The 5 Best Cleaning Tips for Around the House

Keeping a spot-free home doesn't have to be difficult and time-consuming. Work smarter, not harder by using these five tips the next time you clean your house. 

• Use natural cleaners. Most commercial cleaning products contain non-FDA-approved chemicals which may be harmful to you and your family. Clean up your cleaning supplies by only using all natural ingredients – you can clean just about anything in your home using baking soda, vinegar, lemon juice, and salt.
• Dust from top-to-bottom. When you are dusting a room, start at the top and work your way down to avoid dust falling onto areas which you have already cleaned. Dust the blades of your ceiling fan first, then your walls and furniture, and finally vacuum the carpet to effectively get rid of all of the dust in a room.
• Sanitize your sponges. We use sponges to clean our dishes and countertops, but they could actually be spreading bacteria instead of eliminating it. Sponges are a bacteria breeding ground, so make sure to sanitize yours weekly by boiling it in a pot of hot water or microwaving it on high for one minute.
• Ditch the paper towels. Instead, invest in some microfiber cloths. They are relatively inexpensive (about $5 for a 2-pack), machine washable, and reusable. They are also better at trapping dust and dirt than paper towels are, more eco-friendly, and won't leave behind linty streaks on your glass!
• Maintain the clean. It is easier to maintain a clean house than it is to let it get dirty and start from scratch. With just 15 minutes of work a day, you can keep your house indefinitely spotless by following a daily cleaning schedule like this one.

At The Maids of Dallas, we know that everyone loves a clean home, but not everyone loves cleaning. That is why we provide residents of the Dallas-Ft. Worth metroplex with superior housecleaning services at an affordable rate. Whether you need one room cleaned or your entire house, you can count on the Maids of Dallas to get the job done right. Call us today for a free estimate at (972) 437-6253 and get $50 off your first deep cleaning!

Food Safety Tips

Despite the open flames and razor-sharp knives, the real danger in your kitchen lies elsewhere – in the food. Each year, almost 50 million Americans suffer from food poisoning, with over 100,000 of them requiring hospitalization. Consuming food which is expired, undercooked, or dirty can lead to foodborne illness, so use these tips to protect yourself and your family.

• Store raw meat on the bottom shelf. The bottom shelf is one of the coldest areas in your refrigerator, which allows your meat to stay fresh for longer. Storing meat here also prevents it from dripping down and contaminating foods below.
• Wash produce before consuming. Unwashed produce contains a great amount of bacteria on the surface. Always rinse your fruits and vegetables under cold tap water before consuming, especially if you are planning on eating them raw.
• Thoroughly cook all meat. Undercooked meat is one of the primary sources of food poisoning. It is recommended to use a food thermometer when cooking meat, but if you don't have one, you will know your red meat is thoroughly cooked when the juices run clear, and pork and poultry should be white on the inside with no signs of pink.
• Keep your refrigerator between 34-39°F. This is the ideal temperature range to keep your refrigerator at; any lower than 34° and you risk your liquids freezing, any higher than 39° and the bacteria growth rate begins to skyrocket.
• Use two different cutting boards. One for your produce and one for your meat. Using a separate cutting board for each food source will help prevent cross-contamination in the kitchen.
• When in doubt, throw it out. This is the golden rule of food safety. If you are unsure whether a not a food is okay to eat, play it safe and toss it in the garbage – no meal is worth a trip to the hospital.

At The Maids of Dallas, we are committed to the health and safety of you and your family. That is why we only use eco-friendly cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment to remove more dust, dirt, and bacteria than our competitors. If you live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area and are in need of a housecleaning service, call us for a free quote at (972) 437-6253.

Got A Lot of Old Stuff? 4 Things To Do Before You Throw It Away

Has your most recent spring cleaning project left you with a pile of old junk that you need to get rid of? While throwing it all away is the quickest and easiest solution, it isn't the best. Avoid adding unnecessary trash to your local dump and try one of these alternatives instead.

1. Repurpose it

Are you sure that you have no other uses for that old trunk sitting in your attic? Maybe it would make a good table in your living room. A quick internet search for “repurposed junk” will yield thousands of results and could give you a creative spark for your next DIY project.

2. Sell it

One man's trash is another man's treasure. Just because you don't have a use for your old stuff doesn't mean that someone else won't. If you have items which are still in working condition, why throw them away when you can make some extra money from them? You will be surprised what people are willing to buy on online sites such as eBay, or you could take the old-fashioned route and host a yard sale.

3. Donate it

If you can't repurpose it, and nobody wants to buy it, then it is time to throw it away, right? Wrong. Old clothing, furniture, and electronics can be donated to local shelters and charities. Instead of slowly decomposing at the dump, give your stuff to someone in need.

4. Recycle it

For old scrap metal, rubber, and even some broken appliances, the recycling center is a much better alternative than the garbage can. Be environmentally-conscious and give these things a new life instead of adding to the countless amounts of waste at your local landfill.

If you could use an extra hand with your spring cleaning, The Maids of Dallas is just a phone call away. Serving Dallas, Arlington, Carrollton, and the surrounding area, our team of specialists uses state-of-the-art cleaning supplies that guarantee to leave your home spotless. Whether you need a one-time cleaning or scheduled routine visits, call us today for a free estimate at (972) 437-6253.

