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Fun Ways to Spruce Up Your Front Porch on a Budget

When you need to spruce up your front porch, it can seem overwhelming when you realize how many options are available and how much money you may need to spend in order to make your house look like you want it to. However, that doesn’t mean you have to spend lots of money or do everything at once; instead, it helps to focus on the things that really matter most and have the biggest impact, whether it’s painting or planting flowers, or adding some other decoration or functionality that makes your home more enjoyable and inviting. Here are some fun ways, recommended by Plan B Cleaning, to spruce up your front porch on a budget!

Provide outdoor seating

A great way to spruce up your porch is to provide comfortable outdoor seating for your guests. You can find inexpensive lawn chairs or an outdoor couch at most home improvement or home furniture stores. For a more unique look, try shopping at yard sales or thrift stores for vintage furniture. Add some colorful cushions and pillows to make your seating area more inviting. You could even hang a hammock for people to enjoy on sunny days. If you have an open space in front of your house, consider adding a sitting wall. Create an intimate space by planting climbing vines along the edge of the sitting wall so that they will eventually grow up and cover it entirely.

Add a wreath to your door

A wreath is an easy way to add some seasonal flair or personalization to your front porch. You can buy them pre-made, or get creative and make your own. The wreaths can feature anything seasonal, like sunflowers for summer, poinsettias for Christmas, easter eggs for spring, and pumpkins for Halloween. Additionally, if you want to invest in just one wreath that you can use year-round, you can get your last name or the first letter of your last name, as well as a sports team logo. For a budget-friendly option, try using items you already have around the house, like greenery from your yard or old holiday decorations.

New plants and flowers

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to decorate your front porch is with new plants and flowers. You can pick up some fun-shaped pots at your local home improvement store and plant your favorite flowers in them. Adding some greenery to your porch will make it feel more inviting. If you want to add some height and color to your porch, consider adding a trellis or arbor for climbing vines like morning glory or jasmine. There are plenty of flowering vines that don’t need much sun and are perfect for porches as well as other flowers that love shade like hydrangea and bearded iris.

If you have room in your yard, why not use it? Potted plants or shrubs create an attractive space in which you can enjoy fresh air and greenery without much effort. Some potted plants that are low maintenance include philodendrons, crotons, boxwoods, bayberry bushes, and ligustrum shrubs. These make great options if you don’t have much time or experience gardening. Plant herbs: An herb garden can be an inexpensive project but will provide fresh herbs for cooking all year long – one of the best investments you’ll ever make!

Add a bird feeder

Bird feeders are a great way to add some color and life to your front porch. Not only will birds flock to your yard, but you’ll also get to enjoy watching them from the comfort of your own home. Plus, adding a bird feeder is a great way to attract other wildlife like squirrels and rabbits. If you’re on a budget, you can find bird feeders at most dollar stores or big box stores.

Add lighting

One of the easiest and most affordable ways to add some curb appeal to your home is by adding outdoor lighting. You can find solar lights at most home improvement stores and they are very easy to install. Simply stick them into the ground and let the sun do the rest! Line your front walkway, porch steps, or even your driveway for a pretty and practical way to light up your home at night. Be sure to keep these lights low enough so that they don’t obstruct drivers’ views.

Use bright paint colors

A fresh coat of paint is one of the quickest and easiest ways to give your porch a facelift. And, using bright colors will help create a cheery and welcoming atmosphere. To add even more curb appeal, consider painting your front door in a bold hue.

Add wind chimes

There’s something so calming about the sound of wind chimes. And they can be such a fun addition to your porch decor! You can find them in all sorts of colors and styles, so it’s easy to find the perfect ones for your space. Wind chimes are another thing you can thrift to find a more unique and affordable option. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive, so you can deck out your porch without breaking the bank!

Contact us!

Decorating your porch is important for making it feel like your own personal oasis. It should be a place where you can relax and enjoy the outdoors with friends and family! If you need help maintaining a clean porch and clean home, Plan B Cleaning has got you covered!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy your newly decorated patio in Fishers, Indiana. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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5 Tips for an Easy Back-to-School Transition for Parents

It’s the time of year when summer vacation finally comes to an end and children (and their parents) must return to school. Here are five tips to make this transition as easy as possible. You’ll learn how to ensure your child is prepared and ready to start the school year, how to maintain your schedule so that you can continue taking care of yourself and your family, and how to plan ahead so that you can stock up on school supplies, how to think about back-to-school clothes shopping, and what kind of activities you should consider participating in together as a family over the next few months.

1) Set Up The Night Before

Get your child’s backpack and school supplies ready the night before. This way, you can avoid the morning rush and help your child feel prepared for the first day. Plus, you’ll be one step ahead when it comes to getting out the door on time! Have a meeting spot outside of the house that is clear and away from distractions so everyone knows where to go if they are running late.

You should also know what your child will wear for their first day of school so there is no question about what clothes to pack in their bag or what shoes to wear with their outfit. You might want to pack some breakfast or a healthy snack in their lunchbox as well so they won’t have any excuses not to eat nutritious food all week long!

2) Get Them Excited

The first step is to get your kids excited about going back to school. Talk to them about all the fun they’re going to have and the new friends they’ll make. If they’re old enough, involve them in the planning process by letting them pick out their own supplies or clothes. Also, talk with them about what you’re expecting from them this year.

Give them a plan of action. Will you need help with chores or homework? Let them know what to expect and how they can help make it a fun, easy, and stress-free back-to-school season. By laying out clear expectations and communicating with your kids, you can set everyone up for success.

3) Have Breakfast Ready

As a parent, the back-to-school transition can be just as hectic as it is for your kids. Be sure to have a nutritious breakfast ready for them each morning. Fun and different breakfast recipes will provide the nutrition your child needs. This will help them concentrate and perform their best during the school day. Additionally, this will make mornings run smoother since they won’t be rushing around trying to find something quick to eat before they leave. You’ll also save time by not having to scramble with making dinner or packing lunches after work!

Make sure you have healthy breakfasts that are easy to grab on the go like oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, toast with peanut butter, and banana slices. There are plenty of recipes online too if you need more ideas.

