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Summer is here and can be one of the busiest moving times of the year.  A thorough move-in or move-out cleaning is an essential part of the process. Whether you’re a tenant preparing to leave or a new resident about to embark on a fresh start, having a comprehensive move-in move-out cleaning checklist can make the transition smoother (and help you get your full deposit back!). Let Domestica guide you through a step-by-step checklist to ensure every nook and cranny of your apartment receives the attention it deserves.

Gather Your Cleaning Supplies

Before diving into the cleaning process, make sure you have all the necessary cleaning supplies at hand. Some essentials include:

• All-purpose cleaner, window cleaner, dish soap, toilet cleaner, oven cleaner and a tub & tile scrub (Bon Ami is our favorite.)
• Cleaning cloths – We love 100% cotton cloths from The Clean Team
•  Tile and scrub brush, sponges and toilet brush
• Bucket, gloves and a carrying caddie for your supplies
• Vacuum and mop (Shine Mops from The Clean team are our preferred mop for hardwood and tile floors.)

Start With De-cluttering

Begin by de-cluttering your home or apartment. Sort items into three categories: keep, donate/sell, and discard. This step not only reduces the amount of cleaning required but also helps create a fresh and organized living space. Donate or sell items that are in good condition but no longer needed, and dispose of anything broken or unusable responsibly.

Deep Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is a high-traffic area that requires thorough cleaning. Start by emptying the refrigerator and defrosting the freezer if necessary. Clean all surfaces, including countertops, cabinets, and appliance interiors and exteriors. Carefully pull out appliances and clean the sides and behind. Pay special attention to the stove, oven, microwave, and dishwasher, ensuring they are free of grease, stains, and food residue. Scrub the sink and unclog any drains. Don’t forget to wipe down light fixtures and switch plates.

Deep Clean the Bathroom

The bathroom is another crucial area that needs meticulous cleaning. Scrub the toilet, sink, and bathtub/shower, removing any soap scum or mildew. Clean the mirrors, cabinets, and countertops. Replace the shower curtain liner if needed. Don’t forget to sanitize doorknobs, faucets, and light switches.

Clean and Refresh the Living Areas

Vacuum the floors using the brush head of your vacuum for hard floors and beater bar for carpet.  For over 20 years, Domestica has proudly used Miele canister vacuums purchased locally from Stark’s.  Mop hard floors with a lightly-damp Shine Mop. Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelves, and window sills. Wipe down mirrors and clean glass windows and doors. Don’t forget to clean air vents and replace filters if required. Remove any stains from carpets or upholstery, or consider professional carpet cleaning if necessary.

Address the Bedrooms and Other Rooms

Vacuum floors and mop if necessary, paying attention to corners and under furniture. Launder or dry clean curtains and dust blinds. Clean any mirrors and wipe down surfaces such as dressers and nightstands. Don’t forget to clean light fixtures and replace any burnt-out bulbs.

Final Touches

In the last stages of cleaning, remember to wipe down baseboard, doors and frames, and clean any light switches and electrical outlets. Empty and clean all trash cans and dispose of garbage responsibly. Ensure all windows are clean and free of streaks.

Need a professional?  Let Domestica help!

CLICK HERE for more information and book your appointment online in 60 seconds!

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Even though it feels like we aren’t even finished with winter, spring is right around the corner and now is the perfect time to start planning your spring cleaning

While we try to keep up with basic tasks, nothing feels more satisfying than a deep cleaning of an (often) forgotten area.

These are four of our personal favorites!

1. Transition Winter to Summer Clothes

The best first step is to edit your wardrobe and decide which clothes you want to keep, donate or give away.

• While it’s easy to want to hold on to sentimental pieces (or aspirational sizes) some good questions to ask yourself are “Have I worn this in the last year?”  “Does it still fit?”  “Does this style still represent who I am”?   If not, give it away (or consign it).
• Store clean, out-of-season clothes in appropriate garment bags and clear bins and take this opportunity to clean the inside of your closet.
• Wipe down shelves and racks and vacuum and/or clean the floor.
• Don’t forget to add cedar blocks or other anti-moth protection to the boxes and bins!

2. Clean the Inside of Your Refrigerator

A great time to do this is right before a big shopping trip, when the fridge is less full.

• • Remove contents and toss anything past its expiration date and/or any mummifying fruits and veggies hiding in those bottom bins.
  • Take out bins and drawers and add warm water and a drop of dish soap and let them soak if needed.
  • Remove shelves and spray with non-toxic all-purpose cleaner or wash with warm soapy water in the sink.
  • Wipe sides and bottom using a white-backed sponge to scrub any stubborn drips.
  • Rinse and dry shelves and bins before putting them back (I use a dishtowel in each hand to dry both sides at the same time).
  • While you are at it, don’t forget to clean your coils – clean coils will extend the life of your compressor and reduce electricity use by up to 30%..
  • See an amazing before and after here!

