Cleaning up the house is a great way to make your home feel cozier this winter. While it can be a daunting task, there's no need to fret. Here are five house cleaning tips from Agent Clean.
1. Organize the Clutter
The best first step is to go through the house and pick up any clutter. This could include trash, random items, or out-of-place belongings. By clearing the clutter first, you leave yourself a good workspace to clean. Consider dusting or vacuuming off small items before putting them away if they are dirty or dusty.
2. Focus on the House, not the Room
An easy way to prevent feeling like your in a never ending cycle of cleaning tasks is to focus on the house as a whole, not on each individual room. Choose a single task, like vacuuming, and vacuum the whole house. Then move on to dusting or glass cleaning, and again do the entire house. This will be more efficient that doing each task for each room.
3. Organize your Supplies
A sure way to make cleaning more stressful is not knowing where your supplies are when you need them. We recommend keeping all of your cleaning supplies in a small caddy or bucket. Soaps, cleaners, paper towels, disinfectant, gloves, etc. can all fit in a container that is easily carried from room to room instead of searching for individual supplies as you need them.
4. Cleaning Team
If you don't live alone, try getting the whole household involved. Cleaning as a team is faster, more efficient, and can be much more fun than tackling the task alone. Grab your family or roommates and make it an afternoon. Delegate tasks and operate as a team and you'll have your home looking great in no time. Maybe celebrate with pizza and soda after?
5. Exterior House Cleaning
Don't forget about the outside of your home! If you own a small pressure washer, it will work great for spraying off the deck or the concrete. Be sure to use the right tip so that you don't damage the surface you're cleaning. If you're unsure about how to use your pressure washer properly, or you don't have one, consider finding an exterior cleaning company like Agent Clean. Agent Clean specializes in exterior house cleaning service, soft washing and power washing, as well as window cleaning and gutter cleaning.
Top Tips for the New Year
The holiday season is over and a new decade has arrived, and with it a wave of New Year resolutions. The new year is also a great time to focus on organization and cleaning, a proverbial "out with the old, in with the new." Here are a few tips from Agent Clean for making the most out of your New Year resolutions.
Cleaning Tips for 2022
Clean the Closets. Throughout the year, closets are common places for clutter and untouched dirt. A great starting point for your 2022 cleaning and organizing is your closets. Cleaning up and clearing space in your closets also provides potential storage for when you organize other areas of your home.
Pro tip: collect your cleaning supplies such as dusters, disinfectant, dust pan and hand broom in a bucket. Then when you clean the closets, you have all of your supplies at hand and a bucket for dirt or trash.
Dust the Drawers. Another culprit for collecting clutter are cabinets and drawers. They're easy to toss knick knacks into, and over time can fill up with junk or misplaced belongings. Dust also tend to accumulate. Empty the drawers and use a basic cleaner or vacuum to remove dirt and grime. With the drawers empty you can organize items into proper places, as well as dispose of any trash or junk.
Finish the Floors. Vacuuming and carpet cleaning is best done after you've finished cleaning your closets, cabinets, and drawers, as dust tends to become airborne as you clean out other spaces. Vacuum your floors, and clean the edges. You may opt to mop hard floors to remove dirt or grime that has stuck on, as well as disinfect.
Pro tip: Do one more once over with a duster after you vacuum, as dust tends to settle on furniture afterwards.
Schedule Spring Cleaning. The New Year is also a great time to schedule yearly spring cleaning for the exterior of your home. Gutters, concrete, and windows are common areas on the exterior of your home that tend to need a yearly or bi-yearly cleaning. Agent Clean offers custom cleaning service packages with "while we're there" pricing. Find a location near you and call for a free estimate.
Picking the Best Christmas Tree
Thanksgiving is past and for many, this is the time to set up, find Christmas ornaments, and decorate their Christmas tree. Picking a Christmas tree is a tradition for many, but the convenience and safety of an artificial tree is something to consider. Here are a few tips for choosing the best Christmas tree this Holiday Season.
How to Pick a Christmas Tree
The first thing to figure out is whether or not you want a live tree or an artificial tree. There are pros and cons to both!
