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Cleaning the Dusty Ceiling Fan

Mon, 16 Jan 2017 09:01:00 GMT

When was the last time you looked up at your ceiling fans? If it's been a while, you might be surprised at the amount of dust that has accumulated on the fan blade! Dusting the ceiling fan likely isn't part of your regular house cleaning , and it's tricky to do without making a mess of the dust.

Here's a simple, effective way to clean the dust off a ceiling fan:

Why this works

Not only does the pillow case trap the dust, but the thin material is easily charged with static electricity; when you wipe the fan blade, it attracts the dust to the pillow case. Though many people probably aren't going to be looking up to appreciate your handywork, a dust-free ceiling fan keeps your air cleaner. You will also be able to amaze your friends with your clever cleaning trick!

Remember, too, that if keeping your house clean is a strain on your time, work, or family, cleaning services might help you stay on top of things.

Easy Green Glass Cleaner Recipes at Your Doorstep

Fri, 13 Jan 2017 11:55:00 GMT

Cleaning windows can be done in two ways. Either you buy the expensive, branded, attractive window cleaners available in stores or make your own homemade easy green glass cleaner recipes from simple ingredients that you already have in your house. Homemade cleaners not only protect the environment but also are not toxic. The only thing they lack is the bright sparkling color and fancy packing. But they turn out to be very cheap and work out well and sometimes even better than the branded window cleaners.

The homemade easy green glass cleaner recipes do not use harsh ingredients that are harmful to children and also do not pollute the water system. Thus due to the environmental impact more and more people are trying homemade cleaners. You can make your own window cleaning easy green glass cleaner recipes if you know the right ingredients and the proper method of preparation and application.

Make your own easy green glass cleaner recipes from natural ingredient vinegar: Vinegar not only removes oil and grease from the glass but also keep windows from fogging. You can use white vinegar or cedar vinegar and make window cleaning recipes like:

You can also make easy green glass cleaner recipes by using rubbing alcohol because it evaporates quickly without leaving any streaks or lines and is inexpensive. It is also easier to use because you can take the substance directly from the bottle or add to other substances.

Tips and Tricks for Removing Outdated Wallpaper

Fri, 12 Dec 2014 16:05:00 GMT

Before You Begin

Use a scraper to remove a small section of your wallpaper and see how many layers you have to remove and also get a feel for how much time the entire process might take.

Check if the Wallpapers are Strip-able

Strip-able wallpapers can be removed easily. You can use a utility knife and raise one edge of the wallpaper and tug it gently while pulling at an angle. Make sure to keep both hands close to the lifting edge to ensure the wallpaper comes off easily, leaving no adhesive residue.

Soften the Wallpaper Paste

If your wallpaper is not strip-able, you can try soaking the wallpapers using a mixture of warm water, liquid detergent and cellulose paste for at least five minutes. Soaking will soften the wall paper paste and facilitate easy removal. You can then use a scraper to remove the wallpaper.

If the wallpaper has a water resistant coating, use a wire bristle brush to scrape and loosen it before soaking.

Consider Using Chemical Strippers

For wallpaper that has been covered with paint, you should consider using chemical strippers. Apply the chemical stripper to the wallpaper and let it soak for around 20 minutes before attempting to scrape it from the wall.

While using chemical strippers, it is important to wear protective clothing, gloves and goggles, as the chemicals may be corrosive or harmful.

Try Steaming

Steaming also makes wallpaper removal easier. Try using a steam stripper for wallpapers that are hard to remove or if the wallpaper is covered with several layers.

If you have several wallpapers to remove or are in need of a quick, clean and effective wallpaper removal process, it is advisable to seek help from professional wallpaper remover.

When undertaking such a large project, it's nice to have some help with other work around the house . Call The Maids in Cleveland to take care of everything else.

Tips for Extendingthe Lifespan of Your Washer and Dryer

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Avoid Using Harsh Detergents:

There are hundreds of cleaning agents that you can use to keep your clothes clean. Unfortunately, some of them are formulated with ingredients that can affect the internal components of the washers by corroding them. One of the best ways of avoiding this is by using milder laundry detergents that are recommended by the manufacturer.

Keep Vents Clear:

For dryers to work well, and to avoid fire hazards, you must maintain the vents properly. If you don’t regularly clean out the lint trap, it can cause the dryer to not dry clothing as well, in turn taking longer to dry clothing loads. Lint build-up can also lead to a fire accident.

Clean Washer Interior:

In order to make sure your washer continues to clean your clothing, you need to periodically clean the inside. This is so you can remove soap scum build-up, and other residues that can coat the interior of the washer over time. There are ready-to-use washer cleaners available that you can purchase to clean your washer. Or, you can use a simply fill the washer with water, add in 1-2 cups of bleach, and run a regular cycle to clean the inside. However, if the interior of your washer is stainless steel DO NOT use bleach, as it can damage it.

Avoid Overfilling:

Both your washer and dryer function better when they are properly loaded. Make sure that you do not keep stuffing in clothes just because they will fit. This can easily lead to overfilling, and will cause your clothing to possibly not get cleaned properly in the washer, and take longer to dry in the dryer.

And if you have been considering the idea of hiring a maid service to assist you in your home, then do not hesitate to contact The Maids of Cleveland, in Bedford Heights, Ohio who would be happy to help.

Various Types of Dryers on the Market

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Electric dryers:

These are the most common dryers on the market. You need a power socket in order to be able to use this dryer. The price tag varies depending on the design and specific features of the model.

Gas dryers:

This one runs on gas and has to be handled with great care because gas leaks are possible and areextremely dangerous if they occur. One of the major reasons most people prefer these are cheaper to operate so it helps reduce expenses in the long run. However, during initial stages, you have to invest in a gas line and all installation features required, unless your home is already equipped for this type of dryer.

Space saver dryers:

As the name suggests, these are unique gas and electric dryers that have integrated stacked units with front loading dryer at the top and top loading washer at the bottom. They are a perfect choice for condos and apartments with limited space, as they can be comfortably placed in a small space.

During the selection process, check the reputation of the manufacturing companies to avoid spending your hard earned cash on low quality product. If possible, speak directly with a customer service representative, so that your questions can be answered directly or better yet ask family and friends about their experiences with their machines. Knowing the various types of dryers on the market will help you choose one that is in line with your budget and expectations. And if you are looking for assistance with your house cleaning needs, The Maids of Cleveland, in Bedford Heights, Ohio, would be happy to help!

Getting Baby Bottles Absolutely Spotless

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Gather the Basic Cleaning Supplies

Prepare basics such as hot water, a good brush for the bottles and nipples and dish washing liquid. A good bottle brush helps you to clean the sides and bottom of the bottle. You can also use a gentle nipple brush to clean the rubber nipple which can easily accumulate bacteria. The dish washing liquid should be a non toxic and gentle liquid that is specifically designed for baby bottles and does not leave any residue.

Wash the Baby Bottle Right After Use

Water, sugar and warmth provide the ideal conditions for germs to thrive. Therefore, it is advisable to wash the baby bottle right after use in order to prevent caking of the milk and the creation of a foul odor which is very difficult to get rid of, especially if you are using plastic bottles. Start off by pouring the leftover milk and rinse the bottles with hot water. Brush the baby bottle in and out using a gentle baby brush in order to avoid scraping off the plastic. Move the baby bottle brush along the edges in order to remove the filmy milk residue.

Allow the Baby Bottles to Dry Thoroughly

Rinse all the bottle parts in hot running water to remove the soapy residue and bubbles. Place all the parts on a drying rack and make sure they are left to drain and dry thoroughly in a well ventilated location. Bottles can grow fungus and mold if they remain damp for too long.

Proper sanitation of baby feeding accessories is the best way to ensure that bottle feeding is as safe and germ free as breastfeeding.

The Maids Cleveland know how much work new babies can be, and are ready to help with household chores whenever you may need them.

Enhance Efficiency of Your Fridge by Organizing It Today

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Here are some tips to help you organize your fridge.

Items that you use on a daily basis should be placed at the front sections of the fridge. This will go a long way in saving you time as you will be able to access them faster especially when on a rush.

Food items should not only be easily accessible but also more visible. Most people tend to forget some of things they already have and end up congesting the fridge with unnecessary items. By apply this tip, you will be able to shop for items that you only need. Also, the number of out-of-date products will significantly reduce.

It goes without saying that consuming stale food will compromise your health. To protect yourself from such scenarios, it’s wise to place foods that are nearing expiring date at the front and newly purchased items at the back.

On average, modern fridges have at least three or four compartments. Go ahead and place similar foodstuffs in one compartment to avoid confusion. For example, vegetable and fruits can be stored in one compartment. While you are there, ensure that things that your children love are at lower compartments. This will reduce chances of accidents occurring as they try to retrieve them.

Finally, make use of the door by hanging menus and list of tasks that you plan to complete before the end of the week, month or year. You can also stick your child’s creative drawings on the fridge to experience your appreciation.

5 Tips for Removing Marks on Wallpaper

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 00:00:00 GMT

1. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines

Wallpapers vary in both content and coating, which means that manufacturers offer different kinds of cleaning methods for every design. You should, therefore, check the manufacturer’s advice for cleaning your type of wallpaper.

2. Removing grease on washable wallpaper

You can clean washable wallpaper using a natural sponge that is lightly dampened in a warm water and liquid dishwashing detergent solution. Before you start cleaning, test the mixture in an inconspicuous corner to ensure that it will not remove the coating or paper. When cleaning, scrub lightly and try to keep the paper from getting too wet to avoid damage. After rinsing, absorb excess moisture with cleaning cloths.

3. Removing Finger marks

You can use an art gum eraser to remove smudges. Rub them gently to avoid damaging the area. Alternatively, you can use commercial wallpaper cleaners to lift the small marks.

4. Removing ballpoint-ink inscriptions

Use a towel to apply some denatured alcohol and let it sit for 10-15 seconds before wiping gently with a clean paper towel. You may need multiple applications for stubborn stains.

5. Removing crayon marks

These are a little more difficult to remove because they are waxy. But you can still remove the using a dry-cleaning solvent or some prewash spray. Test a small area to ensure it does not ruin the paper, then use a clean, white cotton swab, sponge, or white cloth to apply the solvent. You may need several applications to get rid of the stain.

