Steps of Cleaning your Windows

Cleaning windows, mirrors, and other glass around your home on your own isn't a difficult task, but getting it done efficiently and streak-free can be a challenge. Oftentimes we spend hours spraying and wiping only to be left with windows that look almost as dirty as they were to begin with. A few tips and the correct tools, however, can make this dreaded task simpler, leave your glass surfaces sparkling clean, and save you a lot of money in the long run.

By following these simple steps and making just a few small changes to how you clean your windows, this once daunting task can be made easy. However, hiring residential window washers in Chicago is still easiest way to the most beautiful windows on your block! Without further ado, here are three quick and easy tips to wash your windows, just like the professionals! I hope you like our window washing hacks

Step #1: Treat Your Windows Before You Wash

Has it been awhile since your windows have been cleaned? Has there been construction on your house or yard, or even nearby? If so, you can likely see a layer of dust, dirt, and grime built up on your windows. Trying to go from dirty, grimy windows to squeaky clean windows just like that is nearly impossible. You’ll waste time, energy, and tons of cleaning solution in the process.

The best exterior window cleaners in Chicago know that using a pretreatment on windows instead of jumping right into the cleaning process will save time and make your windows look even better. You can buy a commercial pretreatment for your windows, or you can make your own. In order to make your own solution, find a high-quality dish soap (Dawn is always a great choice) and mix just a few tablespoons into a gallon of water. You can also add Jet Dry or another rinse aid to add even more power to your solution.

Once you have your pretreatment solution, spray your windows down with water. Using a sponge or cleaning brush, cover your windows with the solution. Typically, you will use the pretreatment on the exterior of your windows. However, in some cases, it may be necessary on the interior side of your windows as well. Once you have applied the solution to your windows, give it time to soak, but do not allow the solution time to dry completely. Before the solution has dried, make sure you carefully and completely rinse your windows, removing both the pretreatment solution and all the dust, grime, and build up from you windows.

After the pretreatment has been rinsed off, you can clean your windows as normal, using the cleaning solution of your choice.

Step #2: Remove Stains Caused By Hard Water

In Chicago, most houses have hard water, especially from outside faucets. Professional residential window cleaners in Chicago know how to combat hard water and the stains that come with it. Hard water stains are typically white or translucent stains left on your windows, even after a great cleaning. They can be incredibly difficult to remove if you don’t know the secrets to getting them off.

The best way to get rid of hard water stains on windows, or any glass surface, is to use a vinegar solution. Mix a 1:1 vinegar: water solution into a large spray bottle. If you don’t have a spray bottle handy, you can just mix it in any container (even inside a vinegar bottle) and pour it directly onto your rag or towel. Vinegar is one of the best-kept secrets for beating hard water stains and will help your windows shine with very little effort! For added effectiveness, we recommend using a squeegee to clear the surface once you have sprayed your vinegar water solution onto the window.

Step #3: Don’t Neglect the Interior of Your Windows

No matter how beautiful and crystal clean you get the exterior of your windows, they still won’t shine if the interior remains dirty and stained. Tiny fingerprints, pet nose-prints, even built up dust, can all lead to less than stellar window interiors. What is the best way to clean the inside of your windows? Since your interior windows are more likely to come in contact with pets and children, we recommend using a non-toxic, eco-friendly cleaning solution on your windows. While you can, again, purchase a commercial cleaner, making your own interior window cleaning solution can also be quick and easy.

For window cleaning in Chicago, we recommend a solution of one cup of water mixed with one cup of rubbing alcohol and one tablespoon of vinegar. You can increase or decrease the amount you make depending on how many windows you need to clean. Much like with the hard water spot treatment, we highly recommend putting your solution into a spray bottle. Spray your windows with the solution and use a clean cloth or your squeegee to dry your windows. This will leave your windows sparkling and shining, both inside and out!

Get Professional-Quality Clean Windows

Here are a few more tips for getting windows that look like you hired a professional residential window cleaner in Chicago.

1. Purchase your own professional equipment. We recommend purchasing a squeegee and a specialized window cleaning brush with an extendable handle.

2. Leave the paper towels behind. Instead, use high-quality microfiber towels to clean your window. They are softer, safer, and less likely to scratch your windows. They are also better at leaving a spot free finish.

3. If you really want windows that look professionally cleaned, hire the best residential window cleaners in Chicago.

We pride ourselves on our excellent service. If your windows are hard to reach or are too dirty to clean, by following this step-by-step guide, feel free to contact us and we'll be happy to sort it out for you. You can call Chicago Cleaning Services Company at (773) 538 3031. We can give you a reasonable estimate for beautiful, squeaky clean windows!

House Cleaning Hacks That You Should Know

Having a healthy household does not just mean eating the right food, but having your house germ-free as well. While we exert too much physical effort in cleaning, we also exert too much money on buying cleaning products. Be pragmatic and avoid overspending on household supplies. You probably didn't know it, but here are some cheap, convenient, and easy-to-do cleaning tips that would help you stretch your budget and patience in cleaning even further.

Pastry Brush

Use a pastry brush to clean crumbs out of your toaster

Get tricky-to-reach crumbs and burnt bits out of your toaster by unplugging it and sweeping with a pastry brush. This will help your toaster last longer as well as making crumbs less likely to catch and smell.

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White bread

Get rid of greasy fingerprints from walls with white bread

It sounds weird, but rubbing finger marks with a slice of white bread will give your walls a new lease of life! We're not sure how someone discovered this, but we're grateful they did...

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Salt and foil

Clean your iron with salt and foil.

If you’ve got a dirty iron, remove built-up dirt from the bottom with salt and tin foil. Turn on the iron, and run it over a piece of aluminum foil sprinkled with salt.

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Lint Roller

Dust Your Surfaces With a Sticky Lint Roller

Dusting is an imperfect art. However, when you need to pick up that handful of craft glitter your kids spilled, get pet hair off a lampshade, or just grab some dust, a sticky lint roller does the trick with ease.

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White Vinegar

Aside from cooking with vinegar, you may also use it to keep your dishwasher, windows, floors, microwaves and refrigerators extra clean. Pour an equal amount of vinegar and water on a cup and dip a cloth or sock. Run it over and use another cloth or sock to remove the dampness.

