Author: Modern Maids

  • House Cleaning Tips That Work – Learn Here

    Proper House Cleaning

    You may think that cleaning is just for the sake of being organized, cleaning the clutter, and dusting the dust. But if you’re going to looking at it from a wider perspective, cleaning affects not just our physical health, but our psychological well-being, too. A clean home contributes to having a good mood, helps with focus and concentration, and also affects productivity.

    Now that we know how big the effect of a clean house is, it’s important to always keep things tidy every day. And to be able to do it, cleaning should be done properly. There is a system to cleaning that should be observed if you want to get the best results, saving you time and energy. It may be difficult at first, especially if you have so much clutter and dirty corners, but maintaining it moving forward will make it easy in the long run.

    In this article, we’ll share with you some house cleaning tips that actually work. Read on to find out more.

    House Cleaning Tips That Work

    Using White Vinegar and Baking Soda For Home Cleaning

    Pantry staples as alternative cleaning solutions

    There are many pantry staples that are multi-purpose. Not only are they easy to find, but they offer safer alternatives to the readily available cleaning chemicals we usually use. Among those multi-purpose ingredients are the baking soda and white vinegar.

    Baking soda is a great deodorizer and a mild abrasive. Meanwhile, vinegar can be an alternative to bleach, is also used as a deodorizer, and can be used to remove stains. Below are some more specific uses for these to versatile kitchen items:

    • Remove deeply stuck residue in pots and pans by soaking it in a solution of baking soda, hot water, and dish soap for 15 minutes. Then rinse.
    • You can also clean your dishwasher and coffee maker by running either baking soda or vinegar on it on a monthly basis.
    • Time to relive your science experiment experience back in grade school. Mix vinegar and baking soda in a spray bottle, and spritz the solution when cleaning your refrigerator. This way you avoid any harsh chemicals getting into contact where you store food.
    • You can also clean your toilet bowl using baking soda by scrubbing half a cup of it on the surface. If you need to remove tougher stains, leave it soaked in vinegar and let is sit overnight.
    • You may not be aware but your shower head also needs regular cleaning as it can get clogged with algae. You can soak it in a solution of baking soda and vinegar to dissolve the dirt.

    Clean Whole House, Not Just One Room

    Clean the whole house

    If you live in a whole house, you know how cleaning the whole space all on your own, or even with some help, is still tiring. But if you really want to get rid of the dirt, then the right way to clean the house it to clean it wholly, and not just per room whenever you feel like it. Why is that? Dust is carried in the air, and air circulating inside the house can spread the dust from an unclean room to a freshly dusted place. Then your effort will be all in vain.

    The proper way to do it would be to do one task, and perform it in every room before switching tasks. Say sweep or vacuum the whole, before mopping the place. Avoid doing it per area or room so it won’t feel like an endless cycle.

    Sweep Before Mop

    Do it in order: sweep before mop

    It’s inly logical to start sweeping dust and debris first before mopping, otherwise you might just find yourself in the middle of some homemade mush of dust and water, making cleaning all the more difficult.

    But one thing many people make the mistake of doing is not having any sense of direction when it comes to mopping. Always start with corners and hard to reach areas, then move towards the center or the door. This way, dirt does not seep into corners where you might not be able to remove. Remember to never mop yourself in a corner.

    Use Microfiber Cloth For Glass and Windows

    Proper glass cleaning

    Don’t you just find it irritating whenever you see streaks of dirt, stands of fiber, or even spots of lint left on glass surfaces after you wipe it? If that happens, then you must know you’re doing something wrong. Either you’re doing steps not in the right order. Or you’re using the wrong cleaning supplies. For the next time you clean glass surfaces like table tops, mirror, or window, start by using a damp microfiber cloth. A simple solution of water and soap will do for this. Make sure to wring the cloth to avoid drenching the surface. Once you’ve wiped off all the accumulated dust, wipe the surface again using a dry microfiber cloth.

    Clean Your Cleaning Tools and Equipment

    Make sure to clean your vacuum after every use

    It doesn’t really make sense to clean the house if the cleaning equipment you’re using isn’t clean in the first place. Make sure you are using clean rags, brooms, and brushes. Don’t forget to empty the bin of your vacuum cleaner before you return it back to storage. Wash it regularly to ensure that no dust and dirt remain behind.

    Make The Whole Family Participate

    Get your family involved

    If you live with company who spends a fair amount of time at home as you, then there’s no reason why you should be the only one doing all the cleaning. It makes the job a bit easy if everyone participates, and it helps save time as well. Even more, you won’t find people asking you where you stored a certain item simply because they’re the ones who cleaned it themselves.

    Deep Cleaning

    Regular cleaning is fine and well but deep cleaning is required at least twice a year, or better yet done every 3 months to ensure your house remains in top shape. To make sure that it’s done right, we recommend that you hire third party professionals to do this kind of cleaning because they come equipped with heavy duty tools and equipment. This goes the same when preparing your home for sale because you want to impress all potential buyers. More than just the regular routine, they can wash your mattress and couch, clean the gutter, scrub down the whole bathroom and under the sink, and every other corner you may not normally clean.

    Maintaining A Clean Home

    Clean Home

    Maintaining a clean home may be a hard thing to do especially when you have to do it on your own but know that there are services and companies you can hire to help you make your home look like new. For the best cleaning experience, check if there is a Modern Maids service in your area.

  • 20 Tried and Tested Homemade Cleaner Ingredients and Recipes

    After spending so much time at home (and on social media), we’ve managed to pick up a few hobbies and cleaning may be on top of the list. In the past year, we have managed to inspect every nook and cranny inside our houses and to notice dust and dirt in places we may have never looked into under different circumstances. Now that we have a new passion for cleaning, most of us have probably noticed how expensive cleaning products are! Aside from the cost, different commercial cleaning products are also filled with toxic chemicals and wrapped in elaborate plastic packaging. There is no way these products are good for the environment yet we still need them on a regular basis.

