Why Back-to-School Season Is Ideal for Deep Cleaning

As summer winds down and the school year approaches, it’s the perfect moment to refresh your home. Between packing backpacks and adjusting routines, a deep clean can make a big difference in how smoothly your days run. For busy families, professional home cleaning services in Johnston can help tackle the dust, clutter, and germs so your space feels fresh, organized, and ready for the busy school months ahead. 

Why is back-to-school the best time to deep clean?

Back-to-school season is perfect timing for a deep clean. Families are getting organized, and the change in routine makes it easier to tackle those bigger projects. Plus, with the kids out of the house for chunks of the day, you can get things done without someone asking for a snack every five minutes.

1. You’re already in organization mode

Getting ready for school means you’re sorting through clothes, buying supplies, and setting up new routines. Since you’re in that mindset, it’s easy to throw some tidying into the mix. When you combine decluttering with cleaning, you knock out way more without it feeling like such a huge chore.

2. Less daily mess to work around

Once the kids head back to school, your house stays cleaner during the day. You can tidy something up and have it stay that way for more than ten minutes. Having that uninterrupted time means you can finally get to those detail spots like baseboards, windowsills, and all the stuff that’s hiding behind furniture.

3. Better air quality for the season ahead

Summer leaves you with a buildup of dust, pollen, and whatever your pets have been tracking in. Getting that deep clean done before school starts clears out all those allergens and makes everything feel fresher. It’s especially smart to do this before everyone starts spending more time indoors during cold and flu season.

What should you focus on when deep cleaning for back-to-school?

You don’t need to scrub every corner of your house to make a real difference. Focus on the spaces that will actually make your daily routine smoother and healthier once school starts up again. When you tackle these high-impact areas first, you’ll get way more bang for your buck with your cleaning time.

1. Entryway and drop zones

These spots get hit the hardest and set the whole mood when you walk in. Clear out the clutter, wipe down surfaces, and set up a proper system for shoes, coats, and backpacks. When your entryway works well, those crazy school mornings go way smoother and you’re not tracking dirt through the whole house.

2. Study areas

Kids focus better when their workspace isn’t a disaster zone. Give desks, chairs, and devices a good wipe-down to get rid of dust and germs. Make sure there’s good lighting, the chair is comfortable, and all the supplies they need are within reach.

3. Bedrooms

Good sleep equals better school performance, and a clean room helps everyone sleep better. Wash all the bedding, dust the furniture, and vacuum under beds where all the mystery items end up. Take this chance to donate clothes that don’t fit or toys that never get used.

4. Kitchen

This becomes command central for breakfast, packing lunches, and after-school snack attacks. Clean out the fridge, sanitize the counters, and organize the pantry so you can find things quickly. It saves time during those rushed mornings and keeps food prep areas sanitary.

5. High-touch surfaces

Light switches, doorknobs, and remote controls are germ magnets. Give them all a quick disinfecting wipe during your deep clean. Keep this up regularly and you might dodge some of the bugs that always seem to make their rounds once school starts.

How do I find professional home cleaning services in Johnston and the vicinity?

Our friendly, respectful technicians at phClean are dedicated to giving you the sparkling, spotless results you deserve while treating your home with the care it needs. We know how hectic back-to-school season can be, so let us handle the dirty work while you focus on getting everyone ready for the year ahead. 

Whether you’re near the trails at Terra Park or anywhere else in Johnston, we bring the expertise you can count on, from knowing how to safely clean light fixtures without breaking them to understanding the hidden costs of a messy home and even the role of cleaning in preventing illness and boosting immunity. Contact us today and see why families trust us to make their homes shine from top to bottom!

How to Safely Clean Light Fixtures Without Breaking Them

Light fixtures are easy to overlook when it comes to cleaning, but once the dust builds up or the bulbs look dim, you notice it. The problem is, cleaning them can feel a bit intimidating. Many fixtures are delicate, mounted in hard-to-reach places, and sometimes expensive to replace. The good news is that with the right tools and approach, or some advice from professionals who offer house cleaning services in Johnston, you can clean them without damaging anything. Let’s go over what you need and whether or not it’s better to clean them while they’re still mounted or take them down.

What tools do I need to safely clean delicate light fixtures?

Before you start, having the right tools on hand makes all the difference. Especially if you’re working with fragile glass, vintage fixtures, or anything with detailed trim.

Here are the basics:

• Microfiber cloths. These are soft and non-abrasive, perfect for glass or metal surfaces.
• Feather or static duster. Ideal for light dusting and reaching corners.
• Step ladder or sturdy stool. Pick something that gives you safe, stable access to the fixture without stretching.
• Mild dish soap. A few drops in warm water can cut through grime without damaging finishes.
• Spray bottle (optional). Handy if you want to mix and mist your cleaning solution.
• Compressed air or a soft brush. Great for small crevices and detailed areas.
• Rubber gloves. These improve your grip and keep fingerprints off clean surfaces.

Stay away from harsh chemicals, ammonia, or anything abrasive. These can strip finishes, scratch surfaces, or weaken fragile materials.

Can I clean light fixtures while they’re still mounted, or should I take them down?

This depends on the type of fixture and how dirty it is. Here’s how to decide.

Cleaning while mounted

If your light fixture just has a bit of dust or some fingerprints, you don’t need to take it down. A gentle wipe with a microfiber cloth or a pass with a duster usually does the trick. For high-up lights, try a duster with an extension pole.

Just remember to turn the light off and let bulbs cool completely before you begin. If there’s a removable globe or shade, you can usually wipe it with a damp cloth while it’s still in place, as long as you’re careful and don’t apply too much pressure.

Taking it down for deep cleaning

For fixtures with grease buildup, trapped bugs, or heavier dirt, it’s better to remove parts and clean them thoroughly.

Start by turning off the power at the breaker, not just the switch. Let the bulbs cool, then remove them. Take off any glass covers or shades by checking for screws, clips, or a twist-lock. Once removed, soak the glass in warm, soapy water. Rinse well and dry completely before reinstalling.

Wipe down the rest of the fixture with a damp cloth, and dry immediately to prevent water spots or damage. If you’re unsure how to disassemble something safely, it’s okay to ask for help.

Extra tips for safe cleaning

• Take your time. Accidents are more likely when you’re rushing.
• Don’t spray anything directly onto a mounted fixture. Always spray the cloth instead.
• Keep water away from electrical components.
• Use both hands when handling glass parts. It’s easy to drop them if you’re multitasking.
• Check for any loose screws or fittings while you’re at it, and tighten them if needed.

Keep it clean longer

Once your fixtures are clean, keeping them that way is simple. Lightly dust them every week or two, especially in busy areas like kitchens and bathrooms. A deeper clean every few months helps prevent buildup and keeps your lights shining bright.

How do I find reliable house cleaning services in Johnston and the surrounding area?

Let our experienced technicians at phClean handle your light fixtures and the rest of your home safely and thoroughly. While we’re there, we can also help you learn more about the hidden costs of a messy home, explain why back-to-school season is prime time for deep cleaning, or reduce germs with our professional-grade products. We treat everything with care, kindness, and respect, and leave your home sparkling. 

We won’t be happy until you’re completely satisfied with our service. While our pros work away, you’re free to take a walk to Adventure Ridge Park or any other place in Johnston and go back to a space that looks and smells amazing. Book a visit today and let your space shine like it’s meant to!