You should never clean wallpaper with abrasive cleaners, such as scouring powders or soft-scrub cleansers because their abrasive granules can scratch your paper. The Maids of Cleveland in Ohio can do it for you, as well as handle the housekeeping in general and give you free time for other important things in life like spending time with the kids.

How to Get Rid of Stubborn Stains

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Common Stain and Their Solutions

Just because there are stains on your clothes doesn’t mean you have to throw them away. There are some simple things you can do to remove stains:

Grass Stains

For grass stains you should use vinegar and water. Pigment in grass can adhere to the fabric, but vinegar can easily remove it. You should mix vinegar and water, and apply it to the stain, then scrub and rinse.

Blood Stains

These can be the most stubborn stains. Always rinse in cold water first, and then let the garment soak. Adding salt and hydrogen peroxide will remove the remaining part of the stain. Vinegar and club soda can also work well.

Grease Stains

These can be the most difficult to remove. You should first use basic dishwashing detergent to treat the stain. In most cases, it will be sufficient to get rid of the stain.

These tips can definitely help you save your clothes from having to be discarded. It may take about one or two cycles before you are able to get rid of the stain. If you’re unsuccessful, you should call a professional cleaning service. The Maids would be happy to assist you with your stubborn stains as well as all your cleaning needs.

How to Get More Comfort from Your Bed

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Layering

Your bed will never be as comfy as it could be if you just use one foam pad above the mattress. To make your bed luxurious, why not add several extra layers to create an auspicious bedding experience?

Using Bed Warmers

The ideal way of warming your bed is using bed warmers to up your comfort level and directly get you sleeping within no time, no matter the situation.

Replace Mattress

There comes a time when the only solution to make your bed truly enjoyable is to replace it. Old mattresses are no longer as comfortable when compared to those that embrace new technologies. If yours does not have additional cushioning but just single foam, it is high time you should do away with it.

Happy Memory

Today, you can get memory foam pads for your mattress. The best size thickness for extra pleasure is 1-1/2- to 2-inch thickness. It gives enough room for near endless padding and cushioning.

Going Down

When you are not allergic to products made from feather, down padding is the best option for you. Luxurious comforters, pillows, and mattress toppers will be the best additions to down filled bed experience.

Use High Quality Sheets

The best sheets are those that gently touch on your skin offering quick comfort and the right amount of warmth, and you can only get that from cotton as the main fabric.

Your bed will never be the same again if you employ some of the preferred suggestions above. You should always choose whatever goes hand in hand with your needs.

There’s nothing better, too, then climbing into a freshly made bed in a clean bedroom. If your schedule is too busy to keep everything clean, a call to The Maids could put you in real comfort!

Best Garage Organization Ideas That Work

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 00:00:00 GMT

1. Sort

It is best to group similar items together to make them easy to find. Shelving units, a few coats of paint and some cute decals for the garage door will transform the space without spending a lot of money. Put frequently used items, such as paper towel, cleaning materials, toilet paper and drinks, on the shelf units.

2. Keep dangerous chemical in their original containers

Most people often keep paints, pesticides and auto fluids in old food containers making them very dangerous as these containers may leak and cause respiratory problems, fumes, burns and even fire hazards. Besides being stored in their original containers, they should also be kept out of reach of children or pets. This can be inside locked cabinets or on high shelves.

3. Lean the ladders horizontally

Ladders when left leaning against the wall can be a hazard. This style often seems to be the correct storage position, but what if it tips over? It can injure a loved one or damage your car. So the best position is to lean it horizontally along the wall. You can also store it on hooks, which is the better option.

4. Assign each area of the garage a specific purpose

Take your time and think carefully about what you want the garage to be used for. Also, think about the best possible way it can be divided up. Divide the space into zones to help you create a setup that does not only make sense, but also leaves the room neat and well-organized.

Ig you need help with cleaning and organizing your garage or anything else, The Maids cover it all, from one –room cleaning to whole house cleaning, as well as emergency cleanups.

Making More Space in Your Fridge

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Bins for Each and All

Inside the fridge, there's liquid and there's solid goods. You can't really do without stratifying them because there are many terrible possibilities like the spillage of the beverages because of a cucumber that rolled right at it. Things have to be organized, perhaps categorized. On that note, you need refrigerator bins for liquid and solid goods. There are those containers that are exclusive for canned drinks, perfect for your Cokes or Pepsis, as well as those for fruits and veggies.

The features can be distinct from one another, for instance; the canned drinks bin allows you to pull one can so the one on top of it falls down, ready to be pulled for the next consumption. The point being that all your goods are in and together, yet they are separated and neat to the eye as much as it gives convenience. In addition, these racks come in different sizes, so you should check the area of your refrigerator's inside first.

Utilize the Drawers

Refrigerators today are considerably different than from the ones the past two years. Instead of the freezer being on the top level, they are below and even consume half the refrigerator space. What's much better is that the freezer is divided into two or three compartments. That means you have to maximize the use of these drawers. Make the one or two exclusive for meat stored in canisters appropriate for freezing, or if not canisters, Ziplock bags would do since they don't really stick inside the plastic of the compartment even in freezing points. The other compartment can be for other items like liquid ingredients that spoil easily or ice cream containers and ice cubes.

There are more ways to maximize your refrigerator space, and it all begins with making space. Remove everything, clean the space, clear the racks, wipe the wet surfaces. Start to categorize what you drew out and put them into the bins they need to be in. Eventually, you will find yourself putting stuff back in as easily as entering convenient boxes inside a moving truck. After all, your refrigerator is a microcosm of your house. You can start practicing organization with it and then the whole house follows.

Hands full? The Maids Cleveland can help keep your entire home organized and clean—cook dinner tonight in a spotless kitchen and the fridge you’ve freshly organized!

Homemade Cleaning Agents Recipes

Fri, 30 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Instead of using toxic chemical products in your home, you can make your own cleaning agents using some safe household ingredients. However, never mix bleach and ammonia, as they can create a deadly gas. It is important to ensure that the ingredients you are planning to use are appropriate for the surface you want to clean. White distilled vinegar and many other basic cleansers are safe for cleaning most surfaces, and can be mixed to make great cleaning products. Below are a couple of recipes for basic cleaners and their uses:

Window Cleaner

You will need a cup of white vinegar and a cup of water for this mixture. Fill a refillable 16 ounce trigger spray bottle with the vinegar and water. Shake the mixture and label.

Spray the mixture on the glass and wipe using a clean and soft lint free cloth, or use a balled up sheet of newspaper. This is a great recipe that does a fantastic job and is very economical.

Carpet Cleaner

You will need six drips of oil soap, a cup of club soda. Mix the drops of oil soap with the club soda in a bowl to make a foamy cleaner.

Rub mixture into the stained areas on the carpet and scrub using a brush. Rinse with water and blot immediately. Ensure that the stains on the carpet are cleanedas they happen, as the can be difficult to clean once they are dry. This agent is an effective cleanser and is strong on even the toughest stains.

While these cleaners are very effective, you simply may desire to have help. If this is the case, you can hire The Maids of Cleveland in Bedford Heights, Ohio to assist in your cleaning needs.

How to Make a Stunning Do-It-Yourself Headboard

Sat, 17 May 2014 13:18:00 GMT

When you’re redecorating your bedroom, it’s important that both the appearance and the mood be just right. You look through furniture, colors, accessories, and designs to find the perfect one.

The “perfect” one is not uncommonly one of the priciest, too, but it doesn’t have to be! There are some amazing, designer-level headboards you can make yourself for less than half the cost of one you might find in a store.

Here are a few ideas to get you started :

Window Shutters. Whether you’ve been remodeling and have a few leftover shutters or find them at a yard sale or thrift store, window shutters can become an amazing headboard with just a little bit of paint.

Paint the shutters to match your room—in more than one color if you want to add a bit of extra dimension—then hang them above your bed. You can hang them vertically or horizontally, so experiment a little until you find exactly what you like!

Bench Seat. Those cushions that go on a bench or porch swing can become a headboard with just a shelf and some string! Add a mantle-style shelf above your bed and hang a bench cushion from it with sturdy string or rope.

Suddenly, you have a bed-and-breakfast worthy headboard for much less than you would pay for a custom headboard.

Framed Fabric or Wallpaper. This is a great trick because it can be incredibly stunning and costs less than $50, and there are a variety of ways to do it!

The basic ideas is to take picture frames and fill them with fabric or pieces of wallpaper. There are three ways to break it up, and probably more!

You can use the same fabric or wallpaper for all of the frames or mix and match. In fact, one of the most affordable ways to do this project is to buy inexpensive frames at a thrift store or yard sale and a wallpaper sample book (you can find used ones online for $12-50) and frame the samples!

What will you try for your bedroom?

Best Methods to Remove Wine Stains from Carpet

Fri, 16 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

A wine stain on your carpet is a scary sight and removing it may prove difficult if it stays there for a while especially for red wines. However, there are a few methods that can be used to remove wine stains with products already in the house.

1. Take a spoon and scoop any puddled wine from the carpet , do it carefully to prevent the wine from spreading on the carpet. Next is to take a clean cloth and wipe the wine stain thoroughly until no more wine gets absorbed by the cloth. Take club soda and pour it on the stain and then take another clean cloth and wipe the club soda together with the wine stain until it is dry.

2. Blot the wine stain with a clean rag , this is to prevent the wine from getting absorbed deeper into the carpet. Mix a solution of 1 tablespoon of warm water, a tablespoon of vinegar and a tablespoon of dishwasher. Pour the solution on the stain and rub it with a clean cloth until it is dry.

3. Using dish soap and hydrogen peroxide , Mix the solution and pour it on the wine stain. Take a clean cloth and rub the wine stain thoroughly, make sure you get all the stains from the wine. Then pour clean cold water plus some dish washer and rub it a second time. This is to ascertain the stain is removed and prevent the carpet from being soapy.