3. Spring Clean Tops and Covers of Books

I remembered how often I forget this when I moved some shelving units to install new furniture. It surprised me how much dust had accumulated not only on the tops of the books but the backs of the open shelves.

• Use a vacuum brush attachment, microfiber cloth or feather duster on the tops and bottoms of pages.
• For cloth and paper covers, a dry microfiber cloth is your best bet to avoid any moisture damage.
• For leather-bound books, use a small amount of saddle soap and a lint-free cloth to clean the cover.
• Taking books out in sections is a great time to wipe off and dry the shelves, as well.

4. Interior Windows & Tracks

Choose a cloudy day to avoid to avoid streaks (the cleaning solution won’t dry out as fast). If you are lucky enough to have casement windows that open inward, you can get your exterior windows done at the same time.

• Start by vacuuming out your window tracks
• Add a few drops of dish soap to a bucket of warm water.
• Gently clean the window with the scrubby side  of a white-backed sponge.
• Wipe the edges of the window with a lint-free cloth
• Dry the window using a squeegee, top to bottom, left to right
• Use a dry, lint-free cloth as a final finishing wipe down
• Use a toothbrush and sponge to clean inside window tracks
• Give window tracks and window sills a final wipe down with a clean cloth.

For more spring cleaning tips, information on Domestica or to book an appointment in 60 seconds, visit our website at DomesticaClean.com.

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Founded in 2001, Domestica was the first-of-its-kind in environmentally- and socially-responsible commercial and residential cleaning in Portland.  We started with the philosophy of a “Happy Workplace, Happy Employees and Happy Clients” and through living wages, safe and eco-friendly cleaning practices, great quality and responsive customer service have been thrilled to be servicing our wonderful Portland clients for 16 years!

In keeping with the commitment of a great customer experience, our new website will keep our clients up to date on the latest in cleaning, organization, healthy lifestyle tips and information, as well as everything you need to know about Domestica. 

• Get an immediate quote and instantly book a new appointment.
• Check our comprehensive FAQ and Services section for everything you need to know about our rates, services, safety & security, billing and other questions.
• Read our blog for the latest news, tips and information on green cleaning & organizational tips, healthy living and our news, offers and specials.

We hope you love the new site as much as we do and look forward to providing you with useful, inspiring and informative content.  Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our monthly newsletter for exclusive offers and information.

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Essential oil benefits come from antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and their uses range from natural medicinal treatments to housecleaning products.

They have been used for centuries by cultures all over the world for their medicinal purposes and are awesome-smelling natural options for homemade cleaning recipes, with absolutely no risk of giving off scary fumes like the regular toxin-filled cleaning products.

A couple drops of your favorite oil in the following cleaning recipes can do wonders!

Are you ready to go green? Here are our top 6 uses for essential oils in housecleaning.

1.  Lemon and Orange Oils

Both these oils have peppy, clean scents and are powerhouses in homemade green housecleaning recipes. Not only are they naturally antibacterial and antiviral, they are amazing against grease!

Use 1-2 drops of either of these essential oils to remove grease from surfaces or combine 12 drops with 1/4 cup castile soap and water in a spray bottle to clean greasy stove top and counter splatters.

2.  Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil can do it all! It’s great for fighting against bacteria, viruses and germs. Add 3 drops of tea tree  and lemon oils to warm water, give it a gentle stir. Spray surfaces with the mixture and give them a wipe down to disinfect naturally.

3.  Eucalyptus oil

Eucalyptus is a natural germicide that has a clean smell to it. Add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil to baking soda to deep clean your mattress or add a few drops to your next wash cycle. To eliminate shower curtain scum, in a spray bottle, add 3 drops of eucalyptus oil and 3 drops of tea tree oil to warm water.  Then spray it on your shower curtains.

4.  Cinnamon

Not only is cinnamon antiseptic and antibacterial, it leaves the place smelling sweet with the nostalgic memories of the holidays. You can diffuse cinnamon oil in the air to benefit from its antibacterial properties. You can even add 5 drops in the vacuum bag of the vacuum cleaner to leave a sweet smelling trail around the house!

5.  Lavender oil

Lavender is one of the best-smelling essential oils. It pairs great with vinegar, another commonly used natural cleaner. Add a couple drops to your vinegar cleaning mixture for a more tolerable scent. You can also diffuse it around the house to reduce stress and anxiety.

6.  Peppermint oil

Another great smelling oil that reminds you of the holidays! It has that unique, invigorating scent and has countless medicinal properties. For a natural air freshener that also deters little insects, add 10 drops of peppermint oil to 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.  Shake well and spray around your house for a cool sensation.