5 Guilt-Free Reasons to Hire a Maid Service

At The Maids of Dallas, we offer routine housecleaning services on a monthly, weekly, and even daily basis. While these recurring appointments make sense for those who are rarely home or physically unable to clean themselves, they aren't for everyone.

However, everyone can take advantage of our one-time services. Here are five situations where you can hire a maids service without feeling guilty about it.

Selling Your Home

If you are preparing to sell your home, you will want to leave a strong impression with potential buyers. Nothing will scare them away faster than walking into a messy house, so hire a professional maid service to ensure that your home is clean and ready to sell.

As a Gift

Reward your hard-working friend or family member with the gift of time and relaxation. A gift card to the Maids of Dallas is the perfect present for birthdays, Mother's Day, Valentine's Day, Christmas, and just about any special occasion you can think of!

Pre-Party Cleaning

If you are preparing to entertain guests for a family or holiday party, show them that you are the hostess with the mostess by welcoming them into your spotless home. A clean home not only looks better, it helps keep your party organized and provides more room for your guests.

Post-Party Clean Up

Hiring a professional cleaning service is also a great way to avoid the post-party cleanup. Chances are, you are probably exhausted from a long day/night of entertaining your guests, the last thing you want to do is clean. The Maids of Dallas will handle the aftermath of any party, picking up the garbage and scrubbing your floors while you sleep in or watch TV.

Spring Cleaning

Every year, millions of homeowners go all-out for spring cleaning and tackle some of the biggest projects that their home has to offer. If a full housecleaning from top-to-bottom is on your list and you keep putting it off, let someone else do it for you!

Whether you need your house cleaned for a potential sale, family party, or just because, The Maids of Dallas is just a phone call away. We send a team of four cleaning specialists to every job to ensure an efficient, satisfactory experience. Call us today for a free quote at (972) 437-6253.

How to Clean the Inside of Your Car

Between the commute to work, trips to the store, and chauffeuring your kids around, the inside of your car sees a lot on a daily basis. No matter how careful you are, it is impossible to keep your car's interior clean forever, but using these tips you can keep it clean for now.

Read below to learn how to leave the inside of your car spotless in just 20 minutes!

What you'll need:

• Plastic bin
• A trash bag or small garbage can
• Hand-held vacuum cleaner
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth
• Disinfecting wipes

Once you've gathered these materials, head out to your car. It's time to start cleaning!

Step 1. Dispose of all trash by placing it into the garbage bag. Use the plastic bin to hold any other items which don't belong in the car.

Step 2. Spray the inside and outside of your front windshield, rear windshield, and all four passenger windows with your glass cleaner. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth (avoid using paper towels, which leave behind linty streaks).

Step 3. Using the disinfecting wipes, clean your dashboard, steering wheel, center console, cup holders, door pockets, and gearshift.

Step 4. Use the disinfecting to clean your leather seats (if applicable). Clean the front and back seats.

Step 5. Remove your vehicle's floor mats and shake off any loose dirt and debris. Keep them nearby, but don't place them back in your car just yet.

Step 6. Use your handheld vacuum cleaner to clean your floors, cloth seats, and all cracks and crevices.

Step 7. Thoroughly vacuum the floor mats to get rid of any dirt which is still present. Place the mats back in the car and pat yourself on the back, you're done! Just don't forget to take the plastic bin from earlier back into the house with you.

If you liked this article, make sure to like The Maids of Dallas on Facebook! We are constantly sharing the best cleaning tips on the internet, from your home to your car and beyond. You can also visit our website for information about our own cleaning services, or call us for a free quote at (972) 437-6253.

6 Ingenious Uses for Your Lint Roller

Thought that lint rollers were only good for removing hair from your clothes? Think again! Check out these six clever and creative ways to put that rotating sticky paper to work:

1. Clean your lampshade. Lampshades can be frustrating to clean: they aren't machine washable and cleaning them by hand can be time consuming. Instead, just run a lint roller over it, you'll be surprised how much dust and dirt you'll remove!
2. Pick up broken glass. If you accidentally drop and shatter a piece of glassware, you can use the lint roller to safely clean up the mess. After carefully removing the larger shards, use your lint roller to collect the tiny fragments.
3. Clean out your bag. Purses, backpacks, gym bags, and luggage can all accumulate hair on the outside and crumbs, dirt, and other rubbish on the inside. Simply empty out the contents of your bag and give it a quick once-over with a lint roller to collect any debris.
4. Peel your sunburn. It sounds gross, but stay with us here. If a bad sunburn has left you peeling, a lint roller can remove your dead skin without ripping off your good skin and causing extra pain.
5. Haircut cleanup. No matter how tightly you put on your cape, stray hairs always make their way onto your neck, back, and clothes. If you don't have time to shower to remove these pesky hairs, you can quickly clean them off with a lint roller.
6. Clean your pool table. If you own a pool table, you know that the felt surface can be tricky. Dust and pet hair can accumulate on the tabletop and affect the speed and direction of the pool balls, but the suction from vacuum cleaners can damage the felt. Instead, clean your pool table and keep it in good condition by opting for a lint roller.

Did you like this article? Then join the thousands of others who have followed us on Facebook! The Maids of Dallas is constantly posting the best cleaning tips on the internet, connect with us to make sure you don't miss out.

If you live in Texas and are seeking an affordable, trustworthy housecleaning company who will leave your home spotless, The Maids of Dallas is just a phone call away. Visit our website for more information or call us today for a free estimate at (972) 437-6253.

