the-maids-columbus

Does Using a Dishwasher Save Water?

Thu, 03 Aug 2017 10:49:28 GMT

In recent years, there have been numerous technological advancements in almost every industry. Some advancements have improved the water efficiency and cleaning of automatic dishwashers. According to research and studies, consumers only waste energy and water during the dishwashing process through their own decisions and actions. In order to gather information on the subject, a study was conducted on dishwasher usage by the consumers. According to the study, consumers unnecessarily pre-rinse dishes at the sink, and waste a lot of water before placing them into an automatic dishwasher.

As mentioned above, the actual energy and water usage for dishwashing greatly depends on consumer habits. A consume makes various decisions, such as the extent of pre-rinsing various dishes, machine vs hand washing, selection of dishwasher cycles, how efficiently and fully the dishwasher is loaded and more. These choices ultimately decide the energy and water usage involved in the automatic dishwashing process.

According to studies, an important decision that affects energy and water usage during automatic dish washing is pre-rinsing the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. When you use a pre-rinse cycle in a dishwasher, approximately one gallon of water is used. On the other hand, when you pre-rinse dishes under running water in the sink, about 25 gallons water is used for 5 minutes of pre-rinsing. This is a substantial difference. Thus, there’s no doubt that washing dishes in an automatic dishwasher is the more energy efficient option.

The United States Department of Energy has implemented Energy Standards for numerous appliances. These standards have established some benchmarks for water and energy efficiency. When it comes to modern, automatic dishwashers, a significant portion of water and energy savings comes from reduction in hot water usage. Since a significant amount of energy is used to heat normal water, less water usage by an automatic dishwasher also leads to reduced energy use.

Dishwashers are put in your home to make life easier. The maids of Columbus can also be put in your home to make your life easier, and help out with daily chores to give you more free time .

What to Expect in 2013: Interior Decorating

Thu, 04 Dec 2014 14:25:40 GMT

Spring is a great time to try a new look in your home, but it can be hard to know where to start. If you're looking for something fresh in your home but need some ideas, here are three of the trends designers are noticing in interior decorating.

Of course, cleaning is always in style, so if you need a hand keeping your new look looking new, maid services can help!

A Bit of Neon

Neon's making a bit of a comeback, but really, any bright color is working interiors this season. The important thing to note is that it's all about the accent. You're looking to create splashes and details in bright colors that look great but don't overwhelm.

To try:

Paint or wallpaper an accent wall in a bold color.
Paint an interior door a bright color.
Use a few brightly colored pieces of furniture.
Find a bright area rug or throw pillow that will pop well in the room.

Shades of Gray

Gray has often taken a back seat to other neutrals, but it's coming into its own this season. The preference is for warmer grays, but other than that, the ideas are open. They can be left with other grays and neutrals, paired with warmer neutrals like different shades of brown, or as a backdrop to bright accents of yellow and green.

To try:

Gray bedspread with white or brightly-colored accent pillows.
Dining room table and chairs in gray.
Kitchen backsplash, tables and chairs, and fixtures in gray shades.

Outdoor Living Spaces

Many people like to spend time outside in the evening or on weekends, relaxing or visiting with friends. Some homeowners and decorators are taking that one step further by making outdoor areas as decorated and designed as the interior. From porches with large coffee tables and rugs to decks with pillows and bars, you have everything you need outside!

To try:

Add an area rug, cushioned chairs, and a small end table to your front porch.
Combine an area rug, big, fluffy floor pillows, and a coffee table with candles to make a family room on your deck (just make sure you have a way to store them quickly if your deck isn't covered!).
Turn your back porch into a second kitchen by adding a small refrigerator and small bar to go along with your barbecue grill.

Natural Remedies for the Common Cold

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:04:06 GMT

A runny nose and sore throat are no fun - but fear not – most of the signs of common cold are usually harmless. There are many natural remedies that will help minimize your time spent suffering, and you will likely find most of them sitting quiet in your kitchen. Here are our top 3 natural cold remedies.

Drink Warm Fluids

Drinking warm fluids can provide a soothing effect on a dry throat. You can try herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, ginger and honey plus lemon with warm water. Your mom's chicken soup may also help. As the warmth goes down your sore throat, it will help loosen mucus, making it much easier to cough out. Also, avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee and cola, which can act as a diuretic and may lead to dehydration.

Neti Pots

Making homemade nasal spray is very simple and s free of chemical substances. Mix 1/4 tsp of salt, 1/4 tsp of baking soda and 8 oz .of warm water. Use a neti pot to flush out your nasal cavities. Close one nostril and gently squirt the warm water through your other nostril while leaning your head a bit forward. This may feel weird in the beginning, but the warm and salty water will help remove the stuffiness.

Steam

Hot water vapors will help hydrate your sore throat and nasal cavities. Heat up water in a pot and very carefully keep your head over the pot with a clean towel covering your entire head. Do not get too close since hot water vapors can cause burns. Now close the eyes and breathe in deeply, letting the steam get into your nose and mouth. You can also add 2 drops of peppermint oil to the water.

Got your own personal natural home remedies for coping with the common cold? Share with us in the comments below, and remember, when you need an extra hand keeping up with household chores, call The Maids in Columbus.

Easy Ways to Avoid Mold Problems on Your Baby’s Toys

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:13:48 GMT

Mold problems on baby toys are unsanitary but can also be very dangerous for your baby’s health. The best way for you to stop mold growth is to find ways to prevent it. Here are some ways you can prevent mold problems on your baby toys:

Dry Toys Well Before You Store Them

Babies and toddlers love to put their toys in their mouths, causing them to often be covered in drool. They also love to take toys into the bathtub. Both situations can leave the toys as a potential breeding ground for mold. To avoid the development of mold, you should try and dry the toys before storing them. You can easily dry the toys with a towel or use a hair dryer to dry them.

Keep Toys in Dry Areas When Not In Use

When your children are done playing with their toys, you should try and keep them in a dry place. This will avoid cases where the toys will come into contact with moisture, which assists in the development of mold.

If Mold Does Attack Your Baby’s Toys

While you do everything to prevent mold, it may still occur. And if it does, you need to be prepared for it. Soaking affected toys in a mixture of bleach and water for at least a few hours, at a ratio of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water, should kill the mold. If necessary, you may need to scrub affected areas of the toy with a small scrub brush. If all else fails, you may have to discard toys and purchase new ones.

And while you are busy keeping you little ones safe, let The Maids of Columbus, Ohio assist your with all your house cleaning needs.

Step-by-Step Process to Repair Dented Wood Furniture Surfaces

Fri, 07 Nov 2014 13:20:03 GMT

Wood is vulnerable to chips and dents. Repairing these dents and chips is necessary in order to restore and maintain the elegance of your wood furniture. Follow the steps below that can help you to repair your dented wood furniture:

1. Clean Up the Dented Area – Wash away fingerprints, debris, dirt and dust from the dented/chipped areas with a soft cloth and a dishwashing soap. Then, dry the area properly.

2. Sand the Affected Area – Using a 200 -grit sandpaper, sand the dented area and also the area right around the dented area. Ensure that you don’t scrub off the finish and painting from the surrounding areas. This should be followed by wiping away the sanding dust using a tack cloth.

3. Fill the Dent Using a Wood Filler – Repair the chip by filling it with a small amount of recommended wood filler, applying it with a putty knife. When repairing a dented surface that is stained, you can use stainable wood filler.

4. Level the Wood Filler with the Surrounding Surface – By scraping the flat edge of your putty knife across the filled dent, you’d have leveled the wood filler so that it complements well with the surrounding surface. Then let the wood filler dry completely.

5. Sand the Repaired Area – Sand the repaired area to prepare it for painting. Make sure to use fine grit sandpaper to

6. Do the Painting – Paint the repaired surface with a good quality paint that matches with the finish of the surrounding areas. Use a soft brush to wipe off the paint. Then let the coat to dry out before adding a second coating.

Repairing a dented surface is not that hard as you may the think. The above steps are simple and they’ll get the job done without much hassle. And if you are looking for help with your housekeeping needs, The Maids of Columbus, in Worthington, Ohio would be happy to assist you.

Tried and Tested Stain Removers

Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:55:53 GMT

Food stains? Grease? Dirt? Don't despair! There are a number of natural stain removers sitting in your kitchen cupboards that will quickly rectify the problem. Here are some natural cleaning products that you can use to remove even the most stubborn of stains.

Vinegar

Vinegar is one of the most popular natural cleaners, and what's better, most people have a bottle lying around in their cupboard.

Not only does vinegar help to remove stubborn stains, it's actually gentle on the majority of fabrics. In fact, it won't cause any damage if left on for a prolonged period of time.
Vinegar can help kill bacteria and germs, and doesn't irritate the skin - making it an effective natural cleaner that can be used around the home.
Vinegar is extremely effective at clearing blocked sinks. Remember - the smell of vinegar can sometimes be overwhelming, so always remove any stains before guests are due to visit your home!

Baking soda

Like vinegar, baking soda is another ingredient that has many uses, and you probably have some in your kitchen somewhere.

Known for its abrasive quality, baking soda can deodorize naturally, and is extremely effective in removing a wide range of stains.
Baking soda can also be mixed with vinegar to remove many stains around the home. Mix the two together and leave it on the stain for around 30 minutes before blotting it up. The mixture will remove enzymes and eliminate stains.

Rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove household stains such as food stains and pen ink. It can also be used to remove grease from surfaces.

To use rubbing alcohol, apply it to the stain directly and then leave it to set. You should notice that the stain begins to fade after a prolonged period of time.
Rubbing alcohol can be used to remove stubborn stains on carpets, rugs, and furniture items around the home.

If you are still having trouble with stains after trying these, call on the expertise of The Maids in Columbus to remove those stubborn stains.

Maintaining Your Home Entertainment Equipment

Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:25:48 GMT

Keeping televisions, computers, home theater systems,and gaming systems functioning optimally requires that you clean them regularly. However, it is important that you are careful to use the right cleaning products and materials. Below are some tips that will help you keep your entertainment equipment running smoothly:

Use a dry, soft, lint-free microfiber cloth to dust of your entertainment equipment. A microfiber cloth has a specialized surface that is safe for delicate TV and computer screens.
Only use cleaning agents that are designed for TV and computer screens, this way you avoid possible damage from chemicals that may be too harsh.
Compressed air is a great product to use for cleaning your gaming, home theater, and computers. You can use it to blow dust and dirt from the fans and other external parts of any of these electronics.
Q-tips are another great product that can be used to clean small crevices, such as between computer keys, remote keys, or entertainment equipment fan vents, just to name a few.

And if you would like the assistance of a professional maid service to take care of your cleaning needs, do not hesitate to contact The Maids of Columbus, in Worthington, Ohio.

Insider’s Guide on How to Rid Your Home of Bedbugs

Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:34:13 GMT

Bedbugs are pests that infest bedrooms. Clutter, dust, and general forms of debris are some of the predisposing factors that promote their infestation. Here are some tips to help you get rid of bedbugs from your bedroom today.

Pretreatment Procedure

All items that are infested or capable of transferring the bedbugs should be placed in an open area. Wash all personal items such as: stuffed animals, blankets, and pillows, inhot water to rid them of any bedbugs. Also, consider dismantling all bed frames to expose their hiding sites.

Apply Insecticide to Mattresses and Other Affected Items

Bedbugs can easily hide inside the folds and seams of your mattress and footboard. Use a spray bottle to apply the insecticide all over the mattress. Choose insecticides that are environmentally friendly and safe to human and pests to avoid any regrets down the road. Wear protective clothing such as gas mask, gloves to protect your skin from the chemicals, as some of them can cause irritation and rashes. More often than not, dusts last longer than aerosols but it all depends on your personal preference and the amount of money that you intend to spend on this chore.

Finally, be sure to keep your bedroom tidy and well organized afterwards to solve this issue once and for all. And if you would like to hire a professional maid service to assist you with keeping your home clean, do not hesitate to contact The Maids of Columbus, Ohio.

Helpful Tips to Effectively Organize Your Fridge

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:39:37 GMT

If you have a fridge that is always full, it doesn’t have to be cluttered. When the fridge is organized, you won’t have to stress yourself out when looking for something. It makes you even more excited to open that door, meaning you won’t have to waste a lot of time in the kitchen while cooking. Time is consumed with other events like housekeeping , unless you have The Maids of Columbus in Ohio working for you. So make it a little easier to access what you need and not waste precious time pulling everything out of that fridge and then placing it all back in. Aside from that, an organized fridge keeps the food items clean and fresh. So consider the following tips that will help you get that well-organized fridge.

Maximize Shelf Storage

Place some items you use often in the front and those that you barely use in the back of the shelf. This way, you won’t have to dig through everything in the fridge when looking for something specific. Stock up the smaller items in the shelf to ensure that the space is well utilized and create more for other items.

Keep Regularly Used Items on the Door

The regularly used items should be kept on the door of the fridge where they can be accessed easily. Stash these items together as well to save your time in the kitchen. Keep hot sauce, tomatoes and onions on the door and save some space inside for other items. If there are some items that don’t need to be stored in the fridge, then it’s wise to store them elsewhere.

Group Like-Items Together

To avoid stressful searching or buying items in duplicate, it is wise to store the like-items together in your fridge. Ketchup, Mayo, salad dressing, mustard and salsas should all be kept near each other in the fridge. You can also decide to keep them in bins before storing in the fridge to create even extra space.

Front and Center Space

Give prime fridge space to priority items. The leftovers for instance, should be kept at the front and center on the middle of the rack, easily accessible. Other healthy snacks should not be crammed at the back.

Are Garages Really Hard To Organize? Check Out These Practicable Garage Storage Tips

Fri, 10 Oct 2014 13:30:34 GMT

Garages are notorious and well-known for being the most disorganized areas in homes. Housekeeping services performed by The Maids of Columbus in Ohio cover all areas of the home, but you may not have the time to do everything yourself if you handle it yourself and may miss some important areas. They are probably neglected because they are hard to organize. For the garage, it may certainly be true but do try to pay attention to the following storage options and keep your garage clean and organized without a hassle.

Utilize Your Cabinets

If you think cabinets are only meant for your bedroom and kitchen, then think again. Installing cabinets is the first step towards getting an organized and clean garage. They keep cleaning supplies, off-season items and tools out of sight and easy to access.

Group and Sort Items into Various Categories

Group the items together according to activity, projects and size. This ensures that everything in your home has a permanent home. Keep frequently used items in their own drawers where they can be accessed with ease. Take special care of items such as motor oil, cleaning supplies and paints out of reach by children and pets. Utilize storage labels to date, sort and locate items in your garage.

Create an All-in-one Working Station

To avoid scattering items everywhere in your garage, you can outfit your garage with a working station that includes a metal tool box on casters, a potting table, wall-mounted hooks to hang aprons and bags and overhead cabinets. This allows you to reach those items you want easily besides keeping your garage neat.

Install a Mudroom

A mudroom just in front of your garage ensures that your garage is kept clean of those muddy cleats and gumboots. Stake out somewhere around the entryway to your garage a small mudroom. Inside the mudroom, you can add a tray where you will be storing wet shoes.

Using Pipe Dreams

Most of your long-handled landscape doesn’t have a home and you always lean them by the wall. You can avoid this by installing pipe dreams on the walls. Just cut small sections of disposable PVC pipes and make screw holes on them before attaching the pieces to the shed wall.

Use Rolling Bins & Carts

You can enlist your garage with rolling carts, bins and cabinets to ease maneuverability in your garage. You can store trash, lawn and garden bins near the garage door so that they can be easily accessed.

The above-mentioned storage options should be able to de-clutter your garage and get it organized.

Savvy Bedroom Organization Tips to Enhance Your House

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:42:21 GMT

To perform your duties and obligations well, you need to sleep well at night. This helps to give body ample time to rejuvenate and prepare for the tasks ahead. It’s not possible to achieve this if your bedroom is packed to capacity with items. Below are some savvy bedroom organization tips to restore its past glory. You can also hire a maid service like The Maids of Columbus in Ohio to get it where you need it to be, but here is some guidance if you want to handle it yourself.

Dispose of Things That You No Longer Use

You will be surprised by the number of clothes and beauty accessories that you no longer use if you take time to go through your drawers. There are a number of online platforms that can help you sell such stuff online.

Storage Space

Beds are not just for sleeping. The areas above, below and behind the bed can be used to store extra accessories such in bags. Be sure to fold clothes when packing them to utilize all the available space. If your bed frame is too low, consider using risers so as to leave ample space for containers.

Use Vertical Wall Space

Did you know that you can use the vertical wall space in your bedroom to store clothes? All you need to do is hire a professional contractor to design and build in-built shelves on both sides of headboard. Store small items in decorative boxes and attach clip-on lights to the unit. This will help you find your clothes faster especially at night or in the morning as you prepare to leave for office.

Get a Wardrobe

Modern wardrobes are spacious and capable of seamlessly blending with interior decorations in your room. Use them to store clothes that you rarely use such as winter jackets. The space at the top can also be used to place storage bags and antiques that you hold dearly.

Finally, invest in LED light bulbs as they are more efficient, long lasting and environmentally friendly.

Keep Your Home Sparkling Clean Using These Homemade Solutions

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:49:31 GMT

To keep your house smelling and looking great, you need to hire a maid service like The Maids of Columbus or regularly clean surfaces and appliances consistently. This will go a long way in enhancing their overall outlook, functionalism and increase their lifespan. Here are some tips on how to save on cleaning supplies with affordable solutions.

Grease Remover:

Grease is well known for its ability to create redundant stains on clothes and surfaces. As a result, most of the commercial grease remover reagents are very expensive. You can save money by creating your own reagent. Just add half a cup of sudsy ammonia in a bucket and add enough water. Stir and use a sponge or mob to apply the solution on the surfaces. Be sure to rinse the area with clean water once you are sure that all the grease is gone.

All-Purpose Cleaner:

Wouldn’t it be great to have an all-purpose cleaner? Luckily you can make your own by mixing one quart of warm water with 4 tablespoons of baking soda. Application process is extremely easy, you just have to pour the solution on the surface or appliance and wipe using a microfiber cloth or sponge. To get the best results, it’s recommendable to only prepare the required amount as storing it can lower its ability to remove stains.

Redundant Stains Remover:

Anyone can attest to the fact that getting rid of redundant stains from clothes is a nasty and cumbersome affair. Save money and time by using an affordable solution. Mix one gallon of hot water with 1 cup of powdered dishwater detergent and 1 cup of regular liquid chlorine bleach. Regular means that the bleach should not be too concentrated or ultra. This solution can be used to get rid of stains on stainless steel appliances, plastics and even enamel kitchenware. If you decide to use it on clothes, soak them in the solution for 15-20 minutes then wash them as usual.

Go ahead and try out these cleaning solutions to experience a new way of cleaning your accessories.

How to Remove Common Kid Markings on Painted Walls

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 13:04:56 GMT

Small children love the sound and magic of creating markings when scribbling on the walls. The motion and sudden appearance of a line is very exciting for toddlers, but the damage done to walls may disappoint or even anger a caregiver. While it may be hard to keep your walls mark free without housekeeping services like The Maids of Columbus in Ohio, you can use the following guide to remove common stains.

Ink fromPens and Markers

Pens and markers are the most commonly used tools by toddlers to express their creativity on your walls. There are several ways to remove the ink from painted wall, including:

Rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and wiping it on the stain until it disappears
Soaking a cotton ball with your hairspray and then rubbing it gently over the mark
Applying some toothpaste on the mark, leaving it for 10 minutes, and then washing it off with water
Rubbing a cotton ball containing some eucalyptus oil directly on the mark

Crayon

Kids also like to apply crayon on your painted walls, but you can remove it by following these steps:

Use a small plastic spoon to gently scrape off some of the wax
Take a piece of cloth, sprinkle some bicarb soda on it, and use it to rub over the mark
Wipe off the stain with a damp cloth

In case there is still some crayon reside remaining, you can just rub it off with a cotton ball dipped in eucalyptus oil.

Dirty Fingerprints

The best way to remove dirty fingerprints is by wiping down your walls with a solution containing equal portions of warm water and white vinegar - like 1/2 cup of each. Alternatively, run on the fingerprints using a cotton ball with eucalyptus oil.

Grease Marks

You can remove grease marks using the vinegar/water solution mentioned above. You can also splash some lemon juice to remove stubborn grease marks.

For general wall cleaning, you can wash them down using sugar soap, or spray the walls with lavender oil solution and wipe off with pantyhose.

Bedroom Storage Ideas That Cost Less than $100 to Implement

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:18:59 GMT

Bedroom should be a haven for relaxing at the end of the day. You need to look for smart storage ideas that you can use to reduce clutter. Today, we look at some storage solutions that cost less than $100 to implement.

Under ground floor storage: This is one of the most classic storage ideas that have been used for more than one century now. All you need to do is create an under-floor compartment or box for storing confidential personal items. To hide it, ensure that the top surface resembles the other sections of the floor.

Downsize furniture: If you have a small bedroom, all furniture apart from the bed should be scaled down to reduce visual clutter. As you do so, go for pieces of furniture that offer multiple storage options such as open shelf and drawers.

Install hooks on closet door: There is no guarantee that all your clothes will fit in the closet. No need to worry, you can create more space by install hooks on the inner section of the door for hanging various clothes such as night dresses and pajamas.

Get a bookshelf: If you love reading a book before sleeping, it is important to invest in a spacious bookshelf for store all your books. Leaving them on the side bed table will just make your room disorganized. There are available in different sizes and designs to suit the diverse clients’ needs. As you choose, consider the amount of space available on your walls to avoid purchasing one that is too small or too large.

