Tips For Keeping Your Home Clean And Safe This Thanksgiving

As you’re getting ready for Thanksgiving, you start to ask yourself, how are you to keep your home clean and safe this year if you’re looking to celebrate, in any way, Thanksgiving with some friends and family?  Well, here are some Thanksgiving cleaning and disinfecting tips for your home. 

Combine clean and disinfecting

Normally, we wash surfaces with soap or detergent and water. Now, we can go the extra mile and disinfect our home. To do so:

• Wear disposable gloves or those designated for cleaning and disinfecting purposes.
• Clean the surfaces and items using regular cleaning detergents and water to remove dirt, impurities, and germs.
• Next, disinfect the surfaces with a bleach solution or a store-bought disinfectant.
• Store the chemicals out of children’s reach, remove the gloves, discard them, and clean hands thoroughly.

While at it, use approved hard-surface or soft surface disinfectant. When using a bleach solution, experts recommend a 1/50 concentration of the mixture between bleach and water. For instance, adding 20ml of bleach solution per 1l of water. Use each chemical be it cleaner or disinfectant, as directed by the manufacture to boost its effectiveness. For example, some cleaning products need to remain wet and have a contact time-spanning minutes – before it’s washed or wiped off. While disinfecting, ensure there are no kids, pets, or asthmatic individuals in the surrounding space – even with adequate ventilation.

Cleaning and disinfecting Hot Spots

• Ideally, you should clean and disinfect your home and everyday items 1+ times a day. However, that can be overwhelming. Thus, when running short on time and cleaning energy, be sure to clean and disinfect the common surfaces, such as:
• Toilets
• Doorknobs and hand railings
• Sinks and faucets
• Bedside tables
• Counters and tabletops
• Light switches (be it on walls or lamps)
• Refrigerator, microwave, and cabinet handles
• Commonly used appliances (such as toaster and coffee maker)
• And these highly-touched items:
•  Electronics: laptops, keyboards, phones, tablets, TV remotes, kid’s toys, and video game controllers.
• Towels and dishcloths, and ensure that each person has their dishcloth and towel – no sharing.
• Pillowcases.

When Going Out

• Wear masks and other protective gear.
• Leave the windows open in each room to enhance air circulation.
• Upon return, remove your shoes and jackets and leave them outside.
• Don’t place easily contaminated items (such as purses and phones) on tables, countertops, and other food surfaces.
• When carrying items from outside, like a purse, bags, and courier packages, unload then and then spray or wipe them with disinfectant.
• Avoid touching the face and clean hands immediately after you are done.

Handling Food

There is no evidence that food can enhance the spread of Corona Virus; however, you should follow the laid out guidelines for washing produce, fruits, and other foods. A person can still catch the virus by touching contaminated produce and then touching their face. Just be careful and let your guests know that too.  To that end:

• Remove and dispose of any unnecessary packaging.
• Remove food from delivery containers, add them to a clean plate, and discard the delivery container.
• Wipe reusable packaging containers with an approved disinfectant before opening or storing them.
• Wash unpackaged foods under running water.
• Clean your hands immediately afterward.

This might sound like just too much for you, even for a smaller than usual Thanksgiving this year because of COVID. So, just save yourself time and go for premium cleaning services with a personal touch, like eMaids of San Jose.

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Thanksgiving Tips For After Dinner Cleanup

Not only does Thanksgiving involve cooking but cleaning the house for your guests too! Cleaning and disinfecting go hand in hand. Especially during this COVID-19 pandemic, few celebrations like Thanksgiving have been spared. Every November, family, friends, colleagues, food, and fall colors all come together for a celebration. If you are hosting your family and friends this year, make cleaning and disinfecting easier for yourself. With these simple tips from home cleaning experts, you’ll save your time, effort, and worry —both before and after your big meal. 

Before And After Cleaning Tips Thanksgiving

People often think Thanksgiving is all about overeating turkey. However, if you host one of these events, you’ll know what it is to be exhausted from cleaning and cooking.  Ready for a secret? Check out the following cleaning and disinfecting tips to make your day less stressful.      

Cleaning Tips before Dinner 

Before, dinner cleaning will be more intense because of all the pressure from cooking to welcoming guests. The following cleaning tips will help you get ahead of the day.

•  Sweep porches, foyers, and mudrooms before guests arrive.       

The first thing your guests want to see is a clear pathway. Blow the leaves off your sidewalk and driveway to make a beautiful first impression.

• Close the doors to any rooms that you don’t want guests to enter

If you haven’t had a chance to clean all the rooms, you can choose to close the doors so that guests will not enter.