Live trees have that signature pine smell
Live trees have a charm
Picking a tree is a fun family tradition
No need to store the tree in the off season
Artificial trees don’t need to be watered
Artificial trees are not a fire hazard
Artificial trees save money in the long run as they are reusable
How to pick a live Christmas Tree
Picking out a live Christmas tree is a fun experience for the whole family. Load up the car and head to a local tree farm to look at a selection of trees. Here are a few things to consider when buying a Christmas Tree:
1) Size.
Try to have an idea of what size tree you are able to fit in your home. Nothing is more frustrating than getting a tree and finding you must trim the edges and top to make it fit in your home. Measure the space top to bottom for height, and across the space for an approximate diameter. When you find a potential tree, do a quick check to ensure it will fit your space!
2) Health.
Trees, like any plant, are susceptible to disease and damage. While most tree farms make an effort to prune and care for damaged or sick trees, it’s still a good idea to carefully inspect the tree before cutting it. Look for excessive brown pine needles, discolored branches or needles or other signs of an unhealthy tree.
3) Shape.
The last thing to check for is the shape of the tree. Trees are pruned to have pleasant geometry, but gaps, wider bases or more uniform length of branches all exist. Pick a tree that is pleasing to your family. If the tree does have a gap btu everything else is perfect, it’s okay! Simply orient that part of the tree to the wall or corner.
Live trees are fun to pick! Load it up and take it home. Don’t forget to have a tree stand ready!
How to Get Ready for Thanksgiving
With Halloween in the rearview mirror, Thanksgiving is just around the corner! Thanksgiving is traditionally a time for the gathering of friends and family to celebrate life and blessings. One of the first things to do is -- don't wait! It's already November, and planning for a large party of family members to come over is time consuming. Waiting until last minute increases the odds that things don't go according to plan. So to get started, make a to do list! This can include getting a guest list, making a menu, and planning any decorations or cleaning that you need to do.
Here's a few tips to get ready to host Thanksgiving dinner at your home.
Five Tips to Get ready for Thanksgiving
1) Make a Guest List
One of the first things you should do is make a guest list. Sure, you probably have a small group of people that come to every Thanksgiving, but it's a good idea to confirm your guests considering the travel restrictions in place around the country. You also may have consider having a bigger gathering with friends and family, or some people who might show up for only dessert. Either way, it's a good idea to have a guest list ready so that you know what to expect.
2) Make a Menu and a Shopping List
Food is a priority at Thanksgiving gatherings, so make it one of your top priorities on your list of to dos. Since you've already got an idea of how many people are coming for Thanksgiving dinner, you can reliably plan your main courses and side dishes. Write the menu then hit the road and go to the grocery store. Shop early and thoroughly, and get the ingredients you need so that you can prep without missing any.
3) Clean Up the House
As with any gathering at your home, it's a good idea to clean up the space. Dust and vacuum the living room, hallways, and kitchen, and clean up the guest bathrooms. If you have front and back entryways that are dirty, you can hire a company to soft wash or pressure wash the exterior of your home and clean up the curb appeal. If your lawn is in bad shape, it might also be a good idea to mow and trim any brush that is over grown.
4) Set Up Thanksgiving Decorations
If you haven't already, it's a great time to set up your Fall decorations. Fall wreaths, pumpkins, lighting, any of your fall decor, now is the time. Set up beautiful entryways into your home, with scented candles in the house to make your guests feel great about Autumn. Might be a tad too early for Christmas decorations, but a few wouldn't hurt if you're the type to start setting up Christmas before Thanksgiving.
5) Prepare for Overnight Guests
If you have family coming in from out of town, you might be hosting guests for the night after Thanksgiving. Now is a good time to clean up and clean out the guest bedroom and closet. Wash the linens, vacuum, and ensure that everything is ready for your guests so that you don't have to stress about it after everyone arrives.