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Ice Cubes

Every few weeks, toss in a handful of cubes in your sink. Add some orange, or lemon to ward off some stenchy odor.

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Newspaper

Don’t throw away your old newspapers. Use it to get rid of garbage grime and crusty dips and drops of garbage juices. Cover the bottom of your trash can with old newspapers to soak up leaks and odors.

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Clay Doh

If you think that clay is only for playtime, think again. Clay Doh can be used to pick up the small pieces of broken glasses and glitters. Just press the clay into the area and the glass or glitters will stick onto it.

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Coffee Filters

Use Coffee Filters On Glass

Clean your mirrors and windows with coffee filters instead of rags or paper that wells for a streak and lint free shine.

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Mouthwash

Mouthwash Mopping

Aside from killing bad breath, adding a considerable amount of mouthwash to a gallon of water and mop the vinyl and tiles.

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Baby Oil

Baby oil helps the dirty water bead roll down the drain faster. Use this to clean your sink, toilet bowl, or tub.

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Grapefruit

Get rid of water marks or stains in your bathtub by cutting a grapefruit in half, sprinkling on some rock salt and giving it a good scrub. Have the other half for a nutritious breakfast!

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Potatoes

Did you just went on a camping trip? To remove hardened mud on your clothes, especially comforter or blankets, slice a potato in half and gently rub the cut end on to it. Soak the fabric in cool water after before tossing them into the laundry.

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Rice

Having a hard time fitting your hands while cleaning a narrow vase? Just pour two tablespoons of dry rice and half a cup of warm water inside the vase. Shake the vase vigorously while covering it with your hands. Drain the vase afterwards.

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Soda

Toilet Cleaner

Pour carbonated soda directly into the toilet and allow it to sit at least half an hour. The carbonation will remove stains and leave it sparkling like ne

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Blow Dryer

Give chandeliers a quick cleaning with a blow-dryer (set on low) or a feather duster. For tougher jobs, fill a spray bottle with one part vodka to five parts water, spritz on fixtures and blow-dry.

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Wax Paper

Wax Paper for Faucets

Wiping faucets with wax paper prevents water spots and finger prints.

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Hair Spray

Walls doodled with markers can be cleaned by misting them with hairspray and wiping them immediately. Crayon on walls on the other hand could be removed by scrubbing with a toothbrush covered with toothpaste. You may also use a damp microfiber cloth with baking soda. Hairspray may also be used to remover lipstick stains on clothes.

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Shaving foam

Remove sofa stains with shaving foam

If your sofa is looking a worse-for-wear, try dabbing a little shaving foam on any stains, leave it to settle, then blot it away to remove the shaving foam – and the stain!

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Chalk

For those who are not aware, chalk has a powerful absorbing quality. Greasy and oily fingerprints can be removed by rubbing a chalk on walls, even clothes. Wash it with water after to make it completely grease-free.

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Onion

Peel and cut the white onion in half. Rub the onion back and forth over the grates of a hot grill. The onion will deglaze the grates and add a little extra flavor the next time you grill in for some barbecue adventure.

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Toothpaste

Use toothpaste to defog mirrors

If you get annoyed when, after a hot bath or shower, you can''t see yourself in a misty mirror, toothpaste could be the answer! Just rub your bathroom mirror with toothpaste and wipe clean with a clean, dry cloth before you shower and hey-presto - one easy to use mist-free mirror.

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Maria's Green Cleaning Services Seattle can also help you out with your cleaning needs. They are also using eco-friendly cleaning products, meaning our home is free from toxic cleaning supplies. Who wouldn't love natural product?

Best Hotels in Seattle

Best Hotels With Views Of The Space Needle

Seattle is a good place to visit, but the Space Needle is an iconic landmark. So if you are interested in staying in a place that gives great views of this unique structure, read on! Here are the top hotels with Space Needle views.

The Mediterranean Inn

With stunning views of the Seattle skyline, Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains, and Elliot Bay, you won’t want to miss the rooftop patio of the Mediterranean Inn. Not only does this hotel offer views, it also has great rooms! The rooms are well equipped for those interested in making simple things at home, with a microwave, coffee maker, small fridge and kitchenette.

There are also plenty of tasty restaurants located close by, if you prefer the convenience of eating out. A fitness center is available at the Mediterranean for those who don’t want to miss a workout. Other amenities include a business center and a 24-hour laundry facility

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The Westin Seattle

The Westin Seattle is situated in the heart of the city. Highlights of a stay here include the available in-room spa service, indoor pool, and sweeping city and water views. The Westin also boasts a 24-hour fitness center and a full service and self-serve business center.

Rooms are designed for guest comfort, with a flat-screen TV, a minibar, coffee and tea making supplies, and a work desk. The Monorail is easily accessible from The Westin.

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Pan Pacific Seattle

The Pan Pacific Seattle is a lovely hotel, just steps away from the Space Needle and many of Seattle’s most famous attractions. Here, guests can enjoy gourmet dining at the convenient on-site restaurant. Guest rooms are spacious and designed for guests to achieve optimal rest and relaxation.

The Pan Pacific Seattle is a great hotel for guests who are interested in walking around the city to explore its main sites and beautiful scenery.

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Hyatt House Seattle Downtown

Hyatt House has rooms that will make you feel right at home. Contemporary and bright, each one has an individual kitchen, seating area, terrace, flat screen TV, and refreshing air conditioning. WiFi is available for all guests and the on-site restaurant and bar are perfect for those looking to relax after a long day.

With the fitness center, guests can continue with their regular exercise routines. And an extra incentive to stay at the Hyatt: complimentary breakfast with made to order omelets, every morning! Hyatt House is easily within walking distance of many main Seattle sites.

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The Edgewater - A Noble House Hotel

The Edgewater offers excellent views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains, as it sits right on Seattle’s waterfront. It is within walking distance to famous sites like Pike Place Market, the Space Needle, Seattle Ferry Terminal, and the Seattle Aquarium. A free shuttle service from the property is also offered to downtown.

