Category: Cleaning Tip

The trees are budding bright green and flowers are poking their heads out of the ground. Spring is in the air! With the arrival of warmer weather comes the desire to make your condominium fresh and clean. The sun may be shining bright but the inside of your home may be feeling grimy and cluttered from winter hibernation. Before you know it summer will be knocking on your door, so why not crack a window early and get down to spring cleaning.

Not sure where to begin? We’ve got you covered! The checklist below is meant to help you cover every nook and cranny of your home in your spring cleaning frenzy.

Where to Begin

Start by getting into the cleaning headspace. This could mean something different to everyone! Here are a couple of ideas to help you get started:

• Switch on your favourite movie or TV series to help you pass the time
• Put on some music and dance your chores away
• Do some stretches or yoga in preparation to move
• Call a friend or enlist your family to help tackle your spring cleaning plans

Spring Cleaning List

Now that you are ready to go, it’s time to start tackling the checklist. Whether you clean room-to-room or task-to-task, you will definitely be satisfied with the results.

Bedrooms

Winter is finally over! It’s time to get the bedroom fresh and ready for the warm days ahead. Make sure you remember to tackle the following in the bedroom:

• Dusting to ensure that every surface of the room is dusted including baseboards, head jamb of doors, and ceilings
• Flip and rotate the mattress, which will give your mattress a longer life
• Carpets should be steam cleaned; while wooden or tiled floors should be swept, mopped, and waxed. If throw rugs are included ensure a good vacuuming or washing.

Bathrooms

Everyone likes a shiny bathroom. After a long winter, it’s a good idea to do a thorough spring cleaning. If you have allergies to certain products speak to your cleaner and discuss your options. Check bottles to ensure their fullness or to replace soap dispensers. Here are some items to remember when cleaning your bathroom:

• Throw away empty shampoo bottles
• Clean out soap dishes
• Throw out the garbage and wash out the garbage can
• Organize shelves to look less cluttered
• Dust or wash baseboards, lamps, door jambs, ceilings and blinds
• Scrub the sink, faucet, backsplash
• Wipe down the cabinets
• Wash the towels, bath mats, rugs, shower curtain and liner, and window curtains
• Toilets need a thorough scrubbing inside and out
• The bathtub and shower stalls need a good scrubbing
• Replace light bulbs
• Clean windows and mirrors

Kitchen and Dining Room

The kitchen and dining room are spaces in a condo that are generally kept in fairly good order because they are used so much in our day-to-day life. So, when it comes down to spring cleaning time, these areas can be a walk in the park to clean. Make sure to:

• Clean out and organize the fridge, pantry, and kitchen cupboards and throw away any expired food
• Clean your appliances inside and out — oven, refrigerator, dishwasher, deep freezer, trash compactor — according to the manufacturer’s instructions
• Clean out and change the filters in your fridge and dishwasher
• Wash out and disinfect the inside of your garbage can, recycling bin, and compost bucket
• Dust the counters, all of the kitchen cabinets, the dining room table, the top of the fridge, and any other surfaces that may be hoarding dust from the winter
• Use a leather or fabric cleaner on stools and chairs and wipe them down with a microfiber towel
• Disinfect and wash curtains and blinds and clean the windows, any glass surfaces and mirrors
• Wash the floor and sweep behind appliances and make sure to wash and clean any rugs or carpets you may have in your kitchen as well
• Replace light bulbs if needed

Spring Cleaning Other Spaces

Just because you’ve covered the main cleaning areas of your condo it doesn’t mean that you have finished your spring cleaning. Give your whole home some love and follow the following checklist for the rest of your living space:

1. The living room

   Wash any rugs, curtains, throw blankets, or throw pillows. If you have cloth furniture, it is also a good idea to remove the coverings on your couch and other furniture and stick them in the washer machine as well. They will wash up nicely and leave your living room looking brand new! If you have leather furniture, clean and soften the leather with the appropriate tools.

   • Clean windows, glass, and mirrors with a glass cleaner
   • Move your couch cushions and vacuum under them
   • Vacuum or sweep under furniture
   • You might even think about rearranging your room for a fresh spring feel

2. Laundry room and storage areas

   • Clean out your washer machine and dryer according to the manufacturer’s instructions
   • Recycle empty laundry detergent bottles and dust all the surfaces of the laundry room
   • Swap out your winter wardrobe for summer clothes, donate any unwanted clothes and store the rest neatly in bins
   • Re-organize closet contents and put everything where it should be
   • Clean the dryer vent

General Reminders

• Replace light bulbs and restock for next time
• Replace batteries in any alarms and detectors
• Dust and wash light fixtures
• Dust skylights, if you have them, and wash windows
• Dust light switches and electrical outlets
• Dust hallway baseboards and doors and re-paint if necessary
• Clean window sills, blinds, and curtains

If you follow this checklist, your condo will be sparkling from top to bottom so you can go enjoy the beautiful spring days without worry!

To learn more about spring cleaning your condo, call Maid4Condos at 647.822.0601 or contact us here.

If you’re moving into a new home in the future, one of the most challenging elements of the move is knowing that you have a lot of cleaning to do when you arrive at the property. In some cases, the walls and the floors will require comprehensive cleaning that you might not have the energy for while working a full-time job during your home move.

Move-in and move-out cleaning is helping homeowners across the country streamline their moves and ensure a clean property is ready for them. In this post, we’ll explain the value of move-in and move-out cleaning services.