Finally, you can purchase a bed that has side drawers for storing small items. Storage bags can also be placed under the bed or at the top part of the wardrobe so as to create floor space for other bedroom accessories. If you need help with housekeeping, The Maids of Columbus can help while you focus on better organization and save some space too!

How to Get Rid of Stubborn Stains

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 13:49:09 GMT

Almost every person is troubled by some tough stains on their clothes. These stains can be quite difficult to remove, and often ruin clothing.

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.

Gain More Free Time through Better Organization

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 06:20:05 GMT

Getting organized at home is a great idea. In your daily life there are some house cleaning chores which you will be required to carry out on a daily basis. When cleaning the house, you will need to arrange different items in the places that make the most sense for functionality in your life. The best way for you to arrange the items in your home is putting them in places where you can easily locate them whenever you would like to make use of them. This will reduce the time that you would waste in trying to locate certain items in your home. The following are ideas that you can employ for you to get organized easily:

Personal Electronic Accessories

There are several home accessories available in a home. For instance, you will often have the following electronics in your home: phone chargers, game console controllers, TV cables, USB portable storage units, power adapters, headphones, video cables, Wi-Fi dongles, remotes, Ethernet cables, watches, watch batteries, standard batteries, electronic parts, tiny screws and other gadgets with their accessories. To have an easier time when cleaning your house, you can design a drawer where you can place all the electronic gadgets so that when you need them it will be easy for you to retrieve them.

Dirty Clothes

To arrange dirty clothes so you can easily gather them when you are ready to wash them, buy laundry hampers and place one in each bedroom in your home so that your family members can put their dirty clothes in them every day. This will make it easier on laundry day because when you’re ready to start cleaning your clothes you will go straight to the hamper rather than wasting time looking for the clothes all over the house.

For a little extra help in keeping the house clean and organized, a maid service like The Maids can do the job.

Gain Maximum Space from Your Refrigerator Today

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 06:34:27 GMT

Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home. It helps to keep drinks and foods like your favorite snacks and vegetables fresh. When carrying out housekeeping chores, it is a good idea to include your refrigerator on the to-do list. By simply arranging it, you will enjoy fast access to various items when you need them. This will, in turn, save you time for other income-generating activities.

Also, you will be able keep track of food stocks and save money that would have been spent buying things that you already have. No more second guessing: preparing meals will be much easier and enjoyable as you will be able to make informed decisions by looking at the foodstuffs available.

Here are some proven tips on how to expand your fridge space:

Make Maximum Use of the Fridge Bins

Refrigerator bins have varying sizes that largely depend on their intended purpose. Can dispensers can comfortably be used to house sodas in a one- or two-row style as the cans be placed on top of one another to form stacks to economize on available space. There are other bins that are designed for storing big bottled beverages such as 2.5 liter drinks. Some designs allow one to stack the bottles on top of each other in one row or two depending on the size of the refrigerator.

Consider Rearranging the Shelves

Most of the modern refrigerators allow users to adjust and rearrange the shelves to suit their needs. Take advantage of this feature by reviewing all items that you normally store in your fridge and organizing them in shelves based on their sizes. That is, smaller items can occupy small shelves while large, bulkier items can be placed on a separate shelf. For example, pickle jars, loaves of bread, butter tubs, and 2- liter drinks can be stored at one of the high shelves. On the other hand, salsa, cheese slices, meat slices, and other similar foods can be placed on shelf with the lower height.

Apply these organization ideas to keep your refrigerator tidy and looking great. If you need an exceptional kitchen cleaning, The Maidsare standing by to help organize, clean, and sanitize!

Eliminating Pet Hair on Your Couch

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 06:45:04 GMT

In a home, pets help family members enjoy life, especially those who love their pets very much. They also tend to add more work to your home when you’re trying to maintain high level of cleanliness. This is especially noticeable when you have to try and remove pet hairs during house cleaning that settle on places in your home such as on your couch or other furniture.

The pet hair can settle on the couches if your pets sleep on your furniture, but they can also float on the air where they will finally land on random areas in your home. It’s bothersome to remove the hair from the couch each day, so it’s necessary to try and look for ways through which you can make the work of removing hairs from the couch very easy. There are various vacuum pumps available that can easily help you in getting rid of the hairs.

Using Attachments for Vacuums

The vacuum pump sometimes have attachments which you can use to get rid of the pet hairs. Pumps with brushes or wide floor attachments tend to make the work of removing the pet hairs a bit harder because they are not designed for the work.

Vacuums Designed for Pet Hair

There are vacuum pumps that are designed with a particular attachment that makes the work of removing pet hair very easy. You can order an attachment that will enable you to remove the pet hairs from your couch, but buying the one that has the attachments already is preferable.

The Types and Styles of Attachments

The attachments available on vacuum pumps differ according to the manufacturers. There are those that provide the attachments with rubber on the edges which form grips that help in removing the hairs before the pump sucks them. Other features on the vacuum pumps include rubber bristles which help in brushing up the pet hairs from your couch with great ease.

Of course, to keep a house really clean takes consistency, and if your time is stretched thin, The Maidscan help.

Best Garage Organization Ideas That Work

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 06:56:43 GMT

Are you forced to leave your car out on the street because your garage doesn’t have enough room for it? If so then its time you started thinking of how to get your garage organized. Listed below are a few tips to help you make that happen. Read on!

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.

Get That Electric Bill Lower

Wed, 16 Jul 2014 09:01:38 GMT

Is your electricity bill more than you expected? Is it just higher than desired? No matter what the situation is in your home, there are many ways to reduce the amount of money it takes out of your pocket. You can use that money elsewhere like hiring a maid service to keep your home clean. Many electronics have higher energy demand in the form of watts, including:

Window Air Conditioners
Tube/CRT Televisions
Computers
Portable Heating Units
Portable Air conditioners
Hair Dryers
Bathroom Heating Units
Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen Portable Lights
Clothes Dryers
Surround Sound Stereo Systems
Home Climate Control/HVAC Systems
Microwaves
Stoves
Etc.

These devices consume the bulk of your electrical bill amount each and every single month. When it is applicable, set timers or programmable units to turn the devices off when they are not needed. In addition, turn them off manually when not in use.

Some devices always consume electricity, even when off like stereo systems and computers. The energy draw is really low though, but unplugging them does have an impact on your energy costs. Just give it a try and you will see a difference. The small wattage usage from all these types of devices can really add up. Unplug that cell phone charger or tablet charger when it is not being used. Use a remote control shutoff plug for the stereo when not in use. Unplug the computer until you need to boot it up and use it. Little things like this do make a difference.

Aside from higher wattage applications, devices with lower energy draw can add up to a huge total. Items that use less energy can include:

Ceiling Fans
Window Fans
Self-Standing Fans
Room Lights
Dishwashers
Washing Machines
DVD, Blu-Ray Disc players
VCRs
Gaming Consoles
Mobile Device Chargers
Alarm Clocks
Wired, Outdoor Ground Lighting
Etc.

These low-wattage devices can be unplugged or turned off when not in use. Plug-in timers can be used for fans and dusk-to-dawn devices can be used outdoors. Aside from that, ceiling fans can be switched off when nobody is home and at night. Many people forget to turn their ceiling fans off at night in rooms that they are not sleeping in.

In addition, you can replace older electronics with newer, energy efficient devices. This can also include replacing old incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lights. Furthermore, consider reducing dishwasher and washing machine usage by waiting until you have a full load. The dishwasher may use more electricity if you constantly run it all the time. Your washing machine may use more energy with bigger loads, but it saves in overall electrical usage. This is because you won't be washing as much and all the small loads would run longer in total than the less but bigger loads.

Using Additional Shelves For More Storage Space

Fri, 11 Jul 2014 07:07:47 GMT

A home is a home, filled with your things—and the clutter that comes with them. However much you try, it is rather difficult keeping your home in tip-top condition all the time. You will find your cabinets filling up, drawers getting loaded, and closets carrying too many things.

The best way to overcome all this clutter is to think of innovative ideas for your shelves. Use your creativity to make more space so that all your housekeeping efforts keep your home looking great. The first thing to do is revamp and reorganize all your shelves so that they give you more space to store your belongings.

Purpose

The purpose of the shelf is very important in helping you decide what you want, and how much you want to expand your shelving units. Decide if you need shelves for storing your music and movies, for your kids’ activity coloring books and games, or other types of items.

Once you determine how much you need to store on shelves, you can decide if you need to expand with more shelving units. If you find you don’t have sufficient room for games, movies, and music on one shelf, it’s the best time to add another shelf for all of these things.

Organization

You can start organizing your things once you decide what you want in a shelving unit. You need not buy additional shelves all the time; if required, shelf systems can be compacted and restricted to fit more of your belongings.

This is because many shelf systems today have peg holes to use for self-adjustment purposes. You can thus place items on the shelves based on size, so that you have a shelf that snugly fits to the next one.

With the extra room you have, you can start adding shelves. Just go to the local hardware store to find out what they offer for shelf boards, and then cut them to the required size. If your existing shelf system is painted, just paint the new boards with a matching color.

On adding new shelves to the unit, and having pegs holding them up, you can now install a new shelf on the remaining space you have once all the new shelves are added to your existing shelf system.

Keep clutter at bay regardless of your schedule with a hand from The Maids, who will not only straighten the clutter, but also make sure your home is truly clean.

Fun Games That Can Keep Your Kids Occupied All Day

Fri, 04 Jul 2014 07:15:27 GMT

Kids always want to have fun. Therefore, the best way to keep them occupied is to make them engaged in fun things. You will be surprised by how much your kids are uninterested in you when you find them fun things to do. There is plenty that can make your kids have fun. You don’t have to spend a lot to make them enjoy it either. Since kids love to play, they can always be kept busy by using games. When you find one that they fall in love with, it will give you the time you need to do things that you have always wanted to do. Here are some perfect examples of fun games that can keep your kids occupied.

1. Teach Them to Play Board Games

There are many simple board games that you can teach your kids. Once they have learned how to play one or two of them, they will require less of your attention. They are available for kids of all ages. Take time to choose a few board games that you think are appropriate for your children. Each one can teach kids so many things. They help develop analytical skills and many other useful life skills. For example, monopoly teaches kids on how investment works and how to manage and be responsible with money.

2. Teach Them to Play Classic Games

There are many classic games that you played when you were a kid. They made you have fun, right? Why don’t you teach your kids how to play these games so that they can have fun like you did? Good examples of classic games include hopscotch, green light, hide and seek, etc.

These games are fun and will keep the kids occupied when you are busy with other things, like projects, house cleaning, etc. They can learn most of them very fast because most of them are actually quite simple. With more free time to work on other things, you can get your house where you want it in the way of cleanliness. If you need more time for other things besides housekeeping, consider giving The Maids of Columbus in Ohio a call and they can keep your home looking good as new for you.

The Many Uses of Vinegar

Thu, 03 Jul 2014 08:00:28 GMT

Being human, we all tend to look for cheaper but yet efficient and also non harmful methods to cleaning your home. Vinegar falls perfectly in this category since it is both non-toxic and affordable and easily available.

In home cleaning vinegar has vast uses but they are mainly used in floor and carpet cleaning, window cleaning, laundry and even in the lawn or backyard.

While cleaning the floor try to mix the water with some vinegar, helps to kill germs. This will work best on non-wax floors. Use half a cup for every liter of water. In the case of carpets mix a table spoon of vinegar with a cup of water and gently rub it on the stain using a soft cloth. Try and clean the stain immediately it is seen to make it take a shorter time to clean.

In the case for laundry vinegar helps soften and freshen your clothes. As you rinse your laundry make sure you have mixed the rinsing water with vinegar. Vinegar also helps maintain the clothes color, helps the cloth not to fade. For clothes that have a tendency of losing color make sure you soak them in vinegar for a few minutes before you wash them. The last important bit of the use of vinegar in laundry is that, when washing baby’s laundry make sure you mix the water with vinegar. This helps break the uric acid in babies clothing thus making them fresh.

I am sure by now you may have notice that once you clean your windows using plain water some streaks are left on the window. To avoid this streaks mix the water with some vinegar and use a soft clothing to wash the window. This will not leave any marks on the window. In the case of wooden furniture, especially on tables, ring stains caused by mainly wet glasses can also be removed by a mixture of vinegar and olive oil. The mixture should be of equal volume of each substance.

You might be wondering how vinegar can be used in the lawn or backyard but it actually has several uses. It can be used to kill grass that is growing along the side walk, kill weeds and it can also be used to increase plant nutrients.in the case of killing grass and weeds it can be achieved by pouring the vinegar directly on the unwanted plant. If you want to add plant nutrients using vinegar just mix some vinegar with water and irrigate your crops normally.

Removal of Stickers and Their Residue from Various Surfaces

Fri, 27 Jun 2014 07:26:37 GMT

As long as the price stickers are where they belong – on the labeled products in your convenience store or other shopping malls, then they remain functional and useful. However, most stickers don’t stick there for long; they get to come off once they have been paid for after their brief shelf life. And heaven only knows where these stickers end up; they can easily become a nuisance on every surface in and around the home.The following are some of the ways to clean those stickers from various surfaces at home:

Glass Surfaces

Avoid scratching the glass to remove the sticker as this may damage the glass. Instead, apply vegetable or baby oil, allowing it to remain on the surface overnight; by morning it should peel off. Using nail polish and allowing it to soak for about 30 minutes should also do the trick.

Wooden Surfaces

Lay a cloth or paper towel that has been soaked in white vinegar over the sticker and allow it to soak into the sticker and residue for about five minutes. Peel off the sticker and once the wooden surface is clean, use wood polish to wipe the surface.

Plastic Surfaces

Heat up the portion around the sticker using a hair dryer, then peel off one side. Aim the hair dryer below the sticker as you hold up the loose side; this will allow the area to warm up and slowly release the sticker from the plastic surface. Ensure the surface doesn’t get hot enough to melt the plastic. Finish by washing the surface using a solution of dish soap then dry it.

Metallic Surfaces

Scrape off the adhesive as much of it as you can from the metallic surface then apply water-displacing spray on a cloth, but make sure not to use something abrasive that will scratch the metal . Continue rubbing the sticker with this spray, and then wash the surface using warm water mixed with dish soap. Rinse the area and dry it.

You can maintain all your surfaces and their nice appearance even after the stickers have been removed. There is always a suitable solution to deal with the unsightly blemishes on your surfaces. No need to be miserable about those annoying stickers anymore! And for all your other messes, The Maids of Columbus, in Worthington, Ohio, can do your housekeeping for you.

Cleaning with at Home Made Products

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 07:44:27 GMT

Allergies and other respiratory issues make it hard for some people to use chemical cleaning products. At the same time, there are plenty cleaning items sold these days claim to be eco-friendly and free of harsh chemicals, when that isn’t always the case. The following are some cleaning solutions which you can make right in your kitchen using other common household products:

Wax for Floors

2 Tbsp of olive oil
warm water
white vinegar

This wax will serve as an effective alternative for those who are bothered by the strong chemical smell of many common floor cleaners.

Furniture Polishing

1/4 cup of olive oil
20 drops of lemon oil
1/4 cup of white vinegar

The wood will absorb the oils and the lemon will cut away all the excess greases

Homemade Bleach

1/2 cup of baking soda
1/2 tsp of peroxide
1 tsp of dish soap

This solution can effectively scrub tiles and bathrooms with ease.

Microwave Cleaner

A few lemons, cut into wedges
Bowl with small amount of water

Place lemon wedges inside of the bowl with a tad bit of water and microwave on high for 1 minute. Remove the bowl and wipe your microwave out using a damp cloth.

Glass Cleaner

1 1/2 cup of water
lemon juice
1 cup of white vinegar.

This will work best on mirrors, and the lemon will give them a streak-free shine.

The main goal of good housekeeping should be to make your home fresh and clean, which will help keep your family healthy and happy. And if you are in the Worthington, Ohio area and would like to hire someone to do your house cleaning , The Maids of Columbus should be the ones you call!

Brilliant Garage Organization Tips

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 08:05:36 GMT

Organizing your garage does not have to be difficult. By organizing it you will reduce chances of accidents occurring, and it will save you time as you will be able to access items more efficiently.Here are some brilliant garage organization tips that you can use to give your garage a new professional look:

Shelving

Storage shelves are important to any garage organization project. The provide space for your items and you can place them in a way that the garage can still allow room for your car as well if you want.

Magnetic Tool Holder

This is very similar to magnetic kitchen knife holder used to organize kitchen cutlery. Instead of filling up your shelves with tools, purchase a quality and spacious magnetic tool holder to keep all the metallic tools at an arm’s reach along the wall above your work table in your garage.

Bin Storage

Storage bins don't have to occupy tons of shelf space either. You can install bin hangers above your shelving to provide more storage space. You might need to purchase more than one hanger as it is not possible to hand two bins in one hanger.

Paper Towel Holders

It is impossible to use your garage as a work space without some essentials for cleanup. Install a paper towel holder somewhere near your workspace in the garage instead of leaving the roll lying around the workshop.

Organization System for Screws, Nails, Etc.

Screws, nails, washers, etc., can easily get lost all over your garage, especially if you don’t clean it often. You can avoid this by storing them in glass or plastic jars. A fun project using recycled materials is making a storage system out of old baby food jars. Take the lids and nail them to a piece of wood, with the inner part facing out. Mount the piece somewhere near your workspace where you use your tools with the tops side facing down. Separate and store different types of screws, nails, etc. in individual jars, then screw the jars into the tops.

Bungee Cord Ball Storage

Don’t let footballs and basketballs congest your garage. Purchase a quality bungee cord ball storage net. Install high and out of the way for better maximization of space in your garage.

As you can see, organize a garage is not difficult if you take time to learn how it’s done. These are just a few tips to help you stay organized in your garage. And if you would like to hire a maid service to take care of the rest of your home, The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, Ohio would be happy to assist you.

How to Deal With Pet Hair in Your Home

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:14:30 GMT

For those with furry family members finding hair all around the house is a common experience. Cleaning up pet hair can take too much of your time as you try to keep your house tidy. Below are some of the ways you can deal with pet hair in your home more effectively:

Pet Hair Rollers

There are many pet hair rollers available. They easily fit in your hand and you can roll them along just about any surface to grab pet hair. They work great for those quick pick-ups, especially when you do not have a lot of time to clean up. In addition, you can easily get replacement rollers when they are used up.

Furniture Covers

Furniture covers are a great way to protect from pet hair. Having covers on your chairs and couch is quite convenient. You can simply replace or wash the covers if they get too much hair.

Air Purifiers

An air purifier will capture airborne pet hair, debris, dust and even grab allergens. Normally, the more expensive the floor models the better they tend to do the job. Also, be aware of the square footage that the purifier is effective for, as the larger your home is the bigger unit you will need.

Pet Hair Vacuums

You can also get a vacuum specifically designed to handle everyday debris as well as pet hair. There are different models from different manufacturers, and some of these models may work better than others. It is best to do some research before selecting the right one for your home.

No matter which way works best for you, pet hair can seem overwhelming. If that is the case, you could always hire The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, Ohio to assist in your housekeeping needs.

Get More Organized and Reduce Clutter

Fri, 30 May 2014 09:08:21 GMT

For the most part, there is no home that doesn’t have any clutter whatsoever. Even if it is just in a closet or a cabinet; clutter still exists. You are busy enough as it is with trying to squeeze in regular house cleaning duties within your busy schedule. Nevertheless, the dining room table collects mail, keys, cell phone chargers, magazines, tools, and other temporarily used items. The living room table gets bombarded with papers, remotes, small toys, pens, cords, drinks, and other commonly used products. The office desk can pile up too with things like staplers, pens, notepads, computer cables, phone chargers, headphones, mail, jewelry, and many other commonly “awaiting use” items. These situations can happen anywhere in the home. Take a look at your home entertainment center. What is on top of it? What is sitting on the shelves? What is in the cabinet doors? Chances are; there are a variety of things there. Nevertheless, here are a couple things you can do to help control clutter and you will find that you have more space too!

Coat and Hat Racks

This idea has a goal to make things more efficient when needed by providing easy access to coats and hats. Instead of having to hunt around for that one coat you like or that hat you want to wear, it could become easily available on a coat and hat rack. Many households have tons of coats and tons of hats. These items tend to get scattered around the home and you usually find a coat on a chair or a hat on a table or underneath a bed. The racks can eliminate pileups or clutter from any room. If you want to take it a step further, you could have one for each bedroom too, especially if each member of the household has tons of outdoor wearable clothing. On a creativity note, they can also be used for scarfs, cords, baby pocket organizers, hanging storage units, and may other applications or products. This can save a lot of space and make things easier to get to.

Totes

This idea is pretty universal. Use it for toys, collectibles, shoes, seasonal clothes, rarely used kitchen devices or tools, books, puzzles, outdoor toys, landscaping tools, household tools, and many other products. The biggest advantage here is that totes stack. Imagine how much more free space you can have in any given room. Grab some masking tape or a labeler and you can label each tote for easier access.

How to Add More Space in Your Refrigerator

Fri, 30 May 2014 08:17:36 GMT

Your refrigerator is one of the most important appliances in your home. When you are looking to organize your home, do not forget to include it among the lists of priorities. There are a lot of benefits to organizing it, including the abilityto access food items much easier and increasing the storage space available. Here are a couple of tips to increase your refrigerator’s storage space:

Get Some Bins or Use Existing Ones

You can use bins as a way of increasing the storage space in your refrigerator. These bins come in all shapes and sizes. They make more room in your fridge as well as reducing the possibilities of knocking something over and creating a mess. The bins you decide to use will usually depend on the items that you will be storing.

