the-maids-minneapolis

How to Take Great Care of Your Carpets

Sun, 25 Jan 2015 10:56:33 GMT

Carpet cleaning is a necessary part of house cleaning if only because it takes up so much floor space. A clean floor looks great, keeps odors at bay, and is an awfully nice place for your feet first thing in the morning!

Taking care of carpets can be frustrating, especially if you have some stains you've tried to clean that refused to come up. Well, it's time to take that carpet back—and here's how:

Deal With the Stains First

This tip comes from blogger Jillee of One Good Thing , and it's a definitive solution for those otherwise impossible stains. This trick uses ammonia, so you only want to save it for the ones you really can't get out with normal methods. However, it seems to work exceptionally well:

Combine equal parts ammonia and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture on the stain.

Lay a towel over the top of the area.

Iron the towel on your iron's standard heat setting.

The results above show its effectiveness, so give it a try!

Weekly Maintenance

Vacuuming once a week is best for most of your carpet. Dirt left inside of the carpet will cause wear and tear on the fibers which will show up in your floor over time, so vacuuming is important.

For high traffic areas, vacuum twice a week. These include any areas where your family frequently walks: entryways, hallways, the floor in front of furniture, etc.

To prevent as much dirt as possible, place a door mat at the front door to catch dirt from shoes, then just shake it out every few days.

Just a little bit of prevention, maintenance, and stain treatment could have your carpet looking like new in no time!

Protecting Your Kids from Hazardous Chemicals

Fri, 28 Nov 2014 13:25:23 GMT

For parents, keeping their little ones safe is a very important part of daily life. Children not only eat and drink more, but also breath more, compared to adults relative to their body size. This makes them more susceptible to health problems arising from hazardous chemicals. Follow the tips below to protect your little ones from hazardous chemicals:

Avoid Toxic Chemicals from Water and Food

Wash fruits and vegetables--Washing fruits and vegetables helps to eliminate chemical and dirt residues.

Scrub produce products containing an edible skin, for example potatoes, using a cloth or a brush.

Watch the fish you eat—Many fish have low mercury levels compared to others. These are the best types for kids to eat. Best choices are cod, flounder, tilapia, trout, and salmon, as well as canned light tuna.

Allow tap water to run--When water stays in water pipes for a long time, it may pick up lead deposits as well as other metals.Flush water pipes by running cold water through them until the water becomes noticeably colder.

Use cold water--Cooking and drinking water, as well as water used to make baby formula should always be taken cold from the tap, as hot water tends to containa higher percentage of lead compounds.

Other Tips:

Always keep pesticides as well as other household chemicals such as chlorine bleach away from the reach of kids. Preferably, keep them in a lockable cabinet.

Read the label--Pesticide products, pet products, and housecleaning products could be dangerous or even ineffective when too little or too much is used.Before you apply pesticides, get children as well as their toys safely out of the area. Also, get pets from the place you are applying household pesticides or other chemicals. The kids, their toys, and pets need to stay out as long as the label recommends.

Inquire about lead when renting or buying a home--Home sellers and landlords are obligated to disclose lead hazards contained in apartments or houses built prior to 1978, so make sure you find out this information when moving into a new home.

And while you are busy keeping your little ones safe, let The Maids of Minneapolis, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota, take care of all your housekeeping needs.

Preventing Shoe Scatters and Disappearances in Your Home

Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:20:12 GMT

When shoes are not organized and placed back in a specific location every day they can easily get misplaced. It can also be very frustrating to have one shoe and the other one is missing. Below are several ways you can organize your shoes to keep them from being scattered all over your home:

Make Use of Shelves

Making good use of existing shelves or even installing a few shelves to your closet can save you the agony of scattered shoes. As long as there is space in the closet, you can add shelves to one wall and keep all your shoes together. This will leave plenty of space for other items. This is particularly appropriate if you have a large walk-in closet.

Hanging Shoe Storage

Hanging shoe racks are a relatively inexpensive item that can be found at most home goods stores. They work perfectly in closets that are smaller. However, make sure that the rack is secure enough so that the shoes do not slant in an awkward manner.

Use a Shoe Rack

You can either buy or build your own shoe rack to store shoes. In whichever scenario, you need to ensure that there is ample space for you to put them in. On average, a shoe rack can comfortably store approximately 20 pairs of shoes. Whenever you are shopping for a tailor-made shoe rack, you need to consider the type of shoes that you are going to store on the rack to determine the type of shoe rack you need. Another alternative is to use a bookshelf as a shoe rack.

In addition to the above methods, it is also a good idea to have a designated spot at each entry point of your home for people to remove wet or dirty shoes. The entry storage system will keep ant messy shoes from dirtying up your home and they can still be easily found when needed.And if you are interested in having a maid service assist you with keeping your home neat and clean, then do not hesitate to contact The Maids of Minneapolis, in St Louis Park, Minnesota.

Great Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine

Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:14:13 GMT

Your washing machine is one of the most important appliances in your household, so if it malfunctions or stops working altogether, it can cause big issues. No matter the type, whether top-loading or front loading, maintaining your washing machine is essential to maintain its functionality, and to ensure a longer life out of this important appliance. Below are some tips for taking care of your washing machine:

Check Fill Hoses and Drainage Hose Regularly

After some time, the fill hoses and drainage hose of your washing machine can leak or even burst. It is important to check them regularly for any signs of wear or danger, because if they leak or burst water can flood your floor and potentially ruin your flooring. Also, check the drainage hose to ensure that it is not clogged and the water is flowing freely to the drain.

Check if the Machine is Level

Since these appliances are heavy, it is important to ensure that the ground they are sitting on is level to avoid causing it to shake or vibrate violently. Make sure that all the legs of the machine are stable and that the floor is even, as the vibrations from the spin cycle can cause it to shift and potentially cause damage.

Regular Maintenance

Consider replacing the rubber hoses every few years or so. Also, use a washing machine cleaner agent at least once every few months to keep grim and detergent residue from building up on the inside. They have cleaning products that are specifically designed for this purpose, but you can also try filling the washer on largest load and adding 1-2 cups of bleach and run it for a wash cycle.

Surge Protection

It is important to protect all your major appliances from electrical surges. You should plug the washing machine first into a surge protector and plug the surge protector into the wall. The latest washers are devices that are sensitive changes in electric circuits. However, preventing is the best way to protect.

And while you are busy maintaining your important appliances, let The Maids of Minneapolis, in St Louis Park, Minnesota handle all your housekeeping needs!

Three Simple Ways to Deal with Yellow Jackets at Your Home

Tue, 11 Nov 2014 13:01:37 GMT

Yellow jackets are very aggressive and leave behind painful stings. To most people, yellow jackets are a nuisance.And it’s not just due to their aggressiveness, but because of the painful stings associated with them. Below are three simple tips for getting rid of these potentially painful pests:

Sanitation

Keep trash containers closed and regularly empty open ones.This eliminates possible sources of food, as yellow jackets love sweet soft drinks, fruits and jams, and different types of meat, just to name a few.

Killing The Nest

First, you need to identify any nests around your home. Once you locate the nest (or nests) take note of the entry and exit points the yellow jackets take. The treatment to remove the nest should only be done at night, in darkness. Given that yellow jackets don’t see well, they won’t sting you as much as they would during the day. Also, the entire colony will be around, something that increases the effectiveness of the treatment. However, still come prepared. Make sure to wear long sleeves, and possibly even a thick coat for extra protection, as well as pants, gloves, and something to cover your face and head to avoid as many stings as possible.Treat the nest with pyrethrum-based aerosols like CB Extra or PT 565 Plus. Pyrethrum will form a gas to fill the cavity and kill yellow jackets. Give the aerosol time to dry and then dust the opening using insecticide dusts like D-Fence Dust or Tempo Dust. This dust prevents future hatch outs. Inspect the nest the following day to determine if the insects are dead. If necessary, repeat the procedure. Once you know the yellow jackets are dead, you can remove the nest.

Baits

Alpine Yellow Jackets Bait Stations are meant to be used together with Onslaught Insecticide. Apply the station with the Onslaught and fresh meat. The yellow jackets will be attracted into bait station. They ingest the meat that has been mixed with insecticide, and die from the poisoning. The bait method works best during the months of spring and summer and work for most common types of yellow jackets.

And while you are taking care of keeping your family safe from yellow jackets, let the professionals at The Maids of Minneapolis, in St Louis Park, Minnesota, take care of your house cleaning needs.

Refrigerator Cleaning Tips

Fri, 26 Sep 2014 11:55:12 GMT

It is important to maintain a clean refrigerator. Dirty refrigerators can run into problems keeping your food cool and are also a health risk due to food contaminants and bacteria. When your refrigerator is clean then it functions optimally and is not a health risk. Here are some of the tips that will help you get the job done, in a quick and hassle free process:

Gathering Your Cleaning Tools

First and foremost, you need to collect all the necessary materials required for cleaning your refrigerator. Although there are not many items needed, it is better to make sure you have all of them on hand before you begin. You will need to have a sponge and a bowl of hot water mixed with a little dish detergent. You will also need your trashcan nearby.

Steps for Proper Cleaning

All the old foods should be tossed in to the trashcan. Set aside any foods and condiments to be put back in the refrigerator once it is clean.

Remove all drawers and also shelves if they are removable. Set them aside to be cleaned later.

Wash out the interior of the refrigerator with the soapy water and sponge.

Wash shelves and drawers in sink of warm soapy water

Dry interior of refrigerator, then dry shelves and drawers

Place drawers and shelves back into the refrigerator

Put back all the good food and condiments

And now you are done cleaning your refrigerator! However, if you would like to hire a professional maid service for your cleaning needs, then do not hesitate to contact The Maids Minneapolis, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota to assist you.

Money Saving Weatherization Tips For Your Home

Fri, 19 Sep 2014 11:45:16 GMT

The cost of energy keeps on skyrocketing and homeowners are particularly concerned about their energy consumption. Whether experiencing winter or summer seasons, there is always the need to protect the interior of your home from the elements of weather such as wind, precipitation and sunlight. This means that energy is consistently consumed. In order to reduce the energy bills, you can adopt weatherization procedures that will cut down on the energy consumed. This article looks at some of the money saving tips that you can adopt when weatherizing your home.

Test the Air Tightness of Your Home

Air leakages usually occur in very subtle ways and unless you have a keen eye, you may not be able to locate them. You can use a lit incense stick and hold it close to your doors, windows or plumbing fixtures, you will be able to assess whether your home is air tight or has leakages. If the smoke from your incense stick travels horizontally, then there is a leakage of air that may need sealing, caulking or weather stripping.

Locate Dirty Spots within Your Insulation System

Dirty spots usually signify holes through which air leaks in and out of the house. To seal this leakage, you can staple plastic sheets over the holes and then caulk the edges of the plastic.

Install Storm Windows

Storm windows help in reducing frost formation, water condensation and drafts. These windows will protect the indoor environment from the external elements of weather thereby reducing the burden on your air conditioning system. As an alternative which is less costly, you can use heavy duty clear plastic sheets on the inside of your window frames especially during winter. The plastic sheets must be sealed tightly to the frames so that infiltration can be avoided.

Close the Flue Damper

When the fireplace is not used, you have to tightly close the flue damper to prevent the escape of warm air through the chimney. This will prevent your heating system from working extra hard to generate enough heat for the house hence lowering your energy bills.

In the event you are choosing a new construction, you can install house wraps or seal and caulk the exterior walls comprehensively.

How to Prevent the Growth of Mold onYour Baby Toys

Fri, 12 Sep 2014 11:38:03 GMT

To keep your baby healthy you have to ensure that you keep all their playthings clean. Dirty toys can become a breeding ground for mold. Mold can cause serious health problems that can make your baby end up in the hospital. Fortunately, there are ways that you can use to prevent this from happening. Here are the things that you should do to prevent mold from growing on baby toys:

Do Not Keep Toys in Moist Places

Mold thrives in places with lots of moisture. You should never keep any of your baby’s toys in places with a lot of moisture, and make sure that toys that have been drooled on or come in contact with food particles are cleaned and dried immediately. Also, keep all baby toys in clean dry places when they are not in use, this is especially important for bath toys.

Clean Toys Regularly

Cleaning your baby’s toys at least once a week with a mild mixture of bleach and water can prevent the growth of mold. You should also clean the toy storage area with the same solution once a week. If you do find mold on any of your baby’s toys, make sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the affected toys.

And while you are keeping your baby safe and healthy, let The Maids Minneapolis, in St. Louis Park, Minnesota assist you with all your other house cleaning needs!

How to Get Rid of Stains from Coffee Cups

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 13:44:14 GMT

When it comes to beverages, coffee and tea are not only the most popular, but also the most enjoyable. You probably invite your friends over and show them a good time over a cup of coffee, but when it comes to the house cleaning, you scrub those cups all day long to no avail.

One way you can avoid this situation from happening is to rinse the cups immediately they are used. This way, you get rid of the stain while it is still early. If you have some stained cups that you would like to clean once and for all, here are some tips for you to give a try:

1. Use Corn Starch with Vinegar

This combination creates an amazing cleaning solution. Simply mix these two in a bowl and use a scrubber to wipe away the coffee and tea stains on your cups.