•  Create space in the closet

Clear out space in your closet to allow family and friends to store their personal belongings like coats and umbrellas.

• Clean and organize your kitchen.                                   

Organize and tidy your kitchen so that it will accommodate massive amounts of cooking.

• Tidy guest rooms and Bathrooms

Suppose you have visitors coming to sleepover, dust, and vacuum the rooms. Additionally, scrub the bathrooms and clean the curtains. Stock your bathroom with plenty of hand towels, tissues, and soap.

After Dinner Thanksgiving Cleaning Tips

After dinner, cleaning is much simpler because you might get help from one of your guests. Here are Thanksgiving cleaning tips that you will need after dinner.

• Sweeping and washing the living room, kitchen, and dining room.
• Wash the dishes.
• Pack leftovers into plastic food storage beans.
• Clearing napkins from the table.
• Collect utensils.

How to Effectively Disinfect Your Home

Cleaning and disinfecting go hand in hand but are two different things. Cleaning helps remove dirt, whereas disinfecting kills pathogens and bacteria. Follow these tips and disinfect like a pro.

• Wear gloves

Be sure to discard them after use.

•  Disinfect door handles.

Remember, one of the dirtiest places in your house is on the door handles. After cleaning, disinfect all the door handles.

• Use a disinfecting wipe to clean surfaces.

Use regular cleaning products, soaps, or detergents to remove germs on frequently touched surfaces.

• Use alcohol-based wipes to disinfect touch screens.

Remember to wear a disposable glove when cleaning and disinfecting surfaces.

Final Thoughts

While Thanksgiving involves a lot of work, it is also essential to spend time with family and friends. Cleaning ahead will help you enjoy socialize without worries. Every intervention you put in place will increase your ability for a safer Thanksgiving dinner. Don’t let cleaning stress you out. Plan and know what to expect before and after dinner. In return, you’ll wow your guests with a pleasant, calm, and heavenly environment while hosting the big day.  Visit us, to see disinfecting and sanitizing services that will suit your home before and after the party.

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Alternatives to a Thanksgiving Dinner this Year During COVID in Kansas

Kansas City, Thanksgiving Day is almost here. With the COVID menace on the rampage in Missouri, it’s prudent to start thinking about alternatives to a thanksgiving dinner this year. The reason for looking for alternatives to your traditional Thanksgiving Dinner is apparent. With this virus around, your usual way of doing things during these celebrations has been thrown into disarray. You can’t risk having large crowds at your place or venturing outdoors the old way that you’ve been so accustomed to. With that in mind, it’s crucial to explore the available options for an excellent Thanksgiving dinner in this City. Dinner at Home You’ve heard before. Staying at home and having your fun, there might be the nest available for your thanksgiving dinner in Kansas. Of course, the number of people in attendance should be small and only include your family members and maybe, a couple of neighbors and friends. You can still enjoy your roast turkey, turkey stuffing, green beans, gravy, dinner rolls, corn, cranberry sauce, and, yes, pumpkin pie, among other traditional delicacies, from the safety and comfort of your home.  Outdoor Thanksgiving Dinner It’s highly recommended that your celebrations don’t have to be in the house.  The CDC has said s much – outdoors reduces the potential risk of exposure to COVID 19. By the way, fall foliage will go a long way in making a wonderful backdrop to your long-awaited Thanksgiving celebrations. You can arrange to have an outdoor thanksgiving dinner where there are enough space and adequate air for all in attendance. Try hosting a small gathering of family and friends outside with chairs, tables, blankets, warm drinks, and maybe even a fire pit or an outdoor heater. If you are hosting a more massive gathering, break up the seating arrangement into smaller units based on households to make a safer mealtime. Suppose your group loves watching football or parades as part of the Thanksgiving tradition. In that case, you can set up a projector outside to screen the event. By all means, be creative. Even at home, ensure all in attendance observe the recommended social distancing and wear their masks when not eating or drinking. Of course, please make arrangements to have sufficient water and soap or hand sanitizers at convenient places for the participants to wash their hands frequently. You can decide to prepare your dinner in-house or order for the same from the many restaurants offering this service on that day. Eateries such as the French Market, Avenues Bistro, Hereford House, Stroud’s, to mention a few, will provide you with your takeaway thanksgiving dinner package. You don’t have to order from these restaurants; your favorite eatery will do just fine as long as they provide this service on Thanksgiving Day. Virtual Dinner Party Alternatively, you can host a virtual dinner party with family and friends. You don’t have to travel.  To visit these people this year. Host a virtual dinner over zoom, Skype, or Facebook Portal and even share recipes ahead of time with your target audience. What’s even better is that you can further spice up your virtual dinner by playing exciting games and toasting with a signature cocktail. You can even share what you are most thankful for this past year. Maintain High Standards of Hygiene and Cleanliness  It’s essential to maintain the highest hygiene standards possible to keep COVID 19 at bay this Thanksgiving. This might not be a walk in the park, given the handful of preparations to make for the day. Like many other people in Kansas, you might realize you need the services of a professional cleaning company to help you clean and disinfect your home before and after the celebrations. eMaids of Kansas is the professional cleaning team to trust with all your home cleaning requirements. The company has many years of experience and the right equipment and skills to give your home a thorough and effective cleaning. Visit emaidsinc.com/kansas-city-ks/ and contact eMaids of Kansas for high-quality professional cleaning for a safe Thanksgiving Day and dinner in Kansas City.