Shelf Rearrangement

You would be amazed at how much extra space you can create when you rearrange the shelves in your refrigerator. Most refrigerators have shelves that are movable, and making simple adjustments can improve how you are able to store items. The door shelving is best used for condiment items, sauces, and other small bottles.

With the two methods listed above, you will not only have a smarter and more organized refrigerator, but also access food items much faster without causing a mess. And if you need help with cleaning and organizing your home The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, Ohio would be happy to assist you.

Home Storage Tips - Using Wine Racks

Fri, 23 May 2014 09:11:36 GMT

Wine racks are normally used for storing wine - keeping the bottle horizontal puts the wine in contact with the cork, which helps to preserve the beverage. With a little creativity, however, a wine rack can be a convenient, elegant way to store all kinds of household items. They can easily be placed in a closet or in a corner somewhere to give you a convenient storage space.

What might you store on a wine rack besides your favorite bottle of red? Here are some ideas:

Put a wine rack in your bathroom and use it to store towels. A regular sized rack is great for storing hand towels while a larger rack designed for 1.5-liter bottles works well for larger bath towels.

You'll want to first fold the towel in half or into thirds, and then roll it up tightly and place it in one of the round spaces on the wine rack. Storing towels this way keeps them neat and tidy while providing easy access whenever you want to grab a clean one. It can also add some color and character to your bathroom, and you can play around with different color arrangements.

In the kitchen, a wine rack can be a great place to store bottles of vinegar, cooking oil and anything else that can be kept at room temperature. This is great if you have limited cupboard space and makes it easy to find what you need.

You might also try putting a wine rack in your closet, either on the floor or on a shelf above. You can roll up bed sheets and store them in the rack - this is especially useful for contoured sheets that are difficult to fold into a neat pile. If you have a large wine rack, you should be able to roll up an entire set of sheets complete with pillow cases and store it in a single spot on the rack.

Fun Tips for Organizing Your Kid's Room

Fri, 23 May 2014 08:26:59 GMT

If you are looking for fun ways of reduce the clutter in your kid’s room, there are plenty of options available. Children are often messy and have to have assistance in keeping their rooms clean. It can seem impossible for kids to clean their room, but you can make cleaning fun by organizing and trying to create a fun space that your kids will enjoy.

Choosing the Right Furniture

Incorporate fun furniture that is meant for kids, which will help keep space available for play. Kids will enjoy playingin and organizing their rooms when the room is tailored specifically for them.

Organize the Room Systematically

Things that are used more often, such as toys, should be stored in lower drawers or shelves. This will make frequently used items easily accessible, avoiding frustration for your children. Make use of storage containers to organize, making it easy for children to store and find similar items.

Employing Headboard Storage

This is a great way to create extra storage space in your child’s room. There are different options available on the market, often incorporating shelves, being a great place to store books. This is a great way to utilize multiple uses for a necessary piece of furniture.

Using Bulletin Board for Artwork Display

Rather than using frames to display your kid’s masterpieces, great paintings and even photos, you can use a bulletin board to display all of these items. With a bulletin board, items out is hassle free, plus you can decorate to border of the bulletin board to coordinate with other room decor.

Using Closet Curtains

Closet doors can be a pinching hazard to kids and can also be too heavy for them to handle. A fun idea that can be safer is using curtains in place of doors. This also makes another fun opportunity of introducing your kid’s favorite patterns and colors into their room decor.

The above fun tips enable you to create ample space by organizing your kid’s room to create a fun play environment and teach your children organization skills. If you need professional help with cleaning and organizing your home, The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, Ohio would be happy to assist you.

Creating a Carpet Cleaning Routine

Fri, 16 May 2014 12:52:54 GMT

Having a carpet in your house not only keeps the house clean but also makes the house more attractive. Carpet cleaning leaves your house free of dust and molds that could lead to health complications and allergies.

A carpet cleaning routine is important in making your house clean and ensures sufficient fresh air circulates in the house. To ensure a clean carpet the following routines are indispensable.

Divide your carpet into sections: This routine is mostly important when it comes to wall to wall carpets. The vacuum phase of carpet cleaning should follow sectional cleaning to ensure that you clean all areas following a particular order. This routine is more thorough and leaves your carpet sparkling.

Clean up spills immediately: The next important carpet cleaning routine is cleaning up the mess immediately it happens. This routine helps to eliminate the need to shampoo and clean up the entire carpet due to a single spill.

Use an inconspicuous test area: This carpet cleaning routine is indispensable if your carpet is to have a longer life. When applying the cleaning shampoo and other agents, it is an important routine to test the cleaning liquids to prevent discoloring visible areas.

Scratching and blotting: Ensure that you first blot the carpet or the spill area with a dry hard brush to ease the cleaning process and reduce the use of cleaning agents and shampoos.

Always make it your routine to clean the carpet outwardly. This prevents spreading the stain to other parts of the carpet and ensures that unscathed areas remain so. Always use a clean bath towel to dry the carpet and prevent the carpet from becoming damp.

To conclude, it is important to stick to your cleaning routine. It is prudent to have door mats that will arrest all the dirt before it gets to the main carpet. Make it a weekly routine to vacuum your house at least twice a fortnight .Clean all spills immediately to prevent them spreading to other areas. A clear cut and followed routine is indispensable if your carpet has to remain clean and attractive for many years into the future.

Steps Necessary to Make Your Outdoor Furniture Look Good as New

Fri, 16 May 2014 08:44:16 GMT

When you want to improve the outdoor part of your property, one of the important things to do is revive your outdoor furniture. This type of furniture can face rough treatment because of bad weather and other factors. Before you start to do anything, you must to know two things: the tools you need and the steps to follow. You don’t necessarily have to buy new furniture when you can use some cheap tools to revive it and make it look like new.

Step One: Establish What You Need

In most cases, you will need spray paint, spray for stains, sand paper, a paint remover, and a dry cloth. The paint can be removed using a paint stripper from surfaces like wood or metal. The spray paint can be used to revive the look of chairs, couches, benches or tables.

Step Two: Repair the Damaged Furniture

Maybe a piece of your table or chair has been broken. Now it is time to make any repairs that are needed to be ready to go to the next step.

Step Three: Perform the Cleaning

All the parts of the furniture have to be cleaned. There are various tools to use for cleaning, according to each type of material: fiberglass, vinyl, plastic, metal, or wood. You may have to peel off or sand down the paint from wood surfaces. Metal furniture can be cleaned using a wire brush. Everything that remains can be wiped out using the dry cloth you prepared in step one.

Step Four: Prepare the Furniture for Staining or Painting

After all the surfaces have been cleaned, they have to be prepared. For applying paint, you need to make surfaces rough or use a primer. While metal may already be prepared due to wire brush cleaning, plastic surfaces should be brushed as well. Wood can be either primed for painting, or just stained, as it depends on the needs of each wooden surface.

Step Five: Staining or Painting the Furniture

This is the final step and the one that will make your outdoor furniture come alive again. You can choose from different tints and translucency levels for wood staining. Onapplied stains, a polyurethane coating can be applied for added protection. Some outdoor stains have coatings or other types of protection incorporated within them.

Metal surfaces have to be painted using a paint designed for metal materials. You have many options with colors and can mix a couple too. The gloss level can also be selected. If you want surfaces that are easier to clean and are more protected, you should choose a higher gloss level. The only disadvantage can be the risk of cracking, but it rarely happens. For fiberglass, vinyl, and plastic; you can use paint or primer just as you did for metal.

Final Considerations

After finishing the final step, the results may be better than what you would come to expect. If you have the patience to perform each step properly, your outdoor furniture can look exactly as it would be if it were new. With this strategy, buying new furniture will become an unnecessary step and the savings can be spent on the family, on a wonderful vacation, or even for hiring a house cleaning service to give you more time for more important things in life. The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, OH can give you that extra time and make your home look close to new, just like your newly revived outdoor furniture!

A Step By Step Guide to Repairing a Garbage Disposal

Mon, 12 May 2014 11:00:15 GMT

The garbage disposal is an important kitchen appliance. It’s of great help when it comes to getting rid of food and leftovers which would otherwise pile up in your trash can. This, along with a weekly cleaning service from professionals like The Maids in Columbus, is how your kitchen runs smoothly. However, if something goes wrong with your disposal, it can be very frustrating to get rid of all that waste. If your garbage disposal is faulty, here is a step by step guide to repairing it.

Garbage Disposal is Silent When Turned On

Look at the bottom of your garbage disposal and press the reset button. Try your disposal to check if it works.
If the reset button didn’t work, check the circuit breaker to see if it needs to be reset. If this is the case, switch the circuit breaker off and on, and then try the garbage disposal again.
If the problem is not with the circuit breaker, look for the switch that powers your garbage disposal. The switch can either be on a wall or just below the sink. A faulty switch could be the cause of the problems. Locate the circuit breaker on your service panel and then turn it off. If the switch is faulty, replace it and turn power back on. Test the disposal.
If all the above steps don't work, then you may need to replace the entire garbage disposal system.

Garbage Disposal Makes Humming Noise, but Won’t Run

Switch off the circuit-breaker that powers the disposal.
Insert an offset wrench into the fly-wheel, turning hole located at the bottom of your disposal.
Turn the wrench to loosen anything lodged in your disposal or fly-wheel. You should start to feel the fly-wheel turn more easily.
If you can’t get a proper offset wrench, get a wooden handle to dislodge the stuck flywheel or impeller. You can use some grease to help loosen the flywheel.
Turn power back on and then push the reset button.
Turn the water on and then flip the disposal switch on and off. This will set the spinning wheel and clean all the dislodged objects down the drain.

Reviving That Kid Swing Play Set

Fri, 09 May 2014 08:54:58 GMT

Outside work is as important to you as your housekeeping duties in the home. The inside is not the only area that needs to look good, but if you need more free time; you can hire The Maids of Columbus in Worthington, OH to clean your home in great detail. As for the outdoors, that swing set you put out for your children is suffering the attacks of the weather. All that rain, snow, and sunlight, as well as all the wear and tear, is eating away at it. A new looking swing set adds a very nice, playful feeling to any property...as long as it looks great. After it starts to show the mileage, it no longer looks so charming. Sometimes, they can even look kind of creepy!

Okay, so what can be done about it? Well, you can get a bit of paint and set free the artist in you!

These are a few steps to bring that swing back to life so that you can be proud of your artistic efforts and your children will enjoy it like they used to.

1) Preparation Steps

You need the appropriate tools to get the job done and get all the surfaces ready in order to be able to paint. The first thing you should do is to buy or get wire brushes designed for paint removal and a new corded drill. Look at the packages and you will see that they say on it as to what the wire brushes can be used for. Be careful with removal discs though, because they can dig deep and may leave marks all over the surface.

2) Inspect the Play Set

Before getting started, you need to inspect the swing set to determine where rust resides. When you find it, brush it off with the wire brush or drill attachment.

3) Choose Your Paint

Paint can be found in both sprays and cans. Look for paint that is appropriate for outdoor use; that's the kind of paint that you want--the kind that has scratch resistance and high durability. If the surface is prepped correctly, you can also use paints with the primer built right in.

4) Use Painters Tape

Tape all the stuff that you don't want to paint. You should also use wide surface protectors such as plastic so that you don't waste too much tape when covering everything.

5) Painting

Now you can start to paint! For sprays, apply it in layers and slow strokes; 8 inches from the surface is good. If you bought canned paint, just brush it on. When you are done, remove all the protectors and tape before the paint is dry, otherwise when you remove the tape, the paint could come off with it.

If the paint bleeds a little bit or anything else happens, don't sweat it, it happens for pretty much everyone. Nobody will notice it anyway. Keep in mind that you are probably your worst critic because you are the one doing the deed. Doing these little things can be very rewarding and make your stress go away. What's important is that you have a good time doing this, and that your kids enjoy using their renewed playground set too!

Common Home Allergens That Cause Asthma

Fri, 09 May 2014 08:39:44 GMT

Asthma is a condition, where the bronchioles carrying oxygen to the lungs are constricted. It can also be referred to as a reaction that is triggered as a result of body hypersensitivity.

Anyone from any age group can suffer from asthma caused by home allergens. Individuals with a family history of this condition are susceptible to asthma since childhood. The common symptoms of this condition include difficulty in breathing, coughing and wheezing. For many with asthma, the reaction often starts with a simple cold or sneezing and then goes down to the respiratory tract, causing tightness and congestions, and hence asthma.

There are number of things that can cause an asthma attack. One of the most common causes is allergies. Home allergens that trigger an asthma attack include dust mites, pollen, mold, pet hair, smoke, perfume, and in some cases talcum powder. The smell of rotten wood, dead leaves and closed bathrooms are some causative factors to most individuals since these are the places where mold exist. Such environments are not suitable for individuals who are susceptible to asthma.

To prevent an asthma attack, you need to determine what home allergens are likely to be present in your home and avoid them as much as possible. Different allergens can be minimized using different measures. For instance, if the allergic reaction is caused by pollen, you can try limiting your outdoor activities during high pollen times like in the early mornings, stay indoors during dry and windy days, keep your windows and doors shut and use an air conditioner, if possible. Allergy testing will help you detect the likely causative factor of your asthma attack.

Cure Allergies by Getting Rid of Dust Mites

Fri, 02 May 2014 08:26:19 GMT

Dust mites are disgusting little creatures that live in our homes. They survive by eating our dead skin and hair that is shed on bed linen, pillows, furniture, or rugs in the home. Dust mites are practically invisible to the eye, but they can cause a lot of trouble for people in the home. Some people complain that they feel stuffy, their eyes itch and assume that their allergies are causing the symptoms. The fact is that millions are allergic to dust mites. Getting rid of them is another story.

Stop the dust mite invasion in your home and your allergies will disappear. This is the advice that is given to millions of people who suffer with allergies every year. All it takes is a few easy steps to chase the pests out of your home and live an allergy free life again. For example, start by keeping the rooms in the home extra clean and free of dust.

Vacuum carpets and dust the furniture in your home regularly. Wash small rugs and bed linen in extra hot water. This will kill the dust mites and their eggs. Wash curtains on a regular basis and get rid of any stuffed animals that are in the rooms. Those stuffed animals are breeding grounds for dust mites. Lower the humidity in the rooms. Those little bugs thrive in humid conditions.

Take the previous precautions to stop those dust mites from invading your home. There are several other very effective methods that are used to destroy the dust mites. Many communities have professional exterminators that specialize in getting rid of the creatures. They might use a steam process or ultraviolet light to destroy the creatures. Other methods include using a chemical to treat the furniture and rooms. Consider the methods here to get rid of dust mites in the home.

Effective ways of Cleaning Your Home to Control Allergens

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 09:15:11 GMT

Indoor allergens like dust mites, mold, pet dander and cockroach droppings among many other elements can trigger allergy or symptoms of asthma in millions of allergy sufferers across the world. Allergens, which can be carried through the air, are easily found on the floor, furniture and on other surfaces around your home. There is absolutely no home that can be said to free of allergens but thorough regular cleaning can be a great way of reducing the number of allergens that you and your family gets exposed to. Here are several ways of Cleaning Your Home to Control Allergens.

1. Get rid of dust

This is actually one of the best ways of reducing indoor allergens. Dust mites, the most common asthma and allergy symptoms trigger, usually thrive in dust. However, it is important to note that dusting can even worsen the situation if the dust particles are kicked in the air. The secret is using a damp or rather treated cloth capable of attracting dusting instead of scattering it. Also, remember to wear a dust mask when cleaning your home. What is more, avoid cluttering your home as much as possible because it collects more dust.

2. Vacuuming

This is especially important in areas that are known to attract more dust such as the carpeting and furniture. Just like dusting, if vacuuming is not done right, it can also lead to dust particles scattered in the air. Try using a vacuum with HEPA filter that can trap even the smallest particles to prevent them from floating in the air and causing more problems. Vacuuming should be done at least once or twice per week.

3. Clean allergens off

Generally, dust mites usually thrive in important items such as pillows, bedding and throw rugs. Technically, most of our time is usually spent in the bedroom making it an extremely sensitive area. Form a habit of cleaning your sheets, pillowcases as well as blankets at least once a week and ensure to dry them using a hot dryer to destroy dust mites. It is also advisable to encase non-washable pillows, mattresses, comforters and other bedding using allergen proof covers.

4. Reduce pet dander

Protein found in the urine, saliva and dander of our faithful companions (pets) is actually a common allergen for majority of people. They can become airborne and consequently trigger allergy and asthma symptoms in extremely sensitive people. Ensure to vacuum frequently and wash your pet at least once every week.

5 Cleaning Myths

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 08:20:20 GMT

There are still a considerable number of people who still hold-on to the old cleaning tricks up to date. However, most of these tricks are just but strange myths and most do not really work as they are told. Here are the top 5 cleaning myths:

Hair-spays removes ink stains

Although this myth is still upheld by many people, it doesn’t work the same as it used to. And one of the reasons why they don’t is because they contain low-alcohol content and some hair sprays have no alcohol at all. In order to get good results, make sure you get a hair spray that has high alcohol content.

The use of newspapers to clean windows, mirrors and other glass surfaces is a good idea.

Sometimes this trick work, but it has a number of shortcomings which strangely qualifies it to be just another myth. One major reason is the fact that the papers leaves behind the newsprint residue and the news print sticks on the glass. To avoid this you should consider using glass cleaning products that are readily sold in the market.

The more detergent or soap used the more the cleaning power.

This is a misconception that has traditionally been spread by some manufacturers so as to increase their sale. However, the truth is; when you find out that you are using more detergent or soap; it means that you are using an ineffective washing product.

You ruin your carpet by washing it frequently.

This is a myth that has been in existence for quite a long time. One thing you should know is that when you wash your carpet, you remove the germs and stains that can greatly reduce its life spun. The only thing you should take note of is to ensure that you extract all the water by drying it on the sun or using other artificial drying methods.

Bleaches is the best cleaners.

Well, there are instances that bleach can perform a good job but generally not required in most of the cleaning activities. This is because although they may quickly remove the stain, they also remove the color of the fabric hence causing fading.

Homemade Glass Cleaner

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 09:11:35 GMT

There are numerous companies that specialize in glass cleaners. Though there are plenty of products in the market for us to use, many people have opted for homemade glass cleaner. The reasons include:

Avoiding use of toxic substances – unfortunately, most of over-the-counter products have harmful chemicals in them.
Saving money – most of readymade products are expensive compared to when you made your own.
To know the ingredients in your product – glass cleaning is not that hard, but the major problem is achieving a squeaky clean end result. The compounds used to make the products can affect your glass in one way or another.

There are various recipes for homemade glass cleaner, below is a simple recipe that will come in handy when you have some windows or glass materials to clean.

Ingredients

A cup of water
A cup of rubbing alcohol
1 tablespoon vinegar
8 drops of essential oil – this is an optional ingredient, it is used purposely to deal with the vinegar smell that is not always pleasant.

Procedure

Cautiously mix the ingredients in the clean empty spray bottle. Ensure that you do not reuse a bottle that still contains some kind of cleaner in it; this can be disastrous and cause you more money than you would have saved.
As I had stated earlier, it’s a simple procedure. Now using the mixture, spray on your glass as you wipe with a soft sponge.

Of course, you have to be cautious by keeping it safe and away from children.

Tip:

For shiny and streak-free mirrors, after the initial wipe you can use a newspaper to do a final wipe. Leaves you glass clear and sparkly.

You have definitely learned how simple and cost-effective this can be and all of the ingredients are natural without any negative effects to the environment or human life. So next time you need to glass clean, use the above recipe and experience the benefits that only come with homemade glass cleaner.

Aromatherapy for a relaxed home

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 09:02:41 GMT

Aromatherapy for your home is a practice you can use to not only make your living space smell better but to transport you to times you were happier or bring you daily memories of a loved one. A proper scent will also help you be calmer in a stressful situation. You would also be saving a bundle on expensive air fresheners as well as allergy medicine.

As we start off on this relaxing journey of aromatherapy we need to learn which essential oils to use in which rooms. For example rose, ylang ylang and jasmine would be ideal for use in the bedroom for their soothing sensual scents while using peppermint and sage in a home office would be more beneficial for you. Also as many people today carry their work home, having lavender and lime filling the air will help prepare you for the restful night you so much require after a long day.

There are various modes of application while using aromatherapy. Vaporizers and diffusers which may be electric or plug-in, electric air fresheners which can be refilled, candle lamps, air freshening spritzes, terra cotta diffusers, lamp rings and containers. The beautiful thing with using essential oils is that you can choose the oil you want according to its benefit and you can also choose the method of application that you find the easiest.

There are also different materials not just essential oils. Other things you can use are absolutes which are primarily from flowers, carrier oils, infusions, herbal distillates, vaporizer; these are raw herbs and phytoncides which are used to kill microbes. The material you use in your home depends on the function you wish to fulfill for example using peppermint to keep away mice and ants, lavender oil as ironing mist, or lemon essential oil to disinfect and kill germs.

Fun Facts About Cleaning!

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 08:57:03 GMT

Cleaning is fun, to some people and totally loathsome to others. It is said to be therapeutic too. However, it is a necessary activity in our lives. Here are some very interesting facts about cleaning and general housekeeping that will awe and fascinate you, in equal measure.

If countries are to be arranged in order of cleanliness, Iceland tops the list as the cleanest of them all. It’s a bet the homes there have no dust to be wiped off surfaces. Speaking of dust, did you know that dust particles in our homes are actually made up of three-quarters dead skin and a quarter soil particles? It is hard to imagine that we shed off all that skin. Domestic dust is the leading cause of respiratory allergies. So go on and dust your homes. The cleaner, the better.