2. Mix Salt and White Vinegar

This is really great for getting rid of those stains. Simply mix the two and use a rag to rub it over the stains. In no time, the stains will be gone leaving you with clean shiny cups.

3. Try Using Baking Soda

The use of baking soda is perhaps the fastest method of getting rid of stains. Simply place some baking soda in a cup and add a little water till it starts to form a paste. Once it has formed a paste, scrub the cup clean, and the stain will disappear instantly.

4. Consider A Denture Cleaner

Denture cleaners, under ordinary circumstances, whiten teeth by removing stains such as tea and coffee. These are the same stains that we are trying to get rid of when washing the cup so why not give it a try? One thing to take note when using this method is that the cup needs to be rinsed very thoroughly in order to remove all traces of cleaner.

With these methods, coffee and tea stains will be a thing of the past in your home. Looking for more help in keeping your home spotless? The Maids Minneapolis can give you a hand and even load your dishwasher for you!

Tips to Protect Your Wood Furniture

Fri, 05 Sep 2014 11:31:09 GMT

It doesn’t matter what kind of woodfurniture you have, if you do not take proper care of it, then problems can arise and damage can occur. Below are tips to help you take care of your wood furniture so it will last:

Avoid Scratches

In order protect your wood furniture it is extremely important that you avoid any kind of scratches on their surface, so do not to slide anything across the surface. Also, it is suggested that you should avoid placing any sharp objects on the wood, because it can damage the furniture.

Avoid Liquids

Liquid is the biggest enemy of wood and will not only reduce the strength of the furniture, but it can damage the look of the furniture as well. That’s why it is extremely important that when people see any spilled liquid on wood furniture, then they should clean it immediately.

Use Wood Polish

It is always important to have a good wood polish or wood oil on hand to maintain the health and luster of your wood furniture. With the help of a good wood polish they will reduce the chances of damage due to discoloration caused by sun exposure.

These simple tips should make is easy for you to successfully maintain your wood furniture for years to come. And if you would like assistance with you home cleaning , The Maids Minneapolis, in St Louis Park, Minnesota can take care of your needs!

Using Additional Shelves for More Storage Space

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 09:22:59 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 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.

The Uses and Disadvantages of Chlorine Bleach

Fri, 22 Aug 2014 08:28:11 GMT

There are a variety of uses for chlorine bleach in your home. Chlorine bleach can be used to eliminate mildew and mold that may be growing on various surfaces; it is also used in disinfecting and cleaning many items. Chlorine bleach may be very handy to use around the home but it is also important to note that it can be a hazard, so it’s wise to use the bleach cautiously, especially in a home that has pets or children. The Maids usehousekeeping products that work as well as—or even better than—bleach but are friendly to the environment to give you the best results in a way that is completely safe for both you and your environment.

The Downside of Chlorine Bleach

There are many uses of chlorine bleach; however, it also has very some concerning aspects. One negative quality is that it quickly corrodes stainless steel, and can literally burn a hole through it. It is important therefore to ensure that the bleach is kept away from all stainless steel items.

Additionally, the bleach should not be kept separate from many cleaners that are used in the home such as acidic chemicals and ammonia because mixing them can lead to explosive reactions. It can also cause chemical reactions that may give off dangerous vapors or gases that may be harmful to anyone nearby.

Avoid splashing or spilling chlorine bleach in the process of using it since it usually causes colored fabrics to fade.

Finally, the strength and effectiveness of the bleach reduces over time. It will have lost at least 20% of its effectiveness after just six months.

Uses of the Bleach

As a main ingredient used in most cleaners today, bleach is generally considered as an all-purpose cleaner. It is used in sanitizing and cleaning the following;

House siding

Rubber mats

Floors around the home

Shower liners

Countertops

Trash cans

Toilets, showers, sinks and tubs

Children’s toys

Rags, white socks, towels as well as many other linens

When using bleach, don’t forget to consider how it should be diluted for the task at hand, and always use it with caution.

Renew the Beauty of Your Outdoor Furniture

Fri, 15 Aug 2014 08:16:34 GMT

If you have outdoor furniture, signs of wear and tear will appear over time. Many factors cause outdoor furniture to fade and wear, some of those being: daily use, adverse weather conditions, and scruffs and scratches. Regardless of how often you clean them or how careful you are, as the years passthe signs of use will show. So have some fun with your furniture and give it a facelift instead of replacing it. These simple tips will help you bring new life toyour outdoor furniture.

A New Coat of Paint

A new coat of paint allows you to bring back the colors you once loved that have become faded and worn. Sanding down damaged areas will remove small dings and chips in the paint, and allow for a smooth painting surface. And when you repaint the furniture it is a good idea to use paint that is designed for outdoor exposure.

A New Color Selection

A new color, colors, or pattern might bring totally new beauty and attitude to your outdoor furniture. There are paints for common outdoor furniture material such as vinyl, hard plastic, metal, or wood, just to name a few. There are several paint brands to choose from, just make sure that you select one that is designed to be used outdoors.

You will be amazed at how a fresh coat of paint can make such a huge difference, or what an entirely new color scheme can do for your outdoor space. This is a simple way to save on cost, and create a space you can enjoy with family and friends. And while you are busy bringing new life to your outdoor space, you can hire The Maids to handle your indoor cleaning.

Removal of Stickers and Their Residue from Various Surfaces

Fri, 08 Aug 2014 08:48:19 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 can do your housekeeping for you.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Homemade Cleansers

Fri, 01 Aug 2014 08:10:30 GMT

For several years, many people have been using commercially made products for house cleaning different surfaces at home including the carpet, windows, furniture, and dishes, among several other things. Recently, there is an increasing trend where many families are turning to homemade cleansers, many of which have been used for decades. These products are eco-friendly compared to the ready-made ones on the market.

Environmentally Friendly

Most people assume that the commercially made cleaning products labeled “eco-friendly” or “natural” have no impact on the environment, but the small print on the labels often tells a different story. The safe, plant-based ingredients do not guarantee the non-existence of toxic chemicals added in these cleaning liquids. If you are making your own products, you know what you are using, and you can choose natural ingredients and avoid artificial substances that cause harm to the environment. Making your homemade products is also easy with no equipment required. in most cases, one or two ingredients is what you need.

They Are Just As Effective

Homemade products are as effective—if not more effective—than the cleaning products you buy in the stores. These cleansers are easy to modify, so you can easily add a few other ingredients or add the used amounts if you feel the already-made agent is not as effective as you would expect. You also have the option of experimenting several formulas to come up with one that works best for your purpose.

They Are Less Expensive

One of the main considerations for people considering homemade products for cleaning is the amount of money put on them and how much they can save. Unlike commercial cleaning agents, using household substances to make effective cleansers can really help you save a lot of money, which you can use on other important needs. These household substances are inexpensive and can help keep your budget in check without compromising the cleanliness level.

Some cleaning services, like The Maids, focus on using environmentally-friendly cleaning products to make sure your home is both safe and clean.

Cleaning with at Home Made Products

Sat, 26 Jul 2014 09:14:42 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.If you would like to hire someone to do your house cleaning, The Maids should be the ones you call!

Best Garage Organization Ideas That Work

Fri, 25 Jul 2014 09:32:49 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 Compacted and Save Space

Fri, 18 Jul 2014 07:37:40 GMT

If you are a housekeeper, you know just how busy you can be. There is no shadow of doubt about the amount of work you put in. However, there are certain things you can do to make it more efficient and reduce the amount of time that you require to remove all the clutter. Here is a sneak peek of some of these ways:

First, you need to have a better organization. The truth is that better organization is crucial towards efficient cleaning:

When you sort through your stuff, you will no longer inquire where they should go.

You won’t have to ask where your items will go because you will be able to tell in which category it belongs and go ahead and place it in that category.

After knowing exactly where to place your belongings, you will realize that you have saved your time for more crucial life needs.

Place some items in a lost and found drawer.

For items that neither have a category nor a drawer or items you need to ask someone about, you can choose a designated lost and found drawer and place those types of things in it. Just in case someone fails to find what they are looking for, they can always re-visit the drawer to check if these items are there. This will not only be convenient to the person looking for a lost item, but also on the person doing the cleaning.

Putting away some seasonal clothes.

The truth is that some closets have limited space. Therefore, you want to ensure that you have taken all the winter clothes out of your closet during summer. Place them in plastic storage bags or stackable totes instead. This will ensure that all the summer clothes are accessible when you want to choose an outfit to wear without winter clothes getting in the way.

Place all the puzzles in a bag.

If you have family members who love puzzles, some pieces within your home may fall out and get lost. Try placing these pieces in a sandwich bag and subsequently place them in a small tote. You will create more space and be organized in the process.

Keeping your home organized and clean is a full-time job. If your schedule is making it difficult to find time to do anything else, get in touch with The Maids for a helping hand.

Organization Is the Key to Saving Time

Tue, 24 Jun 2014 13:06:57 GMT

Every home has a lot ofgs-872-1013alfy-wire1 products and they often get shuffled around in odd locations. It can be difficult to find an item when you need it, not to mention the time consumption. Designating specific locations for specific items will not only get you organized, but will also save time when you need something. In addition, clutter will be significantly reduced. Your housekeeping duties will be easier since you will know what to do with what when you are cleaning up. You will also enjoy it because you will have time for the more important types of things in your life. Here are some ideas to get more organized.

Personal Electronic Accessories

Every home has electronics and with the ever-changing technological evolvements, you have a ton of accessories and parts. Phone chargers, TV cables, game console controllers, USB portable storage units, headphones, power adapters, video cables, remotes, Wi-Fi dongles, Ethernet cables, watch batteries, watches, standard batteries, tiny screws, electronic parts, and tons of other gadgets and accessories. Designate a drawer for these items or as many as it is practical to keep there. When you are cleaning a mess, it will be easier and quicker if you know where to put the items.

Dirty Clothes

Dirty laundry is something that every household experiences. They typically get scattered throughout the home. When it is time to do laundry, you find yourself scrambling around the house to gather up clothes. This can be time consuming, especially when you don’t have much time to work within your busy schedule. Purchase some laundry hampers for every bedroom and let the family toss their dirty clothes in these. That way, you only have to go to one spot in every bedroom and you won’t have to go on a scavenger hunt. If it’s not in the hamper, it doesn’t get washed; plain and simple. Above all, it will make the home have less messes and less clutter. You’ll no longer have to grab a bunch of scattered clothes when somebody is coming over.

Top Uses of Storage Bins

Fri, 20 Jun 2014 09:51:23 GMT

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

Here are the top 10 uses for household storage bins:

1. A detailed storage system:

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

2. Security of numerous materials and parts:

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

3. Protection of electronic digital components:

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

4. Different portions to arrange:

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

5. Easy access:

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

6. Handling of food:

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

7. Storage for children’s items:

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

8. Organization of house:

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

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

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

Keeping Valued Papers Safe

Fri, 13 Jun 2014 07:58:38 GMT

Preserving confidential papers is something that every household needs to know to do because nobody wants any of these papers wet, lost, burnt, or damaged:

birth certificates

registration papers

credit reports

membership cards

collectible concert tickets

home business papers

photos

and other valuable papers

Organization is key to keep your papers from getting lost, and an important part of housekeeping. The following are other ways to protect your valuable papers.

Lamination

You can laminate papers of different sizes using special products that come in different models to heat-seal lamination material over the paper for protection and preservation. Currently, you are not allowed to laminate Social Security cards, but you can do so for older cards without that restriction, including insurance cards and award certificates, to keep them protected from bends, tears, water, etc.

Fire Protection

A fire outbreak can cause damage to important documents and papers that might be difficult to replace. So, the best thing to do is to use a fire safe, a filing cabinet, or shelved cabinet to protect these items. Moreover, a filing cabinet will also help you to stay organized and avoid unnecessarily misplacement of your important items. For a small price of around $40, you can find a rectangular box that can offer you the benefits of safety with a small investment. Depending on what you are willing to part with for a decent fire safe, these products vary on how long and how much heat they can handle. A majority have numbered, keyed, or padlocked protection for confidentiality.

Sealed Bags

Large sealed bags such as Ziploc brand bags and sandwich bags can protect many valued papers from condensation, spills, decomposition, or debris.

Digital Protection

Digital storage is the best way to protect or preserve important papers. Scan your papers or visit a local photo lab such as CVS or Wal-Mart to make copies of your papers in digital form, and then store them on a memory stick, email, or in a cloud system. Use some of these techniques to protect your important papers and photos and you won’t have to regret: better safe than sorry.

Keeping your papers organized is an important part of the process of protecting them, and keeping clutter down in general will help. Of course, cleaning is practically a full-time job, so if you need some help, don’t hesitate to call The Maids.