    About Cleaning Product Ingredients | The American Cleaning Institute (ACI)

    Don’t fret! Another trending hobby now, all thanks to YouTube and TikTok, is DIY. When it comes to cleaning, there are thousands of ideas on how to make your own all-natural cleaning products with items that you can just find at home or in your go-to supermarket. To make most of these products all you need is a spray bottle and natural cleaning recipes that we provide here. These are the best methods used by professional services such as Dallas house cleaning company Modern Maids.

    Below is a list you can check out for homemade cleaner recipes, natural cleaning ingredients and recipes that can help you be a more responsible neat freak:

    Natural Cleaning Ingredients

    Ingredients For Homemade Cleaning Recipes

    There are several items found in your pantry that can be used for cleaning. Whether you use them as is or mix them together with other ingredients for a DIY cleaning concoction is up to you!

    Baking Soda

    Used since many centuries ago, Baking soda is a natural cleaning agent that deodorizes, cleans and helps remove tough dirts. It can be easily applied alone to clean sinks, toilets, baths, ovens, fridges and surfaces to remove dirt and stains.

    White Vinegar

    Another item that is an effective cleaning agent is White Vinegar. It is an amazing multi-purpose product that can be used all over your home to get remove foul odors, stains, grease, dirt, mold and mildew. Surprising as it is because white vinegar has its own off-putting smell, it has properties that hIt may have a slightly off-putting smell, but it’s acidic nature makes it strong enough not only to clean but also to disinfect.

    Salt

    Even with it being a must-have in every cooking recipe, salt still offers more. It is a super versatile mineral that can scour off dirt. Salt helps boost the cleaning effects of other ingredients, such as vinegar or bicarbonate of soda, when combined together.

    Castile Soap

    Castile Soap

    Unlike chemically-ladened products, Castile soap is an ec0-friendly option that helps clean the home. It can also be used as an all-purpose cleaner – from laundry detergent, to dish soap, hand soap, floor cleaner and even shampoo.

    Lemon Juice

    Similar to vinegar, lemon juice is very strong acid that not only removes stains and dirt but also helps fight against bacteria. You can use it with water to create a homemade all purpose cleaner or glass cleaner with the proper dilution.

    Olive Oil

    More than just a healthy cooking oil, Olive oil is also used to loosen up stains, grease and grime on all kinds of surfaces.

    Essential Oils

    Naturally anti-bacterial, essential oils not only help to sanitize your house, but keep it smelling great too. S. Aside from keeping any space smelling great, Essential Oils are also naturally anti-bacterial and helps disinfect, purify and even remove stains without any toxic chemicals needed. The lemon essential oil and lavender oil are two of the top essential oils when it comes to homemade cleaners.

    Soap Nuts

    Magic Berries

    Soap Nuts are berries that produce a natural soap called saponin that foams up and helps remove grime and smells when you mix it with water. This eco-friendly alternative is anti-fungal, anti-bacterial and anti-microbial. Soap nuts are ideal homemade cleaners because of there ease of use.

    DIY Cleaning Spray Bottle Ideas

    DIY: How to make your own natural cleaning products

    Okay, now that we’ve covered the basic ingredients, let’s now discuss special mixes you can prepare at home for all your cleaning needs:

    1. All-Purpose Cleaner

    It’s very simple: Mix equal parts water and vinegar then add drops of essential oils to counter the vinegar smell. You can also also add lemon or orange rinds as an alternative to essential oil. Voila! You have your all-purpose cleaner in a bottle! You can now use it to clean surfaces but avoid using it on on marble, stone or granite ones.

    You can also use it to remove hard water stains or wall smudges, clean trash cans and so much more!

    2. Kitchen Cleaner and Deodorizer

    Mix 4-5 tablespoons of baking soda with warm water – that’s it! You can use the mixture to clean kitchen tops, appliances, the insides of your refrigerator, and sinks. You can also use baking soda to deodorize surfaces, drains or garbage disposals. If you want to shine or remove spots from stainless steel, create a paste using baking soda and water. Use a damp cloth and rub gently in the direction of the metal’s grain. Rinse and dry after.

    3. Toiler Cleaner

    For a heavy-duty toiler cleaner – mix the big guns: white vinegar, baking soda, and essential oils. Pour these three together on the area you wish to clean, let it sit for a few minutes, then scrub and rinse!

    4. Natural Heavy-Duty Scrub

    Dip 1/2 lemon into 1/2 cup of borax powder, use it to scrub surfaces and then rise. Using this method, you can get rid of rust stains on porcelain and enamel sinks or tubs! You can find borax powder in the detergent aisle of your favorite grocery store or online. Don’t forget about essential oil which makes the perfect homemade cleaners even for heavy duty scrubbing.

    5. Laundry Detergent

    Grind soap nuts or boil them in water, place them in a pouch and you have a natural laundry detergent. Add the pouch into your washing machine and use them for around 4 to 5 washes. When you’re done with them, they can also be composted in your garden!

    6. Window and Mirror Cleaner

    Mix 1 part white vinegar with 4 parts water, put the mixture in a spray bottle and use it to polish and clean your windows and mirrors. You can also add essential oils to offset the vinegar smell. Avoid using the mixture on a hot day as it can leave streaks.

    7. Air Freshener

    Mix water and around 10 drops (or until the scent is strong enough for you) of essential oils and fill a spray bottle. Use it to freshen up the air, your furniture or linen.

    8. Microwave Cleaner

    Mix vinegar and lemon juice in a small cup and place it inside the microwave. Turn it on and leave the cup for 2 minutes. Leave the door closed for a further minute or so to steam, then open and wipe down the inside with a damp cloth.

    9. Liquid Dish Soap

    Mix 4 parts of Castile soap with 1 part water in a bottle then use it as a hand soap!

    10. Furniture Polish

    Mix 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 3/4 cup of olive oil and juice from half a lemon. Use the mixture to wipe furniture. Olive oil works perfectly as a furniture polish. Mix together 1/4 cup of white vinegar, 3/4 cup of olive oil and the juice of half a lemon.

    11. Mold and Mildew Cleaner

    Fill a bottle with vinegar mixed with tea tree oil and use to spray affected areas. Let it sit for around 30 minutes and rinse off the area with warm water. Finish by scrubbing off with a cloth. Tea tree oil actually helps fighting the mildew!