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How Thanksgiving Will be Different this Year in DC

There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that this year’s Washington DC Thanksgiving celebrations will be markedly different from all past celebrations. With the pandemic still ongoing, everyone has to take extra precautions to stop the virus’s spread and keep people safe. For this reason, Thanksgiving in DC will be different in many ways. To prepare you for what to expect, let’s highlight some of the things that will be different this year. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, many popular activities and traditions will either have to be avoided or done differently. Consider the following points about some alternatives to what you are traditionally used to.

• No large gatherings

Unlike in the past, when crowds used to go out for Thanksgiving-related public activities, this time around, the CDC recommends that you avoid large gatherings. Instead of the large groups, this year’s Thanksgiving will see smaller groups, mostly at homes.

•  Less offline human traffic to stores

This year expect to see minimal shopping at the stores – at least in the form of buyers streaming popular retail stores to make their Thanksgiving Days purchases. Instead, most people will shop online from the safety and convenience of their homes.

• No live Thanksgiving parades

If you are fond of these parades, you might have to watch them from the comfort of your home this year. Most likely, the parade will be streamed live online and through various television channels.

•  More outdoor celebrations

Normally, folks in Washington congregate in homes and having exciting, fun-filled indoor festivities. This time around, expect less of this. The CDC recommends outdoor activities as a method to curtail the spread of this virus. Thus, many families will hold outdoor parties and virtual parties to share their fun with friends and family online.

•  Minimal travel

If you like traveling to visit friends and family in different parts of this country, you might have to reconsider your options. The authorities feel it will help to stay where you live and celebrate with your household and members of your local community. This minimal travel is supposed to lower the chances of spreading the virus further. If you are going to receive visitors, it’s essential to have them checked upon arrival for this disease’s symptoms. Measuring their temperatures before they set foot into your home might seem unfriendly, but it is the best thing to do under the circumstances. In case any of your guests show any suspicious signs and symptoms, seeking immediate medical attention is the most appropriate thing to do.

•  Wearing face masks in public

Locals here have to get used to the idea of wearing their face masks every time they are in a public place. Covers are meant to prevent the wearer from inhaling or exhaling air containing droplets with a virus.

• Constant handwashing

Washing hands frequently is another feature that will define this Thanksgiving Day in Washington DC this year. Where soap and running eater are not available, revelers should be having the appropriate hand sanitizers to sanitize their hands as often as possible.

• High Standards of Hygiene

Both at home and in public places in Washington DC, hygiene and cleanliness are of paramount importance this season. And the most effective and efficient way to maintain the highest degree of hygiene and cleanliness is hiring a professional cleaning company in Washington DC. If you need such a company’s services, visit and contact eMaids of Washington DC today for a free quote.

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Thanksgiving In Florida This Year: Ideas On How To Be Safe

With Thanksgiving around the corner, people are making anxious plans in the hope of connecting with distant friends and families. But there are some concerns. How do my loved ones safely travel from A to B? Will they be required to quarantine for 14 days on arrival? How many people can I safely accommodate, and how will I ensure the rest feel included? Well, don’t sweat it.

Experts’ Opinions on Celebrating Thanksgiving during the Pandemic

It’s common knowledge that the gathering should be small; however, experts’ urge you to take an extra step. Invite only the people who share the philosophy of following the laid guidelines to curb the spread of the virus. You’re advised not to gather with people outside your household. Michael Osterhol of the University of Minnesota’s Center for Infectious Diseases Research and Policy, explains: “We have far too many examples where adult children with grandchildren came home for events over the cooler months when seven or eight days later, it’s clear there’s been SARS-CoV-2 transmission…” He added, “It’s happened with weddings. It’s happened with funerals. It’s happened with family reunions. And the holiday season is probably going to be the height of it because it’s a tradition that’s almost sacred.” Note, infected people in the asymptomatic stage can still infect others – hence the need to observe the guidelines, like maintaining a 6ft social distance. On the other hand, the experts agree that Thanksgiving is inevitable. They consider it a boost for overwhelmed psyches in 2020 – a year that has pushed humanity to their limits.  Crystal Watson, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says, “I can only speak for myself in saying that I am so tired and feeling very deprived of human connection in many ways. And so I understand, and I’m feeling the need to see friends and family.” Thus, the key is getting information and taking precautions. Watson says, “I think it’s a reasonable thing to do if you take precautions, but it is not going to be worth it if those precautions are ignored, and we ultimately expose especially our older relatives.” To that end, let’s see some cool Florida Thanksgiving weekend ideas.

