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You probably know that old adage “A cluttered desk is a cluttered mind”, but have you ever wondered how true it is? To what extent do mess, dirt, and clutter negatively affect our mental health?

What’s more, can high levels of cleanliness, like those achieved by hiring pro house cleaning services in Hilltop, WA, actually reverse the effects and lead to a happier life? There are many questions and, today, we’ll be answering them all.

Can a messy house cause anxiety?

A dirty and cluttered living environment can indeed contribute to feelings of stress and anxiety. Let’s observe this phenomenon from a purely physical/medical standpoint first. Over the past couple of decades, several studies reinforced the fact that disorganized and unhygienic spaces increase the levels of cortisol.

One of the body’s primary hormones, cortisol is largely responsible for controlling our stress response, including (among other things) fear (“fight or flight” reflex), sleep-wake cycle, and metabolic energy gain. In other words, it controls all bodily functions that cause, contribute to, or exacerbate feelings of stress and anxiety.

From the perspective of psychology, though, a messy house can have a profound negative impact on multiple facets of mental health, including (but not limited to):

• Cognitive overload: Clutter and dirt can overwhelm the brain with visual stimuli, making it difficult to focus and process information. This can lead to feelings of confusion, unease, and being lost, all of which contribute to anxiety.
• Unfinished tasks: A messy house is often perceived as a conscious avoidance of responsibilities, which can invoke a sense of guilt and shame, ultimately leading to increased stress levels.
• Lack of control: A disorganized environment can make it difficult to feel in control of one’s surroundings. This, in turn, can lead to a person feeling like they’re not in control of their own life, which can contribute to feelings of anxiety, uncertainty, and being lost.
• Emotional impact: For some people, a messy home can trigger a host of negative emotions which can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety, such as aforementioned shame and guilt, as well as embarrassment or frustration.

With everything mentioned above in mind, it is easy to see why individuals who live in clean homes are typically happier than those living in messy and cluttered environments, as well as why the latter often deal with disorders such as severe anxiety or even depression.

What is stress cleaning?

A relatively recent term, “stress cleaning” refers to the act of cleaning as a response to or a way of managing stress or anxiety. According to a 2011 psychological study, engaging in mindless, repetitive tasks can help reduce anxiety and clear the mind, much like meditation does.

Needless to say, housekeeping definitely contains all the elements necessary to be categorized as both “mindless” and “repetitive”. While stress cleaning is by no means a substitute for professional mental health support, it is an effective way to manage stress and anxiety, for multiple reasons:

• Mindfulness practice: Cleaning is all about present-moment awareness, which is a good way to shift focus away from issues causing stress and anxiety.
• Calming effect: The repetitive nature of cleaning tasks, such as vacuuming or washing dishes, can have a soothing effect, similar to meditation.
• Coping mechanism: Channeling energy into productive activities is a healthy way to cope with overwhelm.
• Sense of accomplishment: Finishing cleaning tasks creates a sense of accomplishment, which is often followed by a mood and energy boost.
• Sense of control: For some individuals, the act of cleaning is a way to take the reigns over their environment and, by transition, over their life.
• Physical activity: Cleaning can be considered a form of exercise, which is proven to help reduce stress and improve mood.

Who offers professional house cleaning services near me in Hilltop, WA?

Are you ready to boost your happiness levels by having your home brought up to the highest cleanliness standards? Then you’re in the right place! NW Maids Tacoma will help you get in touch with some of the finest cleaners in the region, whether you’re near St. Joseph Medical Center or elsewhere in Hilltop.

Our partnering maid services have an extensive history of delivering superb results in record time, ensuring that your home is clean and your free time intact. The best thing? With us, finding your ideal housekeeping crew only takes minutes – so don’t hesitate. Reach out to us today and start living the way you’re supposed to – stress-free!

By now, you’ve probably heard that “a clean home equals a clean mind” or vice versa. While there’s certainly truth in that, the situation is not so much a straightforward “single-lane track” as it is a “two-way street”.

In general, having a neat and tidy home is considered crucial for physical and mental health, which is why we’re seeing an increase in people hiring cleaning services in Hilltop, WA, and across the country. 