Homemade Cleaning Agents Recipes

Fri, 06 Jun 2014 08:35:44 GMT

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

Window Cleaner

How to Make

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

How to use

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

Carpet Cleanser

How to Make

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

Using the mixture

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

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

Hard Surfaces and Rust Stains

Fri, 30 May 2014 13:38:38 GMT

Keeping things as clean as possible is important when you are working on your housekeeping duties. Unfortunately, surfaces with rust stains just do not clean, or so it seems. There is good news, though: you can find a variety of different cleaners to deal with this. Make sure, however; that you are using the adequate product for the surface that you want to clean.

-Rust Stains on Countertops

Bathroom and kitchen countertops, like every other area that is usually wet, are prone to have rust stains. Iron Out® will do the job, but remember to rinse the area when finished. Another product that works great sometimes is the Magic Eraser®.

-Toilet Rust and Tub Stains

Rust stains sometimes prey upon tubs and toilets because these are areas that are almost always damp or wet. You'll most commonly find rust stains under the ring in the toilet bowl and around or underneath the tub. Some toilet cleaners produce better results than others, as the cleaning quality varies from product to product. With that said, bathroom cleaners will almost always work for both the toilet and the tub if you apply enough effort. One product that works really well on horizontal surfaces is Iron Out®, ideal for tubs. Barkeepers Friend®, in its foam form, works well too for walls; for the toilet, the liquid form works better. The nozzle has both options.

-Sink Stains

One of the places that has a tendency to develop rust stains is the kitchen sink. The material of the sink does not really matter: stainless steel, porcelain, aluminum, or fiberglass. The source, sometimes, is the water, especially if it is pumped out of a well. Other times the rust stain is the result of an items that sat in the sink for too long. How can you deal with this problem?

The most basic degreaser/cleaner kitchen solutions can do the job sometimes. This does not always work, though. CLR® is really good at removing rust stains if you let it soak for a little while. Barkeepers Friend® is another solution that works really well, and there's a lot of people that really like it because it wipes out the stain without too much elbow work. Perhaps you will need to use your regular cleaners for other scum or stains, unless Barkeepers Friend® is what you use.

Schedule too full to give your bathroom and kitchen the kind of attention it deserves? Don’t wait to call The Maids Minneapolis—they can help keep your house looking beautiful.

Tips for Effective Expansion of Your Refrigerator

Fri, 16 May 2014 13:50:39 GMT

The refrigerator is an important appliance in your home, enabling you to store different types of food and snacks. However, few people remember to organize their refrigerators when doing their house cleaning, and that is why you might hear people complaining about their fridges getting filled up. When you see that an organized fridge brings countless benefits, you might spend some more time making it neat! For instance, it makes it easy to access the food that we want at any time and makes food preparation an easy task because you’ll be able to decide on the type of food to cook with ease.

Fridge Expansion Ideas That You Didn’t Know

1. Use of Fridge Bins

The different sized-fridge bins that we always find in the market are designed for saving space. Beverages such as beer and soda can be stored in can dispensers. There are different types of can dispensers you can easily find in the market. It is also important to understand that the fridge bins are not only meant for creation of more space, they are also handy in preventing knocking over of bottles which may result in spills.

2. Shelf Rearrangement

Nowadays, most refrigerators are designed in such a way that they allow the shelves to be adjusted for storage optimization. For effective shelf rearrangement, you should review what you intend to keep in the fridge. Thereafter, the arrangement of the items should be done in accordance to their sizes. It is also important to make use of the unique features that a refrigerator offers—for instance, making use of door shelving is a nice idea.

Keep items that are frequently used close to the door of the refrigerator so that they can be accessed easily when they are needed. Keeping them close to the door will also eliminate cases of disarranging the contents of the refrigerator.

The kitchen one of the rooms in the house that needs the most attention, and if yours has been needing some lately, don’t hesitate to call The Maids Minneapolis for a helping hand.

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

Fri, 16 May 2014 13:20:50 GMT

Carpet cleaning is just like any home activity; you develop a routine and keep it going. Doing this will enable you to get great results that make your home feel amazing. Understanding the appropriate way to clean your carpet helps you save time because you will do it right the first time round. Below are ways on how to remove coffee stains from carpet.

1. Blotting is an effective method which can be used to remove coffee which has just spilled in the carpet before it dries up. It involves placing a cloth immediately on the carpet and blot as much coffee as possible. Do not rub as it can spread the stain all over the carpet.

2. A coffee stain can also be removed with clean water. Sponge the area with clean lukewarm water and let it dry naturally or blot with a cloth. Repeat the process a couple of times if the stains are still visible.

3. A carpet stain remover is among the best ways to remove coffee stain from carpets. Make sure to use the cleaning product as per the given instructions.

4. Vinegar also helps in coffee stain removal. Add cup vinegar to 1 cup of lukewarm water and use this solution to clean on carpets.

5. Mild detergents can also be mixed with lukewarm water and used for removing. Use 1 teaspoon detergent for approximately 1-2 cups of water.

6. Enzyme digester can also be used in removing older satins of milk or coffee and it must be used as per given instructions.

7. You can rent or buy carpet cleaning machine with a spot remover to remove from your carpet. You can even contact the manufacturer, as he might have some suggestions for cleaning from carpets.

8. If you find the stains too difficult to clean, it is better to call up professional cleaning service, rather than trying out different ways and spoiling the carpet.

Know about the Allergens In The Home And How To Get Rid Of Them

Fri, 09 May 2014 13:17:01 GMT

One of the most common health problems that more and more people are encountering with each passing day are allergies. Cold, sneezing, wheezing, asthma, skin allergies and food allergies, you can find every second person facing these problems.

It may come as a surprise that most of the allergens are present right within our own home. Dust mites, pet dander, cockroaches and molds are some of the commonly found allergens in the home. Warm, wet, humid and poorly ventilated home environment is conducive to their growth. The best way to get rid of these allergens is by allergy proofing your home by keeping it clean and dry.

Your bedroom houses dust mites in pillows, mattresses, linens, quilts, curtains and carpets. Washing linens regularly in hot water and encasing pillows and mattresses in allergen impermeable covers can help the situation. Keep pets out of your bedroom to avoid pet dander. Vacuum clean your sofas and carpets regularly with vacuum cleaners having HEPA filters as they are capable of trapping allergens. Remove carpets from wherever you can and if not possible, get them professionally steam cleaned every six months. Wiping with a damp wash cloth around the bed frame and furniture once a week is essential for keeping the surfaces dust free. Wash stuffed toys every week and remove them to dust free containers once the children are asleep.

Clean your bathrooms with 5% bleach cleaning solution and keep them dry and well ventilated. Keep your kitchen clean and well ventilated. Store the food in sealed containers. Your garbage cans should surely be covered and make it a point to empty them regularly. Do remember to clean your refrigerator pan regularly; it is an easy target for molds. Use dehumidifiers to dry out the humid environment but do remember to empty and clean them regularly.

Although it is hardly possible to completely get rid of the allergens in the home but following these tips can surely reduce their growth making life a little better for allergy sufferers.

How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites

Fri, 02 May 2014 13:24:59 GMT

Have you been having serous allergies due to dust mites? Are you looking forward to getting rid of these pests? Look no more, dust mites are too small to be seen with the naked eye. They mostly die leaving their body parts in the air or droppings that can enter in our lungs casing irritation, allergies or serious health problems. The main cause of their spread is high humidity conditions that is why homes and human skins are a favorite. To add on, these pests live on mattresses, carpets, rugs and fabrics. Below are some of the best tips on how to get rid of the dust mite.

First, try to keep your house clean. Eliminate waste. Always use a vacuum cleaner on your house floors every day. Wipe your home furniture using disinfectants .Never let dirty laundry and dishes pile up. Get rid of unused stuff in your home. This is mainly because these mites love living in dirty places where they can easily get food to survive and breed.

Second, wash soft furnishings in your home. Your mattresses, pillows and carpets that may be infected should be washed thoroughly in hot water. Bags and other children’s items are a hotspot or them .This is because children move from place to place and collect a lot of dirt leading to food provision for them. Children are the main carriers for these pests. Ensure your children’s health standards are high to curb this menace.

Third, reduce moisture levels in your home. These pests love high humidity rates since their food becomes abundant and increases their breeding. Reduce the humidity levels by repairing leaking taps and pipes. You can also buy a dehumidifier. This is the only asset that helps reduce moisture by absorbing it.

Fifth, try using some anti pests sprays such as PIP ALLERGY FREE. This spray eats up the dust mite foods leading to reduction of food levels hence reducing their survival rates.

In conclusion, above are some of the best ways to reduce the dust mite infestation. So why don’t you try these tips and see the results?

Clutter and Stress

Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:27:43 GMT

Every person at one time or another gets bogged down with clutter and stress. The best thing you can do for yourself and family is take out some time every so often to eliminate the clutter and your stress level will thank you. The garage is a perfect example of where your clutter piles up without much effort. Of course before you know it the closets, junk drawers, dresser drawers and the like are so filled with clutter your stress level skyrockets and everyone suffers. There are several ways to deal with this accumulated clutter and stress. Simple steps that take very little time and could in itself be a stress reliever.

If your life does not allow for cleaning out the dresser drawers and de-cluttering the attic every month, there simply is not enough time in a day. A simple yet effective option is to create a calendar. Give the family a color that represents them. On your calendar, maybe along with regular chores, you can give each family member a room or even just a drawer to rid of clutter and reorganize. Of course it will take some understanding of which family member can handle which tasks but as a whole everyone should be able to help with something.

This is one of the many options for keeping your house clutter and stress free. With this calendar every day of every month can be a day where looking for that sock or wondering where that outfit went becomes a day that you can confidently walk into any room of the house look in every drawer and know that all of your items are where they are supposed to be and not cluttered by unnecessary items or junk. There is always a way to keep your life clutter and stress free!

Spring Cleaning: 10 Minutes a Day

Fri, 11 Apr 2014 13:30:12 GMT

The springtime is a great time to get organized and to focus on household cleaning tasks that might have fallen to the wayside throughout a busy year, but the idea of spring cleaning your home from top to bottom can seem overwhelming. Although you might picture yourself spending hours each day scrubbing and cleaning to try to get your home in order, it doesn't have to be that way. You can actually make a big difference in just 10 minutes a day.

Why Dedicate 10 Minutes a Day?

You're probably pretty busy, and you might not look forward to the idea of spending hours cleaning your home. This can cause you to dread your spring cleaning routine and to put off tasks that should be done, but breaking up your cleaning into a few minutes a day can make things seem much more manageable. Then, you don't have to worry about getting burnt out, putting off the cleaning and organizing jobs that you know need to be done around your home or missing out on other things while you're cleaning.

What to Do in 10 Minutes a Day?

You might not think that you can get much done in a short 10 minutes, but taking this extra time each day can really make a difference. After you have completed your regular household chores, simply set a timer for 10 minutes and work on a project that you haven't dedicated much time to lately. For example, you could focus on cleaning your windows or light fixtures or organizing your closets and drawers. Once the timer goes off, get to a good stopping point and put the task down for the day. Before you know it, your home will be sparkling clean, and you won't be overwhelmed and exhausted from spending all of your time cleaning.

You probably dream of getting your home in perfect order, and now is the perfect time to do it. By just breaking up the work into short, 10-minute sessions, you might be shocked by what you can get accomplished.

3 Steps That You Should Follow To Organize Your Garage beforethe Holidays

Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:18:30 GMT

The holidays are just around the corner! House cleaning becomes a bigger project than any other time of year, mainly because you want to get the details before having guests over. If you don’t have the time, The Maids of Minneapolis in St. Louis Park, MN can handle the job for you. Everyone is excited! There are many things that are going to happen in the holidays. You are expecting to have a lot of fun with your family. However, you are worried about your garage because it is a mess. You know that you have to get it organized because it is where bikes, toys, tools and other very important equipment are. The garage must also be organized because kids will go there and you don’t want them to get hurt. Here is a 3-step guide that you should follow to organize your garage before the holidays begin;

1. Create zones

Zones will help you organize your garage well. Label the different zones to show what will be stored in them. Create a zone for toys, bikes, tools and everything else present in your garage. This helps to eliminate the possibility of a mix up of things. Everyone will know the exact location of different things.

2. Sort out things

This is the stage that will consume a lot of your time. Put everything where it is supposed to be. To make things easy, pull everything out of the garage so that you can take them back and put them in their respective zones.

3. Prioritize

The things that are going to be used on a regular basis should not be placed further than those that are used on a regular basis. This will help to ensure that people don’t interfere with the things that are used rarely while trying to retrieve what they want to use. Also, the heavier items should be placed below the lighter ones.

Follow these steps to get your garage organized before the holidays. Organizing the garage not only helps to make things easy for everyone, but it also helps to make your garage a safer place to be in.

Cleaning and Maintenance of a Fish Tank

Fri, 04 Apr 2014 13:32:35 GMT

Cleaning your fish tank and regular maintenance is very important. Fish as pets do not require special care, but for beginners is highly recommended to know the basics of keeping your fish tank cleaned.

Daily maintenance and cleaning is really minimal. Observe your fish to get an idea if they look healthy and satisfied. Maybe this sounds silly or even stupid, but the reason why fish get sick is usually stress. Check your fish tank and be shore that you turned on your filters and lights and that they are functioning correctly. Once a week, check the pH and temperature of the water.