    12. Floor Cleaner

    Of course, every powerful cleaner includes vinegar! Simple add 1/4 cup of white vinegar to a buchet of hot water and a squeeze of Castile soap. Use this to scrub floors!

    13. Carpet Deodorizer

    Mix baking soda and 10 drops of essential oil. Shake and store! Whenever your carpet needs freshening up, use this mixture and leave for up to 30 minutes before vacuuming.

    14. Oven Cleaner

    Add 1/4 cup bicarbonate of soda, 1 tsp of salt into some water. Continue adding water little by little until you create a paste. Apply the mixture on your oven and let it sit overnight. Scrub and wipe clean the next day with a damp cloth for a sparkling oven!

    15. Chopping Board Cleaner

    Disinfecting chopping boards is a must! To do it, simply chop a lemon in half and rub over the surface of the board, then wipe clean. If there are tough stains, you can squeeze lemon juice onto the chopping board and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it off.

    16. Drain Cleaner

    If you have a blocked drain, pour a good amount of baking soda first then add white vinegar to the drain. These two will help each other in breaking down dirt, grime and grease clogging up the drain. After 10-15 minutes, pour boiling hot water down the drain to clean everything out.

    17. Stain Remover

    Create an all-purpose stain remover by mixing 1/4 cup of vinegar, 1/4 cup of baking soda, and a squeeze of Castile soap or any liquid soap and 2 cups of water. Shake and pour into a spray bottle. Use it whenever you have a tough stain on your clothes or the carpet.

    18. Homemade Brass Cleaner

    Use salt and white vinegar to clean non-lacquered cabinet pulls, bathroom appointments, and more. Dampen a sponge with vinegar or lemon juice, then sprinkle on salt. Lightly rub it over the surface you wish to clean then rinse thoroughly with water. Immediately dry with a clean soft cloth.

    19. DIY Grease Cleaner

    Sudsy ammonia is an ingredient that contains detergent that helps remove tough grime. Combine 1/2 cup of it and enough water to fill a one-gallon container. Use it to clean your oven racks, stove hood, and grill by dipping a sponge into the solution and wiping over the surface before rinsing with clear water.

    20. Last-Resort Clothing Stain Remover

    To handle badly-stained white clothing, mix 1 cup of powdered dishwasher detergent, 1 cup of liquid chlorine bleach (not ultra or concentrate) and add into 1 gallon of hot water. Soak the stained garment in mixture into a stainless steel, plastic, or enamel bowl for 15-20 minutes. If stain is still there, let it soak a bit longer, then wash the item as usual.

  • How Much Does Hiring a Cleaning Service in Texas Cost? – Find Out Here

    What is a cleaning service and why you should hire one

    Hiring a cleaning service

    So you have decided to hire a professional to help you clean your house, your business office or any other space that needs cleaning – that essentially covers what a cleaning service is. It is a business category that provides professional cleaning to clients on a one-time or recurring basis. There are many benefits to hiring one for your home:

    You can get expert and efficient cleaning from trained professionals.

    You may be a self-proclaimed expert when it comes to cleaning but you are still not professionally-trained. House cleaners are paid to do this job better than any of us, because cleaning companies equip them with extensive training to ensure that clients can enjoy the best quality of cleaning services to get their money’s worth.

    These cleaners also adhere to effective cleaning systems and techniques that allow them to clean faster and more efficiently. It is also easier for them to ensure that all areas are covered and not miss cleaning hard-to-reach or often-disregarded locations inside the home.

    You can maximize their professional-grade cleaning products and cleaning equipment.

    Cleaning tools and equipment

    Aside from trained cleaners, cleaning services also use the best products and tools out there. Imagine your home benefiting from all the cleaning equipment that we cannot splurge on because the cleaning crew will definitely use them once we avail of their services, especially for deep cleaning needs.

    It offers deep sanitation and disinfection.

    Thorough sanitation and disinfection are also part of the packages that cleaning services offer. Nowadays, it is a must-have in every home since safety is a top priority with the viruses present that may harm our family and loved ones. Cleaning services have the necessary products to endure disinfection that can help put our minds at ease.

    It saves your valuable time and energy.

    Admit it, cleaning the house can take up an entire weekend of our time. Hiring a cleaner will allow us to spend what could have been hours (or days) of cleaning for other important tasks such as errands, work, or family and personal time.

    What are the companies providing cleaning services to choose from

    For those residing in Texas, we have listed down cleaning service to choose from now that we have established the value of hiring cleaning services for your home or office:

    • Modern Maids – This Dallas-based cleaning service company is the top cleaning company in the

    area. They offer a variety of cleaning services for clients to consider – from regular to deep cleaning services, from scheduled and one-time cleaning to move on or move out options and even weekly or monthly services. Modern Maid always guarantees to provide their customers with professional cleaners equipped with the highest level of service and expertise, easily booked at your convenience.

    You may check out Modern Maids website or download their app to try their services. Then, as the company promises, you may just sit back, relax, and wait for your house cleaners to arrive.

    Contact Details: +1 469-430-8860

    Address: 2500 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, United States

    • Dallas Maids – Offering similar services, Dallas Maids ensures clients that their maid services

    will exceed expectations. The company’s priority is to provide assurance, safety and peace of mind to their customers as they recognize the challenges of letting a stranger clean your home. They guarantee that all their house cleaners pass through a background check and an in-person interview. You may visit their website for more information on the services they offer.

    Contact Details: (469) 487-6669 / service@dallasmaids.com

    Address: 2606 Manor Way, Dallas, TX 75235

    • Sparkly Maids – A well-recommended maid service, Sparkly Maid offers efficient and

    convenient home cleaning services with transparent pricing. A locally-owned company, Sparkly Maids aims to provide the best domestic and commercial cleaning services that customers will sure to appreciate. It is their priority to go the extra mile for their clients through excellent customer service and cleaning standards. Check out their website for more information.

