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The Complete Guide to Professional House Cleaning

Tue, 17 Mar 2026 20:06:03 GMT

If you’ve just returned to your home after weeks or months away, a thorough house cleaning in North Scottsdale, AZ, is essential to refresh your living space and restore comfort. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services understands the special considerations needed when preparing a home that’s been closed up, from addressing accumulated dust to sanitizing critical areas and refreshing your fridge and pantry. In this complete guide, you’ll learn the best practices for professional home cleaning services, including vital steps like HVAC vent resets, hard water spot prevention, pest and odor control, linen and bedroom resets, and a practical room-by-room checklist designed to get your home guest-ready and fully refreshed.

Why Specialized Cleaning Matters for Homes Left Closed Up

Homes that have been unoccupied for extended periods tend to accumulate unique challenges: dust settles in hidden corners, stale odors may develop, hard water spots can build up, especially in bathrooms and kitchens, pests might find their way inside, and HVAC systems can lose efficiency. Typical cleaning routines aren’t enough to deal with these issues thoroughly. Professional house cleaning takes a comprehensive approach, addressing these specific needs to make your home feel revitalized and safe.

A Complete Approach to Thorough Home Preparation

Step 1: Detailed Dust and HVAC Vent Reset

Dust is one of the most common issues in homes left closed for weeks. Unlike routine dusting, deep dust removal involves wiping down all surfaces, including rarely cleaned areas like ceiling fans, baseboards, window sills, and behind appliances.

HVAC vents need particular attention. Dust and debris can settle inside vents, impacting air quality and system efficiency. Cleaning service professionals will remove and sanitize vent covers and may replace filters to ensure the air circulation is fresh and allergen-free, which is especially important in Arizona’s climate.

Step 2: Kitchen and Bathroom Sanitizing

In any home cleaning service, kitchens and bathrooms require extra care, as they are high-use and moisture-prone areas where germs tend to accumulate. For homes recently closed, this stage includes wiping down all surfaces with hospital-grade disinfectants that are safe for home use. Sinks, countertops, cabinet fronts, and appliance exteriors receive detailed attention.

Refreshing the fridge and pantry is part of this phase, removing expired items, wiping down shelves, and disinfecting handles and knobs. Ensuring these areas are clean and odor-free prevents pests and maintains a hygienic environment.

Step 3: Hard Water Spot Prevention

Hard water is a common issue in North Scottsdale homes, often leaving mineral deposits and spots on fixtures and glass surfaces. A professional cleaning will include using products and techniques designed to dissolve and prevent these spots, leaving faucets, showers, and windows sparkling. Early prevention of hard water buildup can protect your home’s surfaces and maintain their appearance over time.

Step 4: Pest and Odor Checks

Even a short time away can lead to pest activity or unwanted odors developing inside a closed home. As part of a thorough professional house cleaning, the service includes inspecting common entry points and areas where pests may nest, such as basements, attics, and cabinets.

Odor checks involve identifying sources such as mold, mildew, or food residue, followed by appropriate treatments and ventilation to restore fresh air quality.

Step 5: Linen and Bedroom Reset

Bedrooms should feel like a personal sanctuary, especially after returning from a trip or period of absence. Fresh linens, clean pillowcases, and well-made beds contribute significantly to comfort. Professionals will launder and reset bedding, dust surfaces, and vacuum carpets or rugs, ensuring each bedroom is clean, welcoming, and odor-free.

Step 6: Room-by-Room Checklist for Pre-Arrival Scheduling

Good planning is key when scheduling home cleaning services, especially if you’re coordinating it just before you arrive back home.

Here’s a simple room-by-room checklist professionals often follow for homes:

Entryway & Living Areas: Dust, vacuum, wipe windows, and check vents.
Kitchen: Clean countertops and appliances, sanitize sink, and refresh fridge/pantry.
Bathrooms: Scrub and disinfect showers, tubs, and toilets; polish fixtures.
Bedrooms: Laundry and change linens, vacuum carpets, dust furniture.
HVAC & Vents: Clean filters and vent covers.
Special attention zones: Check for pests, hard water buildup, and odors.

Owners should coordinate timing so cleaning is completed shortly before they arrive to ensure the home remains fresh and tidy.

Why Choose Professional Home Cleaning Services?

Opting for professional house cleaning ensures a comprehensive, reliable cleaning process tailored to your home’s specific needs after extended closure. Experienced cleaning teams know which products are safest and most effective, handle sanitation and pest prevention meticulously, and follow quality controls for thorough, consistent results.

Moreover, trusted services offer open communication and often follow strict cleanup and follow-up protocols, giving homeowners peace of mind that their residence is ready to inhabit without hidden issues.

Take the Next Step Toward a Pristine Home

Returning to a home that has been closed up for weeks or months can be overwhelming without the right support. Through expert house cleaning, your living environment can be quickly restored to pristine condition with focused attention on dust removal, HVAC vents, kitchen and bathroom sanitization, hard water prevention, pest and odor checks, and linen reset. Following a detailed room-by-room checklist ensures nothing is overlooked before you set foot inside. If you’re ready to experience a fresh start in your North Scottsdale home, contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today to schedule your comprehensive home cleaning and get your property guest-ready.

What to Expect From a Premium House Cleaning Service in AZ

Wed, 27 Aug 2025 15:57:59 GMT

Keeping your home pristine requires time and effort—something many busy homeowners in North Scottsdale, AZ may lack. That’s where premium house cleaning in North Scottsdale, AZ comes in. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, we provide top-tier cleaning solutions tailored to your needs, ensuring every corner of your home shines.

But what exactly should you expect from a professional cleaning service? Let’s walk through a typical session, including deep cleaning, room-by-room tasks, and special requests.

Deep Cleaning: The Foundation of a Spotless Home

A premium cleaning service starts with a thorough deep cleaning to tackle built-up grime, dust, and hidden dirt. Our team focuses on:

Kitchens : Degreasing stovetops, sanitizing countertops, cleaning inside appliances, and polishing stainless steel.
Bathrooms : Scrubbing tiles, disinfecting sinks and toilets, descaling showerheads, and removing soap scum.
Living Areas : Dusting ceiling fans, wiping baseboards, vacuuming upholstery, and mopping hard floors.

Deep cleaning ensures your home not only looks fresh but is hygienic for your family.

Room-by-Room Cleaning: Attention to Detail

Every home is unique, and a premium service adapts to your space. Here’s how we handle each room:

Bedrooms

Changing linens (upon request)
Dusting furniture and decor
Vacuuming carpets or mopping floors

Kitchens

Wiping down cabinets and appliances
Cleaning inside the microwave and oven
Emptying trash and replacing liners

Bathrooms

Mirrors and glass surfaces streak-free
Toilets sanitized inside and out
Floors mopped with appropriate cleaners

Living & Dining Areas

Dusting electronics and shelves
Vacuuming under furniture
Polishing wood surfaces

We use marble-safe products and other specialized cleaners to protect your surfaces while delivering a sparkling finish.

Special Requests: Customized for Your Needs

Beyond standard cleaning, premium services often include special requests, such as:

Stainless steel polishing for a fingerprint-free shine
High-dusting for ceilings and crown molding
Inside-window cleaning for streak-free views
Eco-friendly products for homes with pets or allergies

At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, we listen to your preferences to ensure your home is cleaned exactly how you like it.

Why Choose NorthStar for Your House Cleaning in North Scottsdale, AZ?

We combine reliability, expertise, and personalized care to exceed expectations. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, our team ensures your home is spotless—every time.

Ready to experience the difference? Contact us today ! Let NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services handle the cleaning while you enjoy more free time in your immaculate home.

How to Prepare Your Home for the Holidays with Professional Cleaning Services

Fri, 06 Dec 2024 19:05:56 GMT

The holiday season is just around the corner, and it's time to start thinking about getting your home ready for guests. Hosting family and friends can be stressful, but with the help of professional cleaning services, you can make sure your home is ready to welcome guests. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services offers house cleaning services in North Scottsdale, AZ , and we're here to help you get your home holiday-ready!

Preparing Your Home for the Holidays

Preparing your home for the holidays involves a lot of cleaning and organizing. Here are some tips on how to get your home ready for guests:

1. Declutter

Before you start cleaning, declutter your home. Get rid of things you don't need or use anymore. This will make cleaning easier and more efficient.

2. Deep clean

Once you've decluttered, it's time to deep clean your home. This includes cleaning bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms, and living areas. A professional cleaning service can help with this.

3. Organize

Organize your home, so it's easy to find things when guests arrive. This includes tidying up your closet, pantry, and other areas of your home.

4. Decorate

Add some holiday cheer to your home by decorating. This includes putting up a tree, hanging lights, and adding other festive decorations.

Why Professional Cleaning Services Are Essential

Holidays bring joy, cheer, and a lot of work. Professional cleaning services can help you in many ways. Firstly, they can save you time and effort. With a professional cleaning service, you can focus on other important things and leave the cleaning to the experts. Secondly, a clean home creates a welcoming environment for guests. Imagine walking into a clean, fresh-smelling home. It feels good, doesn't it? Thirdly, professional cleaning services can help you reduce stress. Hosting guests can be stressful, but you can take one thing off your plate by hiring a cleaning service.

Why Choose NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services

NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services is a family-owned and operated business that has been serving the North Scottsdale area since 1995. We have over 29 years of experience in providing professional cleaning services. Our team of experts is licensed, bonded, insured, and locally owned, ensuring that you get the best service possible.

We offer a variety of residential home cleaning services tailored to fit your lifestyle, including deep cleaning, move-in/move-out cleaning, and recurring cleaning. With NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your home is in good hands.

Get Your Home Holiday-Ready with NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services

Don't let the stress of hosting guests ruin your holiday season–call NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today at (480) 488-3489 . We offer house cleaning services in North Scottsdale, AZ, and we're here to help you prepare your home for guests. Contact us to book your pre-holiday home cleaning services and get your home ready for the holidays!

Does it matter if a house cleaning service is licensed, bonded, and insured?

Fri, 18 Oct 2024 04:12:40 GMT

Let’s explore the benefits of hiring a licensed, bonded, and insured house cleaning service like
NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services:

1. Professionalism and Quality Assurance

Hiring a licensed company ensures you get a team that adheres to industry standards and
regulations. Such companies often invest in the professional training of their staff and use
high-grade cleaning equipment and products. The result? A deeper, more thorough clean, tailored
to your specific needs.

2. Financial Protection

Accidents happen. If a cleaner damages something in your home or sustains an injury, the
insurance will cover the costs. This protects you from potential financial liabilities and gives you
peace of mind. For instance, if a cleaner accidentally breaks an expensive vase or injures
themselves while cleaning your property, the company’s insurance will cover the replacement
costs and medical bills, respectively.

3. Reliability and Trust

Licensed, bonded, and insured companies have a reputation to uphold, which means they are
likely to conduct thorough interviews before hiring their employees. This means you can trust the people entering your home. Knowing that the staff has been vetted and trained can give you a sense of security, as these companies are committed to delivering a trustworthy service.

4. Legal Compliance and Peace of Mind

Knowing your house cleaning service is legally compliant reassures you that your home is in good
hands. These companies adhere to local laws and regulations, ensuring that their services meet
specific standards. If there’s ever an issue, you have legal recourse, which isn’t the case with
unlicensed services. Hiring a legally compliant business also protects you from any tax consequences associated with hiring individuals.

5. Customized Cleaning Plans

Licensed services often provide customized cleaning plans tailored to your specific needs.
Whether you need a deep clean before a big event, regular maintenance, or specialized services
(like carpet cleaning or window washing), they have the expertise and flexibility to adapt to your
requests.

6. Health Benefits

Professional cleaners use products and techniques that can effectively eliminate dust, allergens,
and bacteria, creating a healthier living environment. They know the right products to use for
different surfaces, ensuring your home is not only spotless but also safe from harmful residues.

