Spring into cleaning
Dealing with winter clutter can have whole cascade of mental-health benefits
She was deeply ashamed of the condition of her home, to the point that she would ask visitors to wait outside, not daring to let them see the layers of dirt and clutter hidden behind closed doors.
“My place was not one of those ‘looks messy and cluttered but underneath it’s clean.’ Oh, it was messy and cluttered, incredibly so, and I had given up hope that it could ever be clean again,” shares Louise Polland, a senior who lives in Charlottetown.
The thought of an unexpected visitor made her anxious — until she came across Wolf Pack Residential Cleaners, who service Charlottetown, Stratford and Cornwall.
“After two days of two people going flat out cleaning my home, it looked like a completely different place. I asked for a deep clean, and they came again today for a regular clean, and the place looks amazing,” she chimes.
Polland says she no longer fears the unexpected visitor to her home.
“A friend came to my place for lunch today, which I had not done in many years. Wolf Pack will come to clean once a week; it has changed my life. I plan to be more social and maybe start a reading club again or join somebody else’s, knowing I can have meetings here.”
Alisha Wolf, the owner of Wolf Pack Residential Cleaners, says she has noticed over their 15 years in the industry how a clean home can significantly impact mental health, especially during the winter when people spend more time indoors.
“A tidy living space can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance overall mood and productivity,” states Wolf.
A HEALTHY ENVIRONMENT
Wolf notes that household appliances, such as coffee makers, microwaves and refrigerators, are often neglected but should be cleaned regularly.
“These appliances can harbour bacteria and odours if not cleaned regularly, affecting hygiene and food quality.
“Additionally, washing windows, scrubbing grout and dusting light fixtures can be done once a month to maintain a clean and inviting home environment,” she says.
Wolf advises to save money on cleaning supplies, make detergents and cleaners using simple ingredients like vinegar, baking soda and essential oils.
“These homemade solutions are cost-effective, ecofriendly and safe for children and pets. There are some great eco-friendly options to choose from, as well.
“We try to use as many eco-friendly products as possible to keep our staff safe while maintaining a highquality service,” she says. “And while modern cleaning tools and products have made specific tasks more manageable, older methods like scrubbing walls may still be necessary for maintaining a clean home. Washing curtains, shaking rugs outside, and cleaning hard-to-reach areas like baseboards and ceiling fans help maintain a fresh environment.”
Wolf notes her staff often wash high-traffic areas such as hallway walls, areas around plugs and light switches, stairs and, most importantly, the walls around the toilets.
She encourages people to establish a consistent cleaning schedule to tackle everyday tasks such as sweeping or vacuuming floors, wiping down surfaces, doing dishes and doing laundry.
“We often have clients who are who are juggling demanding work schedules.
“However, when they come back to a tidy environment after a long day, it has been able to alleviate stress, and it creates a more inviting space for relaxation and rejuvenation so they can enjoy their free time as free time and not be doing housework,” shares Wolf. “Seniors are another group of people who benefit from having our services. They may be too frail to handle vigorous cleaning tasks, but a tidy home reduces the risk of accidents and promotes better physical health. Additionally, it contributes to a sense of dignity and wellbeing for seniors who may spend more time indoors.”
Wolf stresses, “There is no shame in asking for help.”
Lacey Young, co-owner of the family-owned Dust Busters Cleaning, which services St. John’s and surrounding areas, agrees that a clutter-free home improves mental and physical wellness. Young shares a fond memory about one of their senior clients.
“She had been diagnosed with cancer. Our staff would come and clean her home weekly to help her maintain what she could no longer do and allow her to spend more time with her family.
“We formed a relationship and would talk about our families and things we have done or visited. She looked forward to her cleans but more so the company,” recalls Young. “After a while, we offered our services for free to help our client maintain her home and relieve some financial burden. But in typical Nan fashion, she did not have it. She was swift to stick payment in your hand and shuffle you out the door with a treat, like when you were a child getting $5 at Nan and Pops’ house without your parents knowing.”
It’s a fond memory for Young and keeps her motivated to help make a difference in other people’s lives — because it all starts at home.
“A tidy living space can reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and enhance overall mood and productivity.”
Alisha Wolf Owner, Wolf Pack Residential Cleaners
DIY CLEANING TIPS
When it comes to cleaning, Young advises people to start from the top and work their way down: wiping surfaces, cleaning bathrooms, making beds, doing dishes, vacuuming and mopping.
“Doing these chores a few times a week makes a huge difference. Some tasks need to be done daily but, for the most part, a general tidy on the in-between days allows a clean home to be maintained. Once a month is usually sufficient to tackle light fixtures, vents, window tracks and baseboards.”
She notes that ceiling fans and heaters are dust magnets, and areas such as low-traffic areas such as bathrooms in basements or windows are often forgotten but should be cleaned at least once a month.
For effortless, quick and safe cleaning DIY hacks, Young rounds up her favourites that will get the job.
“S.O.S pads are excellent for cleaning glass shower doors, and using bounce sheets or fabric softener with water to wipe down your blinds can help keep dust or fur off. Plus, when you open the window, it smells great. And one that I practise daily is don’t put it down; put it away.”