In line with the Governments advice, we have put together some practical steps to help ensure the safety of our clients and cleaners and highly recommend these are implemented when work is being carried out.
UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should work be carried out in a home where any of the householders are showing even mild symptoms. No work should be carried out by a cleaner who has coronavirus symptoms, however mild, or when someone in their own household has symptoms No work should be carried out in any household which is isolating or where an individual is being shielded.
CLEANING REQUIREMENTS: These should be discussed over the phone or via SMS prior to the visit, this is to ensure that upon entry to a property people can remain a safe distance from each other.
ENTRY TO THE PROPERTY: We recommend that ENTRY to the property is arranged for a specific time and that arrangements are made to ensure people do not come into contact with each other and by maintaining a minimum 2m distance apart.
STAY IN SEPARATE ROOMS: When work is being carried out, people must remain in different rooms or at least 2m apart as a minimum.
WASHING HANDS: All persons in the household and people carrying out work should wash their hands before, during and after work being carried out. Particularly on high-touch areas. This is also applicable when moving from room to room while working. Hand-Sanitiser is an acceptable alternative if hands washing facilities are not easily available.
EQUIPMENT/PRODUCTS: Adequate equipment should be available/provided/used when work is being carried out in homes. Disinfectant and Anti-Bacterial products should be used as much as possible and where applicable and all equipment should be cleaned and dis-infected prior to use.
RUBBISH: Any rubbish/disposable items should be put into leak proof bags and disposed of by the person handling the bag in the bin with little/no contact from any other person.
RE-USABLE ITEMS: Any items that are re-usable should be washed at 90.c where appropriate and handled as little as possible prior to storage ready for use.
VENTILATION: It is advised that windows and doors are left open to ensure that properties are well ventilated should work be carried out.
POST CLEAN: The client and cleaner should discuss (over the phone or via) the work that was carried out, what were high-touch areas that may need further disinfecting and also proceed with cashless payment methods.
We are thinking of you and your families during this difficult time and we would like to thank for for your support.
If you have any questions over this period, please don't hesitate to get in touch with us.
Like everyone, we are really looking forward to getting back to normal and we cannot wait to be getting back in touch with you again, so we can resume our cleaning services to you.
In the meantime, please stay safe and well.
Best wishes,
Stephen and Soulla
Time For You Chelmsford
HIRING A CLEANER IS ONE OF THE BEST THINGS I EVER DID!
I’m the first to admit that cleaning and ‘keeping house’ is not my greatest skill-set. I’m an experienced journalist/editor and I worked on national newspapers for many years. I know what I’m good at and I know what I’m not so great at! While I love a clean and orderly house, doing housework does NOT spark joy within me.
As a busy, working single-parent to two teenaged girls (have you seen the mess they make in the bathroom?!), time - along with motivation for cleaning - is in rather short supply. Having spent a while trying to juggle it all (because that’s what us ‘superwomen’ are meant to do, right?!), I threw in the towel and decided to look for a cleaner. I felt that I was spending too much time and effort with the housework and not actually getting very far. It felt like a loss of energy and resources. Better to free up some time by hiring a cleaner and utilise this time for generating income, right? Right!
Initially, finding a decent cleaner was HARD! I put a call out to local friends asking if they could assist and point me in the direction of a cleaner… I got just one referral and gave her a whirl. After her first visit, I was disappointed and dismayed. I felt I could have done a better job myself (and that’s really saying something!). I felt annoyed at having had to pay for a service I was less than happy with. I politely asked her not to return and having to deal with that was a little awkward and not very pleasant. So, back to square one.
A business associate then suggested I try Time For You. I got the phone number off the website and gave them a call. Having discussed my requirements, and fixed a time and date, Kate became my new cleaner. On her first visit, we ran through my expectations and she explained clearly (and kindly) what would be possible to achieve in the timescale. This was perfect because we both started our working agreement in total harmony - there were no nasty surprises. And I’ve not been disappointed or dismayed once.
