By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

How to Clean Hair Brushes

So you love your hair, you take pride in your hair. You wash your hair daily, have regular appointments with your stylist to get it cut, colored, so on and on. It’s possible you spend far more than you even think you should on your hair. You love pampering your hair so much that you forget that your hair brush also needs pampering from time to time. Take some time to make sure you have clean hair brushes as they will have a clean office from a reputable office cleaning companies nyc

Imagine this, you just finished washing your hair. It’s all nice and clean such a great home cleaning. And then you take your brush or comb that you’ve used a million times before on your unwashed hair and use it on your freshly cleaned hair. Think about that for a moment. You’ve just taken your dirty hair that was left on the brush/comb and mixed it with your freshly clean hair. Now it’s not as clean as you may think it is.

How Do I Clean It?

Let’s face it, clean hair brushes and combs are a lot better than dirty brushes and combs. They collect debris of dirt and dead skin and its continuous build-up is not good for your lovely locks. The residue left behind by those lovely hair products, also your hair natural oils can leave your hairbrushes and comb look grungy.

Along with your own, hygiene it’s very important to keep tools of daily use like comb and hairbrushes clean. Your hair brush and combs are a tap of germs, conditioner, oil, dead skin and old hair. It may not seem like a very big deal but clean brushes and combs help the way you style your hair and keep them fluff-free.

Wait! There is no need to throw out that old brush or comb and get new ones just because it has accumulated so much lint over the gap of months or years. Here are some very valuable tips to keep your hairbrushes and comb clean and work like new.

1. Removing the Hair

It is recommended to do this in a bathroom rather than a kitchen as the kitchen is mainly used for cooking food and any loose hair can go into the food and make it unhygienic. First, remove all the hair with your fingers or a toothpick. Pick out as much hair as you can. You can also wet the hairbrush and comb under water this will soften the hair and it would be easy for you to remove them

2. Dampen the Brush

Place a small dab of shampoo onto the bristles of the comb or hairbrushes. Carefully rub the bristles together with your hands but make sure the points of the bristles do not hurt you.

3. Soak the Brush

For the remaining bits of hair and debris, soak the brush under warm water with a bit of baby shampoo or detergent. Generally speaking, baby shampoo is very good for cleaning makeup brushes. The warm water and detergent will soften the dirt and debris in the hair bristles. You can also use vinegar and baking soda for cleaning hair brushes and combs. Pour half cup of vinegar in half cup of warm water and soak all your brushes and comb into it for about half an hour. Wait till the dirt and hair get dampen and soft. Similarly, you can mix baking soda with warm water and soak in your hair brushes. But remember, an exception to the baking soda process is that, not to immerse certain types of hair brushes and comb into it.

The cushioned brush, the wooden-bodied brushes, rubber brushes and comb and natural boar bristled brushes. Permitting water to get through the vent hole on cushioned brushes will erode the cushioning of the brush faster and it will reduce its shelf life. A wooden bodied brush or comb may cause wood to absorb water and may cause damage to the finish and make the body swell and break. While natural boar bristle brushes contain natural hair that would take in moisture as would other types of natural hair so the bristles can twist or curl if dampened.

4. Use a Toothbrush

You can use a toothbrush for cleaning the debris and leftover in the bristles of the hair brushes and comb. This will indeed be helpful in cleaning the hair brushes and comb till the end of their root inside the bristles. It would be advisable to use a new toothbrush rather than an old one. You cannot use the one for your hair that you used for your teeth; could you? Rinse the combs and hair brushes well.

5. Dry the Brush

Take a clean cotton towel would be preferred, dry the combs and hair brushes with the help of the cotton towel and let the remaining water dry on its own. Keep them in some clean place so that further dirt, grime and dust particles do not stick on it as this can easily happen when the combs and hairbrushes are wet.

6. Repeat

Now, after drying, again clean it with a dry towel so that the dust particles are removed if any are there in the hair brushes and comb. And VOILA, You are done! Your hairbrushes and combs are now clean and you can use them for keeping your lovely locks beautiful.  Washing the hair tools twice a month can be very helpful for your long tresses; it will not only keep your hair clean but also helps in keeping your hair healthy.

Bonus Tips

  • Throw away pieces of hair stuck in your brushes because that could build up oil in your scalp and this can damage your hair.
  • Remove your hair from your hair brushes and combs after each brushing
  • Always clean your hair brushes and comb gently so bristles do not break off.
  • Never use a finger to scrub a brush, it is very painful to get pinned in the finger by a bristle and even worse under a fingernail.

Hopefully, you’ve learned some awesome tips on how to keep your brushes and combs clean! If these worked for you, drop us a comment below. And if you have any other tips on house cleaning please leave us a comment below. We love to hear from our readers!

reduce-indoor-allergens
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips 0 Comments

10 Easy Ways to Reduce Allergens in Your Home

Reducing allergens in your home can help you breathe easier and keep your allergies under control. Fortunately, there are several simple and inexpensive ways to do so; all you need to do is take the first step toward reducing allergens in your home today! Follow these 10 easy ways to reduce allergens in your home, and say goodbye to congestion, coughing, runny noses, and itchy eyes forever!

 

Dust

Dust can cause allergic reactions, especially among those with sensitive skin. If you’re one of them, and sneezing after dusting is a problem, use a damp cloth instead of a broom or vacuum. The water will eliminate allergens while leaving little mess behind.

 

Clean Filters

Filters help keep allergens and irritants out of your home. You can replace air filters once every month or two and vacuum filters at least once a year. Filters trap dust, dander, dirt, hair and other small particles that can cause allergic reactions and rashes. Vacuum cleaner bags should be replaced regularly; they are specially designed to trap as much dust as possible. But if you have allergies or skin sensitivity problems, you’ll want to make sure that you frequently check your filter for any indication of dust buildup—even if it’s not time for a replacement—to prevent triggering an allergic reaction or rash.

 

Vacuum Regularly

Vacuum cleaners are only as effective as their vacuum bags. This is especially true if you have pets or children since pet dander and dust mites love to nestle themselves into vacuum bags. If you have sensitive skin, sneezing often, or an itchy throat at night, empty your vacuum bag every time you use it. That’s easier said than done when you’re short on time and patience—but trust us: It’s worth it! It can be a lot of work, but vacuuming with a clean bag will remove up to 80 percent of pet dander from your home.