Move-out Cleaning for Apartment Renters

When you’re renting an apartment or a commercial office space, you will often require move-out cleaning services to ensure that you get your deposit back from the landlord. Often these rental contracts require that you leave the property in ideal condition, ready for the new renters to move-in. If you’re in the process of moving, you might not have the time to dedicate several days to cleaning. Using a move-out cleaning company can ensure that you abide by the terms of your lease.

Move-in Cleaning Offers a Clean Start

When you’re looking to transition to life in a new property, you might be looking forward to meeting the neighbours and exploring the local area to find your new favourite restaurants and bars. But if you’re stuck cleaning the home for the first weeks after your move, you won’t get this opportunity.

Working with a move-in cleaning company allows you to sit back and enjoy your new property and the surroundings of the area without having to focus on the cleaning and maintenance work in the first few weeks. You’ll be able to relax a little more knowing professionals are taking over the cleaning process.

Move-In Cleaning a Great Option for Comprehensive Cleaning

If you’re a landlord and you’re looking to impress potential new tenants with the cleanliness of your apartment units, you can use a move-in cleaning service to ensure the property is ready for presentation. The move-in cleaning team can help to remove the dirt and grime that past tenants have left behind and can help to ensure that you rent the property out to new tenants within a consolidated timeframe.

Ensure that you review the move-in cleaning company’s credentials and select a company known for top quality work within the industry, as this will provide you with the best value for money and will help ensure you don’t have to search for a new cleaning firm to take on additional tasks. ,/p>

What Does Move-in/Move-Out Cleaning Involve?

If you’re considering move-in and move-out cleaning services, you might want to take the time to become acquainted with what the process involves and the type of work the cleaning company will complete around the property. The basic move-in and move-out cleaning service involves the following elements:

General Cleaning Work

The basic service will include some form of general cleaning work. This general cleaning work will involve the cleaning of one bedroom, the kitchen, the bathroom, the hallways and the stairs within the home. Cleaning these areas will include sorting any loose items, and removing any dust or dirt in the area. It will also include vacuuming the space to remove all contaminants. The general cleaning service will involve the wiping down of all surfaces in the bathroom and the removal of any grime and buildup on the sinks and bathtubs. This approach ensures that the bathroom looks its peak best ready for others to move-in.

Kitchen Cleaning Services

The move-in/move-out cleaning service will involve some form of kitchen cleaning. At the basic level, all countertops will be cleaned and all surfaces will be wiped down to remove any stains. In addition, the flooring will be mopped and cleaned so that the space looks its best to the new owners.

Companies may offer additional kitchen cleaning services, such as the cleaning of the inside of fridges and cupboards. This can be important for those moving in, as it means they can immediately begin using the storage spaces and don’t have to take on these additional cleaning duties themselves after the move.

Cleaning of Windows

A key consideration for many homeowners is whether to include the cleaning of windows in their move-in or move-out cleaning service. Some companies include this service as standard, but it may be an add-on depending on the company you choose. The cleaning of windows can be an important maintenance element to consider as it will mean the new renter/owner is able to see the exterior of their space clearly and will immediately get the full benefit of living in the property immediately after moving in. Make sure you consider the value of the window cleaning service and whether the company is able to complete the work at an affordable price-point.

Cleaning Appliances

Another important consideration is the cleaning of appliances. Most companies will include some form of appliance cleaning as standard within their regular cleaning service contract. But additional appliance cleaning might be required depending on the level of dirt within the home after the past owner or tenant moves out. For example, many landlords find that the ovens and cooking equipment within their properties require deep cleaning after the tenant leaves. Look for a company with experience cleaning the interior of ovens and microwaves to ensure they are equipped to handle the level of cleaning required.

For more information about move-in or move-out cleaning services, call Maid4Condos today at 647.822.0601 or contact us here.

Move-out cleaning is a great option for those moving home. While you might take on some of the cleaning yourself, you are likely to be busy during the move and may require professional assistance to help get your home ready for new buyers to move-in. In this new post, we’ll explore the value of move-out cleaning and what move-out cleaners can bring to your move.

Attract Buyers

If you’re in the process of staging your home to invite new buyers, you’ll need to work with a move-out cleaning company to create the ideal home staging environment. Professional cleaning firms can ensure upholstery on furniture is at its cleanest and can remove the dirt and dust from floors and walls so that potential buyers can easily imagine themselves moving in. Cleaners will also help to deodorize carpeting so that the home smells fresh and appealing as soon as potential buyers enter the property.

A Courtesy to the New Homeowners

When you’re moving to a new property, you will need to work with the new homeowners of your old home to ensure that the transition is completed effectively. Working with move-out cleaners is a great way to show the new homeowners that you respect them and that you wish to welcome them to their new home. The move-out cleaners will make sure that all elements of the property are in optimal condition. They will ensure that floors and walls are thoroughly cleaned and will help remove the dirt from any furniture and appliances that will remain in the home. And they will ensure the home smells fresh and clean ready for the new homeowners.

Allows You to Focus on Packing

While you might want to leave the home in the best possible condition for the new owners, you likely won’t have the time or the energy to tackle this during the busy home move. Working with a home cleaning company to allow you to focus on packing your belongings. Home move-out cleaning service providers can reduce your stress during this critical time and provide you with a clear cleaning schedule that suits your move-out timeframe.

Ensures You Meet Contingencies of the Home Sale

When selling your home, the buyer will often put in place several contingencies that must take place for the sale to go through. Committing to a move-out cleaning process helps you meet your obligations to the homeowner and minimizes the chance that there will be any issues when you sign the sale contract.

