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If there’s one thing that can suck the joy right out of a freshly built home or a newly renovated room, it’s the fine dust that lingers afterward. Regardless of how well the contractor has sealed off the construction site, this dust somehow always gets into the other areas of your house. To make matters worse, construction dust is bad for your health, notoriously difficult to remove, and can ruin your belongings if not removed completely. Luckily, a professional renovation and construction cleaning in Anchorage (also known as post-construction cleaning), can remove every last trace of plaster dust and other types of post-construction debris. But why is construction dust so hard to remove? In what way is post-construction cleaning different from regular cleaning? What happens during a post-construction cleaning? Keep reading to get the answers to these questions! Is post-construction cleaning hard? Post-construction cleanings focus on removing the types of dirt that wouldn’t be present under everyday circumstances. These include not just construction dust and debris, but also harmful chemicals and other hazardous substances. Because of this, unless the construction or renovation project in question was an extremely minor one, post-construction cleaning is almost certainly going to take a lot more time and energy to execute correctly than a regular cleaning ever would. The main advantages professional post-construction cleanings provide are: Safety Construction dust isn’t the only threat to your health that can remain after a renovation. Screws, nails, wire, sawdust, broken glass, and other dangerous materials all need to be picked up and thrown out before someone can step on them. Efficiency The sooner your property has been cleaned, the sooner you can begin living in it or renting it out. Top-notch cleaning companies have the equipment and the know-how necessary to provide superb results in a short amount of time. Experience Dust, debris, and other grime tend to make their way into various nooks, crannies, and other out-of-the-way spots. Seasoned post-construction cleaners know how to find these places and remove the dirt before it can become too deeply ingrained. What is included in post-construction cleaning? Construction contractors follow a tight schedule that makes it highly impractical for them to clean while the project is still underway. That’s why the cleaning is typically outsourced to post-construction cleaners who know how to properly clean a structure or a room after it has been built or renovated. A typical post-construction cleaning includes: Vacuuming all floors using HEPA vacuum cleaners Cleaning and washing the windows and window frames Cleaning the exteriors and interiors of appliances, cabinets, and shelves Wet and dry dusting of fans, heaters, ceilings, and lights Cleaning and polishing all floors once the debris has been removed Removing dirt, marks, and smudges from walls Cleaning the trims Cleaning the threshold Proper trash and debris disposal Notifying the construction contractors about any safety issues such as leaks and loose wiring Removing plastic and stickers from windows, furniture, and doors Where can I book a high-quality renovation and construction cleaning in Anchorage? Have you recently renovated your bedroom and you want to make sure it’s completely free of builder’s dust and other construction debris? Or perhaps you simply wish to give your home or vacation rental an extra-through cleaning? Whatever your cleaning needs may be, don’t hesitate to reach out to White Lilac! We specialize in sending Anchorage’s finest cleaning experts who have the experience and the know-how necessary to render truly superb cleanings straight to our clients’ doorsteps. These pros will gladly take care of your cleaning while you enjoy a relaxing walk down the Tony Knowles Coastal Trail with your friends and family. Book your cleaning today!

With its abundant snowfalls, massive forests, and unique waterfront towns and cities, Alaska is the ideal destination for Christmas holidays. Throughout November and December, the Last Frontier offers countless events and activities that fit the spirit of Christmas to a T. In order to help you plan the perfect winter getaway, we’ve written a list of the 6 most interesting ways you can spend Christmas in Alaska. Keep reading to learn more! What are the greatest Christmas activities in Alaska? In addition to its incredible natural beauties and gorgeous coastal communities, one of Alaska’s biggest strengths is its versatility. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker looking for some biking and sledding fun, or the type who prefers a more relaxed, family-oriented vacation, you can rest assured the Last Frontier has got you covered. Here are the top 6 ways to spend Christmas in Alaska: 1. Dog sledding Did you know that dog sledding is the official state sport of Alaska, and that Alaskans love to share their love of it with tourists? Not only can you watch the sledding pros at Iditarod and the World Championship Sled Dog Races, you can also take a dog sled ride, play with Husky puppies, and even step onto the runners yourself! 