But, is having a clean and orderly home directly responsible for the increase in our happiness levels, or is it the other way around? Let’s find out!

How important is it for you to have a clean home?

From the physical side, a clean home reduces exposure to allergens, bacteria, dust, and other common contaminants. Reduced exposure leads to better physical health, which is proven to positively affect mental well-being.

From a purely psychological standpoint, maintaining a high level of cleanliness and tidiness contributes to the overall sense of order and control, thereby reducing stress and promoting calmness. In fact, a relatively recent study confirmed that clean homes are associated with a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

However, the fact remains that the importance of having a neat and tidy space is highly subjective and can vary greatly from person to person. For some, a clean home is a bare necessity, critical for their well-being and day-to-day functioning.

For others, however, it may be more of an option than a must. They may feel comfortable with a certain degree of chaos in their living space or they simply may not have the time or energy (or both) to devote to cleaning, therefore having to accept lower levels of tidiness as a “normal” state of things. 

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the (perceived) importance of cleanliness ultimately boils down to personal priorities, preferences, and lifestyle.

Does a clean house make you happier?

Multiple pieces of research suggest that there is indeed a correlation between a clean home and happiness. A 2010 study by Saxbe & Repetti from the Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, found that individuals who describe their homes as “cluttered” or “unfinished” were more likely to experience higher levels of stress and fatigue compared to those who described their homes as “restful” and “restorative”.

Another, more recent study published in Psychology Today in 2018, has shown that individuals who live in tidy environments tend to report higher levels of life satisfaction and well-being compared to those who live in messy, disorganized spaces.

However, it should be pointed out that, since the perceived importance of cleanliness and tidiness is subjective (as noted above), the level of impact a clean home may have on happiness will vary from one person to another.

Still, after everything being said, we may conclude that, while the act of cleaning itself may not be as satisfying, the results – a clean and organized living environment – definitely can and, often, does contribute to a positive mood and overall feeling of happiness.

Who offers reliable cleaning services near me in Hilltop, WA?

If your messy house is causing you stress and anxiety, NW Maids is here with a perfect solution: We’ll help you find a team to do all the dirty work, so you can focus on things that actually matter and bring you joy.

Our partnering cleaners and maids have a long history of excellent customer service and are ready to bring top-tier cleanliness to your home, whether it’s near Wright Park or anywhere else in Hilltop. Reach out today and let’s get started!

In a world of tightly packed schedules and time-sensitive tasks, finding the time for even the most basic chores is seemingly out of the realm of possibility. Fortunately, the operating word here is “seemingly”.

You can achieve excellent whole-home cleanliness – and you can do it in one day (or less), simply by being organized and efficient. Granted, the results won’t be on the level that professionals for house cleaning in Happy Valley, OR deliver, but it will definitely make your home more liveable. Let’s see how you can do it.

How to clean your house in one day?

Since the aim here is to tackle the entire house in one day, you’ll need reliable ways to maximize efficiency – without sacrificing quality.

1. Plan & prioritize

Before you begin, take 10-15 minutes to create a quick plan, as this will help you save precious minutes in the long run. Identify areas that need the most attention and make a note of things that will make the biggest impact on the overall cleanliness of your home. Alternatively, you can take the “basic” cleaning route and prioritize high-traffic zones (kitchen, bathroom, living room, in that order).

Next, assign specific time blocks for each task or room, and use a timer to help you stay focused and prevent getting bogged down. Here’s our recommendation for time allocation:

• Kitchen: 30 minutes
• Bathroom(s): 20 minutes per
• Living Room: 20 minutes
• Bedroom(s): 15-20 minutes per
• Vacuuming/Mopping: 15-20 minutes

2. Gather ALL supplies

Instead of wasting time running back and forth to grab your supplies and tools, assemble everything you’ll need beforehand and place it at an easy-to-reach spot. Doing this streamlines the workflow, helping you save even more time.

Pro tip #1: Invest in a cleaning caddy, as this inexpensive tool can further increase your efficiency, especially when moving from room to room.