Statistics show that the average woman spends almost twice as much time cleaning as the average man. While women clean up to an astounding 13,000 hours of their lives, the average man trails at just 6,500 hours of his lifetime. 30-60 seconds is the time that an anti-bacterial spray should be let to sit on a surface before it is wiped off. Spraying and wiping off the anti-bacterial spray immediately, as is the norm, leaves behind most of the germs.

When it comes to cleaning, nature has given us an abundant variety of natural cleaning agents and disinfectants. For instance, tomato ketchup is a stain remover. It can polish tarnished brass and get rid of rust stains from fabrics. Some fruits come in handy when cleaning. A banana can polish sliver items just as the lemon can be used as a substitute disinfectant and bleaching agent. White vinegar is great for surface cleaning, counter and table tops.

Apparently, the kitchen sink is dirtier and contains much more germs than the toilet! Weird but true. Finally, beware; a combination of white vinegar and bleach makes a deadly chemical weapon.

How Often Should I Clean My Windows

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 08:54:04 GMT

One of the tasks many homeowners like the least is the cleaning of windows. As a result, many people often put off this task. However, having clean windows provides a quick boost to your home’s appearance and allows more light into the house, thus cuts down the cost of energy used during winter. Clean windows prevent the building up of dirt. This helps in prolonging the life span of your windows and prevents you from replacing the windows within a short period. However, the question that one should answer is how often we should clean home windows for them to remain sparkling cleaning every time.

Under basic considerations, you should clean your windows at least twice in one year. However, for those who live in areas with a lot of ice and snow, high pollen counts, rain and strong storm or near a factory that emits dirt, it is advisable to clean the windows after every two to three months. Even though it appears to be a challenge to many, washing windows is among the simplest domestic tasks. You only need either a soft cloth or sponge to wash your windows and a squeegee for rinsing. You need a large bucket to do this task. After washing each window, you should use horizontal squeegee blows in order to remove the liquid. Then wipe the entire edge of the window with a piece of cloth free from lint.

In order to reduce the frequency with which you clean your home windows, switch to windows that have titanium diode embedded on their surfaces during manufacturing. These types of windows are self-cleaning and the titanium dioxide does not affect their transparency. When a self-cleaning window is exposed to sun, the titanium dioxide begins a chemical reaction, which disintegrates organic grime, such as tree sap, pollen and insects. The coating prevents water from piling up with dirt, as it spreads it out in sheets that wash off loose dirt and debris. In this case, you can do the cleaning twice a year. However, the self-cleaning windows cost between 10 and 20 percent more than the normal windows.

Easy To Prepare Scouring Powder Recipes

Tue, 11 Feb 2014 09:23:09 GMT

A lot of talk going around the marketplace suggests that phosphate-containing commercial dishwashing detergents are likely to be banned for their harmful effects. Whether these rumors do take shape remains to be seen but in case of such a worst case scenario, are we expected to sit back and eat out of dirty dishes? Obviously not, there is always a backup plan to fall back on. You can consider making your very own dish cleaning and scouring powder at home. Moreover, with the prices of present eco-friendly brands such as Seventh Generation and EcoVer skyrocketing, having your own recipe will also save you some money.

There are a number of easy green scouring powder recipes that you can try out at home. While most of them are tried and tested formulae, you may be required to put in some amount of experimentation for others before you ultimately get a successful result. Here we take a look at some of the recipes for you try.

Take a plastic container with a lid that fits firmly on top. Mix a cup of borax (preferably 20-mule-team borax that is available at all supermarkets), a cup of baking soda, quarter cup of salt and an equal amount of citric acid to it. Mix in around thirty drops of any citrus essential oil, namely tangerine, orange, grapefruit, lemon or a mixture of them all. Shake all of these contents together and your scouring powder will be ready for use.
This recipe carries a minute modification to the aforementioned one. Take a cup of borax, a cup of sea salt and a cup of baking soda along with three packs of True Lemon lemonade drink. Add them into a large mixing bowl and whisk together. You can eventually store it all in a container of one quart capacity. Sprinkle on the surface to be cleaned and use a wet brush or sponge to scrub it clean. Finally, rinse off the mess with water.
For this recipe, you will require two parts of baking soda, one part of borax powder and another part of salt. Pour all of the ingredients into a bowl or jar and stir them together to form a thorough powdered mix. Before using on a surface, lightly wet it with water while in case of very bad messes, you should use undiluted white vinegar to release the dirt particles.
This is the simplest scouring powder recipe you can work with at home, a sponge and baking soda being the only ingredients necessary in this case. Put some sprinkling of baking soda on to a wet cloth or sponge and use it to rub the surface on which you wish to undertake the cleaning process. Rinse off with water and you will have a clean surface to work with.

All of these recipes are very easy to prepare and won't cost a lot as the ingredients can be found at all local supermarkets. They are also non-toxic unlike the chemical products you get in the market. However, it is advisable that you experiment with the products on a small surface in your home before implementing for large scale applications so that in case it produces any negative impact, you won't be left with a substantial loss to deal with.

Balancing Your Time

Fri, 27 Dec 2013 08:52:38 GMT

There never seems to be enough time! Between working, cooking, cleaning, and spending time with loved ones, there are just never enough hours in a day. Finding ways to balance your time is crucial. It reduces stress and makes for an all-around happier you.

To balance your time, there are a number of things you can do. First and foremost, make a plan! If you schedule your day, you tend to stick to it. Have a calendar on your email? Set up alerts to keep you on track and include friends' and relatives' birthdays so you never forget.

Make sure to plan for yourself. Carve out personal time just for you for working out, for reading a book, or even for taking a bath. If you don't schedule time for yourself, you won't do it!

Next, plan ahead for meals. Typically, meal shopping and meal planning takes up a huge chunk of time. So if you spend a little extra time on the weekends planning your week's menus, you can save time every day, coming out ahead in the long run. Buy a little extra on your next shopping trip, prepare meals in advance and freeze them.

Or, if your family takes lunches to school or work, make all five days' lunches on the weekend and have them ready to go!

As for cleaning house, there are some very expedient ways to do it! Clean once, and let the dust accumulate for a few days! Let your weekdays be for work, and only tidying things that absolutely need it. Just do the dishes and laundry, and let the lesser tasks, like dusting or floor cleaning wait until the weekend.

If you just cannot do that, reverse it! Never vacuum or dust on weekends and do those chores during the week. Having time off from housework will really make you feel less stressed.

And finally, if you are really swamped, consider employing house cleaning services ! House cleaning services are usually affordable and will free up your time considerably, leaving you free to concentrate on more important things like family.

Getting Kids to Help around the House

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 08:47:55 GMT

Housekeeping is not high on any kid’s to-do list. But having kids help with household chores is not only helpful for parents, but teaches kids a sense of responsibility. How can you get them to help? Here are a few tricks and tips to get your children to make those beds and sweep the floors, as well as other chores.

Start by adding fun to chores

Let's face it; housekeeping is no fun for anyone. So to get your kids helping out, try making it a game. Smaller kids will love it. Have them clean or pick up items of the same color. If you have tile, have them sweep all the dirt into one designated tile. If you show a little enthusiasm, they will follow. Turn the television off and turn up the tunes. Everyone loves to dance; it will be easier to add cleaning into the groove.

Make up creative incentives

Who doesn't work better with incentives? Always praise your children’s’ efforts when they help you out. It not only makes them feel good about what they did, but they are likely to keep helping. While the normal incentive is cash, it will be much more interesting for your child if you create other rewards for them to aim for. An extra 30 minutes of TV time or game time is a good start. Take a jar and fill it with written down small or fun events that the kids like. When they have completed their chores for the week, let them pick an activity.

Have a chart to keep kids on track

It is easier for a child to complete a task when they can see it. Creating a chart will show them what needs to be done. They can have fun checking off their tasks. Also, give each kid a different task. They will appreciate having their own chores to be responsible for. Once in a while, it is good to change the chores around so it doesn't "get old."

With these suggestive ideas at hand, your kids will not dread chores anymore and you will get far more help with your housekeeping. Enjoy doing something fun with your children with that extra time you have achieved!

Home Organization is The Key

Fri, 22 Nov 2013 08:41:17 GMT

If you desire not only a clean home from your cleaning efforts or maid services , but a faster, more efficient way to get home tasks done; organization is the key.

Designating locations for specific items can make things easier when you need something. Aside from that, it saves you the time of hunting around for something when you know you have it. In addition, you may very well acquire more space and more room to eliminate clutter and crowding. So what can you do to get more organized?

Living rooms can have a wide assortment of things and many do not get used as much. Consider finding a location to place infrequently used items, like a closet or a self-standing cabinet to provide that extra space in the room. Cabinets are great for storing items and still add visual appeal to a room while hiding the clutter. Tables can have a lot of things too. Consider placing a lot of those items in a drawer.

Laundry rooms come in various sizes, but many have a lot of room. You can add self-standing shelves and place all your toolboxes, tool, parts containers, and accessories there to be available when you need them. It makes a great tool room if you don’t have a workshop.

The One-Chore-a-Day Method

Sat, 02 Nov 2013 13:25:56 GMT

For the most part, people don't like to clean house. It cuts into time for other things, it can be boring, and it's a lot of work. Calling maid services can be a big help, but there are still those in-between cleaning and organization projects that need to be completed.

Have you ever thought of scheduling just one chore a day? In addition to your everyday chores, try just adding one extra project, and work at it for less than 30 minutes. Inspired by the Fun, Cheap, or Free Queen , here are some ideas of one-chore projects to work on:

Laundry Day

Wash all of the clothes that you can in a single day. Since most of your time is spent waiting for the washer and dryer, the biggest chore will be folding. Do fold immediately out of the dryer, though—this will prevent wrinkles and keep you from ending up with a huge pile of clothes to fold all at once.

Bathroom Day

Clean bathrooms, as much as you can possibly do in 30 minutes. Scrub the bathtubs, toilets, and sinks. Sweep (or dry mop) the floor and wash it. Clean the mirror, clean out the medicine cabinet and under the sink, and change out the towels for clean ones. You'll be amazed by what you can accomplish in just half an hour!

Organize Something

Pick a spot that needs organizing and jump into it. Desk looking a little heavy with papers? Sort through them and put them away. Pantry full of food you're never going to eat or in desperate need of some sorting? Get in there and sort it out. Refrigerator turning into a laboratory? Don't wait any longer, go a head and get the refrigerator clean. It won't take as long as you think, and you will be proud and relieved when it's through!

House cleaning in one chore a day—it's a great idea!

Comprehending the Difference between Curtain Fabrics and Materials

Thu, 31 Oct 2013 08:38:41 GMT

You look at two different items that look the same, but one is described as fabric and one is described as materials. What's the difference? It can be confusing for anyone, simply because terms get mixed up and companies also describe their products in different ways. To better understand this, think of the word Velcro and how it gets used. Society associates the term Velcro with a product known as hook and loop fasteners. It stemmed from the company known as Velcro who produced the product originally. But its real term is hook and loop. No other company can call it Velcro, except Velcro Industries. This scenario also is somewhat similar with other products. Fabrics are known as what you end up with upon a spun and weave process with various materials. As an example, a fabric can be made from silk or be made from silk and cotton. Therefore, one company says it is a cotton curtain, while another says it is a cotton fabric curtain.

Fabrics are named based on materials or a design. This can typically lead to confusion. As an example, chenille fabric can be made from various materials, like olefin, cotton, and acrylic. In addition, satin fabric comes from silk, nylon, or both. On the design side of things, damask is composed of cotton and identified by small raised dots on one side of the fabric.

When studying the various fabrics available, a thicker one has the potential to last longer, yet may not maneuver as well. A fabric with more thickness in it will provide that level of strength you may desire. Thinner fabrics have the advantage of easier maneuverability, but usually wrinkle easier and some allow more light into the room through the fabric. Easy maneuverability and light may be something you prefer if you can live with less durability. Basically, the fibers or materials and the thread count used within the fabric will present its level of thickness. For instance, velvet and corduroy materials have a thicker aspect to them that makes a fabric more durable.

Curtains have a huge impact on both the appearance of a room and the tone, along with house cleaning . There is more to curtains than looks and identifying materials, as well as fabrics used, can have an overall impact on durability, looks, design, and dependability. Interpreting the characteristics of each one can make finding the right match easier and better.

The Importance of Housekeeping Services in Today’s World

Wed, 30 Oct 2013 08:35:49 GMT

You dedicate your precious time to home cleaning and in making it visually appealing. Unfortunately, some things just cannot get clean enough to look new or refreshing, such as trim or moulding. Problems like scratches, breakage, fading, etc. take away from your cleaning efforts in a visually appealing way.

When shopping for moulding, there are several things you should know. Material, finishes, types, and design are all important. Below is a breakdown of each aspect to help you find the right moulding for your interior needs.

Materials are the first important aspect to look into . Moulding, also known as trim, is available in many materials including oak, pine, polar, cedar, polymers, polyurethane, fiberboard, etc. Oak is strong and provides durability. Polar is a soft wood and is fairly inexpensive. Fiberboard is wooden fibers to form a product and look like wood when painted, but can break easier since it is made of individual, tiny fibers.

The second thing to consider is design. You can easily find plain moulding that is flat with a slight curve upward. If you are looking for something fancy, you can find routed designs and even imprinted designs. When shopping around, you will see all the options available in design.

The third thing to look into is the finishes. Many finishes are available, including various stain color tones, pre-painted options—usually white though, and primed options—ready for painting to your needs. Some materials only have some options though, like fiberboard does not have stain options and vinyl is often pre-finished.

Now you are ready to brighten up your interior rooms and make your cleaning efforts look worthwhile! Take some time to explore all the options so that you will be completely satisfied in the end.

Upgrade Your Interior Moulding to Add Visual Appeal

Thu, 17 Oct 2013 07:23:13 GMT

Now you are ready to brighten up your interior rooms and make your cleaning efforts look worthwhile! Take some time to explore all the options so that you will be completely satisfied in the end.

Lower Allergy Symptoms at Your House by Providing More Desirable Air Quality

Thu, 26 Sep 2013 09:07:57 GMT

You strive to provide the best house cleaning you can to make your home a healthy place. It certainly pays off, but the air possesses many contaminants and allergens that contribute to every household member's health issues. You can't completely eliminate air pollution, but you can certainly reduce it for a healthier home.

When the sun hits an area of your home with direct sunlight, what do you see? Sure, household dust is normal, but what else in in there ? That dust is invisible most of the time, but you have to remember that you breathe that every day in your home. During seasons with closed windows, this air can have nowhere to go. This leads to more sicknesses, less energy, and flared up allergies.

Using air purifiers is a big way to help cut back on those air pollutants and irritants. Choose from floor models and table models with many features like fan speed, oscillation, etc. The more expensive the model, the more filtration and cleaner air you usually get.

In addition, if the outdoor temperatures are comfortable, the biggest pollutant reducer is to use window fans and have them blow outside. Nevertheless, that only works for a limited time. But that can still reduce the amount in your home for a while.

A vacuum cleaner can make a huge difference in air quality too, assuming it's a good one. Cheaper vacuums tend to just blow the contaminants around while still picking up dirt and debris. In fact, several are marketed with HEPA filtration, but often fail to send most of the air to the filter. Others are cheaply made and the dirty air escapes through openings, pockets, or zippers. A good vacuum may not get everything, but it will surely contribute to a healthier home environment.

A home that is air contaminant free is basically nonexistent, but can be controlled to a comforting level with your dedication.

Discover Home Brightening Cost Savings

Wed, 25 Sep 2013 07:20:53 GMT

The people in your home need light to do just about any task and any project, such as house cleaning , home remodeling, hobby projects, book reading, computer typing, etc. Incandescent technology has been around for many decades and evolved with many types of bulbs, but most run 60-100 watts of energy when used. This can really add up.

A 60-watt bulb is the most commonly used bulb in homes, right next to the 100-watt bulbs or 3-way bulbs that are used for different purposes. Types available evolved into night light bulbs, candelabra bulbs, candle bulbs, lamp bulbs, ceiling fan bulbs, etc. As time moved forward, some funny shapes came about too. Yet each bulb uses more watts than you have to use nowadays. The never-ending list of incandescent bulb types also includes color tone output options.

Fluorescent lamps and L.E.D. bulbs are an excellent alternative to incandescent lighting , especially since they consume a lot less energy to operate.

Deciding whether or not to upgrade those old incandescent light bulbs? If so, it is a good decision.

A fluorescent light bulb will cost more than a few incandescent bulbs, but you will save money every single month. These lamps not only use 1/3 of the energy that incandescent bulbs do, but also last for years. In addition, you can pick from several color options like you can for incandescent, such as a daylight bulb. There are also other options like cool white, natural, warm white, and bright white. Every manufacturer of fluorescent light bulbs can have their own labeling and descriptions for each bulb, but many are similar from one to the next.

Using L.E.D. bulbs is also a great way to cut your electric bill. With lower energy use than fluorescent lamps, they continue to grow in popularity, yet have limitations on options. There are a small handful of types available and they continue to evolve.

Transform Your External Living Area

Sun, 25 Aug 2013 07:14:45 GMT

Your dwelling might currently look fantastic along with the cleaning you do, but why not include excitement to the backyard livable space. There are various rather simple, low-priced tricks you can use to incorporate life in your open-air environment. These great innovations are price range pleasant, which will create the desire to hang out way more in your own outdoor area. Your buddies and relative will be impressed by the final effects and think that you spent lots of money. You may very well wow them with that!

Bring some fashion to corners, wall areas, and even walkways with potted plants. Your outdoor living space needs color and plants can add that colorful touch. To keep things exciting, plants can be changed periodically, which allows for different color schemes, different themes, and even different placements. You will be empowered by the opportunity to conveniently change the atmosphere! In this case, change is definitely good!

Grassy areas often get a lot of foot traffic. Stepping stones or a pavement improvement may help prevent the lifeless patches within the lawn, not to mention dirt pile-up or pits on your lawn. In fact, they help prevent the buildup of muddy areas or puddle zones.

Perhaps you have come across a garden greenhouse with all their blooms displayed on the floor outside? The bundles of color stand out and bring joy that could be put into use in your own space. Of course, you almost certainly won't have as many plants, but it will add loads of enjoyment.

Perhaps you could spruce up your furniture with some paint. Save your valuable money and bring your furniture back to almost new condition. Paint is available in a huge assortment of types to fit almost any situation. Think About choosing new cushions at the same time, which will let you match things using your persona and personal preferences.

Troubled with Smelly Rest Room Towels?

Fri, 16 Aug 2013 14:39:31 GMT

You may have a knack for housekeeping , but think About why your rest room towels just will not smell fresh, even when they are most often clean. Utility Room washing detergents ordinarily strip most smells, but they're not going to consistently get them all. Some smells can be really challenging to reduce. On The Other Hand, some choose to stay on and refuse to disappear altogether. How can you overcome that? A situation of this nature can potentially turn into quite the discomforting condition.

Washing your towels more than once before drying didn't seem to do the trick, right? Every time you wash those towels, no matter what kind of towels they are , they build up with detergent residues and fabric softener residues. The more you wash, the more built up they get. The buildup prevents water from penetrating deep inside the towels, which turns into missed areas that odors (bacteria) like to hide.

It is easy to push that issue to the side. You will find a solution to the matter which brings your linens back to being almost new.

Step one is to wash the towels in hot water with about 1 cup of vinegar. Do not add any detergent or fabric softener because it could hinder the performance of the vinegar. Once the washing machine finishes, do another round and use 1/2 a cup of baking soda instead. Just like step 1, do not add any detergent or fabric softener. After that cycle finishes, place in the dryer and the task is finished. At this point, you should now have dry towels that smell magnificent!

If you discover that you don't have great smelling towels after drying, the washing machine may need cleaned and freshened. Abide By procedures for your machine. There are various washing machine fresheners available that eliminate odors in your washer. When working with this approach, follow the washer directions along with the directions for the freshener's product packaging.

Bring Life to your own Bathroom with Color

Wed, 14 Aug 2013 14:31:59 GMT

Room or Space color styles provide the most significant outcome both for comfort and style. With these two aspects, your bathroom is no different. Not surprisingly, you wish to take pleasure in waking up, soaking within the tub, having friends and family members over, as well as getting ready for your day. Cleaning is important, but sometimes, you want more out of your bathroom. A beautiful bathing room generates those desires and can share your special personality. If you possess the need to remodel your bathing room, spend time to help it become your own. Regardless how you renovate the bathroom, colors are crucial.

It is important to have color fashion in virtually any bathroom if you want ending results that characterize your desires and style. When exploring color schemes and themes, it will provide a basis for choosing the right fixtures, wall colors, and accessories to create that amazing room that wakes you up or brightens your day. All items, including light fixtures, sink(s), toilet, cabinets, and many other items, can be chosen to mesh in with everything and fit within your bathroom ideas.

Walls frequently get noticed within a living space. Consider mixing some colors to create your masterpiece and add spice to your bathroom. Options are never-ending and consider the possibilities of using more than just two colors. See what your imagination can produce. Perhaps you can come across an element that makes your character shine, while also merging together with the washroom you have always wanted.

Restroom lavatories carry a massive selection of designs, options, colors, and styles. Depending on the color scheme of your bathroom remodel, choose one that enhances the colors of the room or blends in well. Depending on the size of your restroom, consider what space each sink will consume. For smaller sized restrooms, pedestal sinks and wall sinks are best if you want to look more spacious. They offer a wide selection of designs as well, so you will not be left out when needing this type of sink. Find a color tone that fits your color-schemed bathroom environment.

Choose a tub, shower, or wall surround that blends in well with your choice of colors. Your cabinets also have endless possibilities. No matter what you desire, cabinets could also be painted with any color selection you desire, which can accommodate nicely inside your bathing room. Options include hardware design, mirrored designs, glass designs, and solid door designs. You can also opt for a solid door design and paint it with a fashionable work of art.