 

Check your vacuum cleaner’s bags regularly

This seems like a no-brainer, but many vacuum owners don’t realize they should be changing their bags or filters regularly. And forget about dust bunnies; if you have allergies, it’s likely you are sensitive to a larger number of allergens than non-allergic people, so even a small amount of dust and debris can cause sneezing fits and rashes. Vacuum bags usually need replacing every 3–6 months; filters, depending on your model, should be replaced after 2–3 months of use. Ensure your vacuum is empty before removing either—keep that dust from blowing around!

 

Wash pillows, sheets, duvets, and duvet covers

Many people are allergic to house dust mites and their waste. One way to reduce your exposure is by washing all of your bedding once a week—you can do it more often if you have allergies or asthma. Make sure you use water hot enough (at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit) to kill any dust mites living on your sheets. Pillows, duvets, and duvet covers should be washed at least once every three months. Also, consider taking pillows outside and beating them with a stick as they are naturally full of dust, dust mites, dander, and other allergens (smoke detector batteries).

 

Keep pets out of bedrooms

Pets can often be seen as cute and cuddly companions, but they can also cause problems when they’re allowed into your bedroom. Dust mites and other allergens are common problem-makers when it comes to allergic reactions, especially if you have sensitive skin. For an easy solution, keep pets out of your bedroom—and give them a warm place to sleep that doesn’t cause you trouble. You might also want to wash your sheets and blankets regularly (at least every couple of weeks) for even more protection against dust mites and other potential allergens.

 

Keep windows closed when vacuuming

Vacuuming stirs up lots of dust and particles, so if you’re trying to reduce allergens in your home, you should leave windows closed when vacuuming. This can help reduce dust from circulating around your home and prevent allergens from floating into other rooms while you clean. Open windows again after vacuuming; letting a breeze into your home can help ventilate dust that settles on furniture and floors.

 

Wash frequently touched surfaces

Germs are like dust; they stick to everything and anything. We touch so many things throughout our day that it’s nearly impossible not to pick up a few germs. However, those germs don’t just live on our hands but on the surfaces, we touch too. And if you think about how many surfaces you touch every day – from doorknobs to kitchen counters – that means your home has more germs than you can possibly imagine. To reduce allergens at home, clean frequently touched surfaces such as light switches, door handles, and faucets with a disinfectant spray or wipes daily.

 

Ventilate the room with a dehumidifier or air purifier when vacuuming

When you vacuum, it’s important to open a window and use an exhaust fan. Otherwise, you could be recirculating allergens throughout your home. Some air purifiers even have a HEPA filter—an acronym for High-Efficiency Particulate Air—which filters out airborne particles from cleaning and dusting products. If you use one of these, make sure it’s placed near where you clean so that you aren’t recirculating all those particles into other parts of your home.

 

Wash toys, stuffed animals, and books often

A pet may spend much of its time outdoors, but that doesn’t mean all its fur will fall off just because it went for a walk. When your pet spends most of its time indoors, as is common with cats and dogs, it can easily bring allergens into your home. Cats shed hair constantly, even if they aren’t quite so affectionate about sitting on your lap (like Dusty). Dogs also shed hair—and even dander—all year long and are particularly prone to shedding during springtime when their undercoats grow. Both Fido and Fluffy love a good game of fetch outside, but they will also be tracking dirt inside on their paws.

How To Clean Dirty Windows
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Home How-To • • 0 Comments

The Best Way to Clean Your Dirty Windows Without Leaving Streaks

Cleaning your home windows doesn’t need to be an annoying chore. And if you leave them dirty for too long, it can have some pretty detrimental effects on your health, especially if you have windows in your bedroom or kitchen! Follow this step-by-step guide to learn how to clean your dirty windows without leaving streaks behind.

Why These Methods Work

Windows are one of the hardest surfaces to clean, but a few simple tricks can help you get the job done. One option is to use newspaper or a lint-free cloth with water and vinegar. The vinegar will cut through the grease and dirt on your windows, while the newspaper or cloth will be able to scrub them clean without leaving streaks behind. Another way is by using a squeegee in combination with soapy water.

Water and Vinegar

Mix equal parts water and vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray on windows, then use newspaper or paper towels to wipe off. Use a microfiber cloth for the final cleanup. If there are still streaks after using this method, mix one part dish soap with two parts water in a spray bottle and go over the window one more time. Rinse thoroughly with fresh water afterward.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is one of the most effective ways to clean your windows without leaving streaks (and a whole bunch of other things!). Simply mix baking soda with a few drops of water in a bowl, and then rub the mixture onto your windows using a sponge or cloth. Rinse by wiping off excess moisture with paper towels, and your windows will be sparkling clean!

Vinegar and Squeegee

If you have dirty windows, the first thing you’ll want to do is remove any debris from the window. From there, you’ll need a bucket of water and a few tablespoons of vinegar. Pour the vinegar in the bucket and mix it with your hand or a sponge until it’s fully dissolved. Next, use your squeegee (or newspaper) to clean off the window with an even motion from top to bottom and left to right.

Soap and Water

One way you can clean your dirty windows without leaving streaks is by using a mixture of soap and water. Mix together a few drops of dish soap with warm water in a bucket. Then, use the solution on your window before wiping it down with paper towel or newspaper. For particularly dirty windows, scrub the window with a sponge dipped in the solution before rinsing it off with more water.

how to clean mold in washer machine
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Home Improvement • 0 Comments

7 Tips to Prevent Mold in Your Front Load Washer

Does the idea of mold growing in your front load washer make you cringe? If so, you’re not alone. Front load washers are often overlooked when it comes to cleaning maintenance, which can cause issues like mold to develop over time. The good news is that you can prevent this mold from developing by following these seven tips to prevent mold in your front load washer.

Air Circulation

The most important thing you can do to prevent mold from growing in your washer is making sure it is getting enough air circulation. This means opening the door after every use and ensuring there are no physical obstructions blocking the venting.
Also, be mindful of how much laundry detergent you are using, as detergent will build up on the rubber seal and cause mold growth if not washed away.

Water Temperature

An important factor of preventing mold from growing in the washer is water temperature. If you are experiencing a problem with mold, try lowering your wash cycle’s water temperature. This can be done by pressing and holding the power button for 3 seconds to enter the Settings menu. From there, select Options, then Wash Cycles and finally Water Temperature. The ideal water temperature for cleaning clothes is about 120 degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Adding Bleach

One way to prevent mold from growing in your front load washer is by adding bleach. I would recommend adding a cup of bleach every time you do a load of laundry and rinse it out with water before you put the next load of laundry into the machine.

