cleaning

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At Garcia Green Cleaners, we are passionate about serving our community. If you’ve had a positive experience with us, we’d love for you to show your support by helping us become a @Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave.

As the only business awards voted on by neighbors, receiving this award will help our business become more recognizable in the community and help our growth. Share the love and vote for us today! #NeighborhoodFaves

Plus, receive 20% off your next cleaning visit for leaving us a kind review.

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10 Cleaning Tips you Must Know!

We love sharing our cleaning tips with you. We love it almost as much as we love to clean your homes. In this article, we’ll share 10 cleaning tips you must know. We hope you enjoy them.

 

  1. Circle your way around when cleaning the kitchen. Start to the right of the stove and move clockwise around the room. Why? Well, the stove is typically the dirtiest part of your kitchen. Saving it for last keeps you from spreading dirt and grease around the room.
  2. Keep your oven extra clean by lining the bottom of it with a nonstick oven liner. It can be wiped down with a paper towel. You can then put it in the dishwasher and reuse it over and over.
  3. Get rid of paper towels. Instead, you should use microfiber cloths. When wet, they sanitize and can clean floors, counters, glass and tiles. They’re reusable. You can just machine wash and hang to dry. They cost about $5 for a 2-pack.
  4. Are mold and mildew attacking your shower curtain liner? You should throw it in the wash with some towels. They’ll help scrub it clean. Then, you can hang it back up to dry.
  5. Sanitize your sponges. Put them in the microwave for a few minutes. Then, you can watch as the microbes sizzle away.
  6. Clean small toys in a laundry bag. Yes, you can put those nasty –looking legos or other small toys by placing them in a laundry bag first. They’ll come out clean and you don’t have to worry about your kids’ playing with bacteria-ridden toys.
  7. Clean fan blades with a pillow case. You probably have some extra pillow cases lying around. Use one to slide onto the blades of your ceiling fans. Then, wipe the blades off inside the pillow case. That way you don’t get dust in your face.
  8. Choose the right broom for the task. When indoors, choose a broom with finer bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. When outside, use a broom with stronger, stiffer bristles. They work better to clean up porous surfaces.
  9. Use salt to clean your iron. Yep. That’s right –salt. Pour salt on your ironing board. You might want to use a pillow case to make cleanup easier. Iron the salt with the steam option off. The dirt on your iron will stick to the salt, making it easy to clean your iron.
  10. Turn your hydrogen peroxide bottle into a spray bottle. Replace the bottle cap with a spray bottle head. You can use hydrogen peroxide to clean all sorts of things like windows, tubs and even toilets.

We hope these cleaning tips give you some great ideas to make cleaning your home easier. We’ll feature more cleaning tips in the future. If you need help getting your home clean, please call us in Austin at 512-705-2812. We’re always happy to help.

Tips for Cleaning Pots and Pans

Cleaning pots and pans is difficult. They get grease, dirt and muck attached to them. It can be a nightmare to clean. However, it doesn’t have to be. In this article, we’ll give you some tips for cleaning pots and pans. We hope they help you out.

If your pot or pan is burnt, there’s a great trick using baking soda and vinegar. You’ll need:

  • 1 cup vinegar
  • 2 tbsp. baking soda
  • 1 cup water
  • Scouring pad

You will fill the bottom of the pan with a layer of water. To that, you add the vinegar. Bring the pan to a boil. Remove the pan from the heat and add the baking soda. You should see plenty of fizzing action. Empty the pan and scour as normal. You can add a bit of dry baking soda should it be necessary. If stubborn marks remain, put a paste of baking soda and water on them. Leave the paste on for about an hour and then clean as normal. Your pan will look brand new.