Once a fortnight, I prep the house for Kate’s visit, in as much as I clear the decks and tidy life clutter away - but I’m not the type to clean before the cleaner! I believe that the tidier the house, the better Kate can clean. And clean she does! I love how my house looks, and smells, once she’s been. I can often be found standing in the kitchen, just sighing with pleasure, looking at all the sparkly clean things!
For us, as a family, Kate has made such a huge difference. Not having to spend all Saturday morning cleaning (badly!) means that we can do other fun stuff and, when time is precious and in short supply, this is golden.
Thank-you to Time For You and for Kate. You’ve saved my sanity (and worktops!).
I think we can help you here!
“We dream of having a clean house — but who dreams of actually doing the cleaning?
Marcus Buckingham
Tips of the month
Bicarbonate of Soda and vinegar can make cleaning the bath really easy.
Use the same Bicarb solution to clean toilets, then add essential oils to make them smell amazing.
Areas in Your Kitchen That You Should Be Regularly Cleaning and Disinfecting
“Focus on high-touch surfaces,” recommends Donald W. Schaffner, PhD, a distinguished professor and extension specialist in food science with expertise in microbial risk assessment at Rutgers University. High touch means used often, and by multiple people. For instance, he says, if you use your microwave often, that’s high-touch. Here’s what the CDC says is “high-touch,” and here’s where you might find them in the kitchen:
Tables (this includes your kitchen table and counter)
Hard-backed chairs (for instance, kitchen chairs around the table you eat dinner on)
Doorknobs
Light switches
Remotes (Do you use yours to watch the TV from your kitchen?)
Handles (Focus on the refrigerator handle, handles on drawers you’re always going in, like the silverware drawer, microwave handle, oven and countertop oven handles, etc.)
The sink (Not only the basin itself, but the water faucet, too)
How to Disinfect Your Kitchen’s High-Touch Surfaces
Now that you know what to clean and disinfect, how best to do it?
First, clean these surfaces with detergent or soap and water, says Schaffner. Next, it’s time to disinfect. When using disinfectants, know that they come with directions that you have to follow in order for them to work, and it’s important to use the product as the label suggests.
Disinfecting DIY tip: You can also make your own disinfectant at home with diluted household bleach; an alcohol solution with at least 70% alcohol; or these solutions from the EPA-recommended list, which have been pre-approved for coronavirus use. Just make sure you don't mix these common household cleaners together. The results can be dangerous to your health.
How Often to Disinfect Your Kitchen
Repeat this disinfecting routine on frequently touched surfaces daily, or more often if someone in your household is sick; the virus can survive for 16 hours on plastic surfaces, Schaffner says.
Remember, though, that keeping your kitchen surfaces as clean and disinfected as possible is secondary to practicing isolation techniques and washing your hands when you return home. “That’s your front line of prevention,” he says.
https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/7-places-kitchen-disinfect-during-195336006.html
Work together to combat the novel coronavirus
As we work together to combat the novel coronavirus that causes the disease commonly known as COVID-19, it’s essential to know how to create and use effective cleaning solutions. We explain how you can use liquid household bleach to disinfect hard surfaces.
What is household bleach?
Liquid household bleach is a chemical used frequently in laundering white clothing and disinfecting hard surfaces.
The active ingredient in liquid household bleach is a sodium hypochlorite solution at 3–6%.
Will bleach kill the coronavirus?
The Centres for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organisation recommend (1,2) using a bleach solution as one way to disinfect areas contaminated with the novel coronavirus.
There are other cleaning solutions available, including sprays, wipes, and more that can help disinfect areas exposed to the novel coronavirus.
What do I need to know about bleach?
Bleach has an expiration date and loses efficacy fairly quickly if not stored properly (1,2,3):
Bleach expires 1 year from production.
Bleach can start to lose potency quickly after opening if not stored correctly.
Homemade cleaning solutions made with bleach lose efficacy after 24 hours.
Will expired, or old bleach still disinfect surfaces?
No, bleach loses efficacy with time and exposure to heat and light. So, after one year unopened on a shelf, if stored incorrectly in direct sunlight, or at a temperature above 77ºF, it begins to degrade and continues to deteriorate.
