Illinois Valley House Cleaning Services | IV Clean Team, Inc.

Home cleaning, window cleaning, gutter cleaning, pressure washing service in Peru, LaSalle, Oglesby, Ottawa, Spring Valley, Utica, Mendota, Illinois

  • FAQ
  • Contact Us
  • Pay Online
Book Now
Schedule Today!

Join Us On:

  • Facebook
  • Google +
  • Blog

Creating free time for busy people since 2008!

  • About Us
    • Cleaning For A Reason
    • Meet Our Team
    • Employment Opportunities
  • Cleaning Services
    • House Cleaning
    • Disinfection with PUREguard
    • 10-Point Disinfection
    • House – Siding Pressure Washing
    • Concrete Cleaning
    • Deck and Fence Cleaning
    • Window Cleaning
    • Gutter Cleaning
    • Commercial Cleaning
  • Gift Cards
  • Clients Love Us
  • Join Our Team
  • Blog

5 Overlooked Cleaning Tools You Need To Start Using Today

May 23, 2022 by Illinois Valley Clean Team

Think about essential cleaning tools: mops, vacuums, brooms. They seem to do just fine at cleaning chores. But did you know there are less-known items equally helpful? Check out five examples here!

You deserve the best quality for your home. Look at our cleaning services here.

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

4 Useful Methods To Clean Stainless Steel Kitchen Appliances

May 9, 2022 by Illinois Valley Clean Team

Nothing beats the look of stainless steel. Its clean and elegant style can give the kitchen that modern aspect everybody loves. 

But not only its modern vibe makes it popular, but also its durability and resistance. Another advantage is that stainless steel is not porous, which means bacteria and germs don’t linger as on other surfaces. 

However, this excellent material also has a downside: fingerprints and minor stains will stick out and leave your kitchen looking neglected. 

Are you looking for a way to keep your kitchen in top shape? Here are four practical and safe methods to clean stainless steel appliances!

Stainless steel basics

Smudges and fingerprints are inevitable on stainless steel, but cleaning this material doesn’t require much effort. However, you have to consider some things beforehand.

  1. Read the manual: There’s more than one type of stainless steel. Kitchen appliances are generally made of two—austenitic and ferritic, besides faux stainless steel. Are you wondering how this matters? Substances can affect each type differently, so following the manufacturer’s guidelines is crucial!
  2. Identify the grain: The same as with wood surfaces, stainless steel has a grain. Follow the grain whenever you clean your appliances.
  3. Avoid scrubbing: This durable material can get damaged if you don’t use the proper items. When cleaning it, have soft clothes at hand—microfiber is the best option. Never use steel wool or scouring pads!

How to clean stainless steel appliances

You can get your appliances shiny and spotless with household products. Just be careful of anything containing bleach, ammonia, or abrasive chemicals. To minimize risks, spot-test any solution before using it.

Now you are ready to go!

Method #1. Dish soap and baby oil

First, grab a bowl with water and add a few drops of dish soap. Dampen a microfiber cloth and wipe the surface in the direction of the grain. Then, with another soft dry cloth, remove the moisture. Finally, apply some baby oil to a cloth and buff your appliance to make it shine.

Method #2. Glass cleaner

You can use glass cleaner safely on your stainless appliances if it doesn’t contain abrasive ingredients like ammonia. Once you’ve checked the solution, spray it on a microfiber rag and wipe the surface in the direction of the grain.

Method #3. Vinegar and olive oil

A popular method among homeowners. Take a spray bottle, fill it with distilled vinegar, apply some directly onto the steel surface, and gently rub with a microfiber cloth until it distributes evenly.

With an additional soft, clean cloth, apply a little olive oil to your stainless appliance to give it that shiny finish.

Method #4. Baking soda paste

Everything in your kitchen is prone to get food stains—ironically, stainless steel appliances are no exception. For those cases when splatters refuse to go, you can make a paste with baking soda and warm water. Apply the mix with a soft cloth and wipe it with light motions.

To remove it, use a wet cloth and a dry microfiber cloth. Remember to wipe in the direction of the grain!

Too much hassle? Let the professionals take care of the chores

If you prefer a team of professionals to do the dirty work, we are the best option! Illinois Valley Clean Team has been offering top-quality cleaning services in the Illinois Valley since 2008. Get your quote today!

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

7 Effective Fridge Cleaning Tips (For Both Inside And Out)

April 11, 2022 by Illinois Valley Clean Team

Wiping your fridge can keep it looking neat and shiny. However, if you happen to catch the disgusting taste of other foods in a leftover piece of pie, it’s time to clean the whole refrigerator thoroughly! 

Here are seven tips for a complete refrigerator cleaning routine.

Tip #1. Remember to empty the fridge!

If you want to clean your refrigerator effectively, you can’t leave your food inside, or it will obstruct your view. Empty the fridge and keep your items fresh inside a cooler. Also, check for removable trays, drawers, and bins and wash them in the sink with dish soap and water.

Tip #2. Use vinegar to wipe the inside

While searching for a good cleaning agent, some people might ignore natural alternatives like white vinegar. This household product works well against residue and even odors inside your fridge. Besides, since vinegar is used for cooking, you can trust it’s 100% non-toxic.

To make this DIY cleaner, mix one cup of vinegar and one cup of warm water. You can also pour the solution inside a spray bottle for future use!

Tip #3. Scrub tough stains with baking soda

Sometimes, residue on the fridge’s surface won’t go away so easily. This problem calls for baking soda and good old elbow grease. Turn this powder into a paste by adding enough water, then apply directly to the stains, scrub, rinse, and dry with a microfiber cloth.

