Professional cleaning begins with a well-curated kit of supplies (and careful education on how to use them!). In my kit I prioritize product effectiveness and safety with low toxicity products to protect your family, pets, surfaces, and even myself.

Up to 99% of viruses and bacteria can be removed by thorough “mechanical” cleaning with an all-purpose cleaner, water, and a quality microfiber cloth; for a maintenance cleaning most surfaces need nothing more. I use a plant-based all-purpose cleaner with a light, fresh, natural scent. For surfaces that need chemical disinfecting beyond physical germ removal I use stabilized hypochlorous acid; it is gentle on surfaces and and does not leave behind fumes or residue but is proven to kill 99.99% of germs on hard surfaces. I do not use commercial bleach and I am even careful with popular natural cleaners such as vinegar; these products aren’t always necessary and can actually harm some surfaces if not used correctly.

For areas of build-up, I bring a variety of brushes, scrubbers, and a few surface-safe cleansers and soft scrubs formulated for the surface and specific type of build-up I need to tackle.

I also bring in an extendable duster with multiple fresh reusable microfiber heads, a vacuum and a flat mop with both terrycloth and microfiber pads. My vacuum filters are changed frequently and the vacuum itself is disinfected regularly. I do not carry a toilet brush so if one is not available to me then I will provide one for my use and store it beneath a bathroom sink.

Equally important to a good cleaning kit, a professional cleaning requires a plan.

In every room, for all cleans, I will, at minimum:

• Dust from top to bottom, corners, and left to right, including ceiling fans.

• Spot clean interior windows and wipe ledges.

• Hand wipe any visible dirt on baseboards, doors, trim, stair railings, and walls.

• Clean high-touch surfaces such as light switches and door handles.

• Damp dust and shine all flat surfaces, lamps/light fixtures; decor is also wiped down at my discretion (for abundant or precious/priceless decor).

• Tidy and arrange pillows/blankets etc.

• Vacuum carpets and mop hard floor surfaces edge-to-edge, including stairs.

• Please note: for a maintenance clean, furniture is not generally moved. I will move ottomans and lighter furniture for vacuuming.

In kitchens, in addition to the above, I also:

• Wash, wipe and shine countertops, backsplash, and any countertop appliances (toaster, coffee machine, etc). I'll lift items, wipe, and tidy as I go.

• Wipe down the high-touch and splash-zone faces of cabinets and hardware as well as the inside touch-points.

• Wipe and shine exterior of refrigerator, stove front, and dishwasher. Microwaves are cleaned inside and out.

• Scrub and shine stove top, sink and faucet. I remove burner covers and scrub them down; stove grates are generally wiped down with a periodic deeper cleaning.

• Remove trash and replace liner

• Check the kickplate and hand wipe the edges of the floor to prepare for vacuuming and mopping.

In bathrooms, in addition to the above, I also:

• Clean mirror(s)

• Wash and shine the entire countertop, lifting items to wipe/rinse off, dry, and place back.

• Scrub and shine sink and faucets, detailing any soap residue or hard water deposits.

• Wipe down the face of the cabinets and hardware.

• Scrub and shine showers and tubs, detailing any hard water and soap scum with a variety of brushes and cleansers. Toiletries are wiped down and placed neatly.

• Clean toilets top to bottom, inside and out, using designated reusable and sanitized cloths. If a toilet bowl brush is not provided by the homeowner, I will provide a new one to keep at the client's home and will stow it beneath a bathroom sink. Walls, floors and other items around the toilet are thoroughly wiped by hand to prevent mop contamination.

• Empty trash and replace liners

• Hand wash and/or flat mop floors depending on bathroom size and level of soiling.

Please note: This list is not all-inclusive and I actively look for specific needs in every home. No two homes are the same and yours will receive the individual attention it deserves!