How to Clean Your Washer and Dryer

When was the last time you cleaned your home's laundry machines? Although they clean your dirty clothes, your washer and dryer should both be cleaned every couple of months in order to stay in tip-top shape. Appliance repair jobs aren't cheap, and taking just 15 minutes to maintain yours will keep them operating at peak performance for years to come.

Cleaning Your Washing Machine

1. Wipe the inside and outside of the lid with a damp sponge to remove any visible dirt, dust, and other residue.
2. Remove the detergent tray and wash it in the sink to eliminate any hardened detergent which may have built up. If your tray isn't removable, you can still clean it using a cloth and cotton swabs.
3. If your washing machine has a moldy odor, pour in two cups of white vinegar and run a cycle with hot water. The vinegar will remove any build up and help get rid of the mildewy scent.

Cleaning Your Clothes Dryer

1. Before every load of laundry, clean the lint filter to reduce the risk of fire. Every few months, clean it with your vacuum's wand attachment in order to remove lint which has built up under the filter itself.
2. Wipe down the dryer's interior with a clean cloth; including the inside of the door and the seal.
3. Detach the vent hose from the back of the unit and clean it with your vacuum cleaner. Reattach the vent hose.
4. Check the outside vent for an accumulation of lint and other debris. Lift the flap and remove any visible build up with your hands or a vacuum cleaner to allow air to escape through this duct.

The Maids of Dallas continues to provide our readers with the internet's best housekeeping tips. Never miss an update or cleaning tip by liking our page on Facebook and following us on Twitter.

96% of our customers would refer us to their friends and family - find out why by booking a cleaning for your Texas home. Call (972) 437-6253 today and save $50 off of your first deep clean.

How to Remove Animal Scratches from Your Hardwood Floor

Dogs may be man's best friend, but they are hardwood floor's worst enemy. If your trusty companion has left your floors covered in scratches and blemishes, fear not! Have your hardwood floor looking like new in no time with these tips and tricks.

Small Scratches

There are a couple of ways to hide small scratches on your hardwood floor, and fortunately they require minimal effort. Take a trip to your local craft store and look at their selection of permanent markers; if you find one of a similar shade to your floor, you can simply color over the cracks to conceal them. Another tool of choice is a stain marker, which are specifically designed to restore wood surfaces. You can pick up a stain marker at most hardware stores.

Medium Scratches

It is possible to fix scratches that span multiple floorboards, but it takes a little more work than a magic marker. Using a piece of fine-grade sandpaper, work in circular motions around the scratch to minimize its visibility. Clean up the sawdust with a dampened cloth and lightly paint over the area with your floor's original stain.

Large Scratches

Hefty, deep scratches – also known as gouges – are not so easy to deal with and usually require professional help. If the flooring company is unable to repair your floor, they may remove and replace the damaged floorboards.

Did you find this article useful? Keep up with the best cleaning tips on the internet by connecting with The Maids of Dallas on social media. We are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ so follow us today!

How to Organize Your Pantry in 5 Easy Steps

Is your food cabinet flooded with multiple open boxes of the same food and canned goods from last decade? If so, it may be time to purge your pantry. Use the five steps below to turn your kitchen catastrophe into an organized masterpiece in just 30 minutes!

1. Empty and clean your entire pantry. First things first – let's clear out your entire pantry to give you a nice clean slate. Place everything on an empty table or countertop to give yourself some room to organize. You can also take advantage of the empty pantry by dusting the shelves and vacuuming up any loose crumbs before moving on to the next step.
2. Throw all expired foods away. Sort through all of your food items one-by-one and throw away anything that has expired, will expire soon, or that you no longer have a use for. Eliminating all unnecessary items will clear up room for what is important and help make organizing easier.
3. Organize what is left into categories. These categories depend on your shopping and eating habits; they can be baking items, paper goods, condiments, canned vegetables, snacks, or breakfast foods. Everybody is different, so pick a system that works for you and stick to it.
4. Restock your pantry. After you have organized all of your items into separate categories, it is time to restock your pantry. Keep your most-used items in easy-to-reach areas and stick the foods you rarely eat in the back.
5. Keep it organized. Every time you come back from the grocery store and stock items in the pantry, take the time to place them in their proper spot. This will keep everything tidy and prevent you from performing another overhaul in two months!

If you liked this article, make sure to follow The Maids of Dallas on social media! We are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+, and we are always sharing the best cleaning tips on the internet.

If you live in Texas, a clean house is just one phone call away! The Maids of Dallas sends a team of four cleaning specialists to every job, and we offer customized cleaning services to meet your specific needs. Call us today for a free quote at (972) 437-6253.

How to Eliminate Odors from Your Furniture

Couches, chairs, and other upholstered furniture are long-term investments. After years of exposure to pets, kids, spills, and sweaty socks, your furniture can begin to develop an unpleasant odor. This isn't cause to throw them away, however, as most odors can be eliminated quickly with two of our favorite cleaning products: baking soda and vinegar.

