Home Organisation Ideas for the Summer

With summer comes sun, heat and longer days to enjoy it, but it also brings the inevitable clutter that has been accumulating itself since this time last year. And before it's time to get back to school, we want to give you 10 home organisation ideas for this summer and many more to come.

1. Put the winter stuff away

First step of summer home organisation is putting winter out of sight and out of mind. That includes all of the coats, boots, gloves and sleds that come with it. Ideally, this means packing them into boxes labelled with the season and putting them in the attic or garage. However, if you don't have that space, the back of a cupboard or wardrobe is just as good a place. Let's not forget summers in the UK are not particularly long, so you might need those items sooner than you expected.

2. Preserve the stored clothes

Here's a useful home organisation idea not only for the summer, but whenever you are in the mood for organising. Use cedar, lavender, and/or chamomile to ward away moths and leave your clothes smelling fresh. No one likes musty sweaters when it's time to pull them out again.

3. Put the summer items in the spotlight

Your next step of summer home organisation would be to pull out the summer equipment. Sunscreen and insect repellent bottles should be moved to the front of the toiletries cupboard. In our opinion, the best place for them is in the bathroom, next to the toothpaste to serve as a daily reminder to put your long-term health first. Soothing gels against mosquito bites and sunburns should also find their way to the forefront of the toiletries this season.

4. The garden needs some organising too

Summer is the season of barbeques and long weekends with friends and family at a house party. Preparing your garden for guests is a valid home organisation for the summer. Start by mowing the lawn and perhaps, invest in sprinklers if the weather forecast doesn't predict much rain in the coming weeks. Pull out and clean the grill and make sure all the clutter is put away. It's always worthwhile checking with your neighbours before you send out invitations for a party.

5. Fridge decluttering

Take advantage of the pleasant weather and its influence on your body. Restock your fridge with lighter foods; get rid of the heavy (and expensive!) cuts of meat that are more suited for the colder months.

6. Do you have enough shade?

Back to the garden organisation ideas - be sure to invest in an outdoor umbrella or garden canopy. Especially if your garden greenery doesn't provide enough shade to.

7. Wardrobe organisation and decluttering

Make use of the longer summer days and take that opportunity to declutter your wardrobe. You know that dress has been sitting there for too long. You won't wear it soon, so why don't you just give it to charity? Perhaps there are clothes that don't fit you anymore or are incredibly out of fashion. All they do in your closet is preventing you from getting new ones. So, do yourself (and others who are less fortunate) a favour - take those old or unused clothes to a charity shop.

8. Have a carboot sale

Well, if you aren't feeling all that kind-hearted, you can always sell your unwanted items in a carboot or a garden sale. It is a great aid to summer home organisation and it could earn you some extra cash to spend on your next holiday.

9. Give your tumble dryer a break

If you don't have allergies to pollen or other things found in nature, use the nice summer weather to help save the planet. Substitute the use of your tumble dryer with a drying rack or clothes line outside. As a bonus you get of a pleasant, fresh scent.

10. It's finally time for renovation

A good home organisation idea for the summer is to plan and execute your home renovations. Order by necessity and check deals with multiple local companies or even DIY it!

Good luck with your summer home organisation and don’t forget to have fun around it! Don’t get too caught up in the chores, after all, it's time for joy and relaxation.

Plamen

Tag : summer cleaning

What to Add, Keep and Remove from Your Summer Pantry

What to Remove from Your Pantry

What to Keep in your Pantry in Summer

What to Add to Your Pantry in Summer

Summer Home Organisation Ideas

Summer Home Organisation Ideas

Closet Reshuffle

Even More Free Space

Pantry and the Fridge

Bright Colours Galore

Garden Shine

Should I Have My Home Cleaned while on Holiday

Maintenance is Key

Cost-Efficient in the Long Run

Come Back to a Welcoming Environment

Security

Easy-to-build Habits to Minimise Cleaning

Easy-to-build Habits to Minimise Cleaning

1. Tidy up before bed

2. No messy clothes lying around

3. Vacuum daily

4. Wipe off spills and spots immediately

5. Don’t let the dishes pile up

6. Speed-scrub the bath/shower cabin after a shower

7. Don’t wear shoes in the house

8. Introduce an organised system

9. Do laundry daily

10. Never miss a spring clean

Summer Cleaning Checklist

The Living Room

The Kitchen

The Bathroom

The Bedrooms

10 Home Organisation Ideas for the Summer

1. Put the winter stuff away

2. Preserve the stored clothes

3. Put the summer items in the spotlight

4. The garden needs some organising too

5. Fridge decluttering

6. Do you have enough shade?

7. Wardrobe organisation and decluttering

8. Have a carboot sale

9. Give your tumble dryer a break

10. It's finally time for renovation

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