Pro tip #2: Use time-saving tools, such as multi-purpose cleaners and microfiber cloths, as these allow you to tackle different surfaces without having to switch too often, thereby saving more time.

3. Tidy before cleaning

Start by doing a quick declutter across the entire house to make it easier to move around and avoid tripping on out-of-place items. Set a timer for 10-15 minutes (total) and do a quick runaround through each room, collecting items that don’t belong and clearing surfaces.

Pro tip #3: Don’t get too tied up in organizing – the name of the game here is speed. If many things are out of place, place them in a “catch-all” bin and revisit them when you have the time.

4. Start with the kitchen

The kitchen is one of the most-used areas of the home and typically the messiest. This is exactly why you should tackle it early on: not only will you get a good chunk of work out of the way but you’ll also get a much-needed morale boost to energize you for upcoming cleaning tasks. The most efficient task order here is:

• Do the dishes -> Clean countertops -> Scrub the sink -> Clean the stovetop

If you have some extra time after these tasks (and you most probably will), use it to clean other surfaces, organize kitchen items, or scrub the inside of the appliances. Alternatively, you can move on to the next task, if you want to save more time.

5. Bathrooms next

Considering their nature and the fact that they’re among the highest-traffic areas, bathrooms often require detailed cleaning. Fortunately, you can still get them done quickly with the right strategy:

• Apply cleaning solution to toilets, sinks, and showers/tubs to let it soak.
• While the cleaner sets, give glass and other surfaces a thorough wipe down.
• Scrub the toilet, sink, and shower/tub surfaces, then wipe them down.
• Finish by disinfecting high-touch areas (e.g. faucet handles, toilet seat, doorknobs, etc.).

6. Move to the living room

The goal in the living room is to make it look neat and welcoming without deep cleaning every corner. Presuming that you’ve already decluttered, this shouldn’t take much time, as the majority of work will come down to dusting, wiping down surfaces, and a bit of extra tidying.

7. Tackle the bedrooms

Generally speaking, bedrooms are the simplest to clean, especially if you tidy them on a regular basis. Start by making the bed, followed by a nice dusting and wiping of the flat surfaces (e.g. nightstands, dressers, etc.). If the time allows it, do some more light decluttering and organizing to make the next cleaning session even easier.

8. Finish by vacuuming/mopping all floors

Now that all the rooms are 90% clean, it’s time for that last stretch. Vacuum and/or mop all floors to remove dust and dirt that settled on them while you were tidying up. It’s highly advisable to start from the furthest room and work toward the front door, as this almost completely eliminates the need to backtrack, thereby saving time.

Bonus tip: Take breaks

Of course, cleaning for hours straight is hardly realistic. Fortunately, no one expects you to! Be sure to take short breaks between tasks (5-10 minutes) to stay energized. Alternatively, you can split the day into several “cleaning sessions” (e.g., morning for the kitchen and bathrooms, afternoon for bedrooms), with bigger breaks in between. This will be somewhat slower, but some people find it helpful to prevent getting overwhelmed.

Who should I contact for top-tier house cleaning near me in Happy Valley, OR?

If you’d rather spend your time hiking across Mount Scott, hanging out with friends, lounging in your living room – or doing anything else but cleaning – you’re in the right place! NW Maids specializes in matching busy individuals like yourself with their ideal cleaning crews.

You can count on our partnering maids to deliver excellent results in the least amount of time, ensuring no part of your home is left unattended. Reach out to us today and let our pros clean not only your home but your schedule as well!

Getting started is probably the greatest tripping stone of housekeeping. Looking at the house that hasn’t been cleaned in a while and just thinking about everything that needs doing is enough to get everyone demoralized.

Fortunately, there is a workaround – and we’re not talking about hiring house cleaners from Happy Valley, OR, although that is the best option. No, we’re talking about small organizational tricks that make a huge difference. Let’s find out what these are!

Where to start tidying a messy house?

Tidying a messy house can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re a busy individual with a packed schedule. The trick here is to maintain a healthy balance of work time and free time. You can achieve that goal by breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps – and it all starts with creating a plan.

