By Guest Contributor General Information • Tips and Tricks 1 Comment

Roommates You Don’t Know You Have (Until Now)

Whether you’ve been living in your studio / 2-bedroom apartment / multi-bedroom house for a while or the movers just pulled away from your street, here’s some bad news: you have roommates you don’t know about.

They are shamelessly snickering and hooting while you’re rolling out of bed (after hitting that snooze button twice), struggling to cook “Quaker Quick Oats” (saving money on breakfast means you can hit up Chipotle for lunch AND get guacamole, nah mean?) and/or pleading helplessly with your children to get in the car.

Moreover, these roommates are not helpful; they will not shine the counter-tops, rinse the dishes or disinfect the bathroom while you’re out. Instead, they will (continue to) party very, very hard, engage in unspeakable acts all over your sacred living space and sadly, won’t be showing any signs of slowing down upon your return.

Amongst amateurs, these infidels will remain dominant. They will effectively conduct guerrilla warfare by hiding in the hills and crevices of your bedroom(s), bathroom(s) and kitchen(s), striking opportunistically. While you may venture into a Duane Reade once a month, purchase some “Wet Wipes” and cause your tenacious tenants some slight distress, they will ultimately overcome your anemic assaults and continue to fester within your homeland (read: near your kids/pets / you).

The Good News

With proper, professional assistance, you can win this war in nuclear fashion. An experienced and well-equipped service (Maid Sailors) will arrive at war with an arsenal appropriate for fully sanitizing every major chamber of your home. Thereby eradicating your unwelcome guests. You don’t need to buy supplies beforehand and you certainly won’t need to store anything afterward. Maid Sailors come equipped with what amounts to a mini-Rite Aid in their duffel bags, allowing them to effectively and efficiently sterilize every square inch of your habitat.

So, exactly who are these roommates? The researchers at Maid Sailors have profiled two prominent squatters that are probably reading this article alongside you right now. (Pro-tip: if you book your cleaning now, you can probably finish reading this at a Starbuck’s while your home is secured in the meantime.)

1. Donnie the Dust Mite

Last check-in: Your bed (jumping), sheets (lounging) and pillows (napping real quick).

Hobbies: Donnie doesn’t bite but you might be allergic to him. If so, he’ll be busy posting statuses on your laptop (while you’re away) about how he made you sneeze, gave you a stuffy nose and made you cry (that itchiness of the eyes, tho).

Relationship status: Donnie isn’t a player, but he interacts a lot (if you know what I mean). Normally, Donnie might only be around for 20 days. But if he links up with his main chick (Diane the Dust Mite), she can live up to 70 days and lay 60–100 eggs during the last month of her life.

Fun-fact: Donnie is a real “sneakerhead.” He has eight legs, which means he has to buy 4 pairs of Jordans in order to remain the envy of his other microscopic friends.

Eviction solution: A professional can evict Donnie by thoroughly washing and drying your bedding (sheets, pillowcases, comforters, etc.) and exhaustively vacuuming your floors and carpets; additionally, these vacuums should have “high-efficiency particle air filters (HEPA)”, which will collect Donnie’s waste and his girl’s eggs.

2. Elizabeth Coli (Elizabeth often goes by “E. coli”)

Last check-in: As the Notorious B.I.G. line goes, “…she be sittin’ in your kitchen, waiting to start hittin’.” Your sink (her personal pool), food-ridden dishes (her beach chairs), cutting board (doing pilates) and countertop (tanning, obvi).

Hobbies: This chick can be a femme fatale as they come. If you’re not careful, she’ll make you anxious, have you sitting on a toilet seat for hours. And literally make you sick to your stomach.

Relationship status: Like Kanye West, Liz loves herself more than she can ever love another being. She will clone herself multiple times and her appetite (for herself) is sadly insatiable; within a 12 hour period, there can potentially be up to 17 million versions of Liz. Maybe having an all-out lovefest in your kitchen.

Fun-fact: This single-celled Cinderella is quite the social butterfly. In addition to her common hangouts, she’ll also be attending happy hours in your blender. And rubbing shoulders with other microbial bad girls in a litany of additional kitchen appliances.