Once the product loses potency, it can no longer disinfect properly, and you need to dispose of it properly by diluting the remaining bleach with a large amount of water before it pouring into a sink drain (1,2).
https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/covid-19-disinfecting-with-bleach
Coronavirus
Regarding the Coronavirus Outbreak and official government advice;
Like everyone, we’ve been busily gathering as much information as possible about the impact of the
Coronavirus (Covid-19). We have taken advice from Head Office and are working out how we best
protect our clients.
Please contact us as soon as possible if you are suffering from even mild cold and flu like
symptoms, have travelled to an affected area or have been in contact with someone who has been
diagnosed with the disease.
In the interests of helping to stop the spread of Coronavirus;
1. If you do contact us to inform us that you have been advised to self-isolate or are taking the
precautionary measures from even mild symptoms. We will temporarily suspend the
services and issue you with a credit for any cleaning hours missed until it is safe to re-start
said services.
2. We will also be notifying our database of cleaners with the same advice and also NHS
guidelines on How To Prevent Germs From Spreading.
3. Currently we will be acting on request and we will be following the Government’s advice.
Should the situation change we will inform you but for the time being we will be acting on a
case by case basis and for most clients it will continue unaffected.
Stephen & Soulla
Time for You
How to make cleaning fun
😀🙃
Turn It into A Workout
Who said cleaning had to just benefit the house? Cleaning is a great opportunity to get a workout in! Turn it into a workout by using a pedometer or smart watch to keep track of your movements. You can also burn extra calories by using some ankle weights or a weighted vest. Make sure to wear comfortable, loose clothing, and crank up the music for some added cleaning motivation!
Play Music
Make a fun, upbeat playlist of music that gets you moving or find one on most popular music streaming channels. Research has shown that music serves as a “good distraction”, one that deters your attention away from the specific task you're doing and makes you less aware of physical exertion. This, in turn, allows you to keep the energy up to get your house clean! Have the whole family join in by playing something up-beat that everyone can sing along and dance to while they clean. Playing your favourite music is not just a fun cleaning tip, but can also be used as a form of cleaning motivation.
If you have an hour:
Vacuuming—153 calories
Mopping— 168 calories
Dusting— 174 calories
If you only have 30 minutes:
Cleaning the bathroom —200 calories
Mowing the lawn — 185 calories
Loading the dishwasher — 105 calories
Each task adds up, so when you’re done — reward yourself!
https://www.pulte.com/blog/how-to-make-cleaning-fun
33 Ways to De-clutter Your Life (and Keep It That Way!
THERE'S ONLY ONE POSSIBLE RESULT: YOU FEELING FREER
Clutter creeps up. No matter how vigilant you are about performing annual clean-ups around the house, the gradual accumulation of junk is a never-ending tide that wanes in and out, leaving piles of chaos that challenge your clarity and overwhelm your sense of serenity. No two ways about it: clutter is stressful.
Thing is, though, it's an easily solvable problem—one that takes only two steps. First, you have to purge. Then, you have to adopt best practices. And lucky for you, we've rounded up said best practices for how to de-clutter your life and how to de-clutter your home right here. So read on, and learn how to de-clutter your home and your life. There's only one possible result: you feeling happier, healthier, and freer than ever before.
https://bestlifeonline.com/declutter/
Remove Tough Grime With Less Scrubbing
Whether it’s built-up soap scum on the shower walls, ground-in dirt on the floor tile or dried toothpaste on the vanity top, a Magic Eraser sponge (or other brands) will make short work of it. Just dampen it and rub it on the offending mess. In most cases, the mess will come right off. These sponges are especially useful for removing ground-in dirt from porous floor tile and getting those pesky nonslip strips in the bottom of your tub clean.
