Cleaning: The Ultimate Guide to Different Types of Cleaning Jobs

House cleaning is a necessary evil, especially if you live in a house. But what does it involve?

Cleaning involves many different tasks, from dusting to vacuuming to mopping and everything in between. It can be a lot of work, but it’s necessary to keep your house looking good. Plus, it’s a great way to get some exercise.

In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know about house cleaning, from the basics to the more advanced techniques. Plus, I’ll throw in some pro tips for keeping your home looking its best.

What’s on the Cleaning Menu?

When it comes to housekeeping, homeowners have a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of the most common types of residential cleaning services:

• Regular cleaning: This includes dusting, vacuuming, mopping, and wiping down surfaces. It’s usually done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis.
• Deep cleaning: This is a more thorough cleaning that includes cleaning hard-to-reach areas, such as behind appliances and under furniture. It’s usually done on a monthly or quarterly basis.
• Move-in/move-out cleaning: This type of cleaning is done when someone is moving in or out of a home. It includes cleaning all areas of the home, including the inside of cabinets and drawers.
• Post-construction cleaning: This type of cleaning is done after a construction project is complete. It includes removing debris and dust from the home.

Cleaning Packages and Prices

Cleaning services are often classified by the items they include and the prices they charge. Here are some common packages and prices:

• Basic package: This includes regular cleaning tasks, such as dusting and vacuuming. Prices for this package usually start at around $50.
• Deep cleaning package: This includes more thorough cleaning tasks, such as cleaning behind appliances and under furniture. Prices for this package usually start at around $100.
• Move-in/move-out package: This includes cleaning all areas of the home, including the inside of cabinets and drawers. Prices for this package usually start at around $150.
• Custom package: Some cleaning services offer custom packages that allow homeowners to choose the tasks they want done. Prices for this package vary depending on the tasks selected.

Stay Organized with Cleaning Services

Cleaning services are not just about creating a clean environment, but also about staying organized. Here are some ways that cleaning services can help homeowners stay organized:

• Decluttering: Many cleaning services offer decluttering services that help homeowners get rid of items they no longer need.
• Creating systems: Cleaning services can help homeowners create systems for organizing their belongings, such as labeling storage containers.
• Regular cleaning: Regular cleaning services can help homeowners stay on top of clutter and prevent it from accumulating.

Essential Cleaning Supplies for a Sparkling Home

To keep your house clean, you don’t need a lot of fancy equipment. Here are the basic cleaning supplies you need:

• Sponges
• Microfiber cloths
• Scrubbing pads
• Plastic scraper or blade
• Nylon brush
• Rubber gloves
• Cleaning solution (mild detergent or vinegar and water mix)
• Spray bottle
• Broom and dustpan
• Vacuum cleaner

Cleaning Supplies for the Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of the home, and it’s also the messiest. Here are the cleaning supplies you need to keep your kitchen clean:

• Dish soap
• Dishwashing gloves
• Countertop cleaner (mild detergent or vinegar and water mix)
• Oven cleaner
• Baking soda
• Lemon halves
• Garbage disposal cleaner (baking soda and lemon halves)
• Stove cleaner (spray foam or rubbing alcohol)
• Cutting board cleaner (spray foam or rubbing alcohol)

Cleaning Supplies for Hard-to-Clean Areas

Sometimes, you need more than just a sponge and cleaning solution to get rid of stubborn stains. Here are the cleaning supplies you need for hard-to-clean areas:

• Stone cleaner (for granite countertops)
• Candle wax (to remove wax from surfaces)
• Rubbing alcohol (to remove ink stains)
• Air freshener (to prevent embarrassing odors)

Pro Tips for Using Cleaning Supplies

• Always follow the instructions on the cleaning products.
• Assess the material you’re cleaning before using any cleaning supplies.
• Use warm water to clean surfaces, as it helps break down dirt and grime.
• Let cleaning solutions sit for a few minutes to properly penetrate the surface.
• Use a scraper or blade to remove hard food or other related material from surfaces.
• Prevent scratches on stainless steel surfaces by rubbing in the direction of the grain.
• Let the area cool down before cleaning an oven or stove.
• Squeeze lemon halves in the garbage disposal to prevent bad odors.
• Use a mixture of baking soda and water to clean cutting boards.
• Mix dish soap and vinegar in a spray bottle for a general cleaning solution.

House Cleaning Tips: Make Your Home Sparkle with These Easy Tricks

Before you begin cleaning, make a checklist of all the rooms that need attention. This will help you stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything.

Gather Your Supplies

Make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies before you start. This includes a mop, bucket, scrub brush, microfiber cloths, and cleaning products like disinfectant spray and grout cleaner.

Work from Top to Bottom

When cleaning a room, start from the top and work your way down. This means dusting the ceiling fan and light fixtures first, then wiping down the walls, and finally cleaning the floors.