1. Set your mindset, set your goals

Before anything else, it’s crucial to establish a positive mindset. Tidying a home will take time, especially if it hasn’t been cleaned for a while – and the sooner you realize that the faster it’ll get easier. Therefore, set realistic goals for what you want to achieve, decide whether you want to tackle the entire house in one day or break it down over several days, and create a timeline to stay organized.

2. Progress, not perfection

This! This is where most people hit a brick wall – often after only a few minutes into cleaning. Perfectionism suffocates progress, which is why you want to focus on the latter. In doing so, your home will start feeling more organized and livable – and that’s exactly what you’re aiming for.

3. Start with decluttering

Whether you’re speed-cleaning or deep cleaning, you should always start with decluttering. The reason for this is quite simple, really: the decluttered space is much easier (and safer) to navigate, saving you precious minutes during each session. And, believe us, those minutes quickly add up!

Pro Tip: Work through one category of items at a time (e.g. clothes, books, kitchen items, etc.) or tackle a single room in its entirety before moving on to the next.

4. Prioritize high-traffic areas

Did you ever wonder why you never see professional maids start cleaning from the laundry room or attic? It’s because these areas are low-use and, therefore, low priority (unless specified otherwise, of course). Therefore, take a page from their playbook and focus on tidying the spaces that see the most use first.

In most homes, the kitchen, living room, and bathroom are the “hotspots” – areas that are the most used and where mess tends to accumulate the fastest. Tackling these rooms first will not only make you instantly feel more comfortable but it will give you a sense of accomplishment early on, boosting your morale and energy levels for new victories.

5. Organize as you go

While you declutter, you should take the time to make sure everything has a designated space. Yes, this does seem a bit counterintuitive. Up until now, it was all about saving time, whereas now you’ll have to waste more of it to create organized spaces. The reason behind doing this is a long-term gain: spend a bit more time now to make all your future efforts easier and more time-efficient.

6. “One-room-at-a-time” vs. “whole-home-at-once” method

There are arguments for both housekeeping methods and the choice will ultimately come down to your preference:

• The “Whole-home” method allows you to bring the entire space to a desired, uniform level of cleanliness, without having to restart and re-setup every time. However, it can be overwhelming, especially in larger homes;
• A “One-room” method, while a bit more time-consuming, isn’t nearly as intensive. This, and the fact that there’s always a sense of progress and accomplishment, can help prevent burnout, which is why most people prefer it over “whole-home”.

Who are the top house cleaners near me in Happy Valley, OR?

If you’re looking for some of the finest cleaners in Clackamas County and beyond, then NW Maids is the place! We specialize in helping individuals like yourself find the ideal housekeeping crews – competent, experienced, and well-equipped to get the job done, and done right. Reach out to us today to find your perfect match!

No matter if your cat has long or short hair, shedding all year round is their expertise. And while they hold a special place in your heart, handling all that hair around your home can certainly make you feel helpless and overwhelmed. While you can always rely on the help of a trusted maid service in Snoqualmie, applying some effective techniques can help you keep your home hair-free between visits. Read on for reliable tips on how to eliminate cat hair from your home. 

How do I get rid of cat hair in my house?

Ready to tackle the fluff? Here are some handy tips to get ahead of the fur:

Invest in a pet hair vacuum

A vacuum designed for pet hair is an excellent tool that can help you remove a significant amount of hair throughout your home. These specialized models have more suction power and remove hair more efficiently than a typical model. It will also allow you to cover more space in less time and more easily get to hard-to-reach areas. In addition, they have bristles that can successfully remove hair that’s clumped deep down. 

Use a pet hair sponge

These sponges are similar to traditional ones, only they’re softer, which makes them safer for your surfaces. They work effectively to trap hair as you brush them on the furniture. However, make sure to only sweep across your piece of furniture in one direction, as moving in the opposite way will release the hair back onto the surface. Once it’s full of hair, remove it using your hand. Avoid washing it in water. 

Make the best of your drier

You’ve just set out a fresh blanket and in less than a few hours it’s entirely covered with hair. This probably happens all the time. However, your drier can help you solve this problem in only a couple of minutes. Just toss the blanket in and let the static and heat pull all the hair off of it. After a few minutes, your blanket will be as good as new. 

