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Summer is finally here and the days are getting warmer, while you can call in a house cleaning service to get your home in shape, there are a few things you can do to help keep your home smelling fresh between house cleaning service visits.

Clean and summery scents do a lot for us, but if you don’t want to use sprays and plug-in air fresheners, burners or melts – you can use a range of natural ingredients to make your home smell clean and fresh.

• Lemon – the zesty, clean fragrance of lemon gives you that instant lift. Why not try rubbing a few drops of essential lemon oil on doorknobs, or you can peel a lemon and then twist the peel so that the oils are released. Alternatively, you can simmer some slices of lemon on the stove to scent the air.
• Lavender – find a nice decorative container and pop a handful of dried lavender into it. If you pop it beside your bed in the bedroom, not only will it make your room smell fresh, it will also help give you a relaxing sleep.
• Rosemary – did you know you can burn sprigs of dried rosemary (be sure to place a dish underneath to catch any sparks!). This not only cleanses the atmosphere in your home, but the scent is also very refreshing. Rosemary has been used in sickrooms for centuries since it is a time-honoured antimicrobial.
• Vanilla – the vanilla bean has properties that reduce odours. Just take 1-2 teaspoons of natural vanilla extract, place it in a small cup and leave it wherever you need the air to be fresher.

Sprays and mists are a great way to add beautiful and natural scents to your home, and, they are proven allies in the fight against germs. Mists and sprays are a simple and effective way of providing some aromatherapy just by using a spray bottle, water and some essential oils. There is nothing easier than spraying a few drops of these antibacterial sprays on bathroom surfaces, doorknobs, telephones – anything you touch – to keep your home smelling sweet.

Essential oils are antibacterial, so they help kill germs. These formulas will keep indefinitely, and your home will smell marvellous – you also won’t have to worry if house guests bring colds with them.

This recipe will make 5 cups of spray. Use it on non-staining surfaces or just spray upwards into the centre of the room – avoid contact with your eyes.

Ingredients

Use an eyedropper to place the following in a small glass jar with a lid (a baby food jar is ideal):

• 20 drops sweet orange essential oil
• 10 drops lavender essential oil
• 10 drops eucalyptus essential oil

Mix well. To use, add 4-8 drops of this base to one cup of purified or distilled water in a spray bottle, shaking to mix. Store in a cool, dark place.

One question that we hear quite often from our customers is how long you should go between steam cleans for your carpet? Of course, we say this depends! However, there are some loose guidelines that you can follow to ensure that you are keeping your carpet in the best condition possible.

A general rule of thumb

A good rule of thumb is to have your carpet professionally steam cleaned at least once a year, twice if you seem to track a lot of dirt in. This way you get a good, deep cleaning and don’t let the dirt build up. Vacuum once or twice a week to keep it clean in between your steam cleaning sessions.

If you have pets

Pets that drop a lot of furs can be very annoying. You’ll probably need to vacuum more often – twice to three times a week to keep things clean. And as for professional steam cleaning? You’ll want to do that around twice to three times a year.

If you have a busy household

If you have a lot of people in your home, and especially young children, things can get dirty more quickly. So, similarly to if you have pets, you’ll need to do more cleaning. Vacuum carpets twice to three times a week and get a professional deep steam clean twice to three times a year to keep everything in tip top shape.

Is it necessary to steam clean when moving?

A lot of people ask us whether it’s necessary to steam clean your carpets before moving – they might be quite clean. Generally, the answer is always yes, to avoid having to pay extra fees to a home agent. Many rental contracts have it written in the contract that you will steam clean the carpets before moving and provide them with the receipts as proof that you have done so.

Spot cleaning & blotting

Spot cleaning your carpets in the case of spills is another issue. You may not be due for a steam clean, and the rest is already in good shape, so what do you do? First of all, remove any debris from the surface of the carpet, and then blot with a clean, dry cloth to mop up any liquid, moving the material around to the clean parts with each press. Press down quite firmly to do so. Then, take a spot cleaning product and follow the instructions to clean further. Test on a small piece of carpet in the corner to ensure it doesn’t bleach your carpet as some of these products do. Carpets in need of a steam clean? For Sydney carpet cleaning, think of Houseproud. We offer not only domestic cleaning but professional carpet cleaning services too.

