We all know the drill — diving under the bed to unearth clothes, cosmetics, and other trinkets that have fallen into the abyss and since forgotten, putting on fresh sheets, fluffing the pillows, and cooking a fresh, sumptuous meal. All these can only mean one thing — you have guests coming over, and your home has to be as clean and invitingly cozy as possible. So how do you get rid of the dust bunnies, give the counter back its shiny polish, and restore the beauty of hardwood floors in time for their visit?
Easy — know where to start, and that means identifying where most of the germs and dust settle, so you can clean them out. Here’s a guide to the germiest places in your condo, so you can start preparing for your guests’ lovely stay.
Kitchen: Where the Crumbs Are
Showing your guests around town means taking them out to a lovely meal so they can sample local delicacies. While that takes preparing a meal or two off your plate, you can’t keep them away from the kitchen forever. There’s always the morning coffee routine and late-night snacks or dessert, and your guests surely wouldn’t feel comfortable munching on some cookies off a slimy or greasy counter. Worse, they’ll be leaving town with a nasty bout of food poisoning
The fact is all sorts of bacteria, viruses, and even parasites like taking up residence in the kitchen where they are in close proximity to food, drink, and various ingredients. A one-time exposure may not be life-threatening but over time this can cause serious illness, especially in kids. Plus, you wouldn’t want your guests to regret their stay with you because of an allergic reaction or an episode of food poisoning, right? The key is to maintain good food-prep habits, like keeping food-prep surfaces clean and washing your hands each time you handle food.
How to Keep a Clean Kitchen
- Wash your hands properly to avoid spreading food-borne bacteria. Take at least 20 seconds to wash with soap and water before, during, and after preparing food, even if you’re just tossing in some greens or making toast.
- Don’t use the kitchen counter for storage, such as laying down your keys, purse, and even grocery bags that have been on the floor. Keep the counter clean by using it exactly as it’s intended — for preparing food, and make sure to clean up after.
- Wipe down surfaces regularly using hot soapy water or trusty disinfectant wipes. These include faucets, countertops, appliance handles, refrigerator, and light switches.
- Exercise caution when handling raw meat. Make sure to wash your hands at every step and prepare them as prescribed to prevent the spread of dangerous bacteria such as salmonella.
- Replace sponges regularly to prevent them from housing germs and bacteria. Clean them after every use with soap and water, throw them in the dishwasher, or zap them in the microwave for 30 seconds once damp. Change kitchen towels and rags regularly and include them in your regular laundry routine.
The Bathroom
Going to the washroom is part of everyone’s daily routine. From brushing teeth to showering, getting ready for the day, and relieving yourself, the washroom has definitely seen and been through it all. The question is, are you cleaning the grime of long days off the walls?
Your guests are already away from home, and while a new environment is a welcome change for many, a lot of people need creature comforts to feel right at home. That’s why it’s important to keep a clean and bacteria-free washroom, so your guests can take relaxing baths and showers that will rejuvenate them on their trip.
Unfortunately, washrooms are a popular breeding ground for bacteria, mould, and mildew, as the warmth and dampness create perfect conditions for them to thrive. To avoid allergic reactions and illness, you’ll need to make the guest washroom as clean and spotless as possible.
Tips for Effective Washroom Cleaning
Wipe down and regularly disinfect surfaces to prevent germs and harmful bacteria from spreading. This includes the sink, faucet, knobs, and switches. Pay extra attention to the toilet flush handle, as it’s pretty much second-nature to everyone to flush the toilet before washing their hands, leaving germs and bacteria to nest there.
Prevent mould from forming by regularly cleaning tiles and washing the shower curtain with a bleach solution.
Childrens’ Bedrooms
You might not realize it but not all bedrooms were created equal, and we’re not talking about the perks of the master suite. In fact, there’s a lot more going on in your kids’ bedrooms that you may not know about. For instance, did you know that kids unconsciously spread more germs and bacteria as they play with toys and run around? While your guests won’t be staying in kids’ rooms, it’s important to prevent the spread of germs to the rest of your condo.
Washing Toys and More
If you have a changing table installed, make sure to wipe it down regularly with mild soap and water or a safe disinfectant solution, especially when your little ones are sick, or have had a changing accident. Make sure to dry the table very well to avoid promoting conditions for bacteria to thrive in.
Instill good hygiene habits in your kids, such as washing their hands before and after playing and eating, and even when they cough or blow their nose.
Clean surfaces in the playroom with disinfecting wipes or a cleanser, including storage boxes for toys, drawer handles, mats, and just about anything that kids regularly touch to avoid the spread of cold- and flu-causing viruses.
Clean toys with a real bath. Hard plastic toys are often dishwasher safe, so take advantage of that time crunch hack, while making sure to toss stuffed animals in the laundry or even stick them in the freezer overnight to remove stains and freeze out allergy-causing dust mites.
To learn more about the best ways to prepare your condo for guests, call Maid4Condos at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.
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