Quick Guide to Cleaning Your Curtains

Sun, 04 Aug 2013 13:17:00 GMT

A sunny spring day is the perfect day to clean your curtains, especially if you're going to take them down and wash them. Curtain-cleaning is most likely not part of your weekly house cleaning , and that's okay: it's actually better not to thoroughly wash your curtains too often (though a weekly vacuum is okay). Washing them once or twice a year is a good idea.

Not sure how to clean your curtains ? There are a few ways, but you should always check the care tag or the manufacturer’s website if you aren't sure what's safe for your curtains.

Washing & Drying

If your curtains are machine washable, this is an obvious choice. There are a few important things to take note of, though:

Wash on the delicate cycle.
Use cold water in case the fabric is untreated and to help the curtains last longer.
Don't hang the curtain straight from the washer to the curtain rod—it will drip into your carpet!
Take out of the dryer before the curtains and hang them up before they are completely dry—this will help them hang correctly.

Steam Cleaning

Don't want to have to take the curtains down to clean them? Steam cleaning lets you leave them right on the rod. When you use a steam cleaner, start from the top and work your way down.

Here's an important note: don't dust while your curtains are still damp. The dust you put into the air while you're cleaning will stick to the damp fabric, undoing your work.

Professional Cleaning

The safest but most involved method is to take the curtains to a professional fabric or upholstery cleaner. If your curtains are exceptionally dirty and dusty, very stained, or not machine washable, this is going to be your best bet.

Call ahead to ask about your fabric and curtains specifically to make sure your professional is capable of cleaning them.

Have clean, fresh curtains just in time for spring!

Freshening Your Décor With What You Have

Sun, 21 Jul 2013 14:26:44 GMT

One of the best ways to add something new to your home doesn’t actually involving adding anything at all—many times, you can give your home a new look with things you already have in your house.

Sometimes, a thorough house cleaning is all you need to feel refreshed in your home, but if you’re looking for that something extra, try these ideas that will cost you absolutely nothing !

Plants. Fre sh plants in a house can instantly make it feel more thoughtfully decorated and much more fresh. This doesn’t have to be flowers, though it can be! Do you have a bush, flower, or other plant in your yard that can provide a splash of green or color to your home?

Tips for cutting plants for vases: once you bring the plants inside, cut the ends off under running water.

Repurpose. Take a look at the things you have—can you make them work in different ways? There are amazing ways to repurpose almost any item, and there are hundreds of creative people who have posted their creative repurposing solutions online!

Place a sturdy, old-fashioned suitcase on a stand, and it becomes a decorative bed side table. Turn baskets into rustic vases, a desk into a headboard, a bench into dining room seating—look at your things a new way, and you might find a hundred different uses for things in your house.

Move Things! Just because you bought a lamp for your bedroom doesn’t mean it has to stay there—if your décor has changed and the lamp will look amazing in your living room, move it!

From furniture pieces like tables and chairs to accessories like curtains and pillows, don’t be afraid to move things from room to room for something completely new.

Three Tips for Fresh Summer Entertaining

Thu, 18 Jul 2013 14:22:28 GMT

If you’re eager to invite your friends and family over for a summer get-together, you aren’t alone! Summer is a great time for entertaining, but getting started with the planning might leave you stumped.

Have maid services get your house party-ready, then try some new things this year to make your summer party an event everyone will remember. Here are three ideas to get you started :

Charity. It ’s not at all uncommon for guests to bring a host or hostess gift. If you have a charity that means a lot to you, change up your approach this year—in the invitation, include a note that asks your guests to donate to the charity in lieu of a gift.

If you want to keep it discrete, supply the link to the website where they can donate when you invite.

Outdoor Lighting. Set your tiki torches to the side and go a little bit out of the way to add outdoor lighting fixtures to your party. More and more frequently, homeowners are adding chandeliers, sconces, or pendant lights to their outdoor spaces. Don’t have an outdoor roof space? Try outdoor floor lamps!

Get Inspired. When you’re looking for ideas for your party, think of the things you like or look around for things that catch your attention: it could be a color like white, yellow, or lilac. It could be a piece of art with a color combination you fell in love with. Maybe it’s a pattern you can work into your theme—whatever the spark, take it and run with it!

There are parties that feature everything from rainbows to popular TV shows, and finding what you like will allow you—and your guests—to enjoy your get together that much more!

Choosing a Smoke Detector

Fri, 05 Jul 2013 14:16:50 GMT

Fire prevention is one of the best things you can do for your home and family, and it doesn’t take much. House cleaning is important, as well as keeping chemicals safely away from heat sources, carefully using the stove and microwave, and keeping matches and lighters away from little hands.

Of all of the things in your home that keep you safe, smoke detectors are some of the least appreciated but most important. If your smoke detector is not working properly, it’s time to invest in a new one—but how do you know what to get?

There are three different kinds of smoke detectors. Here’s a look at what you can expect from each:

Photobeam. This is an extremely standard, common model—a beam of light is constantly in contact with a sensor. When smoke blocks the beam of light and the sensor can no longer receive it, the fire alarm sounds.

The one drawback to the photobeam detector is that it requires a significant amount of smoke to break the strength of the beam, so it can be as much as 30 minutes late on identifying a fire.

Photoelectric. Similar to photobeam, the photoelectric has a beam of light and a sensor. However, the photoelectric beam fires at a 90 degree angle. Instead of having to block the light, all the smoke has to do is deflect it—this means that the photoelectric is more sensitive to smoke and activates more quickly.

Ionization. This is less common, but it is an option. Ionization detectors work by using a small amount of radioactive element americium-241. This ionizes the air particles within the detector and causes a current. Smoke interferes with the current, causing the alarm to sound.

With this in mind, don’t be afraid to ask about which detectors are available and which is recommended when you go shopping for a new one.

Whichever you choose, always remember to check it to make sure it’s working at least once a year as part of your regular maintenance.

Safety Cleaning Up After a Storm

Wed, 03 Jul 2013 14:12:29 GMT

It’s finally summer, and in addition to the barbecues and beach trips, there are thunderstorms. A particularly powerful storm can cause significant damage, from missing shingles to trees and limbs littering your yard and street.

Cleaning up can be a bit of a chore anyway, but it can also be unsafe if you aren’t careful. Before you start cleaning up after a storm, take these safety precautions:

Wear appropriate clothing. At a minimum, you’re going to want gloves, long sleeves, jeans, boots, and some kind of eye protection.
Never go near a power line. Power lines should always assumed to be active, even if you’re sure they aren’t. Don’t risk it—stay far away from downed power lines and call the power company with the location.
Pay attention to smells. If you smell anything that smells like smoke, fire, or fuel, get away from the area.
Don’t use candles and matches. There are too many potential fire hazards caused by storm damage, so don’t risk it—keep a flashlight and extra batteries on hand for emergencies.
Take breaks. It’s still summer, so it’s hot—take breaks and stay hydrated as you work!

Most of the damage from a thunderstorm is exterior, and some of it can be prevented by securing things that are likely to fly around in heavy winds, including lawn chairs and all outdoor furniture, light charcoal grills, and yard decorations.

Trust your senses—if something seems dangerous, it probably is! If you have any doubts about the safety of the debris in your yard or neighborhood, call professionals or the authorities.

Thoughtful Hosting

Mon, 01 Jul 2013 11:52:43 GMT

Many people love inviting guests into their home, sometimes for dinner, sometimes for a week or two. If this sounds like something you would like to be able to freely do, there are a few ways to get yourself ready to be the best possible host.

First of all, get in the housekeeping habit. In addition to regular cleanings by you or your maid services , tidy every day. Keep the sink clear of dishes, keep the counters wiped off, and keep things put away. When you keep your home looking nice every day, it will always be ready for company! Read on after the break for a few more ideas.

The Guest Basket

You know that feeling you get when you stay at a hotel or go to a spa, and they let you leave with wonderful smelling samples or things you didn’t know you needed? It’s a great feeling, and you can do this for your guests in a much more significant way.

You can mimic this buy creating a basket for your guest and putting it in their bedroom or the bathroom they will use. This basket may include necessities like shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, and a toothbrush, as well as fun things, like a candle you think they will like or a small book they might enjoy reading.

Personal Touches

If you know your guest well enough to know the kinds of things they like, you can set their room up with personal touches. If purple is a favorite color, for instance; hang purple towels in the bathroom. If your guest carries a lot of tech, make sure there are outlets for plugging in laptops and chargers. This will show your guest that you weren’t just preparing for company, but for them in particular.

The Bed and Breakfast Treatment

If it’s not your thing, don’t pressure yourself to get up and cook for your guests every day—they are likely your friends, after all! It is a nice treat, so pick a relaxed day and make breakfast for you and your guests, then invite them to sit down and eat with you. A homemade breakfast with friends is a great way to start the day!

Quick, Easy Decorating Tips

Fri, 28 Jun 2013 14:09:16 GMT

Sometimes, you want a burst of something fresh in your décor without putting in hours and hours of remodeling or renovation time. That’s understandable, and thankfully, there are a lot of things you can do that will give just enough of what you want without taking a lot of time.

First of all, a clean house goes a long way in making you feel like your home is fresh, so if you don't have time to clean well, hire maid services . Once the house is clean, the key is in the details: changing up the details and accents in a room can give the entire space a brand new feel. Try these if you aren’t sure what you can change in your house:

1. Add a Mirror. Mirrors are becoming more and more common in home décor, and with good reason. They instantly provide more light, depth, and interest to a space. They make great pieces of wall art and accompany things from dressers to kitchen tables effectively.

As you choose your mirror, look for one with a frame that fits your space. Do you want something dark and ornate? Something Victorian? Or maybe something on the simple, modern side—choose your frame and mirror shape based on the décor of the room in which you will be putting it.

2. Change Your Lampshades. Talk about a quick fix! This one can make a pretty big impact in no time, and there are several options for how to handle it. Either way, though; go for a color and style that is brand new but still works in the space.

When it comes to new lampshades, you can either by yours brand new or you can update the ones you have. How? Fabric is the easiest way! A bit of fabric that works in your space, a hot glue gun, and a bit of ribbon for trim, and you can have customized lampshades.

3. A Little Paint. Rather than paint a whole room, what if you just paid one door? One piece of furniture? One wall? Accent colors and vibrant accessories are a great way to bring some new life to old décor, and when you’re only painting a small portion, it takes very little time.

If you don’t have a lot of time, interior doors are a quick way to work in a new color, especially since many homeowners don’t pain them!

Kids Cleaning Up

Wed, 26 Jun 2013 14:05:18 GMT

When your kids are old enough to help clean up after themselves, the house cleaning load becomes a lot lighter. There are some ways you can make their cleaning even more effective and a bigger help than you probably imagined.

Making cleaning a team effort will go a long way in making the house cleaner and nicer!

Make it Easy. The easier it is to clean up, the more likely your kids are to pitch in. There are lots of ways to make cleaning so easy, your kids won’t complain (much) once they get into the habit:

Keep toy containers in reach . Yes, it certainly makes it easier for children to take out more toys, but it also makes it easier for them to put toys away! Make your toy boxes or bins easy to reach and sort and store items in.
Give them the tools. Your child can do more for you than you probably think! Take this tip from an art teacher : create a squirt bottle for your child with a little bit of soap and water (or vinegar and water). When they get done with crafts or when you finish dinner, ask them to clean up the mess with their own squirt bottle and towel!
Make it personal. If you have more than one child, personalize each child’s cleaning tools. Use a permanent marker to write their names on each item, and you might consider putting them in different colored, easy-to-reach containers.

Remind Them. It’s the nature of kids to be easily distracted, so remind them as frequently as you need to clean up after themselves. The goal is for it to become a habit, and the more you encourage and remind them to do their tasks, the easier it will be for them to stick with it.

Lead by Example. Ultimately, your children are watching you, so model the behavior you want. For instance, if you are tired of them leaving dirty shoes in the middle of the floor, let them always observe you taking off your shoes by the door.

Many times, kids want to please—help them with this.

Do-It-Yourself: Reclaiming Old Furniture

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:20:27 GMT

If you shop flea markets, yard sales, or thrift stores, you’ve undoubtedly seen some pieces of furniture and thought, “That must have been beautiful once.” If a piece is in good condition, it can be beautiful again, if you know how to draw out the beauty.

When looking at used furniture, consider these things before you buy:

Is it structurally sound? Wiggle it a little. Touch it. Shake it. Does it seem wobbly, does it warp when you move it? If so, you can probably find a piece in better condition that you can more easily work with.
Is it a good shape? Many people get so caught up in the condition or color of a piece, they forget to look at the shape. Most things about a piece of furniture can be changed, but without reassembling a piece, the shape is going to remain. If you like the shape, it might be worth the effort of working with.
Do you have a place for it? Ah, that’s the kicker! When you find a beautiful piece of furniture, it can be tempting just to grab it, but if you don’t have a place in mind for it, it will likely sit as an unfinished project in your home for a while!

Three Pieces of Furniture That Are Easy to Remake

From Better Homes and Gardens, here are three pieces that if you find them (and they match the above criteria), you should go ahead and grab because they’re fairly easy to turn into something beautiful.

Ottomans. Here’s the thing about ottomans: they are extremely versatile. Use them as a foot rest, use them as a small table, use them as a seat—they can be utilized in so many ways, they are a great piece of furniture to have in your home.

Don’t be too nonplussed by the fabric (1970s leather? Not so much!) because a quick slipcover can fix that in no time. If you like to sew, a slipcover can be made for a round ottoman in no time. If you don’t like to sew, look for a non-sew option—there are many amazing things you can do with a little fabric glue.

Any wooden piece. Bookshelves, tables, media carts, dressers—if they’re in good condition, a new coat of paint may be all it takes to turn an old, dated piece into something fresh and great for your home. Sometimes sanding is needed, sometimes just primer and a few coats of paint will do the trick.

You can take a wooden piece from old to new in one day with the right paint.

Anything you can repurpose. It’s hard sometimes to look at a vanity and think, “Hey, that could be a great desk,” but try to look at pieces that way. If you don’t like what it is but it’s a strong piece, think about the things it could become!

How to Clean Grease in the Kitchen

Fri, 31 May 2013 09:43:48 GMT

When you cook on a griddle or frying pan, it’s inevitable that some of the grease is going to pop and fly up into the air. Unfortunately, that means it’s going to land somewhere—like your microwave, stove, or stove vent hood.

Worse, if it lands anywhere there’s dust, the two will form a dirty residue that’s a pain to clean. You can use your house cleaning standby of soap and water, but that will take a lot of scrubbing. Want an easier trick? Try this suggestion from The Manly Housekeeper :

Using Oil Against Itself

This may seem counterintuitive, but the fastest way to get up oil is apparently with more oil. Mineral oil, in fact. Here’s how to do it:

Put a few drops of mineral oil on a paper towel or cloth.
Use it to wipe the grime (if you’re cleaning a lot, you’ll probably need to work your way around the cloth or use a second paper towel).
After the surface is clean, take a dry paper towel and wipe the area well.

The goal of the last step is not actually to remove all of the oil. Again, counterintuitive, but it seems to work! When you wipe with the dry paper towel, you remove excess oil while leaving a thin layer of it on the surface.

When oil or dust fall on it again, they will stick to the oil, not your surface, making it much, much easier to clean next time!

Note! Mineral oil really is the best choice. While you can use other types of oil (like vegetable) to get the initial grime off, if you leave any on the surface, it can turn sticky—not what you want!)

The Purpose and Process of a Cleaning Caddy

Tue, 28 May 2013 13:57:33 GMT

Maid services work because good, professional maids know how to clean efficiently. The works gets done quickly but thoroughly, and the result is impressive. Anything that can make cleaning more efficient is helpful!

If you’re looking for more efficiency in your cleaning, you might need to look into creating a cleaning caddy for yourself .

A cleaning caddy does two things: it keeps you from running back and forth acquiring cleaning items, draining useful energy and making you lose focus and it also helps you pare down your cleaning products to only those things that are routinely, commonly useful.

Making a Caddy

Ready to make your own cleaning caddy for ease and efficiency? Here’s what to do:

Step #1: The container. The key to the container is to choose something that is big enough to carry what you need but small enough to comfortably carry. Indeed, you need something that’s easy to carry, so you want a handle on your caddy. This could be a wicker or plastic basket or a small bucket, for instance.

Step #2: The cleansers. Here’s where you start to really evaluate the cleaning products you use. You want to have the things you need so you don’t have to run back to the cleaning closet, but you also don’t want to overload your caddy. Here’s a good short list:

A great all-purpose cleaner (if you’re making your own, vinegar and water).
A scrubbing cleaner (going natural and non-toxic? Try baking soda!).
A super gentle cleaner (dishsoap and water for do-it-yourself).

If there’s something you know you don’t want to do without (like your favorite toilet bowl cleanser), swap out one of the others for it, or throw it in the basket when you know you’ll be cleaning the toilet.

Step #3: The tools. What tools do you use for cleaning? Like the cleansers, stick to the basics of what you need. Your three best tools are likely going to include some kind of gentle washer like a sponge, a scrubber like a coarse sponge or scrub brush, and a good dry tool, like a microfiber cloth.

If you plan to make your own cleaning caddy, what will it include?

A Look Inside a Designer’s House

Mon, 27 May 2013 13:44:15 GMT

When you’re doing your housekeeping and looking at your own house, do you wonder what a designer would do in your home? What if you could take a look inside a designer’s house and see what they do in their own space?

Sometimes you can, like when Elle Décor took a look inside designer S. Russell Groves’ home. While it would be difficult to mimic his level of decorating skill, there are a few things to take from his designs that can be used in your own home:

1. Pairing complexity with simplicity. When your room or your home includes dynamic, interesting elements that bring depth to a space, it creates an intentional design, a room that gets the attention it deserves. However, you can keep complex elements in a simplistic design, creating a balance that keeps everything looking clean and elegant.

2. Blend styles. Groves blended some of the more traditional architectural aspects of his home with his own personal taste, changing out things here and there while leaving other things in tact. It’s okay—and much more interesting—to combine different styles.

3. Size matters. The space of the room matters in terms of how you furnish and decorate it. For instance, finding a sofa that fit the space without overwhelming it and a super slim table that made the sofa looked balanced helped make the whole room look more spacious. Remember, as well: light colors help make a room look bigger, so if you’re working with a small room, add a light color to help reflect light in the room.

4. Use different materials and textures. The way a person experiences a space extends to all of their senses, including touch. Differing textures and materials like metals used correctly can create a more tactile experience of a room, making it that much more inviting.

5. Be thoughtful with lighting. Lighting can be used to create interest and depth in a space, but don’t just throw lighting fixtures into a room. Being thoughtful with lighting means looking at how the brightness and angle of the light affect the space, and only using it if it creates a look or highlights an aspect you really like.

An Incredible, Organized Laundry Room

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:21:51 GMT

What's your least favorite part of housekeeping ? A surprisingly large number of people seem to come back to at last one aspect of doing the laundry—some dislike the washing and waiting part while others feel clumsy and bored during folding.

If your laundry room was a little more inviting, though; it might be possible to overlook the tasks you don't like. How can you make a laundry room less chaotic and maybe a place you won't mind going? It comes down to a few simple concepts!

Organization

The biggest key to a good laundry room is organization. If you have to sort through a pile of clothes only to go hunting for detergent or bleach, laundry has already started wasting your time! Staying organized will be a huge help. When you're looking for organization in your laundry room, consider these things:

The right tools: bins, baskets, shelves. When everything is kept in its own basket, you're more likely to find it in a snap!
Containers for your detergent: This is one little step that will make your laundry room look clean and pulled-together: Find some beautiful containers, then pour your detergent into one of these containers. It will not only look prettier, but you'll also be able to refill it easily.
Out-of-Reach: If you have young children or pets, you need to keep more dangerous chemicals or tools out of reach. A high shelf will certainly help.

Design and Personal Touches

If you wash clothes, you spend a decent amount of time every week in the laundry room, so just like the rest of the rooms in your home, it should reflect that you live there. To really make your home an envy, here are some ideas:

Don't limit curtains to windows! Curtains can also be used to cover washing machines and dryers or as sink skirts.
Hang some pictures, inspirational quotes, mirrors, or other decorative items in your laundry room. It's okay if you're the only one who sees them—they'll keep you going, and that's the point.

Washing the clothes is enough for anyone! Get some help with the rest of your house with trustworthy cleaning services .

Three Kids Crafts That Aren't a Nightmare to Clean

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 13:38:51 GMT

If you're a parent, there has likely been a time when you've thought about doing some kind of project with your children but thought better of it not because you didn't want to do the project, but because you didn't want to do the cleaning you knew would come afterward!

You certainly aren't the first to feel this way, and it has led parents and bloggers to find crafts that are fun but thankfully, not too messy. To make it even easier, use a thin, plastic tablecloth or newspaper as a surface. Here are three of our favorites:

Glitter Gift Bags

A hit with kids, these decorative bags can be used in a lot of different ways. The step-by-step is pretty straightforward, and you'll need plain gift-style bags, washable glue, washable paint, and glitter.

Use a sponge to add adhesive polka dots to the gift bags.
Sprinkle on glitter and then gently shake off the extra into a separate paper (or directly into the trash can is okay!).
Use a pencil eraser to add polka dots with paint.

Once the bags dry, they look great and are ready to use!

Embroidery Hoop Art

Elevating kids' painting, this is automatic art, already framed!

Stretch canvas over an embroidery hoop (optional: secure with glue).
Paint the canvas using paint that's washable until it dries.
Add glitter with washable adhesive and a stencil.

Once it dries, it will already look like art—just hang it on the wall.