Let’s be honest most of us loathe house cleaning especially in busy cities like Sydney where the lifestyle is fast and time is money. Whether we like it or lump it, cleaning is a fact of life and it isn’t going to go away. If this statement makes you feel a sense of dread, it might well be time to outsource and get yourself a regular house cleaner. 

Here are the top 3 reasons why it will improve your life.

1. Buy back precious time

Having your home professionally cleaned will give you/your family the beauty of more time for leisure activities or quality time together (or alone, if you prefer?). Our modern lifestyle is fast and busy, so it’s priceless to be able to do what you enjoy during your downtime, whether it be lunching with friends, catching more waves, getting to that Pilates class or taking the kids to visit their grandparents; Time is of the essence.

2. Improved Mental Health

Coming home to a grubby and unkempt living space after a busy day is uninspiring, to say the least, and sets the tone for feelings of stress and negativity. Having a professional cleaner take care of the dirty work will change the way you feel about your abode and allow a renewed frame of mind, leaving you ready to take on the next challenge!

3. Peace of mind

Having a professional cleaner come to your home on a weekly basis will ensure it is maintained to the highest standard. Our expert home cleaners use a thorough checklist to make sure every part of your home is left spotless and hygienic. We use products that are safe and eco-friendly, avoiding harsh chemicals wherever possible. With 25-years of cleaning experience behind us, Houseproud Cleaning is a name you can trust.

It’s no secret that traditional store-bought cleaning products release harmful chemical toxins into our environment. Their impact on the delicate ecosystem of our planet is irreversible and unsustainable.

Here at Houseproud Cleaning, we are conscious of the environment in the selection of the products we use to clean your home. Of course, we want to achieve a result that is visually and hygienically clean, yet we remain mindful of the delicate balance in achieving this and what is ultimately best for your family’s health and that of the environment.

So, what defines an eco-friendly cleaning product?

In a nutshell, any product that is less harmful to the human body will also be the better option for the environment – how ironic! The core ingredients of eco-friendly products are derived from nature, rendering them non-toxic and biodegradable. Basically, if it comes from nature, it can be ‘re-absorbed’ by nature.

What do our cleaning franchisees have in their ‘caddy’s’?

With 21 years of cleaning industry experience, we have had plenty of time to trial and error the myriad of household cleaning product options available.

Whilst we still use some chemicals, we have researched and found what we believe to be the best low-tox products on the market and developed a solid business relationship with the producer/supplier, based on a mutual understanding of our values.

Our current franchisee ‘caddy’ of choice combines the best available low-tox commercial cleaning chemicals, but also some provided to us by ‘nature’, such as the ‘secret weapon’ we use for cleaning hard floors; a capful of Australia’s very own liquid gold, Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil.

Here is a summary of what makes this and two other everyday household ingredients that qualify as ‘eco-friendly’, great for your performing your DIY home cleaning. Of course, you might also prefer to have us come and do your regular cleaning for you, contact us for a quote today.

1. Bosisto’s Eucalyptus Oil

Bosisto’s Australian Eucalyptus Oil is a premium-quality 100% pure essential oil providing a powerful natural antibacterial agent, with multiple uses around the home. Our cleaners add a capful to their hot mop bucket solution to leave an optimal finish to polished or tiled flooring. The Eucalyptus Oil also cleans, refreshes, and deodorises the surrounding air, leaving a beautiful aroma that you just want to ‘inhale’.

Versatility is the name of the game with this gift of nature, also useable as a spot cleaner on stubborn sticky and greasy marks, as a laundry sanitiser and within your vaporiser/humidifier for clearing congested sinuses.

For more specific information and tips, visit www.bosistos.com.au

2. Mckenzie’s Bicarb Soda

Generations of Australians have relied on Mckenzie’s Bi-Carb soda for cooking, cleaning, and deodorising. The product is non-toxic making it friendly for both your family and the environment and can even be used as an alternative to soap!

