Hints To Help You Pass Your Cleaning Checks

• Deep Clean - “White Glove” means just that - no dirt, dust, or build-up.
• Follow The Checklist – You will be provided a cleaning checklist. This helps you make sure you don’t miss anything. 
• Use Proper Cleaning Products – I have included below some of the cleaning items that we suggest using to get the best results.  We often hear people say, “I cleaned for hours but you failed me!” If you try to clean a tub with just water and a rag you can indeed clean for hours and still run the risk that it will not pass cleaning checks The same goes for other areas in the apartment. Sometimes students don't want to spend money on cleaning supplies. However, it is better to spend a few dollars on the right supplies than to have to pay the fees for failing a cleaning check.
• Plan Ahead - Manage your time wisely.  Running out of time is not an acceptable excuse so plan accordingly and make sure your job is done when we get there. If you are not ready when we come you will fail.
• Pass/Fail - Since cleaning checks work on a “pass/fail” system there are no gray areas. It is either clean or dirty. 

Proper Cleaning Supplies

Below is a list of suggested cleaning supplies.  To do a job right, you need the right tools for the job. You can save time, energy, and money in the long run by using the right cleaning products.  Here are some suggestions that will produce the best results:

Bedrooms:

• Water and a rag for baseboards, walls, and light switch covers.
• “Pledge” for dusting wood furniture.
• “Comet,” water, and a rag for stains on walls and furniture.
• A wet rag and a butter knife for cleaning the grooves of the window track.
• “Windex” and a paper towel for cleaning windows.
• Water and a rag for blinds.
• Water and a rag for light covers.

Kitchen:

• “409” for food and stains on fridge shelves.
• "409" and scrubby side of a "Scotch Brite Pad" for outside of fridge and fridge handles.
• “Easy Off” for the inside of the oven. Spray the entire inside of the oven and let it sit for at least four hours. Scrub the cleaner off with an “SOS Pad” and then wipe out white residue with warm water and a rag.
• “Easy Off” and an “SOS pad for the stove pans/trays (underneath stove coils).  If you don't want to do this you can buy new trays at Walmart for around $10. Recover trays with tinfoil to keep them clean during the month.
• "409" for outside of oven, stove range, and hood.
• "409" and scrubby side of a "Scotch Brite Pad" for inside and outside of dishwasher. Don't forget the top of the door.
• "409" and scrubby side of a "Scotch Brite Pad" for outside of microwave.
• For the inside of the microwave, put a microwave safe container full of water inside for five minutes on high. After it's done you should be able to simply wipe out the inside of the microwave with a rag and some "409".
• "409" and a rag for the inside/outside of cupboards.
• Mop the floor on your hands and knees with a bucket of water and "409" and rag.
• A wet rag and a butter knife for cleaning in the grooves of the window track.
• “Windex” and a paper towel for cleaning windows.
• Water and a rag for blinds.

Living Room and Hallways/Stairways:

• Vacuum all carpeted floors. Don't forget the corners. If your bag is full new ones can be found in the office.
• If the floor is not carpeted, mop it on your hands and knees with a bucket of water and "409" and rag.
• A wet rag for baseboards, walls, and light switch covers.
• A wet rag and a butter knife for cleaning the grooves of your window track.
• “Windex” and a paper towel for cleaning windows. 
• Water and a rag for blinds.
• Water and a rag for light covers.
• A "Magic Eraser" for both sides of the front door

Bathroom:

• "Scrubbing Bubbles" or "Comet" for tubs and showers. The "Scrubbing Bubbles" needs be sprayed so that it completely covers the surface of the shower/tub and then be allowed to sit for a while. The "Comet" needs to be sprinkled so that it completely covers the surface of a damp shower/tub and them be allowed to sit for a few minutes. After either cleaner has been allowed to sit, use a “Scotch-Brite Pad" to scrub the entire shower/tub. Difficult soap scum buildup can be removed by scraping the side of the tub with a plastic card such as a credit card. Remember, if we can scrape the scum off so can you.
• "Comet or "Toilet Bowl Cleaner" for the inside of the toilet.
• "409" for the outside of the bowl, base, tank, seat, hinges, etc. Wipe the entire outside surface down with a dry rag after you are done cleaning to remove extra residue from the porcelain. 
• “409” or “Clorox”  for sinks and counters. 
• A “Pumice Stone” or “Lime-Away” or "CLR" to remove build-up that is hardened on faucets, and drains. This will also remove rings in toilet bowls without scratching the porcelain.
• “Windex” and a paper towel for mirror.
• Mop the floor on your hands and knees with a bucket of water and "409" and rag.

Some Helpful Pictures: