Sole Cleaning

Omg, it’s been too long since I’ve been on here. Life has been so BUSY. My #1 priority are you guys, my clients.
I’m also right in the thick of state trials and championships with gymnastics coaching.
I also have been having more excitement in my life than I really needed.
So I did a thing on Wednesday. I went and broke my wrist and finger.
I FELL ( whan 😂) backwards and put my hand out, which took the brunt of force. Ouch! Was the word.
So life is going to be even more interesting for the next 6 weeks. I’ll be in touch as each day arrives to those who it affects. Sorry for any inconvenience !
You are all amazing. Thank you x

If you are looking for a cleaner, live in Doreen, and would like a clean once a fortnight, to just upkeep your floors and bathrooms, and are available on a Wednesday evening from 4-6pm I just may be the person you are looking for :)

Hello :) How are we all going? Things are tough at the moment, but not to say we can't enjoy life. I consider myself so fortunate to have the most amazing clients, who support me thick and thin.
I love my little business and endeavour to support each and every client to my full potential.
Although I have had to marginally increase my rates lately, I try to give back as much as I receive. This may be in the way of a personal touch or specific job, to enhance a clean or support.
Lately I have sourced a great grout brush, mould and glass cleaner, and a floor cleaner/care that are a little more expensive but increases care for your home and supports longevity.
Maintenance cleans help to maintain the value of your home. It keeps the function as it should and the visual, pleasing. Let alone the feeling and knowing your house is clean, is real and so rewarding and relaxing.
If ever you could give a gift, this would be it!!!
My little business is all about 'home support', which in turn supports the client/family. Having this one choir taken care of, is such a relief to any family/house hold carer.
I want to thank all my clients for all the amazing support I receive. The messages I get after a clean touch my soul, and give me a sense of pride that I am achieving what I set out to do.
Yes, I need the work, yes it has kept me afloat in many trying times, and it is my rock, but never have I intended to take advantage of it. I want to earn money/a living by giving people value for their money. Enjoy :)

Hello, I hope you are all well! :) Happy Mothers Day for Sunday. I hope you had a lovely day shared with family and friends.
How are we nearly half way through the year!
Life is busy and time is flying by. I thought covid would have encouraged us to slow down, I think it's actually done the opposite. We are all working harder, and longer, to keep up with the 'every day living'.
As much as covid has settled down somewhat I'm finding that exhaustion, long covid, colds and flu's, anxiety and the like are so prevalent now.
Today I have unusually taken the day, for myself, to just stop and let my body recover from what ever it's fighting. I wish I could carry on but there comes a time I need to listen to my own advice that I so freely give to others.
So today I am catching a breathe and all the other things that have gone by the way side in the hope that tomorrow I can soldier on.
Be kind to self, take a moment to do something special for you and enjoy x

Hello,
Thank you to all my clients who have been a part of Sole Cleaning this year.
This is the last week of 2022 that I will be working.
I will be away from Monday 19th December and back TBA mid-late January 2023.
It has been a joy to be a part of your home support team.
Thank you for all that you do before I arrive, it is truly appreciated.
I am grateful for your support of Sole Cleaning.

Making spirits shiny, clean & bright this festive season.

Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year

Love from
Belinda J Heywood
SOLE CLEANING

Hello all. I hope your weekend has been good!
Recently I have tried a new floor cleaner/conditioner on my wooden floors. I’m impressed!
I have a client that supplies and requests this product for her wooden floors. Asking me to use it every time! I was a little unsure but tbh it’s great.
It’s called Whittle waxes. It’s a non slip wax product that cleans as well. I use it in the bucket as it says on the bottle. My client has been recommended to use a sq**rt bottle and spray the floor. Both work, I just feel the mopping “cleans” the floor as well as condition.
Today I had the first free day to clean my house in ages. It’s the second time I’ve used this product and I love it. It gives the floor a clean protected look. Not overly shiny. It makes clean ups of spills much easier. I have used it on two clients floor that look like they could use it. I think it will take a couple more times before it covers the floor properly. I would use it as needed (not every mop). I’m sure there will be a build up and I may need to do a strip wash down the track but I feel it is appropriate and does maintain the floor boards well.
Started at 9am and finished at 6pm. It’s been a great day. I’m happy. 😀

There’s nothing more satisfying than standing back at the end of a clean and taking in the artwork of a job well done. .

I am loving that clients are using baskets or storage containers. This makes for an efficient, more thorough clean. It lifts the level of maintenance, where a home looks and feels amazing for longer and also assists Easy use, tidy up and clean up for every the every day routine. If you don’t have a basket, throw everything in the sink, wipe over the bench, replace and rinse down sink.

My cup runth over, my heart is full. Unfortunately, The flow of covid and new viral colds and flu are continually present.
I have been blessed to support my clients with the aftermath, as well as being told I am “a ray of sunshine”, ‘I don’t know what I’d do without you, ‘Good fairy’ and more, appreciative feedback.
Thank you all for your thoughts of me and cancelling early.

Good morning.
After getting super frustrated with my eggs and the like sticking to my frying pan I finally realised that washing it well with detergent stripped the seasoning and therefore the preparation for food not to stick.
I want to clean my frypan but not strip it so I now put a little water in it, bring it to the boil, swirl, tip out water and wipe pan clean! Voila

Hello, just popping on to say how amazed I am when you have a stubborn spill on the stove top, bench or floor, rehydrate it with a spray or water, let settle and wipe away 'ezy peezy'! 🙂 It's magic.
The amount of times I'd be so picky and want to have that spot gone, I'd scrub my little heart out. It's not only tiring but may scratch or damage the surface.
If the mark does not come of with water, find out what it is and find out what will take it off safely.

Removing black stubborn marks from bench or walls! I find using plenty of water soaked into a magic eraser, gently wipe over area. Be careful not to push too hard as it will bruise the area leaving a mark. Erasers are actually course and abrasive. I've also heard that 'the pink stuff' works well but I have not used this personally yet. I have tried gumption paste and found I use it as a last resort and very gently and specifically. Jiff liquid is good as well.

How do you remove pen ink from clothing?
Place a paper towel under the stain and flush it with rubbing alcohol. Use an eyedropper to apply alcohol directly onto the stain or, for a larger spot, pour the alcohol into a small dish, immerse the stained area and soak for 15 minutes. The ink should begin to dissolve almost immediately.
If it is a coloured garment test spot on an inconspicuous area for colour running. Better to be safe than sorry.

Daily Morning Routine -
- pull the covers up on the bed
- clear anything off the floor and put in a basket, away or in the wash.
- wipe face with a wipe, then wipe over sink, bench and toilet before throwing it away
- have a magic eraser in the shower. Once a week with plenty of water wipe down walls and minor mould marks
- At the start of the week have everything from the vanity in the cupboard. Get out what you need as you need it.
- chuck a load of washing on
- pack the dishwasher
- have a broom handy in the kitchen and brush over floors
- have a spray mop handy or use a spray bottle and cloth to quickly wipe over spills on the floor.
- a bin under the sink is gold. Wipe over sink and shake cloth over bin.
- empty bins last thing before leaving the house.
- do things the night before your Tomorrow self will thank you for 😃

Love my job. Love my clients. So lucky. Very grateful.

Happy Easter to all my wonderful clients, and for all the support from my family and friends, whom I appreciate so much.
May your basket be full of love and joy!

Note: Sole Cleaning is closed over the Easter long weekend.

5 of the strangest things people have done before the house cleaner arrives (from the internet, but good for a laugh)
* clean the whole house!
* throw everything on the bed and then make it
* substitute the oven as the dishwasher, placing dirty dishes in it
* making a room (where everything has been thrown) out of bounds
* had neighbours bring their washing over to be done.
HAHAHAHAHAHA

NOTE: SOLE CLEANING HAS INCREASED RATES AS OF MARCH 2022, THE 5TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY 😊

Hello, I hope you are all staying well. It's a little scary how the Covid 19 cases are increasing around me by the day. At first it was, oh my goodness there is a case in our suburb, to now there's a cancellation at least once a week at the moment. Everyone is being very considerate and I could not be more appreciative. Thank you!

Since the Christmas break, all cleans have been very stagnated. Each clean is virtually a deep clean. The built-up dust is just phenomenal. To put this into perspective, dust falls on surfaces, day after day it builds layers, and with a little moisture it becomes a little like mud. Repeat this process for a fortnight to a month/s and our once 'maintenance' clean becomes a deep clean due to it taking time to put moisture back into the dust, letting it rest and then wiping the surface over 3-6 times. This would normally be a dust/dry wipe of 1, maybe 2 wipes. Do this for every window sill, skirting board, bench tops in the corners, cabinets, besides, draws, vanities, desks and the like throughout the house and time goes out the window. I am going through vacuum bags like hot cakes at the market :)

There has also been a lot more counter top clutter due to ppl wfh more often or being just flat out busier. I'm fussy and my house looks like a bomb has hit it, I do not lie. It's HARD! Times are tough, we are all pitching in, and going the extra mile atm.