If your couches and chairs reek to high heavens, use this 5-step method to have them smelling fresh in no time:

1. Sprinkle baking soda on your furniture. Baking soda has many uses, one of them being an odor absorber. Sprinkle some baking soda on your smelly furniture and allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before moving on to the next step.
2. Vacuum your furniture. After allowing the baking soda to soak up your furniture's unpleasant odors, clean it with your vacuum cleaner – don't forget behind the couch and under the cushions! In addition to removing the excess baking soda, a vacuum will clean up any pet hair and crumbs that may be causing the smell.
3. Spray the furniture with vinegar. Fill a spray bottle with a 50/50 mixture of white distilled vinegar and tap water. Spray a mist of this solution on to your furniture and allow to dry. It will smell strongly of vinegar at first, but the scent will disappear upon drying.
4. Open your windows. If the weather permits, open your home's windows to improve ventilation and allow your furniture to dry faster. Direct exposure to sunlight can also help remove smells; the sun's U.V. rays can kill odor-causing bacteria.
5. If odors are still present, use specialized products. If your furniture still smells, you will need to use a specialized furniture cleaner/deodorizer. Be careful while using these products, as they may damage your furniture depending on the material. If you are unsure about whether or not a product is safe to use, call a professional cleaning service to help you out.

Texas residents can depend on The Maids of Dallas for a high-quality house cleaning at a reasonable price. Whether you need your entire home cleaned or just one room, a team of four cleaning professionals will arrive on time and ready to work. Save $50 off your first deep clean by calling us today at (972) 437-6253.

How to Prevent Home Mold Growth

Mold is a type of fungus commonly found in nature. While it has its uses in the medical field, it is not something you typically would want to find inside of your house.

Mold reproduces by making microscopic spores, which can unknowingly be inhaled by us. Many people are sensitive to mold, and inhaling its spores can cause reactions such as sneezing, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, itchy eyes, and more. Long-term exposure to mold can cause respiratory diseases such as asthma and emphysema.

In order for mold to grow, water must be present, so the key to preventing it is by limiting the amount of moisture in your home. Try some of these tips to maintain a mold-free home for you and your family:

• Clean up all spills and leaks immediately. Water left sitting provides optimal conditions for mold and mildew to grow.
• Run your bathroom exhaust fan after each shower. Running your fan for 15-20 minutes after every shower will help remove excess moisture from your bathroom walls.
• Use a dehumidifier when necessary. Basements are a common place for mold growth because they are often humid, especially in the warmer months.
• Avoid letting wet clothes sit for long periods of time. Clothes should be hung to dry or placed in the dryer immediately after they are done washing.
• Regularly inspect your roof for leaks. Any wet spots on your ceiling could indicate potential mold growth.

The Maids of Dallas provides home cleaning services to residents living in the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. We specialize in cleaning down to the smallest detail, whether you need your entire house cleaned or just one room. First-time customers can book now and receive $50 off of our deep clean service – time is limited so call (972) 437-6253 and schedule a cleaning today!

Kid's Playroom Storage Tips

News flash: kids can be messy. From writing on the wall to getting grass stains on their jeans, it seems that us parents are always cleaning their messes.

This, perhaps is most evident in their play area. Whether your child has a dedicated play room or they use their bedroom, it seems that finding a way to keep their toys organized is an impossible task.

If you are looking for some creative ways to organize and store your children's toys, try utilizing some of these tips:

• Use an over-the-door shoe organizer. You know those shoe organizers with dozens of pockets that you hang over the door? You can use them for more than just shoes – including stuffed animals, action figures, art supplies, and more.
• Buy a bunch of clear, stackable bins. When it comes to storing as much toys as possible, maximizing vertical space is key. Stack storage bins on top of each other to keep everything tidy and out-of-sight. To make things easier, use clear bins so you can view its contents without opening the lid.
• Utilize the walls and ceiling. When you run out of storage space on the floor, turn to the walls and even the ceiling for help. Mounting shelves, hooks, and rods to your walls can offer extra storage space and free up room on the floor for activities.
• Have an organization system. If your child has all different kinds of toys, you should implement a system to help keep things organized. Every toy should have a specific place that it goes when it isn't being used. Label drawers, bins, and boxes to avoid confusion and make sure everything finds its respectful home.

The Maids of Dallas knows a thing or two about keeping a clean house. From play rooms to bathrooms, we are always sharing our expert knowledge with our readers. Never miss a cleaning tip or company promotion by connecting with us on social media – we are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

4 Tips for Cleaner Pets

Pets are great. They are cute, fun, and always there when you need them. But, they can also be dirty, especially when their owners neglect to clean them. Properly grooming your pet promotes not only a clean animal, but a clean house too. Read below to learn about the special care that your pet needs.

Brush their fur weekly.

One of the biggest problems that pet-owners have is finding animal hair all over their floors and furniture. With the exception of a few breeds, cats and dogs are known to shed their fur all over the house. Minimize this by brushing your pet every week to remove all loose hairs. Bigger dogs with long hair may need to be brushed as often as every two days.

Brush their teeth every other day.

When you think about dog breath, a fresh scent probably doesn't come to your mind. Animals are dependent on their owners for their dental hygiene needs, so not brushing your pet's teeth will only cause terrible breath and potential disease. Use a pet-friendly toothbrush and toothpaste to clean your animal's teeth every 2-3 days.

Clean their feet.

Your pet's feet are like shoes that never come off. After your dog comes in from a walk, they can spread dirt, pesticides, and other bacteria throughout your entire home via their paws – the same also goes for outdoor cats. Keep a towel and a bin half-filled with water by your door, and dip your pet's feet in it every time they come inside to keep their paws clean and dirt-free.

Seasonal bathing.