4. Using salt , pour white wine on the stain to dilute the color. Pour cold water and blot the wine stain, try not to press the cloth to avoid the wine from being absorbed. Pour salt on the stain and leave it for approximately 10 hours, the salt draws out the wine stain. Finally, vacuum your carpet and it will be stain free.

5. Blot up the stain carefully to reduce the amount of wine on the carpet . Pour some cold water on the stain to dilute it the mix a baking soda and warm water. Pour it on your stain making sure to cover the whole stain and let it dry. Finally is vacuuming the stain and your carpet will be as good as new.

Causes of Indoor Allergens

Fri, 09 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Unlike outdoor allergies which are seasonal, indoor allergies exist throughout the year as long as the cause has not been removed from the house. Due to this, indoor allergen poses a much bigger threat than outside one. It is therefore very important that you use air conditioning and furnace filters so as to remove these indoor allergens for quality and safer air.

Although there are many causes of indoor allergens, the main one is the house dust. Do you know what makes up this dust? You cannot get a standard list of what it is made of as different houses have different sources of dust. It depends on the age of the house, the type, temperature inside, humidity, what is in it and the living things inside.

You cannot prevent dust from your house, no matter how well you clean it. Your house dust consists of airborne mixture which can contain very fine soil as well as plant material particles from inside or outside your house. In addition, it may contain human skin flakes, mold spores, pet dander and hair, dead insect parts and their waste, fabric fibers, dust mites, food particles and other kinds of debris.

Dust mites and their waste accounts for the largest part of your house dust and are high on scale as the most common allergic reaction triggers in homes.

There are a lot of things which you can do to check and remove out indoor allergens. One of the best ways is to remove the source of the allergen such as your pet or plant and then to strategies on the best way of removing allergens from your indoor air.

You might not be able to remove your pet outside, but you should try and install air cleaners along with suitable furnace filters as well as air conditioner filters.

Top uses of storage bins

Fri, 09 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

There are many industries who are doing an awesome job of manufacturing safe-keeping bins. These bins are a great part of daily life as they are available in a wide range of sizes and shapes for organization and house cleaning . These storage bins are used not only in homes, but in schools and warehouses as well. You can easily get the bins according to your need from any shop near your property.

Here are the top 10 uses for household storage bins:

1. A detailed storage system:

A number of people use storage platforms with storage bins in an integrated system of shelves, cabinets, lockers, and racks. It depends upon the individual to select bins according to the particular storage need. These storage bins can be purchased in all different sizes and shapes, making it easy to choose the right size and condition.

2. Security of numerous materials and parts:

Many bins are manufactured to handle heavy-duty storage as these bins ought to guarantee the security of different materials and belongings.

3. Protection of electronic digital components:

Many containers are manufactured for the purpose of protecting sensitive items. These are the components that are supposed to be kept secure, and plastic storage bins do really a great job for this reason.

4. Different portions to arrange:

Many items that don’t require special care are needed in a home or shop, but these are typically the parts that need to be stored in an organized manner. Many storage bins have completely different portions that do a great job organizing these items.

5. Easy access:

Many storage boxes are accessible in handy form and the user can decide how to make bins accessible in kitchen or other places. Finding a bin that meets your need will help.

6. Handling of food:

Storage bins come with the ability to look at different items of food in them. Air tight boxes or even bins help food to remain protected. These bins are located in many different sizes meant for storing food without waste.

7. Storage for children’s items:

A number of shoppers buy storage bins in which they may keep their children’s belongings. These bins play a great role for protection with children's toys, books, and craft things. These bins are located in many bright colors which attract kids for enjoying these boxes as properly.

8. Organization of house:

Storage bins are manufactured to help with your organization of tools with the garage like screws, products, nails, pipes etc.

There are many other advantages of having these bins inside your homes but these had been just few important and additionally integral uses of storage devices bins.

Storage bins are one way to help keep a house organized and clean, and maid services like those from The Maids Cleveland can take it one step further.

Cleaning Away Bedbugs and Dust Mites and Preventing Them from Returning

Fri, 02 May 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Bed bugs and dust mites are only 2 of the most irritating bugs you may ever have contact with. Just imagine - you're sleeping peacefully in your bed, when you're suddenly awoken by an unexpected itchiness. As you continue to scratch the irritated part, it swells much more, becoming scratchy in the process. While not health threatening by itself, it can be really troublesome, specifically if you want to just lay down on the bed after a hectic day.

These bugs take shelter on your beds - the same beds you use whenever you sleep. Their daily diet consists primarily of your dead skin cells, which, when bitten, creates a bodily reaction that will cause you to scratch the affected part. These bugs are also persistent, and can live for days and even months without any food whatsoever. They additionally have the ability to replicate swiftly, which means you'll have more problems in the future if you do not eliminate them now.

If you wish a relaxing sleep on your bed, then it is time to get rid of these annoying bugs for good.

Bedbugs and Dust Mites Eradication

Bed Bugs and dust mites are difficult to deal with; they have numerous hiding places (together with your bed) they can take refuge on. A little crack on your wall normally means a safe haven for these bugs. For you to exterminate them, you'll need to be very patient and persistent.

To begin, you'll have to clean your house completely. Cleaning the rooms that started the bug infestation isn't enough, because they may have taken refuge to other areas of your home once they are driven out from their original spots. Therefore, performing a house general cleaning is very important. Doing monthly general cleaning will help you in eradicating these bugs completely.

Making use of pesticides can also aid in killing these irritating bugs. Pesticides are effective in cleaning away these bugs, because these pesticides have chemicals that are hazardous to them. But, one problem with using these pesticides is that the same chemicals can be unhealthy for your body also. Make certain to use something to cover your nose whenever you spray these pesticides, regardless of whether it is having an “environment friendly” tag or not.

If the previous strategies do not work for you, then it is time for you to take it up to the next stage - enlisting the aid of a company that offers specialized pest management services.

These companies have all the tools and equipment required to rid annoying bugs, prevent a bug infestation, and prevent them from coming back. Their bug eradication services, however, may be a little bit costly, but they are well worth every cent. If you are tired of handling these troublesome bugs, then enlisting for these companies help is the wisest thing you can do.

Keeping Your House Protected From Bed Bugs and Dust Mites

Prevention is better than a cure, as one popular saying goes. This applies in this situation too. It is less expensive and much easier to prevent these bugs from taking refuge on your house than ridding yourself of them afterwards when the bug infestation starts.

As said before, keeping your home clean can aid you in preventing a total bug infestation. Clean every part of your home, particularly the rooms that bugs commonly take refuge on (i.e. attics, garages, storages, basements). Be sure to do a routine home cleaning each month to keep your home safe from these bugs.

Easy Green Laundry Detergent Recipes

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 00:00:00 GMT

It is incredibly easy to make laundry detergent at home. Homemade laundry detergents are also eco-friendly. It is also cheaper than conventional detergents. There are not many materials over the internet on easy green laundry detergent recipes. However, after spending some quality amount of time on personal research, I succeeded and wanted to share you this easy green laundry detergent recipe.

Now, you might ask yourself: why switch to natural laundry detergent? Well, conventional laundry detergent is loaded with chemicals like phenols, fragrances, sulfates, and more. Many brands have stuffs like petroleum distillates, which are linked to lung disease and cancer. Fragrances in commercial detergents are made of a mix of destructive chemicals.

Fortunately, making your own laundry detergent is a fast process! You only need four basic ingredients and supplies.

Borax and washing soda should be found at your local grocery store. Natural bar soaps are in the organic, beauty, or health sections of the store. They can also be available at online stores.

Do you have any idea what’s in these ingredients? Washing Soda, also called soda ash or sodium carbonate, is made from limestone and common salt. Borax is a naturally occurring mineral made up of water, sodium, oxygen, and boron. It is used in most of the natural soaps available now. However, it is more inexpensive to make yourself.

To make powdered laundry soap:

Now that you’ve covered one of the easy green laundry detergent recipes, it should be super easy and inexpensive to make your own laundry detergent at home. You will not notice any added fading or wear and tear on my clothing when you use this powdered laundry detergent recipe.

Encourage Your Children to Clean Up For Developing an Essential Life Skill

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Children are so energetic; they just can’t have enough of playtime. After enjoying one activity, they run towards the next and no matter the number of times you repeat your instructions or warnings for cleaning up, they just don’t lend an ear. So, let’s find a solution to the problem that most of the mothers face and learn some simple ways to get your children to clean up.

Make cleaning a part of their routine, e.g. - everyday 15 minutes before their favorite TV show would help them turn it into a habit of tidying up.

Organization and order is important to tidying up. Having places designated for their belongings such as racks for shoes, shelves for books and toy boxes for toys makes up for easy sorting and easy storage.

Set an example yourself. Do not indulge in complaining or griping while you do household chores because children imitate their elders, so make clean up time a fun time with music so that they associate the regular chores with fun. You can use a timer to motivate them as to who gets to put the toys away before the timer goes off. Encouragement by hugs, kisses, praises and timely rewards are important for maintaining the habit.

Discipline is important, so set some rules. Explain that after they have finished playing with a toy, they have to put it away. If not taken care of after one reminder, the toy can be taken away for a month or be given away. You are the one to make rules, so decide your level of harshness but be practical otherwise you won’t be taken seriously.

Initial suggestions and a little supervision are fine but do not step in and clean for them after you establish rules. It is surely easier and less time consuming to clean up on your own but this would give them an excuse to drag their feet and contribute to lack of motivation. So, it works against you.

Do remember that you are preparing your children for playing an independent role in their adult life and as a parent you are equipping them with essential life skills. There is no set age for adopting good habits; the formative years are instrumental in habit forming. So, don’t wait for the right age or time, start early and see them grow up into responsible adults.

Aromatherapy for a Home

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

What is aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is a substance that contains essential oils and aromatic plant compounds which help to improve a person`s mood and feelings. The product is also thought to be an alternative medicine, however the debate continues. In French, the product is valued as a medicine with the product being sold with the advice of medical doctors.

How does it work?

Scientists believe that when the essential oils are inhaled, it stimulates the olfactory part of the brain to signal the limbic system (part of the brain responsible for controlling emotions) to secrete chemicals that causes relaxation, calmness and even stimulation. Scientists’ further note application through massage increases comfort and calmness.