Here are a few of our favourite tips for how you can use Mckenzie’s Bi-carb soda. For more detailed information and ideas, visit their website: www.mckenziesfoods.com.au

Cleaning your dirty/smelly microwave – Place a bowl filled with water and 2 tbs of Bi-Carb in your microwave. Cook on high for 1 minute.
Cleaning Stainless Steel Sinks – Sprinkle dry Bi-Carb on a damp sponge, scrub the sink and rinse clean.
Oven Grease Prevention – To prevent a grimy greasy oven, make up a mixture of 1 tbs Bi-Carb dissolved in 1 cup water. “Paint” a clean oven with this mixture. This solution will leave a hard, sterile skin over the clean surface. Any fat, oil, or burnt food will stick to the rough surface and can be wiped away with warm water – how good is that!

3. White Vinegar

Made from acetic acid, white vinegar is an ideal natural disinfectant and cleaner. Not only is it cheap and readily available, the strength of the acidic component has the ability to dissolve dirt, grime and grease whilst also being able to kill bacteria.

White vinegar is most effective for cleaning the following surfaces:

• Glass
• Countertops
• Toilets
• Floors
• Dishwasher

For more detailed information on how to use white vinegar for cleaning within your home, refer to this great article by Choice Australia.

Coming to the end of a lease means that you have to do one of the biggest stressors in modern life! If you leave a rental property in an unclean condition, the rental agent may take money out of your bond to pay for cleaning services before others move in. Here are some tips for your end of lease clean to help get the job done more efficiently and get your bond back in full. Don’t forget those nasty tasks like the insides of your cupboards and those marks on the walls.

Start early

Cleaning a whole property inside and out is no small task. This means that you should start cleaning early – don’t just plan to clean on the day that you vacate as you might not have enough time to get everything done! Start cleaning the property in bits at least a week before if you can do so, as it will make it a lot easier and take the stress out of trying to get everything done at once.

Treat it as an opportunity to get rid of things you no longer want or need

Cleaning up at the end of your lease is also a very good time to declutter your life by getting rid of belongings you no longer want or need. Get rid of old clothes you don’t need, old bottles of moisturiser you never use, old utensils and so on. Because seriously, if you don’t already use them it’s not worth having them around.

Use quality products to clean

Water and a cloth work for some things but not others. If you are doing your end of lease clean, then you should get some quality cleaning products to help get the job done more quickly and more effectively.

Get your carpets professionally cleaned

Some rental agencies require you to get your carpets professionally steam cleaned as part of the lease agreement. Even if this isn’t required for your lease, it’s always a good idea to do it as your carpets can get pretty dirty over the course of your tenancy. Make sure to remove all your furniture so that the carpets can be completely and properly cleaned.

If you’d like the professionals to handle your domestic cleaning in Sydney for your end of lease clean, then give HouseProud a call. We can take care of your end of lease clean, so you don’t have to worry about doing it yourself, spending time scrubbing that you would rather spend doing something else. We also offer carpet cleaning services, along with regular home cleaning and more.

Take the stress out of moving by getting us to handle your end of lease clean.

You’ve heard of spring cleaning, but what are your thoughts on winter cleaning? The truth is domestic cleaning during these wet and chilly months can easily get you down. For one thing, you spend a lot more time indoors, which means your living space gets much messier much faster. And when you do go outside, you have to contend with muddy puddles, splodgy drizzles, and all that gunk gets dragged back in with you and your family… especially if you have young children or pets! It can therefore be a challenge to keep your house sparkling clean during winter.

Another issue with these winter months is that you’re often feeling under the weather. Between the endless sniffles, the stuffy nose, and the general aches and pains, the last thing you want to worry about is how clean your home is. So, you could wait until the season passes and gets you back to your normal self, or you could hire a professional cleaner. Of course, we recommend the latter, and Houseproud Cleaning puts a highly skilled team at your disposal.

One of the biggest winter cleaning challenges is keeping your carpet in good condition. On a regular day, carpets absorb a lot of dust and dead cells, but with everyone spending so much time indoors, the carpet will accrue even more dirt. Skin cells from all the residents, germs from all that close-quarters breathing, water and mud from outside, plus the usual internal debris makes for very unhappy carpeting.

To add to that, winter comes with moisture from rain, mist, fog, and all the messy splashing about. The moisture on its own is a problem because it can make our carpet smell dank and accrue mould and lichen. And once that wetness mixes with the loose dirt that’s already on the carpet, it can set into impossible stains.

