Essential Cleaning

10/23/2026

These white foam cleaning sponges are a very common tool in the cleaning aisle. If you don't ask questions and just use it as it is intended, it works great to remove scuff marks, stains and things like that. But this magic sponge is made from melamine and formaldehyde. Melamine is a type of abrasive plastic. In Europe it is classified as a "Substance of very high concern".

The International Agency for Research on Cancer classifies melamine as possibly carcinogenic to humans. When melamine is used with warmth, in addition to anything acidic, it leeches more of the product out into the environment(or your hands!). I have found other less toxic substances that get the job done just as well as melamine. Citric acid and hydrogen peroxide are two substances (not mixed together) that have a whitening effect when used, and are not harmful to the environment or to you when used responsibly to clean appropriate surfaces. Other things, like lightly buffing a surface, or even using oil, or alcohol can accomplish the same thing as melamine foam.

10/16/2026

Ragweed Pollen!!! If your allergies are flaring up, it could be due to Ragweed. It looks like the dry and warmer weather is the problem. Normally, frost and changing weather patterns (wet, cold) will keep this plant from causing allergy sufferers more problems. This year, it seems particularly annoying! Deep cleaning helps my allergies. I like to use my cordless vacuum as a quick fix to get rid of dust on my floors. Not wearing shoes inside the house helps! If your allergies are driving you nuts this year, we can help!!! Call us @503-676-4656 or email, [email protected]

10/10/2026

House cleaning can be broken in to simple steps. If the process overwhelms you, or you would just rather do something else, GIVE US A CALL at 503-676-4656.

We offer fully customizable options that allow you to be present, or work alongside your cleaner if you choose. If you have heard of the term “body doubling” it is used to describe the process of working on a task alongside another person, for the sake of not working alone!

Try us out and give us a call. We can assign someone to you to work alongside you. Also, check out this article about body doubling! its an interest concept.

Body doubling is a productivity technique where an individual works on their tasks alongside someone else. Find out how ADHDers can use this strategy to their advantage.

10/03/2026

My background is in commercial restoration, where we do a lot of caulking and cleaning. Caulking cracks and crevices in the home, which can be pathways for pests, can keep them out. If pests can get in, that means dirty air can also get in. If you want to give your home a double whammy of pest protection while also keeping pollution out, consider caulking areas that have gaps, cracks or crevices.

Results guaranteed—join us in creating a healthier home today!

09/24/2026

Keep your indoor air as clean as possible! Keeping the house clean helps, especially with a HEPA vacuum, but having the best possible filter for your furnace helps too! If you want the best filtration possible for your furnace, opt for a Merv 13 air filter.

Older furnaces can handle the second best option which is a Merv 11. The difference between this and a standard furnace filter is the density of the filter.

The 11 and 13 rated filters are very dense and capable of trapping smoke particles, while typical filters can only filter out lint and bigger dust particles.

09/17/2026

Fall is pretty much here! Before the mud and leaves get tracked in the house, outsource your home cleaning to Essential Cleaning. We are reliable, trustworthy and motivated to earn your long term business. Contact us for a quote at https://essentialcleaningpdx.com/get-an-estimate/ or call us at 503-676-4656

09/14/2026

What's the difference between a maid service and a cleaning service? A maid service typically changes your bed sheets and takes out the trash, they may do laundry and additional tidying. A cleaning service typically only cleans.

Essential Cleaning is like the best of both. You can choose to add on laundry, beds or trash, or you can keep your service focused on cleaning.

Results guaranteed—join us in creating a healthier home today!

07/24/2026

My son graduated this year from high school. For a short time, he played baseball. His baseball coach would tell the boys to contribute, which is great. Contributing to self and contributing to the team are different things I think.

I had some thoughts about contributing I wanted to share, that have been shaped by some things I went through over the past couple weeks. Giving blindly doesn't mean we are contributing meaningfully to anything. That just leads to burnout. If everyone else is just taking, our contribution ends up being pointless. Setting limits, creating structure, and following a plan is usually how our contribution leads a team to win. Some people don't need structure. Some people do. It's important to know which kind of person you are!

Seeing ourselves as part of a team can change how we show up and navigate life. I appreciate baseball for showing my son that his performance, and how he shows up in life, is about more than just himself.

I had to edit this down so many times, because the idea of taking, extracting, doing for self, versus contributing, thinking of the team and maybe looking at the bigger picture can apply to so many areas of life. Anyway, mom philosophy time is over. Meet my son, Ian!

His grandparents took him to London, Paris, and Rome. They are awesome. Shout out to grandparents! Here he is in (guess where)?? :)

06/08/2026

Essential Cleaning has openings starting next Monday! Give us a call 503-676-4656

04/29/2026

Mothers Day is around the corner! Book your deep cleaning before May 12th and get a follow up cleaning valued at $160 for FREE. Call for details 503-676-4656