Types of Aromatherapy for your home

Aromatherapy for your home may include:

Application of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is applied in three main ways which include; Aerial spray which evaporates in the air giving your room a pretty smell, direct inhalation for respiratory disinfection, decongestion and psychological benefits and topical applications such as the skin through massage.

Aromatherapy for your home should be chosen with the help of good advice from an expert and reading of the instructions on the manual provided. When all is said and done aromatherapy makes our homes to look great.

Solving Home Issues with Vinegar

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Vinegar is one of the most versatile products for home use. Surprisingly, it is also highly economical considering how much work it helps home owners or home managers achieve. Vinegar is used in a range of home activities ranging from cooking, cleaning, gardening and home remedies. It is therefore one of those products you would not want to be without somewhere in your house. Here are the uses of vinegar in the home: a range of ways that you can use vinegar to solve your home issues.

1. Removing odors

Do you always have unpleasant and lingering odors in your home that you have difficulties getting rid of? All you need is some vinegar to finally get rid of that unpleasant odor. Just place an open bowl containing vinegar in a room that has bad odors and leave it there overnight. When the night is over, get the bowl out of the room after the smell is gone. Toilet bowls, garbage disposal and sinks can also produce bad smells which can be removed using vinegar. One cup poured in the sink, the toilet bowl and garbage disposal is enough to get rid of the bad smell in one hour after which you rinse using fresh water.

2. Removing stains and spills

Spills and stains on clothing, carpets and toilet bowls are not easy to remove, especially the ones that have sunk deep. If you thought that you had tried out everything, then your search has not come to an end. White vinegar can help you remove these annoying stains and spills from your favorite clothing, carpet or the toilet bowl. Stains, especially in the toilet bowls are not only annoying but embarrassing, especially when you have quests. However, with vinegar, this should not be the case anymore.

3. Home cleaning

Cleaning different areas of a home can be quite hectic at times especially when your cleansing agent is not strong enough to make this mandatory activity easier. Vinegar comes in handy when you are cleaning surfaces such as the floors, everything in the kitchen, the windows. Use vinegar to clean counter tops, and the top of the refrigerators, stove tops and other appliances. You may also want to consider using vinegar to remove soap scams from the bathroom walls and the kitchen faucets. Is the inside of your washing machine full of leftover soap residue? Put one cup of vinegar in an empty laundry cycle that is without clothing and then run it as usual.

How often and how can I clean under my stove and fridge

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

When practicing good housekeeping, it is important to cover all your bases, know each and every inch of the space your are cleaning and what cleaning agents can be used where. While those simple rules are important to adhere to they simply aren't enough to know how to reach difficult areas and have them reach the level of cleanliness as the rest of your home, and no spots hide more dirt and grime than the underside of heavy and hard-to-move kitchen appliances, namely your stove and refrigerator. Below you'll find steps that are applicable to both appliances so you can achieve a maximum clean in your home.

Step 1:

Carefully remove your appliance away from the wall or nook it is settled into. This will make following steps much easier to complete.

Step 2:

Turn off power. When cleaning any electrical appliance, your first concern should always be reducing potential harm to yourself or damaging the unit. Before moving on any further, remove any cords connected to electrical outlets. If your refrigerator has an ice maker or water dispenser, cut off the water supply, or you are using a gas stove, cut off the respective supply lines.

Step 3:

Remove your grate and/or drawer. Most refrigerators come with a easy-to-remove grate that snaps off at its ends, giving you a clear view to its base. On many stoves, the equivalent would be a compartment beneath the oven, where heat coils are placed for cooking.

Step 4:

You'll instantly notice that these hidden part of either appliance is a magnet for dust and grime. An accumulation of either can affect performance and energy costs to operate. Though you can brush and feather away with some success, vacuuming the dust is your best way to clear away all loose particles.

Step 5:

Using a coil brush, or any other number of long-neck brushes, you can clean the coils of your refrigerator with a water-based cleaning agent. The same can be done for the base of your stove as well.

Step 6:

Take the opportunity to wipe down the sides and back of either appliance with a cloth and cleaning agent and rinse off with warm to hot water.

Step 7:

Clean the floor all around where you appliances are and where they will be once your kitchen is reorganized. Vinegar and warm water works well on grimy surfaces that may result from cleaning either a stove or refrigerator.

Step 8:

Once the floor has dried, reconnect power, gas and/or water, and place the appliances back where they belong.

How Often Should You Dust

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 00:00:00 GMT

Anyone who would like to dust their home will have a common question “How often should I dust?” Well, before searching for the answer, let us know some important facts about the dust and the necessity to prevent it at home.

Actually, the dust is composed of items such as human skin cells, pet dander, fabric, fibers, dust mite excrement, in addition to grime and remains being trailed in.

Dusting is an essential task for some reasons. Dust on the exteriors of domestic items can make them appear dingy and dirty. In fact, it can result in scratching and spoiling the surface of those household items. Dust creates allergy and inhalation difficulties for several groups of people as well. In general, dusting as a usual task can defend your family members and the surfaces of your abode.

If no one in your home suffers from an allergic reaction, you will have no necessity to worry about the health consequences of dust as frequently as other families do. However, you will still have to dust furniture and electronics at least once in a week to put off the accumulation of dust that can damage, scratch, and clog up surfaces in your abode. More isolated spots such as corners, ceilings, and door structures will only have to be dusted as required, and may only need your concentration once in two months.

If anyone in your home suffers from an allergic reaction, you may have to dust the spots and items such as furniture and electronics that draw dust at least twice in a week. More isolated spots will not be competent to be failing to remember either. Dust ceilings, door frames, baseboards, and other areas in home at least once in a week or once in two weeks to prevent the accumulation of dust that can activate an allergic reaction in your family members. While dusting, be sure to employ a dusting tool that will not just extend the dirt back into the air.

Getting Your Home Organized

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The importance of organization stands out from many tasks and helps develop efficiency and a quicker way to get thing accomplished. Besides the house cleaning efforts, organization also provides a cleaner home and convenience with grabbing the tools, the cleaners, or the parts needed at any time for a particular task. You can start with one room and then move to the next and get that clutter gone while also creating more space. The rooms will be much more relaxing. The advantages of enhancing organization in the home can be endless, but the intention is to get closer to achieving it. So what can you do? Below are some great thoughts about home organization that you can take into consideration to getting more space and obtaining more comfortable rooms.

When it comes to the bedrooms, they can have a lot of things in them like a bed, a dresser, a night stand, a TV, etc. Therefore a TV stand may also be in the room if the dresser is not used for the TV. These things can fill a room up fairly easily. Closets can be used seasonally. In the summertime, consider using the closet for summer clothes and placing any winter clothes in totes on the closet floor or in totes under the bed. They actually make totes specifically for that purpose.

Kitchens tend to collect a lot of various things, even items that have nothing to do with the kitchen. They simply just end up there. You could help control that by using small drawers to keep tiny parts and pieces and small tools like screwdrivers, scissors, utility knives, tape measures, rulers, etc. In addition, you can install some wall shelving to place those spices, collectibles, or even the pictures on the fridge or table. Aside from that, if you stock up on soda or juices when on sale, you can place them in the garage instead of the kitchen floor. If you have a lot of shoes in your household and many do not get used often; you can utilize a shoe rack or some totes to keep them together and reduce clutter. Lastly, if you are one of many people that have tiny pieces and parts in cups; consider using a small storage container like nails and screws can have to save some space. They will slide right into a drawer verses sitting out somewhere.

Curtain Materials and Fabrics: A Better Understanding

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Fabrics and materials, upon trying to compare the two, can be quite confusing. To better understand this; curtain shopping can be confusing because of the way each manufacturer describes their products. These two different words often get used to describe the products. You can easily find many people calling a shirt a fabric, but the truth is that it's actually made from a fabric. In truth, the shirt is made from cotton. Is this confusing yet? Fabric's definition is the result of spinning and weaving a material together. A fabric can also be made of several materials or fabrics. No matter what materials get woven, it still becomes a fabric. That shirt began as cotton material. It got spun and weaved together to become a fabric. From there, the fabric was sewn to form a shirt.

Each fabric has its own positive features and negative aspects. Curtains are very similar to t-shirts and blankets. They vary in dependability, quality, and strength when it comes to the fabrics used. Each and every single material used in a fabric can represent the durability level or add a decorative touch. As one example, silk gets used a lot to add stripes to a fabric.

When looking at fabrics, a thicker one may last longer, but can be harder to maneuver. Curtains with thicker fabric will provide that level of durability you may desire. Thinner fabric curtains maneuver easier and allow more light. Easy maneuverability and light may be something you prefer if you can live with less durability. In discussing fabrics, the fibers and the materials, along with the thread count used in the curtain will generate the thickness of each one. When looking at velvet and corduroy materials, they are thicker and can make a fabric more durable when used.

Therefore, a fabric cannot come into existence without materials. Your house cleaning and/or room remodeling efforts are done because you know the importance of a nice, clean, and beautiful home. Nevertheless, curtains have the possibility of taking away some of that beauty, if they are not the right style, type, or design. Aside from that, money cannot be saved without dependable products. Curtains can sometimes almost take over the room, visually speaking. Understanding the materials and the fabrics available allows you to shop wisely and get what works best for you.

Exploring the Many Advantages of Housekeeping Services

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Just about anyone you talk to will say that there is just not enough time in a day. In different terms, it means not enough time to get everything done that should be done or the things that a person wants to do. Activities like work, watching the kids, cooking meals, doing laundry, getting groceries, washing the car, fixing the broken window, cleaning the siding, mowing the lawn, fixing the car, picking up your mother, attending meetings, paying the bills, and many more activities become attached to a prioritized list. Many things have to occur at a specific time and others just do not get done. In many cases, some tasks that do get accomplished do not get done in detail. House cleaning is perhaps the biggest and most important task on that list.

When it comes to house cleaning, it often turns into a sporadic event. You get a little bit done here and there, whether it is between scheduled activities, getting sidetracked, or in between interruptions. You may try really hard to keep your home looking clean and sanitary to a point of comfortableness for you, your family, and your guests. Because of that desire, you try your hardest to get everything accomplished when it comes to housekeeping and it leads to exhaustion, stress, and forgetfulness.