Don’t Use Fabric Softener

The best way to prevent mold from growing in your washer is by not using fabric softener. Fabric softener coats your clothing with a coating of detergent and oil, which will cause the soap scum to grow and cling onto the fabric. It also makes it harder for the water to get deep inside the fibers of the clothes. Instead, opt for cold-water wash cycles and use half as much detergent as usual.

Avoid Piling Your Clothes

1. Sort your laundry into colors and only wash one color at a time.
2. Check the pockets of your clothes for anything wet or sticky before putting them in the machine.
3. Add an extra rinse cycle if you notice any residue on your clothes after washing or drying them.
4. Use less detergent and make sure it is a detergent made for HE washers.

Vacuuming, Again and Again

Many people don’t think about vacuuming their washing machine, but it’s an important part of preventing mold. If the lint filter is dirty, then water and soap can easily run down into the washer drum and create a perfect environment for mold to grow. The more often you vacuum your washing machine, the less likely it will be that mold will develop.

Use Detergent Suited to Front-Loading Machines

Front load washers are a great option for eco-conscious consumers looking for a way to minimize their carbon footprint. However, they require special detergent that is suited to the machine’s design. You can find front load washer detergent at most big box stores and local cleaners. Be sure not to use liquid detergent, as it will clog the machine and cause mold buildup.

Book A Cleaning Service in NYC

Cleaning companies in NYC tend to offer laundry services when you book them for a cleaning. Interested in getting your home cleaned (and reducing effort to keep your washer clean)? Book a cleaning with Maid Sailors Cleaning Service!

The Best Cleaning Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner (Seriously, Trust Us!)
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • • 0 Comments

The Best Cleaning Hacks You’ll Wish You’d Known Sooner (Seriously, Trust Us!)

We sat down with Alice, one of our longest-tenured cleaning professionals, and got her expert opinion on home cleaning tips, tricks, and hacks she feels everyone should know! These are some of the methods she uses while providing cleaning services in nyc.

Create a Cleaning Plan.

Most of us have moments where we’re motivated to clean, but having a plan makes it much more manageable. According to Alice, “Cleaning can be like ballet. You work at an angle, go down and see everything that needs attention.” Then, as you move around the house, lightly wipe switches, doors, and baseboards; then, continue in a circle around the property. This principle is also helpful when decluttering or if you’re trying to attract buyers.

Consider Speed Cleaning.

Whether your husband or sister is coming and you want to quickly clean the house, knowing how to speed clean the house is your saving grace. Focus on visible surfaces like countertops and bathroom counters for the easiest and quickest clean. It’s easy to be too lazy to put things away in cabinets or behind a coffee machine, but by keeping things visible, we can significantly reduce our cleaning time.

It’s Time to Start!

Keep on reading for my absolute must tips, tricks, and ideas for a cleaner, happier, healthier home 👇

For the Kitchen

Did you know that you can make lemon-scented sanitizer for the trash cans in your house? Not only will this make them smell better, but it will also help to keep your home smelling fresh. This is an easy process and only requires a few simple ingredients that you likely already have on hand. Plus, there are some added benefits to using this natural cleaner, like making your garbage disposal run more efficiently. So next time your trash cans start to stink, give this hack a try!

Prioritize

To have an easier and cleaner life, consider starting with cleaning your kitchen and bathroom space. Then, declutter your house, dust off your sheets, and finally focus on flooring. Please be mindful of what you need to take care of around your property to have a stress-free life. A clean house is a happy house, and one of the best ways to achieve that is by staying organized. Whether it’s putting your belongings in storage solutions like shelving units and plastic bins or streamlining your cleaning routine with decluttering hacks, taking time out of your day to tidy up can make all the difference.

Deodorize Your Smelly Refrigerator with Used Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds can be used for more than just making coffee. If you let them dry on a plate in the oven, once they’re dried they become a great way to eliminate smells. You can put the soil into a container and put it in the fridge to keep absorbing smells and make your fridge smell pleasant. This is a simple hack that can be done anytime, and it only requires a few ingredients. So the next time your fridge starts to smell funky, give coffee grounds a try!

Freshen Up Your Garbage Disposal with DIY Lemon and Vinegar Cubes

Ice cubes, vinegar or lemon slices can help combat stinky bins. Simply cut the lemon in half and place it on an ice plate with vinegar before freezing it. Whenever your disposal starts to smell bad, run some water with a few ice cubes and voila – the scent will be gone immediately! This is a simple and quick way to get rid of smelly trash cans. So the next time your bin starts to smell, try using DIY lemon and vinegar cubes for a fresh-smelling kitchen.

Buy a Dish Brush That Dispenses Soap

Have you ever heard of a dish brush that dispenses soap? Neither did we, and we were ecstatic to find it! Make your life WAY easier with one of these brushed. Instead of needing to repeatedly stop to apply more soap to your brush, all you’ll have to do is let it to its thing, making scrubbing 5x easier, and much faster. Interested in more tricks to clean your bathroom?

For the Bathroom

Here are some tips on keeping your bathroom feeling fresh: Remove any odor from the towel. For example, you can use vinegar and baking soda. If your towel still smells bad after washing, it probably has mildew on it. This can happen if you leave wet towels in the bathroom for too long. To fix this issue quickly, follow these three steps:

1) Wash your towels as usual and run them through the dryer (a second time should do the trick).

2) Add some white vinegar to a spray bottle and spritz it on the towel.

3) Let the towel sit in a warm place for 1-2 hours, then wash again.

Use Your Dishwasher

Dishwashers are awesome at what they do best, getting dirty dishes clean, but they can be tricky if you don’t know what tools work best. For instance, glass will put up a fight in your dishwasher if anything is caked on it, and on top of that, you’ve got to be cautious with plastic – dishwashers get HOT and the plastic will melt.

Soak your dishes overnight before washing them in the dishwasher, and you’ll be surprised by how effective it is! This will also help eliminate hard-to-clean food stains, so it’s a great way to give your machine a little love while also cleaning your dishes more effectively. So the next time you have a lot of dirty dishes, consider using your dishwasher for an easier and more effective cleaning experience.

For Squeaky Clean Glass Windows, Look for the Morning Newspaper

Believe it or not, newspapers are one of the best materials to clean glass surfaces. All you need is a small piece of newspaper and some water or cleaning solvent. The newsprint will absorb the solution, leaving your glass streak-free and sparkling clean. Plus, using recycled newspaper is much better for the environment than reaching for a paper towel every time something needs wiping down! So take it from us, save the environment AND your money, and use a newspaper! Newspaper isn’t the only way to clean windows, though! Read some tricks to keeping yours clean here.