An on-site restaurant offers local food and amazing views and the onsite gift shop also has a coffee bar. Rooms are all cozy and comfortable with gas fireplaces, a leather chair, and spa bathrooms.

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Renaissance Seattle Hotel

.The Renaissance Seattle Hotel is warm, comfortable, and modern. Rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, flat screen TVs, a fridge, and toiletries. This hotel is non-smoking and services, such as babysitting and foreign currency exchange are provided.

Also for guest convenience, there are two on-site restaurants at the hotel. The Seattle Aquarium is a short bus ride away and Pike Place Market and Seattle Center are within a 10-minute drive.

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Travelodge Seattle by the Space Needle

Travelodge Seattle offers a fantastic location with all the amenities you need! A daily continental breakfast is provided to get you going for the day. Seattle Centre, the EMP Museum and the Space Needle are all easily within walking distance. It is also easy to reach the Travelodge Seattle from the Seattle Monorail.

Rooms offer comfort and convenience with free WiFi, a satellite TV, a work desk and seating area. There is also an outdoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center for guests.

Best Luxury Hotels in Seattle

If you're planning a posh getaway and need a place to start, you've come to the right place. Take a look at our top picks for luxury in Seattle and get inspired!

Four Seasons Hotel Seattle

It’s hard to go wrong with this top luxury hotel that has, arguably, some of the best views in the city, not to mention a restaurant with an acclaimed Seattle chef, a rooftop infinity pool, and 147 spacious, classically comfortable rooms. The business-y surroundings might preclude the opulence of other, larger Four Seasons properties, but what you lose in neighborhood ambience you gain in vistas and proximity to the best Seattle attractions.

Kimpton Hotel Vintage Seattle

It’s hard to go wrong with a Kimpton property, and the Hotel Vintage Park doesn’t disappoint. Hailed for its exceptionally friendly staff that goes out of their way to make guests happy, this luxury boutique hotel delivers an intimacy not found in other, more pretentious venues. Quality vintages (hence, the name) are offered at the free nightly wine hour, but the lobby is a bit small for serious socializing.

Grand Hyatt Seattle

If you want modern elegance and lavish rooms -- and are unwilling to spring for the Four Seasons directly on the waterfront -- the Grand Hyatt is an ideal tradeoff. Surrounded by many major Seattle attractions (you can see the Pike Place Market sign just five blocks away), plus great restaurants and shopping, it manages to meld convenience with luxury service.

Hyatt at Olive 8

You almost can’t go wrong with the Hyatt at Olive 8, which is known for its exceptionally high customer ratings, environmentally conscious design, and easy, walk-to-everything location. If you’re looking for a romantic lobby in which to have cocktails, you might want to head across the street to the dark and elegant Grand Hyatt; otherwise, be prepared to happily stay put.

Pan Pacific

There’s nothing innately wrong with this contemporary luxury hotel. That said, its South Lake Union location is a substantial schlep to sightseeing, shopping, and the coveted waterfront. It's convenient for business travelers, but if pleasure is the reason for your visit, best to book one of the hotels closer to Pike Place Market, like the Sheraton or Alexis..

Best Cafes in Seattle

Seattle has long been linked with coffee culture, a connection fortified with the worldwide ubiquity of Starbucks, which opened its first store in the historic Pike Place Market during the spring of 1971. Add to that the city’s continued grunge culture and it’s just about the perfect place for the undone coolness and ragged populism that has come to define the coffeehouse vibe.

Needless to say, there are a lot of great options in Washington’s biggest city. To make the decision a little easier, here are the best places to hit, depending on your brew behavior.

Best for a Flat White: Original Starbucks Coffee Café

A flat white (steamed milk and foam poured over espresso) is an Aussie import, and Starbucks is rather famously all over it, having made quite the hullabaloo about offering it in the United States. Head over to the original Starbucks in Pike Place to try it.

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Best Pastries: Bakery Nouveau

Seattle is the land of coffee, so it follows that the pastries here are good, too. Ignore every other bake shop’s warm bread smells and head straight to Bakery Nouveau for their incredible double-baked almond croissant, which will result in you getting crumbs and powdered sugar and slivered nuts and euphoria all over yourself. Get one to-stay with a hot latte, or take it with you on a walk to Volunteer Park. If sweets aren’t your thing, we fully endorse gnawing on a baguette here as an acceptable breakfast.

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Best for 24-Hour Java Fixes: Lost Lake Café & Lounge

Night owls can keep the booths warm at Lost Lake Café & Lounge. Not only do bottomless cups of hometown-favorite Caffé Vita coffee (choose from hot drip or cold brew) entice, but so do hearty dishes like breakfast bread pudding and Wild Boar Sloppy Joe, which is slow-cooked in Snoqualmie stout.

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Best for Coffee-To-Go: Motofish Coffee

At Motofish Coffee, baristas tamp their espressos in a 1977 Mercedes diesel UniMog once used as a maintenance truck for the Swedish Forest Service. Beans, like Olympia Coffee Roasting Company’s Big Truck Espresso Blend, are often sourced from local roasters.

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Best for breakfast: Biscuit Bitch

Biscuit Btch is a counter-service breakfast institution, and it’s your duty to eat here while you’re on Seattle soil. The homemade biscuits are great on their own, but if you don’t get the Btchwich with fried eggs, cheddar, spicy aioli, sausage, and country gravy, you’ve made a mistake. This is the perfect breakfast if you plan to do a day’s worth of hiking.

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Best for Coffee Education: Victrola Coffee Roasters’ Pike Place Location

Coffee geeks are more than welcome at Victrola Coffee Roasters, where cuppings (wherein aficionados sniff and slurp just-ground coffee with hot water) are hosted every Wednesday at 11 a.m. It all lives inside the city’s Auto Row building, which has housed car dealerships as early as the 1920s.

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Best for Coffee & Doughnuts: General Porpoise

There are a couple of donut spots the city is famous for, but the only one you need to know about is General Porpoise. They have a hot pink espresso machine, delicious homemade filled donuts (get the vanilla custard), and actual iced coffee instead of cold brews and iced Americanos.

