Category: Cleaning Tip

If you just moved into your first apartment, you might be eyeing that dirty bathtub with dread. We get it. Cleaning bathtubs isn’t fun. Still, you don’t want to step into a tub covered in black grime!

In this article, we will share our beginner-friendly guide on achieving a sparkling clean bathtub so it doesn’t feel like back-breaking work.   

Clean Your Bathtub Regularly

Although this might sound like we’re adding more work to your chores, this is the best way to avoid unnecessary scrubbing when cleaning the bathtub. A good cleaning every two weeks will keep it manageable and, more importantly, remove bacteria that can make you sick. A monthly deep cleaning then keeps your tub sparkling.

Use the Right Tools

Porcelain and fibreglass tubs have delicate surfaces. Using the right tools will protect your tub from wear while providing enough scrubbing power to remove stubborn stains. You’ll need the following:

• A cup (if you don’t have a handheld showerhead)
• Angled broom with soft bristles
• Dish soap
• White vinegar
• Eraser sponge
• Baking soda

The soft-bristled broom acts as your scrubber, so you won’t ruin your back and knees. However, you can’t use this broom for other jobs. It needs to be kept nice and clean.

How to Clean Your Bathtub

Make your monthly tub-scrubbing easy with these steps:

• Use your showerhead or cup to splash the tub with warm water.
• Squirt the areas that look dirty with dish detergent.
• Grab your broom and scrub the tub to remove the grime.
• Rinse the tub with cold water.

Stand back and admire your work. If there are still signs of grime and black streaks, follow these steps:

• Mix equal parts white vinegar and dish soap in a microwave-safe dish and zap it for about 30 seconds.
• Pour the mixture along the rim of the tub, allowing it to trickle down the tub walls.
• Let it sit for half an hour.
• Scrub the tub with your broom.
• Rinse the tub thoroughly with cold water to remove the soap and vinegar residue.

Once you’re done, give your broom a good rinse and then let it dry. 

Bonus Whitening Tip

If it seems you can’t get your tub clean, baking soda is a gentle abrasive that brings back the white. Lightly wet the tub and sprinkle the baking soda around. Spritz it with a mix of equal parts water and vinegar, and let it sit to create a paste. Then, use your broom to scrub it away. Rinse, and you should see a whiter tub.

How to Avoid Buildup 

The main dirty culprits in your tub are mould, mildew, soap scum, and lime buildup caused by hard water. You can help keep your tub sparkling by preventing buildup with these tips:

Spritz Your Tub Daily

Handy “no scrub” tub cleaners help remove soap scum that can cause those ghastly black rings. We won’t lie; they don’t actually “scrub,” and won’t work on existing black rings. Unfortunately, that mess needs scrubbing with your handy broom. However, using the cleaner to spritz your tub and surrounding tile walls daily helps break down soap scum, thus preventing dark rings. 

Rinse Away Soap

If you have a handheld shower head, use it to rinse the soap and shampoo residue on the tub and walls down the drain. You can also keep a cup in the bathroom for rinsing if you can’t use the shower head.

Towel Dry

This is a bit of an extreme thing to have to do every time you use the tub. However, if you have hard water, sopping it up helps prevent water spots from forming.

Always Use the Fan

Bathrooms have fans for a reason. They help reduce moisture caused by steamy hot water. Always use the fan when bathing or showering to avoid mould and mildew growth.

Keep the Drain Clear

Hair and other debris will eventually lead to clogs that slow the draining of soapy water. This increases the odds of soap scum buildup and unsightly tub rings. Keep your drain clear by either using a drain strainer that blocks hair from entering the drain or removing hair weekly. It’s gross work, but it helps keep the tub clean.

Spritz Mould and Mildew

Mould and mildew tub sprays should be used whenever you spot that weird orange, discoloured staining or black mould. The spray usually kills growth on contact.

Use Mould/Mildew-Resistant Caulking

Pop into your local home improvement store and buy a tube of tub caulking that is mould and mildew resistant. Use it along the seam where your shower walls meet the tub to prevent mildew and mould growth.

To Bleach or Not to Bleach

As long as your tub is not acrylic, you can use bleach to help kill germs and bacteria. Never use bleach in hand with any other type of cleaner, as it can produce toxic gas. Follow the instructions to be safe.

Eraser Sponges

If you notice a particularly black or stubborn stain in the tub before your monthly deep clean, use an eraser sponge to tackle the spot right away. The eraser also works on stubborn tub rings if you’ve let the tub cleaning go for too long. They’re easy to use and don’t need rinsing after use.  

Bathtubs can become icky pretty fast. Using these tips will keep your tub sparkling and ready for a nice hot soak on those stressful days. 

Contact the Cleaning Experts

If you aren’t ready to clean that bathtub yet, Maid4Condos can help. Click here for a free quote on our apartment cleaning services or to book a cleaning. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.

When sunny, warm weather lures you outside, it can be hard to keep up with your house cleaning. Although your spring cleaning helps set the stage for a more organized home this summer, cleaning is still a necessary evil. However, you can make it less tiresome by trying to keep on top of the mess. 

In this article, we will share nine tips from our team at Maid4Condos, who offer deep cleaning services in Toronto, so you can spend less time indoors and more time enjoying those fleeting months of summer.

1. Clean the ceiling fan

Over the winter, your ceiling fan is a major dust collector. The first time you flip the switch on when the weather is sweltering, you’re going to release a cascade of dusty mess. Before that happens, grab yourself a stool or ladder and tackle the dust with this smart little trick:

• Grab an old pillowcase.
• Spray the inside with a nice-smelling all-purpose cleaner.
• Pull the case over the blades one at a time.
• As you pull it off, you will remove the dust, which stays in the pillowcase.

Bonus tip: Reverse the direction of the blades to pull warm air up and cooler air down.  