Tips for Throwing a Halloween Party
Hosting an Epic Halloween Party
Fall weather is already here and finding an excuse to throw an epic party isn’t hard. Beautiful weather and the perfect excuse - Halloween - means a party is all but guaranteed to be a hit. Here are a few tips from Agent Clean to throw a memorable and exciting Halloween Party.
3 Things to do to Throw a Halloween Party
1) Decorate for the Theme
A fun element to bring to any party is a theme for your decorations. While Halloween is a theme, you can be more specific and make it a fun adventure for those who attend. Try decorating and suggesting costumes based on a time period, movie, or style. How about a Hogwarts themed party? Maybe a video game themed party? Or have a medieval, renaissance, fantasy, or other time period theme.
Even if you don’t want to have an official theme, having some party decorations can provide a nice ambience to the event, especially in the evening times. Consider putting up outdoor string lights around the patio or in the trees, some backyard torches to light the walkway, or led water lighting if you have a fountain or pond. You can also use the classic pumpkin decorations or skulls and headstones to add a spooky vibe to your theme.
2) Clean It Up
Once you decide to throw a party, it’s time to get your home and patio into top shape.
Focus on high-traffic areas of the house such as the kitchen, hallway, and bathroom.
Pick up clutter such as toys, trash, and odds and ends.
For the deck and patio, pick up toys, hoses, and tools.
If you have a pool, clean up the water to remove dead bugs, grass and leaves.
Vacuum and dust the house, especially if you have pets. Nobody wants fur in their food and drink!
If you want to make your house shine, have a cleaning service company soft wash your house and deck and pressure wash your patio and sidewalk. Soft washing is a low-pressure cleaning method that removes mold, mildew, and algae from surfaces without the risk of damage from high pressure. Power washing your patio and sidewalk will remove dirt and mold from the surface and make it look bright and clean for your guests.
The prep work is usually what makes or breaks a good party.
3) Get the Food
Let’s be honest, food is a huge part of throwing a party. You don’t want to have too much or too little, and you want to accommodate your guests’ tastes. The first key to getting the food organized is a proper head count.
If you’re throwing a small party just for close friends and family, start a list of the likely attendees to get an idea of how much food you’ll need. If you’re having a more informal party, social media is a great way to get a quick RSVP from potential guests. Set up your event on Facebook and send invites with a request for RSVP before the date of the party. This gives you time to prepare the food.
When it comes to the type of food to have, try to offer a variety of options that are easy to grab and carry around. If you’re doing anything bigger than a dinner party, you’ll want to forgo things like casseroles, roasts, and other formal dinner options as most informal backyard parties involve standing and mingling. Try to present a spread of finger foods such as little sausages, cocktail sandwiches, chips, and veggies and dip. Provide paper plates and plastic utensils for easy clean up, and have large receptacles nearby for guests to deposit their trash.
Throwing a Halloween party can be exciting, fun, and rewarding. It can also be a nightmare with poor prep. The key is to plan the event carefully so that you can let loose and have a great time with friends and family.
How to Get Ready for Fall
Making a Fall Checklist
The cooler temperatures are already making their way into the Midwest. Soon the leaves will start changing colors, and as with any season change it’s a good time to do some home maintenance and organization. Here’s our quick list of Fall prep ideas.
5 Things to do to Get Ready for Fall
1) Gutter Cleaning Service
This one is a no-brainer when it comes to prepping for the fall and winter. Clogged gutters can prevent proper draining, allowing standing water to seep into your home and cause wall and ceiling damage. Improper gutter drainage can also lead to overflowing gutters that pour water onto your landscaping as opposed to out the downspouts.
Companies like Agent Clean can clean out the gutters to remove leaves, debris and silt, and perform a water test on the downspouts to ensure that they are draining properly. We recommend a gutter cleaning service at the beginning of fall and at the beginning of winter.
2) Clean out Chimney
If you’re a homeowner and have a fireplace, the beginning of fall is the best time to check that your chimney is ready for use. Small critters and birds can make nests in chimneys which become a fire hazard. Leaves can also get stuck in the chimney. You can sometimes clean out the top part yourself, but it’s a good idea to have someone inspect it prior to lighting a fire in the fireplace.
