I wouldn’t exactly classify myself as a hoarder, but when I decided to tackle organizing the bathroom last weekend….I was shocked by what I found.

First I pulled out a bin filled with lotions, and I do mean filled. Fancy lotions, extra moisturizing lotions, lotions acquired from various hotels I’ve visited in my life. Lotions of every size and shape. As I continued onward, I discovered expired medications, old soaps, shampoos and conditioners, and even a cosmetic bag with make-up over 10 years old, all packed away neatly in a bin, out of sight, out of mind. Sound familiar?

Did you know that every product expires? Cosmetics and lotions aren’t required to have an expiration date on the package like food, however using these products past their prime can be hazardous. Products like foundation and mascara accumulate bacteria with repeated use, and over time the preservatives protecting the product will breakdown making it more likely that you will get infections or skin irritations.

When you’re not sure how old your products are, it’s best to put them to the sight and smell test before throwing them away.
SIGHT: Look at the consistency of your lotions and liquid make-up, if there is a clear separation starting to form, it’s time to go. Also look for areas of buildup or discoloration.
SMELL: If everything looks alright, give it a sniff to make sure it still smells how you remember.

What are you waiting for? Now is as good of time as any to say “out with the old” – get rid of your old products and add some space to your linen closet.

Miss A

The team at The Maids is excited to bring you a fun and entertaining game called The Dash.  Now is your chance to try your luck at making a mad dash from home to home “cleaning” your way from level to level.

The objective of the game is simple. Players drive the signature Maids car to each referred home by using the keyboard arrow keys. Bonus points are awarded by driving over the star shaped “power-ups” and by driving over the clock icon which gives you extra time. You’ll see an arrow at the top of the screen directing you on which home to clean next.

Cleaning your own home is no fun, but challenging yourself and your friends to a good game can be.  Play now and see if you can really “clean house”!

Happy Tuesday,

Miss A

Ways To Get Rid of Allergens you May Not Have Thought Of

Tis the season for runny noses and watery eyes, otherwise known as Allergy Season. In fact, May is National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month so what better to talk about than cleaning advice from the pros at The Maids.

So often we blame the blooming flowers of Spring for our allergy symptoms, but the causes may be closer to home than we think. Indoor air pollut­ants such as pet dander, pollen, dust mites, mold spores and tobacco smoke can be trapped in our carpets, curtains, furniture, and bedding, causing problems for anyone who suffers from allergies or asthma. That’s why it’s so important to have a healthy, clean home for your family, and using HEPA filters is one of the most effective ways to eliminate these irritants from the air.

HEPA stands for high-efficiency particulate air. Basically, a HEPA filter is an air filter that can trap large amounts of tiny-tiny particles like pet dander, pollen, dust mites and other bacteria…making the air cleaner and better for your overall health and well-being. You can find HEPA filters in air puri­fiers and some specially equipped vacuum cleaners like the ones that The Maids use. Other vacuums will generally recirculate these pollutants back into the air causing even more problems.

Here are some other strategies for getting rid of pesky allergens.

1. Use protective mattress and pillow covers to help prevent dust mites from getting nestled all snug in your bed – but still wash your sheets and pillow cases in hot water weekly. Also, don’t forget to wash or dry clean your pillows at least once a year.
2. Whether you have curtains or blinds, clean them often. Fabrics can trap dust quickly and easily so make sure and wash fabrics with hot water. Blinds should be scrubbed with soap and hot water.
3. You don’t want dust bunnies running around your house. Dust furniture and vacuum upholstered furnishings regularly. Be sure to get every nook and cranny.

When it’s all said and done, a thorough cleaning of your home is still your best bet. If you’re extra sensitive, maintain that level of clean by vacuuming carpets and dusting surfaces daily.

Cheers to breathing easy,

Miss A

Mold may be growing in your home and you don’t even know it, that’s because mold loves dark, warm, humid places to live. Your basement, kitchen and bathroom are at the most risk for mold and bacteria growth because they are in constant contact with moisture. When the conditions are right, mold can grow within 24-48 hours. Leaving mold untreated can cause respiratory illnesses as well as be a major factor for year round allergies. That is why it is so important to kill mold at first sight.

Here are 3 household solutions for cleaning mold.

1. Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen peroxide is an anti-fungal, anti-viral and anti-bacterial solution that kills mold effectively on a variety of materials such as kitchen appliances, bathroom fixtures, floors and walls.

To kill mold: Pour 3% concentration hydrogen peroxide into a spray bottle. Saturate the moldy surface completely and leave it to sit for 10 minutes.

Next, scrub the area to remove all of the mold and mold stains. And finally, wipe the surface down to remove residual mold and spores.

2. Vinegar

Vinegar is a mild acid which can kill 82% of mold species. (Baking soda is often used along with vinegar for killing different species of mold).

To kill mold: Use white distilled vinegar and pour it into a spray bottle without watering it down. Spray the vinegar onto the moldy surface and leave it to sit for an hour. Finally, wipe the area clean with water and allow the surface to dry. Any smell from the vinegar should clear within a few hours.

3. Baking Soda

Baking soda is a mild, white mineral powder, that can be used to kill mold in your home, plus it is safe for your family and pets. Besides killing mold, it will absorb moisture to help keep mold away.

To kill mold: Add one quarter of a tablespoon of baking soda to a spray bottle of water and shake until it has dissolved. Spray the moldy area with the baking soda and water solution, then use a sponge or scrub brush to remove all the mold from the surface. Next, rinse the surface with water to remove any residual mold on the surface. Finally, spray the area again and let the surface dry. (This will kill any left-over mold and prevent the mold from returning).

All of these solutions are great non-toxic alternatives to chemical based cleaners. Not only because they are safe to use and safe for the environment, but all of these products inexpensive and easy to find in your local store.

Happy Cleaning,

Miss A

Your feedback is important to us. As a company that prides itself on being referred for a reason, we know that a clean home means different things to different people. Some of you like your home in an organized state while others want that “lived-in” feel. These are some of the responses we received when we asked our Facebook fans what a clean home meant to them.

Responses came in from our locations all over the country. Although we could not include all of the responses, please know we appreciate your comments and feedback and enjoy visiting with our readers and fans on a daily basis. Even more exciting is when our customers share their stories with us on why they use The Maids and how we makes a difference to them. Thank you again and keep ‘em coming!

-Miss A