How to Choose the Home Cleaning Company

While it’s clear that move-out cleaning has a number of benefits for the homeowner, it’s important that you select the right cleaning company for the task-at-hand. Our team at Maid4Condos has many years’ experience in the home cleaning industry and below we’re highlighting several tips for choosing a home cleaning firm:

Make Sure They Have Experience

Consider the experience of the cleaning company and whether this experience meets your requirements. The company should have at least a decade-long background within the home cleaning industry and this background should include cleaning for both residential and commercial clientele. Find out more about the unique levels of experience of those within the company and discuss past projects with them before hiring their team.

Find Out About Their Hiring Process

What type of background checks does the company implement during their hiring process? Are they able to review their employees’ past working history and ensure that employees are suitable for working in their clients’ homes? It’s important that you discuss their hiring process with the company in great detail and find out whether their process meets the standards required.

Discuss Your Cleaning Requirements

What is the extent of your move-out cleaning requirements and can the company meet them? It’s important that you discuss these requirements in detail before moving forward, as you may find that the company doesn’t have the equipment or the expertise to handle the tasks required of them. For example, does the company offer specialty cleaning services for delicate carpet materials? Find out more about their work and whether they can respond to your full range of cleaning needs.

Review the Total Costs

One area that many homeowners often don’t give their full consideration is the total cost for the cleaning service. This cost can be increased by having a greater number of cleaners required for the project or by having a project take a longer amount of time. If you have a special move-out cleaning project requirement, it’s imperative you take into consideration the total costs for the service before you move forward. Ensure the company provides you with all pricing details in writing before they work on cleaning your property, and ask questions if you find any element of their pricing details confusing.

Analyze the Company’s Warranty

Ensure that your move-out cleaning company provides you with a warranty for the cleaning service. They should be able to provide you with a document that shows they will complete the work to your satisfaction and that any changes you require will be completed once you’ve had a chance to review their cleaning work. Ask that the company provides you with a copy of their warranty before moving forward with the service.

To learn more about move-out cleaning, call Maid4Condos today at 647.822.0601 or contact us here.

Many busy homeowners are now hiring professional cleaning services companies to handle the maintenance requirements throughout their home. But you might still be hesitant to invite a cleaner into your property. It’s important to learn more about the many advantages of working with a qualified cleaning service before you consider your service options. And so within this latest post, we’ll explain the health benefits of hiring a professional cleaning services company.

Removing Allergens from the Home

While you yourself might not be an allergy sufferer, you might have someone in your family who is sensitive to the change in the air that comes with an allergen in the environment. When allergens such as dust and pet dander are spread throughout the property, they can make it difficult for the sufferer to breathe. It’s important that these allergens are removed regularly and that clean air is allowed into the home in order to filter the contaminants. Working with a professional cleaning company, you can help to ensure that all allergens are removed from the home and that the area is completely safe for all family and visitors.

Removing Harmful Bacteria

Beyond the allergens that might cause itchy eyes and a sore throat, there are other health menaces within your home. Bacteria lurk on kitchen and bathroom surfaces and can often remain there for several months in homes that are not cleaned regularly. A professional cleaner can conduct a deep clean of the property and remove all bacteria from your home. In the process, they can help protect your family members, particularly protecting young children who are more vulnerable to bacteria than other family members. Cleaners will use equipment such as HEPA filters, which remove smaller sized bacteria than retail cleaning solutions would ordinarily remove.

Eliminating Mould

Mould is one of the leading causes of breathing issues throughout the modern home. The issue is often related to a water leak somewhere in the property has not been dealt with and has allowed mould spores to develop over time. When you allow mould to grow within the home, you may experience a greater number of health issues as the contaminant spreads throughout the property. Only professional cleaners have the experience and expertise to remove the mould with precision and ensure that the home is safe for your family’s return.

Reduce Stress

The studies show that stress is one of the leading health issues within our society. Stress is usually related to being overworked, and this can carry on when you arrive home. If you’re stressed at work, you might face even more stress when you have to clean after spending hours at your office job. You might also become stressed by thinking about the amount of cleaning you have to do at home. Turning to a professional cleaning service is one of the easiest ways to reduce your stress levels. You can relax knowing that your home is being cleaned by a professional, and you can arrive home to a completely clean and healthy home environment.

Disinfecting Bathrooms

One area that is rarely cleaned often enough is the bathroom. The data shows that the bathroom is the one area of the home in which bacteria is likely to be found. When you don’t clean the bathroom effectively over time, the levels of harmful bacteria in this space can grow. It’s critical that you turn to a qualified and professional cleaning service to tackle all bathroom cleaning challenges. The service team can clean sinks and toilets and ensure that your bathtubs are ready for use throughout the week.

Choosing a Qualified Cleaning Service

Now that you know a little bit more about the health benefits of working with a professional cleaning company, it’s important you understand the process for choosing the right cleaning company for your home. Use the following tips to guide your selection process:

Make Experience a Priority

Choosing an experienced firm should be your priority when selecting a cleaning company. The experience of the team will be of value in managing the cleaning process and in scheduling the cleaning work effectively. For example, experienced cleaners will know which parts of the home must be cleaned on a more regular rotation. They will also know which equipment to use to clean the home and how to effectively harness the equipment to clean the area efficiently.

