normal home cleaning in Amsterdam
normal home cleaning in Amsterdam
Blog Article
Normal Home Cleaning in Amsterdam: A Practical Guide
Home cleaning in Amsterdam, like in many other cities, is an essential part of maintaining a comfortable, healthy living environment. Amsterdam's compact homes, often characterized by narrow spaces, high ceilings, and large windows, require a bit of a tailored approach to ensure everything remains neat and tidy. From small studio apartments to multi-story canal houses, there are specific challenges and considerations when it comes to cleaning in this city.
General Cleaning Habits in Amsterdam
Routine and Consistency:
Frequency: Most people in Amsterdam tend to clean their homes regularly, typically once a week, with more intensive cleaning sessions about once a month. Daily cleaning usually involves light tasks, such as wiping down surfaces, putting away dishes, and taking out the trash.
Cleaning Schedules: In busy urban settings, many people schedule their cleaning routines around their work commitments. Some prefer to clean on weekends, while others may opt for services like professional cleaning or housekeepers, especially in larger homes.
Environmental Awareness:
The Dutch are known for their environmental consciousness, so many people in Amsterdam prefer using eco-friendly cleaning products. Reusable cloths, non-toxic detergents, and natural disinfectants (such as vinegar and baking soda) are common choices.
Recycling and sustainability also play a role in how cleaning waste is managed. The city encourages waste separation, so trash is often sorted into categories like plastic, paper, glass, and organic waste.
Compact Living Spaces:
Due to Amsterdam's dense population and historical architecture, many homes are smaller than those in other cities. This means that cleaning is often more about maximizing space and minimizing clutter.
Residents tend to keep a minimalist approach to their belongings, which helps in maintaining a tidier home. Cleaning surfaces like kitchen counters and bathroom sinks is easier when there is less "stuff" around.
High Ceilings and Large Windows:
One characteristic of Amsterdam homes, particularly in historic canal houses, is their large windows and high ceilings. While these features make homes bright and airy, they also require special attention when cleaning. People often need extension poles or professional help to clean windows, and dust can gather in hard-to-reach corners.
Common Cleaning Tasks
Kitchen:
Kitchens in Amsterdam are often compact, so efficient cleaning is important. Cleaning tasks generally include:
Wiping down countertops and appliances.
Cleaning the stove, oven, and refrigerator.
Sweeping and mopping the floor, especially in areas where cooking or food prep occurs.
Emptying bins regularly, especially for organic waste.
Bathroom:
Like kitchens, bathrooms require regular attention. Typical tasks include:
Scrubbing tiles and sinks.
Cleaning mirrors and glass shower doors.
Disinfecting high-touch areas such as toilet handles, taps, and light switches.
Mopping the floors, which can become slippery when wet.
Living and Sleeping Areas:
Amsterdam apartments tend to have parquet flooring, tiles, or rugs. Floors are regularly swept and mopped, and carpets are vacuumed. Common tasks in these areas include:
Dusting surfaces such as shelves, tables, and counters.
Vacuuming or sweeping the floor, particularly around the edges and in corners.
Fluffing pillows and changing bed linens regularly.
Organizing clutter and putting away items to create a tidy, spacious feel.
Windows and Light Fixtures:
The beautiful tall windows in many Amsterdam homes require occasional deep cleaning. This often involves washing both the interior and exterior sides of the windows.
Light fixtures, especially chandeliers or pendant lamps, may need dusting or wiping to ensure they continue to provide optimal lighting.
Cleaning Tools Commonly Used in Amsterdam
Vacuum Cleaners:
Many households use vacuum cleaners to clean floors, rugs, and upholstery. With smaller spaces, the cordless, compact models are popular, as they are easy to maneuver and store.
Mops and Buckets:
Mopping is common, and many Amsterdam households use steam mops or traditional mops with microfiber cloths to clean their floors efficiently. With the city's high humidity, mopping also helps keep floors dry and prevents the buildup of dust and grime.
Microfiber Cloths and Sponges:
Microfiber cloths are the go-to for most cleaning tasks in Amsterdam. They’re effective for wiping down surfaces, removing dust, and even cleaning windows. Sponges are also commonly used in kitchens and bathrooms for scrubbing sinks, tubs, and countertops.
Eco-Friendly Products:
Many residents opt for eco-friendly cleaning products, including vinegar, baking soda, and lemon juice. These natural cleaners are preferred due to their minimal environmental impact and non-toxic nature. There are also numerous local brands offering sustainable and biodegradable cleaning supplies.
Professional Cleaning Services
In addition to DIY cleaning, some residents in Amsterdam hire professional cleaners, particularly for more intensive cleaning tasks or when there is a lack of time. This is especially common among expats or people with demanding schedules. Professional services might include:
End-of-tenancy cleaning: Amsterdam's rental market has a high turnover of tenants, and landlords often require homes to be professionally cleaned before new tenants move in.
Deep cleaning: For annual or seasonal deep cleaning tasks, including window washing, carpet shampooing, and cleaning hidden areas like behind furniture or under appliances.
These cleaning services may be booked online, and many companies offer eco-friendly options as part of their packages.
Conclusion
Cleaning in Amsterdam reflects the city’s emphasis on practicality, sustainability, and efficiency. Whether you're maintaining a small apartment or a larger historical house, keeping your space tidy involves a blend of regular cleaning habits, eco-friendly practices, and effective organization. Thanks to the city’s commitment to sustainability, cleaning with environmentally-friendly products and techniques is a common approach, making it easier to maintain a clean and healthy home.