Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Clear The Air: A Houseplant For Every Room In Your Home

April 9, 2014 7:58 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Studies have shown that indoor air quality can be substantially more polluted than outside air. Here is a list of easy-to-care-for plants for every room in your home. Living Room: Try Spider Plant (Chlorophytum comosum), a tough-to-kill houseplant that removes VOCs

10 Things You MUST Do Before Spring Cleaning

April 10, 2014 11:46 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Ah, spring cleaning. Your house’s very own “Happy New Year!” complete with a whole list of resolutions (No more eating in the living room! Baseboards will be cleaned

Give Your Oven Some Lovin’: 5 Tips To Clean Cooking Machines

August 25, 2017 1:29 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

There is a reason for everything, and the reason for this post is bacon. Crisp, salty, oven-baked bacon. It crackles to perfection, but one jostled attempt to remove a rimmed cookie sheet filled with the savory strips can lead to a greasy disaster. Lose the courage of

Take Five: 15 ways you can make the most of 5 minutes.

February 20, 2014 8:06 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

It’s true, five minutes isn’t a lot of time, but in the space of a Super Bowl commercial break, you could tackle a task that you’ve been putting off. Need some ideas?

10 Uses for Rice

August 1, 2017 11:44 am•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Make a pet toy. Take an old sock, fill it with rice and catnip, and seal the open end with a knot, hair tie, or a quick stitch. Your cat will get some exercise and you’ll get some entertainment. Win-win. Clean small-necked bottles and vases. They may defeat the

Kitchen Efficiency: Six Ways To Make Your Kitchen Work for You

February 5, 2014 3:53 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

No matter the age or style of a home, every kitchen inside has its own quirks and personality. If you find yourself fighting with your kitchen’s layout, or cupboard

From streaking to beak-ing: Is window washing for the birds?

January 29, 2014 11:15 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

I will start this blog with a confession: I can’t remember the last time a bird lost its life trying to fly into one of my windows. Don’t get me wrong. I don’t feel bad

Smartphone Pictures: 15 Ways to Simplify Your Life

January 22, 2014 2:56 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Ever wonder what it’s like to have a photographic memory? It turns out you actually do, and it’s in your pocket. We’ve gathered 15 clever ways your smartphone camera will make your errands more efficient, your desk less cluttered, and your to-do list less

Take the 30 Spaces in 30 Days Challenge

January 15, 2014 9:55 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Our clients are always looking for ways to help their homes stay clean for as long as possible. We combed Pinterest, our favorite blogs, and the minds of the organized

The More the Merrier: Age-appropriate cleaning chores for young kids.

October 19, 2020 6:18 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools, Cleaning with Kids

As a cleaning service, we know that getting a house to sparkle is one thing, but keeping it clean after we leave is another. And if that house contains any number of children, the length of time between shiny and disaster shrinks considerably. The good news is that

10 Ways to Display Holiday Greeting Cards

December 23, 2013 4:33 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Arguably the best part of the holiday season is seeing family, whether the moments come in person or with each trip to the mailbox. If you find yourself blessed with more holiday photos and greetings than your decorating skills know what to do with, we’ve got you

Three Ways to Warm Up Electronic Greetings

December 18, 2013 5:39 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

This year’s late Thanksgiving holiday is throwing shoppers, party planners, and decorators into a highly caffeinated frenzy. No one feels the pinch more than the holiday card sender, who will give up sleep and meals to mail a picture perfect holiday greeting before

Simplify Holiday Decorating in Five Easy Steps

December 11, 2013 4:34 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

If your house is like mine, holiday decorating takes on a life (and a storage unit) of its own. This year I was struck with the number of storage bins dedicated to the

Happy You Year Sweepstakes: Keeping it Clean in 2014!

October 20, 2020 6:26 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Imagine what your life would be like if your home was clean for most of it. Impromptu play dates? Bring them on. Want to invite friends over for coffee? Have a seat on your comfy, crumb-free couch. Neighborhood brunch? One more reason to show off your microwave’s

6 Ways To Celebrate Thankfulness This Year

November 27, 2013 8:31 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

While we believe in celebrating thankfulness all year round, this time of year pulls being grateful into sharp focus. Here are a few ways to incorporate gratitude into your life. “Thankful” collections: Take a moment each day to write down what you are thankful for on

The Taming of the Shoe: Give Unorganized Closets the Boot

October 19, 2020 6:49 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

We’re not sure about your house, but in ours, lost shoes have taken years off our lives. Nothing ratchets up the stress of leaving for school, holiday parties, or soccer games more than that last-minute scramble for a shoe that has plunged into the abyss of the

Guest Rewards: 5 Free Ways to Take Hospitality to the Next Level

November 13, 2013 4:43 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

The holidays approacheth, and if you’re like most people, not only are you scurrying for fresh new recipes, gifts, and trying to keep the house moderately presentable, you are also preparing for overnight guests and their luggage (notice we didn’t say baggage.) You

Spice Up Your Cleaning Routine. Literally.