7. Time Savings

One of the most significant advantages is the time you save. Hiring professionals allows you to
focus on more important aspects of your life, such as spending time with family or pursuing
personal interests, rather than spending hours cleaning. Choosing a company like NorthStar
Cleaning & Property Services isn’t just about cleanliness; it’s about security, reliability, and peace
of mind. It's an investment in your home and your well-being.

What are you waiting for?
Opting for a family-owned and operated local house cleaning business like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services in Scottsdale, AZ, offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just a clean home. From personalized service and community support to trust, reliability, and peace of mind protections, these businesses provide a level of care and commitment that is unmatched. By supporting them, you are not only ensuring a spotless home but also contributing to the well-being and prosperity of your community while protecting yourself and your most important investment.

Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today at (480) 488-3489 to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home sparkling clean!

The Benefits of Choosing a Family-Owned Local House Cleaning Business: Spotlight on NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services

Tue, 24 Sep 2024 21:20:51 GMT

When it comes to keeping your home spotless, the choice of a cleaning service can make all the difference. Opting for a family-owned and operated local business like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services in Scottsdale, AZ, offers numerous advantages that go beyond just a clean home. Here’s why supporting such a business is a win-win for everyone involved.

1. Personalized and Attentive Service

Family-owned businesses like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services pride themselves on offering personalized and attentive service. Unlike larger corporations or chains, they take the time to understand your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that every cleaning session is tailored to your satisfaction. This personal touch often leads to a more thorough and enjoyable experience.

2. Deep Community Roots

Choosing a local family-owned business means supporting your community. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services is deeply embedded in Scottsdale, AZ contributing to the local economy and creating jobs for residents. Your patronage helps sustain these businesses, fostering a sense of community and mutual support.

3. Trust and Reliability

Family-owned businesses often build their reputation on trust and reliability. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services is no exception. With a commitment to high standards and customer satisfaction, you can trust that your home is in good hands. Their long-standing, 30-year, presence in the community is a testament to their dedication and reliability.

4. Commitment and Passion

The passion and commitment of family members running the business are palpable. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, this dedication translates into meticulous attention to detail and a genuine desire to exceed customer expectations. Their pride in their work ensures that you receive top-notch service every time.

5. Long-Term Vision and Stability

Family-owned businesses often have a long-term vision and stability that larger corporations may lack. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services is built on shared family values and goals, providing a stable and consistent service that you can rely on for years to come. This stability is reassuring for customers who seek dependable and continuous service.

6. Flexibility and Adaptability

One of the standout benefits of a family-owned business is its ability to be flexible and adaptable. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services can quickly adjust to your changing needs and preferences, offering a level of responsiveness that is hard to find in larger companies. Whether you need a last-minute cleaning or a customized service plan, they are ready to accommodate.

7. Supporting the Local Economy

By choosing NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, you are directly contributing to the local economy. Your support helps keep money within the community, promoting economic growth and stability. This local focus ensures that your investment benefits your neighbors and the broader Scottsdale, AZ area.

What are you waiting for?

Opting for a family-owned and operated local house cleaning business like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services in Scottsdale, AZ, offers numerous benefits that extend beyond just a clean home. From personalized service and community support to trust, reliability, and flexibility, these businesses provide a level of care and commitment that is unmatched. By supporting them, you are not only ensuring a spotless home but also contributing to the well-being and prosperity of your community.

Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today at (480) 488-3489 to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home sparkling clean!

The Benefits of Hiring a Professional House Cleaning Service in Scottsdale, AZ

Fri, 30 Aug 2024 04:54:50 GMT

In the fast-paced world we live in today, finding time to clean your home can be a challenge. Whether you're juggling work, family responsibilities, or personal commitments, keeping your living space spotless often takes a backseat. That’s where professional house cleaning services come in. For residents in Scottsdale, AZ, NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services offers a solution that not only saves you time but also enhances your quality of life. Here’s why hiring a professional house cleaning service is a smart investment.

1. Time-Saving Convenience

One of the most significant benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service is the time it frees up. Instead of spending your weekends scrubbing floors or dusting shelves, you can focus on what truly matters, spending quality time with your family, pursuing hobbies, or simply relaxing. NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services takes care of the cleaning, allowing you to enjoy a well-deserved break.

2. Expertise and Experience

Cleaning might seem straightforward, but achieving a truly deep clean requires skill and knowledge. Professional cleaners are trained to tackle all areas of your home efficiently and effectively. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, our team uses the latest cleaning techniques and high-quality products to ensure every nook and cranny of your home is spotless. From stubborn stains to hidden dust, we’ve got it covered.

3. Customized Cleaning Plans

Every home is unique, and so are its cleaning needs. A professional cleaning service like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services offers customized cleaning plans tailored to your specific requirements. Whether you need a one-time deep clean or regular maintenance, our team will work with you to create a plan that fits your schedule and preferences.

4. Healthier Living Environment

A clean home is a healthy home. Dust, allergens, and bacteria can accumulate quickly, leading to potential health issues, especially for those with allergies or respiratory conditions. Professional cleaners work to eliminate these harmful elements, creating a safer and healthier environment for you and your family.

5. Attention to Detail

Professional cleaners have an eye for detail that’s hard to match. They focus on the small things that often go unnoticed in a DIY cleaning routine. From baseboards to window sills, NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services ensures that every part of your home is meticulously cleaned, leaving it looking pristine.

6. Consistent Results

One of the challenges of cleaning your own home is maintaining consistency. Life gets busy, and sometimes cleaning gets pushed aside. By hiring a professional service, you can count on consistent, high-quality results every time. NorthStar’s reliable team will ensure your home remains clean and welcoming week after week.

7. Peace of Mind

There’s something to be said for the peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is in good hands. Professional cleaners are licensed, insured, and bonded, providing you with an extra layer of security. You can trust NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services to treat your home with the utmost care and respect, allowing you to relax and enjoy a clean, comfortable living space.

What are you waiting for?

Investing in a professional house cleaning service is more than just a convenience, it’s a way to improve your quality of life. For Scottsdale residents, NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services offers top-notch cleaning solutions tailored to your needs. Let us take the stress out of cleaning so you can focus on what truly matters.

Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today at (480) 488-3489 to learn more about our services and how we can help keep your home sparkling clean!

Reasons to Opt for a Home Cleaning During the Pandemic

Tue, 26 May 2020 18:46:53 GMT

The pandemic is taking a toll on everyone's lives in different ways. You may work and educate your child from home now. Maybe you're waiting for that call to come back to work. On the other hand, if you have health conditions, avoiding the virus might be your greatest concern. No matter your situation, a cleaning service can help during these trying times.

Reduce Stress

You have a home, possibly work, and other responsibilities to focus on right now. If you hire a cleaning service, you have one less stressor to worry about — keeping your home tidy. You might only want to hire a cleaning company for deep cleaning, which can still take some of the pressure off of you.

Stay Organized

If you're trying to stay organized with everyone at home, you know it's a struggle. A housecleaning service can assist you with staying organized when you feel like cleaning is an on-going task that you can't seem to keep up with.

When you're working from home, you may struggle to keep all of your supplies organized and your office clean. With all of your other tasks, you might not find the time to keep your home office organized, especially if you're using it for your classroom as well. However, a cleaning service allows you to remain focused on your work and not worry about the mess that's surrounding you.

Save Time

Daily household chores and deep cleaning take time and so do all of your other responsibilities. A cleaning service saves you time so that you can complete all of your other responsibilities with less of a problem.

Enjoy Your Family More

The responsibilities of life take away for what matters most to you — your family. You have more time to spend with them when you hire a cleaning service to take care of the cleaning for you, whether you choose to hire one for heavy cleaning or your usual housework. When you reduce your workload around the house, you feel calmer. You're able to soak in every moment with your loved ones that you can.

Reduce Viruses and Bacteria in Your Home

Bacteria and viruses can live on your home's surfaces. Once you touch the contaminated surfaces, you can introduce them to your body. Your family can spread viruses and bacteria between one another from microbes living on the surfaces in your home.

Each bacteria and virus is viable for a different amount of time. While some die almost instantly when they come in contact with sunlight, others survive possibly up to weeks.

A home cleaning service understands that proper processes to thoroughly remove bacteria and viruses from your home using standard products and procedures. You and your family are less likely to become sick when you remove these harmful microbes from your home.

Use Your Extra Time for "Me" Time

If you hire a cleaning company, the staff takes some of the burdens of household chores away from you, freeing up some of your time. You may use this extra time as quality time for yourself. Some activities you could use your "me" time for include:

Reading
Taking a long, hot shower
Gardening
Going for a walk

By scheduling a cleaning service, you can have alone time and focus on making the most of life right now. Moreover, you can reduce viruses and bacteria in your home to stay healthy. The benefits of home cleaning run deeper than just having a home you feel comfortable in.

Schedule a house cleaning from NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services, serving Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree, and Paradise Valley, AZ by contacting us today.

What Are the Differences Between Cleaning, Disinfection, and Sanitization?

Thu, 23 Apr 2020 14:22:51 GMT

Should you clean, disinfect, or sanitize your home? If you're not sure what the differences are between these common household activities, take a look at the questions to ask before you schedule a home cleaning service.

What Is Home Cleaning?

Your clean home sparkles and shines. But what does it really mean to "clean" an interior residential space? As a broad or general term, home cleaning includes:

Hard surface debris removal. Dust, grime, and gunk can build up on hard surfaces. A professional cleaning service will use detergent, soap, chemical cleansers, sponges, or cloths/towels to physically remove surface debris.

Soft surface debris removal. Hard surfaces aren't the only area that requires home cleaning. Dust and debris may build up on carpets, area rugs, bed linens, curtains, upholstered furniture, and other soft surfaces. The home cleaner may wipe down or vacuum these surfaces.

Germ removal. Along with dust and daily buildup, surface cleaning also physically removes some microorganisms. This doesn't mean cleaning kills germs. Instead, this process wipes or moves some germs away or off of the surface.

Mark or stain removal. When a home cleaner scrubs the surface of a table, wall, or another area, they may remove more than just dust and dirt. Home cleaning also includes the removal of noticeable marks (such as your child's stray crayon drawing on a wall) and stains.

Odor removal. Regular home cleaning can also remove the odd odors your pet or everyday life cause.

Even though cleaning can reduce dust, debris, stains, and some germs, it isn't the same activity as disinfection or sanitization. To keep your family safe and healthy, you may need to dig deeper into the differences between home cleaning, disinfection, and sanitization. The more you know, the better able you are to decide which services match your home's needs.

What Is Disinfection?

You want a clean home that does more than sparkle and shine. Even though the aesthetic aspects of home cleaning are important to you and your family, germ removal is also essential. If you're not sure which service (or services) to schedule, disinfection:

Kills germs. If you have concerns about viral or bacterial particles in your home, disinfection can reduce the risks of infection. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), while disinfection kills germs it won't always remove them from surfaces.

Won't necessarily clean your home. Disinfection is a way to reduce or eliminate the number of live microorganisms in your home. Even though it kills at the microscopic level, it won't necessarily remove grime, buildup, or stains.

Requires chemicals. An EPA-registered disinfectant can help to disinfect your home's surfaces. Homemade products and cloths/towels won't disinfect your home.

Along with the right types of products, disinfection may require the chemical to sit on a surface for a specific amount of time. A professional cleaning contractor should know which EPA-registered products to use and how long the disinfection process should take.

What Is Sanitization?

Disinfection and sanitization are two words often used interchangeably. Even though both activities can reduce the spread of disease in your home, sanitization:

Includes germ reduction. Unlike disinfection (which kills all the germs on a surface), sanitization focuses on microorganism reduction. This means the cleaner will decrease the number of viral or bacterial particles on a home surface but won't necessarily eliminate them completely.