Or Fight Stains with Blackboard Chalk

The next time you see dirt or grease on your clothing or the tablecloth, instead of reaching for the laundry detergent, try using chalk. I’m going to read your mind. “Chalk?” is probably what you’re asking yourself. Yes, chalk! Chalk is a surprisingly effective substance for fighting stains and dirt. It absorbs very easily and helps keep surfaces dry. So before you toss your stained items in the wash, let chalk work its magic. You’ll be surprised by how effective it is!

Clean Denim by Putting it in the Freezer

Do you want to keep your jeans looking and feeling new? Here’s a hack for you: next time you wash them, don’t put them in the freezer (yes, people do this, and I used to be one of them). Instead, fold them into a bag or canvas (canvas is best) and keep them at room temperature for 3-5 days. This will stop any shrinkage from happening and will prevent bleeding. Keep your jeans smelling fresh!

Pick Up Glass Shards with Bread

To clean up glass shards from broken glass, look no further than your bread drawer. Yes, you read that right – bread can be used to pick up tiny pieces of glass better than a broom! Keep your hands bare and hold the slice of bread with firm fingers. Gently pat the surface around the broken glass until all of the shards have been picked up.

And Use Milk to Wash Away Red Wine Carpet Stains

If you’re worried about accidentally spilling red wine on your carpet, don’t be. Just grab some milk from the fridge and pour it over the stain. Leave it for an hour, then come back and rub in a little bit of water. The milk will help to absorb the wine into itself instead of onto your rug. The milk works by breaking down the wine itself and preventing it from settling into the rug’s fibers. Milk makes strong bones AND strong rugs!

Use dishwasher detergent pods to clean anything from a dirty oven to a toilet bowl

Dishwashers are amazing for so much more than just washing dishes. The detergent can also be used to clean up messy stovetops and counters. Dishwasher detergent is EXCELLENT at breaking down grime. Place one tablet into a bowl of warm water and let it dissolve for at least one minute. Next, take a scrub brush or sponge and scrub the door all over. But that’s not all you can do with dishwasher tablets! You can also use them to clean almost any stain from your toilet bowl and fixtures. Just like you would with a regular sponge, scrub the surface. Talk about multi-purpose!

Buff Up Scratched Tableware with Cream of Tartar

Have some cream of tartar lying around? Have some tableware that needs buffing? It’s time to get those dishes clean! For this recipe, you’ll need cream of tartar and a bit of water. Make a paste out of the two ingredients, then rub it onto the scuffed plates with a dishcloth. Wash it off with either soap or plain water – whichever you prefer! Your dishes will look good as new in no time.

Use Your Pillowcase!

You probably don’t need an extra pillowcase every evening, but you will need to use the pillow to clean your ceiling fans if you want to prevent a whole lot of dust flying around. “The pillow covers the dust and prevents it from being deposited on the floor,” Reichert said. It’s an easy cleaning solution.

Use Hydrogen Peroxide and Baking Soda to Make a Dirty Baking Sheet Look Brand New

If you’re looking for an easy way to clean your baking sheets, sprinkle them with baking soda, add hydrogen peroxide, and let the mixture sit for a bit before scrubbing. Most of the dirt on oven sheets comes from the surface. Baking soda will keep your food from sticking and can completely clean any hardened messes. Rinse off the baking sheet with hot water and in minutes.

For the Living Room

There are many floor cleaning products available on the market, but they can often be expensive and not work as well as advertised. I think that using a simple homemade cleaner could be the change you are hoping for. The odor and grime of sectioned-off commercial cleaners are not worth their cost when compared to the ease and effectiveness of this DIY solution which only uses a handful of common household ingredients. You’re wondering, “what in the world are they talking about?!” The answer is drum roll please… Wear woolly socks with Swiffer pads on them! Throw them on fresh out of the washing machine (for warmth!). As you walk around, you’ll pick up a large chunk of that dust that’s been building up.

For Your Furry Friends

Pets are amazing companions that bring us immense joy, but they also come with a downside: hair. By donning rubber gloves every once in a while when petting them, you can avoid having their fur all over your clothes. The rubber will also remove a whole lot of shedded fur. It’s commonly said that trying to keep your pillow covers free of cat hair is futile. But if you put on some gloves and run them over any fabric, you can quickly remove pet hair and tangled strands. Do you really need to use a lint roller? We think not.

Skip the Polish

If your wood floors look dull, you may need to polish them occasionally. All you need is a wet microfiber cloth to make them shine again. “The furniture will actually be cleaner if you don’t use furniture polishes,” Alice adds. Microfibers – man’s gift to… man!

Use Baby Powder to Remove Grease Stains

If your shirt is stained with grease, don’t rush to the dry cleaners! Try this tip from the Happy Mom blog instead. Apply baby powder directly onto the greased areas and wipe away any residue. Then, apply a toothbrush and scrub into the dripping dish detergent until the foam is gone. Put the worn blouse in the dryer and hopefully all of that gunk will disappear too! Speaking of grease, here are some awesome ways to clean a greasy oven.

Clean Your Cast-Iron Skillet with Halved Potatoes

Thanks to this awesome hack, cleaning your cast iron pans will be a breeze! All you need are some potatoes, fine salt and oil. First, add the salt to the pan before scrubbing the potatoes. Then season the dish with cooking oil, making sure to spread it over the surface evenly. Finally, put the cooked tin in a hot oven for a couple of hours and voilà – no more mess!

Apply Toothpaste to Clean Dirty White Sneakers

Home Repair Man knows the pain of ruining a brand new pair of shoes. To avoid this tragedy, or to fix it if it’s already too late, grab a wet toothbrush and some white toothpaste. Gently brush the soiled areas until the mud comes off; with it, the stains will be gone as well!

Stock Up On Products

“Please, PLEASE, stop using cleaning products that aren’t made for whatever you’re cleaning without researching first!” says Alice. It’s easy to reach for the floor polish to use on your stainless steel or to use certain cleaners on unsealed granite, but that would be making a huge mistake. Alice recommends stocking up on cleaning supplies that are designed for their purpose. You can use certain cleaning products outside of their marketed use, but be careful and always do your research, otherwise you can cause serious damage to your floors, steel appliances, and unsealed counters. Not sure what cleaning supplies you should keep stocked up? Read this comprehensive guide on what supplies you should always have on hand.

