Establishing a germ-free home environment has never been more crucial to our health and well-being. With viruses and bacteria surviving on household surfaces for hours or even days, having a clean living space is crucial to preventing illness and ensuring overall wellness. The unseen dangers on doorknobs, countertops, and personal items need daily attention and regular deep cleaning to successfully control.

This blog looks at day-to-day practical strategies to guard your living area against dangerous microorganisms, merging common practices with professional techniques to ensure your home remains safe and healthy.

Essential Daily Cleaning Habits to Keep Germs Away

Building a defense against germs starts with regular daily routines. Here are a few to keep in mind.

Wipe Down High-Touch Surfaces

High-touch surfaces are top offenders when it comes to germ spreading, and they need to be cleaned often. Doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and electronic gadgets need to be wiped with disinfecting wipes or proper cleaners every day.

Cleaning Kitchen & Bathroom

Kitchen and bathroom spaces require extra care because they are more humid and have food particles. A disinfecting cleaner for the kitchen countertops is a must after food preparation, particularly after the preparation of raw meat or vegetables.

Correct Hand Hygiene

Good hand hygiene continues to be our most effective measure for preventing germ passing. Our guideline is to wash the hands for 20 seconds or longer with soap and warm water, especially after going outdoors, prior to eating, and after utilizing the restroom.

Strategic Sanitizing

Your home’s entry points also need strategic sanitizing. Create a “contamination zone” at your entry point where outdoor shoes, bags, and new purchases can be sanitized before taking them further into your living area.

A box containing non-toxic cleaners used by Vella.

The Best Cleaning Products to Kill Germs & Viruses

When it comes to effectively killing harmful microorganisms, not all cleaning agents are the same. Here are the best cleaning products to use at your home:

Disinfectants

To provide maximum protection, we suggest using EPA-registered disinfectants that are specifically designed to kill viruses and bacteria. Use products with quaternary ammonium compounds, hydrogen peroxide, or bleach solutions, which have established efficacy against a broad spectrum of pathogens.

Natural Alternatives

For those who like natural alternatives, some household items can be effective if used properly to keep your home safe and even smelling fresh. Distilled white vinegar (5% acetic acid) is useful for general cleaning and has antimicrobial activity, but it is not as good against all viruses as commercial disinfectants.

Make it Effective

Proper application is important when using disinfectants. A “dwell time” is needed for most disinfectants – the surface should be visibly wet for several minutes to let the active ingredients take effect.

Best Brands

For healthy results without harsh chemicals, brands such as Bon Ami can efficiently clean stainless steel surfaces and remove rust without compromising protective coats. In cases of stubborn grime in the kitchen or bathroom build-up, Branch Basics provides plant-based options that clean efficiently while being kind to surfaces and safer for families with pets and children.

How to Disinfect High-Traffic Areas in Your Home

Kitchen

The kitchen needs careful attention since it involves food preparation and a lot of touching. Countertops must first be washed with soap and water to get rid of visible dirt, and then disinfected afterward.

Bathrooms

Disinfect the toilet handles, faucets, and doorknobs every day in bathrooms. Shower curtains and bath mats may mildew and should be washed regularly. Disinfect bathroom surfaces more often when someone in the home is ill to help keep the illness from spreading.

Living Rooms

Living rooms collect dust and germs from everyday use. Remote controls, video game controllers, and family tablets should be cleaned regularly with proper electronics-safe cleaning products.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms need extra care for bedding and soft furnishings. We suggest washing sheets once a week in hot water to eliminate dust mites and bacteria. Pillows need to be washed every 3-6 months, and mattresses can be vacuumed and spot-cleaned every quarter.

Air Quality & Ventilation – Key to a Healthy Home

Vella’s staff mopping the floor and cleaning the dining table.

Proper ventilation and airflow are indispensable but under-emphasized parts of a safe home environment. Indoor air contains more pollutants at higher concentrations compared to outdoor air, and as such, it is necessary for ventilation to diminish airborne germs and enhance general air quality.

Utilize Air Purifiers with HEPA Filters

Air cleaners with HEPA filters will trap as small as 0.3-micron particles, many bacteria, and some viruses. Place those in high-traffic locations or bedrooms for optimal effect. Be sure to replace filters as recommended by the manufacturer to be effective.

Routine HVAC Maintenance

Your HVAC system is an important part of air quality throughout your home. Change furnace and air conditioning filters every 1-3 months based on usage and filter type. Consider having professional HVAC maintenance done once a year to maintain proper operation and to avoid mold and bacteria growth in ducts and parts.

Deep Cleaning vs. Regular Cleaning: When Do You Need It?

It is vital to understand the distinction between day-to-day cleaning and deep cleaning to have a truly healthy home. Here is what to look out for:

Difference Between Daily and Deep Cleaning

Regular or daily cleaning is all about surface cleanliness and hygiene – wiping down counters, vacuuming the floors, and cleaning up loose dirt and debris. This maintenance cleaning is important but doesn’t touch on ingrained dirt or unseen bacteria.