Unless your pet was sprayed by a skunk or got into something dirty, one bath every 2-4 months should be sufficient to keep their coat healthy and clean. Make sure to use a shampoo specially made for pets, as human shampoo can be too harsh for our furry friends. Avoid getting shampoo in your pet's eyes, ears, and mouth and make sure to rinse thoroughly to prevent any residue on their fur.

At the Maids of Dallas, we know how to keep anything clean. Schedule an appointment and discover why 96% of our customers would recommend us to their family and friends. Whether you need one room cleaned or your whole house, you can count on us to get the job done right. Call now and save $50 on your first deep clean – (972) 437-6253.

Clean Up Your Closet With These 4 Simple Tips

Is your closet bursting at the seams with clothing? Taming a cluttered closet can be intimidating, but it isn't as bad as your head is making it out to be. If you are serious about decluttering your closet, set aside an afternoon and use these four tips to get you started.

1. Start from Scratch

If you are serious about decluttering your closet, you will want to start from scratch. This means nothing is safe – empty your entire wardrobe onto an open space on your floor and begin sorting. Divide your belongings into three piles: keep, maybe, and toss. For items you are on the fence about, ask yourself “Would I buy this today?” And remember; when it doubt, throw it out.

2. Use the One-Year Rule

The one year rule is simple – if you haven't worn an article of clothing in a full year, get rid of it. For an even more effective decluttering, the six-month rule can also be followed, just make sure not to throw away seasonal items which you may still need, such as winter coats!

3. Maximize Vertical Space

Taking advantage of vertical space is the key to fitting as much stuff in your closet as possible (while still keeping a clean look, of course). The spaces above and below your closet rod can be maximized with some creative storage solutions – use stackable drawers and storage containers to hold your towels, linens, and whatever else can't hang up.

4. Keep the Floor Clean

Nothing can ruin the look of a perfectly clean closet quite like a messy floor. Keeping your closet's floor clean and clear of clutter is the secret to an overall neat and orderly look. If your closet floor is littered with footwear, invest in a multi-level shoe rack to clear some space and bring together the minimalist look.

Housekeeping doesn't have to be a DIY project. A clean home is just a quick phone call away with The Maids of Dallas. We send teams of four to every job and only use top-of-the-line cleaning products to leave your house spotless. There is a reason why 96% of our customers would refer us to friends and family – find out for yourself by calling (972) 437-6253.

Did you enjoy this article? We constantly update our blog to bring you the latest and greatest cleaning tips from around the internet. Never miss a post by connecting with The Maids of Dallas on social media – we are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+.

Restore the Shine of your Hardwood Floors the Safe Way!

Has your hardwood floor seen better days? A shiny hardwood floor can add appeal to any room in the house, but one which has dulled looks old and unattractive. Unfortunately, many hardwood cleaners contain toxic chemicals which you may not want in your home, and plain water just doesn't do the trick.

Luckily, The Maids of Dallas knows how to revitalize your hardwood floors and make them shine like new without the use of harmful cleaning agents. Here is what you'll need:

• A broom
• A mop
• A spray bottle
• White vinegar
• Vegetable oil
• A towel

First, sweep your hardwood floor to remove all dust, dirt, and other debris from the surface.

Second, mix equal parts of vegetable oil and white vinegar in the spray bottle. Vinegar is a natural cleaner and the vegetable oil will prevent your wood floor from drying out.

Next, spray your floor with the homemade cleaning solution and wipe it in using the mop.

Lastly, you will want to dry any residue using a clean towel or cloth. Wipe in a circular motion to buff the floor and maximize its shine. It's as simple as that!

The Maids of Dallas provides one-time and recurring house cleanings to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. We only use environmentally-preferred cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment (such as our HEPA vacuum backpacks) to leave your house spotless. 96% of our customers would refer us to their family and friends – find out why by calling (972) 437-6253 and scheduling a cleaning for yourself!

Clean Up Your Cleaning Products

At The Maids of Dallas, we not only believe in keeping a clean home – we believe in keeping a clean environment. We only use environmentally preferred cleaning products in order to protect the Earth and your house from potentially dangerous cleaning chemicals.

You may not know it, but many commercial cleaning products contain an abundance of harmful chemicals, even when the label says “natural”. The fact is, there is no real standard for labeling cleaning products, and thousands of chemicals found these cleaners aren't even approved by the EPA.

These chemicals can be inhaled while you are cleaning, absorbed through your skin, or even rinsed down the drain to pollute your water system. Studies have shown that using a household cleaning spray as little as once per week can increase your risk of developing asthma and that many aerosol sprays contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can damage your central nervous system, liver, and kidneys – stop using these products!

So what can you do to clean up your cleaning products?

Stop buying commercial cleaners from the store and instead opt to use natural ingredients that you probably already have sitting in your home. Not only will you help protect your family's health and save the environment, you will also save money too. Items such as vinegar, baking soda, lemon, and salt can be mixed and used to clean almost any surface in your home – you no longer have to buy a separate cleaner for your floors, countertops, glass, shower, etc.

You can learn more about household natural cleaners and their many uses here. 

The Maids of Dallas provides eco-friendly housecleaning to the entire Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex and the surrounding areas. We use state-of-the-art equipment and a 22-step deep cleaning system to ensure your house is spotless by the time we leave. Whether you need one room cleaned or your entire house, call The Maids at (972) 437-6253.