Is a gentler process. Germ reduction may not require harsh chemicals. Even though this process goes beyond wiping dust or debris away, it is often seen as gentle in comparison to full disinfection.

Is an activity to consider for low-germs surfaces. You'll want to disinfect bathroom surfaces or anything contaminated by microorganisms. But you can discuss the possibilities of sanitizing other types of surfaces.

While sanitization can help to reduce germs, if someone in your home is or was recently sick, talk to your cleaning contractor about the benefits of disinfection.

Do you need help cleaning your home? Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for more information.

Tips to Keep a Clean House During COVID-19

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 19:28:14 GMT

Now that the Coronavirus (COVID-19) has begun to spread rapidly, and several states are under a "Stay at Home” order, many of us are stuck at home around the clock. Many have children, older adults, or at-risk family members with them. We encourage everyone to continue to follow the CDC’s Steps for Preventing Illness. In addition to 6 feet of social distancing and mindful hand washing, here are some additional tips to help control the spread of germs and bacteria in your home.

Forgotten Surfaces

Make sure to disinfect places that you touch often but maybe do not think about much. Wipe down those doorknobs, light switches, keyboards, and computer mouses . Clean your remotes, video game controllers and console buttons, and TV buttons. Disinfect AC buttons, heater adjustments, and window blind wands. Don't forget cabinet knobs, toothbrush holders, and faucet handles!

If you are at home with small children, remember to bleach places they touch (or even lick or bite) like chair and table legs, underneath coffee tables, and window sills. Of course, wash toys in soapy hot water or wipe down with a trusted cleaning agent. If the toy is dishwasher-safe, the dishwasher can be a great way to sanitize.

If you have kiddos that like to sample your pet's food or water, you should regularly disinfect the pet bowls and mats.

These are places that can often be missed in regular cleaning and contain the most germs since many members of the household use them and they aren't disinfected regularly.

Hand Towels

Whether in the kitchen or bathroom, families share hand towels after they wash hands. To limit the growth and spread of germs, you should wash your hand towels every three days for healthy families, and every day for anyone inflicted with sickness. Follow the correct washing instructions for the item, but wash in hot water to disinfect whenever possible.

Remember to wash bath towels, ove n mitts, and drying mats in hot water as well!

An added laundering agent like bleach or laundry sanitizer may also be helpful for your family.

Essential Oils

While the stores seem to be completely out of, or have limited stock of items like sanitizing wipes, and hand sanitizer, you can use simple recipes to make your own. As desired, add an essential oil! Many essential oils have their own disinfectant properties, like lavender, tea tree, cinnamon, peppermint, and eucalyptus.

Hand Sanitizer

Combine 1/2 cup of 70% or higher rubbing alcohol, 1/4 cup of aloe vera gel, and 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender is highly recommended, as the plant also has a calming effect through smell). Mix well. Pour into a bottle or dispenser. Label with the date.

You may want to add 1/4 cup (or less) of water to mixtures with higher alcohol content.

Empty hand soap or lotion bottles are great ways to store and dispense the homemade hand sanitizer.

Sanitizing Wipes

Mix well 2 cups of warm, soapy water, 1 cup of at least 70% rubbing alcohol, and 1-2 drops of your favorite essential oils (tea tree oil is great for this)! In an airtight container, add the mixture and a roll of paper towels. Make sure the mixture soaks through each level of the towels, and don't forget to close the container tight so that your wipes stay moist for as long as possible!

Mindfulness about germs and surfaces we touch regularly is imperative to an in control and clean household. If you would like to hire a reputable company to clean your home, rental property, or vacation home, please contact us at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services. Together we can keep each other healthy and get through this new normal. Stay safe out there!

How a Professional Cleaning Makes Rentals More Profitable

Wed, 26 Feb 2020 20:20:59 GMT

Rental properties should earn a profit, but they need the owners to invest money in them occasionally to make their earning efforts successful. Sensible investments not only protect the building and give it more rental appeal but also reduce expenses. Deep cleaning services are an example of a sensible investment, and the effort can help property owners in many ways.

#1. Protect the Flooring

Replacing the flooring in-between tenants can be an expensive task. Deep cleaning often prevents the need for new carpet, tile, or hardwood because it rejuvenates the material. Professional cleaning services can remove stains that dull the finish of solid surfaces and the color of carpets. The cleaning can also remove unwanted odor.

A lease that includes the right of the property owner to send a cleaning service into the rental once or twice a year could also extend the life of the flooring. Dirt can damage carpet fibers or get into cracks and gaps in tile or wood floors. Untended stains can mat carpets and discolor other surfaces. Deep cleaning can prevent a lot of this damage.

#2. Wash the Walls

It is not always necessary to repaint every wall between each tenant. A professional cleaning service can remove a lot of the scuffs and stains from the walls and leave behind the same bright and clean look as a new coat of paint. The service makes it possible to restrict the need for paint to areas of damage, so maintenance teams finish their work faster.

#3. Find Unexpected Problems

A thorough cleaning can uncover problems that were previously unnoticed. Examples of just two serious safety hazards possible include a frayed electrical cord behind a refrigerator or a leak in a bathroom the tenant never mentioned. Issues like these can become much more expensive if left unaddressed.

Cleaning professionals can also help to detect small pest problems before they become large infestations. Fleas, for example, can quickly develop into a serious tenant complaint. One female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day and up to 2,000 eggs over her lifetime. Spiders, cockroaches, and many other pests are also always a concern.

#4. Remove Lingering Odors

Some smells need a professional deep cleaning to find and remove. A thorough cleaning service will address the entire residence, including HVAC ducts and vents, to remove all unappealing odors. People can often smell odors the most when they first enter a new space. Good cleaning ensures that the introductory smell appeals to the prospective tenant.

#5. Develop a Reputation

A reputation of only offering spotless rentals benefits every property owner. People respond positively to clean and organized home environments, which means they will notice if your rental property is freshly clean. The reputation of cleanliness and attention to detail can help you entice a more affluent rental base that may allow you eventually to increase rental prices.

#6. Save More Time

Time matters in the business world, especially for property owners when it involves empty rentals. Properties cannot earn money without tenants. Cleaning, even a deep cleaning, takes much less time than replacing the flooring and waiting for paint to dry. The rental becomes immediately available to rent, so the potential for profit increases.

Maintenance issues always arise, and all rentals need new paint and flooring eventually, but it is not always as often as it may seem. Professional cleaning services offer the opportunity to maintain your investment and save money at the same time. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services , we help property owners boost their profits and save time. Contact us to learn more about the services we offer.

How Can a Professional Cleaning Service Help Dog Owners?

Fri, 24 Jan 2020 17:10:20 GMT

Do you have dogs? If you think the mere presence of your four-legged friends means you can't have a clean house, take a look at the easy ways to keep your space nearly mess-free — with professional help.

Schedule Regular Cleaning Services

The fur your dog sheds and the muck they bring in from their walks outdoors can coat your home in an unsightly and unhealthy layer of doggie debris. How can you beat the mess? If you don't have time to constantly clean up after your pup, a professional may be the answer to your dog-debris woes. A regular professional cleaning service can:

Remove the fur. To remove pet fur and dander, you'll need to vacuum regularly. This includes the flooring and all soft surfaces or upholstery (furniture, décor, and window treatments). A regular cleaning service will remove fur and reduce the number of times you need to vacuum.
Clean the floors . Shedding fur isn't the only issue pet owners have. If your dog tracks in dirt and other debris, a professional can regularly clean hard and soft floors. This service keeps your wood, tile, or carpeted floors pristine and streak-free.
Reduce the odor. Does your dog leave behind a lingering odor? Whether your pup isn't housebroken or they smell like the great outdoors, regular professional cleaning can help to eliminate odors from your home.
Keep stains under control. What's the best way to prevent a pet urine stain? If you're not sure how to clean your pet's constant messes, a professional can stop stains before they start.

How often should you schedule regular cleaning services? The answer depends on your pet and your home's needs. Some pet owners need a weekly house cleaning, while others may need expert-level help more often. If you have a busy work schedule, children to care for, or other responsibilities, you may need frequent cleaning services to save time.

Book a Deep-Cleaning Service

Even though weekly cleaning services can reduce the pet mess and indoor odors, you may not need constant help in this area. Whether you have the time to clean up after your pup or your budget doesn't have room for weekly services, a once-in-a-while deep cleaning is an option to seriously consider.

Why schedule a professional deep-cleaning service? If you're a dog owner, this alternative can:

Give your home a clean reset. Have years of pet fur, mud, and muck left your home less than clean and pristine? Reboot your fresh home with a one-time deep clean. This removes the ground-in debris and lingering odors, leaving your home easier to clean in the future.
Remove stains. Do your carpets, floors, and upholstery have pet stains that you can't remove yourself? A one-time deep clean can remove or reduce these unsightly marks.
Get your home ready for guests. Show off your home to guests — minus the pet hair, stains, and smells. If you're having friends or family over for dinner or an overnight visit, hire a cleaning service for a one-time deep clean.

When you schedule your home's deep pet clean, let the professional know what areas you want them to focus on. If your dog destroyed your carpet or has made a mess of a specific room, tell the cleaner what needs the most attention right now.

Combine Services

While a deep cleaning can save money over time, sometimes it just won't do enough to keep your dog-filled home clean. What can you do to save money and maintain a fresh, healthy space? The easiest answer is to combine services.

Instead of scheduling regular cleaning or one deep clean, set up monthly or quarterly services. This strategy provides you with a professional-level clean, minus the weekly expense.

Do you need help cleaning up after your dog? Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for more information.

5 Reasons to Hire a House Cleaner for Elderly Relatives

Fri, 10 Jan 2020 20:00:27 GMT

Are you aiding with the care of an elderly loved one? More than 34 million Americans juggle this responsibility alongside their many other daily obligations and interests. This can be challenging, leaving most caregivers looking for ways to help lighten the load while still providing the best for their parents, grandparents, or relatives.

One easy, but often forgotten, way to help both yourself and your relative is to hire a professional house cleaner. Why should you do this? And how should you go about it? Here are a few simple reasons to take this step now.

1. Your Loved One Can't Do It Alone

As the body ages, most tasks get harder and harder. Keeping up a home becomes much more of a burden than it used to be.

What used to be a quick tidy up of the kitchen before bed might now take significantly more energy and work. As a person's eyesight becomes worse, it's harder to see and rid the house of dirt and dust. And even if they are aware of everything that needs to be cleaned, they simply may not have the ability to do much about it on their own.

2. Your Loved One May Be Injured

Attempting to keep up with cleaning and maintenance within the home may not just be difficult, it could also be dangerous. While the risk of injury while doing standard home care tasks may seem small, it will constantly rise as a person ages.

How can a person be injured? Reaching up and bending over repeatedly for daily cleaning jobs like vacuuming, dusting, and floor cleaning can cause or exacerbate back or neck issues. A person who is already experiencing some instability might actually fall and injure themselves. And stirring up dust or using cleaning chemicals can cause respiratory issues.

3. Sanitation Is a Health Issue

Your loved one's health is likely more fragile than ever. A home that is kept as sanitary as possible helps protect that health. But many older Americans can't see or remove some of the dirt and contaminants that build up in the home.

Assess how well your elderly relative is able to clean the home by giving particular attention to the kitchen and bathroom — spaces that are often the most contaminated in the entire house. The situation could be even worse during the dirty winter months or in homes that don't have sufficient lighting and ventilation.

4. You Shouldn't Take Up the Load

Are you, like many caregivers, gradually and almost imperceptibly ramping up how much you do to help out around the house? You probably are and you may not have noticed it.

