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Sarita here, from Saturday Morning Cleaning Company.

Today, I want to talk about something incredibly important – the connection between our physical environment and our mental health. It’s a topic close to my heart because I’ve seen firsthand how a clean, organized space can truly transform not just a home, but also our inner state.

Our homes are more than just places to sleep and eat; they are our sanctuaries, our safe havens. When our living spaces are cluttered and disorganized, it can often feel like our minds are too. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that supports peace, clarity, and emotional well-being. My mom always told me and my sisters growing up, even if you don’t have much, keep what you do have, clean!

Research has shown that a cluttered environment can increase stress hormones like cortisol. When we’re constantly surrounded by disorder, our brains can feel overwhelmed, making it harder to focus and relax. On the other hand, a clean, organized space can reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm and control. This isn’t just anecdotal; studies have shown that people with cleaner homes report lower levels of stress and higher levels of satisfaction with life.

At Saturday Morning Cleaning, we don’t just clean houses; we help create spaces where people can thrive. Starting with a tidy space can be a proactive step in managing your mental health. Here are a few ways you can use cleanliness to support your well-being:

•           Start Small: If the thought of cleaning your entire home feels overwhelming, begin with one small area. It could be your desk, your bedside table, or even just one drawer. Completing a small task can provide a sense of accomplishment and motivation to keep going.

•           Declutter Mindfully: As you clean, consider each item you pick up. Does it bring you joy or serve a purpose? If not, it might be time to let it go. Decluttering can be a powerful way to let go of mental baggage as well.

•           Establish a Routine: Creating a simple cleaning routine can make a big difference. Just setting aside 15 minutes each day to tidy up can prevent clutter from building and maintain a sense of order.

•           Create a Sanctuary Space: Choose one area in your home to be your personal sanctuary. Keep it clean, organized, and filled with things that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be a reading nook, a cozy corner, or even just a clean and clutter-free bedroom.

Cleanliness goes beyond just wiping down surfaces. It’s about creating a space that feels inviting and restorative. When your home feels like a haven, it can significantly improve your mood and mental state. A clean home can also boost productivity and creativity. When your environment is clear, your mind is clearer too, making it easier to focus and think creatively.

Remember, taking care of your space is taking care of yourself.

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Sarita here, from Saturday Morning Cleaning Company.

Today, let’s talk about one of the most used and often neglected appliances in our homes: the oven. A clean oven not only looks better but also functions more efficiently and can even improve the taste of your food. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and dive into the secrets of a sparkling oven.

Preparation is Paramount

Before you begin, safety first. Ensure your oven is completely cool and unplugged or that the circuit breaker is switched off. Remove the oven racks and any loose items inside. Protect your floor by placing old newspapers or a drop cloth beneath the oven. Gathering your supplies will make the process smoother. You’ll need oven cleaner (choose one suitable for your oven type, especially if it’s self-cleaning), rubber gloves, sponges, scrub brushes, a scraper, and a bucket of warm, soapy water.

Tackling the Oven Racks

While the oven cleaner works its magic inside, let’s focus on the racks. For a light cleaning, soaking them in hot, soapy water for a while might suffice. For tougher grime, however, a more aggressive approach is needed. Apply a generous amount of oven cleaner to the racks, ensuring they are fully coated. Place them in a large plastic bag, seal it tightly, and let them sit for a few hours or overnight. The fumes from the cleaner, confined in the bag, will help break down the grease. When time is up, put on your gloves, take the racks out, and rinse thoroughly with water. Use a scrub brush to remove any remaining residue.

Inside the Oven

Now for the inside. Start by removing any old loose food or baked on grease at the bottom of the oven. Then, apply the oven cleaner as per the manufacturer’s instructions. Be sure to cover all interior surfaces, avoiding the heating elements directly if possible. Close the oven door and let the cleaner work for the recommended time. During this time the cleaner breaks down baked-on grease and grime.

Once the time is up, put your gloves back on and use a damp sponge or cloth to wipe away the cleaner and loosened dirt. You might need to scrub a bit for particularly stubborn spots. A plastic scraper can also be helpful but, be gentle to avoid scratching the oven’s surface. For corners and edges, a toothbrush can be clutch.