Keepsake Box

These are a favorite because they look both so polished and so crafty at the same time. You'll want some paper mache or small cardboard boxes, paint, glue, and craft seal/gloss.

Paint the boxes, for an extra touch, paint the bottom and top different colors. Allow to dry for a bit before moving on.
Paint designs on the boxes, if you have letter stencils, try adding a name!
Coat in a sealant/craft gloss when the boxes are dry.
Finish it with an embellishment attached with a hot glue gun.

What project will you try with your children?

How Often Should You Replace...?

Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:31:50 GMT

If you're diligent in your house cleaning , you likely clean; well, everything! However, even the cleanest household items sometimes need to be replaced. Since not everything comes with an expiration date, how do you know when to throw it out? For most, it's a rule of thumb or observation—if it looks okay, it probably is.

There are some things that can look relatively fine and actually need to be replaced both for comfort and health reasons. Here are four common items that have a reasonably accurate, if unprinted, shelf life !

Pillows that you use the most frequently should be replaced every two to three years. While it's not necessity, the truth is that over time, pillows absorb sweat and attract dust mites, and while washing works for a while, eventually your pillow is going to start showing the wear and tear of both use and washing. Besides, a new pillow feels wonderful!

Mattresses need to be replaced every 5 to 10 years. If you're diligent about cleaning and flipping your mattress, you can err on the side of 10 years. If you can't remember the last time you flipped your mattress and you know you've never cleaned it, you might want to go ahead and get a new one at 5.

Sometimes it's hard to tell that your mattress needs replacing because you grow used to the way you sleep in it. However, you'll sleep much more comfortably if you maintain your mattress and replace it when necessary—if you're experiencing any kind of untraceable aches and pains, it could very well be your mattress!

Toothbrushes should be replaced every three months. Bacteria from your mouth builds up in the toothbrush, and you eventually reach a point where brushing your teeth is ineffective. Ick! Every time you get a new toothbrush, though; you'll remember how good it feels!

HVAC Filters vary with the season. During the seasons when you're constantly running your heating and air, you'll want to change the filters about once a month. During the off season, you still want to replace it every 3-4 months for the safest, most effective home comfort.

Three Common Sources of Bad Smells & How to Treat Them

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 14:07:32 GMT

Every house has the occasional brush with a bad odor: it might be leftover meatloaf in the trashcan, diapers from the baby's room, or a stinky shoe. Sometimes, though; a smell outlasts your cleaning, and no matter how much you hunt for it, you have a hard time finding its source.

The first defense against bad smells is a clean house, so if you need some help catching up, call cleaning services to get you started. If you still have a smell that lingers when the house is clean, check and see if it's one of these common household smells :

Smoke

If there's any household smell that just loves to hang around, it's smoke. It could be cigarette smoke or that ham that burnt in the oven, but either way, it's always there. Thankfully, there is a secret for removing a smoky smell that works well unless there's years and years worth of smoke in the walls. It might be a little bit of work, but the big breath you'll take at the end will be worth it!

First, clean everything. Every surface, every piece of furniture, light fixtures, walls—if you can wash it, wash it!
Dust from the top down. Dusting this way is better anytime you clean, but especially when you're trying to remove odors. This will result in the dirt and dust ending on the floor where you can vacuum it up and away.
Vinegar. In the '50s and '60s, many housewives would put vinegar in small bowls and leave them in different rooms in the house to absorb smoke odor, and according to those who have tried it for themselves, it actually works. Cleaning with vinegar has the same effect, so clean your walls with vinegar and water and spritz your carpet with vinegar and let it evaporate.

Animals

That unwashed-dog smell might be more than Rover's lack of hygiene—that smell can also be caused by pet urine in the house. If you've cleaned and haven't found any source but the smell hangs around, chances are the urine has been absorbed by the padding under your carpet.

There's really only one way to clean it, and that's with a steam cleaner. The steam reaches into the padding and pulls out dirt and odors, something a vacuum cleaner can't do.

Mustiness

That old attic smell is usually caused by mold, and it doesn't take much to cause the mustiness to set in. If you want to treat the musty smell (or prevent it!), a dehumidifier's a good first step. Mold requires moisture to thrive—reduce the moisture and you'll lessen the chance of mold growth.

There's one more thing you should do, especially if the odor remains even with the dehumidifier: find the mold and treat it. In some cases, you can do this pretty easily on your own with vinegar or mold killers, but if the mold has gotten under your carpet or in your walls, you're going to want a professional to take a look.

Small on Space, Big on Storage

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 13:58:05 GMT

If you're living in a small space, you've likely encountered the problem of having more stuff than room. That's not necessarily a bad thing—downsizing can actually be a big relief if you are already tired of mess and clutter in your life!

However, you do need some storage, so the key is to maximize the space you have. These three tips will help you get every bit of space out of your apartment or house.

Tip #1: Less is More.

The first step is to do some house cleaning : get rid of anything you don't need or love in your life. De-cluttering not only gives you more space back, it makes everything feel more clean and tidy. When you're trying to decide what can go and what you should keep, keep these questions in mind:

Have I used this in the last 6 months?
Am I really going to use this? (Not can you, but will you?)
Do I really love this?

If the answer to those three questions is “No,” then throw or give that item away and make more room for yourself!

Tip #2: Use Every Inch

In any floor design, there are usually a few nooks and crannies that get left on their own. They may not be big enough to often warrant your attention, but they can certainly be used for storage! If you have a corner or nook that's hard to reach, buy some containers that will fit inside of it and store things you don't often need there.

It's important when you're dealing with a small space to maximize as much of it as possible.

Tip #3: More Than a Table, Bed, or Chair

Multi-purpose furniture has grown in popularity in the past several years, and there's a good reason for it. Anytime you can use furniture for storage simultaneously, that's a big boost to your space! When you're looking for multi-purpose furniture, try these:

Bench or table with under-top storage.
Beds with drawers underneath.
Anything with built-in drawers.
A chest used as a bench or a table.

When you turn your small space into a beautiful, clean, organized environment, it will feel perfectly cozy!

How to Handle the Little Things

Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:48:48 GMT

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Cleaning Tools You Didn't Know You Had

Wed, 13 Mar 2013 13:41:23 GMT

There are some house cleaning tools that don't look much like they belong in your cleaning kit but do an effective job on certain tasks— these creative uses of everyday items are clever (and useful!). While there are many things in your home you could be using to help with cleaning, here are three of our favorites:

Newspaper i s surprisingly absorbent and tends to minimize odors. A tool like that is an extremely big help, but there is a specific application to make your kitchen much more pleasant: spread out newspapers in the bottom of your trash can. Anything that leaks, falls out, or drips will land on the newspaper, keeping your garbage can much cleaner and helping to keep odors at bay.

Dryer sheets can actually be used for a lot of different applications. As cleaners go, they rank high on the list. In addition to making your clothes softer and less clingy, they can also prevent dust from gathering on your electronics (wipe them down with a dry dryer sheet—the residue left behind resists dust!).

If that wasn't enough, they can also clean stuck on food off of pots. Soak a pot with a dryer sheet over night, and just wash it clean in the morning. The stuck-on parts should come off much more easily.

Baby oil is an interesting new addition to our list, but this smart idea from All You seems like one worth trying. Baby oil (they recommend lemon oil if you don't have baby oil) acts as a sealant on your bathroom fixtures. The next time you clean your shower or sink, rub it with a layer of baby oil. This causes water to bead up and run off more readily!

Is Your Dryer's Lint Trap Really Safe?

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 13:36:11 GMT

In the category of strange housekeeping things you probably didn't know, natural oil buildup on your lint trap is likely on the list! According to Clean Green Talk blogger Leslie, just getting the lint off of your lint trap isn't enough to guarantee its safety. Even with the lint gone, residue build-up on the filter can cause the air to be blocked, creating a fire hazard even when it looks clean.

Here's a tip to check the safety of your filter: if you can run water over it and the water beads up rather than passing through, that's a sign that it needs to be thoroughly cleaned. It's not all bad news, though: the solution is incredibly simple.

To make sure your lint trap is effective, safe, and really clean, keep reading.

1. Remove the lint often. Ideally, clean it every time you run the dryer. If you make it part of your laundry habit, it will become automatic and you won't even have to think about it anymore.

2. Test for build-up once a month. Run the water over the filter about once a month (or more often if you do a lot of laundry!) and clean it when the water beads more than it passes through.

3. Run the filter through the dishwasher. That's right! Leslie says the hot soap and water from the dishwasher melts the buildup and makes the filter like new again.

4. Let dry completely before replacing. Setting it out to air dry is your best bet.

Keeping the lint filter really clean only takes a few extra steps, and it can make your home a little safer.

Smart Do-It-Yourself: Saving Money

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 13:31:48 GMT

For some, Do-It-Yourself is about being fun, creative, and innovative. For others, DIY is about finding more affordable or green ways to clean or decorate. Either way, though; money can get away from you. Depending on the project you choose, DIY can cost quite a bit in materials. Before you start your project, take a look at these tips to get you into fun, inventive DIY without spending a lot of money .

Tip #1: Re- Purpose. Before you start buying a lot of materials for a new project, look for ideas that re-use, re-purpose, or refresh things you already have. Talk about a way to save money! Not only will you get a new piece or tool, you'll do it with barely any cost at all.

Here are a few projects to try:

Tip #2: Pay Attention to Material Costs. Sometimes you see a project you love and your first instinct is to jump right into it. Before you do, take a second to look at all of the materials and processes it requires from start to finish. How much will the materials cost? How long will it take?

If it's going to cost a lot of money or time, look for other things you can do that are similar but cost less. If it's something you really want to do, figure out how much it will cost and start saving a little bit of money for it, which brings us to:

Tip #3: Prioritize Your Projects. As much as you might want to, you can't do it all! At least, you can't do it all at the same time. Take a look at all of the things you want to do and start prioritizing them based on how much you want to do the project or how badly you or your space need the finished project. When you prioritize like this, you can decide which projects are worth the cost and effort and which aren't, and you can budget for the pricier projects in advance.

Popular Colors for Decorating in 2013

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 13:17:41 GMT

Every year, experts in design and color make predictions on the types of colors, designs, and styles that will be popular in the seasons to come, and those predictions are being made for 2013 .

Which colors are being chosen for this year? Three of them are:

Emerald Green . Pantone has chosen Emerald as their color prediction, and they are suggesting the color for everything from clothes to interior design to dishes and accessories.

Green seems to be a popular color, as a lighter color, Aloe, has been predicted elsewhere, followed by pale yellow, some off whites, and a deep, charcoal-inspired blue.

How Can You Use These Colors?

The most important thing is to find items and colors you enjoy. If you can find items that suit your style in the popular colors, go for it, but also consider colors that complement well. For instance, rich blues and light yellows go well with emerald green, and white goes well with any green, as well.

Yellow can be an energizing color, but it can also be tiring to look at, so use yellow as a beautiful accent color to other colors you like, especially to complement lighter rooms or make items jump off of darker surfaces.

The interesting color choice is the blue-black, a great bold choice for one or two walls, for furniture, or for things like throw pillows and blankets.

Make it Work for You

As you decorate, keep your own style in mind. It’s fun to follow trends and popular colors, but don’t try to force yourself to like something just because it’s popular. When you stay true to what you like, your home will be beautiful, no matter what!

How to Chase Away Strong Smells

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 13:09:06 GMT

From cigarette smoke to animal odors, some smells stick around long after the source has left the house. How do you tackle the odors that are too strong for your normal housekeeping ? A little bit of time, persistence, and thoroughness will get you there!

Start with a Clean House

As tempting as it is to jump right into getting rid of the smell, it’s better to get the house straightened and cleaned first. Dealing with clutter, dust, and dirt or crumbs while trying to deodorize will leave you frustrated, so call cleaning services to come get the basic cleaning taken care of first.

Deep Clean Everything

Strong odors cling to the surfaces in your house, so start by making sure everything is as clean as possible. Wash walls and windows, launder curtains and sheets, steam clean the carpet and upholstery if you can—whatever you can wash, do it in the best way you know how.

When you deep clean like this, there are a few options for how to clean. The natural option is vinegar, known to neutralize odors as it dries. Alternatively, ammonia also works, but it is extremely strong and can be hazardous to work with. There are also several products on the market that are in-between and designed to be used specifically for the strongest smell. Choose the one that works best for you.

Air it Out

Throw open the windows, turn on an air purifier, turn on fans (if it isn’t too cold!)—anything you can do to get the stale air out and the fresh air in will help. The more circulation, the faster and better the result.

The Vinegar Trick

This is a classic trick from long before the era of fabric refresher sprays and scented warmers, but many people stand behind this claim: bowls of vinegar throughout the house will absorb odors. Many families with smokers vouch for this trick, so if you’re trying whatever you can to get rid of smell, it’s worth trying!

How To Get Things Done: Making a Plan

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:46:20 GMT

If you want to know you’ve completed everything that needed your attention (and know you’ve done it right!), making a plan is the most important part. Planning things in advance let’s you prepare, schedule properly, and have confidence that when you’ve done everything in your calendar, you are done.

When it comes to housekeeping , a plan might not seem necessary, but it can actually help you a lot! From knowing how to prioritize to when everything needs to be finished, having a plan is a great starting point.

Planning for a Cleaner House

The unfortunate thing about a house is that you live there, which means it constantly needs some kind of cleaning. When keeping up is exhausting, hiring a maid service might be the way to go, but for the things you want to do yourself, planning ahead will get you going in the right direction!

1. Set goals. Before you make your plan, set your goals. They might be as simple as “keep the front of the house clean enough for company every day” or as involved as “create an organization system for the closet.” When you make goals, make sure you write them down. People who write their goals are more likely to achieve them!

2. Prioritize importance and frequency. Which chores need to be done first? Which chores need to be done every day, and which only need to be done once a week? This will determine how you schedule your cleaning for the month.

3. Schedule the entire month. Sit down with your planner or calendar and start scheduling the chores you don’t do every day so you remember to do them later. Make a to-do list for each day, and check each thing off as you finish it to stay focused and motivated.

If you have a hard time staying organized and remembering what tasks need to be done when, keeping a schedule will help you achieve all of your goals.

Year in Review: Targeting Your Weakness

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 12:39:18 GMT

This is the last post of 2012, and it’s a good chance to look back at your year in terms of house cleaning. Is your house cleaner this year than it was last year? Or not so much? If you’re already overwhelmed by the prospect of house cleaning in 2013, get things off to the right start with a call to maid services .

But once your house is clean, how will you keep it clean? By looking back on the past year, you can target your cleaning weakness and turn it into your greatest strength. Where do you struggle the most? It could be clutter, dish washing, laundry, or keeping the bathroom clean. Whatever it is, make that your primary goal for the next month and see what happens!

Making Your Weakness Your Priority

The way to do this is pretty straightforward, but will be hard to implement at first. Generally, if you have a cleaning weakness, it’s because there’s some chore you dislike doing so much, you don’t do it. In order to take control of it, you will have to do that chore even on the days you really don’t want to.

If you can do that, though; you’ll see a big improvement in your cleaning, and if you can turn it into a habit, you will see your house stay cleaner all year long!

If dishes are your weakness, make a commitment to leave no dirty dishes in the house over night.
If clothes are the problem, try to connect laundry to something you like to do. For instance, fold clothes while you watch TV or start the washing machine between chapters of your book.
Clutter the issue? Before you leave any room, return everything to the place it belongs and remove anything that goes in a different room.

For any of your cleaning hang-ups, the goal is to work it into your routine. If you have a problem keeping a particular room clean, make it the first room you clean every time. Do this, and 2013 will be the year you conquer your cleaning weakness!

A Helping Hand

Mon, 17 Dec 2012 12:35:42 GMT

A nine-year project at UCLA resulted in some eye-opening information about American life, including what has become a standard problem in American households: clutter. Clutter was shone to cause both anxiety and depression at fairly high levels.

Combine that with busy work, family, and holiday schedules and things get a little harder for everyone trying to keep stress at bay. The good news is, you can give a gift that will boost happiness not only now, but for a while to come!

Do you know someone who is extremely busy and could use a hand? Offer to help out by taking on one of these tasks—lightening the load and allowing them to get some work, holiday projects, or decluttering completed will do wonders for their holiday cheer—and yours.

1. Clean the house. If it’s someone close to you who wouldn’t mind a hand, pitch in a couple of hours to help with some house cleaning tasks: straighten, fold clothes, or wash dishes. If you don’t think they would be comfortable with that, a maid service gift card is a great idea!

2. Make something tasty . For that busy, stressed out person in your life, cooking dinner is probably just another thing on their already heavy task list.

Make a casserole to take over as a thoughtful holiday gesture, and make things a little easier.

3. Babysit. If you have kids of your own (or if you don’t, but you’re willing to hang out with some!), offer to babysit for busy parents. An afternoon to finish some cleaning or work projects or a night out with a spouse can do wonders for someone’s mood!

The best gifts aren’t necessarily the ones you get in bags and packages, but the ones given with thought, cheer, and good will. Happy Holidays from The Maids Columbus!

Compartments for Organization & Display

Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:28:09 GMT

Whether you are dedicated collector or just choose things that stand out to you, over time it’s not uncommon to find yourself with a collection of knick knacks, jewelry, or other small items that accumulate over time and can make house cleaning a little more tedious.

Some designers are catching on to a need and even tailoring room décor around organizational considerations. If you have a lot of small items to store and display, shadowboxes and sectional drawers are probably a great choice for you.

Shadowboxes

Shadow boxes are designed to hold small items to display, and often hang on the wall or are placed on a mantle, counter, or table. Spoon and jewelry collectors often use lined shadow boxes to display their collections, and veterans display their medals and awards in them, as well.

They come in all types, though; and can be used for any number of things. If your child collects seashells, rocks, or small toys, for instance, offer to help them find a shadow box to display what they have collected. Not only will they feel like their collection is special, it will also keep those small pieces from becoming a mess.

If knick knacks are cluttering your mantle or tables, a shadow box might be a great option for displaying them in a way that keeps you from dusting them repeatedly!

Sectional Drawers

If you keep your silverware in a drawer or your jewelry in a jewelry box, you already have an example of this in your home! Drawers or drawer inserts that create sections and compartments are a great option for storing small things that don’t necessarily need to be on display.

From paper clips to safety pins, rolls of tape to scissors, everyone ends up with a collection of items that might wander or never seem to have a good home. A drawer split into sections can organize these items so that you can always find them.

Organization is a big part of keepng your house clean, but there is so much more to it. If you find yourself harried and out of time, local cleaning services can be a great asset.

Preventing Messes in Your Home

Mon, 03 Dec 2012 12:23:22 GMT

The number one way to make house cleaning easier and less of a burden on your time is to hire a maid service --but the second way is to prevent messes from happening in the first place. Maintenance is the most important part of keeping your house looking the way you want it to, and that means doing little things to help prevent messes that can be a chore to clean up later.

Here are a few things you can do to keep your scrubbing to a minimum:

In the Kitchen

1. Rinse your dishes. Washing dishes with stuck-on food can be time consuming and frustrating. If you wash by hand, you end up scrubbing and scraping, and if you wash in the dishwasher, you end up pre-washing anyway. If you encourage your family to take just a moment to rinse off their dishes when they finish eating, you won't be dealing with stuck-on messes later.

2. Use a spoon holder. Grease or sauce gets on your spoon as you cook, and if you set your spoon straight on the counter or stovetop, it leaves a mess that can be easily spread to other countertops and is a pain to clean up later. Instead, use a spoon holder or small plate for your cooking utensils so you only have one dish to wash.

In the Bathroom

1. Wipe the shower. Once every few days, spray the shower with a vinegar and water solution after your shower or bath, wipe down the shower walls, and then rinse with a quick burst from the shower. This will keep soap scum from building up on your tiles or grout, making bathroom cleaning easier.

2. Keep the toilet clean. A scrub brush next to the toilet and a few seconds once or twice a day is all that's needed to keep your toilet looking nice between cleanings.

In every room, make it a point to put things away as you finish with them, and encourage your family to do the same. Preventing clutter from gathering will be a great time-saver when you're ready to clean later.

Tips for Cleaning Furniture

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:15:47 GMT

If you've ever sat on a chair only to find yourself covered in pet hair, you already know the importance of keeping furniture clean. While keeping your furniture clean is probably part of your normal housekeeping already, here are three extra tricks you can use for clean, guest-ready furniture:

1. Use the sticky side. Pet hair is one of the most annoying cleaning hassles when it comes to your furniture. You can vacuum over and over again, and yet it seems like you never get all of the hair. Put the vacuum away for pet hair and use the sticky side of duct tape or a lint roller. It's quick, easy, and won't leave hair behind!

2. Vacuum regularly. Unfortunately, the lint roller won't pull dust from inside the fabric, and dust loves to settle down inside the fibers of your furniture. The best way to keep this from becoming a problem is to vacuum your furniture every time you pull out the vacuum. A good maid service does this automatically as part of their cleaning plan.

3. Baby wipes for your furniture. Too much moisture on furniture can actually promote mold growth, and that's the last thing you want. If you have a stain or a spot that needs to be scrubbed, grab a baby wipe. They do a great job of cleaning, use very little moisture, and the cleanser in them is enough to do the job without damaging the fabric.

Whether you want the house clean for yourself and your family or for the guests you anticipate (or don't!), a few little tricks can help you keep the house looking nice all the time.

Keeping Things Clean During Thanksgiving Dinner

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 12:01:47 GMT

When your home is full of people, it might seem best to just put off house cleaning until everyone leaves, but this will actually make your cleaning take longer later. Instead, take little steps to clean as you go and encourage your guests to do the same. This way, you will enjoy your Thanksgiving dinner without the burden of a huge cleaning project when it's over.

