Faded or dirty grout is an eyesore to even the most pristine and luxurious bathrooms. If you can’t get the dirt and grime out of your grout, perhaps you haven’t been using the right materials. Here’s a list of cleaning tools that will rid the grout of dirt every time you need.

How to Clean Grout

First, you’ll want to spot test the area with your solution and let it sink in for at least 25-20 minutes. Then, with the suggested tools, gently and firmly scrub the grout lines. Depending on the severity of the dirt, you may need to use a forceful tool such as a chisel tool. Once you’ve soaked and scrubbed the areas, rinse with warm water thoroughly until the discoloration has faded. If the dirt and discoloration is still visible, you’ll need a more intense grout cleaner and tool. This may be a good time to call your local cleaning company in Jensen Beach.

Handy Tools

Specific tools are required to clean the grout within your tile. A simple cloth and sponge just won’t do the trick like these tools can. You may not need all of these tools, but a few of these essentials will help you determine which works best on your grout tile flooring.

A steamer provides a way to brighten grout by lifting residue with heat while you wipe the surface clean with a cloth. For those of you who rent your home, this is a gentle and easy way to clean your grout. Another tool to invest in is a toothbrush, if you’re ready to get started and don’t have other options right away or want a quick cost-effective solution. The bristles should be abrasive enough. If you can get your hands on a grout clean brush, these handy tools do just the trick. You can find them at any local hardware store. Lastly, a small chisel tool will come in handy without costing much. They are in plastic or metal form and are equipped to get in the fine details of your grout.

Whether you make your own solution of buy the heavy duty cleaner, it’s important to go with what works for you. If you aren’t sure of what to use, a local cleaning company can shed some light on effective products or even get the job done for you for less hassle.

Your grout can make or break the look of your bathroom. Do you have all the tools to thoroughly clean your home? Perhaps you’re ready to let the professionals handle the dirty work. Clean 13 is a licensed, insured, locally owned and operated cleaning company in Stuart Florida. Contact the experts at Clean 13 for more details on our efficient cleaning service!

Keeping Merry and Bright this holiday season with Clean 13 Tips!

I admit, I get caught up with the hustle and bustle of December. Wanting the Holidays to be beautiful and perfect in every way. If you’re anything like me, each year you vow to make this holiday season more simple, more organized and less stressful. If you’re hosting out of town guests or a holiday party, I have few Holiday tips so you can enjoy friends, family and your home with way less stress.

START BY GIVING YOURSELF A GIFT

Schedule your cleaning early and let Clean 13 get the usual cleaning done for you! It’s such a time-saver and so affordable! Now you can focus on the important things that only you can do…planning your menu, sending out  invitations or making calls, texts or emails and don’t forget the fun part…decorating!

TIDY UP AND PRIORITIZE!

Once your house is clean, you can begin to get things organized because your holiday to-do list is probably endless…..am I right?  So getting organized will save you so much time! Begin with the simple things, grab a laundry basket and pick up all that stuff that belongs elsewhere.  The kitchen is usually the hub of all the holiday activities so I usually start with the kitchen and spend the most time in that room and in those cabinets.

• Start by creating space in the kitchen by getting rid of kitchen items you won’t be using and moving it elsewhere. Now you have room for the large holiday serving dishes, big punch bowl, grandma’s silver and other items you’ll be using during the holidays.
• Clean out the refrigerator, making room for party foods and leftovers.
• Buy extra “to-go” containers to send those leftovers home with the kids or guests.
• Check your spice rack and make sure you have those once-a-year seasonings you’ll need.  

 FOR GUESTS STAYING IN YOUR HOME

• Place a basket in the bathroom with little amenities they may have forgotten, cotton swabs, toothpaste, a toothbrush, travel sized hairspray and ibuprofen. Even the most organized travelers will forget something.  Stock shower with shampoo, conditioner, soap and a razor.
• Brighten up the bath with fresh flowers, scented soaps and holiday decor.
• Stock bath towels, washcloths and hand towels.  I like to splurge on a few thick, 100% cotton towels in a color different from our regular towels, so we always have the “good” towels ready for guests.

FRESHEN UP NATURALLY

I like using herbs like lavender and chamomile to freshen my house. I fill a spray bottle with 20 drops of lavender essential oil, 1 teaspoon vodka and water to create a linen spray. Lavender is known to reduce stress, promote calm and aide in relaxation. Lightly spray mist all over the house.  If you’re really energetic you can grind up lavender and chamomile with baking soda in a food processor to sprinkle on rugs and carpets to remove any lingering odors. Just leave overnight and vacuum up the next day.  Holiday Cleaning Tip:  choose essential oils in holiday scents, like peppermint or pine, to spray living spaces.