House cleaning services allow you to have more time for the important things and more time to get other tasks completed. Second, the company has a checklist, often with detail, to complete during the cleaning and sanitizing routine. This ensures nothing is forgotten about. Third, because this routine is their job, they have plenty of time to focus on every aspect of cleaning and sanitizing your home. Unlike you, they don’t get interruptions during work and they have the time to pay attention to detail. You may work as well, but this work is their actual job. Your job takes you away from cleaning performance.

Aside from those advantages, housekeeping services can reduce your stress level and help relieve that overwhelmed feeling from constant efforts and tight schedules. It can be stressful when you don’t have enough time in the day to keep your home in top shape. With everything else you need to do or deal with, this task often gets squeezed in with no relief in your day. In addition, accidents like spills or leaks demand prompt attention, which creates exhaustion and mental distractions in many cases.

In summary, housekeeping services can make your life that much better. In spending just a little bit more money for cleaning services, you will appreciate making that decision and the enjoy time you have to handle everything else and the time to relax or get back on track.

Trick or Treat: Cleaning Up After Halloween

Tue, 29 Oct 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Whether you're cleaning up after the youngest costumed trick-or-treaters or older pranksters, there are plenty of things that need to be taken care of following Halloween fun.

Maid services can help with your house in the days following, but here are some things that can be done right away:

Cleaning Up After Trick-or-Treating

From bags full of candy to faces--and possibly clothes--covered in make-up, take a few steps to clean up after the fun:

Erasing the Prank

Pranksters come out in full-swing on Halloween, and if your neighborhood has a few, you're likely to get hit eventually. Here's how to clean the mess left behind:

House cleaning in the days after any holiday can feel daunting, but dealing with the important issues first will help!

Use Fluorescent Lamps or L.E.D. Lighting to Save Cash

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 00:00:00 GMT

This evening, you decide to do some house cleaning , but some areas seem to be very difficult to clean because you just don't have enough light, right? That is often an inconvenience.

Is it because there is no light or is it because you are trying to save money? After all, using 60 watt bulbs can really add up on your energy usage.

Conveniently, L.E.D. bulbs and fluorescent lighting have evolved to replace those incandescents . Now you have the potential to save on energy usage.

Every single replaced incandescent bulb saves over 60% off of running that light. This is definitely a great way to save on lighting that gets used a lot or runs all the time. You can replace those 60 watt bulbs with 15 watt bulbs. In addition, fluorescent lamps come in various color tones like daylight, cool white, etc.

Your electric use will also lower and be reflected on your monthly electric bills with L.E.D. lighting. They add a long life to the mix while using very little energy to run too. There is a good amount of selection available, but it still continues to grow.

The Importance of Cleaning Your Hair Dryer

Sat, 20 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

How often do you think about cleaning your hair dryer? Probably not too often! You aren’t alone, though; most people don’t look twice at their hair dryer unless it’s broken, setting it aside or in a drawer even when housekeeping .

A dirty hair dryer is a problem for two reasons:1) it blows dust right back onto your clean hair, and 2) it can be a fire hazard when the dust prevents the dryer from properly venting.

Not sure how to clean your hair dryer? This method from Jada Beauty will help !

First: Remove the guard or filter. Most hair dryers have a removable piece protecting the vent on the hair dryer, so if it’s possible, take that off first. Other dryers have to be taken completely apart—if you can’t do this, either, do your best to clean what you can.

Second: Get as much loose as possible. Once you get into your hair dryer, use your finger to remove as much of the dust and lint as you can. This doesn’t have to be an in-depth clean, you’re just trying to get past the biggest amount of dust.

Third: Use a toothpick for better cleaning. After the worst of the mess is taken care of, use a toothpick to pull out the dust that’s too hard to reach with your finger, like in between the vents.

Fourth: Clean! Using a damp paper towel (you could also use a damp cotton swab or a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol and wrung out), wipe the dryer clean as much as possible.

Fifth: Let dry completely. Put the guard or filter back on the hair dryer, and then set the hair dryer aside to dry for a few hours before use.

Don’t blow dirt onto your hair after you wash it—clean your hair dryer first!

How to Clean Your Glass Top Stove in 7 Easy Steps

Wed, 17 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Glass top stoves, commonly found on electric stoves, pose a bit of a challenge when it comes to cleaning cooked-on grease and food. Although the surface is smooth and easy to wipe down, the glass top can easily be scratched if you use the wrong material to clean off food. But with a few ingredients found in your home—or something bought on Amazon—and a little patience, you’ll find that cleaning your glass top stove without harming the surface couldn’t be easier.

Cleaning Your Glass Top Stove

Glass top stoves can be tricky because you want to clean them without scratching them. When pasta or potatoes boil over, or when you spill something, the mess sticks. How do you get it off without using an abrasive material that might scratch the glass?

This house cleaning trick will get your stove looking like new again without the worry of scratching the glass!

With just a little effort, your glass top stove will look as good as new!

Keep It Simple: Easy Entertaining

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Some people who host parties are like Martha Stewart—everything they touch turns into entertaining magic. Then there is everyone else, struggling over a sweaty oven with appetizers that won’t come out just right, decorations that look a little sad, and a headache that requires medication and a cold compress.

Even when maid services clean the house, the To Do list in preparation for any event is enough to overwhelm even the best of us!

If that sounds familiar, there’s a simple trick that’s going to turn you from an exhausted, frustrated party host into the kind everyone secretly admires.

The ultimate trick? Keep it simple!

What About Food?

The biggest thing you can do is play to your strengths. If you’re an incredible cook make incredible food.

If you aren’t an incredible cook, don’t try to make 9 different complicated appetizers—this will only lead to frustration. Instead, find one or two recipes you are great at making, and make those recipes absolutely shine.

Surround your awesome recipes with easier snacks: hummus, veggie trays, fruit trays, meat and cheese, nuts, and other mixes. You can have a full spread that tastes great but didn’t make you miserable to prepare!

Eat With Your Eyes

You can make a huge impression just with the way you present your food. Get creative and colorful—and use what you have. Instead of making a veggie tray with just carrots and celery, add colorful, more varied vegetables like red and yellow peppers, cucumbers, and red and yellow tomatoes.

Put your normal dishes away for the presentation and break out something more unique: the crystal bowl you got for your wedding, the decorative sugar dish you picked up at a yard sale, or the artsy tray you love from your favorite store.

Most of all, enjoy your party—it should be a joy to spend time with your favorite people, not a chore, and you deserve it!

Cleaning the Baseboards

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Every once in a while there’s an obscure house cleaning chore that you realize you haven’t done in a long time—the baseboards is often one of those tasks. When was the last time you tackled baseboards and molding in your house?

It’s time! Thankfully, it’s not a bit complicated, and there’s even a way to prevent dust from coming back so you don’t have to clean it again so quickly:

Easy Clean

Cleaning the baseboards is really like cleaning anything else in your house. Mild soap and water should be all you need.

Grab a sponge or cloth (avoid brushes that could scratch the paint), dip it in a solution of dishsoap and water and start wiping down the baseboards. Scrub off the dirt, but be gentle with the paint, especially in areas where it may already be weak.

Dry the wood with a towel to prevent any kind of water damage or warping to the baseboards. Work in one area at a time; completely wash and dry one wall before moving onto the next to keep away any streaks or wet wood.

Repair and Prevention

If you have the time for it, keep a paintbrush and some matching paint handy to spot fix any areas that are starting to chip, wear, or discolor.

Otherwise, skip on ahead to the prevention step: once the baseboards are completely dried, wipe them down with a dryer sheet.

The dryer sheet leaves anti-static residue behind, causing dust to be less likely to settle on your baseboards and extending the amount of time between cleanings—a quick, easy solution to make cleaning a little bit easier.

Homemade Natural Air Freshener

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It’s wonderful to walk into a house that's been through a thorough cleaning service and smells good, your favorite scent wafting through the air. Unfortunately, many of the air fresheners you’re used to are known to carry toxins through the air, as well—yuck.

Do away with toxins while keeping the air fresh by making a few of these to spread out throughout your house:

1. Fill a glass jar ¼ to ½ full of baking soda. Baking soda is known to absorb odors and is often used to get smells out of fabric or to combat strong aromas in the refrigerator. It works just as well for freshening air, though; and it’s affordable and completely safe.

2. Add your favorite essential oil. You might make all of your air fresheners the same or mix them up, but adding a few drops of essential oil to the jar will spread out a great smell even as the baking soda is working to remove odors!

Keep in mind that peppermint, lemon, and cinnamon tend to promote alertness while lavender is likely to put you to sleep—plan accordingly!

3. Poke holes in the top of the jar. A simple nail and hammer works just fine for this. You can create a random cluster of holes or draw out a design if you’re feeling crafty, just make sure they’re reasonably sized.

That’s it! Put your new air freshener anywhere in the house that needs it, and give it a shake when the smell is getting too weak.

Bonus Tip: Baking soda is used to remove smells from fabrics of all kinds: carpets, floors, clothes, etc. When you need a spot of freshness, tip the air freshener over, shake some of the scented baking soda on the carpet, clothes, or furniture, then vacuum when it’s dry to take the smells right out.

Sponge Balls: Summer Craft for the Kids (And You!)

Sat, 01 Jun 2013 00:00:00 GMT

The end of the school year is fast approaching—do you have plans for spending time with your kids? For many parents, the beginning of summer is a chaotic time, but once you settle in, you’ll need things to occupy little fingers and minds.

This project is great because it not only is an easy craft you can do as a family, it also becomes a great toy and a house cleaning tool!

How to Make a Sponge Ball

These are extremely versatile: let your kids play with them in the bath or the pool, or set up a container with water for them to fill and throw at each other (outside, of course!). Tuck a few away for the next time you’re cleaning, as well, to get the kids involved!

Ways to Add Storage

Fri, 31 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Every home could use just a little bit more storage, especially for organization and house cleaning , but a lot of times it seems like there’s no space left for it. When that’s the case, you have to get creative and look for new ways to add storage.