3) Furnace check up
With colder temperatures inbound, the change of the season is a good time to check your furnace filter and have your furnace checked over by a professional. They can make sure that the wiring is working, and that the overall condition of your heater is up to par.
4) Pressure Washing Service for Concrete
Fall is the perfect time to have your concrete patio and driveway cleaned and sealed. Did you know that cracks in the concrete are generally caused by water seeping into the pores, then freezing? It is the expansion of the water that causes concrete to crack. By cleaning and sealing the concrete, the pores are filled and water is unable to seep into the surface.
5) Plan a Fall Party
Fall is a beautiful season, and for most areas the weather is gorgeous. Why not plan a fall get together? Break out the chili pot, have a bonfire, and enjoy the company of friends and family. Fall party activities are fun for the whole family. Pumpkin carving, leaf piles, s'mores, and yard games are great options for entertainment.
Are your Windows Ready for Fall?
With summer winding down and fall and winter just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about getting your home ready for cooler temperatures. While heat loss can occur from bad insulation, through an attic or roof, and other areas, windows are a leading source of heat loss in the winter. It’s a good idea to have them checked out and maintained before going into the cold seasons. Here are a few tips for getting your windows ready for fall.
1) Checking the Window Seals
One of the first steps to ensuring your windows are ready for cooler temps is to check for drafts and air leaks around your windows. Silicon seals can break down over time, so if you feel a draft near a window it may be time to have them sealed and caulked. You can DIY or higher a company to do it for you.
2) Window Cleaning Service
When you’re checking all of your windows anyway, it’s a great time to clean them up before fall. You may not have time or proper weather to do it later, so grab a roll of paper towels or micro fiber rag and some window solution and clean them up. If you don’t have time or have some hard to reach windows, consider hiring a company like Agent Clean to do a window cleaning service on your home or business.
3) Insulating Windows
One of the best ways to reduce heat escaping from windows is to insulate them. Installing multi-pane windows with insulation is the best, but if you do not have high efficiency windows you can follow a few steps to insulate your old windows.
One common method is to use a plastic film insulation. This insulation creates an air buffer between your interior and your window. Air actually makes a fantastic insulation buffer. These inexpensive window covers are easy to install and work very efficiently. Additionally, you can buy insulating blinds or curtains that provide a level of insulation by being heavy enough to prevent air escaping through the window.
4) Damaged Windows
During the course of insulating and cleaning your windows, you might discover some moderate to severe damage, either in the silicon lining, the window sill or frame, or the glass itself. If you do discover damaged windows, it might be a good idea to higher a company to replace the entire window and frame if necessary.
Drafty windows are a major culprit to energy efficiency in the winter. But a little elbow grease and some proper insulation will help you save energy and money over the fall and winter seasons.
How to Throw a Fourth of July Party
Backyard barbecues and fireworks are a staple at any good Fourth of July party, but what are some other ways to make your Independence Day celebration epic? Here are a few tips to throw the best Fourth of July party in 2021.
Five Tips to Throw the Best Fourth of July Party in 2021
1. Party Decorations
A party without decorations is still fun, but your summer event can really stand out with a few decorations, especially one that already has a theme! The Red White and Blue may seem cliché but it makes decorating an easy task. Grab some themed napkins and plates from your local grocery or partytime store to add some color to the table. Red, white and blue ribbon streamers are inexpensive and easy to hang. Finally, break out a U.S. Flag if you don't already fly one and let it wave proudly o'er the deck!
2. Food for a Party
The heart of a party are the people who attend, but let's be honest, food is a close second! People love to eat, especially at parties, and especially on the Fourth of July. There's something about a cold beer, burgers and brats or BBQ, chips and soda to make a Fourth of July party a time to remember. Great party food keeps the conversation flowing and the happiness of the guests high.
When planning the food, decide how to proceed based on the number of guests you expect. Is it a friends and family gathering with a set time in mind? Or is it a neighborhood gathering with people stopping by at various times? Whatever the situation, there are a few options.
