Clean Living

How to clean up after a pet

souleye · April 22, 2013 ·

The dog might be your best friend, but even best friends can stink. Odors from pets like dogs, cats, and birds are nearly an inevitable trial of pet ownership. These domesticated creatures provide affection and companionship, but many of them leave a dusty, dirty, hairy, smelly trail of filth behind them in an otherwise clean house. Pets are a part of many households and thus, cleaning up after pets is a part of the housekeeping routines for many. But not all cleaning methods are created equal when it comes to pets. Here are some tips that will help to keep you ahead of the curve when you set out to eliminate a pet’s mess.

Dealing With Bacteria

If you need to get rid of the worst kinds of pet messes – vomit, urine, feces, and blood – use a cleaning spray that utilizes enzymes. These enzymes will help to remove all of the harmful bacteria present in your house.

Eliminating Odor

Air fresheners aren’t the same as good-smelling sprays that also remove the odors from their core. Make sure to opt for the latter, like Febreze, when attempting to purify the air, carpet, and furniture in your home from pet-related odors. Also make a point to bathe your pet regularly.

Tackling Fur

The FURminator is an advanced pet brush that will help you to effectively and thoroughly remove stray hairs from pets more efficiently than other brushes out there. Make sure to keep your floors swept regularly. Swiffer Sweepers are good with grabbing fur from the ground. The Pledge Fabric Sweeper can do wonders for furry furniture.

Just remember: a hygienic and clean house doesn’t have to be compromised by a love of animals!

Tips for cleaning if you have allergies

amie · April 15, 2013 ·

Your home is supposed to be a sanctuary, but if it’s a cause of allergic symptoms it becomes a source of discomfort. Maintaining daily housekeeping chores will eliminate dust, pet dander, pollen, mold, and other undesirable housemates. Keep your house clean to diminish allergy symptoms and use the right products to avoid further irritation.

While the person in the household suffering from allergies should avoid extensive cleaning, this isn’t always a reality. Contacting a green cleaning company, particularly if your house needs a deep clean or you can’t keep up with the maintenance, can be an enormous help. Times when you have to go it alone, you will want to:

Wear a dust mask and plastic gloves. Shower after the job and wash the clothes you wore in hot water.
Use a damp microfiber cloth to catch dust before it starts circulating in the room.
Invest in a vacuum with a High Efficiency Particulate Air Filtration System, or HEPA. Unlike standard vacuums, one with a HEPA filter will catch airborne allergens, such as dust mites, and will not re-release them into the air. Vacuum regularly and wash area rugs. It’s also helpful to have your carpet shampooed occasionally. When vacuuming pay attention to corners and move furniture.
Allergy-proof pillows, mattresses, and box spring with dust mite-proof covers. A washable mattress will protect you even further.
Wash bed linens at least once per week in hot water.
Clean curtains, blinds, and shades. During allergy season keep the windows closed and use air conditioning. Wipe any condensation and mold from the window sills.
Dust and clean furniture, such as bookshelves, dressers, and tables.
De-clutter frequently. Store items, like children’s toys, in plastic containers.
Immediately wash your dishes after each use. Don’t overlook the sink, garbage disposal, and faucets either. This will prevent mold.
Wipe down your refrigerator and throw away old food. See our post for tips on cleaning your refrigerator.
Put trash in a can with an insect-proof lid and take it out daily. Disinfect that trash can.
Don’t allow clutter to accumulate on kitchen countertops. disinfect counters and cabinets with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water to avoid irritation. Add lemon if you’d like to neutralize the smell. Move appliances and empty the toaster pan to banish crumbs. Also, clean out your oven drip pan regularly.
Store plastic bags and food in sealed plastic containers.
Use a towel to dry the shower after each use. Regularly scrub the shower, faucets, sinks, toilets, and tubs with green cleaning products. Wash shower curtains, rugs, and bath linens in hot water frequently.
For areas such as the basement, repair leaks and water damage. Store all items in sealed containers.

Now that you have the basics for allergy-proofing your residence, keep in mind that many conventional cleaning products contain irritants. Avoid anything that lists the following ingredients:

Formaldehyde
Ammonia
Nonylphenol ethoxylates (NPEs)
Chlorine bleach
Sodium lauryl sulphate
D-limonene
Butyl cellosolve
Sodium hypochlorite
Naptha
Fragrances
Sulfuric acid
Lye
Phosphates
Hydrochloric acid
Triethanolamine (TEA)

Remember, if you’re ever in doubt about a product, call the manufacturer. Making homemade green cleaning products (all labeled) is the best route. Follow this guide for a cleaner, safer, and allergy-proof home.

Why you should consider green cleaning

amie · April 2, 2013 ·

“Nature provides a free lunch but only if we control our appetites” – William Ruckelshaus

Due to gas emissions, deforestation, population, and other factors, we now have to face the reality of nature’s depleting resources. Environmentalists have been promoting sustainable growth with a movement often referred to as “green” or “eco.” There is a growing awareness of the importance of recycling and other measures to control the over-exploitation of nature. It makes sense to go green, which entails always considering the benefits to the environment. Everything that harms the environment will affect us in return. Perhaps these effects won’t be felt immediately, however, they will be felt by generations to come. Here are some key reasons why you should consider green cleaning to lessen the impact on the Earth:

Green cleaning products are an excellent alternative for those who have allergic reactions or asthma symptoms due to strong smells and chemicals. The products don’t contain the ingredients that can cause asthma.
Organic and biodegradable products are the most Earth-friendly and the least toxic.
Not only do green cleaning products protect the health and safety of the environment, they also protect the health and safety of humans and create a healthier home.
Conventional cleaning products can be dangerous to pets.
When we rinse solvents and bleach, which are components of many detergents, some of them never go away.
Going green, preserves the air quality in the house, making it safer for people, especially children. In fact, the EPA has stated that indoor air pollution can be significantly worse than outdoor air pollution.
Products with no sulfates and those that produce a little amount of suds, require less water to wash away.
With eco-friendly products there is a reduced chance of eye and skin irritation, chemical burns, and accidental poisoning.
If you create your own green cleaning concoctions, you can save a significant amount of money.
Dangerous toxins found in conventional cleaning formulas enter our bodies through the skin and when we breathe and drink water.

