Neatly made bed with bedside table, lamp, and water bottle in modern bedroom.
By Joseph Passalacqua Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 4 Comments

A Simple Guide To Cleaning Your Pillows

When was the last time you cleaned your pillows? We’re talking the actual pillows themselves—not just the pillowcases. If it’s been a while or if you didn’t know you could even clean pillows, your pillows have probably seen better days. Before you run out and spend your hard-earned money on brand new pillows, however, you may want to consider washing your pillows at home. It’s easier than you think and doesn’t require much more time (or effort) than washing any other load of laundry.

By having a better understanding of why and  how  you can clean your pillows at home, you can rest your head a little easier at night.

Why Clean Your Pillows?

You already wash your pillow cases, sheets, comforters, and other bedding (think cleaning your mattress) on a regular basis—and for good reason. Over time, bacteria from sweat, along with things like dust mites, can make your bed a less-than-ideal place to sleep. However, the same bacteria and creepy-crawlies can make their way past your pillowcases and directly into the pillows themselves over time.

When you take the time to consider what comes into contact with your pillows and pillowcases, it’s easy to see why they should be cleaned regularly. Chemicals from hair products, makeup, and saliva (if you’re a drooler!) can all lead to a breeding ground of bacteria within your pillow. By taking the time to thoroughly clean your pillows on a regular basis, you can cut down on this bacteria—and of course, enjoy the scent of freshly laundered bedding when you rest your head at night.

In addition to getting rid of bacteria and creepy-crawlies, cleaning your pillows can also help to restore the “fluff” to pillows that have otherwise become dull over time. This could result in a better night’s sleep for you and fewer mornings waking up with neck or back pain.

How often should you clean your pillows? It really depends on how quickly they become soiled. In most cases, washing them once every 2-4 weeks is fine, but some may prefer to wash them just as often as the rest of their bedding. Ultimately, it’s about what makes you feel the most comfortable.

Signs Your Pillows Need To Be Cleaned

First of all, if you’ve never cleaned your pillows or if it’s been more than a few months since you’ve done so, your pillows almost definitely need to be cleaned. Some other possible signs that your pillows are in need of a good washing include:

  • lack of “fluff” or support for your head and neck
  • frequent acne breakouts or blemishes
  • waking up with a stuffy or runny nose
  • noticeable stains or spots on your pillows

If you go through the process of washing/cleaning your pillows (as described in detail below) and are still experiencing these issues, please note that it may be time to simply replace your pillows (especially if it’s been more than a few years since you bought them and you sleep on them daily).

How to Clean Your Pillows

So, where do you begin when it comes time to clean your pillows? The process is easier than you might think. Just keep in mind that different steps may need to be followed for different types of pillows. Cotton and down pillows are still among the most common, but memory foam is becoming increasingly popular as well. We have outlined the washing and drying steps for each type of pillow below, so be sure to follow the specific process for your pillow type(s).

Washing Pillow Cases

Start by removing any pillow cases that may be covering the pillows themselves. Check the tags to find out more about their specific care instructions. For common materials, such as polyester and cotton, you may be able to wash your pillowcases in the same load of laundry where you wash the pillows themselves. For more delicate materials, however, you may need to hand wash them or wash them on a delicate cycle.

Before you wash your pillow cases, give them a quick check for any stains that may require use of a stain-removing product prior to being washed. This is more common for people who may fall asleep with eye makeup on, as cosmetics like mascara and eye-liner are notoriously difficult to remove from many fabrics.

Washing Cotton and Down Pillows

Cotton and down pillows are the easiest to clean, as they can generally be tossed into your washing machine like any other laundry. The key to cleaning pillows in your washing machine is to wash at least two at a time, as this will help better balance the load and will thus reduce any additional wear and tear on your pillows. This is especially true if you have a washing machine with an agitator (as most top-loaders have).

Once you’ve added your laundry detergent, you’ll generally want to wash your pillows on a “bulky” or “heavy” cycle. Check your washing machine for any setting that is designed for heavier items. Some washing machines even have a special “bedding” option, but if yours doesn’t, you can use your standard setting.

Drying Cotton and Down Pillows

Once your pillows have completed their wash cycle, it’s time to dry them. How you dry your pillows is extremely important; for down pillows, you’ll want to make sure to avoid using any heat. Use an air-dry or fluff setting instead. For cotton and synthetic pillows, a low-heat setting will be just fine.