Have Lunches Ready: Preparing lunch for your child each night ensures there is no excuse for coming home hungry and without food at the end of the day. There’s nothing worse than coming home from a long day at work only to realize that once again, your child forgot his lunch in his locker all over again.

4) Plan Ahead

The key to a smooth back-to-school transition is planning ahead. Get your child’s school supplies and new clothes as early as possible. An easy way to take care of everything you need to do is to make an online planner. If you need to schedule any appointments, do so in advance. And most importantly, talk to your child about what to expect on the first day of school. How will they get there? What will they be doing when they arrive? Who are their teachers? What are their classroom rules? These conversations can reduce anxiety before school starts. Remember that kids want to make a good impression on their teachers and classmates. With this helpful tip, parents can help kids have a successful first day!

It’s also best to plan out everything beforehand—including meals and extra activities like playdates or family outings. You may also want to plan out time with friends who don’t go to the same school. Your children will probably feel less homesick seeing their friends from their old school. Be sure to discuss with your children how they would like to spend time together. Offer them options such as going to the library, taking them to see a movie, playing video games at home, or going out for ice cream.

Whatever it is, know what’s important to your children and offer it up! Make sure to maintain regular routines as much as possible during the summer break. Children thrive when they have stability and consistency in their lives.

5) Taking Care of Yourself is Equally Important

The back-to-school season can be a hectic time for parents. You’re trying to juggle work, getting the kids ready for school, and making sure everyone is where they need to be. It’s important to take care of yourself during this time so you can be at your best for your family.

Here are five tips to help you do just that:

  • Schedule Time For Yourself – Schedule time in your day for tasks that only you can do. These tasks might include grocery shopping, paying bills, or taking a walk around the block.
  • Take A Nap – Try setting aside some time every day to nap. Napping refreshes both body and mind so when it comes time to tackle bedtime with your kids, you’ll have the energy to get through it!
  • Eat Healthy Meals – Food provides fuel for our bodies and minds. Feeding yourself healthy foods will give you more energy to make it through the rest of your day.
  • Be Prepared – Make a list of what needs to be done before school starts then break down each task into smaller pieces. Tackle one thing at a time until everything on your list is completed.

It’s really important to maintain self-care practices to avoid stress buildup that could lead to burnout. Find what works best for you and go from there!

Need help around the house? Contact us at Plan: B Cleaning

As the summer comes to a close and the kids get ready to head back to school, it’s important for parents to start preparing too. Our team of professional cleaners would be happy to take the burden of cleaning off your shoulders. With only the best cleaning supplies, equipment, and knowledge, Plan: B will be sure your home is ready for the new school semester.

Intrigued by a residential cleaning service that would do the hard work for you? Give Plan: B a call at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website www.planbcleaning.com. Plan: B proudly serves Geist, Noblesville, Carmel, Fortville, and all of Fishers, Indiana.

 

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8 Ways to Destress this Summer

Whether you’re stuck in an office, at home with the kids, or going to family gatherings and parties, summer can be a very stressful time. Between the heat, humidity, and sunburns, it’s not hard to feel frazzled when the warm weather sets in. Check out this list of eight ways to destress this summer that will help you handle the heat and relax!

1) Go for a walk.

Walking is a great way to de-stress. It’s low impact, so it’s easy on your body, and it’s a great way to get some fresh air and clear your head. Plus, walking is a great way to get some exercise, which can help reduce stress levels. You can take a friend, your puppy, or just spend some time with yourself. Find a new park or hiking trail near you or road trip to one that is an hour or two away. Going in the early morning or evening would be a good way to beat the heat and enjoy some cooler weather on your walk, as well. You can even bring snacks in a picnic basket to cool down afterwards!

2) Try a new restaurant or cafe by yourself.

Trying something new can be really exciting and invigorating. It’s a great way to get out of your comfort zone and explore something new. Plus, it can be a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Try a new restaurant or cafe by yourself. Or, if you would prefer to stay in, learn a new recipe! There are so many different cultures that have delicious dishes that you might not have had the chance to try before. There are even cooking classes offered at most grocery stores where you can learn how to cook from an expert chef. There is no better time than summertime for some relaxing time, enjoy the long days with some self care and make plans for more fun in the future!

3) Exercise your brain.

Exercising your brain is important for maintaining cognitive function and reducing stress. There are a variety of ways to exercise your brain and even find a new interest this summer. Read a book – reading will stimulate your mind and bring more creativity into your life, which will help you find new perspectives on challenges you may be facing. Choose something that’s easy for you to read with plenty of visuals, like a graphic novel or comic book. Or, find a book about a topic you already like, whether it’s historical, scientific, related to pop culture, or even a mysterious conspiracy. Or, learn a new language. Challenge yourself by enrolling in an online course or signing up for a language club at the library where you can get together with other learners once a week to practice what you’ve learned. You can also use online apps and resources with a quick Google search. You’ll not only improve your vocabulary but also develop skills that may come in handy in the future, such as improved comprehension and creative thinking abilities. And if nothing else, learning another language might just open up new career opportunities!

4) Hang out with friends.

One of the best ways to de-stress is to spend time with people you enjoy being around. Connect with close friends, or reconnect with an old friend. Old friends are great too – catch up over coffee or lunch and reminisce about good times.If you would prefer to kindle new relationships, now is a great time to meet new people. Join a club, go to events, or simply strike up conversations with people you see often. You can plan to do something you both, or all, would enjoy, such as a pool day, road trip, or movie night.

5) Switch off devices.

One of the best ways to de-stress this summer is to switch off all devices for one hour. This means no phone, no laptop, no TV. Just you and your thoughts. You’ll be surprised how refreshed you feel after just one hour without screens. Or, challenge yourself and cleanse for a whole day. Enjoy the simpler things in life like time in nature or a puzzle. Have a spa day or clean out your closet. There is so much more to do if you are willing to just look up from your devices for a day. You are also bound to feel more productive and refreshed.

6) Journal positive thoughts, feelings and attitudes.

