Well, some would say that cleanliness and kids are usually opposite sides of a fence. True, they don't always go together. But on the other hand, you can teach your children some basic cleaning tips that can help keep the space a little neater. We, at London Domestic Cleaners, recommend that children should be taught some of these tips for both their development and the general health of themselves and the environment.

So what are those cleaning tips that one could teach children right now to help them become tidier? We will be listing and discussing them below;

Teach them to declutter: This is a very important skill every child needs to learn before stepping out into the real world. Kids are usually very reluctant to clear their space, always looking to add more to the ones they have already scattered. But making them watch you declutter would be valuable to their lives as they would grow up to become more responsible individuals.

Teach them how to wash dishes: When you have kids at home, you should not always be doing the dishes alone or all by yourself. Whether it is by hand or with the use of a dishwasher, your children should be able to effectively do the dishes. As children, they can start by scraping food remains and rinsing out the plates. Then, as they grow older and become more comfortable around some of these fragile items, they can start learning how to do the dishes under supervision. In no time, they should be able to do the dishes by themselves. Well, you shouldn't just be in a hurry to teach them washing principles; they should also be able to learn safety principles too. 

Teach them to do laundry: There is no age restriction as to who can start learning laundry. In fact, children of less than five years can start learning it by first learning how to sort items that need to be washed. The older ones can actually start learning to do the actual laundry by first understanding how the washers and dryers work. This can be done under some form of supervision, at least till they are old enough to take full responsibility for laundry processes. By the time the child is ten years or above, they would have learned to sort out dirty items, how to use a laundry machine, and how to dry the items after use.

Teach them to sweep floors: This may look like a very simple task of dragging the broom across the floor, at least until they are asked to do it themselves. Effective sweeping is more complicated than that, and it only takes a bit of practice to become better at it. Give a child a broom, and you will probably see dirt flying all around the house instead of in a pile. Even with the presence of vacuum cleaners and other sophisticated gadgets for cleaning, it would be a wise choice to teach them how to use a dustpan and a broom. When they get older, the more sophisticated gadgets can now come into play.

Teach them to mop floors: This is even more difficult than regular sweeping, and your child needs to know that on time. Let the kids learn how to make mop water, when to rinse the mop head, how to wring water out of the mob, and how to handle any tough stains. They should also be able to understand that different floors may have different patterns for mopping, and safety should be a major concern since the floors might be a little wet while mopping.

Teach them to make their beds: Even though people are becoming less and less conscious of this art, children should be taught to make their beds properly. Even if there may be housekeepers who do it most of the time, children should at least be able to make beds. They can start by dressing their little cots, and as they grow older, they can now start making bigger beds. The major tricks would be getting them beds that have less complicated materials and allowing them to make the beds however they feel like it. Parents can also consider removing bets with extra blankets, sheets, and pillows. Most of these items are never used.

London Domestic cleaners believe that everyone has to play their part to make the world a cleaner and healthier place, including children, so teach them these valuable skills today.

© London Domestic Cleaners

Nowadays you have so many cleaning methods you can go for that the choice becomes even more complicated. From various brands of cleaning detergents to a wide variety of cleaning tools, you are granted the opportunity to maintain your home super clean. You should realise, however, that green cleaning is an option you shouldn’t overlook. Taking advantage of eco-friendly cleaning hacks has many positive aspects you should consider. Here are the most important reasons why natural ingredients are your best choice:

• They are safe – there is nothing more important than your health and when it comes to cleaning, the only safe option you have is to rely on green cleaning. While solutions that contain natural ingredients are harmless to your health, chemical-based products may get absorbed by the skin or lead to breathing problems for the person applying these detergents. Eco-friendly cleaning alternatives should be the first choice for people who live with children or pets since they are more vulnerable to the negative effects chemicals have. Besides, you should remember that green cleaning is safer for the surfaces you maintain because they are not corrosive.

• They are cheaper – it may sound hard to believe, but the total cost of store-bought cleaning products shouldn’t be overlooked. If you make a quick calculation, you would find out that you invest a lot of money in detergents, especially if you live in a big house with many surfaces to clean. To save money on cleaning solutions, you can opt for DIY cleansers that contain cheap, yet effective natural ingredients. With ingredients like baking soda, white vinegar, rubbing alcohol and essential oils you can prepare your own cleaning mixtures to disinfect any area at your place. These solutions are safe for your health and at the same time easy to afford.

• They protect nature – another benefit of green cleaning eco-friendly enthusiasts would appreciate is the good impact they have on the environment. When you go for chemical-based cleaning products, toxic fumes are released, which pollutes the air. Furthermore, our water sources are affected when people take advantage of too many toxic products. On the other hand, ingredients of natural origin are absolutely safe for the environment. By switching to a green cleaning routine, you can keep nature protected from exposure to harmful chemicals.