Domestica exclusively uses The Essential Oil Company in Portland, Oregon for our cleaning product oils.

For more information on Domestica or to book your next cleaning 60 seconds, visit our website HERE.

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Every seller wants to have a quick sale and get top dollar for their home and that doesn’t happen by accident.  Preparing you home for going to market takes our expert guidance, careful planning, an expert eye for design and with our help, an extra special deep clean to get your home into tip-top shape. When we have buyers come through your home-our goal is to have them writing great offers!

Looking to buy or sell a home in Portland?   Aryne & Dulcinea of Portland’s Living Room Realty are at your service and recommend the following tips:

1.  Call Us

To know where to begin and what is important, we will meet with you and discuss your goals, plans, and give you the information you need to proceed with confidence.

2.   Get Mentally Prepared

You have already decided to make your move and sell your home…it’s time to go forth and begin to think of your home as if it is a product you are selling. You need to de-personalize and make it appealing for others to envision living in.

3.   De-Clutter & Pre-Pack

You want buyers to imagine themselves living here, not wondering “What kind of people live in this home?”

• Pack up all family photos, images of your travels, books, dvds and movies, seasonal items you are not currently using.
• Pare down your plant collection and clean surfaces throughout the home.
• Know that the special things you surround yourself with, others may not experience it with the your same sentimentality.

4.    Organize Closets and Cabinets

Channel Martha Stewart! Buyers will always explore the house and see what storage capacity it holds. Organized closets and storage areas make the home seem much more livable and gives the impression that the rest of house is taken care of, as well.

• Line up cans, boxes and alphabetize spice jars
• Neatly stack dishes
• Line up shoes
• Hang clothes neatly, with shirts buttoned up and facing the same direction
• Buy matching bins and use them to store away items that do not need to be displayed or are in use.

5.    Rent a Storage Unit

Most of the time when we live in our homes, we have something for everything we do, but it is important to remember that homes with less furniture  and fewer items on shelves show better.

• Store those now-empty bookshelves
• Remove extensions from tables to make the room look larger
• Leave just enough furniture in each room to show its purpose and lots of room to move around

6.  Make Small Repairs

• Replace burned-out light bulbs
• Fix cracked tiles in the floor or counters
• Makes sure doors and drawers open properly
• Repair holes in the walls
• Paint rooms with neutral colors

7.    Housekeeping 101 – Don’t Forget a Good Cleaning!

• Wash interior and exterior windows
• Re-caulk tubs and showers
• Polish chrome and faucets
• Whiten dirty grout – Make a paste with baking soda and water, spray with vinegar and scrub
• Hang up fresh towels and replace worn out rugs and mats
• Clean out the refrigerator (yes, that will get opened, too!)
• Dust cobwebs and light fixtures
• Vacuum every day
• Make sure it smells clean – odors and musty smells are a no-no

8.    Remove and Replace Favorite Items

Remove and replace anything you are not including with the sale – window coverings, light fixtures and appliances.  We all want what we can’t have and if a buyer sees something you are keeping, they will want it even more!

9.    Details Details Details

• Walk through your front door and ask yourself if this home looks inviting as you enter
• Stand in the doorway of each room and imagine what the room will look like to a buyer
• Check that furniture is arranged in a way that makes sense for the room
• Make sure window coverings hang level

10.   Check Curb Appeal

• Mow the lawn and trim bushes
• Keep sidewalks cleared
• Plant flowers or groups pots of flowers together (yellow is a great color!)
• Make sure the house number is visible

–Dulcinea Myers-Newcomb is an Oregon Licensed Broker, Earth Advantage Broker, and ADU Specialist

For more information or to book your move-out cleaning in 60 seconds, please visit our website!

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With so much information out there, confusion is easy.  The novel coronavirus is new and there is much more we will be learning over the following  days, weeks and months.

Experts are recommending that you not panic, but prepare as you would for any natural disaster such as a flood or hurricane.

What Are We Doing for the Coronavirus at Domestica?

Cleaning companies will be considered ‘essential services’ during Portland’s Shelter in Place.

Founded in 2001, Domestica prides itself in using environmentally-safe cleaning products and methods that are not harmful to humans or animals.

As the CDC indicates, regular cleaning products are effective in removing germs, lowering their numbers and risk of spreading.

However, in this exceptional situation, we will offer cleaning services using the recommended light bleach solutions that will kill germs.

Contact us to request our disinfecting and cleaning service or with any questions or concerns you might have.

Enhanced Cleaning & Disinfecting Services by Domestica

• All high-touch areas (light switches, door knobs, handles, bathroom & sink fixtures, counters, etc.) disinfected with CDC- and EPA-recommended bleach solution.
• All equipment and supplies disinfected between clients’ homes.
• Cleaning cloths kept separated  between homes and washed daily with chlorine bleach.
• CDC-recommended hand washing etiquette practiced by team members before & after cleaning.
• Disposable shoe covers worn in homes and businesses.
• Team members will work alone as often as possible.  In cases where they work in a team or when the client is home, they will maintain the recommended distance of six feet.