Did you like this article? We update our blog every week to provide readers with the best cleaning tips on the internet. Never miss a tip, blog post, or company promotion by connecting with us on social media! Join the thousands of others who have already liked our Facebook page, followed us on Twitter, and connected with us on Google+.

Happy cleaning!

What Sets The Maids of Dallas Apart

If you are looking for a maid service in Texas, don't settle for anything less than the best. The Maids of Dallas is a fully licensed, insured, and bonded company providing top-notch cleaning services to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Read below to find out why we are the best that Texas has to offer.

22-Step Deep Cleaning System

All of our maids use our exclusive 22-Step Healthy Touch Deep Cleaning System to provide you with detailed cleanings that include hand-scrubbed floors, streak-free windows, fresh linens on every bed, and more. We only use high-quality eco-friendly cleaning supplies and state-of-the-art equipment such as HEPA vacuum backpacks to leave your house as clean as possible.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

We are so confident that you will love your clean home that we personally guarantee all of our work. If you are unsatisfied with your most recent cleaning, call us back within 24 hours and we will return to clean any spots we may have missed. What other cleaning service is that committed to their customers?

Your Own Personalized Team

With other housecleaning services, they may send one or two maids to your home – we send four! Every job, no matter how big or small, is entitled to a full-service cleaning team of four specialists committed to leaving your house spotless. Maybe this is why 96% of our customers would recommend us to their friends and family.

Customized to Meet Your Needs

Don't you want a cleaning service that not only listens to your needs, but does everything they can to fulfill them? The Maids of Dallas offers a variety of cleaning options so that you always get what you want. Whether you need one room, multiple rooms, or your whole house cleaned, you can count on The Maids of Dallas to get the job done right. We also offer daily, weekly, and monthly routine visits to keep your home clean year-round!

We proudly serve the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex including Arlington, Irving, Flower Mound, Carrollton, and the surrounding areas. Call us today to schedule a cleaning or to request an obligation-free quote at 972-437-6253.

8 Spring Cleaning Projects for Your Home

The official start of spring isn't for another two days, but people across the country are already beginning to experience warmer weather. If you are itching to get started with your spring cleaning, here are eight projects you can begin today!

1. Windows. Between frigid temperatures, strong winds, and heavy precipitation, your windows have taken a beating. Give both sides of the glass a good washing with soap and water – just wait for a cloudy day so the sun doesn't cause streaks. 
    
2. Refrigerator. With all of the raw food that a refrigerator holds, it is a hotspot for bacteria. Remove all food from it and wipe the interior with a soapy rag; and don't forget to clean the shelves and drawers too. You should also take this time to vacuum the condenser coils on the back, it will help lower your electricity bills and extend your refrigerator's lifespan.
   
   
3. Carpet. Your shoes can spread an immense amount of dirt, pesticides, and other germs through your house. When was the last time you gave your carpet a deep cleaning? Do yourself a favor and rent a rug cleaner for the day from your local hardware store, your floor will thank you. 
    
4. Basement/Garage/Attic/Shed. These four places are often the most cluttered in a home, make this spring the year that you tackle this project and get rid of your old junk. If you have a lot of old stuff, consider hosting a tag sale or renting a dumpster to fit all of your garbage. 
    
5. Shower. You may think that the soap that washes off your body naturally cleans your shower as it runs down the drain, but that isn't the case. Grab a couple of old towels, a strong shower cleaner, and scrub-a-dub-dub your tub to clean one of the dirtiest places in your home. 
    
6. Cabinets & Drawers. Cabinets and drawers often get overlooked because all you have to do is close them to make the mess disappear, but that doesn't mean the mess still isn't there. Clean these out once a year to get rid of items which have expired or you no longer use. 
    
7. Dust. Dusting your whole house is a great cleaning project which can also relieve your allergies. Avoid using feather dusters, as they do a better job at spreading dust than collecting it and dust from top-to-bottom of every room to avoid cleaning the same surfaces twice. 
    
8. Furniture. Your couches, mattresses, and even pillows can be a haven for pet hair, dust mites, and all other kinds of stuff you don't want to sleeping with. Use a vacuum cleaner with an attachment to thoroughly go over all of your upholstered furniture and bedding.

No matter the reason nor the season, a clean house is just a phone call away with The Maids of Dallas! Whether you need one room cleaned or your entire house, a team of four specialists will arrive at your door on time and ready to work. Our 22-step deep cleaning system guarantees that you will be satisfied; if you aren't, call back within 24 hours and we will return to clean any unsatisfactory areas. Call us today for a free quote at 972-437-6253.

5 Don'ts of Cleaning Glass

Cleaning glass can be an especially frustrating chore. Sometimes it seems that no matter how hard you try, you can't get a streak-free shine. If you struggle cleaning the glass in your home, you are probably making one of these five mistakes.

