Get matched with top cleaning & maid services pros in Xenia, OH

The best way to help a family member or friend declutter their home is to hire a professional organizer or cleaner to do it for them. However, you can also help them make a plan to tackle the clutter. Sit down with them and sort through the items, making piles of what to keep, toss, and donate. Focus on one area at a time to avoid overwhelming them. If they have trouble letting go of some items, ask them when they last used each item, what its purpose is, and whether it has sentimental value. The answers to these questions can help you advise them on handling clutter.

Following a few basic tips for maintaining your front-load washer can extend your unit’s lifespan. 

• Clean your machine monthly and always use the correct detergent. (If your machine is High-Efficiency, only use HE detergent.)

• Avoid fabric softener.

• Leave the washer door open after a cycle to avoid moisture buildup.

• Remove all of the wet clothes promptly, and wipe down the machine after each use.

• Conduct an annual inspection yourself or hire someone to check that your machine is in tip-top shape. Proper maintenance means your machine will clean your clothes as best as possible, and you’ll prevent common issues like mold and mildew build-up on the seal or clogged filters from the water inlets.

Professionals use various tools and cleaning solutions based on the type of floor they’re cleaning. They often use industrial steam cleaners to pull debris out of the carpet. For localized stains, they may use a commercial cleaner or a mixture of water, vinegar, and dish soap. For tile, they’ll typically use dish soap and hot water, plus a mixture of baking soda and hot water for the grout. For cleaning wood floors, they might use a low-heat steamer, a mop with an oil wood floor cleaner, or a mixture of hot water, vinegar, and lemon juice.

You will need to discuss with your pest control expert to know when and what to clean after the treatment. Sometimes, you may have to wait a couple of weeks for deep cleaning to avoid wiping up the treatment they applied.

However, you’ll want to wipe down any surfaces you use for food prep and eating. Before the treatment, you’ll also want to make sure that items such as pet dishes and children's toys won’t be exposed to the chemicals.