Don’t Forget the Door

The oven door often gets splattered and overlooked. If your oven door has a glass window, use a specialized glass cleaner after removing the heavy grime. Pay attention to the edges and seals around the door; they can trap grease and crumbs. Use a damp cloth to clean these areas thoroughly.

The Finishing Touch

Once you’ve wiped everything clean, rinse all surfaces with a damp cloth to remove any remaining cleaner residue. Dry everything with a clean, dry cloth. Replace the racks and turn on the oven at a low temperature for about 15 minutes to ensure it is completely dry. This step will also eliminate any lingering odors from the cleaner.

Regular Maintenance

To prevent build-up, regular maintenance is key. Wipe up spills as soon as they happen and give your oven a quick clean every few weeks. By incorporating these tips into your cleaning routine, you’ll ensure a sparkling clean oven and a more enjoyable cooking experience.

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Sarita here, from Saturday Morning Cleaning Company.

I’ve had the pleasure transforming countless homes from simply tidy, to truly sparkling. While most people’s attention often gravitates to countertops, floors, and windows, there’s a humble architectural detail that frequently gets overlooked: the baseboards! Clean baseboards are like the finishing touch on a masterpiece, adding a subtle but significant level of polish to any room.

Think about it – baseboards reside at the intersection of walls and floors, always catching dust, grime, pet hair, and the occasional scuff mark. When baseboards get dirty it dulls the overall appearance of your space, no matter how diligently you’ve cleaned everything else. So, how do we effectively tackle this often-neglected task? It’s simpler than you might think, and with a few key steps, you can achieve baseboards that truly shine.

Preparation is Key: Before you even think about water and soap, the first step is to remove loose debris. Grab a soft dusting brush, a microfiber cloth, or even the brush attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Gently sweep or vacuum along the entire length of your baseboards, paying attention to corners and crevices where dust tends to gather. This initial step prevents you from simply smearing dirt around when you introduce moisture.

The Right Tools for the Job: Once the loose debris is gone, it’s time for a gentle wash. You won’t need harsh chemicals for this. A bucket of warm water mixed with a few drops of mild dish soap is usually all you need. For stubborn scuff marks, a touch of diluted all-purpose cleaner can be helpful, but always test it in an inconspicuous area first to ensure it doesn’t damage the finish.

You’ll also want a couple of clean microfiber cloths or sponges. Microfiber is excellent because it lifts dirt effectively without scratching. Have one damp cloth for washing and a dry one for wiping.

The Washing Process: Dip your damp cloth or sponge into the soapy water, wring it out well (you don’t want it dripping), and gently wipe down the baseboards. Work in manageable sections, starting from one end of the room and moving along. Pay extra attention to areas that appear particularly dirty or have visible marks. For those stubborn scuffs, you might need to apply a little more pressure or let the soapy water sit for a moment before wiping.

Attention to Detail: Don’t forget the top edge of the baseboards, where dust loves to settle. Use your cloth to carefully wipe this area as well. For intricate molding or grooves, a cotton swab or an old toothbrush dipped in your soapy water can be invaluable for getting into those hard-to-reach spots.

The Finishing Touch: Drying: Once you’ve washed a section, immediately follow up with your dry microfiber cloth. This step is crucial for preventing streaks and ensuring a clean, polished look. Drying also helps to prevent any potential water damage, especially on wooden baseboards.

A Little Extra Care: For baseboards that have seen better days and have noticeable scuffs or minor damage, you might consider a touch-up with a matching paint or a specialized baseboard cleaner and restorer. These products can help to conceal imperfections and bring back their original luster.

Incorporating baseboard cleaning into your regular cleaning routine, perhaps once a month or as needed, will make a significant difference in the overall cleanliness and appearance of your home. It’s a small effort that yields a surprisingly large impact.

At Saturday Morning Cleaning Company, we believe in the power of a truly clean home, down to the smallest detail. By giving your baseboards the attention they deserve, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your space but also contribute to a healthier and more pleasant living environment.