2. Clear and clean the fridge

In the summer, your fridge is stocked with more cold beverages and fresh, seasonal produce. Get ready for barbecue season by clearing out old jars of random condiments, way-too-old leftovers, and anything that smells or looks past its best-before date. Place the remaining food in a cooler and follow these cleaning tips:

• Clean off the shelves with a damp, clean cloth and a toxic-free, all-purpose kitchen cleaner.
• If the shelves are removable, wash them in the sink with warm water and dish detergent, then rinse and dry them.
• Pull out the drawers, shake them out, and wash them in the sink, making sure they are completely dry. 
• Lay paper towels in the drawers and put them back in the fridge.
• Organize your food and jars as you put them away so you can find everything easily.

Your fridge will then be clean, and you can keep it that way by wiping any drips you notice right away.

3. Tackle your balcony/outdoor area

If you have an outdoor space, get it ready for summer through the following steps:

• Get out your porch furniture and wipe it all down with an all-purpose cleaner.
• Use a broom to remove spider webs from the area above windows or in corners of the balcony if you live in an apartment.
• Sweep up and remove debris.

You now have a tidy spot to sip your coffee, enjoy a cool drink with friends, or just chill.

4. Wipe down kitchen cabinets

A good wipe-down of the kitchen cabinets creates a clean slate for the summer. Follow these steps:

• Fill your sink with warm water and dish detergent.
• Dip a clean cloth into the sink, wring it out, and then wipe down the cabinets.
• Use an eraser sponge to tackle stubborn stains. 
• If your cabinets are made of wood, follow up with a clean, dry cloth to remove moisture.

Throughout the summer, watch for drips and remove them right away to keep your cupboards clean.

5. Speed clean your bathroom

The added humidity in the summer increases the risk of mould and mildew growth in the bathroom. To help prevent this, speed clean your bathroom with these tips:

• Keep a squeegee in your shower and wipe down the walls after you take a shower.
• Spray the shower with a foaming shower scrubber that removes limescale and soap scum at least once a week. This will keep the walls clean and the shower smelling fresh.
• Give the toilet bowl a daily swish of your toilet brush. 
• Add a drop of toilet bowl cleaner to the bowl once a week and let it sit until the next flush.
• Keep on top of extra-stinky toilet bowl messes as they happen instead of letting them cake on. Don’t forget to scrub the area under the rim of the bowl.
• Place a container of fresh-smelling cleaning wipes in the bathroom so you can wipe up your counter, tap, and sink after use.
• Give the mirror and faucets a weekly clean with your choice of bathroom cleaners.
• Wash the floors with a wet mop weekly.

Bonus tip: If you have an outdoor space with sun exposure, lay out your bath mats and shower curtain in the sun for a natural refresh while you relax with a cocktail or iced coffee.

6. Give window treatments a good cleaning

Soft window treatments like curtains are major stink and dust magnets. Take them down and give them a good shake outside to remove dust. Clean your curtains if they are machine washable. If not, toss them in the dryer on low with a fresh-smelling dryer sheet. 

Although blinds don’t absorb odours, they do collect dust. Use a static duster to dust off the individual slats.

7. Dust air vents

In the season of air conditioners, you want that cool air to fill your home with as little dust and debris as possible:

• Clean your vents to remove dust and debris.
• If you have vents or returns higher up on the wall, you can use a broom or extender duster to remove the dust. 
• For extra-grimy vents in the kitchen, you might need to use a cloth and warm, soapy water to scrub away the mess.

8. Invest in a wet mop

Wet mops keep the floors clean in a snap. They are perfect for all floor surfaces and far less cumbersome than lugging around a mop and bucket! Wet mops are available with disposable pads or washable microfibre cloths. 

Make sure your wet mop cleaner is safe for use on your floor type. If not, fill a spritzer with these homemade cleaners based on your floor type:

• Linoleum/vinyl: Fill a spritzer with a gallon of water and your choice of:
  • 1 tablespoon baby shampoo
  • 1/2 teaspoon eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner
  • 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
• Wood/laminate: Spritz the floors with a small amount of 1 part distilled vinegar to 30 parts water, and be sure to follow up with a dry, clean cloth.
• Stone/tile: Hot water tends to be the best for these floor types, as most cleaners, including vinegar mixtures, can damage the finish.

Have a no-shoes policy to keep the floors cleaner.

9. Clean as you go

Keep on top of the mess, and clean as you go:

• Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket instead of the floor.
• If you take something out, put it back where you got it from.
• Stick to our bathroom cleaning tips to avoid major bathroom messes.
• Dust a different surface in your home quickly every day.
• Sweep the kitchen floors after dinner. 
• Put things like old newspapers, flyers, junk mail, etc. in the recycle bin. 

While you can’t stop cleaning altogether in the summer months, these fast and easy cleaning tips will help keep your home spic and span.

Contact the Cleaning Professionals

If you’re too busy worshipping the sun in the summer months, Maid4Condos provides deep cleaning services in Toronto, ideal for cutting down on your summer cleaning tasks. You can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.

Tiny apartments are ideal for eco-friendly lifestyles. They reduce your carbon footprint while providing an affordable, cozy place to call home. However, they also have limited storage space and an open-concept layout, making it harder to keep your area clean. 

Here we share our tiny apartment cleaning trade secrets to help you tidy your home.  

Declutter

Clutter is the number one issue when living in a tiny apartment. If you have too much stuff to fit in your small space, it will topple out from closets and dressers and take over your home. The only way to reduce all your “stuff” is to declutter. In other words, get rid of anything you don’t need. If you don’t use it, you don’t need it. The less stuff you own, the more space you’ll have and the cleaner your apartment will feel.

Stop Buying Stuff

This is part of your decluttering plan. Just because you freed up some room by throwing stuff out doesn’t mean you need to buy more stuff. Only buy things you need. You’ll not just save space but tons of money!

Get Organized

As you declutter, organize your remaining belongings. Invest in some baskets, shelves, and other storage solutions designed for small spaces. Storage shops have all kinds of solutions designed to help free up space, including under-bed storage, hooks, shelves, and storage that hangs over doors.  

Have a Clean-as-You-Go Strategy

There’s a lot to be said about having an apartment cleaning strategy. When you clean-as-you-go, you never have a significant mess on your hands. If you use something, immediately put it away. If you take off dirty clothes, put them in your laundry basket. If you eat something, wash the dishes. Is the toilet looking a little icky? Give the toilet bowl a spritz of cleaner and a swirl of the toilet brush. You get the picture.