Catering. This is often the best choice for a larger group and if you have the funds to afford it, or if people are pitching in to help. This is also a great option for a family and friends gathering if you don't want to have the mess of cooking. Either way, find a place that can cater your party and will setup on time. Many BBQ restaurants offer catering, and it's an easy way to feed a bunch of hungry party-goers.
Pot luck. This is a great option when you have a larger number of people coming. Have people bring a main or side dish, or a dessert. You can even coordinate a list so that you don't have only side dishes or main dishes. Pot lucks at Fourth of July parties are a great way to ensure everyone gets fed while minimizing personal cost. It's also fun to try a bunch of different foods and dishes!
DIY. If your Fourth of July party will be a smaller gathering with friends and family, or if you enjoy tackling large projects, you can provide the food yourself. Heat up the grill, grab some brats, burgers, and hot dogs, or throw some meat in a smoker. Whatever you decide to do, make a little more than you think you'll need so that your guests can eat their fill throughout the night. It's also a good idea to work out a system if you're grilling for a bunch of people to make sure food gets out in a timely fashion.
3. Soft Wash and Clean Your House
Most Fourth of July parties are outside in the backyard or on the deck or porch. Having a clean, attractive space for your party helps keep the focus on the food, fun, and fireworks. Power wash or soft wash your deck or siding, and consider having your windows and gutters cleaned. Guests will appreciate the tidiness, and you'll get to show off your home. Agent Clean offers a full suite of cleaning services like siding, roof, and deck soft washing, as well as window cleaning, concrete cleaning, and gutter cleaning.
It's also a good idea to clean up and organize the interior of your home, or anywhere guests might be. This usually means the living room, kitchen, and bathrooms. Cleaning up these spaces will keep your guests happy and comfortable while you host an epic Fourth of July party.
4. Beverages
What's a Fourth of July party without some booze? Drinking is a favorite past time of many Americans, and drinking responsibly is a great way to celebrate Independence Day. Plus, if you're keeping to the red, white and blue theme, there are some fun drinks you can serve at your party.
Your other mainstays for a Fourth of July party are pretty straightforward - beer, soda, and maybe some punch will round out the beverages and have something for everyone. Lemonade is another good choice if you want something with a bit less sugar than soda, and it's a summertime favorite!
5. Fireworks
The obvious entertainment for a Fourth of July party is fireworks. These fun and colorful explosives are sure to light up the sky and brighten everyone's mood, but be sure to follow safety protocol when setting them off. Nothing kills a party vibe like injuries. As a precaution, follow all instructions on the firework packaging, and have a hose and water source or a fire extinguisher nearby. It's also a good idea to have a first aid kit in case of minor burns. Remember, if there is a major injury, call an ambulance. Also check to ensure that fireworks are legal in your municipality, or that you are far enough outside of city limits.
Throwing a party can be a fun time for everyone. The most important thing is to be safe with fireworks and enjoy the time spent with friends and family.
Five Tips to Increase Curb Appeal
With spring in full swing, houses going on market, and apartment complexes looking for renters, curb appeal is more important than ever. Having a clean, well-kept exterior helps potential tenants make a value-judgement on the space. Here are five tips to increase curb appeal.
1)Landscaping
One of the best ways to increase curb appeal is through proper landscaping. A well-maintained lawn and garden is eye catching to those fond of outdoor activities. On the flip side, a poorly maintained garden or lawn is extremely noticeable, and tends to make a building feel more dilapidated.
Quick Fix: Cut the grass and pull pesky weeds from the gardens for a quick fix if you don't have time or resources for a landscaping company.
2) Patios and Driveway
Another way to increase curb appeal is to clean up patios and driveways. If there is outdoor patio furniture, make sure it's relatively clean. Replace or remove any broken furniture. Check for rust spots under metal furniture legs. Most power washing or exterior cleaning companies can restore concrete and perform rust removal services. Also check the concrete for mold and grease; grease is unsightly, and mold can be a slipping hazard as it collects moisture and becomes slick when wet.