Review the Total Cost

Before choosing your cleaning service, make sure you understand the total cleaning cost for their work. The cleaning cost should include all elements of the cleaning process and should be provided with all possible extras included. Ask about the total cost when booking the service and ensure you have pricing details in writing before moving forward with your selection.

Speak with the Team Leader

Larger cleaning companies often have hundreds of professionals working for them and so it’s important you get to know the individuals who will be working on your home. Ask to speak with the team leader for your home cleaning service before they begin their work. This can help you to understand the working style and their professionalism and will allow you to ensure you’ve made the right choice in choosing the firm for their services.

Discuss Full-Service Options

Before finalizing the details of the service, make sure you know more about the company and the services they offer. Do they also offer exterior cleaning services? Can they offer specialty cleaning for upholstery and flooring? By learning as much as possible about the company’s core competencies, you can ensure you achieve full value for your investment.

To learn more about how regular professional cleaning can improve your health, call Maid4Condos today at 647.822.0601 or contact us here.

It’s the ideal time to consider how you clean your condo. Working with qualified deep cleaning services companies can help ensure your home is in immaculate condition for the months ahead and help you enjoy your relaxation time. To maximize your efficiency when cleaning your condo, we’re providing our cleaning tips in our latest post.

Clean as You Go

One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is simply avoiding cleaning for several days. This can allow dishes to pile up in the sink and can lead to dust gathering throughout the home. If you clean while you’re taking on your daily tasks, you can minimize the amount of work you face when you get around to the cleaning process. For example, instead of waiting for the oven to finish cooking by checking your phone, why not take the time to complete the dishes? You can save a significant amount of time completing your home chores while keeping the home in great condition when you clean as you go.

Be Proactive When Decluttering

Clutter is the number one cause of messy properties. Many of us simply have too many belongings throughout our home, and this means we have to reduce the clutter in order to get back to a clean and healthy condo space. Take the time to review your belongings and separate them into piles that you wish to keep and those that you can throw away. You might be surprised to find that there are so many items that you can throw away without thinking twice about them in the future.

Change the Air Filter in the Air Conditioner

It’s particularly important during the summer season to replace the air filter in your home’s air conditioning unit. Often homeowners find that their unit goes without a filter replacement for several years, causing the system to spread dust, pet dander, and other contaminants throughout the property. Take the time to check and change the air filter as recommended by the manufacturer. You’ll be surprised how much money you save on cooling the property when your conditioning unit doesn’t have to work too hard to complete its job.

Make Effective Use of Storage

When you live in a condo unit, the amount of storage space you have is limited, so it’s important that you use all areas of the property effectively in order to get value for money. Invest in under-bed storage boxes for example. These storage containers are great options for storing clothes and out-of-season items out of the way. You might also consider adding small storage boxes under tables and desks in order to capitalize on space that is not being used within your condo. It’s important to think creatively when you have little space to work with around the home.

Get the Family Involved

If you live with others, you can build a cleaning schedule that ensures the property is cleaned regularly without one person taking on the large majority of the workload. Invite everyone in the home to meet together to discuss the cleaning plan, and then take notes as you go so that everyone is involved in the final schedule.

Once your schedule is created, ensure that all members of the family have a copy of the schedule for their review. Then allocate specific tasks throughout the week so that each person knows their task on each day.

Vacuum After Pets

If you have cats or dogs in your property, you must take the time to clean up the hair and dander that they leave on furniture. This can take some time but if you vacuum regularly you can ensure visitors to your home do not leave with dog and cat hair all over their clothes. Make sure that the animal’s sleeping area is away from common areas of the property, and clean all pillows and upholstery the animal uses to sleep on throughout the day.

Clean Floors at the Same Time

To ensure your floors are cleaned effectively, make sure they are cleaned at the same time. This will help minimize the amount of dust and dirt transferred from a dirty floor to a clean floor over time and will ensure that your home floors remain cleaner for longer. While cleaning, ensure that all obstacles such as tables and chairs are removed from the space to give you a clear view of the room. Then begin by starting in the corners and working your way toward the middle of the space. This technique will ensure you see all the dirt and dust on the floor and remove it with precision.

Start with a Hidden Part of the Wall

Cleaning walls is not always as simple as the process might sound at first glance. You might begin using a cleaning product on the wall only to find that the product causes your paint to drip or causes cracking in the paint. It’s important that your home walls are protected, and so complete as much research as possible about the cleaning products you use before you begin.

Once you’re ready to get started cleaning the walls, begin by adding a small amount of the cleaning solution to a hidden part of the wall, and then wait 20 minutes to see whether the paint interacts with the liquid. If you don’t notice any change, you’re then free to use the cleaning product on the rest of the wall.

For more tips on how to clean your condos, call Maid4Condos today at 647.822.0601 or contact us here.

Living in a condo can reduce the space you need to clean. However, it can also provide a perfect space for clutter to build up and messes to become far more noticeable since they are so concentrated. Condo cleaning doesn’t have to be too time-consuming if you know how to keep things tidy. From minimizing your belongings to having daily cleaning rituals that are habit forming, you can spend more time relaxing and less time cleaning. Here are our top tips to always keep your condo clean and neat.

Minimize Belongings

Marie Kondo (no pun intended) has become famous for her “If it brings you joy, keep it” mantra. The smaller your living space, the less useful this mantra becomes. The more belongings you have in your home, the more things pile up and the more things you need to keep neat. It is difficult enough keeping a small, open space clean, without contending with overcrowding by junk. After all, the more things you have, the more you have to clean up.