Magic Eraser sponges clean bathroom showers well and are available at grocery stores, hardware stores and wherever cleaning supplies are sold. Unlike regular sponges, they wear out pretty fast, so stock up.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/cleaning/cleaning-tips-and-tricks-to-make-your-home-shine/
Hylands Park
The Hylands Park is a public park with a large mansion with an area of approximately 2.3 square kilometres, located near Chelmsford, in the county of Essex, England. It belongs to the population of Chelmsford and is subordinate to the local state administration. Although open to the public, the estate grounds and mansion is closed to general access for major events, such as the annual Rock Festival V Festival among others. Popularly used for recreational activities or a day outdoors, this is a perfect venue for hosting weddings. Go there with kids or go there for a wonderful day on the wondrous green under the sun.
CREDITS – PINTEREST/PHOTOGRAPHYBYVICKI.CO.UK
Visit Central Park in Chelmsford
For a moment of peace, this park curls along the north bank of the River Can in the centre of Chelmsford.
The park is divided into meadows, pastures, a nature reserve, a war memorial garden and a large lake with geese and swans.
On the south shore is the Cake at the Lake cafe, a pillar of local life, while the Central Park Viaduct brings some spectacle to the park.
This eye-catching, 18-arch construction dates to 1842 and was built for the Eastern Counties Railway.
Be sure to take walk along the River Can, and you may forget that you’re in the middle of one of the largest cities in Essex.
Chelmsford For You
Whether you’re a seasoned visitor to Chelmsford or visiting for the very first time, here you will find all the essential information you’ll need to help you plan your visit. Take a trip back in history to discover more about Chelmsford and learn about some of the world-famous pioneers who have lived here.
In this section you will also find practical advice, such as information on how to get to Chelmsford, where to park and the best ways of travelling around the city - helping you to make the most of your time in Chelmsford.
https://cdn.wearedestination.com/media/Chelmsford/homepage-video.mp4
Ladies Club
So…what is Ladies Circle?
Chelmsford Ladies Circle is a social club for women aged 18-45. Find out more about our club here >
Ladies Circle is about fun and friendship and also making a difference in your local community by volunteering to help out local community groups, charities and needy individuals. We are part of a family of local, national and international Ladies Circles.
!Together we are part of the wider Round Table family, which includes Round Table, Tangent and 41 Club."
https://www.chelmsfordladiescircle.co.uk/what_is_ladies_circle.php"
Chelmsford City Racecourse
One of the busiest racecourses in the UK with a massive 59 in 2020 as well as loads of fantastic non-raceday events throughout the year, there really is something for everyone. To view our 2020 fixture list, please click below.
CLICK HERE FOR FULL 2020 FIXTURE LIST
https://chelmsfordcityracecourse.com/events
BRITAIN'S NEWEST CITY IS A PLACE TO LIVE, WORK AND FLOURISH
CHELMSFORD IS A CITY OF VIBRANT ENERGY AND ACTIVITY.
FIND OUT WHAT'S ON.
https://chelmsfordforyou.co.uk/
Essex Police Museum
A trip through more than 150 years of policing and justice in the county of Essex, this museum is at the Essex Police Headquarters next door to Chelmsford Prison.
Many of the exhibits hark back to the Victorian period and 20th century, when justice was swift and brutal.
The museum has the death mask of Frederick Browne, convicted of the murder of a policeman in 1928 and hanged four months later.
Other morbid artefacts are the shoes of Camille Holland, killed in the notorious Moat Farm Murder of 1898, which made national news.
On the lighter side you can step into a Victorian Cell and inspect a Noddy Bike, a small four-stroke bike used by officers in the mid-20th century.
Youngsters can dress up as an officer and have their prints taken.