Use Wipes 

Wipes are a cleaning saviour and a “must” for your clean-as-you-go strategy. They are easy to use and also only take up a little space. Keep a container of wipes on your kitchen counter and in the bathroom. Whenever you make a mess, wipe it up. You’ll keep on top of the mess, so your counters and sinks are almost always clean. 

Hang a Squeegee in Your Shower 

Your squeegee is the best tool to keep your shower and tub area looking its best. Swipe the tile or glass walls to remove the water after each shower and remove the soapy residue. Your bathroom will look cleaner for longer. You can also give your tiles a nice spritz with a soap scum remover to keep your bathroom smelling fresh.

Have “Double-Duty” Furniture

You need to make the most of your space when space is limited. Invest in double-duty furniture that allows you to keep your home organized. For example, if you have room for a coffee table, ensure it has shelves or drawers. Use a trunk with a few cushions if you need extra seating and a place to store bed linens. Not only do you have more storage, but also fewer surfaces to dust!

Keep on Top of Laundry

Doing your laundry whenever you have a load helps manage the mess, ensuring you always have clean underwear! Once the laundry is done, fold it and put it away. And as mentioned above, if your clothes are dirty, don’t drop them on the floor! Please put them in the laundry basket.

Clean in Spurts

Your clean-as-you-go strategy will go a long way in keeping things clean. However, you can also clean in quick spurts when you can. For example, tackle paperwork on your coffee table or desk if you’re watching TV. Sort through it and toss anything you don’t need. If you notice dusty buildup on furniture, give it a quick swipe of your duster or a handy microfibre cloth. These little chores add up to a cleaner apartment. 

Have a Designated Cleaning Day

Choose a cleaning day you can stick to each week. A cleaning day tackles the bigger apartment cleaning jobs, including:

• Vacuuming/sweeping
• Changing bed sheets and towels
• Thoroughly cleaning the bathroom
• Dusting
• Cleaning counters with disinfectant
• Mildew remover for the bathroom
• Anything else that seems dirtier than usual

Redo Your “Entry”

Small apartment entries are mess magnets. To keep things organized, redo your entry with a few little decorative details that help keep the area neat such as hooks on the wall, a small shoe shelf, or a shelf and mirror where you can toss your keys, put down your purse or wallet and lay down your phone while you take off your shoes.

Create a Multi-Purpose Cleaning Caddy

The right cleaning products and tools will keep your home clean but can also take up space. You can create a multi-purpose cleaning caddy with the minimum items you need including:

• A flat-head mop with a microfibre, washable mop head to both sweep and mop floors
• Magic Eraser or similar generic product to tackle surface stains
• Wipes
• Multi-purpose or all-surface cleaner
• Mildew remover
• Washable microfibre cloths
• Mini hand-held vacuum
• Stick vacuum (only really needed if you have carpeting)
• Squeegee for shower/tub area

These items are easy to store and can handle most cleaning jobs.

Use Fragranced, Eco-Friendly Cleaning Products

Unless you have allergies, you can find a wide selection of pleasant scents in cleaning products today. Choose a product with a fragrance you love that will help keep your home smelling fresh and clean.

Do Monthly or Bi-monthly “Deep Cleans”

Every month or two, choose a day to get into the nitty gritty of cleaning. This is the day you target things like:

• Scrubbing grout
• Dusting light fixtures
• Shaking out couch cushions
• Vacuuming under couch cushions
• Washing windows
• Cleaning switch plates  

Your deep cleans provide a clean foundation to help keep your tiny apartment clean and livable.

Let Us Take Care of Your Apartment Cleaning

If apartment cleaning isn’t your idea of fun, call the team at Maid4Condos. Our top-quality residential cleaning services are guaranteed to leave your space spic and span. Click here for more information or contact us here.

Ah, spring. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and the days are getting longer. Torontonians await the day it finally feels like summer will return. While we all look forward to spring, it also comes along with an age-old practice: spring cleaning. 

Although spring cleaning might seem like a painful experience, it makes a difference in maintaining a happy, healthy home. It removes excess dust and remnants of other things, like road salt, lingering on your floors and the stale air that has been hanging around all winter. 

To make the whole spring cleaning process less daunting, here are eleven ways to make it easier.

1. Create a spring cleaning schedule

Spring cleaning has a long to-do list that is far too detailed to tackle at once. There’s no rush, so you can pace yourself and do one job at a time. Typically, a good spring cleaning regime includes the following in every room:

• Washing those rarely cleaned areas such as baseboards, door frames, ceilings, window sills, doors, and walls.
• Vacuuming and washing your heating vents.
• Washing curtains, blinds, and other window treatments (including your shower curtain).
• Washing your windows, at least inside, and preferably also outside if you can.
• Dusting and wiping down light fixtures and ceiling fans.
• Decluttering to remove stuff you don’t need and organize the stuff you do.

Break your schedule down, starting with the rooms you use most often, and make your way through the items on the list one by one. 

2. Clean out the junk drawer

Almost every home has a junk drawer where little things without a place end up. Cleaning out the junk drawer just frees up space for the next year’s junk, but it’s a quick and easy task. Toss anything that’s outdated or has no purpose in there.

3. Organize as you go

You need to organize the closets in every room you are cleaning. This is the perfect time to visit your local storage shop and invest in some bins and baskets. As you get into decluttering mode, use your organizers to keep things neat, and also free up more space. 

You can find specialty storage items at stores like Ikea, including those you can hang on the backside of doors. If your budget is limited, head to the dollar store to find some baskets and bins.

4. Reduce dust

Often, you are breathing in the debris that the winter leaves behind. Tiny particles tracked in on winter boots include harmful materials like road salt. Spring allergy season can make life even more miserable with itchy, watery eyes, sneezing, throat irritation, and more. 