Steps for Coronavirus Disinfecting & Cleaning

Cleaning is removing germs and dirt from surfaces.  Cleaning does not kill germs, but will remove them from surfaces.

Disinfecting is using chemicals such as bleach and alcohol to kill germs. Disinfecting does not clean surfaces but should be done after the area is cleaned.

The CDC recommends cleaning and disinfecting high-touch surfaces in your home’s common areas daily.  These include:  tables, doorknobs, chairs, light switches, remote controls, handles, toilets, sinks and desks.

Wear disposable gloves when cleaning and disinfecting, and discard them after use.  Wash your hands immediately after you remove the gloves.

For dirty surfaces, first clean with a regular household cleaning product (for ex. Seventh Generation Multi-Surface or Bathroom Cleaner)

To disinfect, use a diluted unexpired bleach solution on appropriate surfaces.  Use 1/3 cup bleach per gallon or four teaspoons per quart of water.  You can also use alcohol solutions with 70% alcohol or any EPA-registered disinfectant.

Check product instructions to determine surface suitability.

For porous surfaces such as rugs or carpets, remove visible contamination and clean according to manufacturer’s instruction.  Use an EPA-registered product for viral pathogens on porous surfaces.

Discard any wipes or paper towels after cleaning – do not reuse.

Should You Buy Extra Medication and Food?

Particularly for more vulnerable populations, the CDC recommends having several weeks of extra medication and supplies on hand.

This can include any prescription medication as well as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, which can help lower fever.  Make sure to talk to your insurance provider regarding extended supply coverage.

Extra food to have on hand might be things you find comforting while sick: soup or broth and crackers and beverages like 7-Up or Gatorade

By having a stock in place in advance, you are better equipped in case of an outbreak. You will also be able to better practice social distancing by avoiding large crowds at pharmacies and grocery stores.

While up to 80% coronavirus cases are mild – with symptoms similar to a normal cold or flu – being prepared to take care of you and your family is an important preventative step.

What About Working From Home?

If the COVID-19 is present in your community, you should speak to your employer about the possibility of telecommuting.

This is the best course of action, especially if you live in high-density urban areas or take public transportation.  If you are currently sick, you definitely must stay home from work.

What Can You Do to Stay Healthy?

The best habit you can have to avoid getting the coronovirus or flu is washing your hands thoroughly and often with regular soap and water and avoid touching your face.

We love Neil Diamond’s update of “Sweet Caroline” for COVID-19 to entertain and motivate you while washing your hands!

Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.  Afterward, discard any tissues and wash your hands.

Social distancing is a good method for avoiding contact with or spreading the coronavirus, but also be sure to pay attention to your mental health and well-being during times of isolation.

What if You Are Sick?

If you feel sick or start to show symptoms such as a fever or dry cough, Harvard Medical School recommends calling your personal doctor first.

Avoid going to the emergency room unless you are experiencing severe symptoms such as shortness of breath, high or low body temperature, confusion or feeling like you might pass you.

Call the emergency department in advance so they can prepare for your arrival.

How to Prepare for Shelter in Place

Vox created a printable list of more ideas to keep your health (and sanity!) during home confinement including”

• Keeping extra cleaning supplies, towels & linens on hand.
• A first-aid kit to take care of minor injuries.  This will keep you out of already-overloaded emergency rooms and prevent catching or transmitting the coronavirus.
• Electronics and spare parts.  Staying connected is more important than ever and having backup devices will
• Games, movies and popcorn for extended family / roommate time.

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Dear clients:

OUR PEOPLE

At the center of our company’s core values is to put people first, and it’s something we take to heart at all times.

We’ve provided employees with the most current information, guidance, and support we have to they can keep themselves and their families safe.

If we do have a sick team member, we will make sure they stay at home, reiterating guidelines from the CDC regarding hand hygiene, coughing and sneezing etiquette, and keeping the lines of communication open.

YOUR SERVICE

PLEASE READ OUR LATEST POST HERE on ways to stay safe during this potential outbreak period.

We’re doing everything in our power to make sure you feel safe and comfortable with our service.

You can rest assured that we will continue to put the health and well-being of our clients, employees and all community members above all other considerations as we continue to monitor events and make decisions going forward.

Domestica has been proud to be the first environmentally- and socially friendly cleaning company in Portland, serving our city since 2001.

We appreciate your support of Domestica during this time and thank you for allowing us to bring peace of mind to your and your families.

Sincerely,

Shannon Latimer Marchat
Owner / Founder
Domestica LLC

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