Of course, the best thing you can do for yourself is start with a clean house. If your holiday to do list is looking a little heavy, hiring a maid service might be just what you need to get caught up on the house cleaning while not neglecting your other tasks.

The Kitchen

Cleaning as you work in the kitchen is fairly straightforward. As you finish with a dish, pot, spoon, or spatula, go ahead and wash it, or rinse it and place it in the dishwasher. When you spill something, clean it immediately, or if you notice grease or sauce splatters, wipe down your countertops and range top. The goal is to have minimal clean up even after everything has been cooked.

The Dining Room

As everyone pushes away from the table, gather up dishes, napkins, cups, and trash and take care of them right away. Stuck-on food is a nightmare, so give yourself the edge by scraping and rinsing dishes before putting them in the sink or dishwasher. If you aren't using a tablecloth, go ahead and wipe off the table as the last person finishes, as well. It will be one less thing you have to do later.

Other Rooms

Your guests will most likely be spending time in your living or family room. When you leave these rooms, take trash or dishes with you and take care of them. You'll be glad you did when your last guest leaves and your living room still looks mostly untouched!

Whatever your plan of attack, have a clean and happy Thanksgiving!

Washing the Washer: How to Clean the Washing Machine

Sun, 11 Nov 2012 11:54:28 GMT

It’s easy to forget that even the machines you use to wash your clothes and dishes need cleaning. The clothes washer is especially neglected, since it’s unlikely that you take a close look inside when you wash clothes.

In one afternoon, though; you can clean away any grime, dirt, and water build up in your washing machine easily and effectively—and you can do it while you’re finishing your other house cleaning tasks.

What You’ll Need

Vinegar
Bleach
A sponge
About 3 and a half hours

The amount of time you will need varies with the length of the washing cycle you will use, so plan accordingly.

How to Clean

While you will need to carve out some time for this cleaning, you will only need to do this two to three times a year. It will be well worth it when your clothes come out fresher than ever!

Fill the washer with water by starting a cycle and then canceling it once it’s filled.
Add 2 cups of chlorine bleach straight to the water. If you want, allow the washer to agitate for a few seconds to mix the bleach into the water.
Soak for 1 hour. Use this time to remove bleach and fabric softener dispensers and wash them in your sink.
Run the washer through one empty cycle. For an extra boost, use warm water or use a longer cycle.
Repeat the entire process, but this time use 2 cups of vinegar instead of bleach.

While the washer is soaking the second time, use a sponge or cloth soaked in vinegar and water to wipe down the inside of the lid, the edges of the washer, and the exterior to give an all around clean.

Occasional housekeeping tasks like washing the washing machine can make a big difference in the long run, keeping your appliances working more effectively for a longer period of time.

Before and After: Halloween Part Clean Up

Mon, 29 Oct 2012 11:44:14 GMT

There will be many Halloween parties this year, and if you're hosting one, you will likely be trying to get things clean both before and after your event. Housekeeping services can help with both of these, but there are a few things you can do to make the whole process easier and neater.

Before the Party

Anytime you expect guests in your home, there are a few steps you can take to make your home welcoming without taxing yourself:

1. Do the real cleaning a few days before. Do this yourself or hire a maid service , but by doing it in the days before, you will leave only a little bit of straightening the day of.

2. Pay special attention the areas in which your guests will spend the most time. If your friends are likely to go into your refrigerator to get a drink, make sure you clean it out before the party. Focus on the living room or dining room if that's where you anticipate guests spending their time.

3. Provide clean towels and a new roll of toilet paper in the bathroom. It's one extra step that will ensure everyone at your party feels comfortable.

After the Party

1. Put away food immediately. Food left out for too long--especially dips or sauces--will begin to harden to the dishes. Put away the food and drop the dishes in some warm, soapy water.

2. Pour out drinks. Unless flat beer or old fruit punch are your favorite aromas, you're probably going to want to do this one pretty quickly. Also, by collecting and dumping drinks sooner, you will be less likely to get spills from people accidentally knocking over cups and glasses.

3. Clean up the obvious messes. Get a handheld vacuum and a rag and quickly take care of the little, unavoidable messes. This will keep things from staining or getting ground into the floor or carpet, making the next day clean up that much better.

Enjoy your Halloween party in a house that's clean before and after!

Cleaning to Prevent the Flu

Mon, 22 Oct 2012 10:35:05 GMT

The weather is getting colder, and soon, everyone will be staying indoors a lot more often. While you may love this time of year, the changing of the seasons, and the holidays to come, it also invites germs and promotes the spread of the flu virus.

You can take steps to keep your home from passing on these germs, though! Hiring a maid service can help get your house completely disinfected, but here are some extra tips for keeping things cleaner and safer:

Clean the objects you and your family touch the most. Keyboards, light switches, doorknobs, and toys are likely culprits for spreading germs, so clean these things more frequently during the flu season.
Clean commonly used surfaces. Like the objects you use most, the surfaces you use most also need attention, including tables, kitchen counters, and bathroom surfaces.
Wash linens frequently. If someone in your family is sick, wash their linens alone in hot water as soon as their cold or flu has passed.
Allow disinfectants to soak some before wiping clean. This allows the disinfectant to do its work and kill the germs.
Encourage hand washing. When you finish cleaning your bathroom and kitchen, make sure there's enough soap available and remind children to wash their hands often. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of cold and flu germs.

During the colder seasons, you want your home to be a warm and inviting place for family and friends and a safe place to relax for yourself. House cleaning is an important part of keeping your home a place where you want to spend your time, and adding in these steps to help keep your home germ free will make it a nicer place to be all year long.

Two Simple Ways to Speed Up Your Drain

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 10:32:23 GMT

A slow drain can make house cleaning difficult. As the water backs up in the sink, cleaning dishes, preparing mop buckets, or getting a cloth wet with clean water can be tricky. Rather than going out and paying for a solution to clear the drain, try one of these two tricks first:

Solution #1

Materials: Table salt and Water.

Process:

Put a pot of water on the stove and turn it on.
Add salt. Use 1/2 to 1 cup of salt in the water.
Turn the water off just before it starts to boil. Watch it closely, as salt actually tends to cause water to come to a boil faster.
Pour the hot salt water down the drain. Do this slowly, and give it a few minutes to run its course.

Do this every few weeks to keep your drain clean from debris and build up that occurs naturally over time.

Solution #2

Materials: Vinegar and Baking Soda.

Sprinkle baking soda into the drain. This doesn't have to be exact, but be generous. The more baking soda, the bigger the reaction.
Pour vinegar into the drain. Just like in a kid's science class, the vinegar and baking soda react, causing bubbling. This reaction swells down into your drain, carrying the cleaning power of the vinegar and baking soda far into the pipes.
Let it sit until the bubbling has stopped. Resist the urge to run water in the sink before the reaction has finished.
Rinse with hot water. Wash down the vinegar, baking soda, and any residue they've pulled from the sides of the drain with hot water.

If your drain is completely clogged, you're probably going to want to try a plunger or plumbing snake before cleaning with one of these methods. Having these housekeeping tricks up your sleeve will make tasks a lot easier, though!

Four Things to Do Before a Trip

Tue, 09 Oct 2012 08:25:13 GMT

Whether you're going out of town for a last weekend before the cold weather moves in or planning a longer trip for the holidays, there are a few things you can do for your home before you leave that will make your return much more enjoyable.

Housekeepin g is the last thing you want to do when you get back from a trip, so here are five ways to get your home ready before you set out:

Get the best house cleaning possible. When you come home from your time away, it's refreshing to walk into a house already clean and waiting for you. Come home, unpack, and relax without worrying over the mess you left behind by making sure the house is clean before you ever leave home.

Empty the fridge of perishables. Also, don't go on a big grocery trip right before you leave. If something happens while you're away that knocks out power, you could come back to a disaster of a kitchen and an intolerable odor. Make sure anything that will rot is cooked or thrown out.

Empty the sink, dishwasher, and washer and dryer. Get everything clean while you're still in the rush of getting ready to go.

Wash all of the dishes and put them away. Clear out the washer and dryer of clothes; fold them or hang them and put them away for when you return. You'll start with a fresh, clean slate when you get back!

Empty the trash. Not only should you go ahead and empty all the trash cans in your house, but also, if you're going to be gone during your weekly pick-up, take the trash out to the curb to be taken off or take it to a local dump. This way, you won't come home to smells you weren't expecting.

Unplug everything. It might take a little time and effort, but it will be well worth it. The risk of fire or damage to your electronics while your gone will be mostly removed, and that will be peace of mind for you.

When you know your home is ready, coming home will be especially pleasant. Enjoy your trip, wherever your path may lead!

Making Cleaning a Habit

Mon, 08 Oct 2012 10:25:47 GMT

Do you love having a clean house, but have a hard time keeping it that way? You aren't alone! Some people are great at house cleaning , and some...aren't. There are steps you can take to keep your house straight every day, and it all comes down to making it a habit.

Having a clean room and a clean house makes it all worth it, though; so here are some ideas to get you started:

✔Make a list of daily tasks.

These are things that need to get done every day to keep your house looking neat. For instance, your list might include: wash dishes, take out the trash, wash a load of laundry, clear clutter, and make beds.

✔Work a little at a time.

Pick a time in the day or evening to do these tasks (they shouldn't take more than an hour once it becomes a habit), and then clean for 15-20 minutes at a time.

Give yourself a 10 minute break, and then start again. The little breaks can keep you from feeling overwhelmed.

✔Distract yourself.

Throw on your favorite music or a TV show you like to watch while you're cleaning. Warning: this might make your cleaning take longer if you're distracted easily, but if you stay on task, you'll enjoy the process a lot more.

✔Reward yourself for staying clean.

When you've finished all of your tasks for a week, reward yourself. It might be some time alone with your favorite book or a trip to the mall. A great idea is to buy small decorative items for your home, as this serves as both a reward and motivation to stay clean. A new tablecloth or a great-smelling candle are wonderful incentives. Inviting friends over is also a great reward because having company over keeps you accountable.

✔Get your family involved.

Tag team these tasks with yoru spouse, or assign your children each a chore from the list. Splitting up the tasks makes the whole process a lot faster, more efficient, and much more enjoyable.

It takes a little time to turn this into a habit, but stick with it and you'll be glad you did! If you need a good starting point, find a maid service that will help you get going.

Common Household Stains & How to Clean Them

Mon, 24 Sep 2012 08:39:08 GMT

Even the best cleaning services aren't in your home all the time, so how do you handle those stains that appear mid-week and glare at you from your carpet or coffee table? There are several stains you might encounter, and thankfully, there are great, easy ways to banish them.

Coffee, Tea, or Sauce Stains in your cups or dishes. From the coffee-colored stain on the bottom of your favorite cups to the orange ring around the spaghetti dish, there are some foods that leave behind seemingly unremovable marks.

Try this: Denture cleaning tablets. Use just as if you were going to soak dentures in the container--a soak and a quick rub later, and your dishes will be stain free.

Crayons on the Wall in your kids' rooms or office area tend may feel impossible to remove without taking off some paint; you might even be tempted to just paint over the marks, but even that's harder than it sounds.

Try this: Grab your hair dryer, put it on low, and point it at the crayon marks.

After a couple of minutes, try gently wiping them off with a warm, damp cloth. Crayons are made of wax, and when the crayon gets hot, it will melt and come off more easily!

Carpet Stains from an unexpected spill can be frustrating. It's easy to accidentally spread the stain until it looks like there's no way to ever get it off.

Try this: If you can, start blotting with a clean, dry piece of cloth as soon as the spill happens. Work in a circular motion from the outside of the stain toward the center. If you don't catch it while it's still wet, you can use the same technique using a carpet cleaner, but it will take a little more effort.

Stuck-on Food on your dinner dishes is a source of dishwashing hatred everywhere. When scrubbing, prying, and scraping are the only way we know to clean off that stuck-on meatloaf, it seems like too great of a hassle to even attempt!

Try this: Spread baking soda over the offending dish and let sit for a little while. When you come back, the baking soda will have worked some loosening magic, and the stuck-on food should come off a lot more easily.

Cup Rings on Wood Furniture from guests--or kids--without coasters leave your coffee or end tables looking a little marked up, and dusting isn't enough to get them off.

Try this: Dip a cloth in mixture of equal parts water and baking soda, then gently buff the rings out. It sounds too good to be true, but it is!

The best way to prevent stains is to start with a clean house--you're more likely to see the stain and get to it sooner if it isn't hidden in a messy room. Don't be afraid to hire a maid service if time and responsibilities keep you from being able to give your house the attention it deserves.

Clean As You Go

Mon, 17 Sep 2012 08:32:57 GMT

Whether you clean your house or hire a maid service , your house might already be mostly in order from a good weekly cleaning. However, have you noticed things building up in your house throughout the week? Have you ever walked back in the kitchen after dinner and found it a disaster?

The best way to keep your house looking nice falls back on one simple principle: clean as you go.

Kitchen

Cleaning as you go in the kitchen will make the biggest difference when compared to the other rooms. Here's a quick list for steps you can take as you cook or bake to keep from returning to a nightmare when dinner is over:

Keep the trash can close and use it often!
Wash or load dishes as you finish with them, and remember to start the dishwasher when it's full.
Wipe off each area as you move on.
Clean up spills as they happen.
Sweep when you're done.

While your kitchen has the most applications for keeping it clean as you go, every room can benefit from this principle!

Living Areas

In your living room, dining room, and bathrooms, make it a practice not to leave a room without taking something with you. Often, things get placed in the wrong area during day-to-day activities. Before you leave a room, do a quick scan for whatever doesn't belong, and take it to its proper spot.

Just as important is putting things away as you finish with them. As often as possible, try to remember to return things to where they belong whenever you complete a task. Remind your family, too, to put things away.

Before you go to bed, do a quick sweep of your home, picking up trash, dishes, and anything else that escaped notice earlier in the day. Set out the things you'll need the next morning, and if you need to, load up the dishwasher for nice, clean dishes as soon as you wake up.

Bedrooms

The single best thing you can do for a bedroom is make the bed. As it's usually the largest piece of furniture in the room, having it made instantly pulls the rest of the room together. Make it a habit, and encourage your children to do the same.

Consider putting a laundry basket in every bedroom, and whenever you change, throw your dirty clothes there. Put clean clothes away as soon as you get them folded or put onto hangers. If you or your other family members have a habit of wearing an item of clothing repeatedly, decide on a place to put it, and always keep it there when you aren't using it.

Your regular house cleaning will keep your home looking great, but for the best results, keeping it picked up during the week can the clutter and mess from creeping up on you.

Tips for the Cleanest Windows

Mon, 27 Aug 2012 08:15:19 GMT

Whether you clean your house yourself or have cleaning services to lend a hand, window cleaning is an important part of having a clean home. Clean windows let natural light in and give rooms a more finished appearance.

When you want the cleanest windows, try these tips:

Wait for an overcast day. While the sunshine might remind you to clean your windows, it can actually sabotage your efforts. On sunny days, the windows dry faster and are more likely to streak. Wait for the next cloudy day to make your windows really sparkle.

Use the right tool. There are several options for which tool to use, but you should choose one of these three to get the best clean:

Squeegees are quite literally made for this job, and they’re an excellent tool for it, the drawback being that many people don’t have a squeegee laying around.

Crumpled newspaper is the best every day material for cleaning windows. Not only is a newspaper less likely to leave a streak free shine or lint like a paper towel, it also leaves a dirt-resistant residue on the window!

Lint free towels do a great job of cleaning without leaving any frustrating lint behind. They’re also usually washable and reusable.

Wipe directionally. If you wash the outside windows with vertical strokes and the inside windows with horizontal strokes, if you get a streak you’ll be able to identify immediately which side of the window is effected.

Wash from the top down. If you’re washing horizontally, start at the top of the frame and wipe side to side to the bottom. If you’re wiping vertically, start from the top right or left corner and work your way across quickly. This will prevent dripping, minimizing the risk of streaks and damage to the sills or walls around your windows.

Use a rain repellent. On your outdoor windows, a rain repellent like the kind you use on windshields will cause rain—and other unpleasant things—to slide more easily off your windows, maintaining the clean longer and making them easier to clean later.

Window cleaning is one of those tasks that needs to be done, but isn’t always pleasant to do. Check with local housekeeping services —a good service will clean your most-frequently used windows at every visit and offer additional services to clean every window in your house!

Simple Ways to Decorate Your House or Dorm

Mon, 20 Aug 2012 08:09:15 GMT

This weekend, many university students made their way back to campuses and dorms across the country. Whether you’re a student looking for a way to make your dorm room feel like home or a homeowner trying to bring some freshness to your house, start with a good house cleaning , and then try these decorating ideas:

1. The Perfect Tablecloth. When you want a fresh, new look for your kitchen or dining room, a tablecloth is one of the fastest ways to change the feel of the room. A small tablecloth can even be used to cover a flat desk for a colorful touch to any dorm. They’re easy to change out, as well, to fit the season or your mood.

2. The Right Light. Don’t underestimate the power of light in a room! If you have a source of natural light in the room, make sure the windows are clean (local housekeeping services can help with this!), and then find a way to accent that with a sheer curtain or one you can pull back away from the window for a striking contrast. In the evening, take a good look at your light bulbs. If you want your room brighter, you can use a higher wattage; if you want the room to be a little dimmer, switch to a lower wattage.

3. A Pillow Case. If you like to change things around a lot for the season, guest, or event, pillows are a quick, easy way to do it. Start with throw pillows for your couch or bed, and build a collection you can switch out. For an even more affordable option and the most versatile selection, find or make pillow cases to fit your throw pillows. Change them out whenever you want a different look!

4. A Fresh Touch. A nice bowl and the fresh fruit, vegetables, or fresh or decorative flowers you already have on hand can be the perfect accent to your dining or coffee table. Look for other areas of your home as places to put little details, as well: a flower, crystal bowl, or vase can add an inviting touch to any room.

5. Getting Artsy. If you’re not a crafter or painter, art might not be your thing, but don’t let it keep you from decorating your walls like it is! Find an affordable art print and a frame you love, or take photographs of family and arrange them in matching frames.

Whatever room you’re decorating, there are easy, affordable ways to get exactly what you want!

Disinfecting Toys Naturally

Mon, 13 Aug 2012 08:05:22 GMT

Children drag toys across floors and through dirt every day. Little ones bite and mouth whatever they can get their hands on, and you might worry about germs. When you're housekeeping , you may want to disinfect your kids' toys to keep them from spreading germs.

The old standard for cleaning toys included a water and bleach mixture, but often parents are uncomfortable introducing bleach into the scenario. Here are some ways to disinfect your plastic toys without bleach to give your children clean, safe toys every time:

Vinegar & Water - Vinegar is a completely natural disinfectant and works wonderfully on most surfaces. To disinfect toys with vinegar, you can either put a vinegar/water mixture into a spray bottle, spray the toys, and then wipe them with a cloth, or you can fill a small tub with vinegar and water, soak the toys, and then wipe dry. The vinegar smell and taste will disappear once the toys are dry!

Dishwasher - This is a great option, especially if your dishwasher has a "sanitize" setting. Put dishwasher-safe toys (no batteries or electrical components!) on the top rack and run on the sanitize setting as you normally would.

Steam sanitizer - If you have a lot of toys or feel the need to sanitize often, a small steam sanitizer might be a worthwhile purchase. Small toys fit inside and are steamed to kill germs.

For soft toys, place the toys in a pillowcase and wash on the gentle cycle of your washing machine, and for wooden toys, a simple cloth with a tiny bit of the vinegar/water mixture will be enough.

If you want a clean, hygenic house for the rest of your family but don't have the time to put into it, local maid services can help!

Cutting Down Clutter by Making Little Changes

Mon, 06 Aug 2012 08:02:53 GMT

If clutter starts to pile up, you may start to feel overwhelmed and like getting it under control is hopeless. The key is to keep it from piling up at all, making the clutter you have easier to tackle and preventing future clutter.

A few small habit changes can make a big difference in your house cleaning !

Sort Mail Immediately

Sorting mail is often something you might put off. Unfortunately, throwing a stack of mail on the counter might lead to it being shuffled around a lot before its actually dealt with and will just add to clutter.

To prevent piles of paper from stacking up, go through the mail as soon as you walk in the door with it. Throw the junk mail away and make a home for your letters and bills. This will reduce the chances of finding a sales paper lurking on your counter, table, or in a drawer for months!

Put Things Away

If you have children, you probably have said this a few times: “Put that back where you found it!” It’s easy to forget that it still applies to adults, too; though.

As you finish with something, put it back where you found it, or if it was in the wrong place to begin with, back where it goes!

Putting things away as you go will keep everything in its place, and clutter will stay to a minimum if this becomes a habit.

Donate Often

Keep a box around, and mark it as “give away.” When you’re quickly going through and cleaning, you might see an item you don’t plan to use, but think, “I’ll leave it here for now.” Nip that in the bud by taking it immediately to the give away box.

Once the box is full, find a place to donate and drop it off. If you keep this going, not only will you end up keeping clutter down, you’ll help a lot of charities in the process!

Keep Dishes Out of the Sink

If you find yourself piling dishes in the sink only to come back and realize how big a chore washing them will be, you aren’t alone, and this tip is for you! Get your family in the habit of putting dishes in the dishwasher as you finish with them. Once the dishwasher is full, wash them and immediately put them away to free up the dishwasher for new dishes.

If you don’t use a dishwasher, ask everyone to wash their dish as they finish with it. Washing one dish takes just a minute and will keep your kitchen looking neat. In addition, you’ll always have a clean dish when you need it!