There are other methods out there to clean pots and pans. We’ll delve into some of them here:

  • Alka-Seltzer – This is for ovenproof glass cookware. Fill the container with water, add up to six pellets and let it soak for an hour. The stains should easily scrub away.
  • Aluminum foil – No scrub pad? That’s okay, just wad up some aluminum foil and use it to scrub your pots.
  • Add baking soda to your dish-washing liquid. About 2 tablespoons should do the trick. It cuts through grease easily.
  • Club soda – pour it into the pot while it’s still warm. The bubbly soda will keep the mess from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
  • Cream of tartar – this will make your discolored aluminum pans sparkle again. Put 2 tablespoons of cream of tartar dissolved in 1 quart of water. Bring the mixture to a boil in the pot and let it boil for ten minutes.
  • Denture tabs – do you have enamel cookware? Then, denture tabs can help clean them. Fill the pot or pan with warm water and a tablet or two. Wait until the fizzing has stopped and your cookware should be clean.
  • Fabric softener – soak burned on foods with liquid fabric softener. Fill the pan with water, add a squirt of fabric softener and soak for an hour. Residue should wipe away quickly.
  • Ketchup – when your copper pots and pans are starting to look old, coat the copper surface with it. Let it sit for about thirty minutes. Acids in the ketchup will react with the tarnish to remove it. Rinse the pan and dry immediately.
  • Lemons – rub the cut side of a half of a lemon all over them and buff with a soft cloth.

There are even more remedies for cleaning pots and pans than these. We’ve only told you about the ones we think are the most effective. We encourage you to give us some of your best ideas and send them to us. We’d love to hear from you.

6 More Spring Cleaning Tips

Last week, we gave you 5 spring cleaning tips. This week, we’ve got 6 more for you. Spring cleaning is definitely not an all at once kind of job. You have to break it up into chunks unless, of course, you hire us to do the spring cleaning for you.

    1. Clean ceiling fixtures. You should dust and clean your ceiling lights and fans. If you have the fans running for winter usage, turn them back to the summertime setting (counterclockwise) so that the cool air can settle in the room. Be careful to turn off the fixtures before cleaning them so you don’t get overheated or blow dust all over the room.  You can also take this time to remove dust from air conditioners. A cloth and a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment will get the job done.
    2. Update your bed linens. Spring is a great time to replace your bed linens. You can bring out the pretty, flowery comforter and sheets for a spring time rejuvenation of your sleeping space. Make sure to wash your used bed linens and put them away safely and securely for next winter. You may want to wash the new bed linens first for that crisp, clean feel.
    3. Protect your wooden floors. You can easily guard against scratches on wooden floors. Make sure that there are surface protectors on the underside of furniture legs. Replace any protectors that are worn or dirty with new ones. You can get them at home improvement stores. You’ll want to use the thick, padded self-adhesive disks. Remember, a build-up of grit can scratch your wooden floor.
    4. Clean your refrigerator. You may find this task a little daunting so we suggest you break it down into pieces. First things first – wipe up spills so surfaces don’t become stained. Throw out old food once a week, preferably on trash day. Every few months, you should wash the fridge’s interior. Wash removable shelves and drawers. You can loosen hardened spills by wetting the area with a cleaning solution and allow the residue to soften. A toothbrush can be used to scrub nooks and crannies. Twice a year, vacuum or brush dust from the condenser coils. This will keep your system from overheating.
    5. Reorganize your book shelves. You should consider sorting your books by size and subject. It’s easier and neater than just alphabetically by author or title. You’ll want to remove and discard any ripped dust jackets. For a quirky twist, line some of the books vertically and some horizontally. This will break up the monotony of the rows.
    6. Restock home cleaning supplies. Make sure you have all the cleaning supplies you need. You’ll want to have a glass cleaner and an all-purpose cleaner. You’ll also want specific products for problem spots like tile and grout. You may want natural cleansers like vinegar and baking soda. You’ll also want to stock up on sponges, rags, scrub brushes and rubber gloves.

With these six tips, we finish our basic spring cleaning tips for you. If you need help with any of this, feel free to call Garcia Green Cleaners. We’re experts at spring cleaning and we can be reached in Austin at 512-705-2812.

5 Spring Cleaning Tips

It’s spring time. That means it’s time for spring cleaning. We’ve got 5 great spring cleaning tips for you in this article. We hope they help you make your house beautiful for spring.

