Post-holidays is a great time to clean out your refrigerator and freezer, if only to get rid of any expired products (like that eggnog still hiding out in the back) and all those leftover goodies you didn’t quite get to.

While you’re at it,  you can quickly and easily give your fridge a good cleaning by removing the shelves and drawers and giving them a good wipedown using mild soapy water.

Carpets can have it rough in the winter time too –  so if you want a bid on carpet cleaning in Portland, feel free to shoot us an email at service@nandcservice.com.

The photo? Just thought we’d throw you some spring-like sunshine on this post-holiday, back- to-work Tuesday. It also leads nicely into our green cleaning tips below. Enjoy!

Eco-Friendly Cleaning – 5 Green Cleaning Tips

In Portland, we like to live a greener life, and this includes your favorite cleaning company. Here we present five ideas for eco-friendly cleaning methods that are safe and effective in green cleaning.

1. White Vinegar – Vinegar can be used as a cleaning agent for a number of things in the home. Vinegar is most commonly used as a floor cleaner, including wood. You want to get a bucket of water and just a small amount of vinegar – maybe a couple tablespoons or so – and simple mop the floor. This simple green cleaning solution will help floors shine like they are brand new. Vinegar can also be used to clean windows – two tablespoons of vinegar in a gallon of water. If you don’t like the smell of vinegar, try lemon juice or club soda instead. Whatever you decide to use, be sure to shake well prior to use.
2. Baking Soda – The uses are endless. Clean the oven, clean your teeth, clean the toilet bowl, clean the tub, clean tile – actually, clean virtually anything. You can even use baking soda on your floor tile, tiled countertops, backsplash or tile in the bathroom. Mix approximately half of a cup of baking soda with two gallons of water. Scrub with a sponge or mop with a string mop.
3. Hydrogen Peroxide – Hydrogen peroxide can ultimately replace your bleach cleansing agents. By mixing just a little bit of it with some water then adding a few tiny drops of ammonia, you can remove some of those nasty, irritating stains – juice, coffee, etc. – with ease. You can even use this green cleaning solution on your stone countertops with a grade 0000 dry steel wool with a little scrubbing power.
4. Tea Tree Oil – Have you noticed that mold growing in the bathroom or maybe a little bit of mildew around the windows? You can get rid of it easily without dangerously toxic chemicals. Take two cups of water and a couple of teaspoons of tea tree oil in a spray bottle and shake well. You can use grapefruit seed extract as well – 20 drops to two cups water.
5. Borax – You can also use borax for the above-mentioned as well. Mold or mildew can be removed with a slight mixture of borax and water. After all, borax is known to prevent mold growth. Borax and lemon juice can be combined to create an eco-friendly cleaning mixture for cleaning the toilet bowl.

By using the above-mentioned green cleaning tips and products, not only will you be keeping Portland greener, but you’ll also be saving money in the process. For green office cleaning services in Portland, be sure to keep N&C Service in mind.

From all of us at N&C Service!

Choosing a cleaning company is a big decision for you and your business. Here are some tips to help you make sure you find the right one.

1. Get price quotes from at least three companies.

It’s not always best to hire the cheapest company. Be sure to compare the proposed scope of work and the quality of products used for the job. Do the price quotes include materials, labor and equipment? What will they charge for special requests outside the scope of work? Beware of deals which sound too good to be true, because they just might be!

2. Ask how long they’ve been in business.

Cleaning companies notoriously come and go. They often change their name to reset their reputation, but the company is run by same people. Be sure the cleaning company you choose has established a reputation for quality service in the community.

3. Are they licensed, bonded and insured?

Protect yourself and your property. Make sure your cleaning company is properly licensed for the work they are doing. If they are bonded, you have further assurance that you will not suffer a loss at their hands. And never hire a cleaning company who can’t show you proof of insurance.

4. Ask if they guarantee their work.

Most companies will tell you that your satisfaction is guaranteed, but what do they mean? Will they return your money if you are dissatisfied? Will they return to the jobsite to make it right? Get the scope of work and price in writing before the work is done so you can compare what you were promised with what you received.

5. Ask for a list of references.

A good cleaning company will have a loyal client base. Ask for references who have projects similar to yours. And once references are provided, do your diligence and contact them!

6. Do they offer 24/7 emergency cleaning services?

In case of a flood, fire, icy sidewalk, clogged toilet or other calamity, can you call on your cleaning company for assistance? If your cleaning company can assist you with emergencies it will save you time and money, because they already know and have access to your building/project.

7. Is a customer service representative assigned to your account?

Once some cleaning companies get your business, it’s difficult to get them on the phone. Or you talk to someone different every time you call, and they don’t necessarily know your particular account. Before you hire, ask who will manage your account.

8. Will they track your issues and requests, from inception to resolution?

Ask how the cleaning company will handle your issues or requests. How will you know when the issue is resolved or the request is completed? Make sure they have a clear procedure in place to assess, address and follow up.

9. Can they provide all the cleaning services you need?

When choosing a cleaning company, ask about the full scope of services they offer. Why not hire a company who not only cleans your offices, but can also clean your carpets, floors, and windows? It will save you time when those special cleaning projects arise. And they can probably offer you a better price since they are already in your building.

10. Do they offer Green Cleaning products and practices?

The goal of today’s green cleaning movement is to minimize impact on the environment, building occupants, and cleaning personnel. If these issues are important to you, ask if your cleaning company has experience with green cleaning.

11. Will they create a custom scope of work for your building?

Before a cleaning company provides you with a quote, they should come look at your bulding/project and ask questions about your needs so they can customize your scope of work. If they haven’t done this, proceed with caution.

12. Do they have a deep/detail cleaning schedule?

Detail cleaning is often neglected by cleaning companies. High dusting, air vent vacuuming, edge vacuuming, etc. should be done at regular intervals to prevent buildup of dust and grime. Ask when your cleaning company performs deep cleaning tasks, and how they track when they are done. And how will they keep you in the loop?

13. Be certain they perform background checks on cleaning and management staff.

You are giving your cleaning company access to your property. Make sure they are diligently screening the cleaners they assign to your building/project.

14. Are the cleaners properly trained in best industry techniques?

Proper training will ensure you get the best quality of service for your money. Training is also important to prevent scratches on surfaces, vacuum bumps along walls, and other damage to your property. Ask your cleaning company how often they train and retrain cleaners in the best industry techniques.

15. Ask about their inspection process.

How does your cleaning company ensure the cleaners are continuing to provide you with quality service? It’s important that they perform periodic walkthroughs with you, as well as more frequent post-cleaning inspections.

Take the time and care to choose the right cleaning company from the start. Establishing a long term relationship with a reliable cleaning company will not only save you time and money, but also peace of mind. If you are looking for commercial cleaning and janitorial service in Portland, be sure to give N&C Service a call!