Reducing dust begins with a good dusting tool with clinging properties, so the dust doesn’t wind up in the air and falls back down onto your surfaces. A vacuum with an HEPA filter does a far better job capturing those airborne particles. 

Also, remember that spring cleaning is all about making an extra effort to reach dust throughout your home. That calls for heavy lifting, like moving your furniture away from the walls, tackling those dust bunnies under the bed, and using a broom to remove dust and cobwebs along the ceiling.

5. Use green cleaning products

Shop for green cleaning products that clean effectively without bringing chemicals and toxins into your home. They make green products for any surface today, so choose the one that is task-specific and enjoy the healthy benefits of a fresh, non-hazardous clean.

6. Steam clean germy surfaces

Speaking of green cleaning, steam cleaners are the ultimate eco-friendly cleaner. Instead of depending on highly toxic chemicals to tackle those germy, grimy surfaces, like the area around the toilet, showers and tubs, and kitchen backsplashes, you can rent (or buy) a steam cleaner to get a nice deep cleaning for your home.

7. Work from ceiling to floor

Work in an organized fashion, so you don’t create more messes while you take on each chore. Always start from the top, and work your way down. This way, you remove any dirt and dust that falls as you clean.

8. Don’t forget the walls

Use an eco-friendly, all-purpose cleaner to remove those scuff marks, fingerprints, and things like crayon marks from your walls and switch plates. It will look like you repainted!

9. Make those windows and mirrors sparkle

Clean windows and mirrors make your home sparkle while making things feel bright. Good old vinegar and newspaper are a great way to clean if you want to avoid using chemicals like ammonia. A squeegee with warm water also works well as long as the windows or mirrors aren’t grimy.

10. Create a cleaning caddy

A cleaning caddy makes it easy to keep everything you need handy as you clean. Your caddy should include: 

• An all-purpose cleaner
• Disinfecting all-purpose bathroom cleaner
• Multi-surface cleaning wipes
• Extendible duster
• Lint roller for hair and dust
• Microfiber cleaning cloths
• A sponge
• Scrub brush
• Rubber gloves

11. Enlist residential cleaning services

At Maid4Condos, our residential cleaning services provide a deep clean that sets you on the right path for a clean and tidy home. All the major tasks required for a thorough spring cleaning are handled for you, providing a clean slate that is far easier to keep clean. 

A deep cleaning is ideal for your spring cleaning, as it addresses every surface and area of your home, removing germs and leaving behind a fresh, clean home. Some of these cleaning tasks include the following:

• Bathtub and shower enclosure
• Inside, out, and behind the toilet
• Lights, mirrors, sink, countertops
• Vacuum ceiling fan cover
• Light switches and door knobs
• Empty garbage bin
• Vacuum/mop floors
• Wipe baseboards
• Spot-wipe walls
• Dust counters, table tops, and picture frames
• Clean mirrors and polish ornaments
• Wipe switches and door knobs
• Clean stove top and inside microwave
• Polish fridge front
• Backsplash, countertops, and cupboard fronts
• Clean sinks
• Vacuum and tidy sofa seating
• Table tops, picture frames, and window ledges
• Clean mirrors and dust ornaments
• Wipe telephones, switches, and door knobs
• Clean under/behind furniture
• Laundry room cleaning
• Clear air vent
• Clear lint trap
• Wipe washer/dryer
• Clean floors

Once we leave, you can adopt a cleaning regime that helps keep your home clean, or you can call us to manage your home cleaning all year round. For more information, you can contact us online or call us at 647-822-0601.

Having a messy home is stressful. While we have met our fair share of people who aren’t overly concerned about messes, most of us like our homes to have at least a basic sense of organization and tidiness. 

If you hate messes but struggle to keep your home clean, there are a few steps you can take to keep things under control. In this article, we will share twelve of our best professional cleaning hacks to tackle the mess and reduce stress.

1. Don’t let clutter build

Don’t let clutter creep up on you. Make a conscious effort to put everything away and toss things you don’t need. This will free up both space in your home and stress from your mind. For example, put dirty clothes in the laundry hamper instead of on your bedroom floor. Once you read the newspaper or go through the weekly flyers in the living room, put them directly into the recycle bin. 

When you are in the kitchen, put your dishes in the dishwasher after each meal or wash them right away. This proactive approach deals with messes as they happen, so you never face several days of built-up clutter. The result? Minimal effort to clean at any given time.

2. Everything in its place

Make sure you have a place for everything. Being organized makes tip number one a lot easier. If you know where everything goes, whether it is a drawer, a magazine rack, hooks to hang things, or a closet, everything is put away easily, and your home stays nice and tidy. 

If you have kids, label containers or baskets with their names or what the basket or bin is for, so they don’t contribute to the mess. They become part of the solution instead of the problem and will learn neat habits for life as a bonus.

3. Leverage wipes

Wipes are your cleaning best friend. If you keep wipes on the kitchen and bathroom counters, you can clean messes quickly every day. 

After you brush your teeth or shave in the bathroom, give any mess left behind a quick swipe. If you spill some milk while making coffee in the kitchen, you can also do the same. When you do this, you will never create unmanageable messes. As a result, cleaning becomes a breeze.

4. Have a “You messed it, you clean it” policy

This applies to not only roommates and family members, but even people who live alone. A “you messed it, you clean it” policy is also essential in the toilet area. Everyone old enough to tackle those unbearable bathroom messes should clean them up right away. 

Having a toilet brush and cleaner in the bathroom allows everyone to quickly remove those unthinkable messes. That way, the toilet is always sanitary and clean for the next person. The same goes for other messes around the home, whether it’s toys on the floor, snack packages on the coffee table, vinyl records out of their sleeves, or some kind of craft project you were working on.

5. Reduce paper

A paperless life is a far neater life. It reduces clutter and helps save the planet. Whether it is reading the newspaper online, subscribing to e-magazines, or avoiding printing things out, like homework, paperless means less mess.

6. Make your bed

It just takes a few minutes to make the bed. When you come home to a nicely made bed, it has a very calming effect. Every time you go into your room, it feels tidy and doesn’t add another item to your mental to-do list, thus reducing stress.