For each cleaning it is mandatory to scrape the glass of your fish tank. For this we use the popular magnet, razor blade or a sponge. This way plants will have more light and the fish tank will seem a lot nicer to us.

In order to properly make the water exchange, do it gradually. Before you start cleaning your fish tank, unplug the lights and equipment. Replace approximately one-third of the liquid. You should do that every week or two. Treat the tap water by the instructions given to you. Remember; a clean fish tank means healthy fish.

For cleaning of the sand we can use the usual rubber hose that is expanded on one side or we can go to any store that deals with fish or general pet equipment, and buy special tools for cleaning of your fish tank. And if your decorations (rocks, wood or something else) are smudged by a lot of algae, you can clean it with your hands or boil it, but it is mandatory to prevent algae from spreading to have fish that feed on algae such as Siamese Algae Eater. A clean fish tank is all your fish wants.

Tips for Organizing a Garage Sale

Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:38:01 GMT

Garage sales can bring a nice chunk of change to your pocket, or they can miserably fail. So what should you to when organizing a garage sale? The following tips should help you out!

Set a Time

First, you want to decide on how long the garage sale will last. Just one afternoon? Two days? This is up to you and depends on how much stuff you are trying to sell. A good rule of thumb for the length of your sale is to multiply the time it takes to set everything up by three, and use that for how long your sale is going to last.

Gather And Price The Merchandise!

Garage sales are meant to bring you some money and empty out some storage space. Gather up all of the items you are looking to sell, and lay them all out. Next, you will want to price your items. Price them reasonably. People are not going to spend a lot of money at a garage sale, so do not set high prices. $15 should be the maximum price for any item. If you have an item that you feel is worth more, then a garage sale may not be the best place to sell it.

Advertise

You need to get the word out about your sale! Making signs including your address, and date of the sale is one way to advertise. Another way is by word of mouth, and telling your neighbors. A good way to use technology to advertise is by posting on Craigslist telling people of your sale, what time it is at, and what types of items are available! Be your own marketer, and get people to your sale!

Conclusion

Once you have all of this completed, your garage sale should be a success. During the sale, allow people to negotiate prices, and be very friendly! Organizing a garage sale isn't rocket science, but it does take a lot of effort!

Better Organization for Clutter-Free Houses

Sun, 23 Mar 2014 14:19:57 GMT

There is no home on earth without at least a little clutter. It could be hiding in a closet or drawer, but it is clutter all the same. Unfortunately, people are often too busy to find time to put normal housekeeping chores in their schedules, including de-cluttering. Some areas that are more prone to clutter than others are:

The living room table can easily be covered with remotes, cords, papers, drinks, and pens, among other items.

Dining tables hold mail, phones, magazines, textbooks, crayons, kids’ paintings, and a whole lot more.

The home office desk suffers no less with phone chargers, pens, coffee mugs, teabags, jewelry, and other items placed there for use at a later time.

These are only the commonly cluttered areas, as each home has a space with lots of traffic and that is where most clutter is found. Clutter can be behind a door, inside cabinets, and tucked away in bedrooms. Many people attribute clutter to inadequate space, but using these tips will help you de-clutter the house and still have some space left for other things.

Totes

When organizing, having a place to store things is important. Totes are great storage items for toys, shoes, kitchen tools, books, and tools because they stack, saving lots of space. Put common items in a tote and label it before stacking so you don't have to dig through everything when trying to find a spatula or your daughter's favorite doll. Marker pens and masking tape make the best labeling tools for items around the home.

Racks for Coats and Hats

Hats and coats seem to be all over the home, which is why a rack makes things so efficient. Save yourself that frantic search for your favorite coat by investing in a good rack to hang them up when not in use. The same racks can be used for cords, scarves and storage units to save more space.

Clutter poses danger of injury and makes navigation in the home a big hassle. It is surely time to get organized using racks and totes for total peace of mind. Need a hand in maintaining your freshly de-cluttered home? The Maids Minneapolis is ready to help!

Aromatherapy: Uses and Benefits

Fri, 14 Mar 2014 14:43:02 GMT

Aromatherapy is an effective way of relaxation. It is a perfect treatment that helps relieve stress. The use of essential oils extracted from plants is at the heart of this therapy. It is believed that the scent in the oils stimulates the nerves in the nose that send signal to our brain which affect our memory and emotion.

Our home is a great and inexpensive place where we can truly relax. Using aromatherapy at home gives great health benefits. There can be two ways to use aromatherapy at home.

1. Inhaling Agents

The diffusing effect of aromatherapy helps sets home fragrance. It works with combining the essential oils with water or having it heated. Citrus scent for examples reduces stress level. A dry evaporation is another way to diffuse scent. One has to wet a piece of cotton by a few drops of essential oil. Trying a steam procedure helps unclog one's congested nose. Having an essential oil blended with warm and placing your face atop the water with a towel covering your head is a natural way to relieve your caused by sinus or allergy agitations. Eucalyptus and lemon oils are great anti-inflammatory agents. Making a bottle spray by mixing water with a choice of essential oil can be a practical way to deodorize your surroundings. It neutralizes unpleasant odors around the house.

2. Topical Application

Essential oils can be dropped into a bathwater. Lavender has a soothing effect. It helps one sleep after a warm bath. Oils can be applied to one's body for a great massage. The body itself serves as a diffuser as it warms the essential oil. It releases the fragrance. The oils can likewise be combined with lotion. It is one good way to spread the oil scent which can be inhaled, leaving calming and soothing effect.

Practicing aromatherapy at home is one easy step to health and wellness.

Is Cleaning Your Leather Jacket That Hard?

Mon, 10 Mar 2014 10:54:29 GMT

Leather jackets are not only expensive, but they are also cool, iconic and elegant in their own way. Although these jackets are classy and “evergreen”, taking care of them and cleaning them to get rid of stains is one of the hardest things. Some house cleaning tasks can be difficult too, but the Maids of Minneapolis in St. Louis Park can handle those effectively. Regardless, stains and unsightly dirt may compromise the looks of your leather jacket if not properly cleaned. There are special cleaning tips that can help restore the elegance and newness. Check out these suggestions for some essential tips.

Brushing Suede

Unlike polished leathers, suede and brushed leathers require special treatment because even water itself can alter its texture by staining the suede. Use a soft brush to remove loose dirt, slight discolorations, and small spots. This will get your leather jacket tidy while maintaining its original color and glamor. You can take your jacket to a professional leather jacket cleaner for serious stains like grease and other colored stains.

Getting Rid Of Spots in Patent and Polished Leathers

With their smooth surface, polished and patent leather jackets are the easiest to clean. Removing spots from these jackets requires you to equip yourself with a soft cloth and a bucket of warm water. Wiping it down using a soaked soft cloth should remove most of the stains, spots, and other forms of dirt. Using detergents and soaps make your leather jacket deteriorate in value. Be gentle and use smooth brushing motions to avoid any scratches. Clean only the surface to keep the material unsaturated.

Cleaning the Lining

The inside part of your jacket can also get dirty and it may need occasional cleaning. To remove spots, get some water, a piece of soft cloth,andsome soap to clean it. To treat the entire lining, professional leather jacket cleaning services are necessary.

How to Condition Your Leather Jacket

Conditioning is one of the ways of fostering the lifespan of brushed and polished leather jackets. Many leather conditioners out there will help you condition your jacket. Just make sure that you obtain a leather conditioner that suits your specific type of material. Conditioning should be done after cleaning.

The above tips are essential in keeping your leather jackets clean all the time. Note that cleaning your jacket regularly will help it last longer as well.

The Uses of Vinegar in the Home

Fri, 07 Mar 2014 09:43:57 GMT

Home improvement is important for many reasons. It will make the home have the heavenly effect of comfort and warmth every time the home owner comes back after a long day. In addition, a great home environment says a lot about the particular home owner. In effect, home improvement projects a positive image of an individual. Vinegar is a common cleaning agent in many homes. It has traditionally been put to many uses within the home environment. The uses of vinegar in the home range from cleaning surfaces to relieving insect bites. However, vinegar can serve several other purposes.

The uses of vinegar in the home

The following are some of the ways through which vinegar is used to improve both the internal and external home environment.

Vinegar can be used as a disinfectant. The fact that it can kill bacteria and germs makes it suitable for cleaning scissors, razors and needles.

Many households employ the use of vinegar to clean stains from various surfaces. Using vinegar, stains resulting from paint, wine or coffee are easily blotted from floors, furniture and windows. The same is used to clean salt and water marks from leather shoes.

Vinegar is also used as a fabric softener. It can be used to clean baby clothes, diapers and blankets to make them soft and fresh. Moreover, it will help in getting rid of cigarette odor on clothes.

Vinegar is an odor neutralizer. Due to this property, many households use it to deal with pet odors and odors from smoke, toilet bowls, litter bins, refrigerators and ovens. Cleaning the facilities with vinegar removes any foul smells.

Drainage systems around the home may block from time to time. Pouring vinegar down the drain and brushing the passages will free them of the clogging. Besides, vinegar removes mildew and mineral deposits from showerheads.

Silverware, brass surfaces, stainless steel objects and ceramic tiles could lose their glow after some time. Vinegar is used to shine the surfaces to give them their sparkle one more time.

Dealing with grease in the home environment can be a challenge. However, vinegar gets the grease off the surfaces of stoves and dishes, making the cleaning job easier and faster.

Vinegar has a role to play in personal hygiene as well. It is used to control dandruff and to rinse hair after washing it, giving it a shiny appearance.

Flowers are beautiful and they make the home look lovely. Placing cut flowers in a mixture of water and vinegar will keep the flowers fresh for long.

Lastly, vinegar relieves mosquito bites, bee stings and jellyfish stings.

Vinegar may be the secret to a clean and attractive home environment. Such an environment comes with a number of benefits for the whole household. When thinking of ways to deal with the above situations, knowledge of the uses of vinegar in the home will be very crucial.

Getting Lint off of Clothes

Fri, 28 Feb 2014 15:03:26 GMT

In my house, we always seem to run out of things right when we need them. This morning I had to use a dish towel to clean baby food off the table, because we were out of paper towels. Last night it was my lint roller that let me down. I used the last sticky sheet and my sweater needed more.

Pressed for time, I could not stop at Walgreens and buy another. Luckily I know a few tricks to remove lint in a fix.

Depending on the fabric, I use packing tape. It is my go to replacement for the lint roller because it functions the exact same way. I wrap the tape around my palm, the smooth side on my skin and the sticky side up. Once it is taped to itself and forms a ring, I brush it across my clothes.

The only drawback is that it is not very strong. Thick lint and thick sweaters cling more tightly to each other than a roll of packing tape could possibly imagine. In some places I have to go over it a couple times to get the lint off. Other patches of fuzz do not relent at all.

So my next trick is a razor. It requires caution and patience. It requires a steady balance between the close "shave" required to get off the lint and the precaution needed to prevent slicing the fabric. I have to just barely skim the surface of the shirt to get the best results.

If I am especially partial to the particle of clothing in question, and do not want to risk tearing it, I go to the last option in my arsenal. A damp scouring pad can do a lot more than packing tape. Like the razor method, it too requires patience. It will grab stronger lint than the tape but only if you have a gentle, slow hand.

I prefer to prevent lint rather than struggle with sponges or risk sharp razors. I definitely do not want to spend all that time removing a fuzzy infestation just to attract another one to pick at all night. For the sake of prevention, I wash my clothes with vinegar. I was recently enlightened on all the uses of the sulfur scented stuff, and use it on my laundry for a variety of reasons. It takes out persistent odors, even its own, and protects my clothes from feisty lint.

How do I Get Rid of the Smell from my Cat in My Home?

Fri, 21 Feb 2014 15:45:52 GMT

Cats are adorable and offer numerous hours of fun for the family but there are certain issues that make other people avoid having them.

One argument that people use is the fact that having a cat inside the house can cause unwanted odor. However, instead of giving up the cat for adoption or avoid having cats inside the house because of the odor issues, there are ways to get rid of the smell that cats produce.

1. Using trusted odor eliminators

Cat lovers swear by certain products that have helped them remove bad odor inside the house, products like Nature’s Miracle or a deodorizer called XO odor eliminator has been proven to remove the foul smell inside the home.

PetZyme is also highly recommended by pet owners, it is an enzyme cleaner that could be used to eliminate the unpleasant smell. Simple Solutions Oxy Odor Destroyer could also be used to remove stubborn smells even those that are from old stains from furniture.

2. Using man-made deodorizer tools

Pet owners have also recommended using Lampe Berger; it is an oil lamp that makes use of a catalytic converter. It clears rooms of foul smell, users can put scented oil or non-scented. It can get rid of any lingering smell like cat pee, even smells that are caused by cigarette smoke or cooking certain types of food.

3. Use practical every day ingredients

Baking soda with vinegar combined with water could be one of the most effective ways to eliminate foul odor caused by cat pee and cat poo. After spraying the area where the foul smell is coming from just put in some additional cleaning ingredients or chemicals to make sure that the place is disinfected.