You can help to cut down on the drying time of your pillows by adding a couple of clean tennis balls to the dryer. This will not only help them dry faster, but will have the added benefit of fluffing your pillows as well!

You may need to run your pillows through the dryer for a couple of cycles before they’ll be completely dry. Once they are, however, all you need to do is put your clean pillow cases back on and enjoy your fresh, like-new pillows!

What About Memory Foam Pillows?

Memory foam pillows will require a little more care to clean. Specifically, they’ll need to be hand washed and air dried. The best way to do this is to fill a bucket with warm water and some of your favorite laundry detergent. From there, dunk your pillow in the water and gently massage/squeeze it to wash it. From there, you’ll want to rinse the pillow thoroughly with warm water to remove excess soap and suds.

Once your memory foam pillow is nice and clean, gently wring it to remove as much water as possible. From there, it should be set out to dry (ideally in the sun for faster drying). This process can take quite awhile, especially when you consider that memory foam is made of a sponge-like material. Still, your patience will pay off when you have a nice and clean pillow that has retained its shape and comfort.

Can a Professional Cleaning Service Help?

Taking the time to clean your pillows regularly can provide a number of health and wellness benefits, and is a lot cheaper than replacing your pillows when they become soiled. Still, washing pillows can be time-consuming, especially when you have enough laundry to worry about as it is. This is where having a professional cleaning service can make all the difference.

By having a professional cleaner handle other aspects of your household chores, such as laundry and sweeping, you can free up more time to tackle things like pillow cleaning while still having plenty of time to do more of the things you enjoy.

Maid Sailors offers a wide range of cleaning services in New York City and the surrounding areas. Contact us today to find out more about the specific services we offer and book your first cleaning with us.

home cleaner
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Company • Do It Yourself 0 Comments

Should You Hire A Professional Cleaner?

Should You Hire A Professional To Do Your Cleaning?

There’s a reason we don’t see most big-time CEOs spending relentless hours crunching numbers behind a desk or Presidents pulling up a chair in Congress and writing legislation. Snide remarks aside, their time is simply better spent elsewhere. They are professionals and their success will depend on their ability to efficiently delegate specialized tasks to trained professionals. Start thinking about cleaning your home in the same way.

Whether you’re a young professional grinding long hours in the city building your career, a father of two with a large 3-bedroom home or an aspiring actress occupying a closet (also known as a “studio”), one common truth resonates: your time is better spent moving your life forward vs. allocating hours to an activity that generally occupies the last spot on a list of priorities.

Effort, Equipment, and Efficiency

Effort

Most of us, are lazy. Admit it, you don’t want to put in the time nor the effort to achieve a clean home. You might pick up things and organize a little bit. But that’s not really cleaning, now is it? Professional cleaners are able to put in the effort you don’t want to simply because they get paid to do it!

What does this mean? Beds are made, floors are dusted and vacuumed, trash is collected and disposed of, bathrooms and kitchens are fully wiped and even appliances. All your household needs get addressed when you hire a professional to do the cleaning for you.

Equipment

You probably have a multi-surface cleaner under your kitchen sink and some paper towel on the counter. But when it comes to deep cleaning, do you have the tools to do the job? Do you have a microfiber rag for dusting? Or a toothbrush for scrubbing off soap scum? If you do that’s great! If you don’t, hiring a professional may be something you need to consider.

Professionals come equipped with the tools necessary get the job done. They are able to perform tasks you may not be able to achieve in the first place. Vacuuming, disinfecting, polishing, mopping, air freshening and dusting are easy tasks for cleaners to accomplish.

Efficiency

Cleaning may be a chore or a task to you, but in reality, it requires thoughtful attention to detail and effective prioritization. Hiring a professional to address your living space will not only provide you with top-notch cleanliness, it will do so in far fewer hours than it would have taken you do it yourself.

Professional cleaners offer visibility and transparency regarding how long they will need to complete any job. This gives you the flexibility to plan your day accordingly and manage your own time. Which is the most important variable in this equation. Plus, think of all the fun you could be having.

Did We Answer Your Question?

Saving money is great, but ask yourself, are you really coming out ahead if you’re donating your spare time cleaning the never-ending mess? Hiring a professional isn’t for everybody, we get it. But if you’re a busy person, chances are you need it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I look for when comparing cleaning companies in New York?

When comparing cleaning companies in New york, focus on three critical factors that separate average services from exceptional ones: employee training, insurance coverage, and service flexibility.