Take stock of how many added tasks you've taken on in the last few months and years. This trend is unlikely to change in the future, so how much can you realistically do in addition to what you already are? What does it take out of your energy, time, and ability to do other things you need to do or enjoy? Reducing this trend now helps avoid problems of your own, such as frustration, resentment, or depression.

5. Everyone Can Enjoy Life More

Retirement years should be about doing the things that make a person happy. Can a simple act like hiring some help with the routine care of the home free up more time for your parent and their friends or family to enjoy time together? Can they replace the time spent cleaning out the refrigerator with time spent having ice cream with the grandchildren?

Identify what cleaning or maintenance tasks you or your grandparents enjoy and feel free to keep doing these as long as it’s safe. But as you identify things that they don't enjoy, outsource unwanted items to a house cleaner instead.

Which of these reasons is the most compelling in your family's circumstances? Why not take the time to tactfully discuss your concerns or ideas with your grandparent or elderly relative? At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services , our home cleaners can help. Call today to speak with an experienced professional who can help your family members stay happy and healthy by helping keep their environment clean.

How a Property Cleaning Service Can Improve Your Retirement

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 15:33:55 GMT

If you've hit retirement age, the time has come to sit back and relax or travel the world. But being around the house more often instead of at work all day means your house might get a little messier than you are used to. Retirement is for enjoying life, not suddenly becoming a maid. To that end, here's how hiring a residential cleaning or property management service can assist you in your retirement.

You Aren't Up to the Rigors of Cleaning

Retirement should be about enjoying the golden years, not worrying about back pain. You might have had no problem stooping over to do some dusting or mopping in your younger days, but as your body ages, these basic tasks will become more awkward and uncomfortable for you to handle. Bend over to scrub a floor for a while and you might end up with a sore back the rest of the day.

Bringing in professional help will ensure that every last part of your house gets the cleaning it deserves. You can simply rest up with your feet on the couch while a professional cleaning service tackles every last nook and cranny in your home.

You Want to Keep Yourself Out of Harm's Way

You may not want to clean because you just want to relax, but you may not be able to clean because it might not be safe. If your body is beginning to show the effects of aging, you may no longer want to spend all day racing up and down the stairs. Perhaps a medical condition keeps you from standing for extended periods of time.

Don't let yourself suffer a fall and sustain an injury while you are trying to clean your house. Let a professional worry about the stairs or moving from room to room. Put your feet up and relax while someone else makes sure your property is maintained in a way you can be proud of.

You Want to Keep the House Looking Great for Parties and Gatherings

Now that you've reached retirement, you’ll likely have more opportunities to invite over family members or old friends so you can catch up. But no one wants to invite guests over to a house that is not clean. A regular appointment with a residential cleaning company will ensure your house is always ready for the next big party or get together.

You Want Someone to Check in on Things While You Are Away

Some companies offer not just cleaning services but property management services as well. If you intend to travel the country or the world in retirement, you may want someone to periodically show up and collect the mail, verify your home’s security, keep an eye on vendors, run the critical systems or other similar tasks.

Retirement should be about finally enjoying the fruits of your labor, not being bent over dusting a tabletop or mopping the floor. By hiring a residential cleaning service, you can ensure that your home will always look great during your golden years. You can save your back from the strain of scrubbing or going up and down the stairs and you'll always be ready to host your next gathering of family or friends. Property management gives you that “peace of mind” that your home is in good hands while you are away.

NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services has been family owned and operated since 1995. Our company is licensed, bonded, and insured and will provide you with the top quality service that you deserve. Whether you want to keep your home looking great year-round or you just want someone to check up on things while you are away from home, we have you covered. Contact us today to get started.

Full Time Cleaning and Maintenance Needs of Part Time Homes

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 13:46:37 GMT

Seasonal homes enable families to have a vacation destination whenever they want. A home gives more comfort for extended stays than a hotel, but it lacks the full-time cleaning service available in a hotel room. Cleaning and maintenance protect properties so they keep their value. Owners of seasonal properties should consider hiring services for this purpose.

After a Stay

Homeowners may clean before they return to their main residence but can miss things. A visit by a cleaning service can take care of anything the owners missed. A full garbage can in the kitchen or food accidentally left behind in the refrigerator could cause the home to smell unpleasant by the time the residents return for their next break.

Hire a team to do a complete dust and vacuum service, wash all bedding, and clean the bathrooms. The visit also enables another person to inspect the home to make certain the family turned lights and appliances off, set the AC or heat to appropriate seasonal temperatures, and secured the doors and windows when they left. A simple inspection can avoid many types of potential damage.

The property owners may want a service that can monitor (house check) the home if it will stay empty through the summer months or extended periods of time. All properties need some summer monitoring protection, especially in Arizona. Areas of the most common concern are usually related to AC failures, pest intrusion, and water damage from broken connections or roof leaks.

During a Vacancy

Some seasonal homes sit empty for months and this puts them at risk of squatters and vandals, pest infestations, and potential property damage. Consider hiring a company that handles maintenance, monitoring, and cleaning. Tended landscaping, clean pools, and clean driveways make the house look less empty and may help to keep trespassers away.

Vandals and thieves target homes that seem empty, especially if the homes are in popular vacation areas. Break-ins draw less attention in vacant neighborhoods. A crime may stay unnoticed for days or weeks and complicate insurance claims or make it difficult to find the guilty party.

Squatters may take advantage of a home that stays empty for months. In Arizona, squatters must stay on a property for two years before they have any rights to the property, so adverse possession laws do not affect seasonal users. However, the owner may still face legal costs to remove people that have been on the property for several months.

A monthly cleaning service will air out the home to avoid stuffy, stale smells and keep your investment in a ready state. A house checking visit, weekly or bi-weekly, to inspect the interior and exterior may be all the home needs to keep things running as they should and identify issues quickly before they become large problems. A company that also performs maintenance services can respond quickly if plumbing, heating, pest or other problems develop.

Before a Visit

A special visit from the cleaning service just before the homeowner or their guests arrive for a stay will ensure the house is perfect. The cleaning service can make certain everything in the home gleams. The team can put on fresh bedding and put out towels. Furniture and cushions will go back on the patio, and anything turned off for the season is ready for use again.

Opening the house prior to your arrival will help to make certain that water heaters, HVAC systems, and all other plumbing and electrical systems work properly.

The tasks performed by cleaning services or property management companies help to make a seasonal home the restful retreat that it is intended to be. Families can arrive and enjoy their stay rather than perform household chores, meet with vendors or coordinate repairs. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services , we offer everything you need to keep your property safe and ready for use. Contact us today to learn more.

5 Tips for Keeping Your Rental Properties Pest-Free

Fri, 27 Sep 2019 08:56:05 GMT

Landlords are required to provide pest-free dwellings for their tenants to live in. If a pest problem occurs, landlords are normally responsible for correcting it. Not only are landlords legally responsible for pests, but they also have a good reason to stay on top of things: tenants do not want to rent a place that has pests, nor do they want to deal with a landlord that does nothing to prevent pests.

For these reasons and more, landlords have a very real incentive to keep their dwellings pest-free. But it takes work and dedication to do so. The following five tips are a few ideas for keeping your rental properties free of pests.

1. Educate Your Tenants

Since you can't inspect your rental property every day, your tenants are your first defense and your first warning system against pest infestations. Whenever a new tenant moves in, you need to educate them on pest prevention and the importance of:

Maintaining a clean and clutter-free property
Watching out for signs of pests
Alerting you or your property manager if they spot a potential issue

Good tenants are vital for preventing pest infestations. Be sure to screen your tenants carefully and educate all new renters about pest issues.

2. Have Regular Property Inspections

Regular inspections (Home Monitoring / House Checking) often uncover pest issues and potential problems that can lead to pest issues. As a landlord, you should inspect your property at least on a bi-weekly basis. In addition to looking for signs of pests, you should look for upkeep and cleaning issues, as well as cracks in the walls, floors, or foundation through which pests can enter the home. Standing water can also be a beacon for pests.

Pay special attention to the cleanliness of the home. If the tenants are not caring for the property as they should, consider adding a housecleaning service appointment as part of the rental contract.

3. Maintain an Extermination Schedule

A regular extermination schedule will prevent new infestations and get rid of potential infestations before they take hold. For this reason, you should maintain a regular, preventative extermination schedule even if you've never seen the tell-tale signs of pests.

Exterminate your property on a monthly basis. If you see signs of pests, you may have to exterminate more frequently or utilize on-call service to immediately handle an issue (i.e. bees, pack rats, termites, ants).

4. Perform Annual Maintenance

Pests usually enter the home through entry points, such as cracks, vents, pipes, windows, and doors. You should perform annual inspections and maintenance on your rental properties to check these entry points. Check attics, basements, and entrances for places where pests can enter. If you find any, seal them up.

New caulk around a window can go a long way in warding off pest problems in the future. What's more, it's inexpensive!

5. Clean the Property Regularly

A clean rental property is inviting for potential renters and encourages return rentals and positive reviews. Provide tenants with proper bins for garbage disposal as well as the means to clean up after themselves. Routinely remove clutter, trash, or brush overgrowth when you spot them. If you see any nests or food sources for vermin when you're walking the property, take care of these as well. Again, consider adding a housecleaning service appointment as part of the rental contract to keep your rental in tip-top shape.

Pests can be difficult to get rid of, especially if you allow an infestation to flourish. If you want to be successful at keeping unwanted critters at bay, you must maintain a robust program for preventing, detecting, and getting rid of them.

Call NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services to find out more about what you can do to keep pests from taking up residence in your rental properties. If you do not have time to do the work yourself, we can help.

4 Common House Cleaning Mistakes

Fri, 23 Aug 2019 19:10:40 GMT

From basic maintenance and upkeep to improving the overall appearance and health of your home, regular house cleaning can be beneficial. Even though most people know how to sweep and do the dishes, cleaning properly requires a good amount of understanding and effort. Fortunately, help is available. With this guide, you will learn how to avoid a few common cleaning mistakes to ensure your home is not only clean and maintained but also appealing and healthy.

1. Doing It All Yourself

One of the most common mistakes people make is thinking they have to do all the cleaning themselves. In reality, cleaning your house in the most effective manner possible will take up a large amount of time, which you most likely do not have available. Therefore, consider hiring a cleaning service .

Cleaning professionals will handle household tasks, so you can spend your time elsewhere. You can choose to have quality time with your family, which is a priceless benefit, or invest your time on your own career or hobbies.

Having the time to spend with family/friends, work ing on your career, or enjoy ing hobbies instead of cleaning, may also reduce stress and anxiety levels as well. This improved emotional health ensures hiring professionals to clean the house will be a smart investment for you and your family.

2. Mixing Cleaning Solutions

Some cleaning products should not be mixed. For example, you may use products that contain bleach and ammonia to clean a shower's tile and glass doors, but this combination can be hazardous to your health.

While surprising to learn, inhaling bleach and ammonia together, especially in a small shower that does not have sufficient ventilation, can harm your respiratory system and even burn your throat.

Other dangerous combinations include using different types of drain cleaners together, hydrogen peroxide and vinegar, vinegar and bleach, and even baking soda and vinegar. Even though some of these products are considered natural, mixing them can irritate your skin, eyes, and airways all while possibly corroding your plumbing lines and fixtures.

3. Vacuuming First

If you are determined to clean yourself, you may have a preference on what order to clean different rooms and surfaces in. Unfortunately, this order may not be most effective for cleaning and maintaining a clean home.

Most experts recommend working from the top bottom. This means you should start cleaning your upper levels of the home first and work your way down towards the bottom level. This also means you should work from the top of a room to the floor, so saving the floors for the very last step is ideal. When you wipe down counters and dust furniture, you will also push dirt, dust, and debris down onto the floors. Instead of cleaning the floors first, mop or vacuum last so the floors will end up free of any dust and other residue s

4. Neglecting to Clean Your Cleaning Tools

Dirt, dust, food crum bs, and other debris will build- up on your brooms, dusting tools, and vacuum. If you continue to use these tools without cleaning them, you will only cause dust and dirt to circulate more through out the home.