Eviction solution: Having a professional conduct a thorough sanitary-onslaught on both your bathroom and kitchen will do the trick. A Maid Sailor will have the time and tools to disinfect your cutting boards, countertops, dishes, utensils and table surfaces. In the bathroom, anti-bacterial soaps and wipes will be used to cleanse your toilet, floors, tubs and even the handles.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Cleaning The Doorknobs

Doorknobs are one of the most highly contacted surfaces in your home, and we don’t often think to clean them on a regular basis. Wipe down a doorknob and you may be surprised by the amount of dirt that comes off of it. Bacteria aside, the oils on our hands accumulate over time on these small surfaces, attracting even more grime and foreign particles. With flu season coming up, it is important that you maintain clean doorknobs for your home!

How to clean your doorknobs

For a natural, non-toxic cleaning solution, spray the surface with vinegar and wipe dry with a clean cloth. There are products that will help remove odors, such as baking soda. Check the particular method to be sure that it does not damage the surface. Baking soda is slightly abrasive and should not be used on pieces that scratch or wear easily. If safe, baking can be added to a soap and water mixture.

There are disinfectant wipes that are quick and easy to clean with. Some common brands are Lysol and Clorox wipes. Simply wipe them over the surface of the doorknob and allow it to dry.

Focus on the knobs and handles that get the most action throughout the day: the front door, bathroom doors, refrigerator doors, microwave doors, even the little knobs on your kitchen cupboard doors.

While you’re at it, don’t forget other often-overlooked areas as well, like your light switches, remotes, and computer mouse and keyboard.

Fun Fact

A lesser-known fact is that certain metals, such as brass, actually sterilize themselves after a certain period of time, making them ideal materials for surfaces like doorknobs (It’s called the oligodynamic effect). Brass doorknobs disinfect themselves in about eight hours, while stainless steel and aluminum knobs never do. Unvarnished brass doorknobs, therefore, tend to be more sanitary than stainless or aluminum doorknobs. The effect is important in hospitals, and useful in any building where there is a lot of traffic.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 2 Comments

Clean Out Your Apartment, Not Your Wallet – Your Guide to Buying Cleaning Supplies

Money may not buy happiness, but one thing is clear: careful budgeting is one of the secrets to a happy family. Lots of the items available in stores today have a high cost; if you don’t plan carefully and truly assess your needs, you may be overpaying for fancy, shiny things you don’t need. You won’t be cleaning every day (if you plan on it, please contact Maid Sailors for employment opportunities), so your strategy should be as follows: invest in high-quality products that will serve as “necessities” which will ultimately preserve the hygiene of your living space.

We’re here to upgrade your cleaning kit on a tight budget; consider the following factors: What do you need? What can you do without? How big is your living space? Keep these in mind as you read through the following three thrifty tips (do you like what we did there?).

1. Plan at home to buy the things you actually need

While this sounds obvious, once you walk into Home Depot / Duane Reade / Walgreens / Wherever, you will be bombarded by colorful logos and advanced engineering. The cleaning products space is very competitive and many products exist – to make matters worse, many of these products are advertised as “necessary.” To ensure you don’t blow your rent, make a list of the things you need while you’re still at home. Brushes and brooms? Window cleaners? Sponges and rags? While you’re in the shop, religiously stick to buying these items only. Also, remember to google quickly for discounts and special offers – these products are generally occupying space at various hardware and department stores and owners will often provide valuable discounts in order to clear shelf space. Here are some further tips for common household cleaning items:

  • Sponges and wipes: buy reusable only; non-reusable products will require you to do lots of shopping every week (which will make your salary disappear)
  • Buckets: Buy 1 or 2 max
  • Brushes: Buy 1 or 2 max

2. Buy in bulk

Cleaning isn’t like online dating – it requires dedication and it’s a task you’re married to for life (as depressing as that may sound). Thus, keep in mind that it’s always cheaper to buy in bulk now than it will be to make the same smaller purchase multiple times down the road. Ultimately, if you buy in bulk, you’ll save money. Determine which common items you’ll be “running out of” over the next few weeks/months (e.g. detergent, wipes, soap, paper towels). Instead of buying smaller bottles, look for larger ones and see if they’re less expensive per unit of volume. Not only will you save money on a per unit basis, you’ll eventually reduce waste – a win/win situation for both your wallet and Planet Earth.