If I can refresh/reset/instil some day-to-day maintenance or keep in mind the 'tidy up before the cleaner comes' this will not only help me, but get the most out of your clean too.

Things you can do to help:
• Clear bench tops and vanities
• Put away hair dryer, straightener, and products
• Throw out empty wrappers and shampoo/conditioner bottles
• Empty the bins
• Take out everything in the shower for the day including the rack hanging over the top of the shower or on the shower head
• Pack up bath toys, face washers and make this day, the day you wash your towels, putting them into the wash
• Pick up everything possible from your bedroom floor and place on the made or striped bed. This could also be a good day for putting sheets in the wash (maybe every 2nd clean).
• Clear window sills and cupboard tops for the day. Have a box or container to put them all in (or even in the top draw) leaving this area clear to clean.
• Clear sink or rinse dishes and put in a rack that can be lifted easily to clean underneath.

There are many of you who do prepare the house, in which I am very aware and grateful of. I’ve turned up unexpected, as the client had forgotten I was coming, and this really opened my eyes to how much they actually do to help and get the best out of their clean and value for money. Thank you 😊
Floors are the main request I get, if possible, make them as clear as possible. The table wiped over and the chairs put up is great. Small rugs shook and put up is helpful. All clothes, dishes, throw rugs, cushions cleared provides more time and allows a more thorough clean.

On the whole I am most grateful for any assistance, and am so appreciative of all business and clientele.

I am so pleased at how the racks came out. There’s a few spots that need a good scrub to finish off but that’s here nor there 😊.

5) rinsed out coffee machine parts
6) dusted and wiped range hood. Could Magic it but I’m not fussed.
7) Moving around sweeping dirt off bench tops and packing up “dump items”. Racking up the steps now 😂

Steps 1-4

Hello. How’s the new year going!
I’m going to say, I don’t feel like I’ve slowed down 🤣
So I’d thought I’d pop in and just touch base.
Today I’m going through my beautiful home. I thought I’d go through my routine with you;
I always start at the kitchen sink. The great dumping area.
1) unpacked/packed dishwasher
2) wiped dirt to the floor on surrounding benches
3) wiping down stove top, put racks and jet circles in dishwasher
4) wiped over dried stove top with Magic, stainless steel cleaner and protector with paper towel.
I’ll be back for part 2 😄

Maintaining your maintenance clean basics. Most ppl have a face washer in the shower. Just before you change it over wipe down the glass and tiles of your shower before putting it in the wash. Microfibre are the best of both worlds. Better still have a spray in the shower to quickly sq**rt the walls before you get out or once a week, have a small pile of cleaning cloths in the bathroom ready to go, before you get out the shower, spray product ONTO THE CLOTH and wipe down walls. Running water while going over the walls works well. Takes 2 min and saves hours. A super plus. Have a magic eraser in the shower and wipe over one wall with running water each day before you get out. 20 Sec, so easy. 💖

Hello all,
I hope you are all doing okay!
The last 2 months have been an absolute blur. I realise it must seem like I just dropped off the end of the earth. I was so taken back when we were out for one week and straight back in to isolation. It took me 2 days to get my head around it. I was a bit numb.
Since early Aug I cant believe how busy I've been. At first it was deliberate and then became routine. I now wonder how I did 10 hour days.
I hope you are all are staying safe and well.
I look forward to being able to support my families once again. I am double vax and ready to go.
Once we are allowed back out I will be in contact with you to organise plans moving forward.
Take care,
Belinda

I would like to give my deepest condolences to a dear family whom I support, who lost a mum, mother-in-law and grandmother.
I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Such a beautiful soul, who was the best to chat to and an absolute honour to support. I will miss her terribly

Those we love don't go away
They walk beside us every day
Unseen, unheard but always near
Still loved, still missed and very dear

Go gently x

Hello, fancy it taking ANOTHER lock down, haha, to get me back here.
I hope this post finds everyone coping okay!
Albeit I can keep myself pretty busy, not being allowed back in the gym this week hurts!
Being allowed out to clean makes my heart sing 😃
Thank you for your understanding during lock down. I look forward to being a part of your support team once again.
If you have any concerns please let me know, I’m only too happy to accomodate.
Stay safe with this winters weather.