    Contact Details: (214) 903-0014 / info@sparklymaids.com

    Address: 4323 Dickason Ave Suite #19, Dallas, TX 75219

    • Molly Maid – One of the industry-leading cleaning companies, Molly Maid ensures its customers

    the clean, orderly, and welcoming home that they dream of. The company provides professional maid services that can be customized based on each client’s needs. If you are looking for help to free up your hands, Molly Maid will promises flexibility to your budget, schedule, and cleaning preferences. Know more about them at https://www.mollymaid.com/northwest-dallas-county/.

    Contact Details: (214) 712-3836

    Address: Northern Ellis Counties, 3440 South Polk Street, Dallas, TX 75224

    • Highland Park Housekeeping – Aside from providing luxury and excellent housekeeping

    services, Highland Park Housekeeping also aims to help working moms by giving them job opportunities. The company aims to assure its clients that they get cleaning and housekeeping that is above and beyond the industry standards when they choose Highland Park Housekeeping. Check out https://highlandparkhousekeeping.com/ for more details!

    Contact Details: (214) 334-7082

    Address: 3130 Harvard Ave, Dallas, TX 75205

    • Two Maids and A Mop – Another cleaning service you can consider is Two Maids and A Mop.

    More than its services, the company uniquely offers an effective feedback system that allows them to continuously improve their services to meet client satisfaction. Check out their website to book a service!

    Contact Details: (214) 637-6237

    Address: 1555 W Mockingbird Ln #206, Dallas, TX, 75235

    • Emily’s Maids – The company’s unique selling point is its personable and dependable home

    cleaners. At Emily’s Maids, clients can choose from weekly, biweekly, monthly, move in and move out, one-time and deep cleaning, emergency, and after-party cleaning services. Aside from providing a wide selection of services, they also strive to to give below-average pricing for its customers. Check them out at their website.

    Contact Details: (214) 556-6243 / service@emilysmaids.com

    Address: 8919 San Leandro Dr, Dallas, TX 75218

    • Walo Maids – At Walo Maids, customers can expect top-notch, reliable and consistent house,

    apartment, and commercial/office cleaning services performed by well-trained maids. Walo Maids promises the highest quality service and efficiency. As an added guarantee, Walo Maids is a fully bonded and insured, with a dependable, uniformed, and experienced staff committed to excellence.Check them out here: http://walomaids.com/

    Contact Details: (214) 390-3387 / info@walomaids.com

    Address: 11333 N Central Expy #212, Dallas, TX 75243

    • Dallas Hood Cleaning – This cleaning company assures attention to detail and customer service

    policies. Dallas Hood Cleaning is also the first and only company to offer great hood cleaning in Dallas, Texas. Dallas Hood Cleaning specializes in providing cleaning services tailored to restaurant owners who are in need of help to clean their space. Check  https://dallastxhoodcleaning.com/ for more details!

    Contact: (214) 903-4740 / info@dallastxhoodcleaning.com

    Address: 2101 Cedar Springs Rd #7 Dallas TX 75201

    Choosing the best cleaning company for your house cleaning needs

    Cleaning Services Make a Difference

    With a lot of options out there, it may be daunting to choose the best one for your home cleaning needs. To further guide you in selecting, below are some tips:

    • Consider your cleaning needs – check the list of services each option offers and choose the best one that suits what you are looking for.
    • Experience and Credibility – Do proper research and make sure that your cleaning service options are trusted names in the industry. Make sure they have enough years of experience under their belt so you can be assured that you are getting your money’s worth.
    • Reviews and recommendations – Aside from visiting websites, check out reviews and recommendations from real users on social media pages and community pages
    • Budget and Cost – Choose options that are within budget while still putting importance to the quality of work and expertise.
    • Trial Phase – Try out 2 to 3 recommended cleaning services that provide what you need at your desired price point and compare which works out best before hiring them regularly.

    Recommended: Modern Maids

    For our top recommendation, you should try Modern Maids’ services! Among the many choices within Dallas, Modern Maids stands out when it comes to exceptional cleaning and professional services. Aside from its convenient booking platforms and wide variety of cleaning services options, Modern Maids also carefully vets all its cleaners to ensure the safety and well-being of its customers. All cleaners also undergo extensive training to ensure efficiency and expertise when it comes to cleaning your homes.

    More than all this, Modern Maids also uses green cleaning solutions whenever possible. You are sure that you get your money’s worth with a company like Modern Maids!

  • How to Correct 10 Most Common Cleaning Mistakes

    Cleaning can be fun for others but can also be a despised task by some. But it’s undeniable that cleaning is a must for many reasons, starting with maintaining proper hygiene. But to be able to make the most out of cleaning, you have to do things the right way. We might think that as long as it ends up clean, then we can leave it a that. What we might not know is that what we think is the common way to clean things might be causing long-term damage, leading to the deterioration of of our home decor, appliances, fixtures, and more.

    Can soap be used on all surfaces? How much solution should I use? Is it right to scrub off stains immediately? You might think you have the right answer but think again. If you’re not sure, then you definitely have to read on or hire a Austin house cleaning service to do the work for you.

    Clean using the right tools and technique

    PROPER CLEANING TECHNIQUES

    Not everything can be cleaned with soap and water, and if you you’re not sure about using chemicals, don’t think about doing a trial-and error method. There’s a right way to do things, and it pays to do research or hire a professional to do things for you. But before you do that, below are some of the common cleaning mistakes people do and things to avoid.

    Same sponge or cloth for everything

    Use different sponges for different set of wares

    It’s a common mistake for many households to use the same cleaning cloth or sponge for everything. For example, using one sponge for all dinnerware and cooking utensils, including pans. Or using the same cleaning cloth in wiping different surfaces with different purposes. This is a big no-no as it just transfers the unwanted dirt of one area to another and does not help in cleaning at all. Worse, it can leave unwanted smells due to the mixture of many elements.

    Have separate sponges for your pots and pans, and another one for your glasses, plates, and utensils. As for cleaning cloths, use a different cloth when drying dishes and wiping kitchen surfaces. Same goes with cleaning cloths used in the bathroom. Do not use on other surfaces what you used on the toilet and floors.