• They are easy to find – you can never know when unexpected guests might arrive and you would have to clean your home in a flash. But you are out of your window cleaning detergent? Or you can’t find that all-purpose cleaner you are used to applying? Luckily in your kitchen cabinet, you have a bottle of white vinegar or a box of baking soda that can be the perfect replacement for all your commercial detergents. Natural ingredients are easy to find at any store, yet chances are you already have the necessary products in your kitchen. Considering how available they are, you can rest assured you would always have the opportunity to mix your favourite green cleaning solution.

• They are freshly scented – while tackling chores with a store-bought cleaning product, usually, you notice a certain smell of chemicals that makes dealing with the task even more unpleasant. Unlike commercial cleansers, most eco-friendly solutions are freshly scented because of the essential oils they contain. Even if you prepare your mixtures by yourself, you can add a few drops of essential oils to improve the fragrance of your cleanser. What’s even better, essential oils are safe to breathe in, which turns them into the best alternative to store-bought air fresheners.

In your efforts to stay healthy and keep nature safe, you should leave harsh chemicals behind and move on with green cleaning. The benefits of using eco-friendly alternatives are undeniable and you should see this for yourself by including natural ingredients in your cleaning routine.

©London Domestic Cleaners

Spring is the best time of the year for all sorts of outdoor activities. The season, however, is just as great for finally getting over with those cleaning tasks you have been postponing during winter. Do you wonder what chores you should address, so that you can deep clean your home to perfection? Check these six cleaning jobs you should no longer avoid completing:

• Declutter – before you start cleaning any surface or room at your place, make sure that clutter wouldn’t stand on your way. Unnecessary items piling up should be checked thoroughly, otherwise, they would prevent you from cleaning your home quickly. So go through the stuff you consider useless and decide what can be sold or donated. Once you get rid of objects you never benefit from, spring cleaning would become a less complicated project to handle.

• Check your vacuum cleaner – while spring cleaning, your vacuum cleaner would be one of the most reliable cleaning tools you can think of. Whether your carpet demands on quality disinfection or your mattress needs to be refreshed, you should be certain that your vacuum cleaner is ready to be put in action. Is the bag or the container of your machine empty? Can you count on a decent filter? If you are sure that the vacuum cleaner is in good condition, you can carry on with the rest of your tasks.

• Go for harmless methods – surely you are used to relying on various store-bought cleaning products to sanitise your place with. Yet your spring cleaning project is the perfect moment to consider other cleaning approaches. Eco-friendly solutions are a safer way to go, given the fact that they contain no toxins that can put your health at risk. So you should no doubt try mixing your homemade cleansers to disinfect any surface you can think of. Typically, natural solutions contain ingredients like baking soda and white vinegar, but if you stay interested in green cleaning, you can discover so many other cool cleaning mixtures to try.

• Don’t forget the mattress – sometimes homeowners forget that their mattresses need to be thoroughly cleaned, so that dust and dirt would be banished from the bedroom. When it comes to a healthy mattress you can either count on a professional cleaning service or try to maintain the mattress by yourself. In case the first option doesn’t work for you right now, baking soda is your best bet. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the mattress and let the ingredient sit for a while. Vacuum clean the surface and your bed would become a safer place to sleep in.

• Clean the walls – just like your mattress, chances are you forget that the walls need attention too. Although it might be less obvious, dust settles on your walls, making your home a less healthy place to live. For that reason cleaning the walls should be included in your spring cleaning checklist. To eliminate dust from the walls, simply wipe them with a damp towel.

• Wash the windows – let the first sun rays enter your place through squeaky clean windows by washing the surfaces naturally. In a spraying bottle, mix equal amounts of water, white vinegar and rubbing alcohol. This solution would help you to remove dust and stains from the windows without involving the application of dangerous chemicals. Bear in mind that a cloudy day is the best moment for you to address the task. Or else you risk your cleaning solution evaporating before you get a chance to wash the windows.

These are the most important cleaning tasks you need to tackle this spring. Once you deal with chores from your spring cleaning checklist, you would be able to enjoy a healthy home environment for months ahead.

© London Domestic Cleaners

It's high time you do away with chemical cleaning and using synthetic fragrances. Wanting a clean house should never be a reason to choose chemicals that are harmful to you and your environment. 

Before going further, it is clear that there are more benefits to using green cleaning methods than using chemical-filled substances. You also play a part in the struggle to keep the planet safe for future generations. Without delay, let us take you around the various choices we have made for our cleaning.

Green cleaning alternatives

1. Window cleaning:When we clean our windows, we use 1/4 cups of vinegar with 2 or 3 cups of water. You could include lemon or lime to the mix, primarily for the scent. You can use any other scent by straining or boiling it. The water will serve as your scent. This ratio works okay for my windows, so you have to note how big or small your windows are. You might need to do a little test to see what quantity works best for you. Mix in a reusable spray bottle, spray and clean with a rag.  

1. More Ventilation: Air fresheners are sweet-scented, pleasant, and possibly your first option when airing out your home, but these are chemicals. So rather than use them, go for ventilation. Open your windows wide enough to allow fresh air or odour removal in your home. You can also try flowers for natural scents. We suggest rosemary, lavender, and roses. 

