Holiday Madness

I can't believe Thanksgiving is over and Christmas is just around the corner with New Years picking up the rear. Who's idea was it to group these holidays all together anyways?

The end of year holiday season can be a huge stress on our already busy lives. Feeling the stress of gift giving, spending time with family, travel, decorating, cooking, baking, and all while living our normal (or not so normal) day to day lives can become overwhelming.

There are some things we an do to relieve ourselves of the burdens associated with the Holidays.
Here are a few tips:

DINNER

1. Have that holiday dinner at someone else's home or go out to dinner. Wouldn't it be nice not to have to cook a huge meal and not have a huge mess to clean up either? YES! Though, if you do have dinner at someone else's home, bring a dish with you so they don't feel the pressure of cooking for everyone either and help clean up a bit before you go. If you go out to dinner, then tip your server because they are having to miss out on spending time with their loved ones and working on a holiday is no fun.
2. Have a pot luck! If you decide to have dinner at your home, then ask everyone to bring a side dish while you take care of the main course(s). You could also order your entire dinner from places like Fred Meyer. They'll make it all for you and all you have to do is pick it up and plate it. And at my home, the kids have to clean up after the meal!

GIFT GIVING

1. It's fun and rewarding to give gifts but it can also be a financial burden. Stick to giving gifts to parents and children. As we get older, our families grow and soon we are feeling obligated to give gifts to our parents, the kids, our sisters, aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, etc. This trend becomes very expensive and extremely overwhelming. If you stick to buying a gift for your parents and the children in your life (not the ones you never see or don't know well), you will be able to give more thoughtful gifts and not break the bank.
2. Make something! This is my favorite thing to do. I've bought Christmas tins and baked cookies to put in. I've made blankets, rice warmers (the things you stick in the microwave, heat up and then enjoy the glorious warmth), stuffed animals, etc. I like to create and make and I believe these gifts are the best kind because you spent your time and energy to create something for someone you love.

TRAVEL

1. There's nothing worse than traveling with cranky kids. Whether it's by car, plane or train, plan ahead. Bring something to play movies on, bring car friendly games, books, snack and drinks, bring anything and everything to keep your kids occupied and distracted.
2. Just don't do it! Stay home and relax. The Holidays are not suppose to be something we dread. If you don't want to travel cross state to see relatives you don't have to. Stay home and have a nice, quiet and intimate holiday with your closest family and friends.

Oh ya, one last tip -Hire Clean Right Company to clean your home just in time for the holidays. Call now to book your service before it's too late!!!

Erica Jensen

President

Clean Right Company

(509) 534-3343

What's your time worth?

I'd like to talk about an economics term- 'Opportunity Costs'.
What this term relates to is the cost/loss are you suffering from choosing to do one thing over another with your time.

Let's relate this to cleaning...

For instance:
If I choose to clean my own home versus hiring a professional cleaning service to do it, what costs/losses are associated with the time I spend doing this?
I don't mean the cost of the cleaning supplies and equipment but rather, what am I not doing, that I could be doing, if I wasn't cleaning my home?

Now I know hiring a service to clean your home costs money but it costs you more than just dollars, it costs you time. So let's take a look at what we could be doing instead of cleaning and the potential costs/losses associated with it.

1. I could be cleaning someone else's home, which actually makes me money! So if I clean my own home instead of working, I am losing those dollars. Example: Let's say it costs $90 to have my house cleaned and, while having my house cleaned, I clean someone else's house for $120. I just made a $30 profit and have a clean home too!
2. I could be selling/marketing/blogging, which doesn't make me money but does increase my chance to gain clients so again, I am losing the opportunity to make money. Example: Again, it costs me $90 to have my house cleaned but I get 3 calls from the marketing campaign I worked on while my house was getting cleaned and I actually sell 1 of those clients for a $120 recurring cleaning service. 
3. I could be spending time with my family. This doesn't make me money but it makes me, and my family happy!  
4. I could be exercising! Oh shoot, I just found time to exercise!?!? And what's more important, a clean home or a clean bill of health? Example: It costs me $90 to have my house cleaned but I choose to do it myself thus not having the time to exercise. Not exercising leads to muscle loss which leads to a lower back issue which I have to go to the doctor for. The doctor send me to a specialist who needs to do some expensive procedure which costs me way more than that $90 maid service.
5. I could be just plain ole relaxing! In this hectic life style we've created, taking time just to relax is a must for your sanity! 