2. Winter Arts Faire in Ketchikan Ketchikan is a small island town located close to the southernmost part of Alaska. It hosts an annual Winter Arts Faire that showcases more than 80 artisans’ projects and crafts, including jewelry, pottery, tie-dye, metalwork, photography, and more. 3. Skiing There’s no better place to go skiing in the United States than Alaska. The largest ski resort in the state, Alyeska Resort, is located only 40 miles from Anchorage. It boasts 76 trails and more than 669 inches of snow each year. If you’re a newcomer to the world of skiing, Hilltop and Arctic Valley offer an easy introduction to the sport. If Nordic skiing is more to your liking, the Nordic Skiing Association of Anchorage offers almost 100 miles of FREE trails specifically chosen for cross country skiing. 4. Anchorage Holiday Train In addition to giving you an opportunity to see some truly incredible winter landscapes, the Holiday Train on the Alaska Railroad includes a visit from none other than Santa Claus himself! On top of that, there’s also caroling, a magician performance, and more. 5. Chena Hot Springs The Chena Hot Springs Resort is located 61 miles east of Fairbanks. As its name implies, it enables you to relax in a steaming hot spring in the midst of a snowy landscape. Aside from the hot springs, the resort also has an indoor pool and an outdoor hot tub, plus an array of winter activities such as snow machine tours and dog sled rides. 6. Flightseeing Tours Being on a small plane (up to 9 seats) and flying over glaciers, between mountain ranges, and over frozen lakes is one of the most exciting and memorable experiences a tourist can have. Flightseeing tours depart from a number of places in Alaska and visit different locations, so make sure to do a little research beforehand and choose the one that interests you and your family the most. A Christmas getaway you’ll never forget There’s a reason why the Last Frontier is one of the most popular holiday destinations in America: its incredible nature, locales, activities, and events are something you truly can’t get anywhere else. At White Lilac, we’d like to help you make the most of your holidays by introducing you to unrivalled cleaning experts who will gladly keep your home squeaky clean while you and your loved ones enjoy your Christmas vacation. Get in touch with us today!

Moving to a new home is never easy. Not only do you have to uproot your life, update all your IDs with your new address, and make sure your loved ones and your belongings arrive safely at your new place, but you also need to ensure your old home is in excellent condition before you leave. The most effective way to do this is by performing a thorough move out cleaning in Anchorage, or hiring professional cleaners to do it for you. But why is this so? Why do you have to give your old house an in-depth cleaning prior to moving out, and what happens if you don’t? We’ll be answering these questions in the following article. Read on! What happens if you don’t clean your apartment when moving out? It depends. Are you the owner of your previous home, or did you rent it from a landlord? If you’re the owner, do you intend to sell or rent out the property anytime soon? If you were a tenant, what are your legal obligations as outlined in the rental lease agreement you signed when you rented your old home? Consider the following: If you’re the owner of your old place If you don’t intend to sell or rent out the home in the near future, there are no disadvantages to not performing a move out cleaning. However, if you intend to sell or rent out, it’s highly advised that you thoroughly clean the property before any prospective tenants or buyers see it. The reasons for this are clear: property buyers or renters are looking for a place to call home, and nobody wants to live in an unkempt house or apartment. Furthermore, people naturally assume a dirty place hasn’t been properly maintained. Having the place thoroughly cleaned beforehand is an easy way to avoid this problem. If you were renting your previous home Most landlord-tenant contracts stipulate that the tenant needs to leave the property in the same condition it was in when they first leased it. The only damages that are allowed are the ones that meet the legal definition of regular wear and tear. By not cleaning your old place before you move out, you’re essentially failing to fulfill your responsibilities as a tenant. As a result, your ex-landlord will almost certainly withhold your initial security deposit to cover the costs of the cleaning, and may even take legal action against you if you’ve left their property in a much worse state than it was in before you moved in. How clean should your house be when you move out? It should be absolutely pristine. Aside from being the moral thing to do, giving your old home an extensive move out cleaning will make it very hard for your previous landlord to find an excuse to hold onto your initial deposit or badmouth you to other landlords in the area. If you’re the owner of your old place and you’re looking to sell or rent it out, making sure it’s spotless is absolutely crucial if you want to draw the right kind of buyer or tenant. Where can I book an in-depth move out cleaning in Anchorage? Move out cleanings are tough. They take a lot more time and effort than regular cleanings, to the point where if you don’t need a shower afterward you probably weren’t cleaning hard enough. That’s why most homeowners prefer to leave these cleanings to the pros. Here at White Lilac, we specialize in introducing our clients to the finest cleaning experts in Anchorage, all of whom have been thoroughly vetted to ensure maximum reliability. They will happily take care of your cleaning needs while you make sure your big moving day goes off without issues or simply enjoy a relaxing stroll through Bootleggers Cove. Call us today!