Journaling is a therapeutic way to release stress and emotions. It can also be used as a tool to identify and work through any negative thoughts or feelings you may have. Journaling can also help boost your mood and attitude, as well as improve your overall mental health. This is because journaling gives you an opportunity to reflect and also unleash your creativity. Invest in a nice journal and some pens, and even fun tapes and stickers if you are interested. Then, allocate some time each day for your journal.

7) Write a letter or note of gratitudes.

On the same note, showing gratitude and giving thanks is a great way to uplift not only yourself, but also others! Write to a friend, family member, coworker, or even employee at your favorite store, library, and so on. Or, write to a soldier, health care worker or children’s hospital patient. You can find organizations to support through your letters that collect notes for different groups and more. This is a great way to get creative, stay busy, and give back to your community all at once.

8) Schedule a house cleaning.

The summer months are a great time to schedule a professional house cleaning. Not only will your home be clean and clutter-free, but you’ll also feel a sense of accomplishment and calm. Then, you can enjoy your staycation and time at home with your family, without having to worry about as many chores and the cleanliness of your home.

Contact us!

We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service. This will give you the time to do what you love most and enjoy the sun in Fishers, Indiana.

Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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10 Fun & Free Places to Visit Near Fishers, Indiana

Why is a cleaning company with a cleaning blog sharing a blog post about trips and travel today? Well, here at Plan B Cleaning, we clean so that you can have more time to do the things you love. This can mean spending more time with family and friends, finally reading that book, trying that new recipe, and so on. It can also mean finally exploring the fun and free things to do in your local area. So, today, we are proud to share ten fun and free things to do in the Fishers, Indiana, and Hamilton County area, the main locations serve. We also serve nearby areas including Carmel, Fortville, Geist, Noblesville, and so on! Check out our list of favorite spots, as well as our website to book a cleaning.

#1 – Saxony Lake & Beach

Saxony Lake and Beach, located at 13358 Pennington Road, is a great way to get some sand in your hair and sunshine in your system. It is a 20-acre lake and 300-foot beach made from Indiana sand. Hence, it is a great place to play with beach toys, build sandcastles, swim, jump waves, and enjoy the warm weather with family and friends! You can also bring some snacks and a good book to have a beachside picnic.

#2 – Conner Prairie Interactive History Park

Conner Prairie Interactive History Park is a very valuable and educational historical park with a mission to “expand the boundaries of our historical and natural resources by exploring, celebrating, and improving the human experience.” It is a great place to visit, especially with kids. The outdoor museum has several unique events year round, based on the season. They cover topics from traditional arts and arms to foods and family life. The park also offers lots of activities for children to play and learn hands-on, including climbable contraptions and Lilly Theater, to play dress up and put on a show. If you pay for a membership, general admission is free for members.

#3 – Cyntheanne Park

Cyntheanne Park is a great place to visit with your family, or even by yourself! You can make new friends and practice your skills in your sport of choice. Cyntheanne Park is the only municipality in the country to have 8 outdoor courts, including the Cage Pickleball Challenge Courts. Furthermore, it promotes physical activity, health and wellness, and time in nature through its vibrant environment and positive ambiance created by the community. You should check it out! It is entirely free, and a great place to visit over and over again.

#4 – Evan Lurie Galleries

While these galleries are a bit of a drive from Fishers, it is a great reason to plan a road trip! The Evan Lurie Gallery specializes in international art, with a focus on contemporary abstract as well as realism and neo-realism. There are artworks for everyone to enjoy. They come in different sizes and shapes, with unique dimensions, colors, and styles. Enjoy the art, which is bound to provoke fun conversations and ideas amongst your crew.

#5 – Atterbury Bakalar Museum

The Atterbury Bakalar Museum is always free to visit as it is funded by donations and run by volunteers. Hence, you can visit, and also sign up to volunteer if you feel compelled (or have a lot of time on your hands and want to get involved). At this aviation museum, you can learn more about the history of the Bakalar air force base, as well as the types of planes and gliders used in World War two. This is a very educational and eye-opening opportunity to indulge in history, regardless of whether or not it was your favorite subject at school!

#6 – David Owsley Museum of Art

If you have not heard of it before, the David Owsley Museum of Art (DOMA) is a university art museum located in the Fine Arts building on the campus of Ball State University, in Muncie, Indiana. However, it is free to the public for visitation and has an amazing collection of artworks. Their website proudly shares, “The museum houses more than 11,000 works of art from six continents representing 5,000 years of civilization.” Hence, this will be a history and art lesson in one, plus a great, unique experience that will surely be easy on the eyes. Plan your trip to this museum and pick out your favorite painting!

#7 – Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve

Ritchey Woods Nature Preserve is one of the only two nature preserves designated by the state, located in Hamilton County. It sits on approximately 127 acres, and has nine beautiful nature trails with over 2.25 miles that are perfect for running, walking, or enjoying time exploring the outdoors. It makes for a great hiking spot and place to picnic, as well. Furthermore, there are often summer camps and other activities that take place here. Be sure to look into them for your own kids (especially if you’re looking to get them unplugged, finally off of their devices!)

#8 – Taylor Center of Natural History

The Taylor Center of Natural History sheds light on an important part of American history and culture. At this museum, guests have the opportunity to learn about an American Indian village that was inhabited more than 700 years ago and view artifacts from their time. The Koteewi Trace exhibit is a comprehensive outdoor interpretive archaeological exhibit featuring a wide variety of components including a full-scale, American Indian structure. Together, it is a great experience to open your eyes to other cultures and the history of the area.

#9 – Carmel Arts & Design District

Carmel Arts & Design District is located in the heart of Old Town Carmel. It is a catch-all type of place, as it houses interior designers, art galleries, showrooms, unique shops, and delicious restaurants. There is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you want to observe some more art, go window shopping, or opt for a nice dinner, this design district will have something for everyone. There is just a positive and easy-going atmosphere, making it a great place to relax over the weekend!

#10 – Our website

Finally, visit our website! Our list encompasses a little bit of everything, from art and shopping centers to areas of culture and nature, too. There is bound to be something you will truly enjoy. We recommend signing up for a one-time, weekly, biweekly, or monthly cleaning service. This will give you the time to do what you love most and even explore the city of Fishers, Indiana.

Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area in Indiana, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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5 Tips to Spruce Up Your Home After a Good Cleaning

After spending the better part of an afternoon or a whole weekend cleaning your home, you are bound to find that the place looks and feels more livable. However, while you cleaned, you also emptied up more space and took the opportunity to notice things that could use some improvement. How do you go about sprucing up your home to make it look as great as it can? How can you make it feel more like home? Here are five tips on how to decorate your home after cleaning it.

1) Declutter and decorate

A decluttered home is a sign of a well-kept home. Not only does it look nicer, but it also helps you stay organized. Add some decorative organizers to your home to help keep the clutter at bay and your things in order. Invest in affordable organizers that can be used for multiple purposes. Magazine holders or baskets can be used for storage as well as decor. Other examples include bookshelves, and shelves in general, like shoe racks and so on. These organizers can truly double the decor by adding them to areas around your house. You can even get a fancy spice rack for your kitchen or a few jars for your bathroom necessities. Plus, these organizers are not only decorative but also functional. So while they make your space look a bit better, you will also feel more put together and enjoy convenience on a daily basis.

2) Update (or replace) light fixtures and lamps

A quick and easy way to change the feel of your home is to update light fixtures and lamps. This can be as simple as replacing an old, outdated light fixture with a new one. Or, you could invest in some new lamps for your home. Either way, this will help create a fresh, new look for your home. You can also spice up the space with LED lighting to add more color and have control over it. Did you know that you can even get LED lights that sync with your phone and flash to the beat of the music you play?

3) Add plants and flowers

There’s something about adding plants to your home that just makes it feel more alive. Not only do they add color and beauty, but they also help purify the air. If you’re looking for a way to spruce up your home after a good cleaning, adding plants and flowers is a great option. Go green! They come in a variety of sizes, colors, and of course – scents. Find flowers with a fun aroma, so that all of your senses can enjoy them. Look into small succulents or cactus plants as well, because they are low maintenance and trendy. Check out your local farmer’s market or home goods store for more options. Customize and take it a step further by looking for fancy pots and unique vases.

4) Play around with paint and other pops

A fresh coat of paint can really do wonders for a room. If you’re feeling ambitious, you could even paint an accent wall. You can always experiment with color combinations and patterns when it comes to paint. Another way to add some pop to your home is by adding texture. This can be done by hanging new curtains or adding a few throw pillows to your couch. You could also try adding some unique rugs if you have the space for it.

5) Invest in art and antiques

Last but not least, spruce up your space with some new art or antiques. Visit a nearby gallery if you are looking to invest in some fancy decor. But arts and antiques do not have to be expensive. Check out your local thrift store or antique shop for unique pieces that will add character to your home. You can also opt to look into online shops like Etsy and Mercari, for more customizable and collectible options. This way, you can find the perfect painting, perfect photo frame, perfect trinket, and so on. But you can also feel good about where your money is going as you will be supporting a local business in your community or a small artist online.

Contact us!

After decorating your space, it is important to maintain cleanliness to ensure your new treasures and your home stay clean and taken care of. We offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning plans. Or you can just book on a one-time basis whenever you need it! We will ensure your newly decorated space is further elevated through a deep cleaning!

Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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A Guide to Cleaning Any Type of Flooring

There are many methods to choose from when it comes to cleaning floors, carpets, or tiles. You can use a mop, a broom, or a vacuum. You can scrub with a cloth or spray a detergent onto the surface and scrub with a rag. The options for cleaning floors are endless. Which one is best? Different types of materials for different cleaning methods largely depend on the type of floor you have to clean. This guide will introduce you to different floor cleaning methods and the materials they are best used with.

Different Types of Floors, Different Cleaning Methods

One of the toughest questions regarding floor care is “how do you clean different types of floors?” The answer to this question is not as simple as it may seem. While it is possible to clean most types of floors using the same or similar methods, some flooring requires special care. If you are moving to a new home or looking for a different cleaning method for your current home, it is important to consider the type of flooring you have. For example, wood, laminate, and tile flooring are durable flooring types that are easy to maintain.
Let’s get to learn more about the different types of floors and how you should clean them:

Wood Floors

While hardwood floors have bounced back in popularity, they can still be a pain to clean. One of the biggest turn-offs to having wood floors is the frequent need for maintenance. Dust, dirt, and debris can build up over time and cause scratching of the surface. And if you don’t have good vacuum cleaners or cleaning solutions, it’s easy to end up with dirty and scratched floors. Luckily, it’s not too complicated to clean your wood floors, and you don’t need any expensive cleaning products to do it.
The best way to clean wood floors is with a mild detergent and pH-neutral cleaner You can also use a cleaner like Bona Hardwood Cleaner which is created specifically for hardwood flooring. Read the instructions carefully. Make sure to clean all spills immediately, as that will prevent staining and discoloration. Use a towel or sponge to wipe up spills. If your wood floor looks dirty, use a mop and broom to remove dust. Make sure to mop the floor in the direction of the grain.

Marble Floors

Marble floors are a beautiful addition to any home, but they need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Marble is a type of crystal composed of calcite and dolomite. It is generally white to pale gray. Marble is smooth and requires very little maintenance, but the downside is that it can easily stain. The cool thing about marble is that there are so many beautiful colors to choose from. So, how do you clean marble floors?
You can periodically buff up marble floors with a microfiber cloth and some cleaning solution, but marble is sensitive to acidic chemicals and abrasives. Just be careful not to overdo it with cleaning products since marble can react with acidic cleaners and strip the polish off. It is recommended to use a mild detergent and a pH-neutral cleaner to clean your marble flooring safely.

Ceramic Tile Floors

Tile floors are attractive and practical, but they’re not the easiest floor to clean. They can be difficult to keep clean, especially if you live in an apartment and have to share maintenance duties. Fortunately, there are many different ways to care for your tile floors.
However, ceramic floors are a tough material to maintain, and you may need a professional to come in and help with cleaning them. There are many different kinds of ceramic tiles, and not all are cleanable. You can clean the grout with a steam cleaner, but that is not recommended unless you have glazed and sealed tile. Glazed tiles are easy to clean, and sealed tiles will get dirty easily. Unsealed tiles should be sealed, but mopping them daily with a mild detergent and water should be enough.