The most important rule of keeping any space clean is to minimize belongings. It is simple to get there. Ideally, you can allot a weekend to go through your belongings and sort them into piles based on what brings you joy (or, more realistically, what you need and use regularly), things of value that can be given away, and things that can be tossed. You can choose to sell the items that are still of value or give them to charity. If doing it all at once seems too big a job, no problem. Just do it room by room, but remain committed to getting it done ASAP.

Update Your Storage

Now that you have minimized your belongings, you are in a better position to determine how you can update your storage. Look for creative ideas that will be both functional and attractive: interesting baskets, coffee tables that provide double duty such as trunks, a bench in the entry that offers storage for outerwear and shoes, etc. Anything that is covered can have labels, so it is easier to find. Other excellent storage options for small spaces include shelving to take advantage of wall space and door hanging units for items such as shoes, bathroom items, kitchen pantry items, etc.

Keep Things Tidy

The best way to keep your condo clean is to keep things tidy as you go. Try to make a habit of these tidying tips:

• • If you use something, put it away once you are finished with it.
  • Keep cleaning wipes in your bathroom(s) and wipe the sink and counter after brushing your teeth, or when you notice a mess.
  • Buy a no-scrub shower spray product for the bathroom and give the shower a quick spray after each shower to minimize soap scum and mildew build up.
  • Keep cleaning wipes on the kitchenware counter so you can wipe up messes while preparing meals.
  • Use the self-cleaning feature on your oven monthly to keep it clean (if you’ve got one).
  • Sort papers, such as flyers, newspapers, and mail, as you read them using your recycle bin for garbage, instead of allowing them to pile up.
  • Sweep and/or Swiffer the kitchen floors everyday.
  • Put dirty laundry in the laundry basket, or hang clothes you plan to wear again.
  • Vacuum the living room while you binge watch your favourite show.

All of these tips keep things tidy so you never have to contend with one overwhelming cleaning day that will take hours. This tends to be put off, which is why your condo is always a mess!

Organize Cleaning Products

Keep your condo cleaning tools and products in one space so that on a major cleaning day you can just grab what you need and get to work. If your space does not allow for this, store the appropriate cleaning products in each room, such as kitchen cleaners under the sink, and bathroom cleaners in the vanity, and then keep general tools such as a vacuum or broom hung in a hall closet.

Use the Right Product for the Job

Make sure you are buying the right cleaning products to handle the job at hand. For example, you might find an all-in-one cleaner, but it might not work so well on windows which can become streaky. Also, look for condo cleaning products that can add a fresh scent to your home as it is uplifting and keeps things looking and smelling fresh. Choose products with disinfectants for the kitchen and bathroom to minimize germs and bacteria.

Have a Cleaning Schedule

Keeping things tidy will minimize having to do a major cleaning at one time. However, there are some jobs you might want to mark on your calendar so they don’t get overlooked, including:

• • • Bed: Change linens twice a week as dirty linens can cause skin issues including acne. When your linens are in the laundry, run a vacuum over the mattress to collect dust mites and under the bed to clear away dust bunnies, two culprits that can cause allergies.
    • Kitchen: Once a month you should inspect your fridge and pantry to look for food that is past its due date. Clean out anything that is old and then clean up any spills or messes that might have occurred. You can also take note of any staples you might be missing and add them to your grocery list.
    • Shelving and Surfaces: To lessen dust in the home, do a thorough dusting of all shelving and surfaces every two months (or monthly if you are so inclined). This should include wiping down knick knacks (unless you decided to toss them all during your minimizing exercise), books, etc. You should also pay close attention to your air conditioning vents on the wall as these tend to be dust magnets.
    • Annual Declutter: Yes, it’s painful, but once a year you should declutter. Go through the same steps you did for your minimizing exercise to help avoid your junk and belongings from building up again.

These tips can help you keep your condo clean. If you are too busy to worry about cleaning, or just hate it, give Maid4Condos a call for a professional clean you’ll love at 647-822-0601.

Other than Monica on Friends, most of us aren’t fans of cleaning. It takes away from our much-needed downtime and a lot of it is just plain icky (yes, bathrooms, we mean you). Condo cleaning can be cathartic if you set up some rules that can make things go more quickly. As well, a few in-between cleaning tips will make your actual cleaning day all the easier. Here are our pro cleaning tips to help make your condo cleaning faster and more effective.

1. Have an official cleaning day

Choose a day of the week for cleaning that suits your schedule. Use this as your go-to cleaning day and stick to it as religiously as possible. Of course, you aren’t going to turn down social events and job interviews because it’s cleaning day. But you do want to keep it aside, so you do have a day dedicated to cleaning.

2. Get motivated

Motivated to clean? Pshaw! The trick is not to necessarily focus on the cleaning itself, but something that will get you psyched to get started and that will keep you psyched until you are done. One of the best ways to do this is to ask Alexa to throw on your favourite playlist or put on your headphones with upbeat music to keep you moving. Another great idea is to have a binge-worthy show playing on your computer and/or TV so you can keep an eye on something while you work. The time will fly by and you’ll have a clean condo before you know it.

3. Get comfortable

Put on your most comfy clothes so you can move around without feeling restricted. If you have some down and dirty work, consider investing in knee pads so you don’t hurt yourself. You should also always use gloves, especially if you have sensitive skin. If you’re using things like bleach, make sure your comfy outfit does not include your favourite t-shirt or you could ruin it.