First, verify whether the company employs trained staff or uses independent contractors. Companies with W2 employees typically provide better accountability and consistent quality because their cleaners receive professional training. We train all our team members thoroughly, which shows in our results. As one satisfied client shared, “Professional team that takes pride in their work. You can really tell they care.”

Second, confirm the company is bonded and insured. This protects your belongings and gives you peace of mind. Many budget services skip this crucial protection to keep costs down, leaving you vulnerable if something goes wrong during cleaning.

Third, evaluate their communication and flexibility. Can you reach them easily if you need to adjust your service? Do they offer same-day bookings for emergencies? Maid Sailors provides concierge-style service with real-time updates during cleaning sessions. You can text, call, or email us to add services or request changes even while we’re cleaning your home.

Also consider what’s included in the base price. Our flat-rate pricing covers all cleaning supplies and products, so you don’t need to stock anything or worry about hidden fees. Whether you need deep cleaning in NYC or custom cleaning services in NYC, the price you see is the price you pay.

Finally, check recent reviews for patterns about quality and reliability. With over 650 five-star Google reviews, our track record speaks for itself. One customer noted, “Consistent quality every single visit. Our home is always perfectly maintained.”

Cleaning
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 0 Comments

Clean Your Entire House With These Three Kitchen Ingredients

If you’re looking to reduce the cleaning products in your household, you’ve come to the right place. The good news is that you can you can clean with products that you probably already have on hand. For centuries, people have been cleaning with kitchen products such as vinegar, baking soda and even lemon juice (or fresh lemons.)

Whether you believe it or not, these items are safe and effective. More safe and effective than the harmful chemicals found in most cleaning products. If you start cleaning with these natural cleaners, you won’t only declutter your cleaning supplies but you’ll save money and you won’t have to worry about harsh toxic chemicals.

  1. Vinegar

Vinegar can clean both salmonella and E.coli. The two very things you’re trying to avoid when it comes to cleaning. It’s a natural disinfectant. You can either use apple cider vinegar or white vinegar depending on the task. You can use vinegar to:

 

  • Make your coffee pot sparkle. Run it with a pot filled with equal parts of white vinegar and water. Then let it sit for an hour.
  • Unclog the tub. Apple cider vinegar is good for removing hair that gets clogged up in the tub. Pour some down the drain (about a half of a cup) and let it sit in there for about twenty minutes before pouring hot water down it.
  • Clean the microwave. Take a microwave safe bowl and fill it with water. Then put about two teaspoons of vinegar in it and microwave on high about five minutes. Afterward, everything easily wipes away.
  • Prevent mold and mildew in the bathroom. You can use white vinegar in the bathroom to prevent mold and mildew. Do this by keeping it in a spray bottle and spraying it on shower walls, curtains, and tub after your shower.
  • Make glass cleaner. Take a spray bottle and mix one tablespoon of vinegar in one quart of water. Spray on glass surfaces and wipe dry and you have a homemade glass cleaner.

  1. Baking soda

Baking soda is known for keeping nasty smells out of your fridge and cleaning fruits. But it’s odor absorbing properties can do much more than that. And it contrary to vinegar it doesn’t hold a strong smell. Try out these tips for cleaning with baking soda:

 

  • Remove unwanted stains. Baking soda works wonders in a coffee pot or coffee mugs to remove the stains that come with making coffee.  Fill mugs or pot with one part baking soda to two parts water and let it sit overnight. In the morning, rinse and scrub.
  • Clean hair care tools. Soak your brushes and combs in one part baking soda and one part water solution. Do this for a few hours.
  • Get rid of pet odor. True to its word, baking soda is great for removing odors from your home. Sprinkle it on your carpet or furniture and let it sit for about twenty minutes before vacuuming.
  • Clean the grill. Sprinkle baking soda on your grill and let it sit for about ten minutes. Then pour hot water over it and let it soak for a few hours. When you come back you will easily be able to remove the burnt food and crud.

