Cleaning Before Baby Comes Home: A Cleveland Homeowner's Seasonal Checklist

The Dust & Clues Files · Chapter 1, Episode 1

When it comes to cleaning before baby comes home, Cleveland homeowners want to know where to start and how to get everything ready for the new arrival. The cost of a professional deep clean starts at $185, and it's essential to book in advance, especially during the holiday season. A deep clean typically takes 2- hours, depending on the size of the house and the level of cleaning required.

What to Do Before the Baby Arrives

To get your home ready for the baby, start by decluttering and organizing each room. Begin with the nursery, where you'll want to make sure everything is clean and sanitized. Dust and vacuum all surfaces, including furniture, floors, and windows. Don't forget to clean any toys or equipment that will be used by the baby.

The Dust & Clues Files: Nineteen Chairs

Sol and Dee arrived at the Hartleys' house in Rocky River, where they were booked for a pre-holiday deep clean. As they began to work, Sol noticed that the pantry door was stuck shut, and the October inventory list had one line written in different handwriting - the platter that Grandma Ruth had specifically asked about. Sol's pause hit twice, and she knew that something was off. As they worked to clean the house, they discovered that the platter was not on the list, and somebody had been quietly replacing pieces of the set, one thrift-store match at a time.

Room-by-Room Checklist

Here's a room-by-room checklist to help you get your home ready for the baby:

• Nursery:

+ Dust and vacuum all surfaces + Sanitize all toys and equipment + Organize closet and changing station

• Kitchen:

+ Clean and sanitize all surfaces + Check expiration dates of food and spices + Clean the oven and stove

• Bathrooms:

+ Clean and sanitize all surfaces + Check expiration dates of toiletries + Clean the shower and bathtub

• Living areas:

+ Dust and vacuum all surfaces + Organize toys and books + Clean any rugs or upholstered furniture

What to Hand Off to a Professional

If you're short on time or prefer to have a professional handle the deep cleaning, consider hiring a cleaning service like TidyMamas. Our Deep Clean service covers every room in the house, including the kitchen, bathrooms, and living areas. We also offer a Move In/Out service, which includes cleaning inside the oven, fridge, and cabinets, as well as blinds.

Detailed Cleaning Tasks

For a thorough clean, allocate specific times for each task:

• Dusting and vacuuming: minutes per room
• Sanitizing surfaces: 20 minutes per room
• Cleaning the oven: minutes
• Cleaning the fridge: minutes
• Organizing closets: minutes per closet

Technique Specifics

Use microfiber cloths to dust and clean surfaces. For tough stains, apply a cleaning solution and let it sit for 10 minutes before wiping clean.

Mistakes to Avoid

Don't forget to clean light switches and electrical outlets. Avoid using harsh chemicals near baby's toys and equipment.

Move In/Out Cleaning

TidyMamas' Move In/Out service covers every room, including inside oven, fridge, and cabinets. Blinds are also included in this service.

Additional Services

For an extra $30, add window blind cleaning to your Standard or Deep Clean service. This ensures a thorough clean of all surfaces.

Cleaning Schedules

Book your cleaning service in advance, especially during peak seasons. TidyMamas offers recurring discounts: 20% off weekly, 15% off every two weeks, and 10% off every four weeks.

Satisfaction Guaranteed

At TidyMamas, we treat your home like our own. Our family-run business ensures a thorough clean, every time. We check our work as we go and do a final walk-through before leaving.

Local Touch

From Lakewood to Elyria, TidyMamas serves the entire Cleveland area. Our team is familiar with the unique cleaning needs of homes in Westlake, Bay Village, and Fairview Park.

Pre-Baby Cleaning Tips

Clean from top to bottom to avoid spreading dirt and dust. Use a 'zone cleaning' approach to focus on one area at a time.

Time-Saving Tips

Focus on high-traffic areas and surfaces that need most attention. Use a cleaning caddy to carry supplies from room to room.

Cleaning Supplies

Use eco-friendly cleaning products to ensure a safe environment for your baby. Always read labels and follow instructions.

Post-Cleaning Checklist

After the cleaning is complete, do a final walk-through to ensure everything is clean and tidy. Check for any missed spots or areas that need extra attention.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a standard clean and a deep clean?

A standard clean typically includes dusting, vacuuming, and cleaning all surfaces, while a deep clean includes additional tasks such as cleaning inside the oven, fridge, and cabinets, as well as blinds.

How long does a deep clean take?

The time it takes to complete a deep clean depends on the size of the house and the level of cleaning required, but it typically takes 2-4 hours.

Can I schedule a cleaning service in advance?

Yes, it's recommended to schedule a cleaning service in advance, especially during the holiday season.

What areas of the house are included in a deep clean?

A deep clean typically includes all areas of the house, including the kitchen, bathrooms, living areas, and bedrooms.

Do you offer any discounts for recurring cleaning services?

Yes, we offer discounts for recurring cleaning services, including 20% off for weekly cleanings, 15% off for every two weeks, and 10% off for every four weeks.

To be continued

As Sol and Dee continued to clean the Hartleys' house, they stumbled upon a mysterious brass key in the stuck pantry. Behind the stuck door, something heavy slid and settled - glass on glass. And the platter, per the list, was already marked 'missing' a month before the door stuck. The mystery had just begun, and Sol's pause was about to become a full-blown investigation. Meanwhile, Sol took a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee and appreciate the warm atmosphere of the Hartley's home, filled with the scent of freshly baked cookies and the sound of laughter from the family.

— *The Dust & Clues Files · Chapter 1, Episode 1 · a continuing TidyMamas story, cleaned one house at a time.*