Regularly brush your cat

While brushing can significantly reduce the amount of hair around your place, it can be tricky in case your feline friend isn’t a big fan of it. However, most of them enjoy being petted, so if you approach this carefully, they may not even notice you’re not using your hand but a brush. 

If this is new, make sure you start slowly and see how the cat reacts. If they seem unsure or scared, let them smell the brush first. You can also leave it somewhere near where they can see it, so they get comfortable around it. There are many different types of brushes and combs available, so you can experiment and pick the one your cat feels comfortable with. 

Dealing with hard surfaces

Using a slightly damp cloth can help you trap hair more quickly than using a regular mop. Instead of just pushing it around, it will seal the hair within the cloth, together with dust and dirt. This can also work on your floor trims, skirting boards, window ledges, and other surfaces, leaving them pristine.

Where can I find dependable maid services in Snoqualmie?

Whether you’re struggling to keep your home in good condition while having a pet or looking to eliminate dog odors from your house, NW Maids Seattle is your go-to team. With years of experience and thousands of satisfied clients, we have what it takes to give your home a thorough treatment while you pay a visit to the Northwest Railway Museum or enjoy some of the lovely local parks. Get in touch with us today!

There’s no question about how much we love our furry friends, but there’s also no denying that they can be a source of odors in our homes. Pet hair, dirt, outdoor pollens, and dander can all contribute to your pup bringing in a not-so-pleasant smell that seeps into your carpets and furniture. 

Luckily, with some simple tricks, you can stay on top of your house cleaning and keep your home in Snoqualmie smelling nice and fresh all the time. Keep reading to find out how to have a fresh home with a dog around.

How do I get rid of the dog smell in the house?

With a bit of regular care and a few simple tips, you can enjoy an odor-free home without sacrificing any of that pup love. Here’s how:

Regular baths

This is your first line of defense. A general rule says that the more hair your dog has, the more often you’ll need to wash them. If your dog is medium to thick-coat, regular four to six-week baths are necessary. However, you may need to do it even more frequently if they’re visibly dirty. 

Wash the bedding

Since the dog bed is where your little friend spends most of their time, this is also the spot that will start to smell the fastest. Wash it regularly, about every 4 to 6 weeks, and if your pet sleeps in your bed, wash your blankets and sheets every week. 

You should also take regular care of your upholstery, as the smells can easily seep into the fabric. Make sure you follow label instructions to avoid damaging it. 

Regular vacuuming

Frequent vacuuming will help you keep the unpleasant smells away by removing pet hair and dander around your place. However, don’t focus on floors only. Remember to vacuum mattresses, furniture, and curtains as well. In addition, regularly replace the vacuum filter to make sure it’s operating at its best. 

Use baking soda

Baking soda is an excellent pantry essential that can help you efficiently neutralize odors. All you need to do is sprinkle some on the smelly spot, be it the pet bed, a piece of furniture, or carpet, and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. It will soak up the odors and leave your space smelling fresh. 

Go for enzyme-based products

If your puppy has an occasional accident in the house, an enzyme-based cleaner is your best ally in combating both the mess and smell. These natural enzymes efficiently break down the bacteria and ammonia in the urine, successfully removing the stain and eliminating the smell. However, you can also use them for feces and vomit. 

Simply spray it on the affected area and let it sit for about 15 to 30 minutes. Blot it up using a clean cloth and repeat the process until the stain is gone.

Looking for reliable specialists in house cleaning in Snoqualmie?

If you need help keeping your home neat with a pet around or you’re looking for efficient ways to eliminate cat hair from your home, reach out to our experts at NW Maids Seattle. Our highly qualified and experienced professionals are ready to take proper care of your home and leave it fresh and spotless for you to enjoy. We apply proven techniques and reliable equipment to carefully disinfect every inch of your space. Spend an inspiring afternoon by Snoqualmie Falls while we make sure you come back to a pristine home. Give us a call today and find out why we’re the best at what we do!