How to Clean Baseboards and Keep Them Looking Fresh

Baseboards might not be the first thing you think of when cleaning, but they play a big role in how tidy your home looks. They tend to collect dust, dirt, and scuffs, which can make even a clean room feel less fresh. Luckily, keeping your baseboards looking great doesn’t have to be a chore. With a few easy steps, you can make sure they stay clean and fresh without much hassle. 

Some homeowners in Windsor Heights prefer to rely on professional house cleaning services for this type of detailed work. Whether you’re the type to leave this to the pros or tackle it yourself, here’s how you can scrub down your baseboards and keep them sparkling.

How often should baseboards be cleaned?

You don’t have to wipe down baseboards every day, but a little regular attention goes a long way. As a good rule of thumb, you could aim to tackle them once a month. For a deeper clean, every three to six months is usually enough, but if you have kids or pets, you might need to give them some attention more often. 

If you keep up with a regular maintenance schedule, you’ll prevent grime from building up and make each cleanup session easier and quicker. Sparkling baseboards also give your home that fresh, polished look, even if you haven’t had time for a full deep clean.

How to clean baseboards and keep them clean?

Scrubbing down your baseboards is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to get them looking like new:

Gather your supplies

You’ll need a soft cloth or duster, warm water, mild dish soap, a sponge, and a toothbrush for hard-to-reach corners. A magic eraser can help with stubborn marks, and dryer sheets will help keep them dust-free for longer.

Dust first

Start by removing loose dirt and dust with a dry cloth or vacuum with a brush attachment. This makes the actual cleanup much easier.

Create a cleaning solution

Mix a few drops of dish soap with warm water. Avoid using anything too harsh that could damage the paint or finish on your baseboards.

Wipe them down

Dip your sponge or cloth in the soapy water, wring it out, and wipe down the baseboards. Focus on areas where dirt tends to build up, like corners or spots near the floor.

Tackle tough spots

For scuff marks or sticky spots, use a magic eraser or a toothbrush to gently scrub away the grime.

Rinse and dry

Wipe the baseboards with a clean, damp cloth to remove any leftover soap, then dry them with a towel to prevent water marks.

Keep dust away longer

To help repel dust, wipe your freshly cleaned baseboards with a dryer sheet. This will help keep them looking fresh for a longer time.

Once your baseboards are sparkling, keeping them that way is simple. A quick dusting every few weeks will stop dust from building up, and giving them a light wipe-down once in a while will keep them looking their best. In areas that see more traffic, a clear wax or finish can help prevent scuffs, so keep that in mind if your home is a busy space.

Where in Windsor Heights and the surrounding area can I find reliable house cleaning services?

Keeping your baseboards clean is just one of those small tasks that make a big difference in your home’s appearance. If juggling all the chores feels overwhelming, phClean is here to help. Our experienced and respectful cleaning techs will make sure every corner of your home sparkles, from baseboards to bathrooms and even the inside of the microwave, should you wish so. Enjoy a day in one of Windsor Heights’ great parks, while we work our magic or stay home and relax. Get in touch today to book your appointment and enjoy a shiny home that looks and smells amazing!

A Guide to Cleaning Your Computer Screen and Keyboard

Electronics are notorious for collecting dirt and debris and your computer screen and keyboard are no exception. If you don’t tend to them on a regular basis, you’ll end up with an unsightly mess and oily smudges ruining your monitor’s display quality. The truth is, with some basic supplies and several minutes of your time, you can keep your device in optimal shape. 

While a reliable house cleaning service in Des Moines will also take proper care of your electronics, you can make sure your screen remains spotless between visits with some handy tips. Read on!

What should I clean my computer screen and keyboard with?

Most of the supplies you’ll need are probably already a part of your arsenal, so let’s see what’s best to use and how:

Tools

For starters, you’ll need a clean microfiber cloth. Avoid using paper towels or cotton rags as they can leave behind dusty debris. You can also invest in pressurized canned air, which you can get at a grocery or electronics store. 

Solutions

As for cleaning solutions, what you should definitely steer clear of is bleach and ammonia-based products. They’re too harsh and can easily damage your computer surfaces. A simple solution of equal parts water and dish soap will do just fine. In addition, rubbing alcohol is a great disinfectant you can use on your keyboard, with the benefit of drying quickly.