There is no need to throw the cat away; there are ways to make sure that they will not provide any worry for other people living inside the house.

Cleaning and Organizing the Refrigerator

Mon, 16 Dec 2013 15:48:58 GMT

Frost-free refrigerators can make house cleaning quick and easy. At one time, before frost-free, mom had to empty out the fridge and prop open the doors to allow built-up ice to melt. This took several hours and she may have even used a fan to speed things up. This time-consuming job might have been necessary every two to three weeks! Thankfully, cleaning your fridge is nowhere near as burdensome thesew days.

Spot cleaning

The best time to spot clean your fridge may be after meals. Doing the dishes means available hot soapy water. So a quick visit to the fridge can be as convenient as cleaning the kitchen table, stove, and countertops. Look for spills, messy-looking jars, and outdated leftovers.

Labeling

It may take practice, but putting leftovers into reusable containers can minimize food spoilage and keep your refrigerator fresh. Keep masking tape and markers nearby to jot down content and expiration dates, as this may be helpful to avoid consuming foods that are possibly harmful.

Quarterly inside job

If you have been diligent with spot checks, a quarterly cleanup may not be as strenuous. Choose convenient times and write them into your calendar.

Depending on the time of year, you may need to have a cooler to keep frozen supplies from thawing.

2. Empty out your fridge and discard spoiled or expired items.

3. Remove all racks, drawers, and shelving; allow them to come to room temperature before washing.

4. Use a soft cloth and a mild cleaning product; wash the inside of your fridge from top to bottom.

5. Clean racks, shelves, and drawers with the same gentle cleaning products.

6. Dry with soft cloths and return all contents.

Today, modern appliances make house cleaning much easier and quicker. Although you may not need to spend as much time as your grandmother to clean your fridge, you can share the same amount of satisfaction over the fruits of your labor – a fresh, healthy-looking refrigerator.

Helping To Make Real Sense Out Of Curtain Materials and Fabrics

Fri, 15 Nov 2013 15:51:55 GMT

With everyday living, there are many things that get used consistently and one of those things is known as fabric. When it comes to towels and rags that gets used every single day, the fabric used to make them represents the level of comfort and also represents the level of durability. On the other hand, curtains have fabrics that produce the level of durability and design it has. Fabrics are derived and created by spinning and weaving one or more materials together. Your jeans are from a fabric. Your couch is from a fabric. Your car seats are from a fabric. Your blanket is from a fabric. To better understand this explanation, your coat originally started out as a material, such as cotton. The cotton was spun together to form a fabric. The fabric then became a coat. To put it another way, many products are developed from fabrics like wool, silk, cotton, etc.

Fabrics can be named from either the materials used or the design applied. This can typically lead to confusion. Chenille is composed of cotton, olefin, or even acrylic materials. Satin fabric comes from materials like silk and nylon or even a mixture of the two. As for design, damask is derived of cotton and named based on tiny, raised dots on one side of the fabric.

In addition to fabrics, materials also have their advantages and disadvantages. Cotton, wool, silk, nylon, suede, and many other materials can be used to make a fabric. When it comes to wool, it offers great insulation aspects and is quite durable. Silk material works great to add decorative touches to fabrics, but is more prone to sun rotting. Corduroy is a thicker fiber and makes the fabric more durable.

Doing some research on fabrics and materials will give you the power to understand the various characteristics to get what suits you best. You may do a lot of housekeeping to make a room look fantastically appealing, but things like the window curtains can take away from that appeal.

Inventory at a Glance: How to Organize Your Cabinets or Pantry

Sat, 09 Nov 2013 11:43:18 GMT

Do your groceries threaten to tumble out of your cabinet when you open the door? Are there things lurking at the back of your pantry you haven’t seen in a year? If you can say yes to either of these questions, you aren’t alone, but you might need some pantry therapy!

Organization plays an important role in housekeeping . When you’re organized, you can find the things you need easily. It’s frustrating to look for something you know you have and be unable to find it, and you might waste money buying something that was sitting in your cabinet all along.

Quick Step-by-Step

No one wants to spend all day going through groceries and ingredients, so here’s a quick guide to get you started. Depending on the size of your pantry, this will take 20 minutes for a set of cabinets or up to an hour for a large walk-in pantry. Leave yourself plenty of time so you don’t have to walk away halfway through.

Step #1: Remove everything, throwing away old things as you go. Stand in front of the pantry with a trash can and a table nearby, and start going through your pantry item by item. If it’s still good and you know you will use it, keep it. If it’s out of date or you’re not likely to use it before it is, throw it away.

Step #2: Wipe down the shelves. You probably won’t pull everything out of your cabinets often, so take this moment to wipe down the shelves, getting rid of any dust or stray crumbs.

Step #3: Re-consider your storage techniques . If you have a lot of open bags or containers, you might want to think about storing those items in airtight plastic containers or zipper bags. This will keep them fresher for longer as well as preventing spills in your clean pantry.

Step #4: Group like items together as you put them back in. This can be categorized any way that works for you. Perhaps you will put all of the things you use most often in the front, or maybe you will group things by how you use them, like “baking” or “meals.” Whatever system you come up with, make sure it works for the way you use your kitchen.

When you’re done, take a good look at your cabinet or pantry shelves, and appreciate the work you’ve done. If you need help with the rest of the cleaning, give maid services a call—you’ve earned it!

Drawers, Cupboards, and Counters: Everything in Its Place

Wed, 23 Oct 2013 14:54:13 GMT

The kitchen is a very important room in your home. It’s where you make dinner to feed your family and it carries all the tools needed for preparing, cooking, and serving food. Keeping it organized is an important part of housekeeping and will certainly help prepare fast meals in your fast paced world. There are many things you can do, in addition to hiring a maid service, to make your kitchen more clean, organized, and easier to maneuver.

To begin with, one of the most basic things you can do is arrange all your kitchen items to obtain more organization. This will help ensure that there’s little to no clutter in your cabinets and drawers and prevent you from having to search for something or pull out a bunch of items just to find that one item.

Second, organize based on how frequently items are used and check expiration dates on food containers so you can get rid of older food. This not only saves space, but also makes items readily and easily available. In other words, have your frequently used kitchen tools and other kitchen items easily available and place lesser used items elsewhere. Can openers, chef knives, plates, silverware, cups, storage containers, etc. gets used frequently so having those items conveniently available saves time and provides better organization. If you are a cooking guru and love to cook with recipes, you can conveniently place them somewhere on the counter or in a nearby cabinet too.

Third, it’s important to put like items with like items. This makes it easier to find things when you need them, just like placing oil cans and lubricants on a shelf together in your garage. You can place all silverware together in a silverware tray and have all your cleaning supplies in one area. The plates and bowls can go together in a cabinet and your party supplies like balloons, party plates, plastic silverware, and even confetti can fit in a drawer for easy retrieval. Screwdrivers, mini tools, and lost parts tend to end up in a drawer in the kitchen. Perhaps you can purchase a small storage container to hold those items and use the drawer for other kitchen needs.

On a last note, you may be tempted to leave things in different places if you are in a hurry or tired. Nevertheless, if you take the time and will power to always put things in their proper place then you will be rewarded with knowing where everything is when you need it. You will have a kitchen that looks not only under control, but also cleaner and more organized.

Upgrading Visual Appeal with New Moulding

Fri, 18 Oct 2013 07:47:41 GMT

Moulding plays a huge role in every room’s visual appeal. You work hard at housekeeping to maintain that visual appeal, but things like moulding can hinder what you try so hard to achieve. Moulding can break, get cracked, get scratched, fall off, or many other issues and this affects the room’s look. If you feel that this applies to you, it may be time for a moulding upgrade. When shopping for moulding, there are several important aspects to understand, including material, finishes, and designs.

Material: Moulding is available in several materials, like oak, pine, polyurethane, composite, etc. Each material has its own advantages and disadvantages like durability and easiness to clean, as well as design or grain style.

Finishes: Moulding is available in several finishes , including prefinished, UN finished, and primed. Prefinished moulding allows for easy installation with no painting required. Unfinished moulding gives you the capability to paint or stain any way you see fit. Primed moulding allows you to choose a paint color.

Design: When looking at design, you will find styles like circular designs, square designs, wavy designs, etc. Aside from that, you will find standard moulding with a slight curve to it.

No matter what your needs are, knowing this information will give you the power to find exactly what you need and make your cleaning efforts all the more appealing to each room.

How to Fix Scratches in Leather

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:59:25 GMT

Over time, your leather couch or chair is going to take some expected wear and tear. This can cause scratches and rough spots—especially if you have a pet. When claws meet leather, the result is usually not what you want!

How do you restore your leather furniture? The solution is easier than you might think —in fact, you likely have the perfect housekeeping remedy in your kitchen already: olive oil.

If you have some scratches and dings in your leather furniture, try this!

Oiling Your Leather Furniture

This trick basically involves oiling your leather, a technique that’s been around for a long time—only this time, you’re using the oil from your kitchen. The idea—and basic procedure—is the same, though.

Take a soft cloth and pour some of the olive oil on it, then work it into the leather. You can just focus on the worn spots, or you can oil the entire piece to create an even tone throughout.

Add oil as needed, and don’t be afraid to be a little generous with it!

Once you’ve oiled everything, take a paper towel (or a few!) and go back, buffing your furniture and removing excess oil with the paper towel. If the paper towel gets greasy, switch out for a fresh one and keep going until you’ve buffed the entire piece.

When you’re done, the scratches will be gone and the leather will look much healthier!

Do you have any tricks you use to keep your leather or other furniture looking good?

Make Your Own Fountain Out of Flower Pots

Sun, 30 Jun 2013 07:55:28 GMT

Have you ever wanted a water feature in your yard but didn’t want to pay a lot of money for it? There’s actually several do-it-yourself fountain designs, but some of them can still be costly or extremely difficult to put together.

However, there is one that looks beautiful and is fairly simple in construction . This might be the perfect way to add a little water to your backyard!

What You Will Need: 2 flower pots in different sizes, 1 medium plastic flower pot, a pump (available at your local hardware store) a drill, and decorative rocks. Optional: a brick, large rock, or even a little cement.

How to Assemble Your Fountain:

Step #1: Drill a hole in the bottom of all of the flower pots so that they will line up when you stack them together.

Step #2: Feed the pump through the hole you’ve drilled on the bottom of the big pot. Invert the plastic pot and feed the pump up through the hole in the bottom of that one, as well.

Optional Step: For a sturdier fountain, use bricks, large rocks, or cement to surround the inverted plastic pot. This will secure the lower pots and prevent them from tipping or shifting easily.

Step #3: Add decorative rocks, surrounding the plastic pot in the middle and reaching all the way to the edge of the big pot.

Step #4: Feed the pump through the smaller pot and the pot down on top of the inverted plastic pot.

Step #5: Fill the little pot with decorative rocks, filling in around the pump and securing it in place.

Once you’ve finished that, you’re done. Add some water and turn the pump on to watch it work!

Tips for Using Inspiration in Design

Tue, 25 Jun 2013 08:10:06 GMT

Have you ever had something that inspired you and your design tastes? What if you took something that inspired you and ran with it? Done well, using the things you like as inspiration for your décor can put an extremely unique spin on your space.

When it comes to housekeeping and décor, the goal is to make your home a place you want to be—how do you do that in your space?

Inspired by Fashion

To get some tips for creating a home design from something that inspires you, it helps to take a look at someone who has successfully done it. When fashion illustrator Megan Hess’s home was featured on illustrator Megan Hess’s home was featured on Miss Décor , it was the perfect look at running with inspiration.

1. Look for classic themes and ideas. Many of the things you might be inspired by have classic roots or timeless aspects. For instance, well-done stripes and white furniture will always work.

Use these timeless aspects to create an anchor on which to build. For instance, Megan’s white couch can be re-accessorized to create a completely different look. Hardwood floors and a black and white bathroom achieve the same strong, classic elements that can become versatile when needed.

2. Use elements that remind you of your inspiration. You don’t necessarily want to go pasting pictures of your interest all over the walls, but you can certainly be inspired by and create elements from it.

For instance, Megan’s home includes rich, vibrant colors, vintage touches, and glamorous elements, from an eye-catching light fixture over the dining room table to a statue on the back porch.

3. Accessorize with thematic items—carefully. Depending on the source of your inspiration, it is possible to go a bit overboard, but it is okay to use items from your inspiration.

In this case, Megan used fashion-inspired paintings and illustrations as well as pictures of famous fashion icons. The artistic quality of these pieces make them work well with the space.

Get Smells Out of Your Carpet Naturally

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 08:15:58 GMT

Have you ever noticed your carpet smelling a little less than fresh? Especially if you have kids and pets, it’s not unusual to find smells in your carpet you wish weren’t there. Unfortunately, smells in your carpet can permeate the entire house. Yuck!

Having maid services keep the house clean goes a long way in preventing odors, but sometimes they crop up anyway. If you have a smelly carpet problem, this solution is fast , simple, and completely natural.