  1. Lemon Juice

Have you ever noticed that most of the products you find in the cleaning aisle have a citrus scent to them? That’s because some citrus, like lemons, are a natural disinfectant because of the acidity they hold. And as an added bonus using lemon around your house will make it smell great. Here are some things you can use lemon juice for:

 

  • Making a multi-surface cleaner. Take an empty spray bottle and fill it with a half gallon of water. Then add one tablespoon of vinegar and two tablespoons of lemon juice. Shake it up and you have a homemade multi-surface cleaner for your home.
  • Polish your furniture. By taking one pint (16. oz.) of vegetable oil, and one teaspoon of lemon juice and mix them together you can make your own furniture polish. Simply rub the furniture and you’ll have a clean and polished surface.
  • Prevent lime and rust. Take some lemon juice and rub it on your faucets. Let it sit overnight and rinse in the morning.
  • Remove stains from clothing. There are so many products out there that claim to remove stains and just don’t do the job. Apply lemon juice to the tough stain and a little sprinkle of cream of tartar. Rub it into the stain letting it sit until the stain it is gone, then throw it in the washing machine.
Looking for other ways to save money and clean your home? Check out our other post!
Bowls of baking soda and grated soap bar on a wooden surface used by Maid Sailors
By Guest Contributor Do It Yourself • Tips and Tricks 1 Comment

Do it Yourself Laundry Detergent

Since conventional laundry detergent is loaded with phenols, allergenic fragrances, and more people everywhere are turning to homemade cleaning products to risk harsh chemicals and toxins being exposed to their families. Do it yourself products are the first step in transitioning into natural living. Are you ready to make the transition?

Making your own laundry detergent is cheap, easy, and fun. You can make either liquid or powder detergent. And you can even make your own scent. The possibilities are endless when it comes to making your own laundry detergent. That’s the fun of do it yourself projects. 

Base Ingredients: 

  • Arm & Hammer washing soda
  • Borax
  • Fels-Naptha

Do it Yourself Powder Laundry Soap

  • Step 1: Grate one Fels-Naptha bar with a cheese grater or food processor until finely ground.  
  • Step 2: In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of washing soda with 1 cup Borax. Add in 1 part of your grated soap. Then you can add in scent boosters or essential oils to enhance your detergent.
  • Step 3: Store in a closed container like half gallon mason jars. 

Note: Use 1/2 to 1 cup per load.

Do it Yourself Liquid Laundry Soap

  • Step 1: Grate one bar of Fels-Naptha with a cheese grater or food processor until finely ground.
  • Step 2: Place grated soap in a pan with 2 quarts water. Gradually heat and stir constantly until soap is completely dissolved.
  • Step 3: Take 4. 5 gallons of hot water and place it in a 5-gallon bucket. Then stir in 2 cups of borax and 2 cups of Washing Soda. Stir until completely dissolved.
  • Step 4: Add soap mixture from pan into 5-gallon bucket stirring well.
  • Step 5: Cover and let sit overnight.
  • Step 6: The next morning you can stir your mixture until it’s smooth and then pour it into a gallon jug or another container of your choosing.

Note: Use 1/2 to 1 cup per load.

Pro Tip: When you stir your mixture in the morning try adding your favorite essential oils for a greatly scented detergent. You don’t want to add the oils until after you’ve boiled the mixture so the scent doesn’t dissolve away.
Have you done this before? Do you have another great recipe for making your own laundry detergent? That’s great! Let us know and you could be featured in our next blog post! We are always looking for new and innovative ideas for the home to write about that include DIY , green cleaning , fun how-to’s , and home organization.
water
By Joseph Passalacqua 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.

upholstery
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

How to Make Your Own Homemade Upholstery Cleaner

How to Clean Your Upholstery

Unnatural, chemical-based cleansers often contain toxic and hazardous chemicals, dangerous to both their user and the environment. Millennials, environmentally conscious consumers and those with sensitivities to toxic chemicals are turning back to less-harmful cleaning products. Below we will describe how to make your own natural upholstery cleaner when your upholstered furniture gets stained.

To make your own homemade upholstery stain cleaner you can use nothing more than a combination of soap, vinegar, and water. The recipe is:

  • 1/2 tablespoon of natural liquid soap
  • 1/4 cup white vinegar
  • 3/4 cup warm water

Combine all three in a spray bottle and shake to combine the ingredients. Mist the soiled area lightly with the spray bottle, then scrub the area in a circular motion with a soft cloth. Reapply as necessary, until the stained area becomes clean. Moisten your cloth with clean, warm water and repeat the scrubbing motion to remove excess soap. You can finish off by blotting the damp area with a dry cloth. In order to avoid discoloration of visible areas of the fabric, it is absolutely vital that you test it out first on a part of the furniture that is out of sight.

It doesn’t always work, but it can still be quite effective. If your natural homemade cleaner does not work, you may need to consider purchasing an upholstery cleaning product or contact a professional cleaner.