Are you and your loved ones looking for an outdoorsy Thanksgiving weekend getaway this November? If so, Alaska is the place for you! In addition to all the great dining, entertainment, and shopping that you can find in a major city like Anchorage, the Last Frontier also offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. In fact, there are so many fun things you can do in Alaska that first or even second-time visitors often find it difficult to decide where they want to go first. It just seems that, whatever you choose, you’ll be missing out on something. We’re here to help! In order to help you plan the perfect Thanksgiving getaway, we created a list of 5 most interesting things you can do in Alaska during November. Keep reading to learn more! What’s the best way to celebrate Thanksgiving in Alaska? Regardless of which destination you choose, make sure to pack weather-appropriate clothes. The average daily temperatures during November in Alaska usually hover around 25 degrees fahrenheit, and rarely fall under 12 degrees or go above 43 degrees. Here are 5 great Thanksgiving getaways in Alaska: 1. Relax at the Aleutian Islands Aleutian Islands are a group of gorgeous volcanic islands located close to the Arctic Circle. Aside from the famous Museum of the Aleutians, visitors to the Aleutian Islands can also enjoy octopus burgers and other exotic foods. As the islands can be accessed only with a helicopter or a boat, they make for a perfect day trip from your vacation rental in Anchorage. 2. Go skiing Alaska tends to already be covered in snow at this time of the year, making it the perfect destination for winter sport aficionados. Simply rent a room at the Tordrillo Mountain and enjoy a long weekend of heli-skiing and other sports. Another great option is the Alyeska Resort. It boasts 7 ski lifts and a large number of ski runs for newbies and experts alike. It also has multiple well-marked winter trails that enable you to experience Alaska’s incredible natural beauty up close. Just don’t forget to pack up your winter sports gear before you go! 3. Hop on the train to Talkeetna Talkeetna is a village located about a 100 miles north from Anchorage. Aside from its kid-friendly nature, homemade meals, and Thanksgiving fireworks displays, Talkeetna is also famous for the beautiful snowy wilderness the train passes through on its way to the village. 4. See the northern lights Visit the second-biggest city in Alaska, Fairbanks, and go on a northern lights viewing trip with your loved ones. November is an excellent time for this because the nights are longer, which increases your chances of seeing the lights, and the temperatures are still warm enough for you to be comfortable outside. 5. Watch the Great Alaska Shootout The Great Alaska Shootout is a beloved local tradition at the University of Alaska Anchorage that starts during the Thanksgiving week and draws crowds from all over the state. If you aren’t all that interested in basketball, you can also enjoy the Christmas tree-lighting ceremony that’s normally held on the Friday of the Thanksgiving weekend. Enjoy a memorable Thanksgiving in the Last Frontier Is there any better way to celebrate a true family holiday like Thanksgiving than by taking an Alaska trip that you and your loved ones will remember fondly for the rest of your lives? Not if you ask us! Here at White Lilac, we’d like to help you enjoy your holiday even more by introducing you to the top cleaning experts in Anchorage. They will happily use their skills and experience to keep your home spotless while you’re away. Book your cleaning today!

It’s an unfortunate fact that America is full of unscrupulous landlords who are always looking for an excuse to withhold their renters’ security deposits. To do this, they will carefully inspect the property for any stains or damages that they can then use to “prove” the tenant’s negligence. Don’t let yourself be taken for a ride! By thoroughly cleaning the place before you move out, you’ll be meeting any cleaning stipulations in your rental contract while also making it next-to-impossible for your landlord to find anything to complain about. But what exactly does an Anchorage move out cleaning include, and how is it different from a regular cleaning? Are move out cleanings a must, or do you have an option not to do them? We’ll be answering these questions in the following article. Read on! Why should I book a move out cleaning? In addition to helping you get your security deposit back and being a generally nice thing to do, move out cleanings are extremely important if you own the property in question and are planning to sell it. After all, a pristine home is much more attractive to prospective buyers than one that looks like it hasn’t been maintained all that well. Furthermore, by having professional cleaners take care of your move out cleaning, you’ll make it easier for yourself to focus on the other aspects of your move, or simply give yourself some much-needed free time to relax and enjoy a peaceful stroll through the Delaney Park Strip with your loved ones. What’s included in a move out clean? Unlike standard home cleanings, move out cleanings primarily deal with the property itself. Since the previous renter has already removed most (if not all) of their furniture, decorations, and other belongings, the cleaners have ready