To prevent this situation, follow these tips:

Knock off broom bristles regularly.
Shake off any dusting tools and replace them periodically.
Soak the mop heads in a hot, soapy solution, rinse, and allow them to dry before you reuse them.
Clean vacuum hoses and attachments every month or as necessary.
Empty the vacuum container or bag once a week.
Replace dish and other cleaning sponges every two weeks.

If you avoid these cleaning mistakes, you can easily keep a clean and appealing home without a great deal of time and stress. For assistance, contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today.

The Most Common Places You May Forget to Clean

Thu, 08 Aug 2019 03:19:46 GMT

How clean is your home? If you're like many homeowners, you probably think it's clean. But did you overlook an area (or maybe a few)? Take a look at the most common places people forget to clean and what you can do about this surprisingly messy situation.

The Baseboards

Even though your floors are spotless, does the surrounding area look the same? Unlike the floor, baseboards aren't always subject to a high soil level. While foot traffic doesn't reach the baseboard level, these accents still get dirty.

Dust, debris, shoe scuff marks, and other dirty messes can land on your baseboards when you don't pay attention. What can you do about this not-co-clean area of your home? To keep baseboards clean:

Hire a professional . What you miss, a professional cleaner won't. A cleaning contractor knows what to look for and how to clean it. These professionals will pay plenty of attention to your baseboards regularly.
Wipe once in a while . Maintain your baseboards in between regular professional cleanings. Wipe the area with a wet cloth and dry thoroughly.
Dry dust . If your baseboards tend to gather dust, use a dry cloth between professional deep cleans.

Now that you've got the bottom of each room covered, it's time to look up. Read on for more information on one of the most overlooked top of the room spaces.

Lighting Fixtures and Fans

It's likely you don't pay attention to your lighting fixtures and fans - until they break. But you shouldn't wait for a lightbulb to burn out or a fan to slow before you look up and take notice.

Lighting fixtures can gather dust, grime (especially in a greasy kitchen), or even insect debris. Likewise, dust and dirt can quickly cover your ceiling fan's blades. To clean ceiling lighting and fans:

Get extra help . Do you forget about your fixtures? A professional cleaning service contractor will remember. Ask the pro to routinely clean these areas, so you don't have to.
Use a ladder . If you do make regular attempts to clean fixtures or fans in between professional services, use a ladder to reach the ceiling. Never climb onto a chair to clean. This poses a safety risk.
Turn off the power . Never clean a lighting fixture or a fan while it's on. This also poses a serious safety risk.
Remove the fixture . Don't just clean the outside of the fixture. Remove the cap or other lightbulb cover to clean the inside. Wipe the interior and exterior and dry it thoroughly before you replace it.
Dust the tops of fan blades . A dirty fan spins and releases dust and allergens into the air. While you may only see the underside of the blades regularly, the tops also gather dust. Use a dry cloth to dust the tops of the blades or remove them to easily clean.

This cleaning service also helps homeowners who can't reach lighting fixtures or have prohibitive mobility issues. If you can't climb onto a ladder or reach your ceiling easily, the expert can safely tackle the job for you.

Shower Curtains

Why should you clean your shower curtain? Whether you have a vinyl curtain, cloth curtain, or both, this bathroom staple requires constant care. Without a regular deep clean your curtain:

Can grow mold . The moisture in your shower can sit on the curtain and result in allergy-inducing mold growth.
Can grow mildew . Even though mildew and mold are different substances, they often have a similar greyish appearance. Like with mold growth, moisture on your shower curtain can increase the likelihood of mildew.
Can look unappealing . You spent time and money on your bathroom décor. A dirty shower curtain distracts from the overall aesthetic.

Like with other areas of the home, this often overlooked area is something a professional will remember to clean and may even save you money. Instead of buying new curtain after new curtain (when the item grows mold or mildew), you can keep the same one for the long-run.

Do you need professional cleaning help? Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for more information.

Listing Your Second Home as an Airbnb? Tips for Optimal Maintenance.

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 06:02:15 GMT

When you have a second home that is in a popular tourist area, the lure of listing it as an Airbnb can be strong. If you've decided this will be the right fit for you and your earnings goals for the home, take the time to plan every aspect of treating this endeavor as its own business. You'll also need to plan for its maintenance and upkeep by following these essential tips.

Set Rules for Your Airbnb Rental

As the Airbnb rental website suggests, you have the power to set the rules for your property rental. If you don't want your guests doing things like consuming alcohol on your property, that’s okay to state that in the listing. Each Airbnb listing also has a section where you can list your house rules. You'll also want to print a copy for guests to read in the home itself.

Some house rule considerations that can help with the care and keeping of the home include:

State whether smoking is allowed in any areas of the home.
Be specific about any areas of the home that are off-limits.
Let guests know if eating isn't allowed in any areas.
Tell guests where to put dirty towels and linens.
Be clear about whether pets are welcome. If so, state which kinds of pets are okay.
Restrict the number of guests allowed in the home.

If any penalties exist for breaking the rules, be clear about that upfront. Strict house rules may mean that you miss out on doing business with some guests. On the other hand, setting rules can help attract the type of guests you want in your home.

Ask for a Security Deposit

Another way to ensure that guests don't damage your stuff is to ask for a security deposit in addition to the amount you charge for the stay. This can be a turn-off for some guests who may not have the extra cash, but this is one way to strongly encourage guests to treat your place well. Nobody wants to pay for damages.

Enlist the Help of an Airbnb Co-Host

Airbnb co-hosts are becoming more popular. The presence of a co-host can inspire guests to treat your property with greater care. That can ultimately make a huge difference in the upkeep of your property. Whether this decision is right for you will depend on several factors such as whether you find someone who's a fit for the co-host position and what your budget is.

A co-host is typically somebody you already know like a family member, close friend, or neighbor or someone you can hire like a realtor or property manager. Work with the co-host to determine what the responsibilities of each person will be and how the co-host will receive compensation and reimbursement for any out-of-pocket expenses. The co-host will interact with your guests and provide that extra level of personable service.

Always Check the Trash

Some guests may not follow rules that are in place like taking out the trash or putting the trash in the right place in the home. They may toss stuff in every trash can in the house. Always check the trash cans and the areas around trash cans for garbage. Not only can left-behind garbage frustrate the next guest, but food that's left out can attract pests that can damage your property.

Have Professionals Regularly Clean Your Airbnb

Invest in professional cleanings after each rental. Even if you don't mind cleaning up after guests, don't try to do it yourself. With their checklists and professional equipment, professional cleaners will know to clean areas you may miss.

One of the best long-term strategies for keeping your Airbnb rental home in top shape is finding a reliable professional cleaning service. Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today to learn more about our full-service home cleaning services. We are happy to customize our cleaning plan to best suit the needs for your Airbnb throughout the year.

How to Make Summer Break Less Stressful for Your Family

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 20:36:48 GMT

Are your kids out of school for the summer? Balancing your work life with your children's open summer can be stressful. How do you keep everyone entertained and productive over the next three months?

With the following tips, you can make your summer break more enjoyable and leave the stress behind.

1. Start with a List

Look up local camps, classes, and festivals you would like your kids to go to. Sign up for volunteer opportunities and plan a few free days for your children. Plan only one event per day and pencil those events into your calendar. Set reminders so you can arrange pick-up and drop-off times or take a day off work if needed.

You can also ask your kids what they would like to do over the summer and write those things down on your list. Depending on what works best for your family, you can plan the entire summer in one sitting or plan on a weekly or monthly basis.

2. Plan and Organize Various Day Trips

You may not be able to take the entire summer off work, but you do not have to miss out on quality family time. Stay close to home and plan one or two-day trips a month — aim for one during the week and one on a weekend so you can save some of your paid time off for the holiday months.

Plan outdoor hikes, walks through local museums, visits to the zoo or aquarium — whatever interests you and your kids! You can even host a backyard movie night at home if you'd like.

3. Arrange Activities with Your Friends or Neighbors

You can still keep your kids active and entertained even when you have to work. Talk with your friends and neighbors and schedule some playdates or activities over the summer. Send your children to a family friend's house for backyard water games one day. On another, have your friend's kids come to your house for a campout.

4. Look for Discounts

The summer season can get expensive quickly. You will likely need to pay for extra groceries, trips to the movie theater, or shopping excursions, but you do not have to drain your wallet to keep your household running.

Look for discounts to maximize your savings. Shop the ads and stock up on groceries when they are on sale. Send your kids to the movies for an early-bird or matinee showing. Check out Groupon (or another coupon app) to get more discounts on group activities.

5. Meal Prep for the Week

Your family needs to eat during the summer, and because your kids do not have school, they will likely be home for every meal. Spend one day a week (either a weekday or weekend) and meal prep for the coming week.

Create a meal plan and shopping list, and stock your fridge and pantry with prepared breakfasts, lunches, and snacks your kids can just grab on the go.

6. Hire a Cleaning Service

Instead of worrying about your home's cleanliness this summer, hire a cleaning service to tackle the task for you. Professionals offer various cleaning services that fit your needs, schedule, and budget.

Book a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly cleaning for the entire summer so you can enjoy time with your family instead of stressing about the state of your home.

Use the tips listed here to make the most out of this time you have with your kids. Once they start school again, they will have countless stories to share with their classmates, and you can feel proud of a summer well planned. Start enjoying your summer today!

Remodel Messes: Tips for Cleaning Up Before and After

Mon, 13 May 2019 20:28:05 GMT

Remodels increase value and make homes more functional and attractive. Unfortunately, they also make a huge mess. The dust and debris during and after a remodel can cause homeowners to question their decision. While no construction project will be tidy, you can do things to reduce the mess and make the final cleanup easier.

Contractors will often add cleaning services to the contract if a client wants this type of assistance. If you plan to do your own remodel and cleanup, however, use the tips listed below to make your life a little easier.

Prepare Before the Work Starts

Unless adequate storage space exists in your home, your first step should be to rent a storage unit. Do not try to store belongings in a garage where the boxes could block access to tools. Instead, use the opportunity to sort through stuff and throw out or give away anything not needed. Pack before you choose a rental so you get the right size storage unit.

Next, cover difficult-to-remove items like large pieces of furniture with a heavy drop cloth. The cloth will reduce the dust on the furniture and prevent any scratches. Try to at least move these items to an area in the home where work will not take place.

To keep the rest of your home clean, invest in protective coverings. Duct film keeps vents cleaner, and window protection film cuts down on the dust on glass and provides a layer of protection from airborne debris. Products like these will self-adhere to the surface but won’t leave any sticky residue when you remove them.

Use carpet protection tape or floor protection rolls, which are thick sheets of plastic, to cover floors and prevent scratches. Make paths from the work area to exit doors and the bathroom so workers and household members don’t track dust through the home.

Stay Attentive During the Remodel

While the work takes place, close all doors and use tarps or plastic sheeting across openings. The barriers prevent most of the dust from drifting into other rooms. Always clean up the work area at the end of the day. This effort prevents people from tracking the mess into other rooms. Debris left behind is also a tripping hazard.

If possible, open the windows and screens in the work area. Install a fan in the window, and aim it to blow the air out. The suction from the fan can help to pull out some of the airborne dust. Another alternative is an air scrubber. Home improvement stores often rent this type of equipment. Look for a HEPA scrubber for the most efficient removal of debris and odors from the air.

Clean Everything After the Remodel

The lightweight dust produced by floor sanders and during drywall installation sticks to everything. Wipe down all ceilings, walls, light fixtures, and window trim with a damp cloth. Use a soft, dry cloth for this purpose on any freshly painted surfaces. Also, replace or clean all filters on HVAC systems.