Our team can provide a professional home carpet clean that can prevent all this from happening. You won’t have to worry about damp smells because our cleaning system allows you to safely use the carpet as soon as we’re done. If you’d like to leave the carpet undisturbed, you’ll have a relatively brief wait because unlike other carpet cleaning methods, ours dries your carpet completely within four to six hours.

We also clean floors, tiles, kitchens, bathrooms, garages, and upholstery, so whether you want your furniture spruced up or you’d prefer a complete top to bottom cleaning, we can provide the services you need. We have weekly and fortnightly cleaning schedules, or we can give you a one-off winter clean to get your routine back on track. 

Whatever your cleaning needs are, give us a call on 1300 880 198 and we’ll give you a free quote.

All our cleaners are professionally trained, police-checked and fully insured.

Who doesn’t enjoy living in a fresh, clean home? When a house is clean, it both looks and smells inviting. No dishes piled up in the sink, no clothes strewn across the floors. A clean home isn’t just aesthetically pleasing; it also reduces the presence of mould, dust, and other allergens that can affect your health. Moreover, there are numerous other benefits to maintaining a clean home. Professional house cleaning services can enhance your well-being both physically and mentally!

Living in a messy environment can take a toll on your mood. Imagine the relief of seeing all the garbage moved from inside your home to the bins outside where it belongs. It’s a fantastic feeling to have a tidy home. Studies have shown that clutter can contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety, so having house cleaners tidy up your space can significantly boost your happiness.

Decluttering isn’t just about removing physical dirt and rubbish; it’s also about clearing out old memories and emotional baggage. Our homes can become repositories of past failures, relationship breakdowns, and other challenges. Having your home professionally cleaned can be like a breath of fresh air for your mind, helping to clear out the cobwebs—both real and imagined. It’s a stress-relieving process that positively impacts how you feel.

Whether you love to clean or prefer to hire professional house cleaners, living in a clean home makes you feel more comfortable and secure. Hidden issues such as dust, dirt, and bacteria can affect your health and mood. Regular and thorough cleaning, especially of carpets, is crucial. Allergens can get trapped in carpet fibers, leading to bacterial growth. Prioritising clean carpets helps maintain a healthier living environment.

A build-up of rubbish, dirt, or dust in your home can negatively impact both your mental and physical health. Cleaning your home regularly ensures a healthier and happier environment for you and your family. House cleaning isn’t just about tidiness; it’s about creating a space where you feel relaxed and at peace.

The best way to ensure your home is thoroughly cleaned from top to bottom is by hiring professional house cleaners. They have the expertise and tools to make your home spotless, promoting a healthier and happier you.

Experience the benefits of a clean home and book a professional house cleaning service today!

Spring has almost sprung, which means it is spring cleaning time! But what should you actually clean during a ‘spring clean’? There are a lot of areas in your home that you probably never even think about when it comes to the regular house cleaning. You’ll do the regular mop and vacuum, a quick wipe over of the shower and bench tops and that’s done for another week. However, it is a great idea to do a full home cleaning at least once a year – and what better time to do it than in Spring? At Houseproud, we know how much our clients value a pristine home.

Here is a simple list of what to clean during a Spring clean:

· Under and behind the stove, refrigerator, washing machine and clothes dryer.
· Wipe down all the walls in your house with a damp cloth (good for allergy sufferers).
· Wash windows inside and out.
· Take all the books off your bookshelves and wipe all your books gently with a dry cloth – or lightly dampened cloth. While the shelves are empty, clean them thoroughly.
· If you have a medicine cabinet in the bathroom, clean all the shelves and the back of the cabinet. It’s the perfect time to check all use-by dates on medicines and throw out any that have expired.
· Clean all cabinet doors on the insides and outsides – bathroom, kitchen and laundry.
· If you have any sliding glass doors, clean inside the tracks.
· If you have an oven or stove with knobs – these often pull off for cleaning. Give them a gentle clean with warm soapy water.
· Clean the refrigerator inside and out. Do the same if you have a separate freezer.
· Vacuum under the beds.
· Dust the tops of all doors and picture frames.
· Wipe down computer keyboards.
· Take everything off kitchen cabinet tops and thoroughly clean.
· Dust the tops of any ceiling fan blades.
· Clean the tops of skirting boards, or base boards.
· Clean light shades and lamp shades.
· Wipe down door handles, light switches and the tops of power points.
· Go through your ‘junk drawers’ and toss away anything that isn’t.
· Dust inside the bottom or your wardrobes.
· Turn your mattress and wash any mattress protectors.
· Take your rugs outside and give them a good beating. Leave them in the sun and fresh air.
· Dust inside the vents of extractor fans or air conditioning units.

