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sponges & microwaves
Not good at multi-tasking, that's ok, this tip is super easy! Clean and Sanitize the mircrowave and kitchen sponge in one fatal swoop.
You know what we are talking about, the sponge used to clean dishes and countertops with. It can develop a smell from the bacteria that grows and left over food particles. Sounds like it's enough to just toss the sponge in the trash and go with dishclothes. The same thing happens to dishclothes, so IT IS OK to keep your favorite sponges for dishes. I'm going to share with you a way to sanitize that sponge, and clean your microwave, with absolutely no chemicals!!
Many options to clean your favorite sponge, toss in the wash (and have it stuck to your favorite shirt) or toss in the dishwasher. However for sanitizing, simply toss in the microwave. Yes, the microwave. But first, make sure it is good and wet. Set microwave to high, and turn on for 2 minutes. Once finished, carefully remove. IT WILL BE SUPER HOT, so be careful! Now take a clean cloth or paper towels and wipe the interior of the microwave down. Done and Done.
Easy as pushing a couple of buttons!
How to make dryer sachets
Dryer sheets are loaded with chemicals which makes them really bad news, especially for those who suffer with allergies or sensitivities to scents. Yes, they leave your laundry smelling nice, but only by coating your items toxins and perfumes, which could be just just about anything from a long list of chemicals, some of which can be detrimental to your and your families health. Did you know the term “fragrance” is totally unregulated, meaning that manufacturers don’t
have to disclose which chemicals they are using. Umm, no thank you, I'll pass!
Instead of scenting your clothes with all those chemicals, try natural herbs. Lavender seems to be a favorite of most folks, but don't be afraid to try different ones. Lemon grass, mint, roses, and citrus varieties will make a wonderful sachet. It's also a great time to start your own little herb garden with just a few pots and good soil. Don't be afraid to play around with our scents until you find the one that you love. For making the sachets, you’ll
need fabric (scrap, or whatever you have lying around), dried herbs,
sewing machine or hand stich.
Cut a piece of fabric
to 11″ x 4.5″, fold and iron in half, right sides together.
Use your sewing machine or hand stich tightly all the way around the folded fabric,
leaving a 2″ gap so that you can flip it right side out and stuff it.
Stuff your sachet
with 1 1/2 cups of the dried herbs of your choice.
Tuck in the unfinished opening, stitch it closed, and you’re ready to toss your
new sachet
in the dryer!
Make them re-usable by stitching velcro on one side and simply refill as needed. Get fancy and creative with the sachets and
give as gifts!
Now these do absolutely nothing for static
cling, which in the south is only a problem in the winter months. Aluminum foil works great for fighting static
cling. Simply wash, air dry used foil, crunch into a ball and throw in the
dryer.
Super Squeaker
Once a month one of our crew is awarded Super Squeaker status. Reaching the decision on who the award should go to isn't an easy one, because all of our crew are super. Using a rating system from team leaders and client feedback is how we come to the tough decision each month.
This month our Super Squeaker award goes to Candice. She has been with us since September of 2011 and has proven herself more than worthy of Super Squeaker status. She graces us with her humor, big heart, and hard work every day. Way to go Candice!
organized in 20 minutes or less
Wow, you all really rock with the organizing! Are you starting to feel lighter just having the clutter gone? "Keeping it that way" is going to be the hardest part, do this process with a friend and hold each other accountable until the keeping it that way becomes a habit.
Ever walk into you're closet and can't find what you want? Shoes all over the place, clothes from 10 years ago still hanging on same hangers? Well my friend, it is past time to clean it out!
I hear you already, "there is no way to do a closet in 20 minutes or less!". If you're like me, jamming and hiding items in the closet until they can be dealt with later is how I roll. For the larger or really jammed up closets, we will tackle sections at a time, keeping a timer handy and working for 20 minutes or so at a time.
Purchase some inexpensive baskets, pretty bins and drawer dividers to contain those extra items.
Get creative with the organizing items, anything from utensil dividers for the kitchen to plain cardboard boxes can be used. Visit the kitchen section of the store, ton's of great storage and organizing items in there that are awesome for closets as well. Vacuum seal bags are absolutely awesome for those not used often items, grab a couple of hooks and coat hangers while there.