  1. Organize your closets. Some say that organizing your closet is the first step to organizing your home. You should go through all your clothes and accessories and get rid of what you are no longer using or what doesn’t fit for whatever reason.  A good suggestion is to organize what you currently wear by how you get dressed in the morning and by color. Not only will your closet look appealing but your everyday routine will be easier.
  2. Make your welcome mat truly welcoming. Shake it, wash it and swat it with a broom. Give the mat a thorough cleaning, the toughest it can take. Remember, the welcome mat is your home’s front line of defense against tracked-in dirt. You should always keep the mat clean enough to operate at peak efficiency.
  3. Clean your windows. Dirty panes of glass present no problem when you use rubber-edged squeegees. They are quicker and more effective than cloth or newspaper. They come in a variety of sizes and a screw-on extension will allow you to reach high spots without a problem. To begin, dip a sponge into a bucket of warm water and a few drops of dish soap. Wet window and rub dirt away. Dampen the squeegee, starting at an upper corner, then take it down the pane from top to bottom. Repeat and overlap strokes while wiping the rubber edge with a sponge after each stroke. Dry the windowsills with a cloth.
  4. Wash walls, cabinets, baseboards and woodwork. Use a sponge and a dish-washing detergent on these areas. Be careful not to mess with the paint. Wash the surface in sections. A sponge mop will make it easy to reach high spots. You should use two buckets to accomplish this task – one with the dish-washing solution and the other for wringing out you sponge. Dry the walls and other woodwork with a clean cloth.
  5. Wipe your blinds if you have them. Wipe wooden blinds with a few drops of gentle wood cleaner and an almost dry sponge. Aluminum blinds can be washed outside. Place them on a sheet on a slanted surface. Scrub with water and non-corrosive cleaner. You can use a hose to rinse well and then you should dry the blinds with a towel to prevent rust.

Of course, these are just a few spring cleaning tips that we can provide you with. We will have more in our blog next week. Until then, happy spring cleaning. Remember, you can call Garcia Green Cleaners to do your spring cleaning for you. Give us a call in Austin at 512-705-2812.

What to Look for in a Maid Service

Garcia Green Cleaners is very confident in its maid service. We are a good company with good cleaners. If you choose us, you won’t have to worry about receiving a good cleaning for a good value. However, what should you look for in a maid service? Here we give you some things to contemplate.

Are the maids bonded and insured?

You want to make sure that the maids have had a background check and, if something goes awry, you will be compensated. You want them to be insured in case they break something or get hurt in your home. That way you won’t have to use your homeowner’s insurance.

What types of services do you provide?

Some maid services don’t do windows or laundry. You should know that up front. Garcia Green Cleaners does indoor windows and laundry for an added fee. We put that on our web site at www.garciagreencleaners.com. Please contact us for services offered and to get a quick quote.

What are my payment options?

You should know if you are allowed to pay with cash or check or if you must use a credit card. Garcia Green Cleaners prefers credit card payments. We don’t charge you until the service is complete. Checks are accepted but for services that are under $100. Cash is accepted and it goes directly to the maid. Tips are also appreciated by our maids, but they are not mandatory.

Do the maids have their own supplies or will they be using mine?

Our maids have top of the line supplies like Method hardwood cleaner and Meyers glass cleaner. We use Dyson vacuum cleaners, and also soft head mops. You can also request for the maid to use your products by providing them yourself. We are happy to work with your products if that’s your preference. We do charge a $5 materials fee per maid so, if you’re using your own supplies, call the office at 512-705-2812 to see if you can get that waived. It shouldn’t be a problem.

Are your maids punctual and professional?

Yes, our maids are punctual and professional. They are on time and ready to work. They will leave your house very clean. Remember, the first one to two appointments should be longer than subsequent appointments because they’ll be more thoroughly cleaning your home. If you are not satisfied, remember that we offer a 100% satisfaction guarantee.

We hope that these questions have helped you decide to choose Garcia Green Cleaners as your maid service. We’d love to help you keep your home clean.

Green Products We Use

We’re Green at NO Extra Cost to You.

If baking soda and lemon juice aren’t your thing but you’d still like to avoid cleaners with a) mysterious chemicals you can’t pronounce and b) warning labels that cover half the bottle, then you’ll appreciate the products we use to clean.