Linoleum Floors

Linoleum Floors are old, but they are making a comeback. Homeowners are rediscovering the vintage look of these resilient floor coverings, and there are some big reasons you might consider having them in your home. One reason being is that they are very durable and can last for decades. They are also easy to clean and are resistant to water, stains, and bacteria.
If you have linoleum floors, you know just how tough they are. Linoleum flooring can withstand just about anything, from dog messes to spills, dirt, and even snow. The good news is that linoleum floors also tend to be easy to clean. You can vacuum the floors and then mop them. You can also disinfect the floors with a disinfecting solution and water.

Terrazzo Floors

Terrazzo floors are a beautiful floor option for many homes and offices today. They add a unique, luxurious touch to any space and are the perfect accent to almost any design. However, as a floor option, the upkeep of terrazzo floors can be a bit difficult.
Because terrazzo floors resist scratches and stains, they’re an attractive option for flooring in kitchens, bathrooms, entryways, and other high-traffic areas. But like any other floor material, terrazzo accumulates dirt, grime, and scuff marks over time. Many homeowners clean terrazzo floors with mops, but the process can be time-consuming and ineffective. Instead, consider trying out an alternative method: terrazzo floor cleaning with vinegar.

Vinyl Floors

Floor cleaning is an important part of home maintenance. Vinyl floors are easy to clean in most cases, and a quick mop and sweep are usually all that’s needed.
Also, avoid using a steam mop on vinyl flooring since the steam and heat can warp the vinyl flooring. Vinyl floors don’t “wear out” like carpet or hardwood; they stay beautiful, shiny, and easy to clean for years. Vinyl floors can be damaged by even the best cleaning methods, so following the product’s manufacturer’s recommendations is very important.

Concrete Floors

Concrete flooring is an excellent option for many homes and buildings, providing a durable, attractive, and cost-effective alternative to other flooring materials, such as hardwood, carpet, or tile. These qualities make it a popular choice for flooring in high-traffic areas, but concrete surfaces also tend to harbor stains, dirt, and dust over time, making them harder to keep clean. Fortunately, these surfaces are not as difficult to clean as you might have imagined. You can:

  • Sweep the floor to remove any debris and loosen impediments.
  • Apply an appropriate cleaner for the floor (if necessary, mix the cleaning solution yourself).
  • Scrub the floor using cleaning pads or brushes.
  • Rinse the floor area with clean water, then dry it with a towel.
  • If needed, apply a sealer to the floor after it dries.

Whether you’re dealing with concrete on the street or in the home, cleaning it up can be a daunting task. Concrete is porous, making it perfect for mold and germs to grow, along with stains from dirt and spills. But, with the right cleaning supplies, it’s not impossible.

Hire a Professional

Clean floors are important to every single house, but almost all types of floors can gather dirt over time if not properly cared for. That is why if you are still not confident in handling floor cleaning, then hiring cleaning companies will be better. Professional cleaning companies like Plan: B Cleaning can provide a deeper floor cleaning that goes above and beyond what a homeowner can do.
Interested in a residential cleaning service to do the hard work for you? Call Plan: B Cleaning today at (317) 572-8515 or visit www.planbcleaning.com. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Fishers, Indiana area including Geist, Noblesville, Carmel, Fortville, and more!

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5 Best Smart Appliances for Your Home in 2022

It’s almost Christmas so here are some things to add to your wish list! Just kidding – but our countdown to Christmas has already begun. Regardless, we wanted to share five of 2022’s best smart appliances for your home. These appliances are bound to make your daily life easier through their heightened effectiveness and efficiency, leaving you with more time to do the things you love and keep your home clean.

#1: Kitchen – Instant Pot Smart WiFi 6 Quart

The Instant Pot has been increasingly popular. It is great for couples making a quick meal, a large family, or a busy college student. Really, it is great for anyone. In case you are unfamiliar with it, The Instant Pot is an 8-in-1 cooking device that functions as a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker, and steamer – the list goes on. The Instant Pot is versatile and easy to use, allowing you to cook a wide range of things with just one new appliance. Now, the Instant Pot Smart Wifi edition offers even more perks. Once you connect to the WiFi of this smart version, the pot and its paired app give you the benefits of cooking, scheduling, adjusting, and monitoring the progress of your meals on the go right from your smartphone. You can then make a list of your favorite one pot recipes like fried rice, soup, and so on to prepare. Cooking couldn’t get any easier!

#2: Bedroom – A Bedside Speaker

A bedside speaker is a must if you want to put away your phone but still enjoy some of its benefits – like an alarm clock. Our favorite models for the bedroom are the Amazon Echo Dot With Clock and the Google Nest Mini. They won’t crowd your nightstand, let you set alarms, play music, and so on. Plus, they encourage you to unplug from your screens and not just keep your phone under your pillow. But, you can still enjoy the perks, as these bedside speakers allow you to listen to music before bed and wake up with a modern alarm.

#3: Bathroom – Kohler Moxie Showerhead & Wireless Speaker

If you’re really looking to elevate your space, the bathroom is a great place to start feeling a little luxurious. One of our favorite investments is the Kohler Moxie Showerhead. Really, do your research and find any shower head that has the right upgrades for you. But, what makes this one special is its variety of advanced features: This ultimate showerhead and wireless speaker combo is a great way to really turn your shower into a personal concert. It is the full experience as it comes with not only the music or podcast, but also different water pressure settings to suit you. As they say, let superior sound wash over you!

Even better, the speaker is removable and easily transportable, so you can take it with you to the beach or pool.