The Mix

You can buy carpet fresheners, but you don’t always know exactly what you are getting. Is it actually removing the odors, or just covering it with something that smells nicer for a while?

This mixture absorbs odors and leaves a fresh smell, and it couldn’t be simpler:

Baking soda
Essential oils (optional, but recommended!)

That’s all you need to make your own carpet freshener!

Mix together baking soda and whichever oils you want to use (don’t be afraid to combine them if you know how to make a smell you really love), then sift a few times.

When the sifted baking soda has no more clumps, it’s ready.

The Process

Thankfully, getting the carpet fresh is just as easy as making the mix. Sprinkle the mixture on the carpet (you can use your hands, the sifter, or even an empty talc powder container).

When the entire carpet is covered, let it sit for 15 minutes, then come back and vacuum up the powder—that’s it!

Baking soda naturally absorbs odors and moisture, and the essential oil leaves a fantastic smell behind.

The Amazing Versatility of a Binder Clip

Fri, 31 May 2013 08:20:16 GMT

There are some unique cleaning and organizing tools out there. Maid services using backpack vacuums, homeowners erasing scuff marks on the floor with tennis balls, and smart parents using balled up bread to erase crayon marks on the walls are just a few examples.

One of these unique tools fits easily inside the palm of your hand but manages to have hundreds of uses beyond its intended purpose. Ashley of The Complete Guide to Imperfect Homemaking set out to find all of the many ways to put binder clips to work . Here are a few of the things she found:

1. Keep packages closed—including in the freezer. Does an open chip or cereal bag get on your nerves or make you worry about attracting insects? A binder clip is a great tool for sealing open packages, and is often sturdier and much easier to store than a standard chip clip.

This extends to the freezer, too. Only used half a bag of French fries or a cup of frozen corn? Seal the bags back up with binder clips for a secure seal.

2. Pin garbage bags to the sides of garbage cans. You’re probably familiar with the moment: you reach down to pull out a trash bag only to discover that it has somehow receded into the trash can. In order to get it out, you’re going to have to dig into the trash, and that’s something no one looks forward to doing!

Use a binder clip to pin the edges of the garbage bag to the lip of the can. Maybe you can even convince your children to gather the trash with this trick.

3. Hold your recipes out of the way—and out of the mess. If you’ve ever accidentally set a recipe card in oil or water on the counter while you were cooking or baking, you know it can be frustrating. It soaks in, smears the writing, and makes the paper look greasy or warped.

Avoid this by pinning a binder clip to the fridge or the vent hood above the stove. Suddenly you have a hands free recipe card holder that doesn’t end up splattered with ingredients!

Decorating Your Table for Guests

Thu, 30 May 2013 08:24:43 GMT

When you’re hosting a party, you want everything to be just right, and that includes the table you set for your guests. You spend time house cleaning, planning, and cooking—it’s easier to decorate if you already have a plan in mind.

For your next party, keep these ideas in mind as you create your table décor. Make it easy but beautiful by falling back on classic artistic touches:

“Leading Line. ” Ashley of Sweetpea Lifestyle uses this photographic term to help create a table layout by creating a path for the eye to follow. In the image above, you can see a line of candles leading to the centerpiece. This causes people to naturally follow the line of candles and end at the center. It’s a great method for creating interest and drawing attention to a certain piece.

Centerpiece. Speaking of centerpieces, make sure that your centerpiece is higher than the other things on the table—that doesn’t mean it has to be extremely tall, just taller than the other elements. In fact, too big can be a problem: ever sat down at a table and had to play peek-a-boo with the décor in order to talk to the people around you?

Pattern & Texture. People are naturally drawn to tactile sensations. Add that textured fabric, seat cushion, or napkin and your guests will enjoy it probably more than they say. You can equally engage your guests’ eyes with intricate patterns that draw in attention.

What is the most successful table you’ve ever set? Did it use any of these techniques?

Making a Cleaning Schedule

Fri, 24 May 2013 08:28:24 GMT

Have you ever done a cleaning marathon? If you’ve ever done a one- or two-day full house clean, you know how challenging it can be. However, you can avoid the cleaning marathon by cleaning as you go.

The problem with cleaning as you go through the week is keeping track of what you’ve done and what you haven’t and not getting sidetracked by other tasks.

Having a cleaning schedule can change that , helping you stay ahead of the work and also stay focused on tasks. If you can get cleaning services to come a few times a month to do a deep clean, then this schedule is all you’ll need to keep your house clean!

1. Make a list of chores. What things need to be done every week? How do you want to break it down? Grab a pen and a paper and write down every chore you’d like to see done in a week. This list might include vacuuming, washing down the sink and counters, cleaning the bathroom, and washing clothes. Whatever you want to keep clean in your house, put it on the list!

2. Break up the tasks throughout the week. Keeping your schedule in mind, start assigning tasks to different days of the week. For instance, if you know you’re going to be home all day on Fridays, that might be a good day to do laundry. If you’re only goint to have a few minutes to spare on Tuesday, maybe that would be a good day just to wipe down sinks and counters.

3. Follow the schedule. This might be harder than you think. It’s easy to get distracted by other tasks. For instance, you might be doing your vacuuming and get distracted by the windows being dirty!

When you come across something else you realize you would like to clean, if it’s not urgent, write it on a list and add it into your schedule. This way, you’ll stay on task and still get everything done you want to complete!

Everyday Kitchen Cleaning Tips

Mon, 20 May 2013 08:33:37 GMT

The kitchen is one of the most important rooms to keep clean in the house—unfortunately, it’s also one of the hardest! How can you keep your kitchen clean every day without too much work?

The trick is to create a few key habits that will make keeping it clean part of your every day life without much extra time or effort.

Deep Clean Once a Week

In order to maintain a clean kitchen, first you have to start with one! Let your maid services do the deep cleaning or do one on your own about once a week. The more thorough the clean, the easier it will be to maintain.

If you clean on your own, make sure you include every part of the kitchen to make it everything a lot less work later on in the week:

Counters.

The sink.

Cabinets.

Floors.

Stove top.

Outside of your appliances.

Throw away old food.

This way, you’ll be starting with a clean canvas and only cleaning things up that get dirty throughout the week, and everything will stay cleaner!

Got a Minute?

One daily habit you can use to keep your kitchen clean is to take a minute every time you go into the kitchen to pick up something. When you get your coffee, look on the counter around the coffee pot—is there any trash you can clean up? Anything that needs to be put back in the cabinet or refrigerator?

When you make this a habit, you’ll be amazed at how clean your kitchen stays. You can’t always control whether your family members clean up after themselves, but this will help!

Make it Routine

You likely wash your dishes or load your dishwasher every day, and that is the perfect opportunity to clean the kitchen! As soon as the dishes are washed or in the dishwasher, wipe down the counters, sink, and stove top.

A quick sweep with the broom will keep the floor from feeling like there are crumbs on your feet. The whole thing should take less than 15 minutes.

Make kitchen cleaning a habit and you’ll love walking into it every day!

Making Paint Swatches Work For You

Wed, 01 May 2013 08:43:10 GMT

Many homeowners have been there at some point: you pick a color from a swatch at the hardware store, you buy the paint, you finish painting the room and discover that it doesn't look anything like what you thought.

The truth is, picking color from a swatch is hard. The lighting in the store is different from your home and the area is extremely small compared to the area of your wall.

That's why Better Homes & Gardens shared their method for getting the color you want by starting with swatches.

Swatch Phase: Choose a handful of swatches you like at the store. Many times you'll be able to take cards or chips home, and you absolutely should. It helps to see the colors under the light in which they would actually be.

Take the swatches home and look at them in the room you intend to paint, but don't stop there. Look at them several times a day. Look at them with the curtains open and the curtains closed. Look under lamp light, fire light, the TV, the overhead light, then put them side by side with your accessories. How does the paint look with your furniture? With the curtains? This should help you to slowly rule out colors over a few days or a week. After a week, narrow it down to 2 or 3 of your favorite colors and start phase 2.

Test Phase: Go back to the store with your two favorite swatches in hand and ask for small cans of paint in those colors (they usually cost just a few dollars but can cover a reasonably large area). Take them home and paint them in large areas at eye-level.

Leave them there for a week. Repeat what you did with the swatches: look under all lights and conditions, push furniture up next to the paint and stand back and look at it.

Do this, and you'll be much more satisfied with your color when you finally choose it!

Caring for Your Floors

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 08:54:10 GMT

Floor cleaning can seem like a massive undertaking, especially if you have several different types of flooring in your house. However, knowing how to care for each type of floor will have a big impact on how easy—or difficult—it is to keep your floors clean!

Good maid services have experience cleaning floor materials, so if you need help getting started, don't be afraid to call in some help. Once the floors are clean and you're armed with these tips , maintenance will be much easier.

Wood Flooring

When it comes to wood flooring, most of it is common sense, but there are a few things to note in this list:

Sweep regularly.

Mop once a week.

Use wood-specific cleaner.

Don't saturate the floor with water.

Don't allow the water to sit on the floor.

In addition to using a particular type of cleanser, you're also going to want to avoid having pools of water on the floor. Wood absorbs water and can swell, rot, or warp when exposed to too much moisture for too long, and you want to keep your floor looking beautiful as long as possible!

Laminate

Laminate is extremely easy to care for partly because it's made to be water resistant. Unfortunately, this also means water will pool on its surface, so you're going to want to make sure you clean up any spills as soon as possible—otherwise you're extremely likely to slip!

Sweet often.

Spot clean with a damp cloth.

Don't saturate the floor.

Don't use scouring pads.

If you saturate the floor, you'll end up with a huge mess on your hands. The water will most likely just pool on the surface and sit.

Also, you don't want to use scouring pads because they can scratch the finish on the laminate making it look worn well before its time and make it susceptible to water damage and stains.

Carpet

While you probably want to get your carpet thoroughly cleaned by professionals at least once a year, the weekly maintenance you do will go a long way in prolonging the life of your carpet and keeping bacteria and allergens at bay.

Vacuum once a week.

Vacuum high traffic areas twice a week.

Clean up spills by blotting, not scrubbing.

It's a myth that vacuuming damages your carpet. The truth is that vacuums are actually less hard on your carpet's appearance than dirt itself is, because tiny particles of dirt and dust rub against the carpet fibers and weaken them.

There's nothing like walking across a clean floor, and now your home will always have one!

Decorating Tips Inspired by the Most Common Mistakes

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 09:33:03 GMT

When you flip through home magazines or watch do-it-yourself shows on TV, decorating a house looks easy—and then you try it. It's not as easy as it looks!

It is a part of housekeeping and making your home exactly the way you want it, though; so how can you have a stylish, decorated house without spending the money on a decorator? These four tips inspired by the most common mistakes should help!

Measure the Doors...And Everything Else

It's a sitcom classic: a piece of furniture that won't fit through a door. Unfortunately, there's some truth in this piece of comedy! Before you go shopping for furniture, measure everything—the room you intend to put the piece in, the particular area you intend to put it, and every door and hallway through which it will have to pass.

It might seem excessive, but when you have your new couch in place and all of the walls are still in tact, you'll be glad you did!

Look Up

The ceiling can be a great place to add some interest. It could be painting in a complementary or off-white color, it could be trimming or molding around the edge. It could even be a clean square frame painted onto the ceiling or a subtle wallpaper.

Avoid textures that are dated and that make it difficult to clean, though.

Control the Impulse

Sometimes, you see something you love, and you have to have it immediately. Before you buy it, though; think about where you're going to put it. Does it match what you have in mind for the space or what's already in the space?

It can be tempting to buy that perfect coffee table or recliner, but if it isn't going to match what you have, hold out for something that is both what you want and will fit in with what you have.

Accessorize

Your rooms need a little extra something, so don't be afraid to add some accessories. This could include things like photos, throw pillows, paintings, collections, candles—anything that makes the room feel more personal.

The space is yours, and you can make it both stylish and unique to you and your family!

A Spring Cleaning Checklist

Sat, 30 Mar 2013 10:38:33 GMT

Everyone's hoping the weather will start to warm up soon, and with that warmer weather comes the desire for starting fresh, including at home. How do you usually handle spring cleaning? Are you a marathon cleaner, a family team of delegated responsibilities, or do you focus on just the most important tasks?

If you aren't sure where to start with your spring cleaning, call maid services to get you headed in the right direction. You can also start working your way through these projects suggested by Better Homes & Gardens :

Wash the Windows. Clean windows actually do quite a bit for a house. They let sunlight in without blocking it, and if your windows are extremely dirty, it shows!

Thankfully, washing the windows is extremely easy. A microfiber cloth is the best choice for the washing, and you can use just a little bit of low-suds dish soap in some water to clean it.

If you have a squegee, that's best, but if not, dry the windows with either a dry microfiber cloth or a towel that won't leave much lint.

Extra tip: don't do the windows on a sunny day, it encourages streaks!

Wash the Walls . Most people don't wash their walls unless there's a reason, but walls collect dirt just like any other surface in your house. Grab that same water and dish detergent mixture and hit the walls, baseboards, and door frames.