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Best for Pour-Overs: Slate Coffee Roasters

Belly up to Slate Coffee Roasters’ brew bar, where baristas use manual brewers like V60 and Chemex, for cups with in a cleaner mouth-feel. The café offers only a few options, each of which is brewed by hand. Don’t miss a deconstructed espresso or the four-course coffee flight.

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Best almond milk latte: Anchored Ship Coffee Bar

Anchored Ship has the best almond milk latte in the city, a balcony with a full living room furniture set and string lights, and an eco-friendly nail salon through a hallway in the back, just in case you need a fresh coat of polish before Instagram-ing your hand clutching a mug full of foam art. Not to mention there are delicious specials that pop up, like lavender lemon cold brew. There are no reasons for you not to have a cup of coffee here.

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Best for French Pastries: La Reve

For a taste of Paris, head to La Reve for a coffee and a french pastry. The old-world charm transports you back to what Paris used to be like. The pastries aren't cheap, but well worth every penny. I recommend the almond croissant. Located in a house on Queen Anne Avenue, during the summer enjoy the Seattle sun on the front patio.

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Best for an Extra-Strong Cup: Espresso Vivace’s Capitol Hill Location

David Schomer, founder of Espresso Vivace, literally wrote the book on espresso, a manual by the name of Espresso Coffee: Professional Techniques. The café, which roasts in the northern Italian style, is done up in mid century Formica tables, with matching chairs in primary colors.

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Best for Rock-Star Baristas: Cherry Street Coffee House

The best baristas across America rigorously compete against each other Top Chef–style each year at the U.S. Barista Championship. Last year, Laila Ghambari—the director of coffee at Cherry Street Coffee—snagged first place, wowing judges with coffee-cherry jam and steeped-coffee cherries in her signature drink. (And yes, aromatic smoke was involved.)

.Ten cafés across Seattle—in spots that include downtown, Pioneer Square, Belltown, and Capitol Hill—employ baristas under Ghambari’s tutelage. Whether one opts for a latte to witness flawless latte art, or a simple single shot of espresso, Cherry Street has a tendency to appease the pickiest of palates. Each café also sports its own design, from the graffiti-inspired murals behind the espresso bar in the West Edge neighborhood to Middle Eastern décor on Clay Street.

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Best for Working Remotely: Zoka Coffee Roasters & Tea Co.’s Green Lake District Location

Drop by Zoka late on a weeknight, and you’ll likely spot students hunched over their laptops and textbooks. Walls of multi paned glass and dark woods make this café feel like an historic library, and surely pastries made in-house and single-origin pour-overs do a lot to cultivate the mind.

Best Ways to Clean and Sanitize your Kitchen

How safe is your kitchen?

Cleanliness in the kitchen begins before you start to prepare food. Everything that comes into contact with your hands or food must be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. This includes dishes, cutlery, utensils, pots and pans, counter tops, cutting boards as well as kitchen cloths, faucets, can opener blades, and refrigerator handles. Harmful bacteria that are not visible may thrive and multiply in food that is prepared by unclean hands in an unclean kitchen so, before preparing food, get off to a clean start.

Cleaning the kitchen is an uphill task; for many, it’s never going to be as fun as, say a weekend at the beach because really, who wants to pour lots of hours into a tedious and thankless job that only promises to return with another round of dirts?

While housekeeping is generally a wearisome task, the kitchen often poses its own troubles, especially when shared with some family members who are clueless as to how your utensils should be best placed. That’s still no excuse, because living in a squeaky-clean home is an integral part of being an adult.

What is the difference between cleaning and sanitizing?

Cleaning removes food particles, food juices, dirt, debris and stains from dishes, equipment, counters and other surfaces by using a solution of detergent, hot water and a clean cloth. Cleaning removes debris and stains that you can smell, see or feel.

Sanitizing kills harmful micro-organisms which you cannot smell, see or feel, but which may cause illness in humans.

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How to clean and sanitize dishes, pots and utensils

• Scrape off all food scraps –then rinse.

• Throw out dishes that are chipped or cracked as bacteria may get into the cracks and spoil food.

• Wash them with detergent and hot water that is 45°C (113°F) or hotter.

• Check the water temperature with a thermometer and always use a clean cloth.

• Rinse dishes, pot and utensils in clean hot water that is 45°C (113°F) or hotter.

• Now sanitize. Let them soak for at least 45 seconds in very hot water (at least 77°C/170°F) or warm water 24°C to 45°C (75°F to 113°F) mixed with a chemical sanitizer.

• Let articles air dry in a clean rack. Drying dishes with a towel can easily spread bacteria.

Never mix chemicals together or with detergents as the mixtures can be poisonous (toxic).

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Sanitizing with chlorine Dishes, pots utensils: soak in a sanitizing solution of 10 mL (2 tsp.) of unscented liquid household chlorine bleach mixed with 1L (4 cups) of water for at least 45 seconds.

Surfaces: spray the chlorine solution on counters and cutting boards and let stand for at least 1 minute. Don’t touch the surface after you have applied the sanitizing solution. Let all articles air dry (or use disposable towels).

It is important to use the right amount of chemical sanitizer when mixing it with water. If you use too much, you may contaminate the food. If you don’t use enough, you may not kill the bacteria. The temperature of the water is also important. Some chemicals do not work properly if the water is too hot or too cold. Use a thermometer to check the temperature.

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Cleaning cloths: always use a clean cloth. Cloths that are re-used without being cleaned and sanitized are often a source of cross-contamination. Use different cloths for different jobs.

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Inside the Microwave

Sure, it's easy enough to wipe down the exterior of the microwave until it shines, but don't forget the interior, which is plagued by general buildup along with any unfortunate food explosions. "We sanitize the microwave with good old-fashioned elbow grease," , who uses a combination of 10 percent borax and 90 percent water to break down tough food stains. "Wear rubber gloves and saturate any buildup with the borax solution, then let it sit to break things down before wiping it away."

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Wipe of All the Handles

Every handle in the kitchen (think cabinets, appliances, even the light switch) is a hotbed for germs, considering how often your family grips, grabs and pulls them each day. Wipe down handles with a disposable disinfectant cleaning cloth at least once a week.