#4: Living Room – Smart Vaccum

As for the living room, it was really hard to choose. Between a variety of smart TV’s, speakers, and LED lights, there are several options to take your living room to the next level. It truly comes down to personal preference and what you and your family enjoy most. However, one of our favorites that we wanted to share with you is actually a vacuum. Vacuums continue to get smarter and smarter but we absolutely love the Roborock robot. Our runner up was definitely the classic Roomba models, but this newer competitor is slowly taking the top spot among vacuum aficionados and even cleaners. The Roborock robot has so many amazing features that a few sentences would not really do it justice. So, pulling straight from their website, here is a list of just some of the cool things that it comes with and can do: ‘Fully Automated Empty Wash Fill Dock, 5100Pa High Power Suction, PreciSense™ LiDAR Navigation, ReactiveAI 2.0 Obstacle Avoidance, Off-Peak Charging Supported, Real-Time Video Call, Adaptive Route Algorithms, 3D Mapping Support, Automatic Room Recognition, Sonic Vibrating Mop, Intelligent Mop Lifting, Ultrasonic Carpet Recognition, ScratchSafe™ Wheels and Brushes, Work with Alexa & Google Home, Child Lock, Fast Charging”. In layman’s terms, this vacuum really does it all. It is able to map effectively and recognize the rooms of your home. It is able to connect with your other home speakers and devices, and even allows you to video call. It just gets better and better so we had to include it in the list.

#5: Outdoors – Ring Security Cameras

Security cameras can sometimes be controversial due to privacy concerns. However, if you are comfortable with it, ring security cameras make it so easy to monitor your surroundings. You can invest in the doorbell and camera combination to keep track of your front door. This is great to have footage of who all is entering, leaving packages, and so on. You can also invest in other outdoor cameras for your backyard and garage to secure all the fronts of your home. These are great if you have increasing concerns about the safety of your home while you are away at work or on vacation as well. Sometimes, they even capture cute memories and moments that you can replay and save for fun!

#6: Overall – Plan B Cleaners

After investing in your home and upgrading your appliances – or at least adding them to your wish list, you are ready for a deep clean. Treat yourself to assistance from a cleaning service to really get the dust, dirt, and grime out of your home.

Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist. We offer weekly, biweekly, and monthly cleaning plans. Or you can just book on a one-time basis whenever you need! Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit our website at www.planbcleaning.com.

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How to Declutter Your Life & Enjoy The Benefits of Cleaning on Mental Health and Well-being

Wondering how cleaning improves mental health and wellbeing? Several recent studies show that cleaning your space may help reduce your cortisol levels, reduce visual noise, and help you focus on the things you need to. Furthermore, even taking small steps to clean and organize, like making your bed in the morning or hanging up your clothes, can heighten your mood and productivity for the day. What may seem like a small task or chore really does have the ability to boost your well-being and impact your life positively.

At Plan: B Cleaning, we understand the benefits of cleaning and organizing both your space and mind, so we want to share them with you! We know that decluttering your life can be difficult, but one way to ease the process is by choosing our cleaning services as an ally to your mental health and wellbeing. Let’s take a look at some of the tips and tricks, as well as the positive effects cleaning has on your mind, body, and overall well-being.

Tips for getting started

Before you begin, decide if you’re going to start with what’s easiest for you – your workspace or your bedroom – or if you want to set a goal for how much cleaning you want to and can do. If your goal is something lofty, such as “I’m going to declutter my entire house!” – that might be overwhelming at first. Instead, break it down into smaller chunks – perhaps starting by tackling your desk area, then moving on to other areas as they become manageable. Setting goals can help keep you motivated, but don’t be afraid to take breaks when needed. It may take several days or even weeks before you feel comfortable getting rid of things in your home. Just remember: You just have to start somewhere! Then, you can always pick up where you left off.

Why decluttering and donating can improve your mood

Decluttering is one of the first steps to deep cleaning. By getting rid of old items that you no longer use, you are actively creating more space for yourself and new, positive thoughts. When you give away or throw out things that aren’t serving you, it can also help reduce feelings of stress. If a room is overflowing with objects you rarely use, give those objects away. Donating items gives them a new life with someone else who will use them and frees up space in your home. You will feel happy to help someone in need, and also an immediate sense of relief once your new, clean space is established. It’ll be like taking a breath of fresh air.

If you are wondering where to donate clothes and gently used items, check out this blog for places to donate near Indianapolis, Fisher, Carmel, and so on. Find a cause that speaks to you, whether it is donating to domestic abuse survivors, homeless folks, refugees, and so on.

Ways to eliminate clutter

One rule that works well when decluttering is that if you haven’t used it in a year, get rid of it. If you have doubts about whether or not you’ll ever use an item again, consider donating it rather than putting it in storage. And remember: Don’t sweat your stuff. Try to avoid getting worked up over clutter by reminding yourself that material things are simply items. They don’t define you, but neither do they dictate your happiness. Be disciplined but forgiving with yourself if some items seem hard to part with—after all, we all have sentimental attachments to certain items.

Organizing your belongings is as important as throwing them out

A well-organized home helps combat stress by being more effective, easier to use, and ultimately healthier for your mental wellbeing. You’ll be able to find things when you need them, making it easier to make plans and follow through. You won’t have a panic attack every time you come home from work; instead, you can enjoy kicking off your shoes and relaxing in a calm environment. Having less stuff just laying around also gives you a greater sense of freedom as there will be fewer options for clutter throughout your living space. Here are some easy tips and item recommendations to get organized:

  • Invest in desk organizers. (Check out your local office supply store or order online!)
  • Closet organizers. I am a big fan of my hanging closet and shoe storage purchases. These come in different sizes and styles so you can find what works best for you.
  • Baskets, lots and lots of baskets. Baskets can go anywhere and are great for storing nearly anything as they also come in different shapes and sizes.
  • Utensil organizers … basically special baskets for your utensils. These make putting away dishes so much easier.

Freeing up space in your home can have positive effects

Sort everything into four piles: trash, recycle, donate, and keep. Clearing out clutter has been shown to reduce stress, improve sleep, and increase feelings of happiness. As satisfying as it is for our brains, decluttering also has practical benefits; you’ll save money by avoiding purchases you don’t need or making better use of household resources. If you’re trying to get your finances in order or simply have too much stuff, start decluttering now!