1. Wood surfaces:When cleaning wooden surfaces, use a mix of olive oil and vinegar. It works as great as chemical cleaners, and they don't leave you with any long-lasting smell or harm.

1. Drainage system:Go with hot water first when cleaning out a drainage system, whether in the kitchen, bathroom, or otherwise. Then you can take a step further by using baking soda and white vinegar. The measurement should be up to you and your discretion. Once you have poured this into the drainage hole, leave it for about half an hour, the result should be foamy. This is a guaranteed way to rid yourself of drainage smell and clogs. You could also try a boiling mix of salt and vinegar. Pour it through the drainage and then flush the solution with cold water. 

1. Carpet Cleaning: When cleaning your carpets from stains, spills, and dog accidents, you do not need to rush to the most chemically filled products to do the job. You have four natural and effective ways. Begin with vinegar. Spray a bit of vinegar on the carpet and scrub. If that isn't magic enough, then you can go onto add salt to the vinegar. This is extremely effective. The third choice is to use cornstarch; this works wonders, to get ink out, make a paste with cornstarch and milk, and your carpet will be as good as new and finally what else can work wonders but baking soda. But with baking soda, you will need to sprinkle on the area, scrub it in and then leave overnight for the baking soda to do its job. Once that is done, your carpet cleaning will be a breeze.  

1. Sun Exposure: From mattresses to any other cloth-related furniture, you can allow the sun to do the task rather than disinfect it with chemicals. The sun rays can disinfect your mattresses and carpet in no time. Leave it from dawn to evening, and you can repeat it two or three times in a row to get the best result for free.

7.Dishes: When washing your dishes, you do not have to go for chemically produced options which do the job, but leave you with microscopic harm which will take effect in the long run. Instead, you can use these two options; first ash. For those with a fireplace, make use of those ashes to get your plates clean. They are extremely effective in getting the most greasy food out. You can also try using baking soda to wash off your plates. Don't forget to rinse extensively before and after using these methods. 

If you wish to get the best domestic cleaning in London, don't hesitate to get in touch with us.

Conclusion

Nothing gives you a peace of mind than knowing that your home is chemical-free, safe for you, your family, and your environment. 

© London Domestic Cleaners

At first sight, glass surfaces may appear easy to maintain. Unlike other areas at your place, you would be involved in a window cleaning process only once in a while. Yet like any other chore, this one requires a certain level of knowledge and suitable tools. Having dust-free windows is essential for the well-kept presence of your home both inside and outside. Here are some simple to follow instructions for a window cleaning job precisely done.

• Choose a proper time – a cloudy day may not seem good for a walk in the park, but it is the perfect moment to wash the windows. Hot sun rays heat your windows, which makes the cleaning product dry out or vaporize faster. To avoid streaks on the windows, run the errand on a cool, shady day.

• Prepare your window cleaning kit – before starting with the job, you need to put together some window cleaning items. Glass surfaces require that you get a specific glass cleaning product. Your options here vary a lot since the market offers a great diversity of solutions. You can also prepare a homemade cleanser just by mixing vinegar and water. As you have already decided on detergent, you should use a clean microfiber cloth or paper towels. Both methods guarantee shiny streak-free windows. The squeegee approach is rather controversial since some experts believe that the job may be done way too messy. So if you are a window cleaning newbie, maybe you should skip using a squeegee.

• Make the surfaces ready for wiping – you are well-familiar with removing dust since this is among your most regular assignments at home. It is not simply about the floors, windows need some dust cleaning as well. Otherwise, these tiny particles will turn into a mess when sprayed on with a window cleaning solution. In fact, removing dust from the window is probably the most crucial moment and it is a step you should never skip. How to complete the task depends on the type of windows you have and how dirty they are. In some cases, simple vacuuming will be enough, while in others you may need to clean the window frames with a damp cloth and then let them dry. In more severe situations, when frames are filthy, it is wise to take them off and wash them with hot water first. Of course, you should be very careful not to damage the frame during the process.

• Plan the operation – even if you have too many glass surfaces at home, you have to take proper care of them once or twice a year. So divide the process by rooms. The best way to clean the windows is, to begin with, the top ones. It is not OK to start the other way around, because dirt will flow down and splash the bottom windows. If you have windows that are hard to reach, don’t forget to get equipped with a ladder.

• It’s time for the actual cleaning – it may seem that you are done with the hard part, but you are only a step away from spotless windows. Start spraying the surfaces with powerful cleanser and be lavish. Some spots are tough and they may need more than one spritz. First, apply the detergent at the top of the window and then move down. Wipe gently and be alert not to leave streaks. 

Providing glossy windows is not as tedious as it looks. For sure it is a task you don’t long for completing. Even so, relying on an effective detergent and a wise plan of action truly facilitates the process. 

© London Domestic Cleaners