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Clean the Refrigerator Shelves

We see a lot of old food spills and gunk. It's important to break down the sections of the refrigerator, pulling out the shelves and drawers, and give it a thorough wiping and disinfecting.Consistent maintenance as the trick to keeping things easy to clean: If you spill something, wipe it up and disinfect the area to keep grime from building up.

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Sanitizing your Kitchen Sink

A wet sink can be a breeding ground for bacteria.

• Run a sink of hot, soapy water.

• If you have a double sink with a garbage disposal on one side, make sure to use the disposal-free side. Keeping the disposal side free will allow you to scrape leftovers down the drain quickly while you work.

• Scrape off all the dishes into the trash or garbage disposal.

• If step 2 has blocked your disposal, scrape the dishes off onto a dirty plate.

• Place dishes that need to soak into the water.

• Try to choose the dishes that are going to give you or your dishwasher the most trouble to get clean. Put the heavily soiled dishes on the bottom. Large dishes like pans and bowls can be filled with hot soapy water and set on the counter to soak.

• While the dishes are soaking, go through the kitchen clearing out trash from your floor, countertop, cupboards, etc.

• Don’t worry about things that are out of place, or don’t belong in the kitchen. Worry only about trash.

One more thing…

Here is my ONE tip to add to this post. Running a sink of hot soapy water before food preparation is SO helpful. As bowls, cutting boards, knives, etc, become dirty, toss them in the sink to soak until you are done. This will prevent food from drying on the dishes and make clean up a lot easier!

Consumers can protect themselves by preventing the spread of germs. Regardless of which method of sanitizing you choose, it is very important that you clean first. It takes both steps to be effective. If you are a busy person and doesn't have enough time in cleaning and sanitizing your kitchen, Sparkly Maid is here to help. They are one of the best cleaning services in Chicago. effective.

Easy To Make Cleaning Solutions At Home

The household cleaning aisle at your local big box retailer can be a dizzying place – and not just because of the overwhelming number of options. The cost of housecleaning products is equally as staggering. However, rather than spend a huge portion of your paycheck on cleaning products, you can simply use a few common items that you may already have around your house to create your own solutions.. 

Here are a few easy and inexpensive natural cleaning recipes to get started around the house:

Glass Cleaner – No need for that bright blue, highly scented stuff … vinegar + water cuts through dirt and leaves glass streak-free.

Tile Grout Cleaner – Mix 1 part water and 3 parts baking soda mixed into a paste. Apply to grout and let sit, scrub with toothbrush, remove with sponge.

Cookware – Use sea salt or coarse salt mixed with a little lemon juice and scrub. Also, try baking soda and water made into a paste. This also works well on stained tea cups or coffee mugs, and even the cutting board.

Fabric Softener – Mix 1 part vinegar and 2 parts water together. Add 1/4 to 1/3 cup to the final rinse cycle.

Toilet Cleaner – Use undiluted white vinegar, pour around the top of the toilet bowl, scrub until clean.

Wood Dusting Spray – Banish dust and nourish wood at the same time.

Natural Air Freshener

In a medium saucepan, simmer a quart of water with natural ingredients to freshen and clean the air. Just make sure not to let the water evaporate off completely! My favorite combinations are:

· 1 sliced lemon, 2 tablespoons rosemary and a dash of vanilla

· 1 sliced lime and 1 piece chopped ginger root

· 1 sliced orange, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and a dash of nutmeg and cloves (smells like pumpkin pie!)

· 2 tablespoons thyme and 1 sliced lime

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There are a number of recurring items in household cleaning solutions. Here are several common, versatile items and what you can expect to pay for them:

· Baking Soda. Baking soda is a hardworking cleaning item that is both versatile and very inexpensive. Baking soda on Amazon.com costs slightly more than $1 per pound ($17 for a 13.5-pound bag).

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·Distilled White Vinegar. Like baking soda, distilled white vinegar is both versatile and inexpensive, and it can be used as a nontoxic disinfecting agent. Anytime “vinegar” is referred to throughout these tips, it’s safe to assume that I’m referring to distilled white vinegar unless otherwise specified. You can buy a one-and-one-third-gallon jug of distilled white vinegar at Costco for $3.29.

Vinegar also makes a fantastic rinse aid in your dishwasher – leaving your glasses, cutlery and plates sparkling!  I just use the same solution as I do for my fabric softener – making it fantastically multipurpose!

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Hydrogen Peroxide. You might already have this in antiseptic solution in your medicine cabinet. If not, swing by the local drug store. Walgreens sells 16-ounce bottles of hydrogen peroxide for just $1.09.

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Liquid Dish Soap. You probably already have liquid dish soap, but you might want to stock up on a bit more if you’re using it for multipurpose cleaning solutions. There’s no need to buy a fancy brand. You can get a 24-ounce bottle of Target’s private label liquid dish soap for $2.

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·Salt. Chances are, you don’t keep salt with your cleaning supplies. However, you might want to start doing so. Any table salt will do, though a coarser salt (like sea salt) is a good option. Amazon.com sells a three-pound box of coarse kosher salt for $7.

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Lemon. Pick up a lemon the next time you’re at a grocery store, typically for less than a dollar. You can always use part of it as a garnish in your cocktail.

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 Cheap Vodka or Rubbing Alcohol. If you’re over the age of 21, consider purchasing a bottle of inexpensive vodka to keep with your cleaning supplies (and out of reach of children, just like with the rest of your cleaning supplies). You can purchase a one-liter bottle of vodka for $7. If you’re under 21 or aren’t comfortable having vodka in your home, rubbing alcohol is a great substitute. Both CVS and Walgreens sell a 16-ounce bottle of rubbing alcohol for around $2.27.

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Corn Starch. A tablespoon of corn starch can be used in a glass cleaning solution. Expect to pay around $3 for a 16-ounce container.

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· Tea Tree Oil. Tea tree oil has microbial properties that make it an effective cleaner. You can buy four ounces for approximately $10, which sounds expensive until you realize that you only need a few drops at a time. If that still sounds like too much money, skip it – you can create great cleaning solutions without it.