The process

Make sure your computer is off and completely unplugged before you start. You don’t want to accidentally wipe out your desktop shortcuts or delete an important document while cleaning the keyboard:

• Use the canned air to remove dirt and debris that’s lingering around the screen edges and under the keys. However, make sure to keep some distance between the nozzle and computer surface and only press in very short bursts of less than a second. 
• Lightly dampen a microfiber cloth with alcohol and gently wipe to disinfect the keys. Be careful not to simply wipe over the entire keyboard as the cloth can catch on key edges and tear them off. Instead, dedicate a couple of seconds to each key. 
• To clean the screen, dampen the microfiber cloth with water and see what you can do with just that. Go from the edges inward and apply close to no pressure at all. For any marks or tough stains, go with the solution of water and dish soap. In any case, make sure no liquid drips into the edges of the screen. 

Can I use alcohol wipes to clean the computer screen?

It’s generally recommended not to use any kind of alcohol on your screen as it can damage it. It’s best to stick with the soft microfiber cloth, plain water, and occasional treatment with diluted soap for stubborn stains. However, you can use alcohol wipes to give a light wipe down to your keyboard. 

Can I use Windex on my computer screen?

You should never use any kind of household cleaning products on your screen, Windex included. The substances contained in these products can damage the anti-glare coating and other protective layers and eventually cause permanent damage. 

Looking for a trusted house cleaning service in Des Moines?

Whether it’s time to deep clean your freezer, take care of that living room, give a thorough scrubbing to your bathroom, or you simply don’t have enough time for all the vacuuming and dusting, look no further than phClean. We’re your trusted team of skilled and dedicated cleaning techs, ready to give your home a thorough treatment and leave it sparkling. Spend an inspiring day at the Des Moines Art Center and let our pros do the rest. Call today!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Machine Drain Cleaning

A Step-by-Step Guide to Washing Machine Drain Cleaning

Your washer is your indispensable ally in maintaining the overall cleanliness of your home. However, it also requires a certain amount of care to keep performing well, and making sure its drain is fresh and clear is a part of regular maintenance.

So, while your home in Des Moines is being taken care of by a trusted house cleaning service, take some time to explore today’s article and see how you can take proper care of your washer’s drain. 

How often do you need to clean the drain on a washing machine?

This largely depends on usage, but on average, it’s recommended to take care of it every 3 to 6 months. If you’re a family with kids or even pets, it’s better to do it more frequently to prevent the buildup of lint and grime as well as avoid any unpleasant odors. If you don’t tend to it on a regular basis, you may notice some sign,s such as water pooling in the drum, that show it needs your immediate attention. 

How do I clean the drain blockage in my washing machine?

Over time, lint, soap residue, and other debris can accumulate in the drain and cause poor drainage, unpleasant odors, and sometimes even machine failure. Here’s how you can keep it in optimal shape:

Unplug the machine

Always make sure you unplug the machine from its power source for your safety. Next, locate the drain hose, which is usually attached to the back of your washer and connects to your home’s plumbing system. You’ll also need to find the drain filter, which is typically hidden behind a panel or small door at the bottom of the machine. 

Remove the hose

Carefully loosen up the clamp that holds it in place and remove the hose from the machine. It’s a good idea to have a bucket or towel nearby so you can catch any water that may spill out. Now you can check the inside of the hose for any debris buildup and use a small brush or pipe cleaner to remove it. 

Tackle the filter

The job of the drain filter is to trap lint and other small particles before they make their way into the drain system. First, open the panel or small door and remove the filter, then simply rinse it under running water. However, if there’s some heavy buildup, you’ll need a brush to scrub it clean. 

Check the drain pipe

If after this treatment your machine still doesn’t drain properly, there may be a blockage deeper in the pipe. In this case, you can use a drain auger or plumber’s snake to reach the debris that’s causing blockage and dislodge it. However, make sure you do it gently to avoid damaging the pipe or reach out to a professional.

Reassemble and test

Once you’ve got everything checked and cleaned, carefully reattach the hose and filter, plug your machine back in, and run a test cycle with water only. This way, you can make sure you’ve successfully removed any blockages and your machine is now draining properly. 

Where in Des Moines can I find a reliable house cleaning service?

When your kitchen needs a deep clean, your electronics could use some TLC, or you’re tired of the constant vacuuming to keep your floors neat, phClean is here to keep your home sparkling. With years of experience and a highly qualified crew, we’ll cater to all your needs while respecting the integrity of your home. Take a relaxing stroll through Pappajohn Sculpture Park while our technicians give your home the care it deserves. Get in touch with us today!