Thankfully, a lot of clever thinkers have already done just that , and they’ve come up with some great methods:

When there’s a little extra storage, organization and tidying doesn’t seem quite so bad!

Five Important Spots to Clean

Tue, 28 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

It seems like there are always places in our house that need our attention. Unfortunately, there are often places we forget to check, as well. Are there places in your house dirt likes to hide ?

Maid services can help because they know where to look for hiding dirt, but if you’re going to tackle it yourself, here are some places to look:

1. The front door is probably not something you clean very often, but when you think about it, most of the germs in your house walk through it! Stop the germs in their tracks first with a nice, thick doormat to keep dust and dirt from entering, and then always remember to clean the door knob when you’re doing your cleaning.

2. The corners love to hold onto dirt and especially cobwebs, which can be a nightmare for allergy and asthma sufferers. Bring your all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth and take out the dust, cobwebs, and any grime that may be hiding there.

3. Beds and furniture are notorious for holding onto dirt and germs because they’re porous. Frequent cleaning is the number one way to bust them: vacuum your furniture when you vacuum your carpets and clean your mattress once every few months. An easy way to clean your mattress is to sprinkle it with baking soda, allow it to sit, and then vacuum well.

4. Showerheads and faucets are often overlooked for cleaning, but the spray can be affected and germs can grow in trapped water there. There are two ways to clean a showerhead: one is to take steel wool or a wire brush to it, the other is to soak it in vinegar overnight and then rinse it clean.

5. Sponges have developed a reputation as notoriously dirty, but they’ve earned it! The sponge was found to be one of the dirtiest spots in the house. How can you keep your sponge while banishing germs? There are two ways to do that as well: run the sponge in the dishwasher with your normal load or wet it, wring it out, and microwave it for 3 minutes.

What are the places you tend to overlook? How have you found ways to clean them?

Decorating a Rental Home or Apartment

Mon, 27 May 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Many people living in rentals end up not decorating or making their space reflect their personality because of the many restrictions placed on rental properties. Some landlords don’t mind if you decorate, some don’t even accept thumbtack holes in the wall.

How can you make a space reflect your style and feel like home despite the often unappealing architecture and limited wiggle room of a rental ? Here are a few tips:

Make Pieces Work in the Space. While the small spaces often seen in an apartment or rental are great for house cleaning , it can be hard to fit your furniture in the small spaces you’ll often see in a rental. Sometimes you’ll need to make your pieces work by turning them into multitaskers. For instance, you can turn a chest into a coffee table or a bookshelf into a pantry.

Be Thrifty with New Furniture. If you’re going to buy new pieces for your space, don’t spend a lot of money on furniture that might not work when you move out of your rental. Instead, look through thrift stores and garage sales for good-quality pieces, then paint them yourself for the look you want.

Creativity Wins on the Walls. Walls are one of the trickiest areas in an apartment or rental home because there are often big restrictions on painting and wallpapering. Don’t let that hold you back from having your space, though; there are some great options. Try temporary wallpaper or stenciled designs that are easy to paint over when you’re ready to move.

Colors Where You Can. Since the walls are tricky, you can bring in vibrant colors through art, accessories, and fabrics. For instance, a bold area rug, some decorative pillows in bright colors, and a strong curtain can inject bright colors into a room without any permanent change, so it’s a perfect way to decorate space with limitations.

How do you make your rental property feel like home?

Making Your Room Cleaner & More Comfortable

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Your bedroom is a place of relaxation, escape, and of course, sleep! It should be as clean and comfortable as possible so you can completely enjoy it, but many homeowners don't carry their thorough house cleaning into their bedrooms because they aren't usually open to company.

It's okay to take some of your cleaning time and put it to use in your bedroom . You deserve a wonderful spot to rest!

Clean Your Bed

Most people wash their sheets, blankets, and pillow cases, but when was the last time you cleaned the bed itself? You can do so easily:

The baking soda absorbs moisture and odors and many of the bacteria that come with them. Your bed will feel much more fresh!

Clean Out Your Clothes

It can be hard to part with clothes. Sometimes they're our favorites, sometimes they cost a lot of money, and sometimes they have memories attached. Cleaning out your closet will give you a lot more room and organization, though!

There's no promise you'll find something to wear, but it won't be because you can't see your clothes!

Make Your Drawers Smell Great. The scented soaps that come in paper wrappers can actually work as drawer fresheners. Just drop one into the drawer and leave it! For a few months, it will permeate your clothes and the drawer, and your clothes will always smell fantastic.

What will you change in your room to make it more comfortable?

Keeping Your House “Guest Ready”

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

What do your guests see when they come to visit? If you're like a lot of people, you spend the last few minutes before company arrives hiding messes! Organizing Made Fun blogger Becky had friends tell her that her house was always immaculate , and she found this hard to believe.

Wanting to give everyone a chance to have this “guest ready” appearance, she explained her process. Here are a couple of great notes from what she wrote:

Immaculate is Impossible

“Immaculate” really means “spotless,” and the fact is, if your family lives in your home, it's never going to be completely spotless! Floors get crumbs on them as soon as they're clean, kids leave fingerprints on windows and mirrors, and family members leave clothes on the floor. It happens, and it's okay to accept that!

The fact is, this process is all about maintenance, and you can't maintain what you don't have! Whether you clean it yourself or hire maid services , get your house as clean as you want it to be. Then you'll be able to put the focus on maintaining and you'll find it to be easier and less time consuming than you think!

Create a Weekly Schedule

For maintaining clean, your best bet is to make yourself a schedule. For one thing, it will keep you structured, and for another, it gives you a concrete idea of what really needs to be done.

First of all, plan to tidy every day—that means picking up and throwing away any trash left around and putting things back where they belong—this is something that unfortunately really must be done every day before it becomes overwhelming.

Once you've tidied, spread these tasks out over the week:

When you focus on getting one particular task done every day, you can actually get it done fast and not feel like you're spending all your time cleaning. Do this every week, and your house will always be immaculate...mostly!

Three Inventive Ways to Use Wax Paper

Tue, 09 Apr 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Wax paper is a great tool for sticky chocolate candies and keeping messes off the counter while you cook, but have you ever thought of the other things you could do with it? It turns out it's a pretty handy tool once you know some of the more interesting ways it can be used!

This Old House looked at some of the more creative ways to use wax paper , and here are three of our favorite uses:

Make Dusting Easy. How often do you dust the top of your kitchen cabinets or entertainment center? It's not likely part of your normal house cleaning because it's a chore to get up there, and even if you can get high enough to reach them, chances are they're hard to see.

Use wax paper to make it a snap: put wax paper on top of the cabinet, entertainment center, or any other high surface. The wax paper will collect dust, and all you have to do is change out the paper once a month!

Make Your Faucets Shine. Have you ever cleaned your faucet only to see it covered is soapy water spots the next time you washed dishes? There's an easy fix you might be surprised you never thought of:

Buff the faucet with wax paper. It leaves a bit of waxy residue behind, making it temporarily water-resistant. Water will bead up on the surface and roll off without leaving marks.

Fix a Stuck Zipper. You know the moment: all you need to do is zip the zipper on your pants, bag, purse, or suitcase and you'll be ready to go, but it just won't zip.

Rub both sides of the zipper teeth with wax paper. It will act like oil and make the zipper work without any problem at all.

Bright Idea: Cleaning the Light Fixtures

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Chances are, you don't think to clean the light fixtures until you notice they're dirty. Unfortunately, that happens faster than anyone wants to admit! Your cleaning services help keep the dust to a minimum, but eventually you'll have to get up there to clean them —yuck. There's good news, though: if you know how to effectively clean your light fixtures, it won't be nearly as dreadful as you're expecting!

Step #1: Globes & Sconces. The great thing about these extremely common household light fixtures is that they are made out of plain glass—plain glass that can be run through the dishwasher. Unscrew the globes and sconces, dump out any obvious dust or insects, and put them in your dishwasher. To minimize streaks and cut through any yellowing, add some vinegar to the wash. It does a great job of getting your fixtures clean.

If you don't have a dishwasher available, hand wash in warm water, inside and out. In either case, allow the fixtures to dry completely before you reattach them.

Step #2: Ceiling Fans. Now that the globes and sconces are washing away or drying peacefully, it's time to take on any ceiling fans. If there isn't much dust, simply wiping them down with a damp cloth (water and dish soap or vinegar works great) will work fine.

If there is a lot of dust and you're worried about it spreading, use a pillow case. Put the pillow case on the fan blade and then slowly pull back, wiping the top and bottom. The dust will fall in the pillow case and not on your floor!

Step #3: Light Bulbs. It's hard to see when the light's actually on, but light bulbs attract a lot of dust. Once they are turned off and have some time to cool, wipe them down just like you would any other dust surface.

Step #4: Lamps. To minimized dust spreading, gently vacuum the lampshade with an attachment first, then wipe down the base of the lamp. Don't forget to wipe the bulb, too!

Small but Important: A Beautiful Laundry Room

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Your laundry room might not see visitors very often, but it’s okay to keep it looking wonderful just for you. Clean rooms have been proven to boost your mood, and it's much nicer to do laundry in a room you love.

When you’re house cleaning , don’t skip over the laundry room. Here are some ideas for keeping it organized and beautiful:

Use Baskets & Containers

Find baskets or containers that look attractive. You might opt for lined baskets in light colors or colorfully patterned boxes. The important thing is to find what you like, and then store your laundry supplies in them. Not only does this make doing the laundry a lot easier—just grab a box—it also makes your laundry room look organized, clean, and even stylish.

Pre-Sort

Sorting laundry is just one more step in the clothes-washing process, but it’s one you can cut out completely. Set up two hampers in your laundry room: one for whites, and one for colors. Ask everyone in the house to throw their clothes in the appropriate hamper. Not only do two hampers keep the clothes from spilling onto the laundry room floor, but when you are ready to wash clothes, they’re already sorted for you.

Always Have a Clothes Basket Ready

Make it a point to always have one basket empty and ready for clothes. If you don’t, you might be tempted to put clean clothes on top of the washer, dryer, or shelves. If you always have a basket ready, your clothes will be under control and you will always have a clean, stylish laundry room.