7. Clean in quick bursts

If you really hate cleaning, reduce the time you spend doing it. When binge-watching your favourite show, for example, in between episodes, choose something to clean for a few minutes. You can pick up papers and toss them in the recycle bin, rinse out some glasses in the sink, or even do a quick vacuum or sweep of the floor. It will feel like you’re barely doing any work and you will see real results. 

8. See a load, clean a load

If you see that your laundry hamper has enough clothes to do a load, put it in the washing machine and carry on with whatever you were doing, like making dinner or watching TV. This reduces the burden of doing several loads that keep you home, and you will always have clean underwear!

9. Have a hidden mess

When tackling tips one and two, it’s okay to cheat a little. Designate a place where you can toss things to deal with later. Your hidden mess might be toys that your kids use often, but are too big to fit in their bins, or some newfangled exercise equipment you use often, but not every day. 

Whatever it is, you can keep the mess hidden, so your main living space is always neater. You know where it is, so you can get to it when you either need to or have more time to do something about it.

10. Play fair

Tying in with tip number four, it’s very important that the burden of keeping the home clean never falls on one person’s shoulders. Tidying is a group effort, and everyone needs to do their part. Whether you create an actual rotating cleaning schedule or just make sure everyone is sticking to the “you messed it, you clean it” rule, you will all feel less stressed when everyone puts in an equal cleaning effort.

11. Have a cleaning routine

Get into the habit of cleaning regularly with a cleaning routine. Your routine is twofold. First, it applies to anything that creates a mess, such as putting ingredients away as you make dinner, washing the dishes each night, putting things away before bed, folding and putting laundry away as soon as you take it out of the dryer, etc. 

Second, choose a day of the week to do your major cleaning and try to stick to it. If you’re using all of the other tips we provided, your cleaning day will take only minutes instead of hours, making it far less overwhelming and unpleasant.

12. Hire a cleaning service

The best way to take the stress out of tackling messes is to hire a cleaning service. Whether we come in weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly, we take care of the nitty-gritty cleaning, so you only need to deal with basic tidying.

Click here to learn more about Maid4Condo’s Toronto cleaning service. For more information, you can contact us online or call us at 647-822-0601.

Do you ever think about how clean your cleaning supplies and tools are? Dirty cleaning items can become a breeding ground for germs and grime when not cleaned or stored correctly. How can you expect a spotless home if your cleaning supplies are filthy? 

In this article, we offer our expert tips on how to clean common cleaning supplies and tools to help you get the best results with the least amount of effort.

How to Clean a Vacuum Cleaner

If your vacuum isn’t picking up dirt and dust like it used to, it could be blocked or the filters might be full. Blockages can make it harder to start and cause the vacuum to overheat. Replacing the dust bag can usually help fix this problem. Some vacuums have an in-built warning light that alerts you when it’s time to change the bag, or you can always take off the vacuum cover to check the bag visually.

If you have a bagless vacuum, it’s good practice to remove dust and dirt from the canister after each use. A full canister can affect the sucking power of your vacuum. If you suspect your vacuum is clogged, turn off the machine and unscrew the hose to look for any blockages at the machine’s inlet or in the tube.

How to Clean Vacuum Filters

Most vacuum cleaners have filters that can be removed for cleaning. Check where the filters are located in your vacuum, take them out, and tap them against a hard surface to remove dust. Make sure to do this outside or in a well-ventilated area; otherwise, you’ll create a dust cloud.

You can also wash the filters in lukewarm water and let them air dry for at least 24 hours before putting them back in the vacuum.

How to Clean a Mop Head

It may seem counterintuitive, but the products we use to clean our floors can also make our mops smell bad. Germs and dirt that get trapped in the fibres can develop a bad odour over time, so cleaning your mop regularly is key to keeping things sanitary.

If your mop head is removable, you can simply toss it into the washing machine with a load of towels. Use a heavy-duty detergent and wash it under a hot water cycle to remove any build-up of grease and soil. Hang the mop head to air dry and make sure that the fibres are completely dry before storing.

If your mop head is non-removable, you can soak it in an at-home solution of one gallon of hot water and two tablespoons of heavy-duty detergent for 15 minutes. Move the mop head up and down in the solution to loosen any dirt and rinse it thoroughly in hot water before allowing it to drip dry.

How to Clean a Broom

Think about all the things you sweep up regularly: food scraps, pet hair, dirt, and dust. Over time, your broom can get pretty dirty. 

To ensure that you’re not just spreading dirt around your house, shake your broom outside regularly. Just tap the head of the broom on any tree trunk or solid object until the bristles no longer shed dust. You may have to remove some hair or dirt from the strands by hand or with a wide-tooth comb.

For a deeper clean, shake out your broom, then place it in a bucket filled with warm, soapy water. Let it soak for 30 minutes before rinsing it with warm water, and place it bristle-end up to dry. We recommend drying it in the shower or placing a rag underneath, as it will drip water.

How to Clean Sponges

To keep your dish sponge clean, all you need is some dish soap and hot water. Let it soak overnight, then rinse it with clean water and leave it to dry upright.

If you want a deeper clean, try using vinegar instead. Mix vinegar and water in equal parts, and soak the sponge overnight before rinsing it with clean water. The vinegar mixture is great for getting rid of any bad smells on your sponge.

How to Clean Dusters

Cloth Dusters

Cleaning cloth dusters is a breeze. You just need some liquid detergent and water. To prevent bacteria growth on your used cloth duster, make sure to wash them after each use. You can wash them by hand or put them in the washing machine. Don’t forget to dry them thoroughly in a clean place to avoid mould growth.

Feather Dusters

To clean feather dusters, set up a basin with warm water and mild dish soap. Submerge the feather duster in the basin, and let it soak for a few minutes to loosen any dust and dirt. Then, rinse it under water until all the soap is gone and hang it to dry completely.

Synthetic Dusters

Synthetic dusters can also be cleaned with warm, soapy water. We recommend washing them by hand instead of using the washing machine, as it’s more gentle. Remember to always let them dry completely before storage.