Use the Right Products

Different surfaces require different cleaning products. For example, use a glass cleaner for mirrors and windows, and a tile cleaner for bathroom and kitchen floors.

Don’t Forget the Details

When cleaning, it’s important to pay attention to the details. This means wiping down light switches, doorknobs, and handles, and cleaning inside cabinets and drawers.

Make Sure Everything is Dry

After cleaning, make sure everything is completely dry before putting it away. This will prevent mold and mildew from forming.

Improve Your Quality of Work

To improve the quality of your work, use a professional cleaner’s technique. For example, use a wet cloth to wipe down surfaces before using a cleaning product, and let the product sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

Hit the Floors

When it comes to cleaning floors, use a mop and bucket instead of a wet cloth. This will ensure that the floors are thoroughly cleaned and avoid streaks.

Avoid Overusing Products

Using too much cleaning product can actually make things worse. It can leave a residue that attracts dirt and dust, making surfaces look dirtier than before.

Spring Clean Your Laundry Room

Don’t forget to give your laundry room a good spring cleaning. This means wiping down the washer and dryer, cleaning the lint trap, and organizing your laundry supplies.

Use Molly’s Favorite Cleaning Product

Molly, a professional cleaner, recommends using a disinfectant spray with hot water and a microfiber cloth for most cleaning jobs around the house.

Don’t Neglect the Bathroom

The bathroom is one of the most important rooms to keep clean. Make sure to disinfect the toilet, wipe down the shower and bath, and clean the bath mat.

Get Rid of Dust

Dusting is an important part of cleaning, but it can be easy to overlook. Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down surfaces and avoid kicking up dust.

Clean Furniture Inside and Out

When cleaning furniture, don’t forget to clean the inside as well as the outside. This means wiping down shelves and drawers, and vacuuming couch cushions.

Use a Grout Brush

Cleaning grout can be a bit of a challenge, but a grout brush can make the job much easier. Apply a grout cleaner and let it sit for a few minutes before scrubbing with the brush.

Stand on a Lower Step

When cleaning high surfaces like ceiling fans or light fixtures, stand on a lower step stool instead of a chair. This will help you avoid accidents and ensure that you can reach everything you need to.

Customers Worth Paying For

If you’re short on time or just don’t enjoy cleaning, consider hiring a professional cleaner. It’s worth paying for if it means you can enjoy a clean home without the hassle.

Use a Spray Bottle

When cleaning, use a spray bottle to apply cleaning products instead of pouring them directly onto surfaces. This will help you avoid using too much product and ensure that it’s evenly distributed.

Rinse with Water

After using a cleaning product, make sure to rinse the surface with water to remove any residue. This will help prevent streaks and ensure that the surface is completely clean.

Keep a Bucket of Water Handy

When cleaning, keep a bucket of water handy to rinse out your cloth or mop. This will help you avoid spreading dirt and grime around the house.

Get Rid of Old Products

If you have old cleaning products that you no longer use, get rid of them. They can take up valuable space and may not be effective anymore.

Use a Disinfectant

To ensure that your home is truly clean, use a disinfectant on surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, and handles. This will kill germs and bacteria and help prevent the spread of illness.

Wipe Down Glass

When cleaning glass surfaces like mirrors and windows, use a dry cloth to wipe away streaks. This will ensure that the glass is completely clean and free of smudges.

Use a Wet Cloth for Dusting

When dusting, use a slightly damp cloth instead of a dry one. This will help you avoid kicking up dust and ensure that surfaces are truly clean.

Keep a Cleaning Guide Handy

To stay organized and ensure that you don’t forget anything, keep a cleaning guide handy. This can be a checklist or a schedule that outlines what needs to be cleaned and when.

Scrub the Shower

The shower can be a tough area to clean, but a little elbow grease can go a long way. Use a scrub brush and a tile cleaner to remove grime and soap scum.

Use Hot Water

Hot water is a great cleaning tool, especially when it comes to cleaning floors. Use hot water and a mop to get rid of dirt and grime and leave your floors sparkling clean.

Keep Your Household Products Organized

To make cleaning easier, keep your household products organized. This means keeping them in a designated area and making sure they’re easy to find when you need them.

Let Products Sit

When using a cleaning product, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away. This will give it time to work and ensure that it’s effective.

Hit the Light Fixtures

Light fixtures can accumulate dust and dirt over time, so it’s important to clean them regularly. Use a damp cloth to wipe away any dirt or grime.

Conclusion

So, that’s what house cleaning involves. Cleaning services can help you stay organized and keep your house clean. They’re great for decluttering and cleaning hard-to-reach areas. Plus, they’re affordable and convenient. So, don’t hesitate to hire one and keep your house clean.

I'm Joost Nusselder, the founder of Tools Doctor, content marketer, and dad. I love trying out new equipment, and together with my team I've been creating in-depth blog articles since 2016 to help loyal readers with tools & crafting tips.