PLAN AHEAD

Send your invites early:   This will help you budget for food, time, chairs, dinnerware etc. Choose your menu well in advance:  Go through traditional family recipes, cookbooks or visit your favorite food blog, or websites for ideas.  If choosing a potluck, make a list of what type of food you’d like guests to bring and let them know once they accept the invitation.

PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE

• Plan and wash dinnerware, glassware, serving ware, table linens (table runner or table cloth, napkins). If you need to shine silver flatware, do it now too.
• Lay it all out to get an idea of what everything looks like together. Grab a couple chargers and place them in front of each chair. Go with plain chargers and then get decorative with the plates, glasses and napkins.

ADD FINISHING TOUCHES

Now that you have the basics covered, its time to add all the details! Grab some holiday touches; holiday candles, ornaments, fresh pine and other seasonal decorations. Spread them out across your table however you like. Add more, move things around, make your holiday “table-scape” perfectly you!

COOK IN ADVANCE

You don’t have to get up at the crack of dawn to do all of the cooking and baking on the day of the event. Many vegetable side dishes, casseroles and desserts can be made in advance and kept in the refrigerator or freezer.

ENLIST HELP

If you are a type A (like me) you might enjoy the honor of making and planning the entire holiday gathering.  Things will run much smoother and be less stressful if you have some help.  People often WANT to help!  Just ask.  Remember, you want to enjoy the day as well.

MAKING HOLIDAY MEMORIES

The holidays only come around once a year, cherish those around you, and give thanks for having loved ones near. Remember to be flexible in your plans, life happens and unforeseen holiday challenges may arise. With a little planning though, your guests will enjoy your company, holiday home and a delicious meal. Keep the memories not the mess. When I follow these tips, my home looks festive and inviting, my guests feel comfortable and all of that makes me feel good and relaxed.  When I’m less stressed, I’m much more enjoyable to be around.  Enjoy your holidays and thank you for allowing Clean 13 to serve you.

When was the last time you walked into your home or business and felt as though it sparkled? A recent study suggests that people who have clutter in their home are more fatigued and depressed and less likely to accomplish tasks. Whether you’re a neat-freak or barely have the time to take out the trash, you’ve most likely missed some important spots in your home or business. These cleaning tips will encourage you to let the professionals handle the dirty work.

It’ll Bump Your Selling Price

Are you getting ready to sell or list a home? Wouldn’t you love to have it ready and in prime condition? Studies have shown that presenting a clean and organized property helps you get a little more than the market price! It’s well worth letting the experts handle the job. A cleaning service will know the focal points of home and pay close attention to details throughout the entire home. A cleaning service can tackle hard to reach items and will focus on making each room spotless.

Reliability

You can rely on a cleaning service to get the job done thoroughly and correctly. Perhaps it’s not your forte? Which is understandable and why a cleaning service is a good idea. They will get between, around, and all over places that you wouldn’t think could collect dust or get dirty. Is your big company party coming up? Your commercial place of business can use a thorough clean as well. Why stay late or pay overtime to your already tired staff? Let the Pro’s do it!

They’re Around When You Can’t Be

This is especially helpful for when you’re gone for longer periods of time and you need someone to check on your home. It’s peace of mind having actual eyes on your home. From watching out for water leaks to noticing if a pest has gotten in, it’s peace of mind and important to protect your biggest investment. The right cleaning service will gladly offer this service to their clients.

It’s What They Do

Lastly, a cleaning service focuses on just that – cleaning! They bring expertise and knowledge to bear and will be able to get the job done right the first time.  Whether it’s reaching high fans and windows, you can be sure they’ve got a solution.

No matter what the need, hiring a professional cleaner will always be the best solution. Contact our Clean 13 team today!

Hiring just the right housekeeper can be life-altering for the busy family. Now this may seem to be a little over-the-top, but I am serious. Think about your life-whether single, a couple or a family-you have no time. No time to keep your home as organized or clean as you would like. No time to do the smaller tidying jobs that would make a huge difference.

“I am still learning about my home. If you can’t do it yourself, find good service people and treat them well.” — Terry (mom to our Human Resources Coordinator, Louisa)