Next, clean or replace light bulbs. Always remove the bulbs before cleaning them because water and electricity do not mix. Vacuum everything including window screens so any dust on the screen does not blow back into the home. Use a commercial vacuum because the fine dust can damage the motors on a traditional home vacuum.

Finally, carefully remove drop cloths and tarps from the furniture. Fold the material towards the center to keep dust inside. Then, take the cloth outside to shake off the dust.

A remodel is a lot of work and inconvenience, and the idea of several more days of physical labor to clean the entire house can seem undesirable. Instead, call us. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services , our experts can remove the dust and debris so you can have the clean home you want. Contact us today to learn more.

Home Gyms and Sickness: Why Cleaning Is Essential

Fri, 12 Apr 2019 01:49:33 GMT

A home gym can be a quiet place where you go to relax and exercise after a hard day at work. However, if you've felt sick the last few times you've worked out, you may not be sure why. Unfortunately, your basement may be dirty and contaminated with items like mold and bacteria. Thankfully, professional cleaning can help you avoid the health dangers caused by these issues.

Home Gyms May Have Many Health Hazards

A home gym has many benefits. You can work out in peace away from your family, play music as loudly as you want, and keep your kids away from your equipment. Unfortunately, home gyms and especially those located in basements — even finished ones — are prone to growths like mold and bacteria, growths that may respond to the moisture in your gym.

When mold and bacteria grow in dirty home gyms, there's a good chance other infections can find a way to make a home there. The most common of these health problems include:

Bacteria infestation, including E.coli
Viral infection, including the flu
Asthma attacks and other respiratory issues
Allergic reactions to mold and mildew

These diseases ruin what should be a fun and relaxing experience in your home gym. Therefore, you need to contact a professional cleaner the moment you notice any mold or mildew in your gym or if you feel unexpectedly sick after a workout session.

Regular Cleaning Is Essential

Professional cleaning of your gym will successfully destroy mold, bacteria, viruses, and mildew and prevent them from coming back. For example, proper cleaning services can identify where these infestations originate and weed them out of your area with a focused cleaning attack.

The elimination of these contaminating elements shouldn't be a DIY job. The difficulty is too high for most amateurs, who may easily miss moldy spots or provide improper treatment. Some might even use cleaners that remove but don’t kill mold spores. As a result, the mold and mildew may grow right back in your gym and cause more problems.

However, you can follow a few simple cleaning steps to help out the professionals. For example, you can regularly clean your exercise equipment to ensure that mold has nothing to eat in your gym. Follow these tips for specific pieces of exercise equipment:

All machines —Wipe down all of your exercise machines — such as treadmills or rowers — after every use. A simple cleaning solution can sanitize the area and eliminate the risk of mold.
Free weights — All of your weights — including kettlebells — should be wiped off at least once a week. Since these items don't absorb moisture, they require less frequent cleaning sessions.
Weight bars — Wipe down your weight bars when you clean your free weights — this will keep them sanitized and ready to use at all times.
Benches — Like your exercise machines, all basement-gym benches should be wiped down after every use. Unfortunately, your sweat may corrode the seat or invite mold and mildew.
Resistance bands — If you use resistance bands in your gym, try running them under warm soapy water once every few weeks to keep them from attracting mold.

Utilize a broad range of cleaning items on your home gym equipment to keep them safe. Sanitation wipes, vinegar, cleaners and deodorizers, microfiber towels, and dish soap all have a place in your equipment cleaning routine. And so should a professional basement cleaner: try to schedule service when you start to notice a musty smell in the area.

So if your home gym is starting to smell, or if you notice signs of mold and mildew, please don't hesitate to contact us at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services to get the help that you need. Our professionals will work hard to keep your home gym clean so that you can enjoy your gym in a safe and healthy environment.

Keeping Your Home Clean as a Busy New Parent

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 09:17:31 GMT

As soon as you bring home your new baby, life changes dramatically. You may have thought you were busy before, but suddenly you're even busier than you could have imagined. Tasks like cleaning your home take a back seat as you focus on feeding, diapering, and soothing your little one — and that's okay.

Cleaning should not be your main obligation right now — your baby should be. Thankfully, you can keep your home tidy with less effort so you can keep focusing on your little one.

Hire a Professional Cleaning Service

Some new parents might avoid hiring a cleaning service because they feel doing so is admitting defeat. However, hiring housecleaners could be the best thing for your body, your mind, and your baby. If you just gave birth, you need time to recover. You shouldn't move heavy beds to vacuum behind them or haul hefty trash cans to the street. Plus, you'll be better able to mentally focus on your child when your home is clean.

Many parents can benefit from having professional cleaners visit one to two times per week to handle major tasks like vacuuming, dusting, and wiping down counters. Cleaners can bring your garbage in and out on scheduled days. They can even pick up and drop off your laundry, so you and your baby always have fresh clothing and towels. You'll just need to do some basic tidying up between appointments.

Designate a Clutter Basket

Something probably nobody tells you about becoming a parent are that babies come with a ton of accessories. They need bottles, burping cloths, toys, blankets, creams, and so much more. You may end up with these items strewn from room to room. Before long, you don't know where anything is, and the home looks chaotic! An easy way to keep the clutter under control is with a clutter basket.

A clutter basket is a basket you keep in each room of your home. You can label the baskets as clutter if you like. When you come across an item that's out of place, you put it in that room's clutter basket.

Clutter baskets keep your rooms tidy, and when you search for an item, you know to check the clutter basket first. When you have a few spare moments, you can put items in the clutter baskets back in their places. But you don’t need to rush since the clutter basket keeps things somewhat tidy and organized in the meantime.

Tackle Little Tasks While Your Baby Naps

One reason why cleaning can seem so overwhelming to new parents is that you tend to look at cleaning the house as a huge, insurmountable task. However, breaking cleaning down into smaller tasks can make it seem less overwhelming and can make squeezing it in between feedings and playtime easier for you.

Once a week, sit down and make a master list of cleaning tasks you need to complete that week. These should be small tasks that take no more than 20 minutes to complete. For example, your tasks could be to vacuum the living room and unload the dishwasher.

Whenever you have a few spare minutes — perhaps while your baby naps — tackle a single cleaning task and cross it off your list. You'll slowly work your way through these tiny tasks without having to set aside an entire afternoon for cleaning.

As a new parent, you should be able to focus on your child, not on cleaning your home. Follow the simple tips above to keep your home clean with less effort, and contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services if you want house cleaning services in the Scottsdale, Cave Creek and Carefree area.

Calling Cards for Pests in Your Home

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 02:26:06 GMT

While certain pests will always find their way into your home occasionally, such as flies and ants, there are some ways you can prevent pest issues and infestations. By knowing some of the things that pests are attracted to, you can decrease your chance of dealing with a pest infestation in your home. Here are some of the things you can do to keep pests at bay.

Keep the Kitchen Clean

If a pest ventures in your home or is brought in on an item, you can decrease the chance of them feeling at home. If you provide the pests with an endless supply of food, the pests will probably stay long enough to breed, causing an infestation.

Some pests, such as ants, will even lead their friends into your home. Ants do this by leaving a scent trail to the food they find for the others to follow.

Pests don't need a lot of food to be happy in your home. Therefore, you may see a trail of ants leading to what you would consider a small crumb and a large pile of ants on the crumb. This is the very concerning part.

You must be diligent when it comes to cleaning your kitchen. Not only do the surface areas you see need to be cleaned regularly, but so do the hidden areas crumbs can end up, such as next to the refrigerator and even in your cupboards.

Keep the Carpet Vacuumed

If you don't eat in certain areas of your home, you may let the vacuuming slide until you see the time has come to vacuum the carpet. However, food foraging pests aren't the only ones you need to protect your home from. You also need to be concerned about pests such as fleas, ticks, and even bed bugs, which can be carried right into your home.

Regular cleaning of all your floors should take place to ensure you remove anything tempting as well as removing any pests and eggs that may be hidden in the fibers of your carpeting and rugs. You should also empty your vacuum bag or canister after each vacuum session to ensure pests don't crawl back out of the vacuum to reclaim their tenancy in your home.

Keep the Bathrooms Clean

The bathroom can provide an environment that pests like due to some of the hidden areas and moisture bathrooms tend to offer. The pests that are known to prefer bathrooms can be the ones many people fear, such as silverfish, spiders, scorpions, and centipedes.

Along with repairing leaks and drying up water, cleaning the bathrooms regularly can also help to prevent these pests from finding refuge in your bathrooms. Cleaning the bathroom should include getting those often-neglected areas, such as the cupboard under the sink, the interior of the cabinets, behind the toilet, and underneath everything in the bathroom.

Keep the Home Dusted

When you dust your home, not only are you removing allergens and making your home look nicer, but you are also moving things around, which can help keep some pests away. For example, most spiders like to build their webs in areas where things don't get disturbed often.

When you are dusting all your shelves, areas behind electronics, and other spots that tend to be forgotten, you are decreasing the likeliness of spiders feeling at home in your home.

Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for Help

If you want to know your home is properly cleaned so you can decrease your chance of dealing with a pest infestation, contact us for help. We will be happy to take care of your housecleaning and property services needs.

The Unseen Dirty Parts of a Home

Fri, 11 Jan 2019 13:45:55 GMT

While cleaning a home often includes your lived in areas, bathrooms, and kitchens, some of the smaller — but still noticeable — places are easy to forget.

With a professional cleaning service that understands these commonly overlooked spots, you can prevent embarrassing oversights. Learn about some of the common locations you might forget to check during your regular housecleaning.

Baseboards

Most people don't think to clean the baseboards because they are low to the ground and difficult to inspect regularly. However, baseboards in a home can get dirty quite fast. Keep in mind that sometimes the HVAC system and pets will contribute to the dirtiness of the baseboards.

Vents

Speaking of HVAC systems, remember that vents are another source of dirt in a home. When you use your heating system regularly in the winter or cooling system regularly in the summer, you may see an increase in allergens and dust in the air. Some of the dirt lingers around the venting, and the evidence will be found around the openings.

If you have venting in the floors, you will see some of the dirt accumulating there too.

Changing your filters regularly can help to cut down on the dust and keep your HVAC system running efficiently.

Behind and Under Appliances

Home appliances cover dirt and dust lingering just out of sight. If you aren't pulling the refrigerator, oven, and laundry machines away from the wall, you are missing some serious debris. The longer these areas go without cleaning, the more difficult they are to sanitize.

Ceilings

The ceilings — and the ceiling fixtures — are another easy area forget to clean. Ceiling corners, fan blades, and light fixtures all collect grime and dust.

Businesses that specialize in residential cleaning can help homeowners understand how important it is to reach these areas.

Walls

Walls are frequently overlooked, in spite of the fact that they are so apparent throughout the home. Dust particles adhere to and fall from the walls onto the floor, leading to unsightly buildup.

As part of cleaning the walls, you might overlook accessories like doorknobs and switch plates. These features collect grime and bacteria from frequent touching. Also, don’t miss or skip over scuff marks and holes where buildup occurs.

Stairs

If the home has stairs, pay close attention to the carpet or tiles facing you as you walk up the steps. The back part of the steps is easy to notice but also easy to overlook when you are cleaning.

While cleaning the stairs, banisters and handrails also require a scrub. After all, people touch them several times throughout the day, making them great places to collect bacteria.

Furniture

You probably want your furniture to look its best. Shampoo and vacuum furniture, including chairs and couches. Examine the bottoms of cushions and see if anything is unsanitary. Think about having leather furniture professionally cleaned and conditioned to maintain its attractiveness and durability.