Happy Easter!
I hope you are all having a lovely day and long weekend.
What an extraordinary March 2021 I've had. Way beyond busy.
From the day I started cleaning, way back when I was helping my sister out, I never thought of having a cleaner as a 'luxury'.
As relieving and beautiful it is to come home to a wonderful smelling, clean house, there is sure to be luxuries out there that beat cleaning, in the true sense.
A luxury to me is something beyond necessity, and not repeated often. Where as people most times reach out to me when the every day living becomes too much to keep up with. The floors go for a month without a clean, the shower even longer, and the dust takes over.
To be honest my bathroom mirror looks like the Milky way on a clear night and stars everywhere, the brush attached to the bottom of my bathroom door is piled up with dust and albeit my floors are done regularly, the cats have other ideas on keeping it that way.
I too am seriously considering getting some home help.
I clean all day and coach all evening, walking back in the door at 9pm. I coach on Saturdays and have competitions on the weekends as well. Life is busy!! To have a cleaner would just take a load off my weary body. I hear you say take a day off and clean your house. This is how I interpret that "take a day off work to work", minus that 'walk in' feeling that clients have.
So I can understand why cleaners are in such demand at the moment. Who would've thought we'd survive a pandemic, let alone thrive. People were working from home and still continued with their weekly or fortnightly clean.
I still love my job and supporting families.

So it is with regret that "SOLE CLEANING" has no availability at the moment. I'm sorry to anyone looking for a cleaner, as we are all in the same boat.
I hope your 2021 is going well.
Sincerely Belinda :)

Well "Hello" there. Fancy it taking another lock down to get me back on here. Lots of great intentions and way too busy to follow through.
If there was no lockdown I would have been at a course all weekend. Is this a sign that we have learnt nothing. Yesterday I picked roses for the first time in for ever. It's actually nice to sit still for a little bit.
My thing is I find it hard to say "no" and seek every corner to help someone. To the point I forget to fit me in.
Yesterday I spent the day cleaning my house, in which has finally become 'home'. Sort of :) . I also chipped away at my walk-in wardrobe which has been a dumping ground for boxes from the move. All paper work, all needing a once over before I throw it. One box down, around four to go.
I hope you are all gaining a reprieve for the next 5 days, even if the pace is just a little slower.
Enjoy and stay safe x

Good morning!

It's Sunday! Yay. I just love Sundays. It's a me day. A day I try to do things for me, even if it's a quick cuppa out in the sun.

I am excited to write about some new ideas I've had. In my new home there is A LOT of floor boards. I do love a good floor board but there is so much here than at the old house :)

For my clients floors I have gone to using a 'horse hair' vac head to protect their beautiful floor boards from wear and tear and also scratches. It is so easy to do! :( It only takes a tiny grain of sand to be underneath and BOOM, a scratch appears. It makes me so nervous, but, they are floors and they are going to get wear and tear so I just do my best. I do turn up from week to week to find new scratches that have happened in between cleans which I do my best to work with them and making them not so visible. No floor is safe or scratch proof.

That being said I brought a bright orange dust mop to pick up the dust, sand and cat fur and it is amazing. It is so gentle and actually picks up a lot of the stuff. My floors looked good with just that but I didn't stop there .......
I also brought a sq**rt mop. I love a good spot clean and don't believe in saturating your whole floor is necessary. First I did all the traffic areas and then went around looking for any marks that I had missed. In the bottle I added a little Pledge to lightly condition the floor and give it a bit of shine. Wow! I love it!

Both of these new toys worked as good on my tiled areas/bathrooms and laundry.

I also brought a window washer with added squeegee, cobweb brush and a deck brush :) along with clr spray (for shower glass. It worked well but didn't get rid of the water marks) lavender metho (in small doses is okay) magic erasers and new microfibre cloths. Oh and two new light globes as oven light and bench top blew. I was like a kid in a candy store

I’ve started putting the ‘plug’ to my sink in the dishwasher when I put it on. I have noticed today that the rubber seal is starting to look weathered, so I’m going to pull it apart and take it out before putting it in.
I would do this as necessary or once a week 👍

Oven lights came out of dishwasher a treat!