4. The right tool for the job

Work smart instead of hard by investing in some proper condo cleaning tools. Get the full gamut such as a vacuum, scrubbing brushes for the bathroom, and something for wet floor work such as a mop or Swiffer. A duster is a must as well, even if it is just an old but clean rag. If using a mop, you’ll also need a bucket. You can also simplify things by looking for cleaning products designed for specific tasks such as:

• • Powdered abrasive cleanser
  • Tile and bathroom cleaner
  • Heavy-duty degreasing cleaner
  • Glass cleaner
  • Disinfecting multi-surface cleaner

5. Keep what you need close

Look for a tote that will hold everything you need neatly with a spot for each item. This makes it easy to make your way around the condo, and also has everything nearby if you come across something unexpectedly sticky, if you are dusting for example. Keep a trash bag handy as well so you can empty all the little trash bins in your home such as the bathroom, bedroom, and living room while you work.

6. Conserve your energy

Keep your movement to a minimum by covering all required tasks as you make your way around the room. Don’t dust and then come back and polish the furniture. With your tote in tow, you can manage everything as you circle each room to avoid wasting time. Save your energy for the gym.

7. Tidy everyday

If you can keep on top of the mess daily, then once cleaning day rolls around, your job will be easier. Clutter can make cleaning a challenge, as you have to move and clean that mess before you can tackle things such as vacuuming or dusting. Keep things tidy throughout the week by being a neat freak. When you use something, don’t leave it lying around. Instead, put it away. If you are in the bathroom, wipe the sink clean and give the toilet a swish with the brush if it starts looking dingy. Always do a quick clean after using the kitchen to avoid grime and sticky build up. Put dirty clothes in the laundry basket when you change. The neater you are, the easier your cleaning day becomes, and you will also avoid having to do major scrubbing in the bathroom and kitchen.

8. Enlist help

If you live alone, the pleasure of cleaning is all yours. However, whether it’s a roommate or a partner, cleaning chores are meant to be shared. Divvy up the work and make sure everyone living in the home is doing their fair share when it comes to keeping things neat. Clutter creators are a cleaner’s worst enemy, as they never learn and will continue to create messes. Making sure everyone pitches in can help people start to become a little neater. And don’t underestimate the kids. They tend to like helping until they get older. Have them pick up their own toys, put their laundry in the laundry basket, and help with tasks they might find fun, such as spraying and washing windows (use an eco-friendly product if kids are doing this), dusting, or sweeping. It can also teach them some neat freak habits they can carry for life. Their future partners will thank you.

9. Double duty

If you can find shortcuts, then use them. A perfect example is to overlap tasks to save time so you can get everything done sooner. Some examples would be:

• • • Throw on a load of laundry while you clean.
    • Turn on the oven’s self-cleaning feature.
    • Toss a bowl of water with lemon slices in the microwave for a few minutes while you tackle the kitchen to loosen anything that might be stuck to the microwave surfaces.
    • Spray extra dirty tubs and showers with a heavy duty cleaner and let it stand while you do the floors, sink, and toilet to reduce scrubbing time.

A dedicated day, focus, and organization will make cleaning whiz by.

If you are too busy to worry about cleaning, give Maid4Condos a call for a professional clean you’ll love at 647-822-0601.

Whether winter has been all snow and freezing weather, damp and miserable, or a good mix of both, the arrival of spring means the familiar flowers and green lawns of summer are not too far away. Spring also triggers the domestic goddess (or god) in all of us, making us suddenly have an urge to shake out some area rugs and shine up those windows. The reality is that spring cleaning is a real pain that takes a lot of effort and even a bit of cleaning know-how to make sure you reach every nook and cranny of your condo. That’s why you should consider hiring a cleaning service to take on this major job. Here are the top reasons hiring a cleaning service makes good sense for your spring cleaning.

Enjoy the Weather

Let’s face it, winter tends to keep us indoors wrapped up with a warm blanket by the glow of our computer screens or televisions, binge watching our favourite shows or ranting on social media. When that warmer weather starts to tick ever upwards, you’ll be itching to get out. Don’t waste another minute indoors cleaning. Instead, let the pros take over and spend a day cleaning every corner of your condo so you can get out there and take in the sun.

Busy Schedule

Spring can also trigger a busier schedule both in the evening and on weekends. It’s not the time to be fussing about cleaning. It’s the time to see friends, catch up with work, and find a hobby. Family activities start to ramp up, school gets busy with exams and final projects, and you’ll find you just don’t have time to clean. A cleaning service will provide you with a team of pros who know how to get the job done right and quickly.

Cleaning Expertise

If you that find no matter how hard you try, your home just doesn’t seem clean enough, chances are you could use a cleaning service. It’s difficult to clean as thoroughly as a professional cleaner. They understand how to remove grime, mould, mildew, and dust effectively. They use the right tools for the job and the right cleaning products to handle the tough stains and buildup you really don’t want to have to contend with.

Thorough Cleaning

When was the last time you got down on your knees and wiped the baseboards clean? How often have you taken a scrub brush to the grout on your tile floors or in the bathroom? Have you ever considered wiping down the walls and the greasy black buildup around doorknobs, or let in more sun by washing the windows? Chances are you’re answering “never” to all of these questions because you don’t think like a professional cleaner. A pro cleaner looks at every aspect of the home from top to bottom to provide a thorough cleaning like no other you have ever experienced. They look at every single corner, surface, and stubborn stain and wipe it all clean. Bliss.