Lastly, always keep in mind the lessons of tip 1. If there is something you don’t need, don’t buy it just because they offer bigger quantities of that product at your local store. It’s also a good idea to compare prices in different shops for larger quantities (e.g. if you know you’re going to be making big purchases, may be worth it to make the trip to Costco after all).

3. Remain eco-friendly

It’s been known for years that commercial products are fraught with all sorts of chemicals that put our health at risk and pollute the environment. Even though many companies try to hide the dangerous substances they use to make their products, it’s obvious you need to be wary of the cleaning solutions you purchase: harmful ingredients in these products can trigger many health problems such as lung diseases, skin problems, eye problems and even cancer.

Alternatively, “green cleaning” is safer, more affordable and ultimately a long-term money-saver (especially when long-term health risks are in the picture); from our perspective, eco-friendly products are a necessity if you have children, multiple roommates, and/or pets.

Some examples of cheap, effective and natural products are as follows: salt, lemon juice, white vinegar and baking soda. While that list may surprise you, remember that these natural products are just as effective as every-day chemical cleaners – for heavy duty cleaning, make sure to call a professional (like Maid Sailors). Further, if you want to get creative (on a budget), feel free to google for cleaning recipes that will help you prepare the right cleaning solution using the aforementioned natural ingredients. A small investment of time = large savings of cash.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Do It Yourself • General Information • Home Improvement • Tips and Tricks 50 Comments

Cleaning Aftermath: Post-Renovation Disaster Management

The Cleaning Aftermath

If you’re having your apartment or house renovated then you really should start thinking about cleaning your place, post-renovation, which is when the real work begins! Builders and renovators are not professional cleaners. Thus, after they’re finished installing your new kitchen or fixing your bathroom, all that dust floats from room to room. It gets stuck on every surface, leaving no orifice behind! Unfortunately, for situations as heavy as this, a simple sweep or quick mop of the floor just won’t do.

The best solution is to invest in hiring seasoned, professional cleaners (like Maid Sailors), which will save you a lot of time, trouble, and potentially, injury. But, for those brave souls who choose to go it alone, we’ve drafted these tips on how to eradicate all of that dust and grime from your newly renovated living space!

Post-Renovation Disaster Management

  • Anticipate the storm. First off, there’s nothing like preparation and taking extra precautions to make sure dust doesn’t damage any of your electrical appliances or furniture. Do this by covering all your home items with plastic sheeting and/or bags and make sure they are well sealed with duct tape.Another very useful tip: keep windows open during renovations. This will allow a lot of dust and stray particles to venture out into the wild (versus settling in your living room). Most people don’t bother with preparation and begin the cleaning process after the builders have completed renovations. Don’t end up like most people. If you do a little preparation, you will avoid costly mistakes!
  • Dealing with floor dust. The last builder just walked out of your door and left you the delightful early Christmas present of a white, dusty floor. However, before you reach for that broom, think again! Sweeping dust usually means you’re just transporting it somewhere else, so why waste your precious time and energy? Sweeping is only a good idea if there are larger pieces of debris on the floor.First, in order to avoid suffocation, make sure the room is well ventilated. Next, use your vacuum cleaner to pick up the initial first-round of that stubborn dust. You’ll notice that after all of your cleaning and clearance efforts, there will still be some stubborn dust remnants. Finish the job by mopping your floor quickly, ultimately ridding your floors of that pesky dust. Extra credit goes to those who use a strong domestic cleaning product; while you’ll notice smudges on your floor at first, these will subside after a quick second coat.
  • Dealing with more dust. Now it’s important when cleaning to remember that builders’ dust doesn’t just limit itself to landing on your floor! It gets trapped on skirting boards, windowsills, shelves and just about any other surface in your living space. Ultimately, you can use a damp cloth. Pick it all up and really get into those tight corners.

Remember, if all of this sounds like too much work and you don’t have time to effectively prepare you can hire professional cleaners who will get the job done and leave your counters sparkling. In any case, remember that patience is paramount to a successful builder. If you rush it you won’t do a very good job. It’s important to be as thorough. After all, it is your home!

By Guest Contributor General Information • Tips and Tricks 324 Comments

Check Out These Top Cleaning Blogs

Cleaning is such a stressful task. Unfortunately, civilized people like you are obliged to clean your house, mow your lawns, and dust your furniture. That even more pressing if you are a mother or a homemaker. It is not only an obligation or responsibility. It becomes a mission. It is your mission to your house to the best that it can be. Some people have even reached the point of making cleaning and organizing their passion. The task is always a part of their system. The greatest thing is that they are loving that feeling of making their responsibility into a passion.