• Don't use paper towels. Paper towels are a useful tool for cleaning many things in your home, but glass isn't one of them. Paper towels not only leave behind streaks, they leave behind lint too. Ditch the paper towels and opt for a microfiber cloth for streak-free glass.
• Don't clean your windows on a sunny day. If you are washing your home's windows, wait until a cloudy part of the day. Exposure to direct sunlight causes most glass cleaning solutions to prematurely dry and leave behind streaks.
• Don't use tap water. The best way to clean glass is with a specially-designed cleaner, such as Windex, however water can be effective as well. If you choose to clean your home's glass with water, pick distilled over tap water, which leaves behind spots due to the minerals in it.
• Don't skip out on polishing. After cleaning your home's mirrors, windows, and glass tabletops, take an extra 30 seconds to make them shine. You can polish your windows with a variety of household products such as crumpled newspaper, chalkboard erasers, or a cotton t-shirt.
• Don't forget the sills and track. While the surface of the window is primarily made up of the glass panes, it is important to remember to clean the window sills and tracks too. This can usually be accomplished with a wet, soapy rag and alcohol-dipped cotton swabs for the hard-to-reach areas.

If you live in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, you are only one phone call away from a sparkling-clean house. The Maids of Dallas is the only housecleaning service in the area that provides their customers with window cleaning and hand-scrubbed floors – this is just one of the reasons why 96% of our customers would recommend us to their family and friends. To book an appointment with your very own cleaning team or to get a free quote, call us today at 972-437-6253.

5 Household Items You Don't Clean Enough

Think your home is completely clean? Think again. Even a seemingly-spotless house with a rigorous cleaning schedule is likely to have many germ-infested areas that we don't even think about. Here are five places/items in your house that you probably aren't cleaning as often as you should.

1. Doorknobs & Lightswitches.

Just about every time someone in your home enters or leaves a room, they touch the doorknob or the lightswitch – or in many cases, both. This makes them some of the dirtiest areas in your home, and two places which are probably overlooked on cleaning day. Every week, wipe down all of your home's doorknobs and lightswitches with a disposable disinfecting wipe.

2. Sponges.

Every day, your kitchen sponge is used to wash dishes which are contaminated with all kinds of germs and bacteria. As you wipe the sponge over your dirty plates, it absorbs some of these germs. When you're done with your load of dishes, the germ-ridden sponge is left to sit, and provides bacteria with a dark, moist home. Microwaving your sponge on high for 2 minutes can kill up to 99% of its germs; we advise doing this at least once per week.

3. Pillows.

The place that you rest your head for eight hours every single night probably isn't as clean as you think it is. In a two-year period, pillows can double in weight from dust mites, dead skin, and oil from our hair. Wash your pillows twice per year and your pillowcases every other week, and invest in an anti-allergen cover to help keep germs out.

4. Refrigerator Coils.

You may clean the inside of your refrigerator every so often, but what about the condenser coils? These coils are located on the back of your refrigerator and are responsible for cooling the refrigerant that runs through them. As these coils become coated with dust, they aren't able to release their heat, which hurts the energy-efficiency of your refrigerator and shortens its lifespan. It is recommended that you clean these coils twice per year using your vacuum's brush attachment.

5. Gym Bag.

Your gym bag is regularly packed with sweaty workout apparel, but chances are you don't clean it as often as the clothes you put inside of it. Besides the germs on its interior, your bag also probably gets placed on the locker room floor; one of the dirtiest places in the gym. Wash your gym bag once or twice a month on the hottest setting to effectively kill germs.

For a completely clean house, choose the Maids of Dallas. Our cleaning teams utilize our exclusive 22-step Healthy Touch deep cleaning system to provide you with fresh linens, sanitized bathrooms, and hand-scrubbed floors. We proudly serve the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex including Irving, Arlington, Carrollton, and the surrounding areas. Book a same-day cleaning with our award-winning team by calling us at 972-437-6253.

5 Cleaning Products Every Home Needs

The Maids of Dallas knows a thing or two about keeping a clean house. Not only do we clean hundreds of homes in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area each month, but we like to share our knowledge with our readers. Here are five must-have cleaning products for every home.

5. Swiffer Sweeper

The Swiffer Sweeper is a great product for cleaning the hardwood and tile floors in your home. Unlike mopping, which takes more time and effort, the Swiffer doesn't require you to soak your floors with a bucket of water. The disposable pads do a great job of picking up dust, dirt, pet hair, and other grime on your floors.

4. Disinfecting Wipes

Disinfecting wipes are essential for cleaning your home's dirtiest surfaces; particularly in the bathroom and kitchen. Clean up sticky, germy messes and prevent bacteria from spreading by keeping a container of these nearby during your cleaning days.

3. Spray Bottle

Every house should have at least one empty spray bottle. These can be filled with water, store-bought cleaners, or your own homemade solution to clean a variety of surfaces in your home.

2. Microfiber Cloth

Keep a stack of white microfiber cloths in your home's closet. These rags are perfect for cleaning: they are reusable, you can tell when they get dirty, and they only require a little bit of water to effectively clean most items. Microfiber cloths work especially well for cleaning glass because they don't leave behind linty streaks like paper towels do.

1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser

This product truly works like magic! The Mr. Clean Magic Eraser can be used almost anywhere around the house to remove stains from just about anything. Remove scuff marks from floors, burnt food on your glass stovetop, even clean your shoes with this one handy product.

Without a doubt, these five products will make it easier to keep your home clean, but only The Maids of Dallas can leave your house spotless without any effort. We provide one-time and recurring housecleaning services to the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, so call us today for a free quote at 972-437-6253.

How to Clean Baby Toys

For parents, nothing is more important than the health and safety of their child. Many of us go to great lengths to baby-proof our homes in order to provide as safe of an environment as possible,

but despite our best efforts, some things slip through the cracks.