Here is also a video on DIY furniture cleaner.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Homemade Upholstery Cleaner If I Have Professional Maid Services in NYC?

Yes, you can definitely use homemade upholstery cleaner between your professional cleaning appointments! Many of our clients who use maid services NYC appreciate having DIY solutions for quick spot treatments. Our trained cleaning crew actually recommends keeping a simple homemade cleaner on hand for immediate spills on your furniture.

When you work with Maid Sailors, we bring all our professional-grade cleaning supplies to handle your upholstery during regular visits. However, life happens between cleanings. Having a homemade solution ready means you can tackle that coffee spill or pet accident right away without waiting for your next scheduled service.

One client recently shared, “The team was happy to accommodate my special cleaning requests.” This flexibility is something we pride ourselves on. If you want us to focus extra attention on upholstery during your cleaning, just let us know through our concierge-style service. You can text, email, or call us even during the cleaning to add specific requests.

Our experience shows that combining professional deep cleaning NYC visits with your own spot maintenance works best. We handle the thorough, time-consuming upholstery cleaning during our appointments, while you manage emergency situations with your homemade cleaner. This approach keeps your furniture looking great all month long without extra stress.

For households with kids or pets, we also recommend our green eco-friendly cleaning service, which uses non-toxic products similar to many homemade solutions. It’s the perfect complement to your DIY efforts between our visits.

allergies
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 0 Comments

Suffering From Allergies? Try These Cleaning Tips!

Suffering from allergies can be a huge pain in the you know what. So whether it’s you or someone else in your house that is suffering, it’s important to clean your house right in order to reduce allergens in your home. Some common household allergens are dust, mold, insects, pollen, and pet dander.

 

As part of your new allergy management plan, regular weekly cleaning in your home is imperative. When it comes to allergies, even the tiniest amount of dust or pet hair can trigger them bringing them into full force sneezing, itching, and coughing. If cleaning is neglected for several weeks, you might need to hire some help.

 

Aside from scheduling regular cleanings, It’s also important to make sure you are using the proper tools and products to trap allergens and prevent exposure to anything that might cause you to have an allergic reaction.

What Cleaning Products Should I Use?

Fun fact: A lot of cleaning products can irritate your allergies causing your symptoms to worsen. You want to look for cleaning products that contain the fewest chemicals possible. These are cleaning products that are unscented and all natural.

 

Limit products that include:
  • Ammonia
  • D-limonene
  • Formaldehyde
  • Sodium hypochlorite or lauryl sulfate
Start using products such as:
  • White vinegar
  • Lemon
  • Baking soda
  • Products from The Honest Company

What Tools Should I Use?

  • Vacuum: If you have a bagless vacuum you should wash it out after each use in order to prevent allergic particle buildup. If your vacuum has a bag, try to double bag it, that way you catch as much debris as possible. There is also a product on the market called the fabric allergen sanitizer vacuum. These type of vacuums use ultraviolet rays to kill bacteria, dust mites and eliminate potential allergens from fabric surfaces. If you suffer from extreme allergies, this might be a good investment for you to make. 
  • Microfiber Cloths and Mops: Not only are paper towels expensive, they don’t attract dust like a microfiber rag will. This is the reason most cleaning companies use them. That, and it reduces cost. The same principle applies to microfiber mop heads. They will pick up more than a regular mop head. And all you need to do when you’re finished is pop them in the washer, and put them away for the next cleaning.  
  • Dust Wipes: True to their name synthetic dusting wipes and wands attract dust like no other. They create static cling that will hold the dust until it can be disposed of in the trash. They are good to keep on hand just in case the dust bunnies start piling up right before your eyes. 
  • Laundry Products: When choosing laundry detergents, look for products that are dye-free and unscented. Often times the dye and scent that is in detergents can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions. Another option is for you to make your own laundry detergent. 

Where Should I Clean?

You should be cleaning everywhere! It doesn’t matter if your allergies are year-round or seasonal. A clean house is a happy house. But since you are suffering from allergies, you should be paying more attention to where you clean and how often you do it.