Use a Disposable Razor to Remove Pilling From Sweaters

Tired of all those itchy bits on your sweater touching you? To remove pilling from a sweater, lay it flat on a table or ironing board and hold it tight. Use disposable razors for short strokes, being careful to test the sweater first on an inconspicuous area to make sure the fabric can withstand this treatment

Vacuum the Right Way

Alice recommends vacuuming rooms horizontally then vertically to release the accumulated dirt. Most professional cleaners agree on the need to vacuum slowly to remove dirt from the air. Equipped with a powerful vacuum cleaner, Alice adds that you can use the back of a chair or sofa to sweep the blinds. “Switch back and forth between horizontal and vertical lines for best results,” she said.

Microwave a Bowl of Water and Fresh Lemon Juice to Quickly Clean and Deodorize your Microwave – No Chemicals Required

“I’m confident this hack will work well because I do this with all of my clients that have microwaves,” says Alice. Fill a measuring bowl with water and cut lemons in half then microwave the cup for 3 minutes. Remove everything from the microwaves–the steam mixed with lemon juice will leave your microwave smelling fresh and clean.

Skip the Bucket

A bucket-free cleaning method offered by Leslie Reichert, Founder of Green Cleaning Coach and author of Joy Of Green Cleaning, is our new gold standard, and Alice swears by it. Instead of spreading dirty water, sludge, and whatever other debris accumulates in your mop water, let’s focus on keeping it simple. Ditch the bucket, give the floor a quick sweep, mix a little cleaning solution into a spray bottle and spritz around, then swiffer it up. Clean floor, happy life!

Use Black Tea to Clean Glass Surfaces Like Windows and Mirrors

You can easily clean windows, mirrors, and other glass surfaces with homemade black tea. Simply steep several cups of black tea in boiling water and leave it to cool. Once it has cooled, transfer it to a spray bottle. The acid and tannin properties in black tea make it effective at combating dust and smudges. Black tea also acts as a bit of a dye, so make sure you read up on how to remove tea stains before trying this method.

Don’t Forget the Doormats

By placing a door mat both inside and outside of your home, you can prevent trodden-in mud from making its way into your living space. This is especially useful during winter months when boots are likely to be caked in salt and snow. Remember to regularly clean your door mat – it will contribute to the overall cleanliness of your house.

Remove Water Rings on Wooden Surfaces with Mayonnaise

Here’s a hack for keeping your household items in place: try mayonnaise. Just cover the surfaces with a generous layer of mayo, and it will help keep things from moving around. Plus, the mayonnaise will disappear when you rinse it out within a couple of seconds.

For Accessories

Did you know that dirty hairbrushes and combs can contain harmful substances? Yuck! That’s why it’s important to wash your brushes regularly.

To clean a hairbrush, rinse it in hot soapy water. For makeup brushes, place them in a trivet and wash them with soap and water. Cleaner brushes are not only more sanitary, but they also work better than those that aren’t clean! Learning how to clean your hairbrush is important for your hygiene, see how we suggest doing it here.

Combine Tasks

Clean more efficiently by completing two tasks at once. For example, clean floorboards and window surfaces by vacuuming or washing floors. When mopping the floor, sweep a bowl of water and cleaning solution.

You can make your cleaning routine more efficient by using some of these simple hacks. For example, you could speed-clean the kitchen or sanitize trash cans every day or week. There are plenty of tricks that can make keeping any home clean much easier. So what are you waiting for?

Schedule a Home Cleaning Service

This one isn’t a traditional hack, but it is important to add on here. Sometimes we feel overwhelmed, and sometimes we just don’t have the time to get our home cleaned. I’m sure you’ve heard this statement before, “A clean home is a happy home.” This couldn’t ring more true. A study was done recently, and the results are exactly what you would expect, 80% of people felt more relaxed in a clean home. If you can’t find the time to clean, even with these time-saving hacks, consider booking a cleaning service.

By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 0 Comments

How to Clean Your Humidifier and Prevent Bacteria Build-up

Cleaning your humidifier doesn’t have to be difficult, but if you don’t do it often enough, the build-up of bacteria can cause issues. Follow these tips on how to clean your humidifier in order to avoid any problems!

Unplug Your Air Humidifier Before Cleaning

Unplug your humidifier before you clean it. This ensures the water stays inside of the reservoir so you don’t make a mess. Clean my humidifier every few weeks or when it starts to feel icky. Turn on your hot water tap, which will help melt any scale that might have built up, then put about half a cup of white vinegar into your reservoir. Run cold water for about three minutes at a high pressure until the vinegar is mixed in with the water. Next, start up your humidifier and let it run for another three minutes so that the new cleaner mixes throughly with all of the remaining cool air inside of your humidifier’s system.

Remove The Filter And Wash It With Soap And Water

It is important that you clean your humidifier at least once a week. Remove the filter from the unit and wash it with soap and water. Rinse it with clean water, then place it back inside the humidifier. If your humidifier doesn’t have a filter, you should replace it every two weeks to prevent bacteria build up in the unit. Clean out any mineral deposits by running vinegar or bleach through the system for 20 minutes or until clear.

Clean The Interior Of The Humidifier With A Vinegar Solution

A dirty humidifier can cause bacteria buildup that will release harmful particles into the air you breathe. To clean your humidifier, remove the water tank (if applicable), soak a towel in vinegar and wring it out so it doesn’t drip, then place the wet towel inside of your humidifier. Let it sit overnight with the lid open so all of the moisture evaporates. Remove the towel in the morning and clean up any spilled vinegar solution. Rinse out any remaining vinegar solution with cold water before filling your humidifier with cool tap water again. Run some cold tap water through your humidifier for at least two minutes, then refill it once more before replacing all parts – including water tank if applicable – back into their rightful place.

Rinse The Humidifier With Clean Water

It is important to clean your humidifier regularly. Cleaning your humidifier prevents bacteria buildup that can lead to a moldy smell. To clean your humidifier, first, rinse it with clean water from the tap. Next, use a clean cloth or paper towel and wipe down any remaining debris from the inside of the unit. Once you are finished cleaning it, fill your tank with fresh water.

Allow The Humidifier To Air Dry Before Putting It Back Together

To clean your humidifier, unplug it from the outlet, wipe it down with a damp cloth, then allow it to air dry before putting it back together. Make sure you do this on a regular basis! If your humidifier has a filter, change the filter every month or more often depending on how many hours per day the humidifier is running.

how to unclog your sink
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 0 Comments

10 Ways to Unclog Your Sink When Hair Gets Stuck In It

We’ve all been there—you go to wash your face, brush your teeth, or shave and find that the sink is clogged with hair. Trying to unclog your sink can be a tricky task, but it’s far from impossible. In this blog post, we’ll cover 10 different ways to unclog your sink when hair gets stuck in it. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy solution or something more complex, you’ll be sure to find the perfect way to unclog your sink and get rid of the pesky hair.