Clean the Carpet. Twice a year, any carpet can use a deep cleaning. Steam cleaning is definitely the best, it kills germs all the way through the pad beneath your carpet.

Now is the time of year, too; to clean under furniture, so as you start your carpet cleaning process, prepare to move the furniture out of the way!

That will get you a good head start on your spring cleaning, and you'll feel good that you're doing something great for your home!

One Fashion Expert's Tips on Seasonal Clothes Transition

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 10:42:23 GMT

Every year, you put away your winter clothes and pull out your warmer weather clothes, but do you go through them when you switch them out? Most people have clothes they never wear filling up their closets!

Fashion expert Maria Menounos offered her favorite suggestion for cleaning out your closet, and it's completely doable: as you go through your clothes, if you come across something you haven't worn in a year, immediately toss it in a to give or to sell pile.

Don't try it on because, as Menounos points out, if you try it on you might decide you want to keep it even if you'll never wear it, and then you won't have room for beautiful new clothes!

Out With the Old, In With the New

The best thing you can do for a wardrobe that's busting at the seams is to adopt the “get one, give one” policy. Whenever you bring something into the house for yourself, pick something you own to give away. This way, you aren't increasing your belongings, just freshening them.

According to Menounos, now is a good time to go shopping for your spring wardrobe. If you're a woman, look for florals, light fabrics, bright colors, and wedges. For men, velvet, blues, and neutral prints are good choices for spring.

Organizing the Closet

When you put everything back into your closet after sorting, put everything together in categories that make sense for you; this could be colors, styles, or function of the clothes, but by grouping them together, you make it easier to find everything you need.

While you're at it, update your laundry room with a whites basket and a colors basket, then you can sort when you undress and save yourself some hassle later!

Save Energy with Clean Appliances

Wed, 27 Mar 2013 10:49:49 GMT

When you think of the reasons to clean your appliances, does saving money hit the top of your list? Style at Home thinks it should: clean appliances use less energy. It makes sense, but cleaning appliances probably isn't the highlight of your housekeeping chores, so here are a few tricks to clean two of the appliances from which you will receive the best benefits:

Clean the Oven

An oven full of grease, grime, and food doesn't heat as effectively as a clean oven, meaning it has to use more energy to make up for the deficiency. Here's how to tackle your oven the easiest way possible:

Spray the inside with water.

Generously add baking soda to the oven, coating as much of the surface as possible (especially the bottom, where overspill tends to collect).

Spritz the baking soda with water one more time.

Let sit for 2-3 hours.

Wipe clean with a damp rag.

When you wipe away the baking soda, the grime comes with it!

Clean the Fridge

A clean fridge will cool more effectively—and that means clean both inside and out! Here's a quick way to get the most clean from your fridge in 30 minutes or less:

Take everything out of the refrigerator, throwing away anything you don't need to keep as you go.

Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator with a sponge soaked in a vinegar and water mixture.

While the fridge is empty, pull it out from the wall and quickly dust the coils in the back.

Push the refrigerator back and replace the items, grouping them in ways that make sense to you so you will be able to find everything later.

A clean fridge will also make finding things easier and certainly make you feel better about how it looks!

Cleaning Tips for Seniors

Tue, 26 Mar 2013 10:08:52 GMT

For independent seniors who want to tackle spring cleaning, taking care of all the clutter and cleaning that needs to be done can sometimes be

If you want to clean but are a bit overwhelmed or worried about doing it on your own, here are some suggestions for making a big difference in no time.imposing.

Bring in the Crew

Independent doesn't have to mean alone! Recruit friends and family to come in together one day and help you clean top to bottom.

It can be a great time to not only get the house clean, but also just spend some time together. Grab some snacks and some drinks, and hang out as the house gets better and better.

If you want more consistent cleaning, maid services can step in and help out, too!

Take Care of the Clutter

Clutter causes so much trouble when you're trying to keep a house clean. Not only does it take up a lot of space, it also generates more dust. Take this opportunity to go through your things and get rid of some of the things you don't need.

Check the floor for clutter as well, and sweep up wherever you can to help keep tripping and falling hazards to a minimum.

Make it Fun

Put on your favorite radio station and clean to the beat of the music. It'll help you get done faster and make the whole chore much more tolerable—maybe even enjoyable!

When you're done, take some time to relax and enjoy your clean space. A clean house is comforting and relaxing, and you deserve to enjoy it.

Light Your Rooms while Conserving Money

Fri, 15 Mar 2013 08:50:35 GMT

Oftentimes, you work on a task like house cleaning or room renovations and just don't seem to have the lighting you need to properly complete the task. Why is that? In many cases, it is because you are trying to save money by reducing light. Using those 60-watt incandescent bulbs can really add up on your electric bill.

Have you ever considered fluorescent lighting or L.E.D. bulbs? Fluorescent lights consume a lot less energy than those old fashioned incandescent bulbs. L.E.D. lighting consumes even less energy than fluorescent lights and are growing in popularity.

Every single replaced incandescent bulb saves over 60% on running that light . This would especially come in handy if you have lights that are on all the time or close to it. Instead of using 60 watt bulbs; you could be using 13 watt bulbs, give or take a few watts. Aside from that, fluorescent bulbs have evolved with different color tone outputs, such as bright white, cool white, natural, or daylight.

L.E.D. (light emitting diode) bulbs have evolved over time as another alternative to incandescent bulbs. These bulbs save even more energy than fluorescent lamps. At the moment, there is not too many options or as much brightness or color tone as there is with fluorescent lamps. No matter, you can find L.E.D. bulbs taking shape as flood lamps, night lights, table lamp bulbs, and many other types of lighting.

How to Make a Beautiful Bed

Thu, 28 Feb 2013 11:01:40 GMT

Taking care of carpets can be frustrating, especially if you have some stains you've tried to clean that refused to come up. Well, it's time to take that carpet back—and here's how:

Deal With the Stains First

Combine equal parts ammonia and water in a spray bottle.

Spray the mixture on the stain.

Lay a towel over the top of the area.

Iron the towel on your iron's standard heat setting.

The results above show its effectiveness, so give it a try!

Weekly Maintenance

Vacuuming once a week is best for most of your carpet. Dirt left inside of the carpet will cause wear and tear on the fibers which will show up in your floor over time, so vacuuming is important.

For high traffic areas, vacuum twice a week. These include any areas where your family frequently walks: entryways, hallways, the floor in front of furniture, etc.

To prevent as much dirt as possible, place a door mat at the front door to catch dirt from shoes, then just shake it out every few days.

Just a little bit of prevention, maintenance, and stain treatment could have your carpet looking like new in no time!

Getting Young Children Excited About Cleaning

Tue, 26 Feb 2013 11:06:47 GMT

Instill children with a desire to clean and teach them how to do it well when they're young, and you'll set them up to live cleaner, more organized lives in the future. How do you get small children excited about house cleaning, though? It's not as hard as you might think!

Make Them Feel Like Grown-Ups

Young children love to feel like they're doing something big, important, and helpful. By encouraging that, you'll give them a sense of importance when they help you clean. When you're ready to get them involved, this will help get them on the road to being big helpers:

Explain that this is a “big boy” or “big girl” job.

Give them their own job—something they can manage pretty easily but still feel helpful doing (putting away clean spoons and forks, sorting toys, folding napkins, rags or towels, “scrubbing” the bathtub, etc.)

Give them their own tools, like this great kid cleaning caddy idea from Montessori : put a bottle of homemade natural or gentle cleaner (vinegar or dish soap and water), a rag or sponge, and some brushes in a small carrying case just for your child.

Make it Rewarding

Cleaning should feel rewarding, so help them capture that feeling. There are lots of ways to reward children for their work, but here are a few good ideas:

Heap on the praise. Even though they can't clean as well as you can, they put in an awful lot of heart!

Tell them you appreciate your help and that it makes cleaning much nicer when they help.

Make cleaning fun! Play games with them: race against each other to see who can pick up the fastest or see who can fill up their basket with toys first.

Ask them if they like the house when it's clean, and tell them you do, too!

How to Make the Most of a Very Small Space

Sat, 16 Feb 2013 11:12:31 GMT

More and more people are living in smaller and smaller houses to try to both save money and lessen their impact on the environment (and it sure makes housekeeping a lot easier!), and this has led to some small rooms serving big purposes. Whether you've turned a small room into a vanity or office or you have a naturally small bathroom or bedroom, there are things you can do to make the most of it.

Tip #1: Think UP. When you find ways to draw the eye up, the room looks naturally larger. The easiest way to do this is to go vertical: long shelves, wall art hung high on the wall, and darker colors on the bottom tapering out to lighter colors at the top.

Tip #2: Lighter Colors. Dark colors in a small room can make it feel more like a dungeon than a homey space, so make it a little more comfortable with lighter colors. Light greens and blues are a great option, but any color can be used effectively. Use dark colors for accents instead of making them wall or furniture colors.

Tip #3: Bring in the Light. In addition to the lighter colors, light itself can make a room feel bigger than it is. If you have a window in the room, dress it with sheer curtains; if not, give yourself the option of brighter or lower lights with a dimmer switch or a variety of lamps.

Tip #4: Maximize Storage. Use every space you can for storage, multitasking when necessary. A small chest can serve as both a seat and storage, shelves can be used both to draw the eye upward and to store anything, especially if you add a few small baskets or jars. Use the area under tables or desks for storage by adding a table skirt. Get creative!

Just because the room is small doesn't mean your style has to be!

Three Places Germs Lurk in Your Home (And How to Beat Them)

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:29:00 GMT

Dwelling on the germiness in your house probably isn't something you want to think about too much, but knowing where the germs are in your house is important so you can focus your house cleaning, and targeting germs is good for you and your family.

It might be troubling and a little gross, but here are ways to chase away germs from three of the biggest culprits (and no, not your children!).

Remote Controls

From the TV remote to gaming console controllers, hands are constantly touching buttons, and with those hands come germs. The hard surface of the remote might fool you into thinking it doesn't have many germs, but it certainly does!

Disinfect it with a disinfecting wipe or paper towel soaked in vinegar and wrung out every couple of days, and don't touch the remote when you're fixing food—you could swap bacteria back and forth.

Paper Money

You've probably heard that money is dirty, but you might not have realized just how dirty it actually is: some viruses can live on your cash for up to 17 days. Yikes!

Unfortunately, there's not much you can do to wash your money, so your next best bet is to keep it quarantined and to keep your own hands as clean as possible. Keep your money in one spot in your wallet or purse without moving it around. When you've been using money during the day, wash your hands frequently!

Sponges

Though their primary purpose is cleaning, sponges are actually a breeding ground for germs. That might make you cringe next time you start to wash your dishes!

Your absolute best bet is to nix sponges altogether, but regardless of what you use to wash your dishes and counters, it needs to stay clean. The best way to do this is to throw your sponge or brush in the dishwasher when you run it. Alternatively, you can microwave it for 2 minutes or boil it for a few minutes.

Banish the germs from these places and let your cleaning services chase away the germs on your other surfaces!

Have a Clean Hardwood Floor Without Damage

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:15:44 GMT

Hardwood floors have a reputation of being tricky to clean, but it’s probably a lot easier than you think. The key is not to be careless. The next time you’re ready to do the house cleaning and finally tackle that hardwood floor, follow these simple steps from Real Simple:

1. Move everything out of the way. Furniture, accessories, baskets—anything on the floor needs to be moved out of the way of the area you’re about to clean. You probably won’t be cleaning your floors like this too often, so when you do you want to do it as thoroughly as possible.

2. Take care of dust first. Grab a dry-mop or vacuum cleaner and work on getting the dust and dirty off of the floor. It might seem like an extra step, but leaving dust and dirt not only makes it hard to clean, it can also scratch your floor.

3. Dishwashing soap is all you need. You only want to use a little bit for a bucket of water, and if you can find a low-sudsing choice, that’s even better.

4. Work with a damp mop and follow the grain. The temptation is to saturate the mop and get to work, but too much water on a hardwood floor can cause buckling. Instead, wet your mop in your bucket, then ring it out until it’s merely damp.

5. Buff the floor with a soft cloth. It will take off any residue and leave your floor cleaner and not wet or sticky.

Your maid services will undoubtedly vacuum or dust your floor frequently, but for the big-time thorough cleanings, this is how to do it!

Four Little Habits That Make a Big Difference

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 11:39:16 GMT

Many people want to be just a little cleaner and more organized, but aren’t sure what steps to take or what habits to develop. Maybe it all just seems a little too overwhelming, and considering the busy life you probably lead, that’s fair. If the house cleaning is just too much right now, don’t hesitate to ask for a little help by hiring a maid service !

In the meantime, here are four habits you can develop to make your every day life a little neater:

Your Place

If you’ve ever been late to work because you couldn’t find your keys (or wallet, purse, watch, shoes…), this is the habit you need to develop. Choose a spot, something safe but convenient, and make it your place. When you come into the house, walk straight to your place and put everything you use every day there: keys, purse, watch, wallet, favorite pen, daily planner, phone.

When you wake up and are rushing out the door, everything will be there waiting just as you left it! You will have to come up with another excuse for being late to work, though.