It all boils down to what is your time worth? For me, it's worth much more than what I would pay to have my house cleaned and I'm sure you feel the same. You would be greatly surprised just how affordable a cleaning service for your home is especially after you factor in the Opportunity Cost associated with your time.

So I ask you, what is your time worth? 

Get your FREE maid service estimate by visiting our website at www.cleanrightco.com or calling (509) 534-3343

Erica Jensen -President

Clean Right Company

(509) 534-3343

Servicing Spokane, WA and surrounding areas.

Chill Out Dude! Your health depends on it....

We all know that leading a stressful life-style can have serious side effects, especially on our health. Researchers say that high levels of stress can lead to physical symptoms including headaches, upset stomach, trouble sleeping and an elevated heart rate & blood pressure which can lead to an increased risk of heart disease. It also weakens our immune systems which puts us at greater risk of getting ill. 





Many times, as well, when we get over stressed it becomes difficult to think clearly. It's best to try not to make rash decisions when you are over stressed about something. Instead, take some time to think things over -Sleep on it! When I'm working out and not thinking about all the little issues and incomplete tasks or even a major problem, I come up with great solutions and ideas to make things easier simply because the ability to not stress over them has allowed my brain to come up with the solution subconsciously~Sometimes our brains don't need our help.





It is more important now, than anytime in the past, that we take time to 'Chill-Out'! Trust me, I know it is very, very, very difficult to carve out enough time in the day for the things we 'have-to' do let alone the things we 'want-to' do but we must move our 'chill-out' time from the want-to list to need-to list. 








Perhaps you can combine this time with something else from one of your lists? I take an hour a day to work-out and I also consider this my 'chill-out' time. Most people would think that's crazy talk but, for me, when I work out I am not thinking of anything but what I'm doing at that specific moment. This is about the only time of day that I don't have 100 other things on my mind so it's definitely a 'Chill-Out' time for me. So not only am I getting the health benefit of staying fit, I'm also getting some time to 'chill-out' and relieving pent up tension and stress from the day. 

Here's another great idea! Hire a professional cleaning service to relieve the stress of of a dirty home from your shoulders. You'd be amazed at how relieving it is to come home to a clean house after a long-stressful day at work or just plane old life. I've had customers call and tell me that they were in tears when they came home to a fresh and clean home. Interested? Then give us a call at Clean Right Company for your FREE Estimate! (509) 534-3343 or go online to our website at www.cleanrightco.com for more information.


Erica Jensen ~President 
Clean Right Company 

Don't look now but it's coming!

The leaves will soon be changing from green to the colors of Autumn and, along with the changing landscape, comes the dreaded flu season.  So how can you avoid getting the flu? I'm glad you asked. Here are some tips to avoid contracting this terrible phenomenon:

1. Eat Healthy: Start by fueling your body with foods rich in vitamins and minerals and drink plenty of water. Colorful fruits and vegetables are jam packed with healthy nutrients our bodies need for healthy living.
2. Wash/Sanitize you hands!: Not only after using the restroom but wash/sanitize them after handling things that many others have handled as well. Such as: shopping cart handles, the ATM, door handles to public areas, etc. 
3. Avoid people who are sick: It may seem mean but the less contact you have with those who are ill, the less likely you are to catch it.
4. Don't touch your face: Keep you hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. 
5. Get your rest: Your body needs sleep to re-energize and fight any invading germs.
6. Exercise!: Yep, you read me right... get out there and exercise. Not only does Working out regularly helps build a strong immune system but getting a good sweat going helps your body release toxins through your sweat glands. 4
7. Last but not least, get your flu shot!

I hope these tips help keep you healthy this Fall!

Erica Jensen ~President, Clean Right Company (509) 534-3343

Making Time

Business, school, gym, eat & sleep. Get up the next day and do it all again!

In today's society our lives are filled to the brim with To Do's. It seems there is never enough time in the day to accomplish everything you need to get done. So you take those tasks and put them on tomorrow's list of To Do's which creates a backlog of tasks that just never seem to get done. So what can we do to make time for those extra tasks and maybe a little time for ourselves?