Take a deep breath, now exhale and let's get started!
Grab those bins and cleaning solution, the timer and don't forget the vacuum cleaner.
Starting with the uppermost shelf, go ahead and remove everything. If you're on a step ladder, please be careful! Toss (or gently place) those removed items in another area for sorting.
Now gently clean the shelve itself, the walls around the shelve. Vacuum or wipe any cobwebs off ceiling immediately above. Don't want to put items back on a dusty, dirty closet now do we?
Quick sort of items removed, put back in the closet only the things that should belong there. Quick sort means don't sit and think about what you're putting back or giving away. Put not used often items like extra blankets, coats and such in the vacuum seal bags. Remember, quick is the name of the game! Still undecided about certain items, just put in another bin for deciding later.
Move on to the next shelf or hanging rack until closet is done. In an average size home, the closets can be organized in a week of working 20 minutes a day, so keep going! Remember the more you remove the easier getting dressed and finding things becomes.
Next week let's tackle those extra storage places like the basements and attics!
Hints
*Baskets or bins are great for folded items, small items, or items not used often.
*Hooks and coat racks are great for belts, scarfs, robes and jewelery.
*Larger bins are awesome for shoes, giveaway items
*Add more shelves or racks to those odd corners some closets have
*Small spaces with limited storage ~ only keep seasonal clothing, store the rest
*Organize items by color or season ~ all black belts on one hook, short sleeve shirts grouped by color.
**keep it that way tip**
How many items have been in the closet and not used in over 2 years? Honestly, if it hasn't been used in 2 years it probably won't be and out it should go!
The hardest part of organizing is keeping it that way when are all so busy! The easiest I've found is to have a dedicated "deal with later" basket (just like the one we have in the kitchen) for those quick put away's. Time is limited in the morning and to often we put something on only to change into something different. Throw those items in the "deal with it later" basket. Once a week, that basket must be dealt with and items put in their proper homes.
Ever put something on that you haven't worn in a while only to discover it looks horrid or doesn't fit? Have a dedicated "giveaway" basket for putting those items in. Once a month or so, take those items to a local charity.
organized in 20 minutes or less
Yes, it can happen and it is possible! It's a new year, (not to mention organizational items are on sale) why not start it off with getting organized? Most areas can be completed in 20 minutes or less, of course, larger areas will need slightly more time. Who's with me? Come on folks, we can do this!
Each week I'll post a new area to organize in 20 minutes or less until we have covered all the important areas. Each post will have a "keep it that way" tips at the end, along the way I even share some of my all time favorite, never posted, guard with life, time saving tips!
Ready? Hold on, get ready first, run to the store and grab some bins for larger storage items, get some small drawer organizers, and grab some trash bags. You may want to pick up a new calendar and a write & wipe board. Take a quick before picture of the clutter you are about tackle, take another after picture of the clutter dragon you have slain. Share those with us, those pics can be inspiration to help others get started.
Got it? Good, now we are ready!
Day 1: get that pantry. Pull everything out, do a quick clean of walls, shelves, and floor with a mild cleaner, we recommend vinegar and water, it will help to get rid of those weird smells pantries can have. Now in 20 minutes or less, put items back. Sort items to give to local food bank and throw away expired items as putting them back.
Use a small container to hold those small packages all in one place. Create a family message center by hanging a new calendar on back side of door with a write & wipe board for important messages.
Step back, admire your work! Doesn't it feel great?
**keep it that way tip**
A little trick to keeping the pantry organized is keeping items of the same in same area. Example, canned beans with other canned beans, pasta with dry goods, baking with baking. Keep the most used items at eye level and overstock/less used items on upper or lower shelves.
**time saver tip**
When buying items at grocery store, bag items by where it goes in your pantry. All canned goods in same bag, pasta in same bag, etc. When unloading, place bag on shelf it goes in, then put away. Use both hands when putting away, stacking as much as possible. You'll be done with that pesky chore in the blink of an eye!
Pictures people, we want before and after pictures!!!
facebook FANUARY contest
Cute baby contest!
Win a month of bi wkly service!!