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You also need some basic cleaning supplies:

Nylon Scrub Brush. A brush costs between $4 and $7 but can be disinfected (with vinegar or alcohol) and reused over and over.

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Microfiber Cleaning Cloths. Paper towels are a smaller financial investment up front, but the cost adds up quickly. Consider investing in one or two microfiber cleaning cloths, which can be washed and reused. You can expect to pay less than $2 per cloth.

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Spray Mop. An inexpensive spray mop can be found at a big box retailer or online for around $25. For an even less expensive alternative, skip the mop and use a bucket and cloth instead.

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· Spray Bottles. Cheap spray bottles and containers can be bought at big box retailers or via Amazon.com for less than $2 per bottle. You can reuse these bottles indefinitely – just remember to keep refilling it with the same solution. You don’t want to accidentally mix a new solution with residue that was previously in the bottle and risk creating a toxic blend.

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 Pumice Stone. Pumice stones are used to help break down and remove tough mineral deposits and stains. You may also recognize them from the nail salon if you get pedicures. While not a “must-have” item, a pumice stone can help with stubborn stains, particularly in your bathroom. Expect to pay between $2 and $3 for one stone.

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Cleaning a house naturally is not any more difficult than cleaning it with harsh chemicals. It improves indoor air quality and is much safer, especially for children.

The other great thing about natural cleaning recipes is that they are safe for kids to use.

If you are looking for a cleaning service that is using Eco Friendly cleaning products, check Always Green Cleaning Services. They are the number one cleaning company in Chicago that uses green cleaning supplies. 

Popular People from Seattle

Many famous people are from Seattle, Washington. Award-winning actors, rappers, philanthropists and chefs are just a few examples of the many different types of famous people that refer to Seattle as their home. 

Listed below are famous people from Seattle.

Frances Farmer

This Seattle-born, Golden-Age star was the inspiration for Nirvana’s popular song off of their In Utero album, “Frances Farmer Will Have Her Revenge on Seattle.” The song is a reference to Farmer’s tumultuous life ridden with mental illness, alcoholism, and violence. In the 1940s, her mother institutionalized Farmer at the Western State Hospital in Steilacoom, Washington, an experience she later wrote about in her memoir, Will There Ever be a Morning?, the book the inspired the song above. The complexities of Farmer’s life are best conveyed in episode 4 of Karina Longworth’s popular podcast, You Must Remember This.

In regards to acting, Farmer found her way to Hollywood during the 1930s and was cast alongside stars like Bing Crosby in Rhythm on the Range as well as Tyrone Power in Son of Fury: The Story of Benjamin Blake. Farmer first found acting in her hometown, while attending the University of Washington. There, she studied drama and eventually earned degrees in both journalism and drama. Despite becoming a Hollywood star, Farmer would go on to claim that the stage was where she felt most at home.

Mario Batali

Mario Batali is a stylish and zealous star of the Food Network. He was born and raised in Seattle. Mario was born to Italian and French parents. He has opened several restaurants in New York City called Bistro du Vent, Bar Jamon, Casa Mona, Otto Enoteca Pizzeria, Esca and Lupa. Batali eve has a popular wine shop called Italian Wine Merchants. He hosts and stars in Ciao America, Mario Eats Italy and Molto Mario. He has risen to fame due to his entertaining style and exemplary cooking skills. In the course of his successful career, Mario Batali has received a number of awards, including Man of the Year by GQ in 1999. If you're out for the night in Seattle, be sure to stop by his family restaurant.

Jeffrey Dean Morgan

Jeffrey Dean Morgan was born in Seattle and is a renowned actor in the popular Grey’s Anatomy show where he played Denny Duquette. He has also made an appearance in The Walking Dead’s Season 6 finale as Negan. Other notable appearances of Dean are in Watchmen directed by Zack Snyder and Supernatural. He has a wife and son. Jeffrey was a graphic artist in his early life and a basketball player in his high school days.

Bill Gates

Erika Christensen

Bill Gates is known for founding the largest software business in the globe called Microsoft. He was born in Seattle and is among the richest people in the entire world. His interest in computer programming began at the tender age of 13 and was able to build the largest software business with Paul Allen due to aggressive business tactics, keen business strategy and technological innovation. His net worth currently stands at $79.4 billion. He is known for his numerous philanthropic efforts globally. If you want to experience how Bill Gates rolls, hire a limo rental in Seattle for a night!

Erika Christensen is a Seattle-born singer and actress. She is mostly famous for her roles in films such as The Banger Sisters, Swimfan and Traffic. Similarly, Christensen stars in Parenthood, a television series that is currently a hit on NBC. In the year 2000, she became the winner of the Screen Actors Guild Awards for her outstanding performance in a motion picture called Winner. She is married with one daughter, has 2 brothers and her parents. Erika was raised a Scientologist and was homeschooled.

Dove Cameron

This Disney Channel star was born in the Emerald City, but she didn’t actually grow up there. A ferry ride away from Seattle, Dove Cameron discovered acting on Bainbridge Island. At the Bainbridge Performing Arts Center, Cameron performed in productions like Les Miserables and The Secret Garden before making her onscreen debut in the Showtime series Shameless. Dove’s fame skyrocketed when she snagged the dual-role of Liv and Maddie Rooney in the Disney Channel’s Liv and Maddie. Since then, Dove has earned roles on shows and movies like Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Descendants, and the upcoming film starring Jennifer Aniston, Dumplin’

Josie Bissett

Josie Bissett is renowned author and actress who was born in Seattle, Washington. In the year 2008, she released her very first book for children called Tickle Monster. In the same year, the Mom's Choice Awards named her Celebrity Mom of the Year. Josie made her debut in the big screen in the year 1991 in The Doors by Oliver Stone. She is famous for playing Jane Mancini in Melrose Place (a hit TV series).

Rainn Wilson

That’s right, The Office‘s own Dwight Schrute hails from the Emerald City. Rainn Wilson was actually born at the University of Washington Medical Center, the university he would eventually attend and earn a B.A. in Drama from. It was there that Wilson met his future wife, writer Holiday Reinhorn. The two married on the Kalama River in Wilson’s home state in 1995.

