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.

The Best Way to Organize Your Refrigerator

Open your refrigerator and take a peek inside. What do you see? Is there any sort of organization technique, or do you simply throw your new food wherever it will fit? Taking the time to properly organize your refrigerator will not only help you find your food faster, it can make it last longer too.

This infographic from Greatist does a great job illustrating a good refrigerator organization strategy.

From top to bottom, here is how we recommend arranging your refrigerator:

• Upper shelves should be reserved for items which do not require cooking, such as precooked meals and other ready-to-eat foods. This is also the most eye-level area of the refrigerator, which means you will no longer push your leftovers to the back of the fridge and forget to eat them before they go bad.
• Lower shelves are the coldest spot in your refrigerator, so use this space to store items which are susceptible so spoiling. Eggs, milk, and raw meats are the perfect foods to keep on the lower shelves. Store raw meat, chicken, and fish on the very bottom to prevent them from dripping on to other foods.
• Crisper drawers are specially-designed to provide optimal storage conditions for fresh fruits and vegetables. By controlling humidity levels, these drawers can keep your produce crisp or soft – depending on your preference. Refrigerators come with two of these draws, so keep your fruits and vegetables separated with the proper humidity settings for each.
• Refrigerator door temperatures fluctuate greatly throughout the day because of the constant opening and closing. Take advantage of this space by using it to store foods which are resistant to spoiling, like condiments, dressings, bottled water, and cans of soda or juice.

When it comes to organizing the rest of your kitchen, you can just call The Maids of Dallas at (972) 437-6253. We are the only housecleaning service in Texas that sends a team of 4 maids to every job, no matter how big or small. We offer one-room, multi-room, and whole-house cleanings, as well as daily, weekly, and monthly recurring visits. Stay up to date with company promotions and receive cleaning tips you can use around the house by liking our page on Facebook.

How to Clean Stainless Steel Appliances

Look in any modern or recently-renovated kitchen and you will probably find something in common with all of them: stainless steel appliances. Not only is stainless steel aesthetically pleasing, it has a long lifespan and its nonporous surface resists bacteria better than wood. Besides the high price tag, the only drawback of stainless steel is that it is nearly impossible to keep clean. Luckily for owners, when your appliances become covered in fingerprints and smudges, they aren't very hard to get off – just follow the instructions below.

1. Gather Your Supplies

The first thing you will need to do before cleaning your stainless steel appliance is gather the necessary supplies. Since stainless steel is an easy clean, you can use a variety of products. Here's what you will need to clean your stainless steel appliance:

• 3 microfiber cloths
• Spray bottle with warm water & dish detergent OR Windex OR Stainless Steel Cleaner
• Olive oil (optional)

2. Wipe With The Grain

Like wood surfaces, stainless steel has a grain. Identifying the direction of the grain and cleaning in that direction is the secret to a spotless surface. More times than not, the grain will be either straight up-and-down or left-and-right. Closely inspect the steel for faint striations running in either direction.

Once you have identified the direction of the grain, spray your cleaning agent of choice on the stainless steel surface and use your microfiber cloth to wipe in the direction of the grain to remove all stains and smudges.

3. Dry and Polish

After you have cleaned your stainless steel appliance, use a new microfiber cloth to wipe it dry (avoid using regular paper towels, as they leave behind lint). Now, dip the cloth in a few drops of olive oil and rub it into the steel to polish it.

Spread the oil around until it covers the entire surface, then go back and buff the oil. To do this, work the cloth in small, circular motions while applying a substantial amount of pressure. Remove excess oil with a dry cloth.

Another way to leave all of your stainless steel appliances spotless is by hiring The Maids of Dallas. Our team uses only the highest-quality cleaning products and equipment to leave your house sparkling clean. Whether you need your kitchen cleaned or your whole house, The Maids of Dallas can get the job done. For more information about our company, click here to visit our website or like our Facebook page.

DIY Pest Control

Your home is a sanctuary; it is where you go to relax and seek shelter from poor weather and wild animals. But what happens when some of these outdoor critters make their way into your home? Thousands of pest control calls are placed each year for animals that range from insects to moles. Save yourself some time and money with these DIY pest control tips.

Mice

The house mouse is a cute critter, but not when it invades your home. If your house is infested by mice, chances are it will only get worse. One female mouse can produce up to 35 offspring per year, and all of these rodents can spread disease and cause structural damage to your home. If you have a mouse in your house, here's how you can rid the problem:

• Bait the mice using a bait station to feed it poison.
• Use mouse traps to kill the mice or capture them to be released.
• Place all food in tightly-sealed containers.
• Seal any potential areas where mice are entering.