We know, everybody does them, so thought we would too. You all know how this works, post a picture of your baby (age doesn't matter) on our page, get friends to vote by going to our site The picture with the most votes wins a month of
bi wkly service.
Simple right? Just ...
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Our Super Squeakers!
Congrats Barbara! She has scored the most points on our reviews and has won Super Squeaker status!
Every month one of our team members is reviewed using a point system. They are reviewed by their own Team Leaders over every aspect of the job from performance to organization of supplies. The one that scores the most points becomes our Super Squeaker of the month and are rewarded with praise and a gift card to a local business. While we do love and consider each and every Squeaker super, only one can be voted Super Squeaker 
Want to nominate your Squeaker as Super? Go to website and follow links.
new year resolution?
It's that time of year again! Yep, we are all a year older (ugh!) and supposedly a year wiser. Well, some of us anyway.
Squeaky Clean wants to know your New Years Resolutions. Or if you're more like me and prefer to call them Life Changing Quotes. For us, it's simple, and we do
love simple! I use a Quote as ...
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Join our team!
We are always looking for just the right person to jump on board and be a part of our amazing Squeaky team. We are a fast growing, energetic company that loves to have fun. Giving back to our community is HUGE with us, so having a big heart for others counts! Think you have what it takes to be a Squeaker?
We have set up our system of hoops and rings to jump through for very good reasons which I won't go into detail here, and of course, qualifications must be meet.
Go ahead, read over the qualifications first, then come on back here.
You're back! That means you must qualify, did you go ahead and fill out the application? It's all right if you didn't, the link is here as well - application-.
I must give you all a fair warning, working with us is not what you are picturing in your head. Cleaning professionally and cleaning for yourself are two totally different beasts. Another word to heed, all instructions must be completed, skipping any part of the hoops we have set up will automatically void the applicant.
I look forward to seeing those applications!
last minute company...EEE!!
Let's face it, none of us are perfect. Between work, kids, family our homes can look like a tornado came through, mine sure does! Really, who has time to keep a showroom house everyday?
With the holiday season, drop in company is GOING to happen, it's just a matter of time, usually the most inconvenient time. Don't freak out! Don't turn the visitors away, that's just rude.
With these quick and simple tips, your home (and you) will be ready.
- Every night run through the house with a basket picking up the items that have lost their home. Put the basket in a closet out of sight. Once a week, grab that same basket and put items in their proper places.
- Do a quick wipe down of kitchen surfaces. No detail here, soap and water will do. All we are doing is removing dust, crumbs and such.
- Quick wipe down of bathroom surfaces with a disinfectant. Sink, counters and toilet is all, takes about 2 minutes or less. The bathroom will thank you!
- Wipe up kitchen & other spills as they happen.
- Go over floors at least every other day using a dust mop (or whatever you clean the floor with). Do a quick "sweep" of the open areas. We are only removing the debris tracked in, right now we are not concerned with getting under items or mopping (remember, we cleaned spills as they happened).
- Hire a maid service (like us!) to come in for the heavy cleaning (tubs, stove tops, detail floors etc.) at least every other week, more often if you have more children or pets.
That takes care of making sure your home is ready, now what about you?
- Keep your clothes on. During the holiday season, don't change into your "wouldn't be caught dead in this outfit" when you get home from work. If you must change, keep it with something you would wear in public. Let's face it, those holy sweatpants are comfy, but look horrid!
- Buy and wrap a few generic items for those unexpected visitors that come with unexpected gifts.Nothing is more embarrassing than receiving and having to pull a present meant for your Mom out from under the tree. Gift cards, stationary, picture frames and baked goodies are always winners.
- Keep drinks and appetizers on hand. These don't need to be expensive or take a lot of time. A few sodas and nuts in the pantry will suffice.
- Keep away those late night visitors by turning out the porch lights and closing the curtains. Most will get the message that you really don't want company. Nothing says you're not welcome here than a dark house! Oh, you can put on those holy sweatpants now!
See, just a little prep work and you (and your home) will always be prepared to welcome visitors, unexpected or not, with open arms. Who knows, by doing just these few things some new habits could blossom!
770.468.9475 info@SqueakyCleanInc.org