 

Here are 8 places you should be cleaning a house full of allergies:
  • Change your air filters monthly
  • Wipe down surfaces often – when cooking in the kitchen, wipe down surfaces after each use
  • If you are a smoker, don’t smoke inside your home
  • If you have pets, bath them as much as possible along with their bedding, leashes, and collars
  • Vacuum every room weekly at the very least
  • Keep the clutter to a minimum 
  • Deep clean bathrooms at least twice a week
  • Change and wash your bedding weekly
Detailed bathroom cleaning showing a sparkling white sink sanitized by Maid Sailors
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 5 Comments

How to Make Your Own Shower Cleaner

Are you having trouble keeping your shower clean? We all are. There’s no simple way to keep your shower from getting dirty. What you need to do is keep up with the cleaning. Make sure you’re not waiting too long to clean it. That only makes more work for you or your cleaner.

We’ve come up with a simple yet powerful mixture to help you clean your shower and clean your shower head with ingredients that you already have in your kitchen. This shower cleaner is easy to make and it gets the job done. Before you begin, make sure you have everything you need to make your own shower cleaner.

What you’ll need:

  • An empty spray bottle
  • A bottle of Dawn dish detergent (2 cups)
  • A bottle of white vinegar (2 cups)
  • Sponge with scrub pad

How to make

Take a measuring cup and measure out two cups of your white vinegar. Heat the vinegar in the microwave until hot (2 to 3 minutes depending on your microwave wattage). And pour it into your spray bottle once it’s done heating. Next, you’ll pour your two cups of Dawn into your spray bottle with the vinegar, put the lid on, and gently shake.

And that’s it! Told you it was a simple solution. Here at Maid Sailors, we like simple. The simpler the better. Now on how to use your new shower cleaner.

How to use 

Simply spray it in your shower and let it sit for 30 minutes. Make sure you are spraying your whole shower. Be sure to get the walls, the floor, the edges of the tub, and the faucet. After you’ve let the solution set, you can begin wiping down your shower. If need be, take your sponge and give it a little elbow grease using the scrub pad.

How did you like this make your own shower cleaner? Do you enjoy DIY projects? Would you like to see more of them from us? Give us a shout by dropping a comment below!
cleaning tricks
By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself 1 Comment

Easy Tricks for Keeping Your Floor Game on Point

Unless you’re a magician, floors are made to be walked on and thoroughly enjoyed. Modern novelties and exterior care have turned the maintenance process into a breeze. With only a bit of tending and right treatments, it is possible to prolong shiny looks and overall life. Maid Sailors has accumulated the best ways to maintain and preserve your floors.

Moving in? Not so fast…

After you have completed the installation of your new flooring, a proper cleaning action is required prior to the return of the interior items. Best suited clean-up for vinyl is a simple wiping with a damp mop, lukewarm water, and a homemade detergent mixture. Wood and laminate need only a light whisk of the possible leftovers of refuse or dirt. Sweep it with an un-moistened fabric and eliminate the last remaining particles.

Handle With Care

Many of us believe the house will sweep itself. The more we wait, more blotches and dust layers will get stuck to the surface of our once beautiful floor. A brisk but effective washup takes less of our time than a huge, industrious endeavor at the end of the month, and the floors are thus impeccable and last longer.

Simple Vinyl

On your floors. Undemanding vinyl stays in pristine condition with vacuum or tender brush works and a weekly washup with a gentle detergent and water.

Laminated Floors

Use the dry cloth or vacuum cleaner for this floor. The optimal maintenance schedule should include a two-weekly moist cloth wiping with a touch of specialized laminate spray for a tidy outlook.

Hard Wood

This floor asks for a broom sweep combined with a polishing action, and that’s pretty much all it takes for a wooden floor to shine. Occasionally, treat it with a damp mop with a quality wood protection spray. There are some green conscious kinds on the market as well.

Immaculate Condition

Unlike some kinds of floor coverings like mats or carpets, the exterior handling of our flooring ousts occurrence of marks and splotches. The spillage of drinks, dropped food or paint won’t mar them easily, but it’s recommendable to wash it soon after. For this, employ a dried mop and the appropriate washing mixture. Make sure to carefully follow the instructions on the bottle and avoid administering them straight to the surface.

Handling Damage

Despite having applied a sturdy finish on the surface, a certain type of damage, like scrapes, may occur after a longer period of use. Some solutions may return the old glow to it, but serious scratches require a moderate sandwork and a fresh coat of protection to be as good as new. A special hardwood filler is exploited for splits or breaks, while waxing bars are brought into play for bigger gaps.

By now we mentioned some of the possible treatments, but we’d like to pinpoint how purchasing the exact right product for your type of flooring is essential. Follow the guide closely and never administer it with a soaked mop that would dilute the solution and harm the floor.