Like any other room, maintenance is the key to keeping your laundry room looking nice. If you’re overwhelmed by cleaning in addition to all of your other responsibilities, don’t hesitate to call a maids service !

Where to Find Inspiration for Your Home

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT

Looking for a new way to organize or a whole new design for your home for the new year? It can be dizzying as you look at all the options available—one room alone can quickly leave you swimming in too many colors, fabrics, and furniture.

The best lift you can give your home is the kind of house cleaning great maids services can give, but once you’ve done that, where do you go for inspiration to tie all of your ideas together?

Websites

The internet is without question the largest resource for décor out there. From blogs like this one to famous home design sites to art showcases, there is inspiration everywhere. Unfortunately, sometimes it’s a little too much.

The key to using websites—or any high-volume resource—is to find that one thing that speaks to you and build all of your other ideas around it. Once you find the color or object or picture you want to use as your focal point, use your inspiration to find things that will complement it well.

Books & Magazines

There are plenty of magazines out there that have both great ideas and go into detail about how to achieve those ideas. From the most popular trends to the craftiest solutions, you can find answers and guides for every room in your house.

Books are also great resources, but if you’re looking to stay informed on the most current trends, make sure you choose a book in its most recent volume. For classic tricks and inspiration, you can look in almost any book!

Homes

The greatest resources for pure inspiration are the things you can see, touch, and interact with: your home, your friends’ homes, a book shelf from a store, a painting from the flea market. Whether you build a room around your favorite chair or fall in love with the colors in a friend’s kitchen, sometimes seeing it in person is just what you need.

5 Ways to Give Back This Season

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The holiday season tends to get many of us in the mood to give and give back to other people, and it’s a great way to spend the season! There are a bunch of things you can do to get started giving back this year, but if you are stuck for ideas, here’s a few to get you started:

1. Give someone a hand . Sometimes the simplest gestures mean the most! Do you know someone who needs some extra help cooking? Make them a casserole or some cookies. How about someone who’s too busy to clean? Do some house cleaning or hire a maid service for them. One helping hand can make all the difference for someone.

2. Volunteer! There are organizations in every city that need extra hands, especially as things get busy this time of year. If you have time in your schedule, find a place to put your hands to work for someone else.

3. Donate to a charity . What do you give the kind-hearted person who has everything? A gift to a charity with their name on it!

Donating in someone’s honor is not only a heart-warming sentiment for your loved one, but also a great help to the charity!

4. Bring a gift to share. Want to see your coworkers’ faces light up? Bring in something you can share with everyone. It might not be anything big, but some homemade cookies or small ornaments can light up a room in no time.

5. Get the kids involved. The biggest way anyone can give back is to get the children in their lives involved. Grab your kids, nieces, nephews, or grandkids and help them volunteer or donate or go caroling in the neighborhood or bake cookies for neighbors—now that’s the gift that keeps on giving everyone’s always talking about!

From The Maids Cleveland, Happy Holidays!

The Importance of Appreciating House Cleaning

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 00:00:00 GMT

House cleaning can be a huge undertaking, especially if your schedule is already tight. In order to stay motivated to keep your house clean, it’s important that you appreciate your clean house and whatever you’ve done to keep it that way!

If a maid service comes to your home, take a good look around when they have finished. Do you like the way your home looks? Does it make you feel good to know that your house is really clean for you and your family?

When you take a moment to appreciate what a clean house does for you, your mood, and your family and friends, it will be much easier to maintain that clean!

Small Steps for Maintaining Clean

Remember to thank your family when they help out, and give yourself some praise for staying on top of things. When you know that your house is clean and you take the time to appreciate its cleanliness, then little steps like these will seem easier, and you’ll be enjoying that clean house all week long.

TLC for Pots and Pans

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

The weeks leading into the holidays are full of parties, events, guests, and meals, and this can leave your pots and pans looking a bit rough. Adding some extra care into your dishes as you do your normal housekeeping tasks can make a big difference into extending the life of your pots and pans.

Tarnished Copper happens over time, no matter how carefully you handle your copper pots, and it leaves them looking old and used. Thankfully, there's an easy, completely economical way to take care of the stains:

The trick: It's as easy as half a lemon and a bit of salt to take off the tarnish. Dip the cut lemon into a little bit of salt and scrub the stained areas. Repeat until the tarnish is gone.

Grease & Stuck-On Food can become quite a hassle as you try to wash your dishes. The dishwasher can't necessarily power through stuck-on food, and your hands might get a beating trying to scrub it off.

The trick : Baking soda works for both of these issues. For stubborn grease, sprinkle some baking soda on a wet cloth or sponge and wipe; it will come off without too much work. For stuck-on food, shake a generous layer of baking soda over the stuck on food, add just enough water to cover, and let it soak for a couple of hours--the food will break loose easily when you come back to wash.

Burnt Food Stains are only an over-heated burner away from taking over your pots and pans. Avoid the temptation to scrub, and instead use the no-work solution!

The trick: Cola is the secret to getting burn food off of pots and pans. Pour in enough soda to cover the burnt area and let soak for a few hours or overnight. When you come back to clean, the burn on food will come off with no hassle.

If your holidays are packed with events and you find it hard to fit cleaning into the schedule, consider hiring a maid service to help you get through the season.

How to Prepare for Thanksgiving Guests

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

As the holidays approach, you will be anticipating more and more guests, starting with Thanksgiving dinner. If you're expecting a house full of people this week, housekeeping is probably at the top of your to do list.

There are some things you can do to make cleaning a bit easier for you as you get started on your holiday preparations, and of course, good cleaning services can provide a clean house and peace of mind, freeing up your schedule for the other things you need to accomplish in preparation for the holidays.

Priorities

One of the best things you can do going into a big cleaning project is to prioritize the things that are important over the things that can wait. One of the best ways to prioritize your Thanksgiving cleaning comes down to knowing where your guests will be, and clean those areas first.

With this in mind, your cleaning priority list might look like this:

The Non-Priorities

It seems counter-intuitive to not clean, but there are some rooms in your house you can leave untidy if you are running short on time! Bedrooms, for instance, aren't high on the priority list. While it's nice to have them clean if you can, when time runs short, close the doors--your guests shouldn't have much reason for going into your rooms. Closets (unless you have a coat closet guests will be using), the laundry room, and closets are also low on the list.

Whatever your priorities, be proud of your clean house and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

How to Tackle a Big Pile of Laundry

Mon, 05 Nov 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Even someone good at housekeeping might find something like laundry getting piled up. Whether it happened over time, your daughter finally cleaned out her room, or your son just came home from college, at some point you will have a big stack of laundry to get through. It may be a little intimidating, but here are some things that make it easier:

1. Make it a mission. If you try to catch up on a pile of clothes by continuing with your regular laundry routine, you're going to soon feel like you're running on a hamster wheel. Often, clothes build up as fast--or faster--than you can wash them, so already having a stack waiting makes it easy to fall further and further behind. Make it a goal, carve out some time, and focus on blasting through the laundry.

2. Sort clothes. There are two ways you should sort clothes. The first is to sort colors and whites like you normally would, but the second is to sort things you really use and things you don't. If your laundry is backed up because you simply have too many clothes, giving some away will help lighten your load. As you sort, take inventory. If there are things you don't like much or don't wear much, set them to the side. Wash them first and donate them as soon as possible.

3. Wash, dry, fold, put away. At some point in this cycle, you're going to run across the one chore you dislike most, but keep at it. Don't wait on anything--as soon as clothes are dry, fold them. As soon as the washer finishes, put the clothes in the dryer. Move as quickly as possible and stay focused; when the laundry pile is gone, you'll be glad you did.

4. Distract! When you get to that chore you don't like, distract yourself! Watch TV or listen to music while you fold or sort. Read a book you've been wanting to read or watch a movie while you wait for clothes to finish washing or drying. These little distractions and rewards will help keep you movtivated until the task is done.

Just like a maid service sweeps in and efficiently cleans your home, you can just as efficiently get through your laundry. When you do, you will be delighted that you stuck with it.

Three Dirtiest Household Items

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 00:00:00 GMT

You can't avoid germs entirely, unfortunately. They're everywhere! A good house cleaning certainly helps, but do you know which items in your house hold the most germs and how to handle them? Here are three of the dirtiest items in your home and what you need to know about each:

Kitchen Sponge. Without a doubt, the kitchen sponge is the germiest item in your house. The wet, porous material is a breeding ground for germs, and when you reuse it while it's dirty, you spread germs to every surface it touches. Worse, the bacteria found in kitchen sponge actually can make you quite ill.

Solution : Don't use a sponge if you can help it. Use paper towels or rags that you wash frequently. If you can't bear to part with your sponge, either use a new one every day or throw it in the dishwasher with a load of dishes every day, and let it go all the way through the drying cycle. The hot water will kill the germs, and a dry sponge is less likely to grow more.

Money. When your mom told you to wash your hands after messing with money, she wasn't being paranoid--money is a germ-riddled item and mostly unavoidable. When you think of all the places a dollar bill or a quarter goes in its lifetime, it's no surprise it picks up as much bacteria as it does.

Solution : You can't easily clean money, so your best bet is to wash your hands whenever you handle money. If your work requires you to touch money a lot, keep a bottle of hand sanitizer next to your station or cash register and use it frequently.

Computer Keyboard. Your fingers are on it all the time, passing germs back and forth. If you share your computer with anyone else, you can compoud your germs and their germs when you think about the bacteria on your keyboard. It's downright disconcerting.

Solution : Use alcohol or disinfectant wipes on your keyboard at least every couple of days, more often if you share you computer with others. Don't be afraid to get down between the keys a little, as well--the alcohol dries quickly and will not damage your computer.

Of course, that's just three of the worst--there are many more, including light switches and toilets. Keeping your home as clean as possible will help you the most, and don't hestitate to find a maid service to help!

Getting Ready for the Colder Months

Mon, 10 Sep 2012 00:00:00 GMT

In many places, kids are going back to school, temperatures are starting to drop, and the familiar crisp, autumn breezes are starting to blow. If you've been looking forward to autumn, you might already be pulling out your sweaters, jeans, and boots or planning your fall events under harvest skies.