Bathroom and Kitchen Floors

The floors in your kitchen and bathroom pose problems if not cleaned properly. Pay close attention to tiled floors, examining for dirty and broken pieces. Check the floors behind the sinks and toilets, as these places could be breeding grounds for mold and mildew.

NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services offers residential housecleaning services in the North Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Carefree and Paradise Valley, Arizona area. If you are looking for one-time or regular housecleaning services, please call us to make an appointment today!

What's the Fuss With Dust?

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 02:43:15 GMT

The barely-there particles that make up dust may not bother you. Or do they? Even though dusting doesn't seem like a major cleaning issue, every home requires it. If you sometimes skip dusting duty, take a look at the reasons why you need to think twice about why and how you keep your home clean.

Allergy Irritations

While dust doesn't make everyone cough or sneeze, it can trigger annoying (or sometimes serious) allergies. Dust particles typically aren't the problem. Instead, microscopic mites live in or on dusty furniture. Dusty items in your home's interior can harbor hundreds of thousands of mites, according to the American Lung Association.

For people with dust mite allergies, excessive amounts of dust can result in sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, or an asthma attack. A simple dry dusting won't always solve a mite problem. These pests can also live on the dust that drapes your drapes, covers your carpets, or lands in or on your mattress. This makes deep cleaning a necessity for anyone who has or lives with someone with a dust allergy.

If you can't commit to cleaning your carpets, curtains, bedding, mattress, hard flooring, and furniture regularly, you need help to reduce the number of dust mites in your home. A professional cleaning company can provide both light dusting and heavy deep-cleaning services. Even though you can’t completely eliminate dust mites, these two services can drastically decrease the dusty dilemma.

Electronics Issues

Allergies aren't the only reason to dust regularly. Dust can, over time, destroy some of your priciest electronics. Home computers, laptops, stereo systems, entertainment systems, televisions, and other similar devices or electronics often build up dust without the owner knowing it.

If you don't routinely move and inspect electronic items, you may never notice the thick film of dust that's covering vents, clogging ports, or getting into other spaces.

Not only does a dusty computer or TV screen look dirty, but the coating can eventually cause malfunctions. Computer keys can start sticking or dust can clog other components of your home electronics.

A professional cleaning service eliminates the need for you to constantly dust your devices so you can keep your computer (TV, tablet, or other electronic items) clean and working well.

Kitchen Mess

On its own, dust isn't a major kitchen issue. A quick wipe-down with a rag should eliminate the problem — especially on hard surfaces such as the countertop or cabinet doors. But when combined with grease or other oily messes that happen in the kitchen, you have a recipe for tough-to-clean grime.

Like with electronics, built-up dust (and the greasy grime that often results from it) can cause major malfunctions in kitchen appliances. Regular professional cleaning can prevent this problem and stop further dust and dirt-related damage.

Home Aesthetics

Health issues and home goods wear and tear aren't the only reasons to dust regularly. Dust can sneak up on you, layering on top of your furniture and other home décor over time. Instead of a crisp, clean look, a snowy coating of dust can dull the aesthetics of your design scheme.

The only way to avoid aesthetic issues is to dust regularly. Depending on the air circulation, ventilation, and home use, you may need to dust every few days to once a week. A professional cleaning service can take care of this routine job and get to areas you might not think of — such as baseboards, curtains, walls, and lighting fixtures.

Do you need help keeping your home dust-free? Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for more information about our cleaning services. We can help you fight dust.

Cleaning Between Tenants: Tips for Landlords

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 02:40:11 GMT

Owning a rental property is stressful, especially when you have unoccupied homes that don’t generate revenue. Cleaning thoroughly between tenants both makes your property more appealing to new renters and protects your investment. Unfortunately, depending on how your last tenant left the property, cleaning sometimes means renting equipment and spending several hours or days removing stains and odors.

Here are a few tips for landlords from the experts at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services about cleaning their soft surfaces (carpets, upholstered furniture, and drapes) between tenants and what equipment you might need to get the job done if you are doing it yourself.

Snap Photographs

Before you start cleaning or repairing damage, grab a camera and get proof of how the property looked after the last tenant left and before the next tenant arrives. Pay attention to any damage or stains. After you have done the cleaning, take several photographs of how the home looks. This will act as proof of the home's current condition.

Clean the Carpets

Carpets that appear clean and odor-free can still harbor mold, mildew, irritants, and bacteria. Rent or purchase a carpet cleaner for a safe, cost-effective way to remove stains and odors from your carpets.

Here are a few tips to help you use a carpet cleaner like a pro:

Prepare the space. Move any furniture out of the room. Vacuum the carpet to remove any loose dirt and debris.
Pre-treat tough stains. Soak stains with a pre-treatment solution. Check the carpet cleaner's manual for recommendations about which product to use.
Use the machine correctly. Fill the shampoo and water reservoir according to the manufacturer's directions. Clean the carpet in slow, back and forth movements. Avoid making too many passes over a single area because this will oversaturate the carpet.
Dry the carpet. Open the windows, turn on box fans, and allow the carpet for dry for several hours before stepping on it.
After the carpets are completely dry, wipe off any cleaning solution from the trim, walls, or nearby flooring.

Clean Drapes and Upholstery

Drapes and upholstery absorb cooking smells, cigarette smoke, perfumes, and any odors lingering in the air. This can leave the curtains and upholstery discolored and smelly. Steam cleaning is the safest, easiest way to eliminate these stains and odors.

Start cleaning the curtains near the top and slowly work your way down the length of the curtain. Hold the steam cleaner a few inches away from the curtains, and if the material becomes soaked, hold the steamer further away or adjust the settings. Do not place the curtains in the dryer because this could cause wrinkling and damage. Instead, allow them to air dry.

To clean upholstered furniture, begin by removing the cushions and vacuuming off any food, dirt, or other debris. Spot clean the cushions with a plastic scrub brush and a commercial pretreatment solution. Spray a soil emulsifier on both sides of the cushions and allow it to soak in for several minutes. This product helps loosen any dirt or other debris that is ground into the upholstery.

Use a steam cleaner with a wand attachment and carefully run it across both sides of the cushion. The steam cleaner typically has another setting that soaks up moisture from the upholstery. Turn on this setting and run the wand over the cushions again.

Set the cushions aside and clean the remainder of the upholstery. Allow the cushions and the upholstered frame to dry completely before reassembling the furniture.

Cleaning the carpets, drapes, and upholstery is a quick and inexpensive way to make your rental property look and smell fresh and clean. However, you can do the job even better if you hire a professional like NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services instead of cleaning by yourself. Let us handle the dirty work by contacting us today.

Becoming a Snowbird? 6 Steps to Maintain Your Home While Away

Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:10:52 GMT

For snowbirds, the ability to live in Arizona part of the year and enjoy cooler climes the rest of the year is key to an enjoyable retirement. But having two homes requires some year-round effort. If you are new to the snowbird life, what should you be doing to keep both properties in good condition when you're not at home? Here's a handy checklist to use as a starting point.

1. Hire a Cleaning Service

Someone needs to enter your home on a regular basis and make sure things remain in good order and ready for your arrival. This is especially important if your schedule is unpredictable and you want your home in a “ready state” for you or guests at all times. A cleaning service is ideal for this job.

Have your cleaning service enter the home every two to four weeks and do a regular cleaning to prevent dust, grime and pest buildup.

2. Maintain Appropriate Insurance

Ensure both homes in the best way for the area in which they are located. Insurance needs will differ in the two regions, so work with a local insurance agent for each property. A home in a flash-flood zone in Arizona may need flood insurance, while a property in storm-prone eastern Colorado may need more coverage for external hail damage or tornadoes. If the homes are significantly different sizes and values, this could necessitate different coverage limits overall.

3. Take Valuables With You

Don't leave anything in your empty house that might attract thieves. Start by packing up valuable jewelry, important documents and antiques. If you can't take everything — such as televisions, large artwork or family heirlooms — to your other home, pack it up and place it out of sight in a basement, attic or interior storage room.

You may also be able to leave some valuables with friends or family before packing up for the summer or winter.

4. Use Remote Devices

Modern technology is a great way to maintain an eye — and a hand — on your empty property. Doorbell and front-porch cameras allow you to see who comes to the house while you're gone. Keyless entry systems will allow you to let cleaners and repair workers inside without being at the property yourself. Consider a local service to install a security system to help watch the property.

5. Know Local Services

If your cleaning service or neighbors report a problem at your home, how will you handle it long distance? Develop a list of key service providers in the local area that you can call for emergency or routine maintenance and repairs. This list should include a local plumber, electrician, handyman, roofing company, heating & air conditioning vendor, exterminator, pool service and landscaping service.

By developing a relationship with a residential property management service such as NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services while you're in town, you can have a representative on site with access to local service providers for faster response during an emergency when you are away. This also gives you a one-call resource when you are in residence and need service from trusted vendors.

6. Shut Off What You Can

Determine what services and devices you can safely turn off when you're not using the home for a few months. Consider turning off things like cable and wireless services if you don't have permanent devices such as security systems or phone lines linked to them.

Cancel subscription services and have mail forwarded to your other house so things don't pile up.

Turn up or down thermostats, depending on the season, lower water heater temperatures and unplug the recirculating heat pump(s) to save energy and money on electric bills.

By applying these few items when preparing your part-time property to be vacant, you can leave with more confidence. At NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services , we serve Arizona homeowners of all types, including those with multiple properties, full-time and seasonal residence. Call us today to discuss ways we can help keep your home in its best shape all year long.

Why Do You Need a Professional-Level Home Cleaning After Halloween?

Fri, 21 Sep 2018 14:04:48 GMT

Halloween is almost here and with it comes costume creation, trick-or-treating, pumpkin carving and holiday parties. Even though Halloween festivities are tons of family fun, they can also leave behind a major mess. When your Halloween celebration turns from spooky to slimy, take a look at the benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service.

Halloween Party Germs

The herds of kids who rushed through your home during the family-friendly Halloween party left behind dirty footprints, cake-covered handprints and plenty of uninvited microscopic guests. Microorganisms can live on hard surfaces, such as doorknobs or the kitchen counter, anywhere from hours to days.

Halloween falls at the start of the flu season. If any of your party guests have the sniffles, chills, or other flu symptoms, they may already be sick. The virus that causes the flu can live on your home's surfaces for 48 hours, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A professional-level deep cleaning can remove the flu virus, eradicate cold germs and eliminate other microorganisms from your home. This reduces the likelihood that you or your family will get sick from the post-party environment.

Trick-or-Treat Treads

Like the aftermath of a Halloween party, trick-or-treaters can also leave plenty of germs behind. Chances are that the flu, cold or other viruses / bacteria will stay at your door (or in the candy bowl).

Even though you may not have to take care of the multitudes of microorganisms after handing candy out, you may need help cleaning up the messy footprints. As each trick-or-treater marches up your walkway and to your front door, they can track dirt, mud and other muck (especially if it's raining on Halloween night) onto your steps or front porch. If you invite trick-or-treaters into the foyer, they can also leave their mark on your interior space.

Calling in the pros after a night of trick-or-treating is an ea sy way to get your porch or entryway floor sparkling and scuff-free.

Holiday Crafts

If your child enjoys Halloween crafts, you may need assistance cleaning up the mess. While a watercolor spill or a stray crayon mark won't necessarily require a professional cleaning, some of the messier art activities may.

Acrylic paint, permanent marker, or papier-mâché (especially if it's stuck on your flooring or upholstery) aren't always easy to remove on your own. The pros can tackle the post-project area and get it ready for the next holiday's crafts.

Other Halloween Activities

Crafts aren't the only Halloween activities that can cause a mess in your home. Projects such as slime-making science are fun for the kids, but they're also hard on your home. The mix of glue and other ingredients (often liquid starch, in the case of a slime recipe) can ruin rugs if left to sit.