Contact the Cleaning Experts

Tired of cleaning your home and your cleaning tools? Call in the experts from Maid4Condos! Our professional cleaning services in Toronto are ready to help keep your home clean and germ-free. You can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Nothing quite beats the feeling of slipping into a bed with fresh, clean sheets. Yet, washing bed sheets is a task that not many people look forward to. It often takes multiple loads of laundry and having to temporarily give up your bed, making it easy to postpone washing your sheets for extended periods. Still, it’s something that should be a top priority. 

Most of us spend almost a third of our lives in bed and with that comes a slew of dead skin cells, sweat, and bodily fluids. Without regular cleaning, dirty sheets can contribute to allergies, breakouts, asthma, and more. So, for your health and sleep quality’s sake, it’s important to keep things clean.

How often should you wash your sheets? Experts recommend washing your sheets once a week. However, if you are sick, sleep in the nude, go to bed without a shower at night, or share your bed with your pet or partner, then your sheets may require more frequent cleaning.

But what if you’re short on time, or don’t have easy access to laundry facilities and cannot keep a weekly washing schedule? Here are our top seven tips on keeping your bedding fresh until you can wash them again.

1. Take your sheets out of the wash ASAP

It all begins when the laundry cycle is done. Don’t dilly-dally; get those sheets out to dry right away. Musty and stale sheets are caused by bacteria growth. The longer you leave your freshly laundered sheets sitting in the washing machine, the more time bacteria has to thrive and make itself comfortable. So, get those bedsheets out to dry as soon as you hear the end-of-cycle notification.

2. Make sure they’re dry

When storing your sheets, it’s crucial to make sure they’re completely dry before putting them away. Moisture is the enemy of fresh sheets in storage, and it only takes a few days for musty smells to set in. For the best and longest-lasting freshness, air dry them slowly near a mild heat source.

3. Store them correctly

Many of us stuff our bedding into large drawers or bedding containers. However, these aren’t always the optimal places to store your bed linen. Sheets can become musty due to lack of airflow; that’s why we suggest keeping them in the closet. We open our closet every day, which allows for air circulation. The key here is to keep moisture at bay; the better you manage this, the longer your bedding will stay fresh.

4. Air them out

To keep your bedding and sheets fluffy and smelling fresh in between washes, it’s important to air everything out regularly. This helps prevent bad odours and dampness from forming in your bed.

Start by folding back the duvets and blankets; you can even hang them on a clothes horse or airer. Next, plump and knead pillows back into shape, and separate them so that they can air out.

Airing out your mattress is also a good idea, but it may not be feasible to do it daily. Instead, try to give your mattress some breathing room when changing your sheets and removing the mattress topper if you have one.

Some mattresses need to be flipped or rotated every month. Check with the manufacturer to see if this applies to your mattress.

5. Freshen them up

If you don’t use a scented detergent, try a lightly perfumed fabric softener spray to keep your sheets smelling fresh between washes. For an at-home alternative, follow this simple recipe to create your own customized spray:

• 1 cup of distilled water
• 3 ounces of vodka or witch hazel
• 30 drops of your essential oil of choice

Simply combine all these ingredients in a spray bottle and shake to mix.

Another easy alternative to add fragrance to your linens is by wrapping your favourite soap in your sheets before putting them away for storage. The scent will infuse the fabric while also protecting your linen from oils. 

6. Take bedtime showers

If you usually shower in the morning, you might benefit from incorporating an evening shower in your bedtime routine instead. Showering at night ensures that you are cleaner when you go to bed, thus reducing the buildup of sweat, dirt, and body oils on your bedding to keep them fresher for longer.

7.Invest in good quality sheets

To have the freshest feeling bed, choose one hundred percent cotton sheets, which are soft and luxurious. Cotton is also naturally hypoallergenic and breathable, making them stay fresh for longer.

Contact the Cleaning Professionals

If you simply don’t have the time or energy to clean your home, Maid4Condos is the cleaning service that Toronto trusts to put everything in order. For more information, give us a call at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Walls are not something you might consider cleaning very often. However, walls can get pretty dirty over time. While you probably notice dirt and grime around areas like light switches, if you look up, you’ll likely see a nice little collection of cobweb-like strings or a powdery grey “fur” along the walls where they meet the ceiling. 

This is caused by dust, which contributes to poor air quality in your home. Walls in areas like the kitchen are vulnerable to grease, while the bathrooms can be mouldy, mildewy, and covered in soap scum. Here, we offer tips on how to clean walls to keep your home spic and span from floor to ceiling.

Use the Right Cleaning Supplies

You want to put together the right cleaning supplies so you’re ready to tackle any surface or type of dirt you encounter. Your cleaning arsenal should include:

• Dish soap
• 2 buckets: One for clean soapy water and the other for rinsing
• Clean, soft cloths
• Vacuum with a dust brush attachment, or a good-quality duster
• Baking soda
• Hydrogen peroxide

You want to avoid using strong-smelling cleaners on walls because the surface is so large that the smell can be overwhelming. Instead, consider gentle and refreshing cleaners.

Prepare for Drips

Since you’re using water to clean your walls, start by protecting your floors from inevitable drips. Lay towels along the floor to absorb the mess.

How to Clean Wallpaper

Wallpaper is quite trendy right now, but you might be hesitant to clean your wallpaper. Keep in mind that most wallpapers are designed to be wipeable. 

Follow these steps to clean wallpapered walls:

• Step 1 – Dust: Dusting ensures you don’t create more of a mess using wet cleaners. Wipe the walls down using either your vacuum brush attachment, a duster, or even a clean, dry rag. Work from top to bottom, and give a final wipe along the baseboards. If you don’t want to get up on a chair, use an extendable duster, or a dry mop or broom.
• Step 2 – Prepare your buckets: Fill one bucket with clean water, and mix a gallon of warm water with dish soap in the other. You only need a few drops; otherwise, the walls will have a soapy, sticky residue.
• Step 3 – Clean the walls: Take a clean cloth, dip it in your soapy water, wring it out well, and then start wiping down the wall. Start in a smaller, less noticeable spot to ensure you aren’t damaging the surface. If it seems okay, continue working in small areas using gentle circular motions from top to bottom. Then, follow up with a damp (never wet) cloth to remove the soapy residue.
• Step 4 – Dry as you go: As you rinse, be sure to use a dry towel to wipe down the walls and absorb all the moisture.