    “All-purpose” is not for everything

    Nothing truly is all-purpose so don’t be fooled into using one product on every surface or item you need to clean. Especially when dealing with an expensive product, it’s worth investing in cleaning products intended to be used on a particular item to make sure that it lasts long.

    Washing windows on a sunny day

    You might feel like enjoying the sunshine while spraying the cleaner on your dirty windows but it’s actually going to make the job harder for you. The sunlight will only make the spray evaporate faster, leaving streaks on the surface of the glass. If that happens, then you’ll have to repeat the process and tire yourself out. Best to wait until sundown or when it’s a bit cloudy to clean your windows.

    Disinfecting before cleaning

    There is no sense in disinfecting the surface when you have yet to clean it. It’s a common cleaning mistake thinking that the disinfecting solution also doubles as a cleaning solution.

    Remove dust, dirt, debris, and other unwanted solid chunks and objects on the surface. After that, spray cleaning solution first before using disinfecting chemicals so you don’t waste products and let them do their job.

    Spraying solutions directly onto surfaces

    Spray solution on towel or cloth and not directly onto surface

    It’s a very common mistake to make since we think that directly spraying the solution makes it easier to remove the dirt. Wrong. It actually leaves the surface greasy, and makes it more laborious to rinse. Spray it onto the cleaning cloth instead, or a disposable paper towel.

    Making cleaner cocktails

    Just because you have several cleaning products doesn’t mean you ca mix them thinking that your cocktail is more potent and can clean better. On the contrary, it may even cause more damage than good!

    One important thing to remember is to never mix bleach with any other solution. Not vinegar, alcohol, or ammonia. Doing so may not cause it to emit dangerous fumes, but the chemical reactions may cause health problems, with irritations being the least of them.

    Impatience with soaking

    Cleaning is patient work. You can’t speed up the process and expect everything to be shiny and glimmering at the end. One of the common cleaning mistakes we do is we end up using too much product thinking that it’ll lessen the waiting period. Many cleaners do this when cleaning bathroom and kitchen surfaces and soaking stained clothes and rags.

    Using dish soap on a cutting board

    Cleaning the cutting board should be done properly since it’s regularly used in cooking, and bacterial can quickly accumulate since it directly gets into contact with raw meat every time. Another thing is that for wooden cutting boards, it can grow moulds and mildew which is a no-no for food. Dish soap and water just won’t cut it. Don’t put it in a dishwasher as well. Instead, soak it in hydrogen peroxide or a bleaching solution, then rinse and dry.

    Cleaning from the bottom then moving up

    Clean higher surfaces first before the floor

    The floor is the easiest surface to access to it is logical for some to begin cleaning there but the process is wrong. Starting from the ceiling and higher areas helps you get rid of dust and dirt, which will fall on the ground. Then you can sweep and vacuum it with along with the floor dust. This is an essential cleaning tip that any maid service must follow. Starting from the bottom will only have you vacuuming the floor twice which is a waste of time and energy.

    Using too much fabric softener

    Again with the use of too much product thinking that it will give us the best results. While we want our towels to smell good, using too much fabric softener might result in in being greasy. Fabric softeners also reduces the ability to absorb wetness which counteracts the purpose of a towel. You might want to use a measuring cup next time when you do your laundry.

    DO IT RIGHT WITH THE HELP OF HOME CLEANING SERVICES

    We hope you learned something new with what we shared. If you are have been doing any of the mistakes above as part of your regular cleaning routine, then it’s time to switch things up and make the most out of your effort.

    You can do things on your own and try to learn how to do it the right way, but if you want to be sure of the clean state of your home, then we recommend hiring a house cleaning service.

    There are many reasons why you should hire professional cleaners. They are trained, have the right tools, and it will also save you time and energy. Go check out the local cleaning service providers in your area.

  • Top 10 Cleaning Tips for Hoarders

    A viral tweet once said, “One thing no one ever talks about being an adult is how much time you debate yourself on keeping a cardboard box because it’s, like, a really good box.”

    Hardcore hoarders are hard to find. But if we’re going to be honest, we all share hoarding tendencies, whether it’s those numerous tin cans that we’re pretty sure we can up-cycle, or those towers and towers of books all over the house. It may not even be our junk. Sometimes, the hoarder might be a family member who has a thing for cardboard boxes just as the tweet shared.

    So, how do you go about decluttering the house when it’s absolutely time to deep clean? Today, we’re going to give you some tips for getting through a hoarding issue. If you don’t have time to follow these tips you can always hire a service like this top rated Austin maid service.

    1 – Cleaning Checklist

    Clipart of cleaning supplies

    You have to do some serious hoarding cleanup! The whole cleaning process might take a whole day or a few days to do but it doesn’t have to be time-consuming. First, you have to make sure that all of the following things are ready.

    • Heavy duty trash bags – One way or the other, you’re going to want to get rid of some of the stuff, so better to have some of these handy.
    • Vacuum cleaner – There’s definitely going to be a lot of dust. Check if your vacuum cleaner is in good working order and see to it that the dust bag is empty.
    • Protective gear – One way or another, dust and allergens will be flying around. Don’t forget to wear a face mask while you do your cleaning and gloves to protect against harmful chemicals.
    • Empty boxes – While this is a great time to do some purging of all the things that have accumulated, you don’t have to get rid of everything. Ready some empty boxes in case you find some things you would like to save or donate. You might just be able to hold a yard sale afterwards!
    • Step ladder – Have it at the ready in case you own one in the house. You can use it for reaching on top of shelves and clearing away cobwebs.
    • First aid kit – Just on the off chance that you acquire a wound from all the work you have to do.
    • Cleaning supplies – Get your brooms, brushes, and cleaning agents. It’s time to roll up our sleeves!

    2 – The KonMari Method

    Do your things still spark joy?

    The essential thing to remember before starting your cleanup mission is you don’t need all of this stuff. Sure, you might still want to keep some of them, but definitely not everything. Cleaning your home will mean decluttering room after room after room, and choosing which items to let go or to keep.

    Let’s take a page out of Marie Kondo’s book.