Pro tip: If you have a soft toothbrush ready for the trash bin, don’t throw it away; you can use it for detail scrubbing instead.

Tip #4. Clean the outside with soapy water

You’ll touch the refrigerator a lot, whether you’re rushing to fix a quick breakfast or looking for a midnight snack. For this reason, it’s crucial to wipe the outside surfaces to remove fingerprints and greasy buildup.

It’s pretty straightforward: add just a dash of dish soap to a quart of water, dampen a microfiber cloth, and you’re ready to go.

Tip #5. Don’t skip the handles!

Pay close attention to the door handles in your refrigerator; chances are that your dead skin cells have built up enough to become nasty grime. Never overlook these details for a complete fridge cleaning.

Tip #6. Dry with a separate towel

If your fridge shines but also highlights streaks, make sure you grab a second cloth and dry the outer surface after scrubbing. Paper towels could work, but your best choice to avoid streaks is a quality microfiber cloth.

Note: If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, follow the grain every time you wipe it. You’ll find the direction of the grain by looking closely.

Tip #7. Deodorize your fridge

Your stored food benefits a lot from an odorless fridge. You could leave a bowl with vinegar inside your fridge to neutralize the odor-causing particles. However, if you can’t stand the vinegar smell, open the side of a box of baking soda and place it inside the fridge.

How about letting us clean your refrigerator instead?

Sometimes you won’t have the time to do all the cleaning yourself. Illinois Valley Clean Team has an extensive checklist covering most homeowners’ cleaning needs. For example, did you know you can make special requests like fridge cleaning?

Book today, and we’ll take care of your cleaning!

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

Messy Rooms? 5 Tips To Get Your Kids Cleaning!

February 14, 2022 by Illinois Valley Clean Team

Kids are energetic and playful. Most of the time, that carefree mindset clashes with order and cleanliness, so chances are you’ve run into their messy bedrooms and dirty laundry across the floor. 

If you want your children to learn the value of taking care of personal spaces, we’ll tell you  # tips on how to teach a child to clean their room.

Tip #1: Set your priorities straight

For some people, having kids cleaning can be concerning because it might look like they’re working. But it’s more about letting them in on the whole group of activities, which make a better home. You’ll teach a lesson in responsibility, not assigning work.

Having your children do these chores will show them how to be responsible for their belongings. Also, by developing the habit of cleaning, they will enjoy their free time even more after having these small achievements.

Tip #2: Plan accordingly to your children’s age

If you plan well a cleaning schedule for your kids, you’ll have a daily routine that will ensure proper learning in a way it won’t bore them. Of course, make it accordingly with age-appropriate chores. You’re not managing a workforce.

You can give easier tasks to smaller kids, like clearing up clutter from their toys, while older children can dust hard to reach places and make their beds.

If you wonder how old your kids should be before planning all of this, it’s better until the age of 4, so these lessons go hand in hand with their education. 

Tip #3: Understand your children’s denial

Some kids want all play and no work, so they won’t take requests very well, resulting in the classic temper tantrum. 

If this happens, here are three ways to help your kid to comply:

  • Remove a benefit: Take away playtime or electronics until the task is done.
  • Give them two choices: Instead of giving orders, let your child pick one of two activities.
  • Reward them for their effort: You can also give them extra playtime or a small but significant gift for doing the chore.    

You must remember to be patient. If your kids see that you’re willing to meet them halfway, it will improve their behavior and ensure future success in different aspects of their life. 

Tip #4: Break chores into smaller tasks

When making your children clean, you must be very specific about the tasks at hand. If you tell them where the laundry goes or which trash bin do food wrappers belong to, it’ll reinforce your kid’s understanding of the things that add up to a clean room. Don’t be afraid to help them at first.

In time, to tell them to “clean the room” is enough for them to do all the related tasks.

Tip #5: Take a supporting role 

Once your children get the hang of cleaning their room, step aside but keep encouraging them. If they see you paying them attention and cheering them on, they’ll make an effort to keep their beds neat and floors cleared. Be always supportive.

Bonus tip: Not all time should be clean-up time

At the end of the day, what matters most is to have quality time together as a family. If you need to rest from all the dusting and mopping, hiring a cleaning service is a great choice and Illinois Valley Clean Team is a safe bet.

Click here to get a free quote and enjoy more free time with your loved ones.

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

5 Natural Alternative Cleaners To Forget About Bleach

January 24, 2022 by Illinois Valley Clean Team

Chlorine bleach is a widely used cleaning product and disinfectant. However, this chemical is too harsh to use as your go-to cleaner! Instead, you could use these five alternatives.

Illinois Valley Clean Team uses high-quality and safe cleaning supplies. Get your free quote here!

Filed Under: Cleaning Tips

  • « Previous Page
  • 1
  • …
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
  • 6
  • 7
  • Next Page »

Join Our Newsletter List!

We will never share nor sell your information!

Check Us Out On:

  • Facebook
  • Google +
  • Blog

Site Info.

  • Cleaning Services
  • About Us
  • References
  • Current Discounts
  • Gift Cards
  • FAQ
  • Employment
  • Contact Us
  • Pay Online

Let’s Get Scrubbing!

Get My Quote!

Give Us a Call!
1-815-228-5273

How Did We Do?

Tell us and be entered into our monthly drawing! Click here!

We're proud to serve the Illinois Valley, including the communities of Arlington, Cedar Point, Cherry, Dalzell, Grand Ridge, Granville, Hennepin, Ladd, La Moille, La Salle, Mark, Marseilles, Mendota, Naplate, North Ottawa, Oglesby, Ottawa, Peru, Princeton, Spring Valley, Streator, Utica and Tonica.
© 2023 Illinois Valley Clean Team | Privacy Policy