November 6, 2013 4:16 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

This time of year it’s hard to avoid the embrace of cinnamon, the lure of nutmeg, or the refreshing zing of peppermint in holiday cooking, baking, and drinking. What you may not realize is that these same holiday spices and herbs can also help you around your home.

‘Clean’ing Jokes. That are Actually Funny.

July 25, 2019 4:19 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Sometimes cleaning is serious business. And sometimes it’s deliriously funny. Here are a few gems that will either get you in the mood to clean or laugh about not doing it at all. You

Take 5 Minutes To Clean These 5 Dirty Places In Your Home

October 23, 2013 4:36 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

You clean your house. All. The. Time. In the midst of your tried-and-true routine, chances are you’re missing out on some pretty gross areas that are in desperate need of some attention. Here are the worst offenders and how you can bring them up to snuff in five

Doing Dishes the Easy Way

October 16, 2013 4:38 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

While the easiest way to avoid doing dishes is to buy disposable plates and silverware, it’s not good for the planet or your wallet. Washing dishes does many things—it builds character, promotes good hygiene, and provides additional surfaces on which to eat.

Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

October 9, 2013 6:35 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

For coffee lovers there’s one thing that completely makes the fall season one of our ultimate favorites and that’s the spicy goodness of a perfectly brewed, hot pumpkin spice latte. The only thing that makes this cup of heaven taste sweeter is making it

5 Ingenious Gadgets That Keep Your Kitchen Clean

October 2, 2013 1:56 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

We’re always looking for ways to help our clients maintain a lasting clean in their kitchens. Here are a few gadgets that keep the heart of your home running smoothly: Dishwasher /

Story From A Mom: Four Real Tips for Preparing Your Home for Baby

September 25, 2013 9:56 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

When I think back to the time before I had kids, I can muster up a few faint images: the quiet breakfasts with my husband, the pristine hatchback in the driveway, and my nice, clean little house.

Cleaning Culture: The Three Best Cleaning Tips from Around the World

September 18, 2013 9:28 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Love may make the world go around, but there is no one-way to keep it clean. We’ve scoured the planet for the best cleaning tips from around the globe. No shoes, no dirt, no problem. In many parts of the world, shoes are taken off at a home’s entrance to avoid

Organize Like a Man: No Nonsense Ways to Keep Your Home Clutter Free

September 11, 2013 4:47 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

It may go without saying that men and women approach life from different perspectives, and this is no less true than when it comes to home organization. Here’s how bridging the gender gap can help keep your house in order. Divide and Conquer. When faced with a closet

5-Minute Solution To Organize Your Junk Drawer

September 4, 2013 3:55 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

The junk drawer never sets out to be a junk drawer. It usually starts out as something completely functional, like “the place where we will put our pens” or “the keeper of the cheese knives.” And then life happens. And suddenly the cheese knives are mingling with the

How To Clean Your Kitchen Countertops By Susan Serra

March 26, 2020 5:02 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Susan Serra, CKD, CAPS, is a certified kitchen designer and founder of Susan Serra Associates, Inc., a kitchen design remodeling firm, founder of Scandinavian Made and the author of the popular blog, The Kitchen Designer. Susan’s design work has been published

How To Clean Fingerprints Off Walls

January 25, 2017 4:04 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Here’s a universal truth: If you have kids, you probably have smudged up walls. Whether it’s summer, winter, fall or spring, there’s a never-ending trail of their cute little fingerprints throughout your home. That said, the last thing you want to do when cleaning up

Garage Organization Ideas: 5 Steps for Reclaiming Your Garage

May 12, 2021 12:09 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools, Organization

Remember how happy you were when you moved into a home with a garage, maybe even 2, or 3 stalls? No more braving lousy weather to hop in the car, seemingly unlimited storage space, and all those other garage benefits seemed like a dream come true. But now you know the

How To Clean Makeup Brushes

July 31, 2013 5:32 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

We’d do almost anything to avoid clogged pores and pesky breakouts. With all of the home concoctions and expensive cleansers, washes, and remedies, sometimes we overlook the simple things. When you use your

Blue and Yellow Bridal Shower

July 24, 2013 8:00 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Something Yellow, Something Blue Something old, something new, something yellow, and something blue… okay so that might not be exactly how the saying goes but you can definitely borrow ideas for a something yellow and something blue bridal shower. The easiest and most

3 Instant Hacks for Cleaning Your Kitchen

July 17, 2013 8:31 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

With hot summer days in full swing it is easy to want to spend more time outside or by the pool and less time stuck cleaning your kitchen. Here are three easy tips to be able to clean your kitchen in 60 seconds or less. 1. Use aluminum foil, lots of it in fact.