Healthier, Happier Home

A professional cleaning service understands how to free your home of all the microorganisms that are lurking about. Do you feel stuffed up often? Do your eyes feel like sandpaper when you blink? Do you have a dry, nagging cough? Do you have skin irritations? Many of us live with these symptoms assuming we have a cold or dry skin from the winter weather. In most cases, it’s allergies caused by all the dust and tiny particles like dust mites living in our homes. A thorough professional spring cleaning will help rid you of many of these little particles, allowing you to live in a healthier, happier home.

Easier to Maintain

The purpose of spring cleaning is to not just clean everything, but to provide a clean base that is easier to maintain for the rest of the year. You’ll be surprised how much easier your weekly cleaning upkeep becomes when you’re working from a professionally cleaned base. It makes everything easier and allows you to start new cleaning habits that will keep it that way. Once all of the real dirt and grime is gone, it frees up future cleaning time and allows you to have an easier cleaning ritual. You can pay closer attention to things such as baseboards by wiping them as you sweep the floors. You can avoid mould and soap scum by using an after-shower spray every day. All of these super-cleaned areas will inspire you to keep things up.

The Highs and Lows

We’ve already sung the praises of professional cleaners’ knack for cleaning everything. However, some other areas you never think of can include all of your lighting fixtures, the top of your kitchen fan, ceiling fan blades, light panels and switches, return vents for your heating and air conditioning, and the tops of large shelving or entertainment units. These notorious dust collectors are often out of sight and out of mind due to their lofty locations. They are also out of reach. A cleaning service has projectile cleaning weapons that allow them to easily reach these areas with ease.

Sparkling Clean

A spring cleaning service also addresses all the things that should sparkle, but don’t. Things such as toasters, coffee makers, stovetops, and door handles all need to shine, but become dull and gloomy over time. Let’s not forget the windows. Everything in your home will sparkle from the pro attention they will get from your cleaning service.

Money Saving

You’re probably thinking, how the heck does professional cleaning services save me money? But if you consider the thorough cleaning they provide, you will not have to pay cleaners to come in on a regular basis. As we’ve already mentioned, a professional spring cleaning is so thorough you will reduce the need to clean moving forward and can usually manage things on your own.

If this hasn’t got you psyched to hire a professional cleaning service, we’ll eat our hats!

If you are too busy to worry about cleaning, or just hate it, give Maid4Condos a call for a professional spring clean you’ll love at 647-822-0601.

Living in a condo can feel a little cramped and “shut in.” Some people find it feels like their home is sealing in unhealthy air with less natural air flow throughout the condo. As well, air ventilation for heating and air conditioning can feel a little “unfresh.” Add the chemicals from your condo cleaning products to the mix and things can seem downright unhealthy. Luckily, there are ways to keep your condo healthier by ramping up your cleaning. With a little help from eco-friendly cleaning products, these condo cleaning tips will keep your home fresh and healthy.

Healthier Kitchen

The kitchen is one of the rooms in your home that can prove to be a source for bacteria. First, always make sure you are cleaning up when preparing food, especially raw meats, poultry, and fish. Keep an eco-friendly cleaner on your counter with some recycled paper towels or a reusable cloth so you can spray and wipe the counter easily. This helps get rid of germs, but also keeps all the surfaces in your kitchen sparkling.

Next, avoid using chemical products for doing the hard work and create your own natural abrasive cleanser instead. Greasy build up is no match for the natural combo of baking soda and fresh lemon juice. Just sprinkle the baking soda on the surface that needs scrubbing, squirt with natural lemon juice to moisten it, and scrub with a scouring pad. It works on your counters, stovetops, microwaves, inside your fridge, etc. Just rinse with water and you’re done. It smells good too!

Always wash your dishes after each meal to avoid bacteria from building up in your sink. It also helps to avoid attracting pests. Use a bio-based dish cleaner like Method or Mrs. Meyers for an eco-friendly option.

Dust Everywhere

Dust is one of the most notorious health issues found in your condo. From your shelves and side tables to your books and under the bed, dust is a culprit that not only looks bad, but also exposes you to allergen-causing dust mites. Make sure you are vacuuming and dusting on a regular basis to help reduce dust in the home. You should also change your bedding at least every two weeks to reduce dust mites. Give your mattress a once over with the vacuum while your sheets are in the laundry.

Green Cleaning Hack: After doing laundry, remove your used dryer sheets and store them in a ziplock bag. They can then be used to dust and are computer and TV screen safe.

Bathroom Bacteria

Your bathroom is another hotbed of bacteria and germs. It also tends to be the place in the home where the harshest chemicals are used. Look for healthier cleaning products that contain lactic acid and decyl glucoside which sounds chemically, but is actually derived from corn starch. These products are great for your counters, tub, and shower. If you have natural marble and stone, always read the labels before using even natural cleansers just to make sure they are safe.

If you are worried about mould and mildew, try this natural cleaning recipe:

• ½ gallon of water
• ⅓ cup of vinegar
• 10-15 drops of essential oil of your choice

Place it in a spray bottle, spray it on the mould, let it sit for 20 minutes, and then give it a wipe.

Another natural cleaning idea is to toss one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar into the toilet bowl, put down the lid and let it sit for about 30 minutes before giving it a quick scrub with the toilet brush.

Buy an Air Purifier

An air purifier will help collect smaller bacteria and germs in the air so you can breathe easier. It helps keep allergens commonly found in the home away and can reduce asthma and allergy symptoms. Look for an apartment sized model so it takes up less space. Make sure you switch up the filters on a regular basis to keep it humming.