If you’ve been wondering how to go green, here are a few tips:

If you purchase green products, look for the green seal. In Canada, there is the Eco logo on product labels.
Make your own products. Just be sure to label them and keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Ask the maid service you hire to use green cleaning products.
Stock your house with green cleaning essentials that can be used to ensure it is spotless. A few examples that you should have on hand include:
- White vinegar: This serves as an anti-fungal and disinfectant. Use it to prevent mold, disinfect toys, deodorize and clean pet accidents, disinfect bathrooms and kitchens, and eliminate unpleasant smells. Fill half of a spray bottle with white vinegar and the other half with water. If the odor bothers you, neutralize it with lemon juice.
- Baking soda: There are a variety of product recipes that call for baking soda. It acts as an excellent deodorizer and gentle scouring agent. It can be used to deodorize litter boxes, the refrigerator, cabinets, and diaper pails, as well as clean counters, and more.
- Hydrogen peroxide: Look for a 3% concentration. Hydrogen peroxide is a nontoxic bleach and helps to remove stains and disinfect.
- Lemon juice: Mix half lemon juice and half water in a spray bottle to freshen the air. It’s also an effective de-greaser and stain remover.

Why do you consider green cleaning important?

Quick house cleaning tips for the holidays

amie · January 20, 2013 ·

Arrangement of sunflower, candle and autumn decorations

The holidays are approaching fast and making a great meal and getting dressed up may be on your to-do list. But don’t forget to use some quick and easy cleaning tips, if you opt to stay home for a family dinner. a messy place will ruin the mood. Here is how you can keep your house in order before an intimate night with your loved ones:

Make sure floors, counters, tables, and areas where you plan to entertain are free of clutter and debris. Be sure to take out the trash and recycling.
Prior to cleaning, spend time putting things away. Place items where you intend to store them until you have neat appearance and organization. This will make your house appear organized and serene in a pinch. You and your relatives can focus on each other instead of clutter.
Make sure the bathroom is sanitized and tidy. Clean the mirror, sink, and toilet. Be sure to set out hand towels before the guest arrives.
The kitchen always tends to attract company. Disinfect counters and wash and put away cooking utensils. A full sink can be distracting! Make sure you scrub the stovetop as well. You’ll be shocked at how much this can improve the appearance of your kitchen.
Dust all of the surfaces in the living areas and vacuum and sweep the floors. Arrange pillows, throws, and household accessories and make your bed. Instantaneous results!
Finally, give your space a nice aroma. Try grinding up a lemon or other citrus fruit in the garbage disposal for a fresh scent. Light some scented candles in the areas you plan to use. Not only will your house smell fantastic, candlelight will add to the romantic ambiance.

Even if you have more work to do, these tips will ensure your house is in great shape in time for the guests. If cleaning is not something you enjoy, consider hiring a maid service to do it for you. Feel free to comment with any tips you may have.

A cleaning company for New York lifestyle

amie · February 13, 2012 · Leave a Comment

I had the idea of creating a cleaning company a long time ago. I have always been a person who’s into sweeping, dusting off, arranging stuff. So when I decided to create my own my own business, it was a natural fit. Being in New York and having a maid service has its challenges but also present unique opportunities. When I first looked at it, there are too many companies in it, so the first question that you ask yourself is ‘how am I going to stand out?’ Like most domestic jobs, janitorial work is commoditized. Clients hop from one provider to the next, accepting the fact that they can only get average service. If you think about it: who would pay someone to clean their house and not do it themselves? But if you look at all of the businesses like Molly Maids, you don’t need a lot to convince yourself that the need is real. I’ve always loved to live in a spotless and neat environment. Why not then offer that service to other people?

A lot of people who live in the city just don’t have to time to spend half a day on house cleaning chores. That’s where I fit in. I do what I love to do, make people happy and that’s good business. Cleaning must be on everybody’s to-do list. An immaculate space makes your mind flow and you feel good about not having to move around clutter to get to the things that you want access to. So hiring housekeeper is not a privilege of the rich.

If you cannot afford maid service you can have someone clean your house on a regular basis. The peace of mind that you get is worth every penny. Hiring a professional saves you time. It allows you to spend you free time on activities that are very important to you. It may also benefit you if you’re allergic to some chemicals, dust, dander, or mold.

When you hire domestic help, you both can determine what type of services you need. Do you want a maid to come every week or just help with occasional deep cleaning? I assist in determining what is best for you depending on your budget and lifestyle. It’s not only about doing a job and making money. It’s about helping people reclaim their lives by having us do what we do best so that they can focus on what they enjoy doing. I like to help people and the best way of doing it is cleaning houses.

I make my clients feel comfortable because it’s a relationship building process. Long lasting relationships are based on trust. I try hard to earn your trust by providing outstanding service with professionalism, consistency and reliability.

Next time you’re in need of cleaning services in NYC, give us a call – 212 234 9807. You’ll be glad you did!