access to areas that would otherwise be difficult to clean. A typical move out cleaning includes: Vacuuming and mopping floors Vacuuming floor coverings (carpet, rug, etc.) Throwing out the garbage Dusting high and low areas Cleaning door handles Dusting windows, ledges, and sills Cleaning inside accessible windows and window tracks Dusting all blinds and baseboards Cleaning all accessible light fixtures and ceiling fans Cleaning the interior and the exterior of the fridge, oven, and microwave Wiping countertops Wiping cabinet interiors and exteriors Cleaning and disinfecting the toilet Cleaning the sink Cleaning and disinfecting showers and bathtubs Changing the linens How do you deep clean a house before moving out? Deep cleaning is an extra-thorough type of cleaning that aims to clean difficult-to-reach surfaces, remove stubborn stains, and clear out cluttered areas. Due to how extensive and time-consuming it can be, a deep cleaning is only done 2-3 times a year, which is why many people refer to it as “spring cleaning”. Deep cleanings often include: Everything a standard cleaning does Moving large furniture and cleaning behind and underneath it Removing HVAC vent covers to clean or replace the filters and vacuum inside the vent Cleaning inside and outside the oven, microwave, and fridge Cleaning inside and outside kitchen cupboards and drawers Shampooing the carpets Washing the windows Where can I book an in-depth Anchorage move out cleaning? Moving is never easy. On top of having to deal with your landlord and make sure your pets, family, and belongings get to their new home safely, you also need to roll back your sleeves and give your old Anchorage home a good move out scrubbing. With all those things to worry about, it’s no surprise that many Americans feel that moving is even more stressful than planning a wedding. At White Lilac, we’d like to help you take care of your move out cleaning by matching you with one of the expert cleaners we work with. Contact us today!

Between its gorgeous landscapes, its famous national parks, and its diverse and unique wildlife, the Last Frontier truly is a dream come true for hikers. That being said, Alaska also has a number of unique traits that can take even the most experienced hikers by surprise. In order to help you make your trip as pleasant as possible, we’ve written a brief guide on how to prepare and what to expect when you go hiking in Alaska. Read on. What should I bring on a hiking trip in Alaska? Even a short hiking trip inevitably takes you away from the safety of civilization and puts you at the mercy of Mother Nature. Luckily, by bringing some hiking essentials with you, you’ll be able to deal with everything the wilderness can throw at you. These hiking essentials things are: Rugged hiking boots are a must. Don’t make the mistake of going hiking in a pair of running shoes. First aid kit and an emergency blanket are a must-have safety precaution. Companions. Hiking with others lessens your chance of an unpleasant wildlife encounter (bears are scared of groups of people) and provides you with a safety net if something goes wrong. Flares and waterproof matches. Both of these enable you to create a smoke signal in case of an emergency. Bear spray and a bear bag. Bears rarely attack people, but it’s still a good idea to have a can of spray on you at all times. A bear bag will further reduce the chance of a bear encounter by masking the smell of the foods you’re carrying with you. Guidebook for edible fruits and plants. If you get lost for more than a day or two, you may be forced to eat wild berries and plants to survive. Knowing which ones are edible could save your life. What should I keep in mind when hiking in Alaska? Hiking through the Alaskan wilderness really is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life. However, it can also be dangerous if you don’t know how to deal with its challenges. Keep the following in mind: Be ready for the weather Alaskan weather is notoriously unpredictable. If you go hiking, you need to be ready to deal with sudden onsets of fog, unexpected temperature changes, and more. Navigation is a must It’s easy to get lost in Alaska. Whether you use GPS, a topo map, or a compass, you need to be able to stay aware of where you are. Don’t run from bears If you come across a bear, you should stand your ground, remain calm, and stay in a group. Running away will trigger the bear’s hunting instinct and make it chase you. Run from moose Most of the time, moose won’t care about your presence as long as you don’t try to approach them. If they do charge you, run away from them and hide behind a tree (or climb on a tree). They won’t chase you if they feel you’re no longer close enough to be a threat. You can’t rely on your phone Cell service is nonexistent in many parts of Alaska. Even satellite phones won’t work if a mountain is blocking the signal. We’ll keep your home clean while you’re away The last thing you want to do after getting back from a long hiking trip is to spend hours mopping and vacuuming your home. At White Lilac, we can help you solve that problem by connecting you with dependable cleaners in Alaska who have the tools and the expertise necessary to give your house a truly extensive cleaning. Book your cleaning today or give us a call if you’d like to learn more about what we provide.