Deep cleaning, on the other hand, constitutes extensive, full-scale cleaning of all surfaces, including frequently overlooked areas such as baseboards, ceiling fans, behind appliances, and within cabinetry. Deep cleaning services conducted by Vella in Texas customarily wet-wipe all of the doors, frames, knobs, and switch plates; dust ceiling fans and light fixtures; thoroughly vacuum rugs; scrub and sanitize all of the bathroom surfaces; and fastidiously clean all interior glass.

Time for Deep Cleaning:

Once a member of the household has been sick, a professional deep clean can remove residual pathogens.
Seasonal changes offer perfect times for deep cleaning – spring cleaning to get rid of winter’s built-up dust and fall cleaning to ready for increased indoor time.
Also, prior to or following guests, a deep cleaning makes your home presentable and sanitary.

Vella’s service can be availed from various parts of Texas including Plano, Austin, Dallas, and Fort Worth. Reach out to us for a deep cleaning of your home to remove all the germs and viruses.

Germ-Free Home Checklist: Keep Your Family Safe

Having a germ-proof home calls for ongoing effort and tactical attention. We’ve put together this practical checklist to ensure your cleaning routine is prioritized.

Everyday Tasks:

Sanitize high-touch areas such as doorknobs, light switches, remote controls, and electronic equipment
Clean kitchen counters following food preparation
Sanitize bathroom surfaces, particularly faucet handles and toilet flush levers.

Weekly Activities:

Change and wash bed linens, bath towels, and kitchen towels in hot water
Vacuum and mop all floors with the correct cleaners for each surface
Clean refrigerator interior, disposing of expired food.

Monthly Tasks:

Deep clean appliances such as microwave, oven, and dishwasher
Vacuum furniture with upholstery, including under cushions
Wash pillows and duvet covers.

Vella: The Best Way to Stay Protected

Though daily cleanliness is of utmost importance, complementing this with a professional deep cleaning service adds a further level of security for your home. Here at Vella, we are experts at thorough cleaning that extends to those usually neglected areas where viruses and germs have the potential to build up. Our housekeepers are equipped to spot and rectify potential trouble spots, employing the correct disinfection procedures for various surfaces and materials.

Our method of deep cleaning services in Austin blends the most attentive detail with productive, quality cleaning products. We know that every home is different, so we employ a specialized algorithm to create individualized cleaning plans that are geared specifically to your living environment.

It does not have to be daunting to keep your home free from germs and viruses. With proper knowledge, regular habits, and the occasional professional touch, you can have a healthier living space for yourself and your family. To feel the difference that professional deep cleaning can make, go to our website to find out more about our services and book your personalized cleaning today!

At one point or another, we have all entered a house with fresh and inviting air but never too overpoweringly caked with synthetic air freshener scents. Maintaining such natural freshness involves far more than just pleasant aromas— it’s about healthier living. Artificial air fresheners are laced with toxic substances that can contribute to indoor air pollution and pose health hazards. At best, they just mask unpleasant odors temporarily.

In this article, we will be looking at natural methods of freshening up the home to keep it clean and healthy without resorting to synthetic fragrances.

Start with Fresh Air: The Power of Ventilation

Proper ventilation is one of the simplest and most effective ways to freshen up the home without the use of air fresheners. Allowing for the passage of fresh air helps to rid the indoors of some pollutants and to stop the buildup of stale odors. Here are some easy tips to let in fresh air:

Open Your Windows Daytime: Even a few minutes of window opening can radically change the indoor air quality. Fresh air keeps entering the house while pushing out stagnated air containing indoor pollutants.
Exhaust Fans Should Be Installed: Exhausts are needed for moist or odorous areas like kitchens and bathrooms. The exhaust fan will suck moist air out of the rooms, preventing mold and odors.
Consider HEPA Air Purifiers: HEPA air purifiers trap airborne particles consisting of dust, pollen, and pet dander. Thus helping keep the indoor environment smelling fresh.

Deep Clean to Remove Hidden Odors

In order to allow for an unhindered circulation of fresh air and cool breezes, some periodic dusting and cleaning are helpful. Dust, pet fur, dander, and mold can accumulate in places that are not so visible, making for musty odors.

Here is how to get rid of them:

Vacuum Carpets, Upholstery, and Curtains: Over time, these fabrics can absorb odors. By vacuuming them regularly, you can get rid of dust and debris that attract these musty smells. We recommend using Miele as it is the best vacuum to remove dirt and pet hair.
DIY Natural Cleaning Solutions: Utilize natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda for cleaning. For instance, a mixture of vinegar and water can clean surfaces effectively, while baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer.

If you are finding it hard to remove the foul smell from your bathrooms and kitchen you can always seek professional help. Vella services clients across Texas, especially in areas such as Dallas, Austin, and Fort Worth.

We only use eco-friendly cleaning solutions from trusted brands such as Branch Basics. We are happy to help!