What Not To Do When Getting Rid Of Insects From Your Home

July 10, 2013 3:07 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Last week my toddler came up to me, super excited to tell me something new. “Mom look,” he said, pointing to our living room carpet, “I found a tiny baby ant. Isn’t it so cute?!” Since ants aren’t my ideal version of a household pet, I didn’t want to let

How To Clean Your Outdoor Umbrella

March 26, 2020 4:51 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Rihanna may have told you to stand under her umbrella (ella ella eh eh), but she didn’t give any hints on how to keep it clean over the summer. Now that it’s getting warmer, your family is starting to spend more time outdoors entertaining guests and lounging around in

Top 4 Cleaning Tips from The Maids Blog

June 26, 2013 7:55 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Today, we’re digging through The Maids Blog archive to find the most motivating and helpful posts. We’ve talked about cleaning, organizing, decorating, and even doing things yourself. The Maids Blog is loaded with great ideas with these leading the pack. 1. How To Get

How to Get Your Kids WANT To Clean

July 22, 2020 10:31 am•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools, Cleaning with Kids

What is it about cleaning that kids don’t enjoy? Okay, maybe that isn’t a fair question. Getting your kids to pitch in when it comes to cleaning the house may seem like an impossible feat, but with these revolutionary ideas, your kids will be helping out and having

The Ultimate Cleaning Task: Mission Space

October 19, 2020 5:52 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

The Maids officially declare war on space! Okay, not space itself, and not even really a war, but nevertheless, cleaning ‘space junk’ is the most epic cleaning mission of all time. Luckily, plenty of scientists have taken pressure off The Maids and have come up with

6 DIY Tips You Need to Know For Cleaning After Your Pet

June 5, 2013 4:19 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

If your family has a pet, you understand the special kind of love between your entire family and your pet. When Spring rolls around it’s time to get your family and your furry friends outside for some fresh air. With summer comes shedding season. We love our furry

3 Fresh Ideas to Get Your Home Ready for Summer

May 29, 2013 3:12 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

As you get ready for sunny days – think light and cool. When the temperature rises, we get ready to shed the layers inside and out. Summer is the perfect time to look at your home with new eyes and roll winter right out the door. Just use these simple tips to help

Preparing Your Grill For Summer

May 22, 2013 8:40 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Summer is made for grilling. That sizzling sound and backyard barbecue scent is your universal sign to the neighborhood that summer is here. There’s no better way to ring in the season than by preparing your grill for a summer full of succulent barbecue. Just follow

Keep Your Home In Year-Round Order With Kathy Van Mullekom

May 15, 2013 10:11 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Kathy Van Mullekom has gardened all her life. Today, she and husband Ken care for about an acre in York County, Va., where most of her plants are native species meant to attract bees, butterflies and birds. She picks plants for their multi-season interest. Kathy has

FREE Happy Mother’s Day Coupon Book

May 8, 2013 3:41 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Most kids – even grown ones – find it hard to express just how much their mothers mean to them. But me… I’m worse. There’s no way I’ll ever be able to tell my mom how incredibly important she is to me, how encouraging she’s been and how much I (despite some immature

The Maids Top Picks for Spring Cleaning Apps

July 22, 2020 10:56 am•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

It’s officially Spring and that means one thing, Spring Cleaning! It seems there are apps for everything these days, but what about cleaning and organizing your home. We’ve surfed the web and scoured the internet and wanted to share with you our picks for apps that

Cleaning the Titanic: An Enormous Task

April 10, 2013 7:31 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Since this week marks the 101st anniversary of the Titanic’s ill-fated maiden voyage, let’s take a look at what it really entailed to keep a boat that large (and that glamorous) clean. When the great Titanic sunk, nearly 685 crew members vanished. These crewmembers

How To Clean Up Broken Glass

April 3, 2013 4:46 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

How To Clean Up Broken Glass was last modified: April 3rd, 2013 by The Maids

The Do’s & Don’ts for Cleaning Stainless Steel

July 30, 2020 4:54 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Stainless steel adds an image of elegance and sophistication to any kitchen. However, if you don’t clean it often enough, you could be left with a room full of dull, grey appliances. Luckily, stainless steel is easy to maintain. All you need to remember is a few

How To Organize Small Spaces

January 31, 2020 2:32 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Homes come in all shapes and sizes, but that doesn’t mean organization has to suffer. If you are lacking horizontal space in your home, then capitalize on the vertical space and use every nook in a smart, functional way. Let’s explore some practical ways that you can

What She Really Wants For Valentine’s Day

January 31, 2020 2:31 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Love is in the air… so bust out the heart-shaped boxes of chocolate and long-stemmed roses, right? WRONG! If your woman is anything like me, she rarely takes time to do anything for herself. When she’s not working, she’s cooking dinner or cleaning the toy room, taking

The Maids Shop Talk

January 31, 2013 2:03 pm•Cleaning Tips, Tricks, and Tools

Whether you call The Maids regularly, or have never experienced a professional cleaning service, sometimes it’s nice to see behind the curtain to find out what it’s all about. As a customer myself, I thought I’d talk a little shop with The Maids and share with you

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