Here are a few tips that I've found useful in my own, busy life:

1. Get up at least 30 minutes earlier: I find I can get so much done first thing in the morning. The phones haven't started ringing yet, staff isn't at services yet and the world seems to still be asleep. This is the time that I take to return emails, print things, make my list of tasks that need done that day, etc. 
2. Lists: I make a list for everything! I have a weekly To Do list and a daily To Do list. Once I have my list written out I make a plan on how to accomplish each task in the most efficient way. Example: I have to pick up supplies from Grainger, see my staff at a service in the valley and give an estimate on the south hill at 1pm. I start off seeing my staff in the valley, then go to Grainger on my way back into town, then hit the freeway and go to the South Hill. Not only does this save time it also saves gas.
3. Don't over-commit: Try not to commit yourself to things that are not that important or that you are not that interested in. Once you become over booked, you become over worked and the stress and anxiety will only make you feel even more out of control. It is very difficult to say no but, if there's one thing I've learned, you can't say yes to everyone. 
4. Go to bed at least 30 minutes later: I'm not saying deprive yourself of sleep because you must get your sleep in order to function properly but, if you can, try to stay up a little later so you can stretch your day a bit more. For example: Let's say you are use to going to bed at 9pm (like me!). Try to stay up till 9:30. This, coupled with the 30 minutes you gained from getting up earlier, gives you an entire extra hour. That's enough time to have dinner with a friend or family, go to the gym, or just take the time for yourself!
5. Don't try to do it all on your own!: Know when to ask for help. If you have a spouse or kids, ask them to chip in on the household chores like cleaning or cooking. If that doesn't work for you than hire a professional to take on some of your work load. You can hire someone to do just about anything for you. Lawn care service, personal assistant service, and of course house cleaning service! 

I hope my ideas are helpful in making more time for you in your busy life. Don't forget to take a breath and count your blessings. Today will soon be over and tomorrow is another day filled with promise... and things to do!

Erica Jensen President, Clean Right Company

www.cleanrightco.com

(509) 534-3343 phone

Kitchen Cleaning Tips and Tricks

The kitchen is another area of the home that most people are not too keen on cleaning. But, it doesn't have to be as big of a chore as it seems. Let me share some tips and tricks for getting, and keeping, your kitchen clean (even if you cook in it!!).

• The Microwave: Ever open your microwave to find, what looks like, a bomb has gone off in it? We come across this often in our industry in both commercial and residential settings. Because you use this appliance to cook food, you don't want to use a chemical cleaning agent to clean up the mess. So what can you do? Take a towel and get it damp, place it in the microwave and nuke it for 60 seconds. Once the dinger goes off, let it sit, with the door closed, for another 60 seconds. (You can use this down time to wipe the back splash and counter tops!) Now open the microwave and use that warm towel to wipe away the mess. What happens is you are creating a steam bath in your microwave that loosens the stuck on junk. Make sure you wait that second 60 seconds so you don't burn your hands on the hot towel!

• The Fridge: I've already done an extensive post on cleaning and organizing your fridge. Check it out!  http://cleanrightco.blogspot.com/2012/08/what-about-fridge.html

• The Oven: Yuk! The oven is one of the cleaning tasks everyone dreads. But, here are some tips to make it a job that isn't so bad. First, use the self cleaning mode, if you have one. Sure it's gonna heat your house up and, usually, stink it up too but, it sure beats scraping and scrubbing all that gunk from the bottom of the oven. Once the self cleaner ends, open the door and wipe out the ash. Any remaining gunk can be scraped out with a razor or scrubbed out with a piece of fine grade steel wool. If you aren't lucky enough to have a self cleaner or just don't want to use it, there are a couple choices you have. 1- use a chemical oven cleaner. Spray it in, let it sit, scrape up the gunk and scrub out the left overs with a piece of fine grade steel wool. 2 -if you don't want to use chemicals your are going to have to put some elbow grease into it. First, scrape out as much gunk as you can with a razor. Then put some water in an oven safe container and turn your oven on a low temp. Close the door and heat the water till it steams the inside of your oven. Let the steam work over the gunk for as long as you want but make sure you don't let it go so long that all the water evaporates and you end up cooking the gunk back on. Turn the oven off and let it cool. Once it has had a chance to cool down, wipe out the gunk. You may need to use a piece of steel wool to get any left overs. Another helpful tool for an oven is a pumice stone. Yes, a pumice stone. The inside of your oven is made of porcelain, just like your toilet, and a pumice stone will scour out those stubborn stains. Tip: Don't let your oven get out of control. Wipe out the spills and splashes as soon as you notice them. Of course, make sure your oven is cool before you do it!

• The Garbage Disposal: Oh my how these things can get stinky! Once a week you should sprinkle some baking soda down the disposal drain and then pour some vinegar down it till the foam fills the drain and comes through into your sink. Not only is it fun but it cleans out the drain! After that run HOT water down the drain for a minute or so. Once I do that I like to take half a lemon and grind it up in the disposal. Tip: When your dishwasher is draining, turn your disposal on while it does it. The water draining from your dishwasher is super heated (as long as you have that button selected on your dishwasher) and will help clean out the drain and blades of your disposal.