Unfortunately, some people physically can’t do a proper cleaning and organizing on their own. They most likely need help to keep things organizes in their homes. This is where the power of the Internet steps in. If you are having trouble getting tour house and belongings in order, the following blogs can help you get on track. It does not matter if you are single, a mother, a single mom, or a single dad. These blogs can help you while you struggle to achieve cleanliness in your home.

The good thing is that the trait pf cleanliness and organization can be acquired over time. Even if you are not an organized person right now, you have the capability to be better when given time. If you find the necessary time to learn how to organize your house stuff, you can definitely master the art of organizing and arts and crafts in the hone. You can always ask for the help of friends or relatives. However, it will be easier if you just log online and search for blogs that specialize in cleaning. These blogs do not need to be very popular as long as they can give you the proper advice for the home organizational problem you are encountering right now.

If you love organizing:

IHeart Organizing – iheartorganizing.blogspot.com

This blog is all about organizing. It mostly deals with the right cleaning and organizing of tour belongings. However, you can also find tips on designs and crafts within this blog. The writer is very passionate about everything that involves organizing. Iheart organizing can help you with anything. You can always check on this blog whenever you have trouble with your household stuff.

Organizing in itself is an art. The proper organization of things takes a lot of logic and art. You can achieve proper organization with your home when you know how to tap with the right sources. You must be thankful to come across with this blog.

If you love cleanliness with style:

The Domestic Life Stylist – thedomesticlifestylist.com

If you are the type of person who values cleanliness and at the same time a good sense of style, this is the place to be. Blogging about getting your house organized and placing style on your arrangement of things are two very different things. Fortunately, this blog has achieved those very qualities. You can get all types of nuggets and tips regarding style and home management with this blog. You will definitely thank the blogger after you have visited this blog.

You can always check style with home magazines. However, checking the tips of this blog can get you faster results than waiting for the arrival of the subscriptions from home magazines.

If you love DIY projects:

Clean & Scentsible – cleanandscentsible.com

Homemaking and organization are not just about an arrangement. You can also achieve this with little DIY projects you go home. There is nothing more fun than crafting little projects that can make your house more beautiful and stylish. If you have the talent, you can even turn your house into a fascinating home of various arts and crafts.

You can even involve your kids or your other relatives when you want to start a DIY home project. It can be a home decor. It can be a furniture. It can be a shelf or a closet to better organize your home essentials. The important thing is that you get to spend quality time with your family while doing something beautiful for your home.

If you love advice in homemaking:

Hallee the Homemaker – halleethehomemaker.com

Being a mother is already a difficult task. However, being a homemaker is another story altogether. When you are a homemaker, you have to take care of everything–from taking care of your children to taking out the trash. All that is the responsibility of the homemaking. This blog can help become a better one.

Everyone will need the right advice in order to be on the right track. All you have to do is get a very reliable adviser to give you the right tips and guidelines. You just have to be careful with your selection. Thankfully, you will get very great advice on this blog.

If you love to multitask:

The Marathon Mom – themarathonmom.com

Mothers have various responsibilities. That is a fact. However, if you have other responsibilities other than the responsibilities of the home, this blog can help you get more organized. Your life may be chaotic right now, but a few tips from this blog can get you more organized.

Some say that multi-tasking is a misconception. They say that people do not really multitask. They are just very good at switching from one task to another. However, it does not diminish the capabilities of a mother to show that she can multi-task. That still is a very remarkable trait.

If you love the idea of working from home:

The Mom Writes – themomwrites.com

Work-at-home moms probably get twice the stress of the regular mom. It does not matter what kind of work it is–whether it is a writing job or something that involves outdoor activities. Working always takes its toll on a person. Imagine the stress it will give to a devoted mother.

When a mother works at home, it usually means that she can take care of herself better. However, it does not usually mean that she can take care of her children to the best of her abilities. A work-at-home mom has more responsibilities than the regular mom. She should have more help in keeping her responsibilities.

If you have OCD impulses when it comes to cleanliness:

Organized, Clean and Design – organizedcleandesign.blogspot.com

OCD is a disease. It does not necessarily involve the addition of being clean all the time. However, it does involve a certain obsession with having control. If you are the type of person who has an almost obsessive-compulsive desire for organization and cleanliness, then this is the blog you should get updates from. You and the blogger will definitely agree with so many things.