It's a good time to keep in mind that your home might warrant some attention as we move into the colder months, as well. In addition to your normal house cleaning , you might need to take a closer look at a few things before winter sneaks up on you.

A five-step checklist can get you well on your way to having a house that's ready for the months to come:

Deep clean your carpets . You'll be spending a lot of time indoors in the next several months, and germs and allergens can stay in carpet for a long time. If the idea of your carpet crawling with germs is unsettling, the best option is to find a housekeeping service who will come in and deep clean the carpet for you. Having a clean carpet is a great start to the cold season!

Clean the area around your furnace . Your heating system will be working hard, so give it a little attention before it really kicks in.

Make sure the area around your furnace is clear of things that may have accumulated there, and clean the dust around it to keep it at peak performance as long as possible.

Change your filter . While you're in there cleaning around your furnace, go ahead and change the filter. Starting with a clean filter will keep those first few uses especially cleaner and more reliable.

Put away summer clothes . When you start packing up your shorts and swimsuits, it's a great idea to use plastic containers with lids. This ensures the clothes will stay clean while they're stored away, not collecting dust, germs, or bugs. It will also make them much easier to unpack when the weather turns warm again.

Wash any winter clothes that need it . This especially applies to comforters or blankets you may have had waiting in the linen closet for colder weather. Any time clothing isn't stored in a sealed container, it's a good idea to wash before use.

Enjoy your autumn and all of the things tht come with it knowing your home is ready for the season!

Getting Into the Garage

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Cleaning the garage is a daunting task. It often gets filled with overflow from the house, and before you know it, it can feel overwhelming. Some housekeeping services offer additional help for things like garage cleaning, but here is a 5-step plan for getting your garage clean—this is no small job! Set aside a few hours for this task.

1. Remove everything. Take everything out of your garage. If there is trash, throw it away as you go. Otherwise, put everything else on your driveway or on a tarp in your yard.

2. Throw away or donate items. Sort through the things you’ve removed. If things are beyond use or repair, throw them away. Items that still work but you don’t have a use for anymore can be donated. Don’t wait, though! As soon as the donation box is packed, put it in your car and take it as soon as you’re done with the garage!

3. Organize the things you keep. When you have the items you want to keep, find a way to organize them. Sorting by category is the most straightforward way, but find a system that works for you and your family.

4. Clean out the garage. Before you put everything back in, give the garage a good sweeping and dusting. This way, the things in your garage will stay cleaner longer.

5. Find a home for everything. As you put things back in the garage, do it with your sorting in mind. Keep like things together, and put them in places that make sense and are convenient.

When you finish, you’ll have a nice clean garage that will be both more useful to you and a source of pride. It’s easy to put off the garage, shed, or porch in your normal house cleaning , but there’s no need to be afraid of the job when you have a plan.

Benefits of Natural Light

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Studies have shown that both a clean house and natural light exposure have similar impacts on people's well-being. Having a clean, organized house promotes calm and reduces depression. Coming home from a hard day into a clean house helps a person relax.

Likewise, natural light has been shown to lead to feeling calmer, suffering less depression, and even faster recovery from injury or illness, in addition to reducing your energy bills by often more than half. Many housekeeping services can provide both a clean house and clean windows to maximize these effects.

If you would like to make natural light a staple in your home, here are a few tips:

If time has you crunched but you want the relaxing benefits of a clean home and natural light, consider hiring a maid service to help you get started.

Child Safety In Your Home

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you have small children, you are probably familiar with child proofing. If you're child proofing for the first time or looking for some additional ideas, there are many things you can do to make your home a safer place for children of all ages.

1. Start with a clean house. When your house is tidy and sanitized, there will be naturally less things to worry about. If you've fallen behind and need a little help getting caught back up, hiring a maid service is a step in the right direction. As you clean, get down to toddler height and look for things that might pose a threat. Look especially for small objects or hazardous substances a child is likely to put in their mouth.

2. Take care of blind and curtain cords. Long, dangling cords pose a strangulation hazard for small children. They are enticing and get easily tangled, so go through your house and cut or tie up the cords so they are far away from little hands.

3. Cover outlets. Most outlets are the perfect height to attract children, so it's important to block outlets that are accessible.

Plastic outlet plugs or electrical tape both work for securing the outlets.

4. Secure furniture. Children who are learning to walk will pull up on anything nearby, and children who are learning to climb will turn anything into a ladder. To prevent injuries, make sure any heavy furniture is secured to the wall or away fro where your children play. Keep drawers closed, and consider placing plastic bumpers on sharp corners.

5. Window and door locks. Small kids don't inherently know the danger of running outside by themselves. To them, an open door or window is an adventure waiting to happen. Prevent this by purchasing window and door locks--they come in several different varieties, so you can find the ones that work for you.

When you're taking care of children, a safe home is one of the most important things you can provide. With some thorough housekeeping and a thoughtful eye to details, you can make your home a safe place to play.

Quick & Easy Tips for Staying Organized

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Hiring a maid service will help keep you clean and organized, but sometimes you might look around mid-week and realize clutter is sneaking up on you. There are a few easy things you can do in five minutes or less to keep clutter at bay.

Living/Family Room

Walk through the room and pick up anything that doesn’t belong. Once you have all of the items picked up, take them back to their places. By doing this every couple of days, you’ll keep clutter from stacking up and turning into a bigger job.

Give everything in the room a home. Find a place for everything from magazines to TV remotes and get in the habit of returning things to their places as you finish with them.

Bedrooms

Make the bed. The single best thing you can do to make a bedroom look better is make the bed. Make this a daily habit and teach your kids to do the same, and you’ll be pleased at how much better you feel when you enter your room.

Use baskets or plastic containers. Most bedrooms have lots of little things in them: toys, cosmetics, jewelry, and change, for instance. Containers help keep those things organized, so invest in baskets, plastic containers, jars, shelves, or drawers to keep everything in its place.

Kitchen

Think about size and shape. When you’re putting things away in your cabinets or pantry, think about how much room each item is going to take up. This way, you can plan how to put things away to maximize space.

Clean up immediately after meals. It might be tempting to finish eating and leave the cleaning for later, but if you start as soon as you finish eating, you’ll likely do a better job and have cleaner results in the long run. Get the whole family involved in this one!

A little bit of house cleaning time during the week can make your home a more relaxing place every time you come home!

Cleaning and Time Management

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Housekeeping takes time, especially if you want your house to get—and stay—really clean. Yet time is the part people often struggle with most. You have responsibilities, families, friends: things that are just as important to you that also take time.

How can you manage your house cleaning time to get the most from your clean?

Make a schedule

When you make cleaning part of your weekly routine, it’s more likely to get done.

If you’re just trying to keep things straight between visits from your maid service, schedule 15 minutes a day to tidy up. If you need a more in-depth clean, you’ll want to schedule a few hours. You can even choose which tasks you do which days. For instance, schedule laundry for Monday or cleaning up the playroom for Tuesday.

Set a timer

It’s easy to get bored or distracted while cleaning, especially if you’re doing it alone. Set a timer for the amount of time you want to spend on each task. When the timer goes off, allow yourself a five minute break before jumping into the next task.

This will help keep you focused and get the job done more efficiently!

Make goals

When you set your timer, decide exactly what you want to see finished before the timer goes off, and work towards that goal. Having a goal will keep you from taking on too many tasks at once. Plus, keeping in mind what you want will help you keep going.

Sometimes the time just isn’t available. You shouldn’t have to live in a house you’re unsatisfied with because life is keeping you busy. At these times, you might consider hiring a maid service to clean your home expertly and efficiently. This way, you can come home at the end of a busy day without worrying about what you're scheduled to clean and just enjoy your house!

Ways to Encourage Your Children to Clean

Mon, 04 Jun 2012 00:00:00 GMT

Despite their sometimes wild nature, children enjoy order as much as we do, they just need some direction in learning to help with the housekeeping. Start with a clean room. Make sure everything has a place. Use bins to keep small parts together and shelves for larger items. If your child knows where to put things as they clean, they are more likely to help out. Show them how. Let them see you cleaning. I know I’m guilty of picking up in the mornings before the children are awake, but children are master imitators. If they see you clean, they will want to follow your example. Invite them to help. As you’re cleaning around them, ask for their help with specific tasks. Give them something simple to focus on, like picking up all the toy cars or making sure dirty clothes get put in the hamper. Make it fun! Find ways to appeal to the things your child likes. If they are competitive, turn cleaning into a race against the clock. If they like music, crank up their favorite tunes and dance around while you clean. The more fun you make it, the less it will seem like work—for them and for you! Reinforce good behavior. Praise your kids for the effort they put into cleaning. They might not always do a perfect job, but if they’ve put in a good effort, let them know you’re proud and grateful for their help. Starting with a clean house is definitely the first step to teaching your children to become more organized. For ideas or to find out how The Maids can help, take a look at the cleaning services we offer!

Easy Ways To Freshen Up Your Home

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 GMT

If you don’t have the time or budget to update your home décor, you might be tempted not to try, even if you’re tired of your home’s appearance.

No one wants to be bored with their house. Instead of being overwhelmed by all of the things you wish you could do, focus on simple, affordable things you can do to freshen up your interior design.

Right away, the first thing you can do is give your home a thorough house cleaning. Just having everything organized and clean will make you breathe a little easier when you look around. If you don’t have time for this step, hire a maid service to get the ball rolling.

Then, change some small things around. Are your curtains a darker color? Consider changing to a lighter shade. Switch out your tablecloths and put new towels in the kitchen and bathrooms to give those rooms a different feel.

Tired of that same old scent? Find a new candle or air freshener that you like. Look for something seasonal or something that fits your mood.

Add something new to your décor. It doesn’t have to be expensive—look for little things. For instance, bring in some fresh flowers from your garden or grocery store every few days. Pick up a few knick-knacks or a new painting or picture to put around the house. Just seeing new things will give you a lift!

If you have the time and the muscle for it, consider moving some of your furniture around. This can take a stale room and make it feel new again.

Freshening up your home will put you in a great mood. Let The Maids help get you started .