7 Things You Should Clean Every Single Day
We know what you're thinking: "Another thing to add to my to-do list?!" But trust us when we say there's a method behind our madness. Checking off these seven easy chores each day will make a huge difference in your home in the long run by cutting down on future scrubbing and scouring — not to mention harmful germs and bacteria. Consider these the absolute essentials that need to get done daily for that fresh and clean feeling.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3221/things-you-should-clean-every-day/
Fight Furniture Stink
If your pet has couch privileges (or thinks he does), your furniture can start to smell like the dog park. Sprinkle baking soda on your cushions to freshen them, let it sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up. We also like Febreze Pet Odour Eliminator to quickly keep upholstery smelling nice in between deeper cleanings.
https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g2529/cleaning-up-after-pets/?slide=1
Fancy something fun and relaxing to do in the summer months, when Time For You helps free up some of your time? How about watching a movie outdoors? well bring your blankets because the movies being shown outdoors this year are listed below! 👍😍🤩
Thank you to all our wonderful and loyal customers and all our fantastic cleaners!!! Without you all
Time for You wouldn't exist!
Here are a couple of our latest reviews...
it's always a joy receiving them, so thank you! xx
"Great to have our house cleaner back! Realised exactly why we called Time For You Chelmsford a year ago. Having to do our own cleaning during lock-down has been a challenge to say the least. Thanks Stephen and Soulla, for the way you have handled things during this strange time."
John & Lori M. CM3
"Time For You have dealt with the Covid 19 situation amazingly well. They have been sensitive and helpful. Thank you.!
Christine W. CM3
"Excellent domestic cleaners. Thank you."
George S. CM1
"Would definitely recommend Time For You Chelmsford. Thank you for introducing our lovely cleaner Alison. Look forward to coming home to a nice clean home."
John and Jenny CM1
"If you are looking for good quality house cleaners, then give Time For You Chelmsford. Recommend highly.
Alison H. CM1
"Used time for you for an end of tenancy clean, my flat was super clean and I got 100% of my deposit back! Thank you"
Lisa C. CM2
"Best domestic cleaning company we have dealt with in all the years we have had cleaners. Would recommend to anyone."
Kelly M. CM1
"It is true, our cleaner is honest, reliable and police checked and we are more than happy with her and the customer service throughout."
Joanne L. CM1
"So pleased with the service we have received so far. Definitely a cleaning company that cares about their cleaners and their customers. Thank you!
Joan & Bert CM1
" Thanks guys for firstly organising our deep clean and then supplying us with our regular cleaner. My wife has constantly talked about how her life would be made so much easier with a house cleaner, so I thought I would just organise it for her as a surprise as part of her birthday present. seriously, I am now the best thing since sliced bread. Recommend it to anyone. Really helpful, professional and personable."
John P. CM1
"Thank you to Time For You Chelmsford for a great service in general and for our very own fantastic cleaning lady"
Helen M. CM2
"We are more than happy to recommend Time for You Chelmsford. A superb cleaning company, with ethics. We love our cleaner and have already recommended to several of our friends."
Tash & Fred CM1
"Just wanted to say a huge thank-you for Donna. She came this morning and did her 2 hours. She is so lovely and did a first rate job - perfect."
Kate & Alan V. CM3
"LOVE OUR NEW CLEANER!! I really wish we had done this years ago. That feeling of dread every weekend, knowing I had 4 hours of cleaning after a busy week at work, has now gone. I am literally elated. Thank you Time for You. The name is so apt!
Joanne F. CM1
"Excellent domestic cleaning company. Really efficient and easy to set up with Stephen and Soulla, who are a pleasure to deal with. They are both really approachable and professional. Our house cleaner Alison is just what we were looking for. Thank you."
Jo and Ian R. CM2
"Great cleaning company and wonderful cleaning cleaner. Thank you Time for You.
Greg and Sandra P. CM1
"Never seen my kitchen look so clean! Can't tell you how excited I am now, to come home to a clean house on cleaning day. Love this company, they definitely earn their management fee."
Moira F. CM1
"Superb house cleaning company. It is run well, the management cares and our cleaner is a little gem."
John L. CM1
"Thank you Time for You for our wonderful new cleaner. it's been lovely dealing with a cleaning company that cares. Efficient, approachable and always at the end of the phone if we have any questions"
Joan and Rod H. CM2
Festival Wakeboard and Aqua Park
Waterfront Walk, Basildon SS14 3DG
Opening Times: Closed Mondays, various times Tuesday-Sunday, depending on the activity and the month
Average Price: 1 hour session £20, wetsuit hire £5, grip socks £2
They offer wakeboarding at all levels so you can go there if you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned pro.