    Shelves and piles of books

    Marie Kondo, who became a household name after Netflix released a series in 2019, champions the idea to keep only the things most important to us. The things that, according to her, still spark joy. Her technique, dubbed the KonMari method, begins by taking everything you want to organize into a pile and then categorizing them accordingly based on which you would still like to keep and which you might already want to throw away. An important part of her process is thanking the items, even those you might already consider trash, for the part they have played in your life. After all, you chose to keep them at some point! It’s a noteworthy part of her decluttering idea so that you can say goodbye properly and let go.

    3 – Deep Clean

    Since you’re already knee-deep in the decision to declutter, we highly recommend that you do a deep clean of the whole house. It’s best to do this at the same time as you sort and decide which items to save, but oftentimes you might need professional help. A hoarder’s house is bound to have issues with mold and, unfortunately, all sorts of pests.

    You don’t get to do this a lot so why not make the effort to go all in? This decision is on a case-to-case basis, but if you already have an inkling of the amount of work that needs to be done, it’s better to know the numbers that you can call for professional services.

    4 – Sorting Area

    Some of the things you might find in your decluttering are items that truly serve a purpose and were just misplaced. In case you randomly find something but don’t know yet where to put it, it’s best to prepare a sorting space somewhere in your house or property. You can even use your yard!

    An assortment of used things

    Later on, once you have finished all the necessary cleaning and purging, you can get back to this sorting area to wade through the piles and determine if they should be put in the bathroom, the living room, the bedroom, etc.

    5 – Start Small

    The KonMari method talks about going through items based on category not by their location in your home. But for the purposes of house cleaning, we recommend that you do your cleaning room by room. To start, you need to begin your work in the smallest area in the house. No matter if it’s the bathroom or a broom closet. This way, should you need to take a lot of items out, you won’t have to dirty a smaller room.

    6 – Take Breaks

    If you start your cleanup in the smallest area in the house, you also won’t get overwhelmed too quickly. After finishing one room, you might be able to take a break before proceeding to the other rooms. You could use this time to assess your progress and acknowledge the great job you have been doing so far.

    Don’t forget to wash your hands first if you end up snacking!

    7 – Donate or Sell

    If you ever thought that house cleaning was a thankless job, think again!

    Cleaning can bring catharsis to many people as they learn to let go of items that used to mean a lot to them. That in itself is worth all of the effort of going through this difficult process. It can be a great help to your mental health because as you get older, you’ll find that clutter can make you less productive and it can have a great effect on your overall well-being.

    A woman thinking

    Once you recognize that there is no more space in your life for this clutter, you have three options. You might throw them away, decide to donate them, or even make some money by selling these items. For used items that still function properly, it may be best to give them away to those who might need them more. Sometimes, you might also find some items that you were never able to use, in which case, you’ll be able to try your hand at selling them. Just be careful, even if these items do not get sold, you must make the commitment of sticking to your original decision. You can always give them to family who don’t live with you or a loved one.

    8 – Organize

    One reason hoarding might get out of hand is because there are not enough storage containers at home, that’s why they simply made piles on the floor. It’s hard to create additional space, and in the scenario where this need arises, you might want to consider renting storage, but this has to become our last resort.

    As much as you can, try to keep similar items together in a single container. Maybe you ended up with book “towers” because you didn’t have enough shelves. Should you find it impossible to let go of some clutter, at least try to put them in a place where they won’t create a mess, and definitely not on the floor. Try visiting a furniture store to get some ideas.

    9 – Team Up

    Whether you are the one with the hoarding problem or you are intervening for a loved one, you don’t have to do all the cleaning by yourself. In fact, if a deep clean of the home is the target, you will definitely need a lot of help from the family.

    Make sure you schedule the cleaning during a time when people at home are not busy. If you know that someone will be using the room you need to clean, then you definitely won’t be able to do the job at all. Aside from clearing the rooms of people who might stand in your way, you’ll also be getting more available hands on deck.

    10 – Move Forward

    A woman speaking to a professional

    Hoarding is a disorder that might be a symptom of a bigger problem. A hoarder got to this point because of an unaddressed issue. Whatever it is, it needs to be acknowledged and, if needed, professional help must be sought, because if not, you’ll just keep going in circles. By the time you finish the whole cleaning process, you’ll understand the serious effort this entails. It might not be something you want to do frequently.

    Don’t worry though, this is just a phase in your life! As long as you have the determination, nothing is impossible. Just look at the excellent work you did cleaning up your home!

  • How to maximize space in your home

    If you live in a studio apartment, you’re struggling with storage space issues. But with a little creativity, you can stylishly solve the space problem. You can increase small apartment storage by utilizing every nook and cranny. To create more space it helps to start by cleaning your home. The experts at Modern Maids a house cleaning Austin service have said cleaning your home will make the space look 20% bigger.  Let’s see how to maximize space in a small house and make it feel larger while maintaining style.

    Small Space Ideas for Storage

    Unclutter

    The first step begins with clearing the clutter. You do not want unneeded stuff to block some precious real estate in your home, right? When you start to de-clutter, you will find a lot of stuff that you have been unnecessarily holding on to for ages. Clearing it up should give you some space to cherish.

    Reduce visual clutter

    The best way to increase some space in your small apartment is to reduce the visual clutter. Start with organizing books by size and color. It may not hurt to invest in storage baskets to keep the no-so-frequently used stuff. Baskets will carry plenty of stuff in them while adding to the visual appeal of the small space.

    Choose pocket doors

    You may want to opt for pocket doors with glass windows when you are struggling for space in a studio apartment. Such glass doors will improve visual space by allowing shared light to flow through. Better still, these doors slide right into the wall and take less space.

    Find double duty stuff

    When you want to maximize space in a small apartment, choose pieces that serve multiple purposes. Choose furniture that serves double purpose. For example, invest in a table that doubles up as a desk and dining table. Buy cubes that enhance the appeal of a guest room and turn into bonus seats when guests are around.

    Think up

    There is a lot of vertical space that you can take advantage of in a small apartment. Look for options that can perform double duty. You want something that would double up as a workspace and an organizational tool, maximizing storage and display potential.