Examine your relationships with possessions, both material and digital

Being careful with possessions is important because every object you own serves a purpose. Ask yourself why you have each possession in your life and whether or not it enriches your life or consumes it. It’s also important to examine your relationship with digital possessions, like emails. You can start by asking questions like: Why do I have so many emails? What use are they adding to my life? Do I ever really read them? And what do they do when they just sit there in my inbox, untouched? A lot of times, we collect items that we don’t even need but convince ourselves that we need them. These items aren’t helping us; instead, they are literally sucking our time away from us. Start by deleting any old apps on your phone or computer programs you no longer use. Declutter your inbox while you’re at it. You can do this by unsubscribing to any newsletters from stores you no longer shop at. This will also help you avoid impulse buying.

Decluttering leads to more time you can spend doing things you enjoy

Simply having less stuff around can reduce stress, but we know you want more than just that. Not only will there be less clutter around your home making things easier to find, but you’ll also save a lot of time by not searching through piles or looking for misplaced items. If you’re always running behind because you can never find anything, maybe it’s time to declutter. If you can find your contact lenses, a spoon for cereal, and a spoon for cereal – you will be out of the door in no time!

Next Steps

After decluttering and organizing, you are ready for a deep clean. Treat yourself to assistance from a cleaning service to really get the grime out of your newly organized space.

Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit www.planbcleaning.com. Plan: B Cleaning serves the Hamilton County area, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist.

 

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How to Clean When You Hate Cleaning: 10 Tips to Get You Started

Let’s face it – cleaning isn’t anyone’s favorite thing to do. However, if you don’t do it, your house will quickly fall into chaos, which can affect your mood and health. If you hate cleaning, though, that makes the prospect of doing it even worse, right? With these 10 tips, you can learn how to clean when you hate cleaning and find yourself enjoying the benefits of a tidy home in no time!

1) Start With Simple Tasks

The biggest thing that can hold people back from cleaning is that they think of it as a big task. Think about all of those small tasks, like making your bed in the morning, taking out garbage and recycling, or wiping off your desk at work. If you start doing these little things throughout your day, it will make it much easier for you to tackle bigger chores. There is even a great book called “Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life…And Maybe the World” written by a navy seal, Admiral William H. McRaven, that describes how making your bed can improve your mindset. Start with those simple tasks, and then slowly start adding in bigger ones until cleaning becomes a habit for you!

2) Choose Your Tools Wisely

The first step in cleaning is choosing your tools. First, you want to pick a broom with sturdy bristles for sweeping up large amounts of dust and dirt. Next, get a good vacuum—not just any vacuum, but one that can thoroughly clean carpets and bare floors alike. Our cleaning professionals at Plan: B depend on high-quality and efficient vacuum cleaners. So we recommend checking out Miele canister vacuum cleaners and finding the right fit for you. Finally, don’t forget to grab a mop or sponge—these are essential for scrubbing hard-to-reach areas like kitchen counters and bathroom sinks. Once you have these items, it’s time to start cleaning!

3) Divide and Conquer

Is cleaning your entire home one project too daunting? Break it down into smaller steps. Start with one room or part of a room and go from there. As you tackle each area, think about what you can do in just five minutes—this should keep you moving at a steady pace while still ensuring that you don’t get bored by longer projects. In addition, these short spurts of time are much easier to carve out in your busy schedule than larger chunks would be.

If you find yourself getting stuck on something, give yourself permission to stop for now and come back later. Remember: If it doesn’t look like it needs doing right now, leave it alone! That way when you pick up where you left off tomorrow, you won’t feel overwhelmed.

4) Take Small Breaks in Between

Too much cleaning at once can be tiresome or even stress you out. So, take small breaks in between tasks to keep yourself from getting overwhelmed. If you need a break, get up and stretch your legs for a few minutes before returning to work. It’s also a good idea to change up your routine every so often by doing something different with each task. This will help you focus on what needs to be done instead of getting bored with repetitive chores like washing dishes or vacuuming floors. Grab some water while you’re at it! Staying hydrated is important, especially when you’re working hard.

5) Avoid Clutter at All Costs

Having a messy house isn’t just unsightly—it can also wreak havoc on your mental health. While more stuff does not equate to a better life, living in constant disarray can be incredibly stressful and, if you have children, dangerous. So if you hate cleaning but want to get organized once and for all, avoid clutter like the plague. Declutter your home by making three piles (keep, donate/recycle, trash) whenever you bring something new into your home.

6) Find Supplies Suited for You

It sounds trivial, but when you hate cleaning, spending a lot of time and energy on supplies is frustrating. Therefore, in order to effectively get your house clean when you hate cleaning, it’s important that you stock up on supplies that make scrubbing your house easier.

For example, if mopping irritates your back or knees then opt for a Swiffer Sweeper rather than a mop and bucket. If dusting makes you sneeze, try investing in some microfiber cloths so you can dust without all those irritating allergens flying around. Here at Plan: B Cleaning we love our microfiber towels. They do a great job at picking up dirt, dust, and germs. For your home we’d recommend considering the perfect clean microfiber or the Buff ™microfiber product from microfiberwholesale.com.

Vacuuming can also be a hassle if you have a lot of space to clean or find yourself vacuuming often. If vacuuming feels like too much work, invest in a robotic vacuum cleaner that will do all of the hard work for you!

7) Add Music

Most cleaning chores can be made easier if you have a great playlist on your phone. If you don’t have one, it’s time to get busy! Create a playlist of songs that are upbeat and inspiring. The right music will inspire you to clean up and help clear your mind when you are too stressed. This is an easy way to make cleaning more fun! And what could be better than that?

8) Keep a Routine

Of course, no amount of cleaning products or techniques will work if you don’t keep them up consistently. That’s why it’s important to try and get into a routine that fits your life and stick with it as closely as possible. If you can make daily maintenance part of your schedule, then you’ll be less likely to let things slip through the cracks. And when things do slip? Don’t beat yourself up—just start again! It may take time to find what works for you, but in time you’ll have an effective system down pat. The key is to not give up and always move forward.