If you have trouble managing the home:

The Frazzled Homemaker – thefrazzledhomemaker.com

You may be a first-time mother. You may be a newly divorced single parent. You may be a single parent who cannot seem to get the hang of things. If you are going to get updates on this blog, it will only mean one thing. You have a lot on your plate. You are a busy parent. If you are having trouble with dealing things in your home by yourself, you can always look for tips on this very helpful blog.

A newly divorced parent or a single mom should not keep that status from keeping him or her from living. A single parent should have other thoughts than trying to keep his or her household together. This blog can greatly help a single parent organize his or her personal and social life. This blog can effectively give updates and tips to the personal and professional responsibilities of a single parent.

If you are a first-time mother:

Mommy Survival – mommysurvival.info

If you are a first-time mom, getting updates from this blog can help you more than you care to know. This blog gives tips, advice, and guidelines for every first-time homemaker that screams for help. This blog can help you with so much house care and homemaking matters that you might end up embracing the blogger when you see her. Only a first-time mother realize how this particular blog can make her home life so much better.

If you are clumsy when it comes to cleaning and organizing:

Wonder Woman I’m Not – wonderwomanimnot.com

You might not be a mother. You might be single. You might even be a professional living freely in the city. However, if you have a serious problem with cleaning and organizing, you are a serious case that screams for help. You can always go to a therapist of course. However, the fastest way is to go online and check out tips and pieces of advice on how to organize your house better. The more logical and practical choice is to go online of course. So, if you happen to decide on going online for help in organizing your home, you can always rely on this blog to get your stuff together. You do not always have to be passionate to have an organized home. You just have to be willing to change.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 1 Comment

How to Have Fresh Footwear Forever

Ladies – let’s face it. As Generation Y continues to avoid homeownership and investing in the market, your shoes may realistically be your most important investments. You must maintain your investments by cleaning your footwear regularly. Louboutins (“Loubs”) are for looking, not smelling. Further, you need different strategies for different shoes. After all, we learn at a young age that one pair of shoes (heels or otherwise) cannot suffice for all occasions.

Maid Sailors understands that many women have a diversified portfolio of footwear. We’d like to educate our female (and male) readers on different methods for different materials. Cleaning your footwear can be daunting, especially since most shoes don’t come with washing instructions and one mistake can essentially send 500 dollars down the drain. Here’s a helpful overview of maintaining your footwear portfolio. Feel free to reach out to a Maid Sailors representative for detailed advice.

1. Trainers and Sneakers

Sneakers that are made out of soft materials can be thrown in a washing machine with a mild cleaning detergent (handwashing also works). If you employ the washing machine strategy, you’ll want to avoid two possible pitfalls: shrinkage and damage. Set the machine to “cool wash” to avoid discovering a smaller, baby-sized pair post-wash and add softer items (towels, sheets) to reduce potential damage from continuous bouncing; lastly, spin them to shun excess water. After washing, allow your prized Pumas to dry naturally, versus using a tumble dryer – you’ll avoid melting certain components of the shoes.

Don’t have access to a washer? Hand washing is super simple. Mix up a solution of washing detergent and baking soda. Apply this magic juice within the shoe and let it soak. Use a small brush (e.g. spare toothbrush) to scrub the outside of the shoe and then rinse it clean. Let the shoes dry naturally and they’ll be ready for Barry’s Bootcamp the next morning.

2. Leather Boots

Leather footwear should never be put in the washing machine. Water is like Ebola to leather. Instead, apply a special polish to your leather boots and shoes that can be purchased cheaply at most department stores. Before applying, brush off any excess dirt remaining on your shoe. Afterward, place a healthy amount of polish on a cloth and apply the product in a circular fashion (you can choose whether you want to go clockwise or counter-clockwise). After thoroughly buffing your shoes, use a clean cloth to remove any excess polish. If there’s an odor, you can apply a disinfectant, deodorizing spray (commonly found in Foot Locker, or any department store).

If you’re nervous about handling leather, feel free to take the shoes to a local cobbler or shoe repair shop (for those in NYC, Eddie’s Shoe Repair is super cheap) and ask for a shoeshine. They’ll revitalize your shoes; the only drawback is you might have to wait a little while (ugh).