Along with slime, Halloween games can also wreak havoc on your home. Even something as simple as a bobbing-for-apples game that siblings play together can turn into a water-soaked mess. If not cleaned promptly and properly, wet carpets or flooring can support mold growth.

It's much easier to have a professional clean your home before mold takes hold. Waiting may require the help of a mold remediation contractor. In the worst-case scenario, you may even have to tear the carpet (and the padding underneath) out and start fresh.

Holiday Décor

The festive Halloween décor th at adorned your walls, windows and door frames left behind tape and multiple marks. A whole-house professional cleaning can remove the post-décor mess and get it into top shape for the winter holiday season.

Does your home need a professional-strength cleaning? Contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services for more information.

Is Your Dirty or Messy Home Making You Sick?

Mon, 13 Aug 2018 04:21:48 GMT

You try to keep your home clean but your work schedule, family needs and other daily activities get in the way of traditional household chores. Neglecting even smaller chores around the home can actually make your family ill.

Learn how and why your less-than-clean home might be making you sick and how hiring a professional cleaning service is beneficial. A home cleaning company will clean your home on a schedule that works best for you.

Vacuum up the Mess

Hire a home cleaning service to vacuum all your floors and furnishings to get rid of the dust and debris that can make your family sick. Vacuum your floors and stairs daily in between professional cleanings.

Your Bedding Hasn't Been Washed

Your home's bedding should be washed periodically to remove dust, hair and mite debris. The collection of debris in your bedding can make it hard to sleep and make allergy or asthma symptoms worse. Bedding should be washed in hot water once a week.

You might not think about washing bedding, including sheets, blankets, and pillowcases. However, when you hire a home cleaning service, they can take care of washing the bedding during your house cleaning appointment.

You Have Pets

Pets pose a health risk because they release hair and dander into the air. Pets that are allowed outside also track in pollen, dirt, pesticides and other home pollutants on their feet and fur. Pet hair embeds itself in carpet, sticks to walls and ceilings, gets stuck in your HVAC system's vents and travels through the air.

A cleaning service will work diligently to remove pet hair and other debris from rugs, upholstery, carpeting and walls.

You can help manage the pet hair in your home by having your pet professionally groomed or shaved during shedding seasons.

An indoor litter box poses a health hazard if the unit isn't emptied and cleaned regularly. Chemicals from cat urine collected in the box can spread in the air, making your family ill. A cat's litter box should be cleaned every day.

Your Refrigerator Is a Mess

Rotating the food items in your fridge helps you stay organized and use produce before it goes rotten. However, keeping your fridge's trays clean and free of germs and bacteria should be part of your refrigerator cleanliness as well. Salmonella, e-Coli and other bacteria in your fridge can make your family sick.

Your house cleaning company can remove and wipe down your refrigerator and throw out old or expired foods and beverages. Your fridge doors, trays and shelving units can be cleaned to restore your refrigerator to a clean and healthy condition. Your cleaning service can also clean underneath and behind your refrigerator.

You do your best to keep your home clean. A home cleaning service is designed to make home upkeep easier for you. Call us at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services to design a custom cleaning plan and schedule that works best for your family. Our trusted services include full residential cleaning. We have over two decades of experience keeping homes pristine so you can rely on our experience.

How to Work Successfully With a Housecleaning Service

Fri, 06 Jul 2018 21:02:30 GMT

In today's world, you may have a complicated and hectic schedule that attempts to manage your career, your activities and a clean and efficient household. To do these things successfully, it may be helpful to use a professional housecleaning service. Before you hire a housecleaning company, you need to know how to work with them so that you can get the most out of their services.

Learn what you can do to work successfully with a housecleaning service in your home.

Make a Cleaning Task List

Make a short list of cleaning tasks that need to be completed on each housecleaning day. This list may have items that are always on the list and other items that are added when situations, guests, weather or seasons change. On housecleaning day, discuss and prioritize the items on the task list with your housecleaners.

Have Cleaning Tools and Supplies on Hand

If you like and use specific tools and cleaning products, you may want to have these on hand in case they are different from what your housecleaners normally use. Make sure to discuss your preferences with your housecleaners.

Here are some efficient housecleaning tools and supplies that you can have on hand for your housecleaners if they do not bring their own supplies or for your use in-between visits:

Bathroom Cleaning Supplies

Have a supply of disinfecting wipes as well as a tub and basin cleaner to clean your bathroom. Also, have a glass cleaner to clean mirrors and chrome surfaces and a toilet bowl cleaner tool with disposable scouring heads.

Kitchen Cleaning Supplies

To clean and maintain the many surfaces in your kitchen, supply your housecleaners with a multi-surface cleaner that can be used on wood cabinets and metal appliances as well as on your refrigerator and stove.

Scrub brushes, micro-fiber cloths and heavy-duty scouring pads can also aid in thorough kitchen cleaning.

Floor Cleaning Supplies

Keep a supply of manufacturer-recommended cleaning products for your wood, tile, stone and vinyl floors, as well as your carpets.

Be Flexible With Your Tools and Cleaning Supplies

Although you may be set in your ways as far as the specific types of cleaning products you use, keep in mind that your housecleaners have a lot of experience using cleaning tools and supplies and they may have opinions as to their effectiveness. If possible, be flexible and allow your housecleaners to use the cleaning products of their choice. These tools and products may work better than those you currently use.

Prepare Your House for Cleaning

Prior to a housecleaning day, put away all personal items, organize your papers, pick up clothing and toys and declutter the surfaces in all rooms that will be cleaned. This will ensure that your housecleaners can easily work in your home and make the best use of their time.

If you have children, alert them to your housecleaning schedule so that they can be out of the way at that time. If you have pets, confine them to one room so that your housecleaners can easily work around them safely and efficiently.

Discuss Housecleaning Tasks With Your Housecleaners

After using your housecleaners a few times, ask them how you can make their job easier. In this way, you can work together to clean and maintain your home.

To have your house cleaned exactly the way you like it, contact NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services . We are licensed, bonded and insured professionals and can tailor our services to meet your requirements, needs and schedule.

4 BENEFITS OF HIRING A PROFESSIONAL HOUSE CLEANER

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

A clean home isn't just a healthy home — it's a happy home too. Even though it's completely natural to want your space neat, tidy and debris-free, sometimes the realities of cleaning aren't what you might imagine them to be.

Between work, your family, and everything else that you do daily, cleaning your home isn’t always easy. Here's where the pros come in. A professional cleaning company can make sure that your space stays in top shape, without you having to lift a finger.

While some homeowners feel that home cleaning services are priceless, valuable services, others aren't always sold at first glance. If you’re not sure you should hire a professional, then take a look at the benefits that a clean home offers and how a professional can help you to achieve your housekeeping goals.

1. Decrease Stress

The calm and peace of a clean home are obvious stress reducers. When your space is filled with clutter, dirt, dust, and debris, you can feel anxious. As the mess starts closing in on you, that anxiety can turn into all-out stress.

However, when the room is cleared and cleaned, you have a den of tranquility. A dirty home serves as a constant, nagging reminder that there's work to be done. But if someone else is doing that work (and that someone else gets the job done right), you'll have a reduced risk of anxiety and related stress.

2. Prevent Injuries

The stack of newspapers that are filling up your foyer isn't helping anyone. Not only is it a fire hazard in the making, but it's also putting you, your family, and your guests at risk for a potentially serious accident. A home that's littered with boxes, clothes, shoes, paper, or other debris doesn't just look bad — it's dangerous.

When you have regularly scheduled professional cleaning visits, you can mitigate this problem and keep walkways and other interior areas clear and clutter-free. This service is even more important if someone in your home is very young, a senior citizen, or has a mobility issue.

3. Highlight Your Décor

How much time did you put into decorating your home? When you’ve spent a lot of time decorating, a clean home is absolutely essential. The painstakingly picked paint colors need to shine through, not get covered in scuff marks or a fine layer of dirt. Likewise, the furniture that you spent hours (or weeks) selecting won't stand out when there's a sea of dust sitting on top of it.

A professional cleaning service can reduce the daily build-up of dust that keeps your brilliant décor from looking it’s best. Whether you want your granite countertops to shine, your ceramic floors to show their true colors or any other part of your design scheme to attract attention, hiring a professional is the easiest way to highlight your home.

4. Clean for Surprise Guests

Imagine a scenario where your in-laws, nosey neighbors, or friends from the PTA just happen to pop in for a visit. What are they going to see? Are they going to roll their eyes when they see the dog prints all over your floors? Or are they going to smile and compliment your fabulously clean abode?

You never know when guests will stop over, and you don't want to get caught off-guard. Hiring a professional cleaner for regular service gives you a consistently spotless house that's ready for guests at any time.

If you need help keeping your home clean, then give our experts at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services a call today for more information. We look forward to helping you.

6 WAYS TO KEEP YOUR HOME TIDY BETWEEN CLEANING VISITS

Wed, 13 Jun 2018 00:00:00 GMT

Do you have a cleaning service that comes weekly, bi-weekly or monthly? It's a great way to improve your life and take some of the burden off of you. But how can you help keep things tidy and clean between visits? Here are six simple tips anyone can use.

1. Add Mats and Rugs

Mats and rugs prevent dirt and debris from being tracked through the house and squished into your carpets. Make liberal use of them in high traffic areas, like inside and outside all entrances as well as in corridors and kids' play areas. Throw rugs are easy to brush off or toss in the washer between cleaning service visits, and they will protect the carpet underneath.

Look for the entrance that family members tend to use when dirty — like the garage or back door — and throw down a rubber or indoor-outdoor mat instead. Have a small station for removing shoes and soiled outerwear too.

2. Set the Table

Even when not in use, the dining table should be set. This discourages using the table for dumping keys, books, schoolwork, and other paraphernalia.

You can also discourage unnecessary cluttering throughout the house by placing formal ornaments strategically on hallway tables, coffee tables, side tables, and even countertops. It also helps each room have a more formal, tidy look that can help encourage correspondingly tidy behavior among family members.

3. Use Small Tasks

Break up cleaning tasks into manageable chunks that only take a few minutes. Rather than look at a room or task as a whole — such as cleaning the whole bathroom or vacuuming all the carpets — divide it into things that take only five or ten minutes. Cleaning the bathroom, for example, could be divided into tasks like wiping the sink down, cleaning the toilet, sweeping the floor, or cleaning the mirror. Do just one regular task each day in that room.

4. Deploy Supplies

Many homeowners tend to keep all their cleaning supplies in one central location in the home. Instead, place a few cleaning products and supplies in strategic locations around the house.

Even a small pack consisting of a rag or two and a mirror or counter cleaning product will help provide for quick and convenient cleanup. A wipe-down of the bathroom or a swipe of a prepared duster is a small job that can be done in seconds and will help keep messes from becoming a big problem.

5. Create Homes for Things

The more items in your house that have a convenient and designated home, the fewer will find their way onto furniture and tables. Use organizational tools — even simple baskets, hanging hooks, a filing cabinet, and drawer dividers — to create assigned locations for most items.

Assess what items get left out and unattended in your home, whether they are bills, kids' toys, homework, art projects, dog toys, or coats, and determine where you'd prefer to see them stored. Then, make a specific organizational plan for each thing. Focus on one type of item at a time and then move on to the next culprit.

6. Take Out the Trash

Don't forget to make sure all trash has a home as well. This means taking out the garbage and recycling before they get full. Not doing so can result in things being left on counters or tables because they don't have a place to go. Keeping the outside garbage and recycling bins in a more convenient location, such as the garage instead of outside, can make everyone more likely to help with this job.

Apply any one or all of these ideas to make simple changes in your home life that will surely result in a neater and cleaner home all year long. For more help keeping clean and tidy, call the cleaning professionals at NorthStar Cleaning & Property Services today.