Outside of The Office, the comedian took on roles in popular films like Juno, Super, Cooties, and of course, his feature film debut Galaxy Quest. The Office star has since moved on from Seattle, splitting his time between Los Angeles and Sisters, Oregon.

Alison Sudol

Alison Sudol is not only the actress that plays the undeniably charming Queenie Goldstein in the Harry Potter spinoff prequel, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, but she’s also the lead singer of the popular band, A Fine Frenzy. Sudol was born in Seattle, but didn’t stay for long. After her parents divorced when she was five, they all moved down to Los Angeles where she eventually graduated from high school at 16. 

Seattle has produced many famous people who have significantly contributed to the betterment of the world in one way or another. The above are just the notable of a long list.

Best Refrigerators for 2019

We have a variety of recommendations because picking a fridge really boils down to finding one that best fits your space and your lifestyle. You might need a narrower or shallower fridge than we recommend. Not sure if you want a French door or side-by-side? Counter-depth or standard-depth? If our picks don’t suit you or you just want to double-check our criteria, check out our refrigerator buying guide to help find the best fridge for you.

Best Overall Refrigerator: GE Side by Side Refrigerator

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The GE Side by Side Refrigerator is a modern and attractive selection for any kitchen. This model comes in stainless steel, high gloss white, high gloss black, and slate doors with a dark gray case finishes. It’s virtually a fridge to go with any kitchen style. It also conveniently features an ice maker and water dispenser.

The fridge and freezer can store about 26 bags of groceries. A small or large family can comfortably use this model. The side by side door design is great for a wide kitchen. The water and ice features may at first scare off first-time users. The dispensers are tall and wide, to fit large cups and mugs. The Arctica ice maker gives you easy access to ice.

The water dispenser also boasts an advanced water filtration system to ensure you consume only the best. It is known to remove trace pharmaceuticals such as ibuprofen, atenolol, fluoxetine, progesterone and trimethoprim.

Best Apartment-Friendly: KitchenAid Double Drawer Refrigerator

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For a good interior style in the kitchen, it helps to have pieces and appliances that add to the overall design. Beyond the colors, cabinets, and counters, the types of appliances you put into the kitchen can help define the overall looks of the space. A good way to add some style in your kitchen is with a refrigerator that you can use as a focal point.

The Samsung Food Showcase French Door Refrigerator makes an obvious statement in any kitchen due to its unique double door/double drawer design. The upper compartment acts as a normal refrigerator on both sides and includes a unique 2-in-1 door design to view the interior contents through the inner glass. The bottom two drawers are a freezer space and counter-height FlexZone drawer respectively. 

Best French Door Refrigerator: LG Electronics 29.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Fridge  

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French door design maximizes access to both sides of the refrigerator. Traditional fridges, particularly ones that have the fridge and freezer stacked on top of one another, tend to make it difficult to get to the things you need inside. With a side-by-side, French door style refrigerator, on the other hand, you get access to the full vertical or horizontal space the fridge has to offer in each compartment.

The LG Electronics 29.7 Cu. Ft. French Door Fridge includes the classic split-door style mixed with two lower drawers for additional organization. The upper compartment is one continuous space between both doors so you can use the full amount of storage up top. Below, the EasyReach Bins and chiller drawer will allow you to keep frozen foods and daily snacks separated from the other food and drinks without messing up the overall organization. 

Best Retro Refrigerator: Daewoo Retro Compact Fridge

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If there is one thing to complain about a typical refrigerator, it is its lack of style. Thankfully, not all refrigerators have the same plain old design. If you want something that is more pleasing to look at in the kitchen, a refrigerator with some style is the way to go. This next top pick will throw you back to the retro period of appliance design.

When you want a touch of retro accent and a compact refrigerator, the Daewoo Retro Compact Fridge is the perfect choice. Coming in at the size of a normal compact, portable refrigerator, this option provides enough room for a few meals worth of food and drinks. The exterior is an all-metal construction stylized with sleek, retro lines that are also easy to clean for continued use and longevity.

Best Tech Savvy Refrigerator: LG Electronics InstaView 

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Tech savvy individuals often appreciate appliances that make their life more efficient. A high-tech refrigerator is one such appliance that can make keeping track of food supplies in the kitchen easy. Such smart refrigerators often connect to the internet, keep track of edible contents inside, and can even order new food from the internet automatically when supplies run low if connected to the right service.

The LG Electronics InstaView combines a little bit of old school and new school tech to create something truly unique in refrigerator design. A see-through, door-to-door window panel lays on the right side of the main compartment so you can see right into the fridge. Using LG’s SmartThinQ technology, you can access the smart functions of the fridge via an app to control different settings and to monitor the contents inside

Best Compact Refrigerator: Magic Chef Mini

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Often known as a "mini fridge," a compact refrigerator is the best choice for small spaces. Whether you find yourself living in a cramped apartment or just want something for an individual room, a compact fridge allows you to keep a small amount of food and drinks cool whenever you want. They are also great as a secondary fridge for people needing a little bit of extra cool space.

The Magic Chef Mini fridge keeps things simple with 2.6 cubic-feet of space and two easy-to-clean glass shelves to divide up the inside contents. As an Energy Star-qualified fridge, this one maximizes the power savings boost you will get just by reducing the size alone. The temperature can be controlled upfront using the included adjustable thermostat.

Our Pick

One of the more affordable French door fridges at the most popular width (36 inches), this LG comes with in-door water and ice, has well-placed shelves and drawers, and a record of reliability.

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The LG LFX25974ST is a 36-inch-wide French door refrigerator with a stainless steel finish and in-door water and ice dispenser. It’s reasonably priced for this category, and you get a lot of value for your dollar: Smooth-gliding drawers, bright LED lighting, and space-maximizing door bins, to name some highlights. It’s a reliable model from a reliable brand, with solid user reviews and no record of any systemic problems. LG has topped customer satisfaction rankings for both French door refrigerators in 2017 (J.D. Power) and household appliances overall three years running (American Customer Satisfaction Index). At 24.1 cubic feet, it’s got room for a large household’s needs, and is ample for a family of four. It comes in black and white, too.