How to Celebrate Thanksgiving this year in the Middle of a Pandemic in Florida

With quarantining, mask-wearing, and a small or no guest list under your belt, here’re some least risky ways of celebrating Thanksgiving in Florida.

Turn that Garage into a Campsite

Garages in Florida are relatively spacious and can accommodate two households while allowing for a 6ft+ social distance. Thus, wear your sweaters and jackets and turn that garage into a campsite. Use fire pits for the whole campfire/smores/toasted marshmallows experience.

Merge your Bubbles Virtually

There’s a high chance that some of us will have someone in the family who is elderly or immune-compromised. Thus, ensure inclusivity by celebrating Thanksgiving day virtually. Choose menus, recipes, themes, decorations, and whatnot together via video calls. Cook, clean, party together while following each other activities on a video call. Heck, it’s ten months into the pandemic; we must have all got the hang of virtual party by now, haven’t we?

Do Plan that Family Gathering Now

Learn the travel rules for your route and destination. Shorter trips may be easier to navigate compared to longer trips. Driving may be safer than flying. Regardless, do your homework now. Plan the outdoor event now. Make sure there’re enough hand washing stations, a measure in place to clean the highly-touched surfaces frequently, and a plan to ensure mask-wearing as much as possible. When planning, appreciate the holiday is coming when the world could be experiencing the second wave of the Coronavirus.

Donate Food to the Needy

As you state how grateful you’re thus far, remember to give back – especially those who need the most. You can cook Thanksgiving-inspired dinner, pack it in disposable storage containers, and drop it off safely per the laid health guidelines. And since you can only do too much, let eMaids of Volusia County cover your cleaning needs. We’ll help you get that free time back. 

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Thanksgiving 2020 In NYC: How To Safely Enjoy It

New Yorkers, you have a reason to brace for changes in this year’s Thanksgiving festivities. Things are not going to be business as usual, the new normal is here, and it’s affecting every aspect of your life. If you live in NYC, you need to have insight into the changes to expect due to the COVID 19 pandemic’s effects. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has released a raft of measures that have changed how you will celebrate this important day this year.

Stay at Home

Among the recommended adjustments is the need to stay at home as much as possible. This recommendation will have far-reaching implications for those who opt to adhere to it in the strictest sense of the word. For instance, Thanksgiving in NYC traditionally has been marked with parades where folks either participate in them or go out in crowds to watch the procession.

No Live Macy’s Parade

This year, there might be no physical parades to attend or watch. Instead, Macy’s has already modified its plans for the city’s Thanksgiving Day parade. The celebration shifts to television and online streaming. But it will still showcase the signature mix of enormous character helium balloons; street performers floats, clowns. Don’t forget, will also herald the holiday season’s arrival this year with the one-and-only Santa Claus. So, be ready for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade live stream time round. In short, this is going to be a television-only event, no public event. The only way to watch this parade is either by television or through the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade online streaming. However, you won’t miss the mood and spirit of this parade as it serves its historical purpose of bringing joy into the hearts of many across the nation.

Small Gatherings

Whether you opt to celebrate this day at home or elsewhere, it’s advisable to stick with the idea of small gatherings. But even with small groups, you’ll still need to be cautious to curb the potential spread of this virus. You can easily do this by following these tips outlined below.

Tips to Stay Safe in Small Gatherings

The fact that you are in a small gathering doesn’t mean you are safe. There are precautions to take, even in these circumstances. Consider the following:

• Wear your face mask always.

No matter how small, as long as you are in a group, always have your face mask on and wear it appropriately to cover your mouth and nose. On the same note, stay as far away as possible from anyone not wearing a face mask. You don’t want to take chances of getting the person’s cough or sneeze droplets.

• Maintain social distance.

Closely related to the mask is the need to keep the recommended 6ft-plus social distance between you and the person next to you. Keeping your distance is an important consideration that ensures you lower the chances of coming into contact with airborne droplets from the other person. Don’t get carried away by the celebratory mood, and you lose track of your distance relative to the people next to you. Remember, this virus spreads very fast in crowded places because it’s also airborne.