Bees, Wasps, and Hornets

Bees, wasps, and hornets are enemies to everyone who has ever had the unfortunate experience of being stung by one. These insects can nest in your home and cause damage to the structure, as well as causing terror on everyone who lives in it. Here are some DIY bee removal tips for your home:

• Poke a bee-sized hole in the lid of a jar. Fill the jar halfway with orange juice to attract the bees, which will be able to crawl into the jar and will drown in the liquid.
• If you know where the bees are nesting, destroy the nest using an insecticide spray. If you are using this method, always wear protective clothing and have an escape plan ready for when the bees react.
• Screen your chimney, all windows, and air vents to prevent bees from entering your home.

Ants

Ants are among the most common pests found in homes across the country. There are two types of ant problems; ants which have colonized in your home and ants which live outside and scrounge for food inside. Here's how to control these pests without hiring a professional:

• Use ant baits to lure and kill ants which have infested your home.
• Make sure all food items are tightly sealed and quickly clean all spills and crumbs to prevent attracting ants.
• Thoroughly caulk and seal all cracks on your home's exterior.
• Trim all trees and shrubs so branches don't touch the house.

Garden Pests

Garden pests is a blanket term used to describe a variety of insects which can be harmful to your garden plants. The damage caused by these pests ranges from mild to severe, and you do not want them anywhere near that garden you have been working so hard on. Here are some safe pest control solutions for your garden:

• Pull out any weak plants. If they are not already infected, they will attract pests.
• Use an organic, homemade gardening spray. Here are fifteen natural recipes you can follow. 

As the old adage goes – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. One of the most effective ways to prevent pests from entering your home is by keeping it clean – a spotless house has nothing to attract these animals. Keep your home clean with The Maids of Dallas; our cleaning teams use only the highest-quality cleaning products and equipment to keep your house sparkling. For more information about The Maids of Dallas, call 972-437-6253 or click here to visit our Facebook page.

The Perfect Valentine's Day Gift for Your Significant Other

Valentine's Day is tomorrow and love is in the air. Do you want to give your significant other a day they will remember, but are unsure of what to do? If you really want to make this Valentine's Day memorable, ditch the flowers, chocolates and over-sized teddy bears and follow this simple three-step process instead.

• Step One: Take them out to a nice dinner. A staple in any great date night is dinner. Tomorrow night, take your valentine somewhere special. It could be that fancy new restaurant that just opened up downtown or the place you went on your first date; wherever you go, just make sure it is worthy of the occasion.
• Step Two: Get a couple's massage together. What better way to relax after dinner than this? Everyone loves a nice rubdown, and a couple's massage is the perfect way to enjoy one together. Experts also suggest that couple's massages foster bonding and increase feelings of affection.
• Step Three: Come back to a sparkling clean house. Just when your significant other opens their front door and thinks that Valentine's Day is officially over – BOOM. A sparkling clean house. How? The Maids of Dallas. Just schedule a cleaning for the time you will be away and leave us special instructions on how to enter your house (check for the key under the doormat, for example) and we will have it spotless by the time you return.

The Maids of Dallas provides housecleaning services for the entire Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex; including daily, weekly, bi-weekly and monthly routine visits. We send teams of four maids to every project, ensuring we get the job done quickly and effectively. To book a surprise cleaning for your valentine, call us now at (972) 437-6253, and don't forget to ask about our $50 voucher!

How to Naturally Clean Tile Floors

Tile floors are a popular choice among homeowners, especially in kitchens and bathrooms. The seemingly endless variety of patterns and colors can meet the style of any person or home. Another attractive feature of tile floors is the low level of maintenance needed to preserve them. Use this cleaning technique twice per month to keep your tile floor shining for years to come.

Step 1: Remove dirt and dust. The first step to a sparkling-clean tile floor is to remove dirt, dust, and other debris from the surface. You can do this with either a vacuum cleaner or a broom and dustpan, just make sure to be thorough. Clear the entire floor including underneath tables and along the baseboards.

Step 2: Mop with hot water and vinegar. Fill a bucket with hot water, adding ½ a cup of white vinegar for every gallon of water used. Vinegar is a natural cleaning agent which can be used to clean a variety of surfaces in your house. After mopping with this solution, re-mop the surface with only warm water to remove the vinegar from the floor. If you mop your floors regularly (once per week), only use the vinegar once every other cleaning.