They have a beginner’s cable, a slow cable and a main cable so you can work your way through the levels - and you can start from as young as eight-years-old.
As well as wakeboarding, they also have a popular aqua park which features two Jungle Joes, two Blast Bags, a huge trampoline, a Jungle Jim, a Zulu Slide, two Foxtrots, two Sierras, a Walking on Water walkway, a Cyclone (hamster wheel) and the Kaos.
This is for anyone who is age six and over and can be booked for parties or groups of friends.
There is also a beach, paddling area and new cafe.
https://www.essexlive.news/whats-on/family-kids/15-best-outdoor-activity-centres-2995031
Quote of the year
"No matter how 'busy' a person is, if they care they will always find time for you."
Things in your home that you should be cleaning!
How many times a day do you touch your remote controls? And how many times can you honestly say you’ve cleaned yours? More than likely it's near enough zero. A study conducted by the University of Virginia, found that half the remote controls tested contained cold viruses. To get rid of these germs once and for all, you can grab an disinfectant wipe and apply a quick scrub at least once a month.
Did you know...
1. Britain’s first ever public audio broadcast was made from Chelmsford on June 15, 1920. The broadcast featured the singing of Australian opera diva, Dame Nellie Melba. It was said to have been received as far away as Newfoundland
2. Chelmsford is the birthplace of radio after Marconi opened the world’s first wireless factory in the town in 1899.
3. Chelmsford, Massachusetts was founded by emigrants from Chelmsford in 1653.
Our most fun review. Thank you!
"Wow! I know this sounds a bit over the top, but I have dreamt of having a cleaner for years! I dreaded Saturdays as that was my chore day, the whole thing seemed to just eat into my weekend!! So when Stephen came round to tell us how it all worked, I was literally jumping for joy! I felt like a little girl and I have to apologise for being a little too familiar by hugging Stephen before he left, haha. But then Time for you have taken the stress out of my weekend and like they say on the website, have given me 4 hours of my time back a week, which I calculated works out to 208 hours a year, which I think is near enough 3 weeks. Well worth it! I am so pleased with our house cleaner they have matched me with and the wonderful job she is doing. Customer care is fantastic!!! Thank you"
Claire W. Chelmsford
Dishwasher DO’S & DON’TS
Dishwashers are an invention that have changed our lives and freed up a lot of time in the kitchen which otherwise would have been spent washing and drying all the dishes by hand. Using a dishwasher can also be better for the environment. However, in order to get the best out of your dishwasher, here are some do’s and don’ts.
Do use all the space you can and try and stack the dishwasher in the most efficient way. Put bigger pieces in first and then fill the smaller items around them.
Don’t overfill the utensil holder. If you cram too many in, not all of them will be cleaned sufficiently.
Don’t rinse plates before putting them in the dishwasher. Scrape the plates to ensure the larger bits of food have been removed but rinsing the plates will use additional water and modern dishwashers can cope with food residue on plates as long as you run the dishwasher that day and don’t leave them standing there too long.
Do run a full load. Dishwashers are a great way to be efficient with water, however if you only run half loads, water will in fact get wasted.
Don’t overload the dishwasher. Although you should only do full loads, don’t go to the other extreme and overfill. You run the risk that not everything will be completely clean, resulting in you having to wash them again (and wasting both water and electricity).
Do run the dishwasher at night. Waiting until later in the evening can lower your electricity bill. It also makes sense as you can place all the dishes from the entire day into the dishwasher and wash them all in one go.
Don’t unload the top drawer first. Sometimes the upper dishwasher rack can store water. If you empty these items first, you can end up getting the dry items on the bottom level wet.
Do use Rinse Aid - using this regularly will guarantee a better, shinier clean.
Do clean the dishwasher regularly. Inspect the drain for bits of food and remove them before running the machine again. Also use dishwasher cleaner once a month on an empty cycle to keep the machine clean.