Pro Tip: Have the concrete cleaned and sealed. Sealing concrete helps prevent mold growth as well as chips and cracks caused by expanding water and ice during the winter.
3) Deck Restoration
A beautiful deck adds value to any house. Backyard gatherings are popular in spring, summer, and autumn, and having a stunning deck is sure to catch the eye of any potential buyers or tenants. If you're handy, you can do the deck restoration yourself, or hire an exterior cleaning company or painting company to do the work. They will look for loose or rotting boards, and can strip, stain, and seal the deck.
Pro Tip: Sometimes a deck just needs a good wash. Be sure to find a company that can do a soft wash to avoid damaging the wood.
4) Window Cleaning
Clean glass is essential for transforming a gloomy home into a bright and happy place. Dirty glass stands out like a sore thumb, especially on sunny days. Doing a quick spray and wipe on the interior side of the window is an easy DIY, while the exterior may need professional help. Modern window cleaners can use pure water technology and water fed poles to reach up to four stories from the ground, and leave windows sparkling.
Quick Fix: If the house is only one or two stories, you can clean windows yourself. Just be sure to use caution when cleaning windows above the first story and have someone spot you on your ladder.
5) Siding and Roof Wash
One of the best ways to increase curb appeal is having the siding and roof soft washed. Many houses and residential buildings have mold, algae and mildew on the roof and siding. This often looks like greenish brown slime on siding, and black streaks on the roof.
Soft washing uses low pressure and a cleaning solution to gently wash the surface, removing and eliminating mold, mildew, algae, and other organic growths. This helps prolong the life and look of the surface, especially the roof, as algae gathers moisture and heat and leads to a faster deterioration of the shingles. Agent Clean offers house cleaning services at all locations.
Pro Tip: Make sure the company you hire uses soft washing and not traditional power washing, as high pressure water can leave streaks and damage the surface.
4 Tips for Finding Tenants
Finding tenants can be a difficult task, especially in college towns where housing is a competitive market. Here are a few tips to help your property stand out to potential clients.
How to find Good Tenants
1) Take good pictures.
One of the main things to do when attracting potential tenants is to take quality photos of the available spaces. Great photos help maintain the image of clean, home-like spaces, and entice potential tenants to visit.
Take a clean photo of the exterior front of the house. Take one of the back if there is pertinent amenities such as a porch, patio, or nice view.
Take wide photos of the common areas, such as the kitchen, dining area, and living room. Take photos of the bedrooms. Try to get the whole room, and include photos of closets or master bathrooms. Take photos of bathrooms, and other larger closets. Potential tenants love getting to know a property before they visit, and imagining how they can make it their own space.
2) Advertise your Rental Properties.
Once you’ve taken great photos, it’s time to share them. There are many outlets to advertise, from free listings on some sites to classified ads in newspapers. Make sure your ad clearly outlines the space available: is it a one-bedroom or two? What kind of unit? Is it a house? How many bathrooms? Is there a deck or patio? If it is a house, what style? How many floors? Try to identify specifics that would speak to the tenants you want to attract. It can also be helpful to list the average utility cost for your future tenant to consider.
For example, a single floor ranch home with two to three bedrooms might attract new families or recently married couples. Apartments near campus are likely to attract college students.
3) Offer move in specials
A great way to stand out in the market is to offer move-in incentives, such as lower deposits or discounts on first month rent. While it isn’t necessary, especially if you have a property in a prime location or with top-notch amenities, but it is a good option if your properties are in a saturated market area.
4) Curb Appeal boost
Curb appeal is just as important for rental properties as it is for businesses and homes. Making a great first impression when potential tenants visit is important. It also helps catch the eye of passersby.
Soft washing the exterior will take care of mold, mildew, dirt and pollution that may be contaminating the siding. Look for blackish green streaks or blotches, especially on vinyl siding. Mold also tends to grow into concrete such as patios and sidewalks.
Companies like Agent Clean offer custom cleaning packages to take care of any cleaning needs. Learn more about some of the exterior cleaning services available.
Finding tenants is a process. Following the above tips can help you attract more people to your rental property.