• Avoid unnecessary contact with surfaces.

Don’t go touching guard rails, posts, tables, and other similar high touch surfaces. You can easily collect the virus from such bodies.

• Wash or sanitize your hands frequently.

Make sure you wash your hands with soap and running water. Alternatively, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, especially when you touch the surfaces mentioned earlier. Doing so ensures you wash away or kill any viruses that might have been left on your hands.

• Avoid handshakes and touching your nose, mouth, and eyes.

As much as a warm handshake has been part of the American culture, avoid shaking anyone’s hand in greeting. Your hands can serve as the primary conduit of carrying the virus from contaminated surfaces to your body through your nose, mouth, and eyes. That’s why you must avoid touching these parts of your face when you are in any gathering this Thanksgiving Day.

• Maintain Cleanliness and Hygiene at Home

Whether you will hold an outdoor party or a virtual Thanksgiving dinner in NYC, it’s essential to ensure your home is clean and properly sanitized. You can do this easily by seeking the services of a professional home cleaning company like eMaids of NYC. Visit our site and ask for a free quote. This team of experienced cleaners will do a thorough cleaning and disinfecting job to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable Thanksgiving Day in NYC during the pandemic.

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Relax, You Can Still Have A Thanksgiving In Florida This Year

This year is throwing us for a loop.  Just like any other celebration, Thanksgiving will probably look slightly different, but you will get to see it as an opportunity to create new traditions and save money! Whether you plan to host a meal this year or keep it low key, now is the perfect time to create new memories. While it seems like COVID-19 has canceled many activities this year, Thanksgiving isn’t one of them. But with the pandemic still ongoing, it will look different and may not feature all the usual activities.

Ways to safely celebrate Thanksgiving in pandemic times

Perhaps you are looking for thoughtful ways to show your loved ones that you care about them. To assist you, feast your eyes on these quarantine-friendly Thanksgiving ideas! 

1.       Single servings

Many hosts of Thanksgiving parties prefer buffet-style of serving. But more hands-on serving means more germs. Instead, pick a head chef or any other designated person to serve instead of everyone passing around the buffet area. Avoid shared snacks or appetizers, and if you put snacks, wrap them individually or serve in separate utensils. Before serving food, ask guests to sanitize or wash their hands. If alcohol is being served, be mindful of the impacts. Try and make an effort to remind guests not to share anything that has been in their mouth.

2.       Set Up an outdoor entertainment

There’s no place like the great outdoors in a yard full of loved ones. If outdoor entertainment is your favorite Thanksgiving activity, try and keep your gatherings small, local, and within your social group.  You can choose to watch a game or set up a competition with games like badminton, corn, or croquet. For watching a game, set up a projector outside to screen football or a favorite movie. All this can be a fun way to play together safely.                                 

3.       Throw a backyard bash

It’s tough being stuck inside, especially with young kids. If the weather is good, why not celebrate Thanksgiving outside? Being outdoors will reduce the risk of exposure to any infection. Additionally, if you are having a gathering with more than five people (but less than the permitted for social gatherings), don’t set up one big table. Instead, break up seating into smaller parties to make mealtime safer.

4.       Order Thanksgiving meal

Thanksgiving is no exception! Many restaurants have already started offering family-size meals to go. Instead of putting so much effort into cooking and expose yourself to infections, making orders is the way to go! You’ll also be saving time and stress at the same time supporting your local restaurants.

5.       Conduct friendly neighborhood delivery

A great way to show gratitude this year is to prepare your favorite recipes for your family and neighbors. You can also sign up for an organization that delivers meals to seniors and people who may need help. Consider donating to families that are at a high risk of severe illness from COVID-19. While doing all these, take all the safety precautions by delivering in a contact-free way.

Additional Safety Tips to Celebrate Thanksgiving

•         Order food, if you can’t travel to your family.
•         Decorate your house in festive flair.
•         Have a virtual dinner with family and friends.
•         Conduct an outdoor picnic.

Bottom line       

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, a time of togetherness and gratitude, but be careful not to take the day and leave out the appreciation. As much as we hope for traditional gatherings, celebrating in the middle of a pandemic may be more difficult. Having a small gathering is the way to go this year. This article has provided you with meaningful ideas on how to celebrate Thanksgiving safely. As you plan to invite your loved ones for a Thanksgiving party, try to adapt to new ways to enjoy it safely. And don’t worry about the mess or disinfecting after dinner. Hire a house cleaning services after a happy Thanksgiving. Book now.

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