    Floating shelves are a great storage space organizer for a small house. Place some storage baskets on top of the floating shelves to keep them from looking cluttered.

    Think down

    While the walls have a lot of storage potential, do not ignore the under the bed space alternative. Bring baskets that can easily fit in under the four corners of the bed and you have an easy storage solution in a small apartment.

    Wall-mounted display shelf

    Here is one of the easiest small space storage ideas to maximize space in a small apartment. Invest in a wall mounted shelf where you can install a clothing rod to hang hats and coats. The display shelf makes a good storage solution at the entryway. It is an equally good option for the kitchen and bathroom.

    Nesting baskets

    Investing in a set of pretty baskets is a good storage idea for a small space. Consider putting the baskets on a bookshelf for extra storage and visual appeal. They can easily fit under a coffee table. These baskets are easy to stack one over another, thus minimizing space and maximizing appeal.

    Cabinet door organizer

    There are many places in a small apartment where a cabinet door organizer can fit in. Start with the kitchen. The best thing about such an organizer is that it saves space in the cabinet and can easily fit in. You can use the cabinet door organizer to hold any number of knives.

    Look under the kitchen sink. There is a lot of space that can easily hide some stuff, from plastic bags to cleaning supplies.

    Behind the door storage

    The door offers plenty of options to store knick-knacks. Ordinary coat hooks can safely store your ironing board. You could even hang your trash can behind the cabinet door in the bathroom to hide unattractive trash.

    This idea works in kitchen storage as well, where you can leverage the behind-the-door space for storing pots and pans and measuring spoons.

    What’s more, the small apartment storage idea is a great way to give a home to the cords and chargers that are often found cluttering the desk and bed.

    It will keep the cable clutter away.

    If you are still wondering how to maximize space in a small house, talk to the experts. Modern Maids are professionals in the cleaning and organizing niche. Let us help you maximize space in your small apartment.

  • Creative Bathroom Organizing Ideas

    Cleaning and organizing a bathroom seems like a daunting task. Just ask Modern Maids the leading maid service Austin who do these tasks as professional cleaners. But to keep it in ship-shape, you ought to spend time on bathroom organization. A bathroom holds a lot of stuff, which is wet and slippery. Since you use it an umpteen number of times a day, you may end up with a messy space at the end of the day. Perhaps you do not want to wake up with a messed up bathroom, right? Here are some bathroom organization ideas.

    Bathroom Organizing Tips

    A home for everything

    You want to allot a spot to every single item. This is the first rule to bringing your bathroom to order. But if yours is a small bathroom, you might be struggling for space. Opt for a Lazy Susan instead when you do not have space for everything.

    It will make it easier for you to reach out to different items. In fact, a spinning turntable is your secret weapon to organizing a bathroom.

    It would help to place taller bottles at the edges. This is to ensure that biggies do not hide the smaller stuff.

    Drawer organizers for everyone

    In order to keep the bathroom clutter-free, it is a good idea to keep things in order. For example, assign one drawer to every person. That would ensure that nothing is messed up and everything remains clean, tidy, and uncluttered. Having a clean and tidy bathroom is essential to also having clean house at all times.

    A tension rod can take up all

    If only you needed a tension rod to increase the storage space in your bathroom, life would be easier (cleaner). A sturdy tension rod is all you need to bring to the shower. Then hang S-hooks for an instant storage solution. Hang your shower caddy, scrubbies, and washcloths. Plus, the storage solution prevents mildew buildup at the base of the bottles.

    Plastic laundry baskets are a good bathroom organizing tool

    Invest in a few plastic laundry baskets as a cheap yet solid storage solution in the shower. Hang the baskets with a waterproof adhesive. It is a good idea to confine and contain kids’ toys that are often sitting in the tub overflowing with shampoo.

    Or if that sounds like too much of an investment, be a little creative with your laundry bag. Think of multiple ways to put it to use as a storage solution in the shower. One way is to use it for kids’ toys in the bathroom. Those rubber ducks can easily sit there. Your princess’ mermaid dolls will be happy to hang in the laundry lingerie bag.

    Bathroom Cabinets under basin

    One creative bathroom organization idea is to install pull-out drawers or cabinets below the basin. These cabinets are ideal for storing your knick-knacks, including beauty and shower accessories.

    Stick-on hooks come cheap

    If you are still struggling with a creative bathroom organizing idea to store your towel, go with a minimalist approach. Opt for stick-on hooks. Now you can hang towels and loofahs for a neat look. This is one way to ensure your bathroom essentials are not all over the place.

    Mirror-cum-shelf

    When you are focusing on bathroom organizing on a budget, try to bring home a mirror with a wider frame. Voila! You have an instant shelf to store lotion and cream. Yes, your tooth paste can hang in there too. Easy, right? But try not to flood the shelf with too much of stuff. Else, it might look cluttered.

    There are different types of mirrors available. There’s one that comes with the cabinet too. Surely, you have an easy storage solution with such mirror-cum-cabinet.

    Wicker baskets are a charm

    If you seek more bathroom counter organization ideas on a budget, you may need to buy some wicker baskets. With such stuff, you can maximize every inch of the available space. Not to mention, they look clean and awesome as well.

    Drawer dividers are the best organizers

    One of the most creative bathroom storage ideas is to pick some drawer dividers to organize your stuff. Drawer dividers take out the hassle of searching for tiny stuff, making it easier to keep your brushes, combs, and lipsticks in sight.

    Wall beside the vanity is a storage option

    Install a shelf next to the vanity. This is one way to keep things off the counters. Surely it is one of the easiest bathroom counter organization ideas that gives the shower a spruced up look in an instant. What’s more, you have all the daily use stuff within easy reach. Additionally, you will love it for its greater storage space than a medicine cabinet.

    A tension rod under the sink works just fine

    When you are looking for bathroom organization ideas under sink, think of a tension rod that can easily accommodate towels and spray bottles. If you wish to go beyond a tension rod, then look for an under-sink organizer to maximize storage space.

    It is easier to stack cleaning supplies in an under-the-sink cabinet. Even bulkier bathroom items can safely sit there without the need for digging or shuffling things.