3. High Heels

High heels are the high-maintenance Disney princesses of the footwear universe. Not only are they difficult to walk in, but they’re difficult to clean. A washing machine may remove dirt and mud, but will often create holes in the fabric or cause breakages in brittle heels. Long story short – swerve when you see the washing machine.

Hand-cleaning is your best strategy for these assets. First, use a dry cloth to brush off any visible dirt or mud. Next, use a dampened, cool cloth to rub embedded stains. For stubborn blemishes, make a mild detergent cleaning solution (like we discussed for leather footwear) and start blotting. Rinse any soap from the cloth and lift any detergent from the shoe’s material. Lastly, use a clean dry cloth to absorb any excess water in the fabric to avoid watermarks. Now you’re ready for ladies’ night.

4. Suede

Suede shoes are unique and require a one-of-a-kind cleaning approach. If you really care about your shoes, buy a suede cleaning kit for $20 (or less) on Amazon.  You’ll have a special brush (looks like an oversized toothbrush a Sumo Wrestler may use), which you can use to remove dry dirt that has accumulated over time. This process should also eliminate any scuff marks or imperfections in the suede. For particularly stubborn marks, you can use a pencil eraser to get rid of them (yes, pencils are still useful in 2015). To finish, apply the material-protector spray and de-odorize the inside. Your friends in the Hamptons will be #VeryJelly.

By Guest Contributor General Information • Tips and Tricks 0 Comments

Be Productive: Maid Sailors’ Motivation Builder

Finding The Motivation

A wise man once said, “Everybody wants to be a gangster until its time to do gangster things.” While this quote isn’t directly applicable here, we can apply some valuable insights that can ultimately make you more productive at home. After all, isn’t it true that when it comes to doing something in your apartment, like maintenance work or cleaning, suddenly something else comes up (e.g. Netflix)? Everything else suddenly seems like an emergency and needs your undivided attention (“OMG, did they really go to brunch without me?”). What about the work you had to do? Well, you can do it tomorrow, or the weekend, or better yet on Monday.

Don’t worry, if this is the case – it’s the reality for many people. We all have problems finding the motivation to clean and take care of our apartment, which is why there are reliable services and various other avenues for fixing your leaky sink or replacing your faucets. However, if hiring help is out of the question given your budgetary constraints, it is time to get motivated.

Finding the motivation to “do stuff” often comes down to changing small habits, which can be done rather easily with some minimal daily dedication. Here are some general guidelines that you can implement in order to get stuff done.

  • Develop a routine – This may sound impossible, with your busy schedule and all that, but the truth is that having an established routine will help you not only with cleaning and other jobs around the house but also with everyday activities. Imagine this scenario – you come back every day from work, you have dinner and you put the dishes into “that pile in the sink” till the pile becomes a bacterial Mt. Everest. How do you possibly find the motivation to clean them all now? When all you want to do after dinner is watch Orange Is The New Black? If you devoted just 3 minutes to wash the dishes after every meal each day they’d end up in your cabinets by the end of the week. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Try to squeeze in 3-5 minute routines during the earlier parts of the week to make life easier when the weekend rolls around. You’ll find that it’s easier to convince yourself to complete tasks when they aren’t gargantuan in the first place.
  • Start small – Building on the previous point, doing one simple task at a time can also help bolster motivation and prevent tasks from taking up your day. It is OK if you cannot climb the mountain on the first day (and you shouldn’t expect to). Instead, stand at its base and figure out how to make the first step. It will be super effective to write down a plan and stick to it (e.g. I will do X first, Y second and Z third). This method is especially helpful when it comes to domestic cleaning, where tasks can be numerous and unrelated. Start with one chore at a time. And eventually, it will all be done by the end of the day.
  • Make it fun – It is true that almost nobody likes mild cleaning, but it must be done. Thus, why not make it fun? Create a cleaning playlist, and unleash your inner Michael Jackson with the vacuum cleaner or mop. Time will pass quickly and the idea of cleaning won’t conjure negative associations within your brain. Prepare some treats or a drink you enjoy. Promise yourself will consume them only when you are done with your tasks (which you’ve written down). Instant Nutella.
  • Remember, you’re doing God’s work – Tidying up your place has real, tangible benefits that you can see, and even those you can’t. Small adjustments keep your apartment fresh and well sanitized. Once your place looks clean, you’ll probably feel more comfortable inviting friends over or sitting down to do some work. If you’re truly overwhelmed and you’ve let things spiral out of control, you can always call Maid Sailors and we’ll show you how it’s done.