Places To Visit In Seattle

Seattle has a lot to offer; in the city itself, in addition to the surrounding waterways and mountains. Seattle is a narrow city bordered on the east by freshwater, Lake Washington, and on the west by, saltwater, Puget Sound. The climate is mild, even in the winter, due to the Sound’s warming effect. In the summer, the Sound has a cooling effect. Snow is rare.  Temperatures over 85 degrees are also rare although getting less so.

Here are the spots to visit in Seattle

Space Needle

It’s hard to deny that The Space Needle is the most recognizable landmark in Seattle. It’s flashing beacon blinks 605 feet in the sky and at 520 feet, you’ll find the observation deck. The observation deck offers 360 degree views of the entire city. Below the observation deck is the incredible SkyCity Restaurant. This family-friendly eatery will wow any patrons with an ever-changing view alongside delicious brunch, lunch, or dinner.

Smith Tower

Smith Tower was completed a century ago, and the 38-story tower is the oldest skyscraper in all of Seattle. The historic building is found in Pioneer Square and, as you might expect, is a designated Seattle landmark. Take the old-fashioned elevator up to the 35th floor Observation Deck and you’ll find sights unmatched by anywhere else in the city. The Space Needle, Pioneer Square, Mount Rainier, and Puget Sounds are just the beginning of the sights to drink in.

Pioneer Square

If you think the namesake of Pioneer Square simply derives from convention, you’d be mistaken! Pioneer Square is the “birthplace of Seattle,” making the “Pioneer” in its name even more telling. Stand in awe of the Renaissance Revival architecture, grab a bite to eat at one of the numerous unique lunch spots, or even find new treasures in one of Pioneer Square’s kitschy boutiques. As Seattle’s first historic district, Pioneer Square is really a pioneer in Seattle’s robust culture.

Pike Place Market

Pike Place Market has been a cultural hub for over a century, and it will surely continue for centuries to come. Pike Place occupies a 9-acre waterfront overlooking Elliott Bay, and it’s not just the farmers market that keeps all of those acres bustling. In addition to the other Seattle farmers markets, there’s a crafts market, hordes of specialty foods, unique small businesses, and delectable restaurants.

Waterfront Park

Historic Waterfront Park is one of the best places to take in Seattle’s seafront. In 1897, it was here that the “ton of gold” was unloaded that began the Alaska Gold Rush. But, now it’s a beautiful place to stroll along the waterfront, peer through a coin-operated telescope, or try to spot native wildlife. If you could possibly tire of the natural beauty at Waterfront Park, check out the unique Waterfront Fountain and the larger-than-life Christopher Columbus statue.

Where to Dine in?

Zig Zag Café — Amazing food and ambiance, tucked away behind Pike Place Market. 

King’s Hardware — Our regular spot. Burgers + beer + skee ball (get the After School Special — just trust me). 

Thai Tom — Best Thai food in the city, straight outta Bangkok (don't expect a glamorous ambiance, come here for the authentic food). Long wait, always worth it. Cash only.

HAPPY HOUR?

Westward — come here for small nibbles + drinks as opposed to the expensive "family style" menu. Sit outside on the water.

Ray’s Boathouse — Quintessential Seattle. Come here on a clear evening. Amazing views of the Olympics. You're welcome.

Bitteroot — Yummy little sliders, and the best brussels sprouts you''ll ever had. Great whiskey selection is always a bonus.

AFTER-DINNER DRINKS?

Hazlewood — Ah, Hazlewood. Spend time here for intimate conversation. Probably the best cocktail lounge in Seattle, walking distance from all the great restaurants on Ballard Ave..

The Noble Fir — Rotating brews and ciders on tap. Fun spot, great for a small group.

Barnacle — Trendy little Ballard spot next door to the popular Walrus and the Carpenter. — it's probably the tiniest (and hippest) spot in Ballard! For ordering, just trust the bartenders.

Best place for COFFEE

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Milstead & Co. — Specialty coffee bar with daily rotating offerings. No pretension, just excellent service and coffee. Pro tip: get it to go and enjoy at the water under the shadow of the nearby Aurora Bridge.

Storyville — The coffee here is just okay but the ambiance is amazing... go to the downtown location for a great view of Pike Place Market! Sometimes they bring out free chocolate cake. The baristas are exceptionally happy.

DATE NIGHT?

Picnic & bonfire at Golden Gardens — Best sunset vantage point in the city. Bonus points if you can spot an otter.

Take a ferry to Bainbridge Island — For some true Northwest charm, enjoy a fun evening on the ferry. There are several quaint restaurants on Bainbridge that are exceptional. Enjoy!

ADVENTURES?

AguaVerde — Rent a kayak, then enjoy decent Mexican food and a margarita. Need I say more?

Discovery Park — Literally our favorite place in Seattle, hands down. You've seen the lighthouse on Instagram, but make sure you walk or run the three mile loop. Gorgeous, and refreshing.

Snoqualmie Falls + Rattlesnake Ledge — Best day trip ever: waterfall + amazing hike. You may meet a bride on your hike as this has become a popular place to elope ;)

Tractor Tavern — Tucked away music venue in Ballard. Live music every night of the week (literally). Check their online calendar to see who's playing tonight.

Dale Chihuly Glass Museum - Touristy thing that's actually awesome and worth checking out. Highly recommend. If you want to do the Space Needle too, you can buy a joint ticket which will lessen the price a little bit.

DESSERT?

Hot Cakes — Be prepared to wait for 20+ minutes and not find seating. It's 100% worth it. I don't care how healthy/Paleo/vegan/whatever you are, go.

Cactus — You will definitely love the location — decent Mexican food on the beach with the best desserts we've ever had, particularly the Bananas Dulce. Just typing this is making me want to go back.

ICE CREAM

Bluebird’s Vegan Horchata — Literally the best ice cream you'll ever had. Get it with a waffle cone. :)

Molly Moon’s Salted Caramel — a must try. Absolutely delicious.