Natural Odor Absorbers: Say Goodbye to Musty Smells

To air out the house while skipping an aerosol air freshener, consider using natural odor absorbers that neutralize rather than merely mask scents:

Baking Soda: Place bowls of baking soda in musty places like closets or basements. It is known to absorb strong odors, keeping your space fresh.
Activated Charcoal: Put bowls of activated charcoal powder about, and depending on the odors that need to be absorbed, you can keep the air clean.
Coffee Grounds and White Vinegar: Both are phenomenal odor-neutralizers. Place them in those aroma-heavy areas and watch them go to work by absorbing and eliminating unwanted odors.

Vella’s staff is cleaning the glass with non-toxic cleaners in Dallas.

Bring in Nature: Plants That Purify the Air

Incorporating houseplants is a natural way to improve air quality and add a pleasant aroma to your home:

Air-Purifying Plants: Snake plants, peace lilies, and aloe vera filter toxins and odors from the air for a fresher indoor environment.
Herbs for Fresh Scents: Growing herbs like lavender and rosemary indoors adds fresh greenery and lends to an ever-so-gentle, natural scent.

DIY Natural Air Fresheners (Without Artificial Fragrances)

DIY air fresheners, because you can, add even more ingredients that you could otherwise use:

Simmer Pots: Simmering water with citrus peels, cinnamon sticks, and other herbs steams a beautiful aroma through your home.
Essential Oil Sprays: Mix water with a few drops of your favorite essential oils into a spray bottle.
Homemade Potpourri: This can be achieved by gathering dried flowers, spices, and herbs to put up quite an addition of beauty to your space as well as a very slight refreshing fragrance.

Keep Fabrics and Upholstery Smelling Fresh Naturally

Daily activities—like cooking, pet cuddles, or simply moving around—cause fabrics like sofas, curtains, and carpets to absorb odors over time, affecting your home’s freshness. For this reason, practicing routine housekeeping tasks has become essential.

How Do Fabrics Hold Smell?

Fabrics are porous structures through which they absorb and trap smells. Humidity, lack of ventilation, or exposure to strong foul smells make matters worse. This means, the longer these smells are trapped in the fabric, the harder it becomes for the fabric to be freshened up regularly.

Essential Oil and Witch Hazel DIY Linen Sprays

It’s making your linen spray, the simplest and most effective way to make sure your fabric is fresh-smelling:

Ingredients:

1 cup distilled water
1 tablespoon witch hazel
10-15 drops of your preferred essential oil (e.g., lavender, eucalyptus, or citrus)

Instructions:

Mix the distilled water and witch hazel in a spray bottle.
Shake well after adding the essential oils.
Mist your fabrics lightly, being careful not to wet them too much.
This natural spray in itself not only imparts a great fragrance but also has germicidal properties, which help in eliminating odors.

Wash Bedding, Curtains, and Rugs with Natural Detergents

Periodically launders household fabrics:

Natural Detergents

Look for detergents that do not contain synthetic fragrances and harsh chemicals. These include products that boast plant-derived ingredients because they’re effective against a number of soils yet gentle on the fabrics.

Other Tips for Washing

Read and follow care label instructions so as to maintain the fabric integrity.
Add a half-cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to neutralize odors.
Dry items outdoors when possible; sunlight acts as a natural deodorizer.
Regular cleaning helps prevent odor build-up and hence a fresh living environment.

Line up of non-toxic cleaners used by Vella in Texas.

The Role of Natural Wax Candles and Diffusers

There are many natural and eco-friendly ways to set the mood in a home through pleasant scents: candles and diffusers!

How Paraffin Candles Can Pollute Indoor Air

Paraffin wax is widely common in candle-making, being an inexpensive by-product of petroleum. Paraffin candles can therefore release harmful substances such harmful volatile organic compounds toluene and benzene into the air. These are known carcinogens, contributing to indoor pollution capable of causing respiratory problems and other health hazards.

Benefits of Burning Beeswax and Soy Candles with Pure Essential Oils

Natural waxes like beeswax and soy provide healthier alternatives:

Beeswax Candles:

They burn clean and produce negative ions that may help purify the air.
Have a very mild honey scent with no added fragrances.

Soy Candles:

Less soot, when compared to paraffin candles.
Long burn time owing to a lower melting point.
Biodegradable and made from renewable resources.

Reed Diffusers with Non-Toxic Fragrance Blends

Reed diffusers are a flame-free option for scenting your house:

How They Work: Reeds absorb the fragrance oil and gently release it into the surrounding air.

Choose Non-Toxic:

Select diffuser oils made with natural ingredients and are free of synthetic chemicals.
Use reeds made from natural materials for the best absorption and diffusion.
Using non-toxic fragrance blends helps keep things subtly fragrant without harming indoor air quality.

Vella Can Help You

Maintaining a fresh home environment doesn’t require artificial fragrances. By incorporating natural methods, you can ensure a healthier living space with long-lasting freshness. At Vella, we understand the importance of a clean and fresh home. Our professional cleaners are equipped with the best non-toxic cleaning products to ensure your home remains a safe and inviting space.

We can help keep your home smelling fresh and clean. Experience the Vella difference by booking our services today.