9) Do it in little bits of time

Like anything you’d rather not do, cleaning can be a pain. But chances are there are little pockets of time in your day where you aren’t doing anything important—waiting for the coffee to brew, standing in line at the grocery store, staring into space during a meeting—that you could use for scrubbing and polishing. This is especially true if you have pets or children—two groups that typically require frequent cleanup! Set aside time each week and make it a habit.

You might even surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it. If nothing else, you’ll feel accomplished when you walk away from a clean house (and won’t be as tempted to leave things undone).

10) Hire a cleaning service

Hiring a cleaning service is one of those luxuries that make life so much easier. If you do hate cleaning, paying someone else to do it for you could be just what you need. Fortunately, Plan: B has an excellent cleaning service! It’s definitely worth considering if you’re looking for help with housework.

Call today to set up your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit www.planbcleaning.com. Plan: B Cleaning services the Hamilton County area, including Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Westfield, Fortville, and Geist.

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6 Things You Could Do With Your Time If You Hire a Cleaning Service

How much time do you waste cleaning your home each week? An hour? Two hours? Three? If it’s more than an hour, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Many people find themselves spending far too much of their free time trying to maintain a clean house. When you hire a cleaning service available in your area, you can spend all that time doing something else—like spending quality time with your family or getting to work on that project you’ve been putting off. In this blog, we will discuss 6 things you could do with your free time when you hire a residential cleaning service to clean your home.

1) Volunteer

With the free time you get from hiring a cleaning service, you can start volunteering more of your time to a cause that you care about.  This is not only an effective way to give back, but it’s also a great way to make new friends and spend time with family members who share similar interests. For example, if you’re passionate about animals, consider volunteering at an animal shelter or helping out at your local zoo on weekends. This could help you connect with people in your community who have common interests.

By hiring a residential cleaning service for your house or apartment, you can spend your valuable time giving back to others! Your free time can be spent giving back to those in need in your community thanks to the help of a professional residential cleaning service.

2) Get creative

Spending your free time using your creativity can be just as important to your health and well-being as working out or getting enough sleep. (That said, it’s important to get enough sleep.) When you hire someone to clean your home, you still have plenty of free time and energy left over for painting, drawing, reading, writing, or making crafts that bring joy into your life.

With the extra free time that hiring a residential cleaning service can give you, you can pick up a wide variety of creative hobbies that will bring you happiness. You can paint a portrait, write a novel, learn how to make jewelry, or read a new book series with your newly found time. 

If you are starting a new creative hobby, try watching free instructional videos to learn how to do things or go to a local class with friends. You can also try thrifting certain things like books, canvases, jewelry pieces, and more for your chosen hobby. You don’t have to spend a ton of money to start a new hobby with your free time!

3) Spend time with friends or family

When you hire someone to do your cleaning, you’ll find yourself with extra time on your hands to spend your time with friends and family. With work taking up most of the day,  it can be hard to find time for our loved ones—but having a cleaning service frees up time that you can use for other things. 

Whether it’s going out for dinner or catching a movie, spending time with those around us is an important part of life that we often don’t make enough time for. So when you have time off from housework, take advantage of it! The time will go by much faster than you think.

Some fun activities you could do with friends or family in your free time include:

  • Host a game night
  • Go to a concert
  • Play a sport 
  • Attend a yoga class 
  • Try a new restaurant
  • Have a board game night
  • Host a movie night
  • Learn how to cook a new dish
  • Start a garden
  • Paint together

4) Redecorate

Decorating your home or apartment is an excellent hobby, as it gives you something to do on days off and is highly rewarding. Pick up some books on interior design, check out your local flea markets for unique pieces, or simply spend time looking at magazines and daydreaming about what you’d like to do with your space. The time saved cleaning can be better spent redecorating your space.

Try also drawing inspiration for redecorating from online idea boards, such as Pinterest. You can research what style you like and curate your design ideas to fit your specific house or apartment’s look.

And as an added bonus, your home will be cleaned by the professionals when you redecorate so you’re starting with a clean foundation. Redecorating is much easier when you are moving furniture and hanging art on the walls when you are starting with a clean home. The last thing you want is to redecorate on top of dust and dirt that you will have to clean up later!

5) Catch up on sleep

It’s no secret that your cognitive ability is sharpest when you’re well-rested. Who has time to make sure everything is clean while they’re trying to stay on top of their job and manage personal life too? That’s where hiring a cleaning service comes in handy. You won’t have to stress or spend time cleaning and can therefore rest easy when you get home from work or other activities!

With the time you save by hiring a residential cleaning service to clean your home or apartment, you can catch up on the sleep you’ve missed out on by trying to keep up with work, cleaning, and all of your other tasks. Make sure to plan ahead so that you can get enough rest before an important meeting or presentation!

6) Exercise

Having someone else clean your home not only saves you time but can also give you an opportunity to start exercising! Since you won’t be tied down with chores or worried about cleaning your home, feel free to do some exercising—go on a hike out in nature, take a jog around your neighborhood, or attend a yoga class. There are so many different ways to get active with your free time so you can find an activity that you enjoy doing. From biking to dancing to rollerblading, you can try any exercise in your newfound free time.

Be sure to set aside time each day to make these activities part of your daily routine; you’ll feel better knowing that you’re doing something good for yourself in addition to hiring us. And as an added bonus, exercising is proven to improve your overall well-being, mentally and physically!

Take Back Your Free Time

We all know that spending more time with our families and practicing new hobbies is something that’s on everyone’s wish list, but for many of us, time seems to slip away faster than we can keep up. That’s why you should consider hiring a residential cleaning service. A professional maid service can make your life easier by coming into your home and doing some of your chores so you have more free time in which to spend doing what you love and enjoy.

Plan: B Cleaning can give you back your free time to enjoy doing what you love again by offering residential cleaning services in Fishers, Indiana. When you hire our team of cleaning professionals for deep cleaning services, your home will be cleaned from top to bottom so your house or apartment is as clean as it was when you moved in.

Call today to schedule your cleaning service at (317) 572-8515 or visit www.planbcleaning.com. Plan: B Cleaning services the Fishers, Indiana area, including Carmel, Noblesville, Fortville, and Geist.