Step 3: Detail. The vinegar-water solution will clean your entire floor, but there still might be some tough areas which require a little extra attention. Remove stains with a spot-cleaning solution comprised of equal parts water and scouring powder; cover the affected area with this mixture for ten minutes before scrubbing off with a soft brush. Grout can be cleaned using baking soda, water, and an old toothbrush.

Step 4: Dry. Allow your tile surface to completely dry before walking on it. When mopping the floor, start at the furthest edge of the room and mop backwards so that when you are done, you can exit the room without walking across the wet tile. You can also manually dry the floor using a clean cloth or towel.

The Maids of Dallas is a housecleaning service which serves the entire Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex. We are the only company in the area to send a team of four maids to every job, and we exclusively use environmentally-friendly cleaning products. To learn more about our company and receive a $50 voucher towards your first cleaning, call us at (972) 437-6253. For more cleaning tips, check out our Facebook page – don't forget to give us a like!

How to Clean Your Kitchen Sink

You would think that since you use your kitchen sink several times every day, the water would naturally clean the surface as it drained. Unfortunately, this just isn't true. If left uncleaned for long periods of time, you will notice soap spots and stains from food start to develop. Don't worry – you can give your kitchen sink and garbage disposal a thorough cleaning in under 10 minutes using items you probably already have!

What you will need:

• Liquid dishwashing soap
• Baking soda
• One lemon
• Ice
• Old toothbrush
• Non-abrasive sponge

How to clean your kitchen sink and disposal:

1. Thoroughly rinse your sink with warm water.
2. Sprinkle baking soda over the entire surface and outer rim of your sink. Add small amount of water to turn into a paste and let sit for 10 minutes.
3. Gently scrub your sink with a non-abrasive sponge until all stains are removed. Rinse the sink with warm water until the baking soda is completely gone.
4. Clean the faucet, handles, and other hard-to-reach areas of your sink using an old toothbrush and a mixture of dishwashing soap and warm water.
5. If you have a garbage disposal, cut a lemon in half and drop one of the halves into the disposal along with five ice cubes.
6. Run the disposal for 30 seconds, while simultaneously running the hot water. This should clear your garbage disposal from built-up grime and bad odors!

Cleaning your kitchen sink is a quick job, but not all messes are. If you have a cleaning project too big to tackle alone, you can call The Maids of Dallas at 972-437-6253. We proudly serve the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex and send a team of four cleaning specialists to every job. Our attention to detail is unsurpassed by any housecleaning service in the area; we even hand-scrub your floors! To learn more about our company, click here to visit our website. You can also connect with us on social media – we are active on Facebook and Twitter.

How to Limit Germs in Your Home

Flu season is here. Around this time every year, many of us lose the ongoing battle of trying to stay healthy. Whether it is influenza, bronchitis, or just a common cold, people across the country are forced to use their sick days to rest and recover. Taking some extra time to eliminate germs at home can help prevent many of these cases. Here are some tips you can use to help yourself stay healthy this season.

Flu Shots for Everyone

A great first step for keeping the flu out of your home is by vaccinating everyone in it. Making a family appointment for flu shots at your local doctor is a good way to prevent a house-wide epidemic. A shot doesn’t guarantee that you will not contract the flu, but it betters your chances and will lighten your symptoms if it does happen.

Regularly Wash Your Hands

Washing your hands is an important step to staying healthy year-round, but it is especially important during flu season. A good hand-washing should utilize soap and warm water, and it should take at least 15 seconds. Washing your hands several time per day is essential to prevent yourself from getting sick.

Know Your Hot Spots

We aren’t talking about WiFi. There are some things that we all touch in our daily lives that are high-traffic hubs for germs and bacteria. These items exist outside the home (such as elevator buttons, hand railings, and doorknobs) as well as in it, like your TV remote. If possible, keep these hot spots in your home sanitized or disinfected. If you touch one of them in public, make sure to keep your hands away from your face and wash them shortly after.

Clean Desks and Countertops

Disturbing fact of the day: desks in your home or office can contain over 400x more bacteria than the toilet in your bathroom. Don’t let a day go by without wiping every desk, table, and counter in your house clean with soap or a disinfecting wipe. Whatever tool you use, make sure it is disposable. Cleaning all counters in your home with the same towel will just spread germs.

If you are worried about keeping your Dallas home germ-free, you can call The Maids to help you out. Our cleaning teams consist of four trained specialists who utilize our 22-step deep cleaning system. We only use eco-friendly products at The Maids of Dallas, and our workers will clean every nook, cranny, and crevice in your house to ensure it is clean and free of germs. To book an appointment with The Maids of Dallas, call us at 972-437-6253.