Blitz Before Bed

Before you go to bed, do a “blitz clean.” A blitz is “a sudden attack,” and if it helps to picture it like that, do it! Right before going to bed, go through each room as quickly as possible, throwing away any trash and putting away things that have been left out.

This shouldn’t take more than 10 or 15 minutes, and when you wake up to a mostly tidy house, you will be glad you took the time.

Recruit Some Help

Of course, sometimes life just gets busy. Work overwhelms you, family and friends need you, and sometimes you just need a break.

If you need some help catching up, look to local cleaning services to help you get everything back under control. Starting with a clean house will also make it easier to implement these habits and keep you free of clutter.

Tips for the Cleanest Dishes: Dishwasher or By Hand

Mon, 30 Jul 2012 07:50:40 GMT

Dishwashing is a frequent, important house cleaning task. When you're washing dishes, you want to know you're getting it done as effectively and efficiently as possible, and it helps to know a few tricks to make sure you get clean dishes every time.

Dishwashing By Hand

If you're going to wash your dishes by hand, there are a few things you should do to ensure you get the best possible clean:

1. Remove as much food as possible before starting. This step will make the dishes easier to clean and reduce the amount of time it takes to wash the dishes.

2. Soak heavily soiled dishes with baking soda for a few hours before washing, if possible. Baking soda loosens stuck-on food particles, making dishes easier to clean. However, avoid soaking aluminimum pans in baking soda, as it could lead to discoloration.

3. Clean the most lightly soiled dishes first. This way, you're less likely to get your rag or sponge dirty and accidentally transfer food or grime.

4. Scrub the dishes under running water, periodically checking to see if they are coming clean. Running water loosens old food and minimizes scrubbing.

Using the Dishwasher

A dishwasher is a huge help to any family, but there are some tips that can make it work even better:

1. About once every one to two months, clean the dishwasher by running an empty cycle with vinegar. The vinegar clears old food particles, and you get clean, fresh-smelling dishes from a clean dishwasher!

2. Put more heavily soiled dishes on the bottom rack. Here, they are exposed to the stronger water sprays they need to get clean and won't drip dirty water on other dishes.

3. Take care not to stack dishes. Water and cleaner can't reach the inside of a stacked dish, leaving the outside clean but the inside dirty.

4. Run your tap water hot before starting the dishwasher. By doing this, you are prompting the dishwasher to start with hot water in the first spray cycle, leading to a more effective clean from the beginning.

Whether you do it after every meal, only at night, or whenever you feel like it, washing dishes is a necessary chore. Making it as easy and quick as possible helps, but if you still find yourself short on time, consider cleaning services willing to load a set of dishes in the dishwasher for you. This way, you'll always have clean dishes without the hassle!

No-Scrub Oven Cleaning

Mon, 23 Jul 2012 07:36:15 GMT

After you’ve cooked many meals in your oven, you might notice it getting dirtier and dirtier. An essential part of house cleaning is keeping the surfaces you cook and eat on safe and sanitary.

No one likes to spend hours hunched over scrubbing an oven, though; so here’s how you can get a clean oven with no scrubbing.

1. Remove and clean the racks. Place the racks on a towel in your bathtub. Pour in a gallon of vinegar and add two cups of baking soda. When the bubbling stops, add water and soak the racks for an hour. When they’ve finished soaking, wipe dry.

2. Clean the bottom of the oven next. Sprinkle baking soda on the bottom of the oven.Spray or sprinkle vinegar on top of the baking soda and let sit for 20 minutes. Wipe clean. If you see any baking soda residue left, wipe it once more with a damp cloth.

3. Make a baking soda and water paste by starting with a small bowl of baking soda and adding water until it’s thick but spreadable. Rub mixture on the inside walls of the oven, let sit for 20 minutes, then wipe clean. Added note: this paste can be used to clean the front of your oven and your stovetop, as well!

Try these three steps to get a clean oven with minimal effort. If you’re crunched for time, you might want to check with local maid services to see if they have additional services—like thorough oven cleaning—available.

Tackling Clutter: Keep It or Throw It Out?

Mon, 16 Jul 2012 07:32:51 GMT

If you’re overwhelmed by clutter, it can make house cleaning seem like an impossible chore. When you’re ready to clean, start with the clutter.

It can be hard to sort through clutter, so here are some tips on making the call about which items should stay and which should go.

When was the last time you saw it? If you come across something and think, “I forgot I even had this,” you’re probably safe to throw it out or donate it.

Anything you haven’t missed doesn’t need to be taking up room in your house, because if you haven’t missed it in the past several months, you won’t miss it long once it’s gone!

Will I ever really use this? It can be tempting to hold onto things because they’re useful—but are they useful to you? While a three hole punch might be extremely useful to a teacher, for instance, is it something you see yourself using in the near future?

If not, donate it to someone who will find lots of uses for it.

Why do I want to keep this? If you’re feeling attached to an item, take a moment to figure out why. Does it have a memory attached to it? Was it an expensive purchase? Did you have plans to use it that never came about?

Once you identify the reason you want to keep it, you can consider it in perspective. If it’s something with a heavy emotional attachment, you might want to find a special place to store it. If it was an expensive purchase, consider selling it. If you had plans you didn’t get to finish, think about how losing the clutter will make you more open to new projects.

When you think about what items to keep and throw out, consider these questions. Ultimately, you want a clean house, organized, free of clutter, and ready for whatever you want to do next.

Once you’ve lost some of your clutter, you might want to consider hiring a maid service to get you caught up on the house cleaning and to leave you with a home that gives you peace.

Make House Cleaning Fun For Your Family

Mon, 09 Jul 2012 07:22:58 GMT

House cleaning is so much easier when everyone gets involved. Not only does the work go faster, but the time spent as a family can be great for everyone. Of course, it’s difficult to convince someone that cleaning is fun, so it’s good to find ways to mix things up and figure out a way to get your family interested.

Here’s a quick way to add some fun to what might be a dull task:

The Hat Race

Write down each task that needs to be completed on a slip of paper. Keep it specific and simple. For example, two of them might say, “Take out the trash” and “Pick up toys in the playroom.”
Once you have all the tasks written down, fold them up and put them in a hat.
One by one, tell each person to draw a task from the hat.
Split up and do individual tasks. If someone finishes their task, they should go back to the hat and choose a new one.
The person who draws the last slip should announce to everyone that the hat is empty, and then the race is on.
Whoever finishes their last task, runs to the hat, and puts it on their head wins.

Chores between visits from your local maid service are necessary, but they don’t have to be boring. Try the Hat Race for yourself, or try one of these other ideas:

Race against the clock: can you get your bedroom clean in 15 minutes or less?
Treasure hunt: hide a prize in the room that needs to be cleaned—the room has to be cleaned and the treasure found in order to keep the prize!
Scavenger hunt: Make a list of things to find while cleaning the house and see who can complete their list.

Turning cleaning into a game lightens the load and gets everyone involved!

Fifteen Minutes to Clean

Mon, 02 Jul 2012 07:16:59 GMT

Unless you’ve just had a visit from a maids service , you probably always feel like your house could be a little cleaner. Maybe you have company coming on short notice, a party you didn’t have time to clean up for, or just want the house a little tidier before you go to bed.

If you only have fifteen minutes to clean, here is the strategy to get you there:

Step 1: Pick up all the trash. Get a trash bag and walk through the main areas of your house—the places guests will likely see (ignore the places they won’t for now!). Pick up every piece of trash you see. Don’t touch anything else—just trash.

Step 2: Go room by room and sort. This is not an in-depth sorting process. In fact, you only need two categories: things that belong in the room and things that don’t.

For the things that belong in the room you are in, put them where they go. For the things that don’t, put them in a pile. When everything that belongs is put away and the room looks nice, take care of the “doesn’t belong here” pile by taking those items to their appropriate rooms. Do this in each main room.

Step 3: Focus on what makes the most difference. Once the rooms are mostly straight, go into each one. What stands out to you?

Look for little details that give the appearance of a meticulous clean. This might include propping decorative pillows up nicely, straightening a throw rug, sweeping the floor, or folding the bathroom towels.

Step 4: Freshen the air. If the air in your house smells dirty or stale, it’s going to be the first thing someone notices when they open the door. If the weather is nice, consider just opening a window or two to get fresh air in and stale air out.

If that’s not an option, use an air or fabric freshener or burn a scented candle.

Final thoughts: Get yourself some help! The more people involved in the cleaning, the faster it will get done.

Also, for this to work, your house will need to start out fairly clean to begin with. To make sure your home is always ready, thoroughly clean once a week or consider hiring a maid service to keep your surfaces clean and your air fresh all the time.

Keeping Your Grill Clean for Summer

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 14:56:13 GMT

It’s summertime, and in these months, you will probably find yourself grilling out a lot more often. You keep your pots, pans, and stove clean—remember to keep your barbecue grill clean, too! Don't let a dirty, rusty grill be the reason you can't enjoy a cookout.

Since grill cleaning isn’t likely one of your standard housekeeping tasks, here are some tips to make sure your grill stays clean and safe.

Maintenance Cleaning

Every time you use your grill, you should give it a maintenance cleaning. This is a quick brush down to make sure cooked-on food particles don’t hang around for the next time you cook.

Tools: A stiff brush

Clean the grate. You might be used to doing this before you grill, but it’s actually better to do it afterwards. When the grill is still warm, use the brush to clean the grate. Stuck on grease and food will come off more easily when the grate is warm, and anything that falls into the grill will be cleaned before the next time.
Clean the inside—lid too! Take the brush to the sides and lid of the grill to get anything off that might be stuck on. Remember: if you have a charcoal grill, you’ll need to dump out the ashes first.

Heavy Cleaning

Once in a while, you should really get in there and clean your grill, scrubbing it to get it back to pristine condition.

Tools: A stiff brush, soapy water, sponge, towel

Charcoal Grill. Use the brush first and scrape off anything you can, taking time to get any stuck-on pieces loose. Then, use the sponge and the soapy water to scrub it out, cleaning every surface. Towel dry the inside or allow to air dry before using.

Gas Grill. Separate the gas from the grill and then pull and lay out the pieces of your grill. Clean each one as you can with the brush, soapy water, and sponge, then dry thoroughly with the towel (or allow to air dry for a few hours) before reassembling.

Don’t let your house cleaning stop at your back door—keep your grill as clean as your stove and you’ll always have the best-tasting summer feasts!

Four Tips for Organizing the Pantry

Sun, 17 Jun 2012 14:48:05 GMT

Organization is an important part of house cleaning . Having your items organized means you will always find what you need.

One of the places that gets out of hand quickly is the pantry or kitchen cabinets. Groceries come in, food goes out, and pretty soon everything is out of place!

Here are some tips for organizing your pantry and keeping it clean:

1. Before starting this project, make a plan.

Decide what you want your pantry to look like. Is it something everyone’s going to see, or just you and your family? What items do you use most, and where do you want those things kept? If you have a vision of what you want before you begin, it will give you something to work towards.

2. Whenever it seems reasonable to do so, use containers.

If you’ve ever had a pack of crackers go stale from sitting open in the cabinet, this is something you will welcome. For open bags and containers, specifically ones that can’t be resealed, use containers, preferably see-through. This way, you’ll waste less food, groceries will last longer, and you’ll know when it’s time to buy more.

3. Especially if you use containers, make labels.

One of the best reasons for organizing a pantry is to find the things you need. If everything is labeled, or stored with the label showing, you will not have to wonder what’s in the mystery container—you can find anything you want at a glance.

4. Make a system to keep like items together.

Categorize for yourself—put baking-related things together in one place, cereals in another. Put snacks in a basket together or store canned vegetables and sauces together. This way, even if you don’t remember exactly where a certain item is, you’ll know where to look for it!

Housekeeping might be effort, but it’s worth it! If you need help getting started or keeping your home clean without stressing yourself out, consider hiring a maid service to give you a hand.

Carpet & Rug Cleaning

Tue, 29 May 2012 14:21:30 GMT

If you have carpet, you know it’s one of the first things people see when they come into your home. Add in a busy family, a lot of visitors, or a few pets, and the carpets and rugs soon begin to look worn and absorb odors.

One of the cleaning services can handle for you is vacuuming your carpets and focusing on areas where dirt likes to hide. Here are a few extra ideas for keeping the carpet cleaner and rugs fresher between visits:

About Carpets

To keep your carpets looking their best, you should reach for the vacuum cleaner at least once a week. In high traffic areas, it’s best to vacuum several times a week.
A high traffic area is anywhere people frequently put their feet. This includes the floor in front of furniture, hallways, and entryways. Vacuum these areas in several directions, and overlap your strokes to get the most thorough clean.

About Rugs

Occasionally flip your rugs over and vacuum the underside of the rug itself.
If you use water or a liquid-based cleaner, allow the rug to dry completely before returning it to its usual spot.

About Stains

For both carpets and rugs, you want to start cleaning a stain as quickly as possible. Using a rag or cloth, dab the stain. Start from the outside and work your way to the middle of the stain, then rinse with water and blot dry.

Isn’t it nice to walk on a fresh, clean carpet? wants you to feel at home and relaxed in a clean environment. That’s what our housekeeping services are all about!

How House Cleaning Increases the Value of Your Home

Mon, 21 May 2012 14:25:04 GMT

When preparing to sell your home, you might come up with a list of things to do. At the top of that list should be getting it as clean as possible, according to a new real estate poll.

A HomeGain study of nationwide realtors revealed that a thorough house cleaning , including both de-cluttering and hands-on surface cleaning, is likely to increase the value of your house by up to $2000. It’s one of the most highly recommended steps realtors suggest to those looking to sell.

When cleaning your house to put it up for sale, you want to put a good effort into it. Buyers are likely to look at every inch critically, including places home owners might miss. Baseboards and cabinet doors are repeat offenders in this area, as are ceiling fans, which often accumulate dust on the top of the blade.

Cleaning a home this way takes considerable time and effort, so consider hiring a maid service to help catch the things you might miss.

If your house is as clean as it can be, you will likely see the value increase—a happy buyer means a good sale for you!

Dangers In Your Home

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:39:45 GMT

We come home from work or from a day out with our family and friends, put our feet up, and feel relatively safe. Unfortunately, there are some real dangers found in our own homes.

The good news is, many of them can be solved by awareness and good house cleaning practices--a clean house is a healthy place to live!

Mold

One of the primary dangers in our homes is mold and mildew. Mold will grow anywhere there is moisture and a porous material. Carpets, rugs, and wood are especially susceptible.

You’ll find mold in many forms, and while black mold has been shown to be the most toxic, no mold is good for us. Mold can cause allergic reactions, breathing problems, and even depression!

If you suspect you have mold, locate it, clean it with vinegar or mold killer (safety tip: wear a protective mask), and then prevent its return by keeping moisture from building up in those areas.

Insects

Bugs like ants, flies, and cockroaches flock to places where they can find food and shelter. This often includes our houses. Depending on the insects that make it into your home, they can cause anything from structural instability in your house to difficulty breathing for you and your family.

The best way to get rid of insects is to keep your house clean. By taking away their food sources, you will force them to go somewhere else.

Blocked vents

Anytime a vent is blocked, you could be asking for trouble. Think of a clothes dryer vent: when the lint trap gets full, heat backs up into the dryer and causes a serious fire hazard.

The solution is thankfully simple: keep clutter and clothing away from air and heating vents, and clean your dryer’s lint filter and the air filter above your stove regularly.

Small items

If you have very young children or pets, small items laying around the house can pose a choking hazard. This includes small toys, decorative items, jewelry, tools, and food items.

Keep small items picked up and stored in sealed containers and out of reach of children and pets.

Keeping your home neat, clean, and clutter-free will help prevent these types of hazards. The Maids offers a wide range of housekeeping services and can help keep your home safe and clean.

Cleaning the Microwave Naturally

Sat, 05 May 2012 10:50:12 GMT

Of all your appliances, your microwave is probably one of the ones you use the most. Because of its convenience, it's used for everything from making meals to heating snacks to science projects. Unfortunately, this means it gets dirty pretty quickly, and the mess left behind is often stuck-on and difficult to scrub. The best cleaning services clean your microwave for you, but if you need a little appliance therapy between cleanings, here's the best way to do it:

1. Gather the materials. Thankfully, there isn't much to this trick. You'll need 1 microwave safe glass bowl filled half full of water, 1-3 lemons, a knife, and a rag or sponge.

2. Cut the lemons and place them in the bowl of water. Cut each of the lemons in half to open up the center, then put them in the bowl of water. Do not cover, you want the bowl to stay open.

3. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes.

4. Carefully remove the bowl and wipe the inside clean. The dirt, grease, and grime inside will wipe off with very little effort. Make sure you go back and wipe with a clean, wet rag when you're finished as a final touch.

This works because the steam of the water combined with the acidity in the lemons breaks down the bond that holds the grime in place. If the spaghetti sauce from last night's dinner or the leftover chili from your lunch today left the microwave a mess, this will get it clean every time without any hassle.

Of course, the best way to have a healthy, clean kitchen is all about maintenance. Keeping on top of cleaning yourself or by hiring a maid service will ensure you enjoy your time cooking or entertaining, and that's definitely worth it!

Reducing Allergens in Your Bedroom

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 08:20:44 GMT

When you have watery eyes, a frustrating cough, and a torrent of sneezes, sleeping can be difficult, if not impossible! While allergy medicines might help, the best way to give yourself a good night's sleep is to prevent allergens from taking up residence in the first place!

Frequent cleaning is the first step, and a maid service can help you stay on top of the cleaning, especially if you suffer from allergies that span spring to fall. There are additional steps you can take to make it even more comfortable in your bedroom, as well:

1. Close your windows during the months when you suffer from seasonal allergies. If your windows are open on a high-pollen day, the pollen can come into your bedroom and settle on the surfaces as dust, causing you continuous discomfort until it's cleaned.

2. Shower before bed during those same months. If you've been outside, you might have collected pollen--or, if you've been around a pet you're allergic to, dander--on your clothes and skin.

By taking a shower, you minimize the potential those allergens have to bother you while you sleep.

3. Choose your pillows wisely. Feather pillows trap dust, pollen, or dander, while foam pillows are more likely to repel it and are easier to clean. Also, an abundance of throw pillows can be a big dust collector in your room.

4. Be aware of moisture. Moisture in your home can cause mildew or mold to develop, worsening your allergies. Mold can even affect people who are otherwise allergy-free, so this is an important one to note. Check heaters and air conditioning units, windows, and sinks for leaks. If you use fresh plants in your home, make sure there's a barrier to catch moisture from watering so it doesn't soak into your carpet. A dehumidifer can be a great help to allergy sufferers, as well.

5. Clean often. Even if your room is sparse, dust is going to collect wherever it can, carrying with it pollen, dander, and many other allergens that can make you miserable. The best treatment for allergy sufferers is a clean bedroom. For the absolute best prevention, find a house cleaning service that uses HEPA filters in their vacuums.

You deserve to sleep comfortably. Don't let allergens invade your bedroom and disturb your peace!

Five Spring Cleaning Tips From Maid Service Experts

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:24:15 GMT

The days get longer and warmer each week, and if you’re like me, you’re regretting the spring cleaning you haven’t finished. It’s time to become an organizer and take back that house—to stop being frustrated with it and start cleaning it.

The sooner your house is clean, the sooner you can get back to enjoying your spring and summer!

With that in mind, here are five tips on house cleaning and how to get organized from our maid service experts !

1. Create a manageable to do list. Don’t overwhelm yourself with housekeeping tasks. Instead, break each thing you want to do into steps, and spread those goals out over several days. Setting a goal and achieving it will make you feel victorious and help find and keep your motivation.

2. Start with one area. Build on your success by organizing in one area at a time. By starting small, you will see immediate results that will spur you on to do more!

3. Give your family members specific tasks. If your family members go running in the opposite direction when you suggest cleaning, keep in mind they are more likely to help if they can focus on one task. For example, ask your spouse to sort mail once a week, or ask your son or daughter to put away folded clothes or sweep the kitchen every few days.

4. Set a time limit for keeping items. Have you found a bottle of lotion you haven’t seen in six months? Or a coffee cup still in its original gift bag? If you haven’t seen something in a while, ask yourself if you have actually missed it. If not, throw it away or donate it to charity.

5. Ask for help. Sometimes life is busy, especially as we close in on the summer months. If you find that house cleaning is taking away from quality time with your friends and family, consider hiring a maid service to help you catch up. The Maids has a trustworthy staff fully trained in many cleaning services standing by and ready to help.

Good luck in all of your organization and cleaning endeavors!

Cord Keeping: Organzing Your Tech for Safety and Function

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 09:44:47 GMT

Perhaps you hire a maid service , and your house is clean and neat, without dust or dirt or random odors. What about behind your desk or TV? If you glance back there and it's a mess of cords, you could be looking at a fire hazard.

It can be daunting to think about organzing all of those cords, but do it right one time and you'll be better for it in the long run.

How to Organize Your Cords

1. Untangle. This will be the most time consuming part of the task if your cords have been neglected for a long time. Sit down and begin to unwind them from each other until you can clearly see which cord goes to which electronic.

2. Label. Once you've untangled your cords and you know where each of them lead, use a permanent silver marker or a piece of masking tape to label each cord for convenience later. You'll never have to guess whether or not you're unplugging the right one!

3. Group & Bind. Keep cords that go to similar areas and similar plugs together, and then use electrical tape or a zip tie to group them together. This will both keep them in a central location and prevent tangling.

Final tips: Be aware of where your cords go. Is there a heat source? Are they likely to get wet? Consider moving them if the answer to either of these is yes. Invest in surge protectors, and keep them clear of debris and dust.

Not only will this make house cleaning easier as you won't have to work around a pile of cords, it will also be safer for you and your family.