That's it for this week! Hope you've enjoyed ~Erica Jensen, President of Clean Right Company in Spokane, WA

Want a clean kitchen but would rather spend the time with friends and family? No problem! Give Clean Right Company a call and we'll do it for you (along with the rest of your house!) (509) 534-3343 or visit www.cleanrightco.com for more information on Clean Right Company and the cleaning services we offer.

A clean bathroom doesn't have to be a chore

One of the most dreaded areas in a home to clean is the bathroom. Many people hate to think about the scrubbing and scouring associated with cleaning your tub and toilet. Here is the way we, here at Clean Right Company, clean a bathroom. It streamlines the process so you are using less energy and letting the cleaning agents do most of the work for you.



First, here's a list of supplies you are going to need:

1. Abrasive cleaner with a bleaching agent -something like Comet.
2. Disinfecting cleaner
3. Glass cleaner
4. Tub and tile cleaner
5. Your favorite cleaning towels -we use terry cloth
6. A white/light duty scouring pad -to be used in your sink and tub. Choose one that won't scratch your shower's surround, especially if it is a plastic surround.
7. A green/medium duty scouring pad -to be used in your toilet
8. A pumice stone -for those rings in your toilet (if you have them) 

Step 1: Prep your bathroom for cleaning. You do this by taking out all the rugs, clearing off your counter tops and putting everything away. Get a basket or something that you can put everything from your shower in. This makes it easier to do the scrubbing needed without knocking things around. 

Step 2: Spray the shower with Tub and Tile Cleaner. A tip here is to get your shower walls wet first. This helps spread the tub and tile cleaner evenly over your shower walls. Make sure you read the directions and warnings on the bottle, wear gloves and open a window for ventilation. Tub and tile cleaners are acidic and may cause irritation to your skin. 

Step 3: Sprinkle the Abrasive Cleaner in your sink and toilet. No special tricks here!

Step 4: Dust the light above your mirror. I just take a dry towel and remove the dust from my lights. If it has been a while since you've done this, you may need to put more effort into it. If you do, then turn off your lights and lightly spray your towel with the glass cleaner. Make sure your lights are off and are not hot.

Step 5: Scrub the sink and toilet and rinse. Take your white/light duty scouring pad and scrub your sink. Take the scrubber to the faucet and handles as well. If you have hard water build up, you may need to put more effort into it but be sure not to scratch your finishes. Use warm water to rinse the abrasive cleaner down the drain. Use the green/medium scouring pad to scrub the inside of your toilet. You may also need to use the pumice stone to remove any hard water and rings. When you are done, flush the toilet to rinse.

Step 6: Wipe down and polish the sink and toilet areas. Spray your towel with glass cleaner and clean the mirror above your sink. Then use the disinfectant to clean your counter tops and to polish your sink and faucet. Now us disinfectant to clean the rest of your toilet including the top, seat, bowl, front and sides all the way down to where it bolts to the floor. I take the opportunity to wipe the floor around my toilet at this time while I'm down there. 

Step 7: The shower! The shower is the most difficult area to clean in any bathroom. You have already sprayed the shower walls with the tub and tile cleaner. It has had time to break down soap scum and hard water so now all you have to do is use the white/light duty scouring pad to scrub the walls. If the shower walls are dry, get the pad wet and scrub away. Make sure you are scrubbing real good in the areas where the water actually hits you walls when you shower as well as in, under and around the soap holder. Once you are happy with the walls, rinse them with warm water. After rinsing the walls, sprinkle your abrasive cleaner in the tub and use the same white/light duty pad to scrub your tub. Once scrubbed, rinse with warm water. Now use a clean, dry towel to dry your shower walls, polish the faucet, shower head and handles and to dry the tub. 

Step 8: Last but not least, the bathroom floor. You can use whatever you like to clean the floor but I find it easiest just to wipe it down with my disinfectant and a towel on my hands and knees. Of course if you have a huge bathroom you may want to use something that will be more convenient for you. 

Now that you have a nice clean bathroom you can put your items back in your shower, on your counter and put clean towels and rugs out. 

I suggest you give your bathroom a good cleaning at least every other week. 

Not sounding like a good time? Then give Clean Right Company a call and we'll do it for you. Along with the rest of your house! (509) 534-3343 or visit us online at www.cleanrightco.com