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.

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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!

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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.

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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!