Plunger

One of the most common and effective ways to unclog a sink that has been clogged with hair is to use a plunger. This simple tool is often the easiest, least expensive, and fastest way to get the job done. To use a plunger, start by pushing down on it and creating a seal around the drain. Fill the sink with enough water to create a strong suction and then begin plunging. This can be done for several minutes and if done correctly, should result in the unclogging of your sink. If you have a double sink, you may need to plug one side to increase the suction in the other.

Vinegar and Baking Soda

One of the most common methods to unclog a sink is to use vinegar and baking soda. The combination of these two ingredients create an alkaline and acidic reaction which works to break down the clog. To start, pour a cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a cup of white vinegar. Cover the drain with a rag or stopper and let sit for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to help clear the clog. If your sink still doesn’t unclog after using this method, you may need to try one of the other methods listed in this article.

Salt and Boiling Water

When it comes to unclogging your sink, salt and boiling water can be a great way to do it. Start by pouring two cups of salt into the clogged drain. Then, take a pot of boiling water and pour it down the drain slowly. This method is usually effective in loosening the clog and allowing it to flow through the pipes. However, if this doesn’t work the first time, try repeating the process with additional salt and boiling water until the clog is cleared. Keep in mind that this method is only recommended for minor clogs, as large clogs may require additional methods.

Wire Hanger

Using a wire hanger is one of the easiest ways to unclog your sink when hair gets stuck in it. Start by unbending the wire hanger until you have a long, straight piece of wire. Push the wire into the drain and try to grab onto any clumps of hair that may be caught in the pipe. If you can’t grab anything, rotate the hanger and try to push it further down the pipe. After you’ve grabbed as much hair as possible, slowly pull out the hanger and dispose of the debris in a garbage bag. Once you’ve done this, you can run some hot water through the drain to help clear out any remaining clogs. With the power of a wire hanger, you can easily unclog your sink and get your water running again!

Pliers

When it comes to unclogging your sink, you might find that pliers can be an effective tool. Pliers allow you to grip and remove any large clumps of hair that are stuck in the drain. To use pliers, start by putting on rubber gloves and removing any debris from around the sink drain. Insert the pliers into the sink and carefully grip the hair clumps and pull them out. Make sure to be gentle when doing this, as the last thing you want to do is damage the plumbing. If the hair is too far down in the drain, you may need to use a longer tool such as a pipe wrench or a drain snake.

Wrench

Using a wrench is an excellent method for unclogging a sink filled with hair. To start, put on a pair of rubber gloves and find the nut located beneath your sink. With the wrench, loosen the nut and remove it. Then, use your hand to reach into the drain and pull out any hair that has clogged up the pipe. Once the hair has been removed, put the nut back on the drain and tighten it up with the wrench. That should clear up any blockages in the sink caused by the hair, allowing water to flow freely through the pipe again.

Knife

If you have a more serious clog in your sink, using a knife may help. Start by removing the stopper if you have one and any other pieces blocking the drain. Then, take a thin, sharp knife, such as a butter knife, and insert it into the drain. Carefully twist the knife in a circular motion to try and break up the blockage. If this doesn’t work, try using a longer, sharper knife to help unclog the sink. Use caution when using this method and always be sure to follow all safety guidelines. After breaking up the clog, you may need to use a plunger or another tool to completely unclog the sink.

Screwdriver

Using a screwdriver is one of the more labor-intensive methods to unclog your sink. This is best used when there is an obstruction of some kind that is too big for a wire hanger to snag and pull out. You will need to remove the drain cover and use the screwdriver to break apart the clog. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection while doing this and use caution when attempting to unclog your sink. Once the clog is broken down, run hot water to flush out whatever debris remains. If the clog still doesn’t go away, you may need to use a plunger or a chemical drain cleaner.

Drain Snake

If your sink is still clogged even after using the other methods, a drain snake might be the tool you need. A drain snake is a long flexible wire with a corkscrew on the end, which you can use to unclog your sink. To use it, simply insert the wire into the drain and twist it around to break up any buildup or blockage inside the pipe. It’s best to use a snake that’s specifically made for sinks, but if you don’t have one, you can make your own by using a hanger. Just make sure to wrap the wire in duct tape for added protection. If the clog is deep in the pipe, you may need to work the snake down the pipe in order to break up the clog and unclog your sink.

Chemical Drain Cleaner

Using a chemical drain cleaner is one of the most commonly used methods to unclog sinks when hair gets stuck. Chemical drain cleaners use acids that dissolve the blockage and can be a powerful way to get rid of stubborn clogs. However, it’s important to note that these chemicals are corrosive and can cause damage to your pipes if not used properly. To use a chemical drain cleaner, start by pouring the recommended amount down your sink. After waiting 10-15 minutes, run hot water for a few minutes to help flush out any residue. If the clog still persists, repeat the process until the blockage is gone. When using chemical drain cleaners, be sure to always wear protective gear, like gloves and safety glasses, to avoid any potential skin or eye irritation.

spring cleaning guide
By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips 0 Comments

The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Guide

Your home may be full of clutter, but we don’t blame you! In today’s world, we have so many responsibilities that it’s challenging to take the time to clean as well as we should. Fortunately, with these tips from our ultimate spring cleaning guide, you can get your home looking its best in no time! In this article, you’ll learn how to approach your spring cleaning – from the rooms that need cleaning first to the products you should use – plus what order to do each room in!

Start With the Bathroom

To reduce allergens, start with one of your least used rooms and do a deep clean on it. A good rule of thumb is to do one room every week or two. This will help you maintain focus and not get overwhelmed by looking at all that needs to be done. The bathroom can be cleaned in less than 30 minutes, but plan on a few hours if you’re changing out all products or doing heavy-duty cleaning. Start by clearing everything off surfaces and removing any items that don’t belong there. Next, wipe down each surface with a disinfectant like Lysol or Clorox wipes. If you have time, use an all-purpose cleaner like Simple Green or Soft Scrub (which also works great for getting rid of soap scum). If using chemicals isn’t your thing, vinegar mixed with water works well too! Make sure to wipe down cabinets and shelves and light fixtures (and bulbs), fans, shower curtains/doors/heads/liners, etc., inside and out. Don’t forget about things like toothbrush holders!