How to Clean Brick

Exposed brick is quite popular in older homes, as well as lofts. However, it can be a hassle to clean. To experience a smoother cleaning process, follow these steps:

• Step 1 – Dust: A vacuum with an attachment works best. The more textured the brick, the more difficult it will be to dust. Once you are finished dusting, it should be enough to clean the brick. If not, move on to step two.
• Step 2: Use your warm bucket of soapy water with a bristled brush. Scrub the dirty areas and pat them dry with a clean towel.

How to Clean Painted Walls

Painted walls are the easiest to clean, as you are less likely to encounter issues with texture or worry about causing damage. We recommend following these steps:

• Step 1 – Dust: Dust the walls from top to bottom.
• Step 2 – Look for dirt: Check your walls for any signs of fingerprints, greasy dirt, or scuff marks. Use your bucket of soapy water to remove the dirt.
• Step 3 – Rinse: Rinse with your clean water, and then dry with a clean towel.
• Step 4 – Gently scrub: If you encounter dirt that won’t come off easily, add a sprinkle of baking soda to your damp cloth and gently rub away the dirt. Rinse and dry the wall.
• Step 5: If all else fails, you might need to use a cleaning product to remove the stains. An all-purpose cleaner is the best solution for that.

How to Clean Tile Walls

There are a few ways to tackle tile walls. We always recommend using gentler approaches first before resorting to strong, harsh chemicals and scrubbers. See below:

• Step 1 – Vinegar: Fill a spray bottle with half water and half vinegar. Vinegar works well as long as your tiles are not travertine or stone. Spritz the walls and let the vinegar sit for a few minutes. Wipe down the wall. If you have stubborn grout stains, use a soft bristle toothbrush to remove the dirt. Then, rinse.
• Step 2 – Dish liquid: For soap scum and stains, you’ll need more cleaning power. Fill your sprayer with a 2:1 mix of white vinegar and warm water, and a teaspoon of vegetable-based dishwashing soap.
  Spritz the walls and leave them for fifteen minutes. Use a sponge to remove the dirt, and then rinse. A squeegee works well to leave behind a nice, clean surface.
• Step 3 – Baking soda: If there is still a mess left behind, it’s time to add baking soda. Create a paste with some warm water and apply it to the grout. Then, spritz with your vinegar/water mixture. It will start to foam, and once it stops, use your toothbrush to scrub away the dirt. Rinse and finish with your squeegee for the most effective dry.  
• Step 4 – Bleach or cleaners: If you still have a mess, it’s time to try a tile-safe heavier cleaning product, like bleach or bathroom cleaners. You’ll need to wear gloves and keep the windows open, or turn on the fan. If you plan on using bleach, we recommend opting for powdered bleach to create a paste with water. You can then apply it with a toothbrush, let it work away at the dirt for about fifteen minutes, and then remove it with a wet sponge and clean water.

If you find the chore of keeping your home clean to be too much, then Maid4Condo’s expert cleaning services in Toronto are ready to help. For more information, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Getting around in the snowy, slushy winter weather isn’t just hard on our vehicles. If you have to walk even short distances, you have to be quick on your feet, whether you are avoiding stepping in a deep, slushy puddle, slipping and sliding on unexpected ice, or contending with sky-high snow banks. 

Through it all, your trusty winter boots (we hope you’re going for form over fashion in the deep of winter!) are there to help you motor on through winter’s worst. It doesn’t end there, though. Once you get home, those slushy boots and shoes are major mess-makers. All that snow and slush on your boots are carried into your home and, as it melts, creates messy, dirty puddles. 

There are also traces of salt and sand from sidewalks and streets that harden into a dirty crust. That mess you drag in gets tracked into your home, which can be a real pain to contend with day after day. 

To help make life easier, here are seven professional house-cleaning tips for managing those winter messes.

1. Keep the mess outside

Make sure you have a high-quality doormat outside your door that helps remove a good chunk of the mess off your boots before you step inside. Ideally, you want a mat with stiff bristles that have some scraping action. As you wipe your feet, the bristles collect the mess and keep it outside. 

Things like sand and rock salt will get loosened from the treads on your boots, so you need to avoid bringing that grit indoors. If you live in an apartment, you might not be allowed to have a mat outside your unit door, so be sure to place it in your entryway.

2. Keep the mess contained

Next, you need a heavy-duty boot tray for your boots/footwear. These trays have a lip that ensures the snow, salt, and sand left on your boots stay in the tray as the snow and slush melt. Be sure to vacuum the boot tray once a week when it is dry to collect all that grit, so you help keep the buildup to a minimum. 

3. Use carpet runners

If you have a tight entryway, it becomes harder to avoid stepping onto the floors in your living area when you get home. The best way to manage this issue is to lay rubber-backed runners across your floors to protect them from the mess. 

This is a must if you have kids or a dog, as the more people are coming in at once, the more likely it is that someone will have to step into the living area. Everyone can take off their boots one by one, place them in the tray, and then get out of the way!

4. Wipe your dog’s paws

If you have a dog, its paws get pretty dirty and wet out in the snow. Ideally, you have them wear booties, as this both protects and keeps their paws clean. Remember, all that salt and sandy mess on the sidewalks and pathways is very irritating to their tender paws, so it’s worth investing in some protective paw-wear. 

If you don’t have booties, keep some dog-friendly wipes at the door so you can clean any irritants and dirt, while also helping control the mess they carry into your home.

5. Wet outerwear 

Wet boots aren’t the only culprits for messes in the winter. Your outerwear can get wet and drip as snow melts. If you have kids and they’re out playing in the snow, well, we don’t have to tell you what a mess that makes.

Have a place in your entry to hang wet snow pants and jackets. You don’t want to hang them in the closet until they dry. Hooks are perfect; just be sure there’s space between them to let the air circulate. 