We will never be perfect, but we can always get better. One way to do that is by cleaning your child’s toys. We don’t think about it, but toys get passed around from one set of hands to another, frequently chewed on, and are often left to sit in a bin with other germy toys for hours. Here are some ways you can help keep your kid’s toys clean and germ-free.

Beware of Bath Toys

Your kid’s rubber ducky seems cute and innocent, but it can actually be a breeding ground for mold. If not completely dry after every bath, toys like these can retain their moisture and eventually become moldy. Prevent this by using hot glue to cover any holes in the toy which may allow water to get in. Kill mold by letting the toys sit in a bleach-water solution overnight and washing several times to remove all traces of the bleach.

Use the Dishwasher

Keeping your child’s toys clean doesn’t have to be hard work - in fact, it doesn’t have to be any more work than you are already doing. Most childrens’ toys - including bath toys, plastic action figures, and some plush animals - are dishwasher safe, so just throw them in the load with your existing dishes (just make sure to check for special instructions first).

Outdoor Toys

The importance of keeping your child’s toys clean extends beyond the house into the great outdoors. For parents with backyard jungle gyms and playhouses, this is an overlooked germ hotspot; set a goal to clean this equipment once per month during warm-weather seasons. Just like your car, using hot soapy water with a garden hose rinse-off will do the trick.

The Maids of Dallas is a full-service housekeeping company that helps parents and families stay on top of cleaning and germs. Whether you need one room cleaned or your whole house, The Maids will work with you to meet your needs. To learn more about The Maids of Dallas or to schedule a cleaning for your Texas home, call us at (972) 437-6253.

5 Dish-Washing Tips to Save You Time

Washing dishes can be as boring as watching paint dry, but for those of us without a dishwasher it is an unavoidable daily chore. Next time you find yourself standing in front of the sink preparing to tackle a load of dirty dishes, use these five tips to make the best use of your time.

1. Use a bin. Save time, water, and money by choosing to wash your dishes in a bin instead of under a running faucet. When you are ready to begin washing, fill the bin with hot water and a few drops of dish soap. Make sure to empty the bin and refill it when the water becomes dirty.
2. Sort dishes by type. Sort and wash your dirty dishes in order from least to most greasy: wash your glasses first, followed by cutlery, plates and bowls, and pots and pans last. Using this method will minimize the amount of times you have to empty and refill your bin.
3. Clean food off immediately. Even if you do not have the time to wash the dishes immediately after eating, taking a few seconds to scrape the remaining food into the garbage – it will make a world of difference when it comes time to wash them. Food left on the plate loses its moisture and hardens onto the surface, making it much tougher to clean the longer it sits.
4. Turn it up! The hotter the water, the better. Hot water is much more effective at cutting through tough grease spots than cold water, plus it makes dried-on food (if you didn't follow tip #3) break away from the plate easier. It also reduces water spots on dried cutlery and drinking cups.
5. Let it soak. If you have a messy baking pan or cast-iron skillet caked in grease, letting it soak is the best way to spend as little time scrubbing as possible. Fill the dirty dish with a couple drops of dish soap and hot water and let it sit for at least an hour; you will find the grime comes off much easier after pre-soaking.

The Maids of Dallas provides top-notch housekeeping services to the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. Whether you need one room cleaned or your entire house, our cleaning team is happy to accommodate. There's a reason why 96% of our customers would refer us to family and friends – call (972) 437-6253 to schedule your cleaning today.

How to Get Your Kids to Help With Chores

Children play a big role in the cleanliness of your home – they are usually responsible for making it dirty. Cleaning up after yourself is hard enough, cleaning up after yourself and your kids is nearly impossible – unless you get them to help.

Getting your children to start doing household chores doesn't have to be like pulling teeth; just use these three tips from The Maids of Dallas.

Start young and start small.

One key to getting your children more involved in housework is by introducing them to chores at an early age. Children can start helping out around the house as early as age three, but starting small is just as important as starting young.

To begin with, make your toddler responsible for putting their toys away and maybe filling your pet's food dish. As they get used to the system and begin to grow up, slowly add more responsibilities such as making the bed, setting the table before dinner, sweeping the floors, and sorting laundry.

Make it fun.

If your child perceives cleaning as a fun activity, getting them to help out will be easy. Making cleaning fun for your kid can be done in a variety of ways, depending on how old they are.

Generally speaking, the younger the child, the more creative their imagination is – use this to your advantage. Slam dunking dirty laundry into the clothes basket or gathering the [pixie] dust with a microfiber cloth are just some examples of using your kid's imagination to make cleaning fun.

If all else fails, just pump up their favorite song as loud as it will go; that should do the trick.

Use a chore chart.

A chore chart is a great way to keep your child organized and on top of their daily duties. There are a million ways to make a chore chart; you can use a small whiteboard or download a template online – here are a couple of examples, perfect for a young boy or girl.

Buy a big package of stickers that your child will enjoy and let them mark off their daily chores one at a time as they complete them. At the end of the week, reward them if all of their chores were completed. Rewards could be money (also known as an allowance), a trip to the movies, or an extra two hours of video games.

 

Sometimes, even having all hands on deck isn't enough. If you could use an extra hand getting your house clean, look no further than The Maids of Dallas. Whether you need a one-time cleaning for one room or weekly visits for your entire house, The Maids can accommodate your needs. For more information, call us at (972) 437-6253 or click here to visit our Facebook page.