Move On to Kitchens

There are plenty of ways to tackle a kitchen spring cleaning project. You could go room by room, starting in a particularly dirty or cluttered place, or you could do your whole house at once. Either way, remove any breakable items from your kitchen and then clean with products for kitchens to reduce allergens while dusting, mopping, and washing surfaces and appliances. If you do an entire-house cleaning on one day, remember to put all your stuff back before bed—but if you space it out over several days (or weeks), don’t worry about putting everything away until you’re done.

Bedrooms

Don’t think you have time for spring cleaning? Make it a goal to tackle your bedroom first. This is a great place to start because people tend to spend eight hours of their day in their bedrooms; plus, when you clean them, you reduce allergens that can aggravate asthma and allergies. Invest in mattress covers, dust-repellent sheets, pillows, and quality bedding from your favorite store or brand. Wash any linen items like comforters and quilts weekly in hot water (130 degrees F). Always wash new bedding before using it; never use it before washing to ensure no bedbugs or dust mites lurk inside.

Work Through Every Room One by One

It’s essential to get your windows, doors, and ceilings as clean as possible for spring because these surfaces tend to get overlooked during most cleaning sessions. While an occasional wipe down may keep them looking okay for a while, it’s good to give them a deeper cleaning once or twice a year if you want them to continue looking their best. In addition, hard water stains can build up on these surfaces over time and can be difficult or impossible to remove without professional help. A pro cleaner in Apex can clean and seal your windows, doors and ceilings so they look great all year long.

Make Sure you do a Good Job on Windows, Doors, and Ceilings too!

When spring cleaning, it’s easy to forget about all those hard-to-reach spots. Avoid getting caught in a spider web or coating yourself in grime by focusing on these three places: windows, doors and ceilings. From household glass cleaner to a damp rag and a vacuum, there are numerous ways to clean glass surfaces. For instance, you could use newspaper to apply Windex® and then just wipe it off. In addition to Windex®, many other products are available that can safely clean various types of glass without leaving streaks or film behind. The same goes for your doors!

Vacuum Your Carpets and Rugs

Vacuuming is one of those chores that’s so mundane; we often put it off until it’s too late—until there are visible stains or odors and we have to call out a professional cleaner. You’ll probably be fine if you’re vacuuming your carpets and rugs once a week or so. When dealing with stains and odors, however, if you delay cleaning them up too long they can become more difficult to get rid of. They can also build up over time if left unchecked, making your entire house smell musty or like stale cigarettes when you least expect it. Vacuum at least once a week and you should be good to go.

Deep clean your Switches, PowerPoints and Outlets

Vacuuming and dusting are great ways to keep your home clean, but do they really address all of your household surfaces? If you’re looking for a deeper clean, you should deep-clean your switchers, power points, and light switches. This is not only time-consuming but can be difficult to tackle on your own if you have a large home. It’s best to get a few people together who can help make sure that everything gets cleaned thoroughly. To begin with, use an old toothbrush or paintbrush to scrape away any dirt or dust from around each switch and socket. Then spray some cleaner onto a rag or paper towel and wipe down each switch plate, including any screws. Once that’s done, move on to cleaning each switch itself. Use a damp cloth to wipe off any remaining grime before using an air duster or compressed air to blast out any dirt left in between buttons. To finish up, run your vacuum over every surface of each socket as well as its surrounding area—this will ensure it’s completely free from dirt before you put it back into place!

Know When to Call an Expert

The biggest mistake that people make is trying to do everything themselves. If you’re not an expert on, say, tile repair or home cleaning, don’t try it yourself—call a professional who will do it right (and save you time and money). Make sure you know what’s included in your spring cleaning and be honest with yourself about when to hire a pro. You may think you’re good at making your own home repairs or refinishing floors or cutting back trees or doing any number of other tasks. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned at HGTV over all these years, it’s that some jobs just take a level of expertise that most homeowners don’t have on hand. And if you need help, don’t be afraid to ask for it. We won’t tell anyone. We promise.

By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips • Organization 0 Comments

How to Do Deep Cleaning of Your Closets

Most of the time, our closets are usually full. The overcrowding comes with a lot of chaos. For example, it becomes challenging to find the cloth you need. Other times, you may even fail to get something to wear. Shocking, right? After all, how can you not have anything to wear if you have an overflowing closet? But it happens. If you find yourself in this scenario, you don’t need to worry. There is a solution in the form of deep cleaning your closets. Here’s how you can go about it. 

1. Set the Mood

Let’s be real; most of us don’t look forward to cleaning our closets. That’s why we try to put it off as long as we can. To make the cleaning process fun, you need to set the mood. For example, you can turn on the music and dance along to it or listen to an uplifting podcast. The goal is to be in a happy mood. 

2. Remove Everything From the Closet

If someone were to tell you to remove a few items from your wardrobe, you’d get confused about which ones to withdraw from the pile. Deep cleaning your closet requires you to get rid of some stuff to make it look more organized. Also, you want to first clean the closet before putting your items back. The first step towards achieving this is removing everything from the wardrobe. 

3.  Start Cleaning 

Closet

A dusting cloth and some water are the basic things you need to clean your closet. Use the damp cloth to wipe away dust, dirt, and other undesirable stuff from the shelves, drawers, and cabinets. Don’t forget about the doors too. There may be some moisture left afterward, which may damage your clothes. Therefore, ensure you get another piece of dry cloth and go through the areas mentioned. 

Since we are doing deep cleaning, you can opt for a mild household cleaner instead of water to dust the closet. If you are dealing with glass surfaces, then a glass cleaner will come in handy to ensure there are no fingerprints or smudges left on it. Kindly note that you should only use mild cleaning agents for your closets to avoid damaging the surfaces.  

Floor

It is time to clean the floor. Sometimes, our closets become humid, which causes them to give out a musty smell. Baking soda acts as a natural deodorizer, and that’s why you need it when carrying out deep cleaning. You can sprinkle it on the carpet and leave it for 15 minutes as you do other things. After that, get out your vacuum cleaner and clean the carpet. You will notice a fresh smell after that. When vacuuming, go through all the corners of the closet to ensure the whole space is clean.  

Ceiling and Walls

You can’t leave out the walls and ceilings to have your broom ready and start dusting and getting rid of cobwebs. A duster with a long handle will also do a great job. While dusting, remember the light fixtures too. 