Below is a list of the ten green cleaning product lines and companies that we at Garcia Green Cleaners use- and why they’re good for you, your pets and your space:

  1. Method HomeMethod Home

Why it’s good: Bottles are made from 100% recycled plastic, ingredients are taken from renewable plant-based materials, no animal testing, 100% people and pet friendly, and B Corp certified.

Products: Product line ranges from household cleaners (multi-surface, bathroom, floor, wipes, and dish) to laundry detergents to hand and body wash…  and even baby products.

  1. BiokleenBiokleen

Why it’s good: Products, batches, and formulas are third-party reviewed by Berg Environmental, Content Verified, and the EPA’s Design for the Environment.  Ingredients are made from natural extracts, biodegradable, non-toxic, non-corrosive, non-flammable, non-reactive, and non-carcinogenic.

Products: Biokleen offers products ranging from laundry detergent to multi-surface cleaners and degreasers that utilize active enzyme cultures.  They also have a line of soy-based products, a first in the green cleaning industry.

  1. OptionsOptions

Why it’s good: Their products are Green Seal certified and contain higher-than-average levels of non-toxic active ingredients, making them stronger than other green products on the market.  They use a biodegradable organic acid solution which is non-irritating, hypoallergenic, and safe for use around all humans.

Products: Options offers professional grade green cleaning products as well as household cleaners like disinfectants, surface cleaners, floor finishes and cleaners, and deodorizers.  They also offer lower-cost concentrate sets that you simply add water to.

  1. AttitudeAttitude

Why it’s good: Attitude products are Eco-Friendly certified, biodegradable, non-toxic to humans and animals (including aquatic animals), made from renewable plant-based resources, and carbon neutral (all of the greenhouse gas emissions related to the products and the company are analyzed, and then either reduced or compensated for).

Products: Air purifiers, dishwasher detergent, all-purpose surface cleaners, laundry detergent, hand soap, and even baby diapers.

  1. ShakleeShaklee

Why it’s good: Shaklee’s “Get Clean” line of products are made from sustainably-sourced, biodegradable, natural ingredients; contain no VOCs; are non-toxic; not tested on animals; and packaged in 100% recyclable materials.

Products: Their products are typically sold in concentrate form and include laundry and dish detergent, surface cleaners, disinfectant wipes, scouring paste, and water filters.  They also have “healthy home” cleaning kits and starter packs.

  1. Mrs. Meyer’sMrs. Meyer's

Why it’s good: There are no solvents, no petroleum distillates, no bleach, no phosphates, and no harsh fumes.  All packaging is recyclable and made from 25% post-consumer recycled materials.  Products are not tested on animals and do not contain animal-derived ingredients.  Whenever possible, materials are obtained from renewable plant resources and all liquid products are biodegradable.  Safe for use around children, pets, and pregnant women.

Products: Surface scrubs, wipes, and sprays; toilet bowl cleaners; bath and shower; dish, dishwasher, and laundry detergents; glass cleaners; and air fresheners.

  1. Fruits and PassionFruits and Passion

Why it’s good:  Each product has a minimum of 90%  natural plant-based ingredients, is biodegradable, ammonia and phosphate free, contains no animal-derived products (and is not tested on animals), and is packaged in 100% recyclable materials.

Products: Countertop, glass, and multi-purpose cleaners as well as dish soap.

  1. Eco Concepts

Why it’s good: Eco Concepts has seven third-third party certifications(including U.S. EPA Design for the Eco ConceptsEnvironment, Green Seal, U.S. Green Building Council, and PETA Cruelty-Free, amongst others); is made entirely of readily biodegradable components; contains no carcinogens, sensitizers, teratogens or mutagens; has low or no toxicity to human and aquatic life; is made from renewable ingredients; and contains no phosphates, NTA, chlorine bleach, or harsh solvents.

Products: EcoConcepts offers janitorial, automotive, and marine care products as well as household cleaners (such as bathroom, kitchen, and stain removers).