Also, avoid hanging wet clothes on top of each other, as they will acquire that funky winter smell. For smaller dryer-friendly things like wet hats, mitts, and scarves, toss them in the dryer with a scented dryer sheet to keep them smelling fresh and dry. This keeps them ready to wear for the next winter activity.

6. Invest in a wet mop

Wet mops are a winter mess cleaner’s best friend. They are easy to store in your hall closet and can be pulled out to make short work of those melty messes. It’s a good practice to get into as you remove the wetness and all that saltiness that leads to staining, hard-to-remove crust. 

Salt is very bad for hardwood and laminate floors and can also get into carpets. For hardwood, be careful to sop up the water, and then use a broom to collect any stray gritty materials, as the grit can lead to scratches and wear down the finish.

7. Shovel the snow

If you live in a house, be sure to clear away snow as much as possible. It’s not just a slipping hazard, but also increases the messes you track into the house. 

If you are having trouble keeping up with the winter mess, call in the professionals at Maid4Condos. Our house-cleaning services in Toronto can help keep your home clean no matter what winter throws at you. You can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

No matter how careful you are, you’re sure to spill something every now and then. Your carpets and rugs are in the line of fire every day, even sans the spills. You’ve got your pets wandering around with dirty paws, kids playing with sticky hands, and all kinds of messes from outside that you might not notice until it is too late. 

Stains can make your home feel dirty, even when everything else is clean. So, we think it’s nice to have a few tricks up your sleeve to keep the stains at bay. Here, we offer our expert tips on how to clean carpet stains. 

Be Prepared With a Stain-Removal Caddy

Having the right tools in your stain-fighting arsenal is the first step to stain removal. Create a little stain-cleaning caddy with the following:

• Two clean spray bottles
• Paper towels
• Clean absorbent cloths
• Dishwashing liquid
• Targeted carpet cleaner

This list might not seem like much, but it’ll provide the fundamental tools you need to take care of most stains.

Know How to Clean Carpet Stains 

As soon as the spill happens, head for your caddy and follow these steps:

• Fill the first spray bottle with cold water.
• Fill the second spray bottle with one cup of warm water and a quarter teaspoon of the dishwashing liquid.
• Use the detergent mixture to spray your absorbent cloth.
• Dab, never rub at the stain.
• As the stain starts to break up, use another clean, dry cloth to blot away the mess until the stain is gone.
• Use the clean, cold water spray bottle on another clean cloth and dab at the detergent residue.
• Blot away the water with a clean, dry cloth.

The carpet will still be wet, so place a stack of paper towels or clean absorbent cloth over the spot and then weigh it down with something heavy. The weight will apply constant pressure to help the cloth absorb the residue. You can remove the cloth in the morning and use your fingers to fluff up the fibres.

Stubborn Stains

If the above steps don’t work, use your targeted carpet stain-remover and follow the instructions to get rid of the remaining stains.

Pet Stains

We all love our pets, but could easily do without the stains they often leave behind. Nothing is worse than poop and urine stains. Not only are they hard to clean, but they also really stink. Fast action is required with pet stains, but we’re not always home when accidents happen. 

To remove pet stains, your best bet is to keep a carpet cleaner in your kit that contains enzymes. The enzymes fight the odours caused by bacteria in the urine and poop, while tackling the stain. The odours are not just stinky, but also create a spot in the rug that your pet thinks they can use as their bathroom. So, it is crucial to tackle that odour. 

Once you apply the cleaner, blotting won’t be enough to do the job. In this case, you still want to avoid rubbing, but you will need to gently work the detergent into the carpet with a clean, damp cloth. Blot at the stain until it seems to be gone, and then rinse it with another damp cloth.

The pet stain-cleaners are a little stronger than detergent, so you might want to use your spray bottle with cold water to spritz the area and help remove the residue. Blot up as much of the wetness as possible, and then cover it with a cloth and let it sit for about 12 hours. The enzymes will continue to work, reducing the odour.

Red Wine Stains

Another culprit for carpet stains is the good old red wine spill. As much as you love your glass of cabernet, the lighter the colour of your carpet, the more damage it will cause. You can start by using a clean, dry cloth to soak up as much of the wine as possible. 

Next, spray a wine stain-remover on the affected area after following the instructions. Blot it again with a clean cloth to get rid of the majority of the stain. Then, finish with a damp clean cloth to remove the residue.

Coffee Stains

A hot coffee stain sets in really fast, so you have to get to work immediately. Use a dry cloth to blot up the coffee. Afterwards, use a sponge with cold water to loosen up the remaining stain and blot it again with a dry cloth. Follow up by mixing a quarter teaspoon of liquid dish soap and one tablespoon of white vinegar into a cup of warm water. Dip a clean, white cloth into the mixture and rub off the remaining stain.

Blot in between each attempt with a dry cloth. If it seems like the stain isn’t changing, add one or two more drops of liquid dish soap to the vinegar/water mix and see if that removes the residue. Because of all the liquid, you’ll have to place a stack of paper towels or clean absorbent cloth over the spot and then weigh it down with something heavy overnight.

How to Reduce Carpet Stains

To help keep your carpets looking like new, you can add these regular cleaning tips to your regime:

• Have a no-shoes policy in the house to reduce the amount of dirt tracked across the carpet.
• Use a rechargeable stick vacuum to make it easy to vacuum up dirt often.
• Use a doormat so people can wipe their feet before entering your home.
• Shake out your doormat weekly to reduce the amount of dirt people track into the house.
• Purchase machine-washable mats so you can throw them in the wash to remove dirt.
• Vacuum the backs of mats to remove loose dirt.
• Clean your dog’s paws after a walk to reduce the dirt they track through the house.
• Dry off your dog’s coat after a walk in the rain to reduce the amount of dirty water dripped onto the carpet.

These tips will help keep your carpets and rugs looking their best.

If you want to keep your carpets looking fresh and new, but don’t have time to clean them yourself, you can depend on our cleaning professionals at Maid4Condos to help. For more information on how to clean your carpet, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.