To truly prevent any damage to a large portion of the floor surface, invest in a quality carpet that matches the setting of your room. A uniquely tinted eco ug would pose as a nice natural extension of your hardwood floor and add a pop of color would light up the interior.

Quick Tips:

Thanks for making it all the way down here. Here are some even easier tips that ensure well-maintained floors:

1.) Place a doormat for dirt removal

2.) Wrap the furniture touchpoints with the floor

3.) Don’t drag the furniture, lift it

4.) Abstain from using polish or wax treatments

Lastly…

Beautiful new flooring can change the atmosphere of the house completely. Make an informed choice about the type of covering you’d like and commit to regular maintenance and fine products to make it last.

 

By Guest Contributor Do It Yourself 3 Comments

5 Cheap DIY Home Improvement Projects You Can Do Right Now

For the weekend warrior, one of the greatest joys in the world is the one of being a homeowner. It seems that no matter what projects get checked off the old to-do list, there is always something more to do. If you’re in the mood for some excellent, easy and affordable DIY home improvement ideas, definitely consider the following. If you need to prep your place beforehand or relieve it afterwards, call Maid Sailors and we’ll show up immediately.

First of all, take a look at the one room in every home that always needs a little sprucing up: the kitchen. Surprisingly, this is the area where the smallest changes can actually make the biggest, most aesthetically pleasing impacts. For example, have you ever considered how drab the wall area over your sinkmay be? It won’t appear to make much of a difference to you now because you’ve probably grown accustomed to it. Consider adding a backsplash to that little alcove; the effect will be mesmerizing. Subway-tiled backsplashes are an easy and affordable way to give that common area a real robust pop. Lucky for you, given you’re so busy, it’s also a project that can be completed in short order. It’s becoming such a popular DIY project that several home improvement shopping centers have even incorporated step-by-step instructions to aid you in this homestead endeavor. We recommend picking subway tile, for a classic (yet never understated) look. Use a neutral color, so the contrast with the white grout between the tile will really stand out.

Second, cabinets are not only a blessing for a convenient storage area but also offer a plethora of ideas. For a truly modern style, replace the standard solid doors with glass doors and brushed metallic knobs. The difference is anything but insignificant, as eyes will be immediately drawn to your new cabinet appearance (“where’d you get those cabinets, bro?”). Plus, from a practical perspective, you now have a convenient window into what you have stored and where you’ve placed it.

Third, keep surveying your home like a young Thomas Jefferson (a master surveyor, amongst other things). Do you have a door opening that could use a little attention? If so, sliding door hardware is readily available; further, this will easily fit into your home improvement build and budget. Why not look into barndoor hardware? By repurposing an old door with sliding rollers and a track above the door frame, you’ve instantly added a rustic touch to your living space.

Fourth, you can work on your curb appeal. The front doors on your home’s entrance are a blank canvas for ideas, so why not give it a little improving as well? A door is more than just some wood and a handle (it’s so much more!). Install an old-fashioned knocker, front and center and replace the locks and hinges to match. Choose a brushed finish — chrome, silver or brass will do nicely. It adds noticeable charm and is incredibly easy to install, and won’t leave a dent in your wallet.

Lastly, are you feeling particularly motivated? Do you have hardwood floors that could use some attention? If so, you should undoubtedly, you should consider refinishing the wood’s surface. This may seem intimidating at first, but it’s actually a process that is absolutely doable, and without a doubt will get you compliments. Begin by taking a belt sander to the floor’s surface, to remove imperfections and help level the wood out again. Make sure to follow the wood’s grain, for effective results. For corners, take an edge sander, minding the wood’s grain and keeping your work consistent. If the boards are aged, there are probably holes present, or possibly some gaps, so make sure that you tend to the imperfections with a wood filler (which is a similar color to the natural wood, of course). Finally, the real payoff happens. Pick a stain that really sticks out to you, something that matches your furniture or cabinets. Once you apply a few coats of stain, and follow up with some layers of finish, you’ll be amazed at how much of a difference you’ve made. Plus, you’ve just increased your home’s value as well.

Ultimately, home improvement projects are best when done with your own two hands. You get a real, honest sense of accomplishment, and you make your home new and refreshing once more. It’s easy to see why these home projects have becoming so popular, and addicting. Tour your home, and pick a new DIY adventure today. After you’re done, call Maid Sailors for that quicker-picker-upper.