  1. Seventh GenerationSeventh Generation

Why it’s good: Beyond their certified, non-toxic products, Seventh Generation is pushing for real social change through their complete transparency and involvement with coalitions and institutions dedicated to positive change.

Products: They offer a complete line of non-toxic household products, including: non-chlorine bleached, 100% recycled paper towels, bathroom and facial tissues, and napkins; non-toxic, phosphate-free cleaning, dish and laundry products; plastic trash bags made from recycled plastic; chlorine-free baby diapers, training pants, and baby wipes; and chlorine-free feminine care products, including organic cotton tampons.

  1. VaskaVaska

Why it’s good: Vaska uses advanced botanical solutions derived from herbs and is U.S. EPA Design for the Environment Certified.  All products are non-toxic (for humans, animals, and aquatic life) and environmentally safe.  Their containers are made from 50% post-consumer recycled materials.

Products: Laundry detergent, fabric softeners, and spot cleaners.

Garcia Green Cleaning means we use methods and products with environmentally friendly ingredients designed to preserve human health, pet health and environmental quality.

Our green cleaning techniques and products avoid the use of chemically reactive and toxic products which contain various toxic chemicals, some of which emit volatile organic compounds causing respiratory, dermatological and other conditions.

We’re looking out for you and yours; and so should you!

How do I Clean a Toilet?

In this article, we’ll teach you how to clean the toilet. No one likes to clean toilets, but it’s necessary. A clean toilet doesn’t smell bad and it prevents bacteria from spreading. To correctly clean the toilet you’ll need both a toilet cleaner and a disinfectant. In fact, we recommend the following materials:

  • Gloves,
  • Toilet brush,
  • Toilet bowl cleaner,
  • And disinfectant spray.

First, you should take everything on the toilet off. If you have pictures or books or tissue boxes on the top, take them off so you can clean the toilet. You can clean these items later before you put them back on. Keep them somewhere safe where they won’t get sprayed with the toilet cleaner and disinfectant or water while you’re cleaning the toilet.

Take the clean gloves and put them on. We suggest that you use a dedicated pair of gloves for the job. You don’t want the bacteria from the toilet being spread to other household cleaning tasks. If you must, buy your toilet-cleaning gloves in a different color than your other rubber gloves so they don’t get confused.

Next, you should wipe down the toilet with a damp sponge. Give it a once-over with hot water. You should wet with water and wipe around the tank, lid, seat, base and exterior of the bowl. This might be enough to remove the dirt without specialty cleaning products. If not, you can clean with a disinfectant or toilet bowl cleaner later on.

Now you can apply with a toilet cleaner to the inside of the bowl. Toilet cleaners help eliminate stains, rings and mineral deposits in your toilet. Squirt the cleaner on the inside rim of the toilet bowl, allowing it to drip down the sides of the bowl and in the water. Read the instructions on the cleaner because some cleaners require time to sit for maximum cleaning effect. If so, take a short break and then continue.

It’s time to scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. You should use a brush with firm bristles. Scrub the bowl thoroughly and pay attention to any mineral stains that have accumulated at water level or the back of the bowl. The more thoroughly and firmly you scrub the bowl, the cleaner it will get. To get the most out of your toilet bowl cleaner, dip the brush in the toilet water and grab some suds to clean the bowl. It will give you extra cleaning power.

Once the bowl is scrubbed and clean, you should flush. This rinses the bowl. You should continue to scrub as water drains from the toilet because the motion of the water alone might not be enough to rinse the dirt away. If you have persistent stains, repeat the process of applying toilet cleaner through rinsing the bowl. Do it as many times as you need to to clean the toilet bowl.

Now that the bowl is clean, you can clean the rest of the apparatus with disinfectant. Clean the bottom, the top and all around the toilet. Don’t forget the handle because it has bacteria on it too. Once it’s sparkling, wipe up the residue with a dry cloth and then you’re done.

All you need to do is clean the items that were on the toilet before you started cleaning and then put them back where they belong.

If you need help cleaning your toilet or don’t feel like doing it yourself, Garcia Green Cleaners can help. Give us a call in Austin at 512-705-2812. We’re happy to take care of this for you!