    Are you still unsure about the best bathroom organization ideas? Well, Modern Maids can help. As experts in the cleaning and organizing niche, we can help you with some creative bathroom storage ideas. Schedule your next appointment using our book now feature or get in touch with us today.

  • How to Speed Clean a Room

    How To Clean A Very Dirty Room in 30 Minutes

    My room is so messy I don’t know where to start. If you can relate to this thought, then you are at the right place. If cleaning seems like an arduous task, then let us help you learn how to clean a messy room in 30 minutes. Modern Maids is the #1 rated maid service in Dallas and they provide top quality to hundreds of customers each week.

    How To Clean Your Room (Step By Step)

    When you think about cleaning your personal space, do you feel overwhelmed with too much of clutter? Or do you feel frustrated? Okay, you do not have time to clean, right? Well, it is easy to clean a dirty room quickly without spending too much of time.

    Kick away anything that doesn’t belong

    What is it that causes clutter? In many cases, it is the unneeded stuff that is responsible for clutter. So why continue to hoard on to trash when it is only adding to your stress and frustration? Grab a trash bag and a basket. Categorize things. What you do not need should enter the trash bag while the useful stuff should head over to the basket. It’s as simple as that.

    Make the bed

    Perhaps you tend to overlook setting the bed. But it is one of the most essential parts of cleaning and organizing a room. In fact, making the bed is easy and will make your room much cleaner. Strip the bed. You want to put the sheets in the washer. What’s more, the sheets will be cleaned while you’re setting the room right. For an extra cleaning, wash the mattress and rugs as well.

    A made bed will give a spruced up look to the whole room.

    Remember, for some quick cleaning of the room, making your bed is the best thing to do to give your personal abode an instant face-lift.

    Clear the clutter

    Surface clutter? No, you do not want that. Focus on surfaces. Clear the clutter and organize things on the dresser, desks, and nightstand to pull the room together. You will realize this does not take too much of your time to unclutter surfaces and straighten things up.

    If things are scattered here and there, give everything a home. Tell the kids to put things back in their home. they will be happy to help. While they will learn a life skill, you will get things up in order. If something does not find a home, throw it into a basket that welcomes all such stuff.

    Clean the floors

    When working on the project “how to clean a cluttered room,” the floors need your attention. Focus on the outer areas or edges of the floor. Follow the baseboards or walls and then cover the rest of the room.

    This will give you a perfectly clean room within minutes.

    Make a cleaning routine

    Prevention is the best medicine. That means you should try to find some time for cleaning your room every day out of your busy schedule. This will keep a check on the clutter. When cleaned regularly, there should be no clutter or unwanted stuff to become an eyesore for you.

    Small steps go a long way in checking the clutter problem. House cleaning may seem like a daunting task. However, when you conquer it one step at a time, life becomes easier and your house looks less messy and cleaner.

    Set priorities

    When you are wondering how to clean a cluttered room, it would help to set your cleaning priorities. You may want to start with the most cluttered area of the room. Once you de-clutter the space, you could move on to other parts of the room that need your attention little less than the messy part. The clutter could be a pile of old books, paper, or clothes. You have always been delaying the task of clearing it all up. Removing this particular clutter gives you the kick to tackle the rest.

    If you are still struck with thinking “how I clean my room,” get in touch with cleaning professionals. Modern Maids is happy to come to your rescue. Let us purge off the clutter and spruce up your space. What’s more, you will learn how to clean your room (step by step) while watching us tackle the beast in your abode. We can help return the room back to a pleasing environment where you can make dreams a reality.

  • 17 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home

    17 Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint at Home
    July 14, 2020 by Julia Weaver

    In today’s environment, there are many ways homeowners can reduce their waste and energy use. Whether it be from planting a garden, composting, or reusing items that were previously recycled, the opportunities are endless. And, if you live in a hot climate that receives a considerable amount of sunlight – like Phoenix, Arizona or Miami, Florida – maybe switching to solar power might be the right option for you. We asked experts from across the country to share their tips on how homeowners can reduce their carbon footprint and live a more sustainable life.

    Photo taken from the driveway of a two-story home

    Modern Maids was featured on Redfin’s blog about ways green cleaning are important in reducing your carbon footprint. Check out the full article here!

  • Modern Maids Awards of 2020

    Modern Maids an Award Winning Dallas and Austin Maid Service

    In February of 2017 Modern Maids was born in Dallas, TX with the goal to make house cleaning easier. We had tried several other services and never found one that had the level of quality and customer service we were looking for. We aimed to offer convenient online booking, have easy payment methods and provide top-notch quality and customer service.

    Modern Maids Austin

    Two years after Modern Maids Dallas was born we expanded and launched our Austin division. We saw the same opportunity in Austin as there was in Dallas. Not to mention a huge market for green cleaning options that do not cost extra!

    Name: Modern Maids

    Address: 2025 Guadalupe Street, Suite 260, Austin, TX 78705

    Phone Number: 512-222-5332

    Austin Maid Service Award

    Modern Maids in Austin was recognized in 2020 as one of the top cleaning services in the area. With a population close to a million people, this is a huge accomplishment and a testament to the quality our cleaners provide. Huge thanks to our cleaners!

    Best maid service in Austin
    Modern Maids in Austin won an award in 2020 for top rated cleaning service. (https://www.cleaningservicereviewed.com/best-maid-services-austin/)

    Dallas Maid Service Recognition and Awards

    Modern Maids in Dallas has not fallen short of receiving awards and recognition as well. So far through 6 months we have received two amazing awards and recognition.

    Modern Maids was invited as a guest on Good Morning Texas, a highly watched morning news show to discuss cleaning and disinfecting tips especially amid the pandemic that has swept the country.

    WFAA – Good Morning Texas Guest Appearance

    Deep cleaning and disinfecting at home tips
    Go to www.modern-maids.com for more information.

    Expertise – Best House Cleaners in Dallas

    Expertise scored 298 cleaning services in Dallas and picked only the top 18. Modern Maids was included in their 2020 list. They use everything from reviews, professionalism, availability and credibility to determine their list. Thank you to our Dallas cleaners who helped make this happen!