If you use part of your home exclusively for business purposes, you could be eligible to claim a portion of your home cleaning expenses as a tax deduction. This means your home office stays spotless, and you could reduce your taxable income. Check with your accountant to see how much you can deduct.

Don’t wait – Book your Spring Cleaning today!

Please contact us to schedule your spring cleaning service. Your home deserves it – and so do you!

Cleaning your home can sometimes feel like an uphill battle, especially when faced with stubborn stains, lingering odours, or recurring dust. But fear not! With the right strategies and a little know-how, you can tackle even the most common house cleaning problems with ease. Here are six common house cleaning issues and how to solve them, brought to you by Houseproud Cleaning.

1. Stubborn Carpet Stains

Carpet stains are a common issue, especially in high-traffic areas or homes with pets and children. Whether it’s spilled wine, coffee, or pet accidents, stubborn stains can be frustrating.

Solution: Blot the stain immediately with a clean cloth to absorb as much liquid as possible. Avoid rubbing, as this can spread the stain. For organic stains like coffee or wine, mix equal parts white vinegar and water, apply it to the stain, let it sit for a few minutes, then blot with a clean cloth. For tougher stains, consider using a commercial carpet cleaner (Houseproud can help!) or renting a steam cleaner.

2. Greasy Kitchen Surfaces

Grease buildup on kitchen surfaces, especially around the stove, is a common problem. Over time, this can attract dust and create a sticky, difficult-to-remove layer.

Solution: Mix equal parts of white vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply it to greasy surfaces. Let it sit for a few minutes, then wipe with a microfiber cloth. For tougher grease, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on the surface before applying the vinegar solution; the bicarbonate of soda acts as a mild abrasive that helps break down the grease.

3. Soap Scum in the Bathroom

Soap scum buildup on shower doors, tiles, and fixtures can make your bathroom look dull and dirty. This filmy residue can be tough to remove, especially if left untreated for a while.

Solution: Mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a spray bottle. Spray the solution onto the affected areas and let it sit for about 15 minutes. Scrub with a non-scratch sponge or a soft brush, then rinse with warm water. Regularly using a squeegee after showers can help prevent soap scum buildup in the future.

4. Dusty Furniture and Surfaces

Dust seems to reappear almost as soon as you clean it, making your home look unclean and exacerbating allergies.

Solution: Use a microfiber cloth to dust, as it traps particles rather than just pushing them around. Dust from top to bottom so any particles that fall can be cleaned up last. Consider using an air purifier to reduce airborne dust and change your HVAC filters regularly to minimise dust circulation.

5. Lingering Pet Odours

Even if your home looks clean, lingering pet odours can create an unpleasant atmosphere. These smells can be particularly stubborn in carpets, furniture, and pet bedding.

Solution: First, vacuum regularly to remove hair and dander. For odours, sprinkle bicarbonate of soda on carpets and upholstery, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and then vacuum it up; bicarbonate of soda neutralizes odours naturally. Wash pet bedding frequently, and consider using enzyme-based cleaners to break down organic odours at the source.

6. Hard Water Stains on Fixtures

Hard water stains on taps, showerheads and other fixtures can leave unsightly white or chalky deposits that can be difficult to remove.

Solution: Soak a cloth or paper towel in white vinegar and wrap it around the affected area. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes, then scrub with a soft brush or sponge. For stubborn stains, repeat the process or use a commercial limescale remover. To prevent future build-up, dry fixtures after use and consider installing a water softener.

House cleaning challenges are inevitable, but they don’t have to be insurmountable. By understanding the causes and knowing the right solutions, you can tackle these common problems and keep your home looking its best. With a little effort and the right techniques, you’ll maintain a clean, comfortable, and welcoming space for you and your family.

Not ready to conquer your cleaning challenges yourself? Trust us at Houseproud Cleaning to help you create a pristine home that you’ll be proud of!