Remember

You can apply these tenets to the workplace, or other areas of your busy life. Motivation is like a muscle. It can be a powerful tool but needs to be regularly challenged and “built” over time. Be patient, prioritize properly, start small and watch the results.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 9 Comments

6 Tips To Know Before You Move Out of Your Apartment

No matter where you live, moving out can be a huge pain. It’s really hard when you live on the third floor of your apartment building and you don’t have help. But I think what’s even worse than that is not getting your deposit back because you didn’t take the time clean. Am I right? You were counting on getting that money back to help you on your new adventure. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, we wanted to give you some quick tips that will help you clean your apartment ensuring you get your deposit back.

 

1. Clean The Kitchen Appliances

In an apartment, the kitchen is the first place an inspector will go to gauge the home’s cleanliness. You want to make sure it’s spic and span. Make sure to scrub the oven inside and out, clean the fridge making sure not to leave any food messes inside, make the microwave sparkle, and disinfect the countertops.

2. Clean The Windows

It’s easy to spot dirty windows from a mile away. Especially if you’re an inspector looking for things like this. Make sure you don’t forget these.

3. Clean The Walls

This is super important. You want to make sure there aren’t any holes or damage to the walls and that they are clean. If you need to grab a small can of white paint and touch them up, do so. If anything is on the walls that’s noticeable you will not be getting your deposit back.

4. Take A Final Meter Reading

Take a final reading of your meter the day you move out and inform your utility company. You don’t want to get stuck paying for utilities you didn’t use. Trust me, this happens a lot. And if it does, they won’t negotiate with you. You will have to pay it.5

5.  Know Your Contract

By now you may have forgotten what’s on your lease. You probably never really read it in the first place. But you should still have a copy, and you’ll want to read that copy for any fine proof that may prohibit you from getting your rental deposit back.

6. Take Pictures When Your Finished

When you leave, the apartment should be spotless. Take pictures of the clean, empty apartment before you leave for the very last time. This will protect you from any landlords and lawsuits.

 

If you need help cleaning, you can always hire a professional cleaner.

By Guest Contributor Cleaning Tips • Tips and Tricks 10 Comments

5 Tips and Tricks You Can Use Around Your Home

Are you looking for new and innovative ways to make your everyday household chores easier? You’re in luck! Here are five tips and tricks that you can use around your house to help you live better:

1. The Garbage Disposal

Garbage disposals can often times because smelly and unbearable. To get rid of this ungodly smell you can do one of three things. Or if you’re experiencing a really bad smell you can do all three of these things.

1.Pour baking soda inside it.

2. Put a lemon slice inside

3. Pour Sea Salt inside to help clean off bacteria that resides from old food.

2. The Dishwashing Sponge

A lot of people don’t know this but the sponge that you use to clean your dishes holds a lot of bacteria. Even after just one wash. After each load of dishes, all you need to do is pop that sponge in the microwave for two minutes on high. Although this does not replace the fact that you should be replacing your sponge every couple months, It will help kill the bacteria and help it last longer.

3. The Shower Door

Take a spray bottle filled with lemon juice and spray it on your shower doors after your shower. This will save you or your house cleaner a lot of time and energy trying to scrub off soap scum. You can also take a fresh lemon and rub it on the door if you don’t have a spray bottle handy.

4. Scrubbing The Toilet

Let’s face it, cleaning the toilet isn’t fun for anyone. Not even the maid. Take some white vinegar and pour it in around the edge just like you would regular toilet bowl cleaner. Let it sit overnight and in the morning, you can easily use your toilet brush to scrub it clean. (Helpful Hint: pour some white vinegar in the back of the toilet to help it stay cleaner longer.)

5. The Closet

Take some time and get rid of old clothes that you don’t wear anymore. This will keep your dresser drawers, your closet, and your room looking tidier than ever. Aside from cleaning out the closet, always put your clothes away when you grab them out of the dryer. Don’t wait. When you wait, that means they’ll probably be sitting in a basket for weeks adding unnecessary clutter you don’t need