Wash the Dishes Every Day

Don’t skip if you can help it! Dishes have an uncanny way of piling up obnoxiously fast, so don’t let them have the chance. Pick a time every day to wash the dishes or load the dishwasher. You might do it in the morning, as soon as you get up, or wash all of the dishes right after dinner. It will seem like a chore at first, but an empty sink and clean dishes are their own reward.

Make the Bed…Every Day

A made bed pulls a room together faster than just about anything. It’s an instant bedroom makeover, and it only takes a couple of minutes. The best time to do it is the minute you get out of bed (or as soon as you’re awake enough to figure out which way the comforter goes). Waiting encourages procrastination, the eternal enemy of good habits.

Take 15 Minutes to Tidy

Take a moment every day to clean up for just 15 minutes. Walk from room to room, pick up trash that has been missed, move clothes to the places they belong, and put everything back in its place. If you do this every day, your house will stay tidy all the time.

Tips for Creating a Colorful Bedroom

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:34:31 GMT

When the bloggers at HGTV asked their Facebook followers to choose their favorite bedroom , the bright green one in the picture on the left was the winning choice. The designer explained her reason for each design element, and here we break those things down into steps you can use to make your bedroom into a colorful display.

The Bed

Designer Erinn Valencich commented that she sees the bed as the center of the room, so she started there. If you’re happy with your bed, take your cues from it. What color is it? What style? Is it ornate? Simple? Grand or compact?

Taking a look at the bed and using it to build the flavor in the rest of the room will give you a cohesive, thoughtful room.

Work with Accent Colors

The green in the designed room was the chosen accent color, so it was painted on the wall behind the bed and on an adjacent wall. Careful not to overdue it, though! Find a few small accents in the color of your choice—like small pillows or vases—and leave everything else a bit neutral.

Bright colors can get taxing on someone’s eye, so balance is the key to injecting bright colors into your bedroom.

Mix Your Styles

It’s okay to mix something modern with something more traditional! In fact, it can help a room look much more elegant and comfortable. If your bed is large and ornate, opt for simple designs when it comes to accessories like picture frames, chairs, and side tables.

Likewise, if your bed is small and compact, a few more decorative pieces throughout the room can provide the perfect combination to make your room feel unique.

Why It’s Important to Take Time For Yourself

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 13:55:53 GMT

There are constant expectations every day, from things your family needs to work requirements to things you feel need to be accomplished on any given day. Whether it’s cooking a meal, serving one more person, or the seemingly neverending cycle of house cleaning, there’s always something waiting to be done.

If you find yourself rushing around until you finally fall into bed at night, it might be time to take a step back. Time for yourself is more important than you might think.

Better for Your Health

The medical community is recognizing more and more that stress is unhealthy. Chronic stress causes cortisol levels and associated hormones to be produced excessively, and this has been linked to everything from diabetes and obesity to cardiovascular and fertility problems.

The conditions often caused by sustained, elevated levels of cortisol can be life altering, limiting, and even deadly. Stress is more dangerous than you think!

One of the primary stress relievers is to get away from everything for a while. If you can’t actually go on vacation, than force yourself to take one at home: turn off all of your electronics: TV, phone, computer—anything that connects you to stressors in your life—and spend the day reading a book, planting a garden out in the sunlight, doing a craft, or going for a walk. If it makes you happy and relaxes you do it without interruption.

Better for Your Relationships

When you’re at the end of your rope, you’re often not physically or emotionally available for the people around you. In trying to hard to take care of everyone else, you might actually be missing out on the most important part of being with the people you care about.

Find ways to set aside things that you can or delegate to someone else. Cook dinner in a slow cooker so you don’t have to spend a lot of time on it. Hire a maid service to clean your house for you. Team up with your spouse to clean out the car or take care of the kids.

In the long run, if you are rested, you will have much more energy and time for the people you care about most.

Time for yourself is important, don’t hesitate to take the time you need!

New Uses for Old Things

Mon, 31 Dec 2012 11:54:28 GMT

You might have some of the most interesting house cleaning tools sitting around your house and not even know it. These stealthy items serve dual purposes that might or might not be obvious.

From handling those unpleasant odors to cleaning your toilet, here are three things you will likely look at differently from now on:

Chalk

Chalk is a great tool for removing moisture. Use this to your advantage by throwing chalk in pairs of shoes that aren’t smelling too swell, then just dump the chalk out before you put them on again. The chalk will counteract the moisture (and the odor) in the shoe, and you’ll be left with a much better smelling shoe!

Denture Tablets

Whether you use denture tablets or not, picking some up might not be a bad idea for an easier, scrub-free way to clean the toilet—and your diamond ring or your favorite vase. The effervescence in the denture tablets break dingy gunk free and are designed to kill bacteria: that’s a two for one cleaning deal just from tablets.

To clean your toilet bowl: put in the denture tablets and let them soak for 20 minutes, then flush. And that’s all you have to do.

To bring back your diamond ring’s sparkle: put the ring in a glass of water and drop in a denture tablet. Wait for five minutes, then retrieve your ring.

Can’t get inside that vase to clean it? Try this: Fill it with water, drop in a tablet, and let it sit for 15 minutes. Rinse out the vase and it’s good as new!

Marshmallows

Brown sugar and homemade cookies both tend to get a little on the crusty side if left to their own devices, but this is actually easily prevented with a simple marshmallow.

Drop a couple of big marshmallows in your brown sugar bag or in your cookie jar. The marshmallows will keep the brown sugar soft, and you can just switch them out once a month to help your brown sugar last a lot longer.

Housekeeping is a lot more fun with these nifty tricks.

Making House Cleaning a Tradition

Sat, 22 Dec 2012 13:58:01 GMT

The holidays are full of traditions. Some are classic and shared by many people around the nation, but some are special, unique, and just for you and your family. Chances are, if you have traditions in your family, they are important to you and you make a point to include your traditions in your holiday celebration.

Here’s an idea that will keep your house cleaning going during the holidays and get the whole family willingly involved in housekeeping !

But Cleaning, a Tradition?

It might sound strange at first, but if you break out the mop and dustpan as soon as spring appears, it’s more familiar than you think! Just like spring cleaning is a tradition for many, cleaning during the holidays can become one for you and your family.

The best way to make cleaning a tradition is to combine it with something you already do every year, such as decorate or bake. If you decorate your home for the holidays, add cleaning onto it as the first step—you want to decorate a clean house anyway, and you might as well get everyone involved!

Keep it light-hearted as you work. Talk about holiday memories and about how wonderful your home will look once it’s clean. Put on your favorite cleaning or holiday music, and don’t be surprised if you catch someone playing karaoke with a duster!

The key to making cleaning a tradition is to make it fun and memorable. Make it something you do every year that creates excitement as you gear up for the holidays, and encourage closeness while you work together. It’s a great start to the holidays, and as you start to pull out decorations once the house is clean, you’ll already be together to reminisce over your holiday collection!

How to Make Your House Smell More Than Good

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:00:46 GMT

Don’t you love opening the door to your home and being enveloped in good smells? It’s like when you wake up first thing in the morning to someone cooking breakfast, the whole experience brings warmth and memories. The great news is that you can experience this all season long and well into the new year!

Step #1: A Clean House. You can put out all the candles or potpourri you want, but if there’s trash or food in your house, you’ll only be temporarily masking odors. That’s not what smelling wonderful is about, so start with the house cleaning . If you don’t already have one, find a maid service to help you stay clean.

Step #2: The Right Smell. What do you want your home to smell like? Do you prefer fresh air, crisp and clean, or warm aromas wafting throughout your home? To get the right effect, think about exactly what you want your house to smell like first.

Step #3: The Tools for the Job. If you want freshness, your best friends are going to be vinegar, lemons, and an open window. Vinegar and water sprayed into the air will evaporate and take bad smells with it. Lemons have a fresh scent that also cut through stale smells, and nothing’s better than an open window.

If you want the warm smell of baking or cooking without actually baking or cooking, try simmering. Put some lemon or orange peels, a cinnamon stick, and some nutmeg in a pot, bring it to a boil, and then simmer. It won’t take long for your whole house to smell like you’ve been baking all day.

Scientists say smells trigger memories because of how close those two parts of the brain are to one another. Play to your memories—and those of any who enter your home—by finding the right scent and adding it to your house.

Making Your Residence Healthier with Air Flow Pollutant Reduction

Mon, 15 Oct 2012 08:57:03 GMT

A home is only as healthy as it looks, right? Unfortunately, that is not necessarily true. It can look really clean and comforting with everything you do like housekeeping , but can still be unhealthy. The air in the area is contaminated with pollutants and allergens. It may not be life threatening, but is still affective. It carries many contaminants and dust that can lead to sickness or allergies. You can't eliminate that, but you have the opportunity to control and reduce it.

Many of the illnesses develop from home. This is simply because the air quality is not as healthy as it can be. At times when all windows get closed, it pretty much promotes the pollutants as they are trapped in the home. Furnaces tend to blow the contaminants around and also shuffle up dust and allergens.

Air purification units help to reduce those allergen and pollutant levels in your home's air. It would be wise to at least get some filtration units for the most commonly used rooms. They are available in floor styles and table styles. Each model features different benefits such as filter monitoring, fan speed, oscillation, remote control, etc. No matter what type you choose, it will help clean the air. However, a more expensive model may be worthwhile if it reduces sicknesses more and gives you energy from cleaner air.

A second method involves your windows. Open your windows if possible and place fans in some of them. This will send the contaminated air outside while bringing fresh air in the house. You will have to clean the screens from time to time, but you won't mind when you see the results on your screens!

On another note, your vacuum could be polluting the air more than you think. Many vacuums have filtration to cut back on kicking up pollutants into the air, but that often does not work as well as claimed. In fact, many blow most contaminants back out into the air, even with HEPA filtration. Most benefits and drawbacks just depend on the model. No matter what model you have, you can upgrade with ease to something with newer technology that reduces the stuff that most vacuums throw into the air.

Every house in existence will always have air contaminants, no matter how much house cleaning you do. Even though you cannot completely eliminate it, you can at least control it and have a healthier home environment.

the-maids-minneapolis

How to Take Great Care of Your Carpets

Deal With the Stains First

Weekly Maintenance

Protecting Your Kids from Hazardous Chemicals

Avoid Toxic Chemicals from Water and Food

Other Tips:

Preventing Shoe Scatters and Disappearances in Your Home

Make Use of Shelves

Hanging Shoe Storage

Use a Shoe Rack

Great Tips for Maintaining Your Washing Machine

Check Fill Hoses and Drainage Hose Regularly

Check if the Machine is Level

Regular Maintenance

Surge Protection

Three Simple Ways to Deal with Yellow Jackets at Your Home

Sanitation

Killing The Nest

Baits

Refrigerator Cleaning Tips

Gathering Your Cleaning Tools

Steps for Proper Cleaning

Money Saving Weatherization Tips For Your Home

Test the Air Tightness of Your Home

Locate Dirty Spots within Your Insulation System

Install Storm Windows

Close the Flue Damper

How to Prevent the Growth of Mold onYour Baby Toys

How to Get Rid of Stains from Coffee Cups

Tips to Protect Your Wood Furniture

Avoid Scratches

Avoid Liquids

Use Wood Polish

Using Additional Shelves for More Storage Space

Purpose

Organization

The Uses and Disadvantages of Chlorine Bleach

The Downside of Chlorine Bleach

Uses of the Bleach

Renew the Beauty of Your Outdoor Furniture

Removal of Stickers and Their Residue from Various Surfaces

Glass Surfaces

Wooden Surfaces ﻿

Plastic Surfaces ﻿

Metallic Surfaces

Reasons Why You Should Consider Homemade Cleansers

Cleaning with at Home Made Products

Wax for Floors

Furniture Polishing

Homemade Bleach

Microwave Cleaner

Glass Cleaner

Best Garage Organization Ideas That Work

1. Sort

2. Keep dangerous chemical in their original containers

3. Lean the ladders horizontally

4. Assign each area of the garage a specific purpose ﻿

Get Compacted and Save Space

Organization Is the Key to Saving Time

Top Uses of Storage Bins

Here are the top 10 uses for household storage bins:

Keeping Valued Papers Safe

Homemade Cleaning Agents Recipes

Window Cleaner

Carpet Cleanser

Hard Surfaces and Rust Stains

Tips for Effective Expansion of Your Refrigerator

Fridge Expansion Ideas That You Didn’t Know

How to Remove Coffee Stains from Carpet

Know about the Allergens In The Home And How To Get Rid Of Them

How To Get Rid Of Dust Mites

Clutter and Stress

Spring Cleaning: 10 Minutes a Day

Why Dedicate 10 Minutes a Day?

What to Do in 10 Minutes a Day?

3 Steps That You Should Follow To Organize Your Garage beforethe Holidays

Cleaning and Maintenance of a Fish Tank

Tips for Organizing a Garage Sale

Better Organization for Clutter-Free Houses

Wooden Surfaces

Plastic Surfaces

4. Assign each area of the garage a specific purpose