4. Sort Out Your Items 

Now that you have a clean closet, you don’t want to stuff back every single thing you took out. It is time to go through each item and decide if you wish to keep it, throw it away, donate it to charity, or someone you know who needs it more than you. You may have some clothes or shoes that cost you a fortune and you don’t want to give away. If this is the case, you can put them aside and sell them online. Once you have the items you have decided to donate, also set them aside and get on with the process as soon as you can to avoid cluttering your space. The items to be discarded should go into the trash bag immediately and out of your closet.  

5. Put Everything Back

The items you’ve decided to keep cannot stay on your bed. Therefore, start reorganizing them. Having various storage options will help everything to fit in nicely without being crowded. 

After sorting out the clothes you’ll be putting back into the closet, you can go a step further and ensure they smell great. You can mix essential oils with water and then spray the liquid on your clothes. You can also give your shoes a pleasant smell by spritzing the cotton balls with perfume before you put them in the shoe section.  

Final Thoughts

Your closet needs cleaning; you can’t avoid that. However, it doesn’t have to make you cringe. You can follow the above tips to make the process fun and ensure your closet space is clean, organized, and free of clutter. It is essential to do this regularly because it will avoid the issue of having an overflowing and cluttered closet. 

By Maid Sailors Cleaning Tips 0 Comments

The Importance Of Cleaning Before Selling Your House

For potential buyers to feel differently about your home, your home needs to be inviting; it’s no joke getting your home ready for sale; that’s why you have to clean it, leaving it fresh. Your goal is to have your home on the market for the least amount of time possible and to get the most money out of it.

While it can still be essential to repair stuff, eliminate clutter, and even renew painting, getting your home clean is the most important and inexpensive step in getting your house ready to sell quickly. Wondering, “how do I clean my house so it can sell quickly,” then what you’re going to need is this checklist to make sure your home cleaning goes well.

As a mom, myself, when it comes to creating the time to get those cleaning jobs done when busy isn’t easy. I can relate to you. If you have children, you know this feeling. Cleaning your home and keeping it clean is a struggle. Now imagine that struggle while trying to sell your home. Don’t worry, though; your goal is achievable. I’ll reveal a few essentials that you’re going to want to clean to give your best-selling chances.

Clean All Window and Slider Parts

For a house to look clean and neat, it needs to have clean windows mostly. I know firsthand with little hands around the home that this can be a battle. You will need much attention when cleaning particular areas such as windows paths and window sills just as much as the flat window surfaces and actual glass.

Since nothing can drag down the curb appeal of a home more quickly than dirty windows, ignorance of this unpleasant chore is not an option anymore. When cleaning your windows, you’ll find you will need a solution of baking soda and vinegar together with an abrasive scrub as they will come in handy. Baking soda and vinegar work together like magic, keep scrubbing to a minimum regardless of what you’re washing off. I have also used various hand tools as well to get into all the crannies and nooks of different cleaning ventures like my window tracks and sills, but also to get paint and gum of windows and floors, stickers, and posters off my son’s room, and more.

Clean All Built-In Cupboards and Cabinets

Whether you have built-in cupboards or cabinets in your bathroom or kitchen, the inside of your closets and kitchen cabinets will need cleaning. It is essential to give them a good wipeout. You want all prospective buyers to see a clean and well-kept house. The more your home looks ready to be moved into, the quicker it will sell. Potential buyers don’t want to think about cleaning the place they’re going to run into, which turns them away from buying a house. You can quickly clean your cupboards using your all-purpose cleaner and a few rags.

Clean the Walls

Remove and trap all dust using a dusting product of your choice, so the dirt does not disperse into the air. Consider yourself a detective and go looking for cobwebs, dust, and handprints. Using just a cleaner and a rag, they should come right out. Handprints can show up anywhere, particularly if you have children. When walking back and forth the hallways of my home, you will see mine covered in handprints. Generally, you’re going to want to wipe all the light switches, walls, doors, and handrails where hands tend to touch a lot. 

Painted surfaces are usually washable, but the cleaning solution should be tested first hand on a small surface before use on a large surface. Use an all-purpose, non-abrasive cleaner. Clean your way up, by starting from the bottom, use circular motions to prevent overlapping when cleaning on different areas. Using circular motions when cleaning will help to clean areas with streak marks caused by vertical blinds.

Clean the Flooring Including the Carpets

Cleaning up any carpets in your home is time well spent. You can clean them out either by renting a carpet cleaner or paying someone to clean them professionally. It’s crazy how dusty the carpets can get from the dirt and dust that comes into the house. One tip that also works is to vacuum your floors, make sure you start at the farthest corner, then work backward towards the door so that you don’t leave any footprints.

Give tremendous attention to the floors of the kitchen and bathrooms. Check the labels on cleaning products to ensure they are safe for cleaning the surfaces. Abrasive cleaners have extra cleaning power for stains that are hard to remove, such as grease residues and food particles in sinks. They may, however, be too harsh for easily scratched surfaces, such as solid surface floors or laminate floors.

Liquid and gel purifiers are usually less abrasive than powders. In small areas, such as countertops, spray cleaners are easy to use while powders or liquids combined in a pail of water are more suitable in larger spaces, such as walls and floors. Use a no-rinse product after each cleaning to avoid residue that comes from cleaning solutions which cause floors to look dirty and dusty when they’re clean, or can opt to rinse the surface floors as well.

Introduce a Fresh Scent

Making your house smell pleasant by putting fresh flowers on the table is all well and good, but those pleasant odors can’t mask any underlying unpleasantness any more than a spritz of perfume won’t hide the fact that you haven’t bathed in a while. Cleaning the home is the only way to resolve this. Foul odors can be a turnoff, even mild ones, and the problem is that sometimes you miss them out. With intense smells, some deep cleaning is necessary as some clients are not fooled by masking strategies such as plug-in deodorizers and scented candles in the sellers’ rooms. Besides, if the buyer does not like the smell of artificial citrus or lavender, used to cover up odors, those strong fragrances could backfire.

Neutralize a nasty-smelling carpet by sprinkling a box of baking soda on (and then vacuuming it up). Baking soda is to be used to clean the tops of the stoves, ovens, refrigerators, etc. Deodorize your disposal with a new lemony (tangerine, lime, or orange ) smell by running a few citrus peels through. Initial experiences mean a great deal. So don’t let dirty or dusty floors and surfaces or foul smells, make your potential buyer a bad one. Give your home a deep clean before listing your home (and during the entire selling process). That means washed toilets, swept surfaces, mopped floors, cleaned rugs, and clean bathrooms.