Freshen with Nature

Avoid using chemical-based air fresheners and candles, and instead, turn to essential oils. You can find many ways to introduce them into your home, including easy pots and sticks that will absorb the oil and release their refreshing scent into the air naturally. You can also harness heart-warming scents such as cinnamon, ginger, and citrus by simmering them in water for about 20 minutes.

Sparkling Windows

Although most condo management companies will provide window cleaning on a regular basis, you can give them a once over from the inside using a spray of vinegar and newspaper as your cloth. Let the sunshine in!

Buy Some Oxygen Producing Plants

House plants seem to have gone the way of the dodo, but they have many benefits, especially for condo dwellers, including:

• Reducing carbon dioxide and other pollutants trapped in your home
• Increasing humidity
• Reducing airborne dust
• Reducing stress and improving well-being

Declutter and Organize

There are two things that can make condos look messier: the open space and clutter. Clutter in an open space equals a mess. To avoid clutter and mess, you have to get organized and free yourself of any belongings you don’t need. Use these easy steps to open up your space and create a neater living environment:

• Go from room to room and look for things you can get rid of. Sort them into items you can sell or give away, and those you can toss.
• Once you’ve removed items you no longer need, you’ll find that you have access to more storage, not to mention a neater looking condo. Take advantage of the space and start putting away everything that you don’t use every day. Once you run out of storage space, hunt for storage items such as baskets, shelves, and drawer and closet organizers and find a place for everything to keep things neat.
• Get into the habit of using something and putting it away as soon as you’re done.
• Have a recycling system that makes it easy to toss unwanted or used papers, and make sure you sort and recycle your papers daily.

These condo cleaning tips can help you keep your condo neater, cleaner, and healthier.

If you are too busy to worry about condo cleaning, or just hate it, give Maid4Condos a call for a professional cleaning you’ll love at 647-822-0601.

Maid services aren’t just for wealthy individuals who don’t feel like cleaning their home. In fact, hiring a professional cleaner is quite affordable, and cleaning professionals are much more effective than the average individual who is rushing through the task. For working parents or young professionals who spend all of their time out of the house, a cleaning service could be the perfect option when you simply don’t have time to clean your home. Most cleaning companies offer a variety of different cleaning plans that can be customized to suit your cleaning needs. If you find yourself rushing to get through basic cleaning tasks simply because you don’t have the time, consider hiring a cleaning service.

Better Quality

Many people simply don’t know how to properly clean their home, or they don’t have the time to do a thorough job. Unfortunately, not cleaning your kitchen or bathroom with the proper cleaners and a healthy amount of elbow-grease can cause bacteria to remain even if the space looks clean. For the health of your family, it is important to thoroughly clean these areas with proper anti-bacterial soaps and other cleaners. A professional cleaner is equipped with all of the necessary tools and cleansers, and will even use your own cleaners if you have a preference for a specific brand or organic ingredients.

Custom Cleaning Plans

It’s frustrating to have to pay for something you don’t need, so make sure to find a cleaner that can make you a custom cleaning plan, one that is tailored to your unique cleaning needs. Discuss with the cleaning company if they can give you a rate based on a variety of factors, including the size of your space, the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, the intensity of the cleaning plan — a basic or “deep clean” — and the frequency of visits. This way, you can create an outline for your maid that will ensure all of your high-priority cleaning tasks are handled by a professional.

Affordable Rates & Discounts

Many people believe that cleaning services are too expensive for the average household, but many cleaners have affordable rates starting as low as $70 for one-off cleans. A basic clean will cover every room in your house and is often a great option for weekly or monthly customers. You can often get discounted rates if you book in bulk, too.

Valuing Time vs. Money

Although paying for cleaning services may feel like an extravagance, it is simply about valuing your time over your money. If the average cleaning tasks around your house take you a few hours per week, this is time you can’t spend with your friends, family, or taking care of yourself. Working long hours can make it difficult to address your own cleaning needs, and the small expense may be worth it to earn yourself a few extra hours of freedom each week. For about the price of a cup of coffee each day, you can get a monthly basic clean to ensure your apartment, condo, or house looks neat and tidy.

Questions to Ask Yourself

If you’re still on the fence about hiring a cleaning service, ask yourself some of these key questions:

• Do you enjoy spending your time cleaning?
• What could you be doing with the time you save from not having to clean?
• In what ways would you be able to improve your life if you had more free time?
• Between your work and personal life, how much time do you have to yourself each week?

Answering these questions truthfully can help you determine whether it’s truly worth it to hire a professional cleaner. Some people genuinely enjoy cleaning their home, while others dread the weekly task. Once you’ve really taken a look at what’s important to you and where you’d like to be spending your time — not just where you have to — you’ll have a much better idea about whether you’d like to opt for a cleaning service.

Look at Your Budget

There are always ways to make room in your budget for something that will save you a few extra hours per week. Simply bringing your own coffee to work instead of buying one on your commute can save you enough for a monthly Deep Clean. Consider hosting a potluck or games night for your friends instead of going out for dinner and drinks at a restaurant. After all, your home will be sparkling clean, and you will save enough by staying in that you will offset the cost of the cleaning service.

For those who value their time and would rather spend a few dollars on cleaning tasks than a few hours, professional cleaning services are the perfect alternative. If you value your free time, outsource their cleaning needs to a team of professional cleaners who can be trusted to deliver a high-quality cleaning service.

For more information about our affordable cleaning services, call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.