Category: Cleaning Tip

If you own a vacation rental property, you want to increase bookings to optimize your profits. Creating memorable, worry-free experiences is the best way to get high ratings and positive reviews that generate more bookings. 

However, you can bet your bottom dollar that if guests arrive to find a filthy rental, you can quickly see your vacancy rates rise. In this article, we will provide a complete vacation rental cleaning checklist that professional deep cleaning services in Toronto highly recommend.

Tackle Bathrooms With a Vengeance

Bathrooms are germ-central, and most people approach bathrooms in hotels, inns, B&Bs, and rental accommodations with suspicion. You want your bathrooms to be sparkling clean, while also ensuring the germs people can’t see are removed. 

Bathrooms are also prone to issues like mould and mildew, which leave behind an unpleasant odour that is a real turn-off for guests. A thorough disinfecting clean of the bathroom is the best way to ensure vacationers feel comfortable using the facilities during their stay. 

Your bathroom checklist should include the following:

• Scrub and disinfect the toilet, top to bottom, including the floors around and behind it
• Make faucets and mirrors sparkle 
• Scrub and disinfect the tub 
• Use a jacuzzi tub cleaner based on the manufacturer’s recommendations 
• Replenish toiletries
• Launder towels  
• Replace toilet paper rolls
• Place a handwritten welcome note on the vanity

To make your bathrooms even more attractive, you should clean the shower curtain and bath mats between guests. Although this might seem like extra work, it makes a big difference in passing the sniff test!

Clean the Kitchen

The kitchen is the second most important room in the house when it comes to vacation rental cleaning. You need to use disinfecting cleaners that are kid and food-safe, and tackle the following:

• Remove all signs of food from every surface
• Get between the counter and stove
• Check for things like gum under the kitchen table
• Vacuum upholstered kitchen chairs and banquettes
• Wipe the chairs down to remove anything sticky 
• Vacuum the drawers
• Wash any table linens provided 
• Get under the table and chairs when sweeping, vacuuming, and mopping
• Take special care disinfecting highchairs and booster seats using kid-safe cleaners 
• Remove grime from hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans and range hoods
• Remove all food from the fridge and clean all the surfaces
• Check cupboards and pantry for food
• Clean the oven and stove top
• Run all dishes and glasses in the dishwasher
• Clean small appliances such as microwaves, kettles, coffee makers, etc.
• Replenish your stock of freebies such as snacks, water, coffee/tea, sugar, salt, and pepper

Clean Every Bedroom

Sleeping in a bedroom used by others can also feel uncomfortable. You want the bed to be clean, welcoming, and smell fresh. The bedroom requires some special attention including the following:

• Remove dirty sheets and vacuum the mattress
• Replace the dirty sheets and linens with fresh, clean ones
• Check between the mattress and bed springs to make sure everything is clean 
• Move the bed away from the wall to ensure nothing has fallen behind the area
• Dust all surfaces
• Check for forgotten items in drawers and closets 
• Disinfect the head and footboard
• Clean under the bed  
• Vacuum and/or mop floors
• Wipe down frequently touched surfaces with a disinfectant cleaner

Clean All Common Areas

Every vacation unit is different, so you’ll need to use your discretion when cleaning the common areas of your rental. Some common cleaning tasks would include the following:

• Find remotes, gaming equipment, etc., wipe them down, and place them where guests can easily see them
• Ensure the HVAC system is working and set to a comfortable temperature
• Clean all windows and doors
• Clean all light switches and door knobs
• Clean out the bar and bar fridge
• Clean toys
• Vacuum pool tables and pockets to remove crumbs and debris
• Dust all surfaces
• Clean all floors

Clean Outside Areas

Outdoor amenities should also be addressed, including the following:

• Maintain the garden and lawn such as weeding, mowing, etc.
• Clear away debris
• Check storage bins for garbage and wildlife
• Clean bird droppings from outdoor furniture
• Clean the barbecue and make sure it has propane 
• Refresh outdoor pillows with Febreze
• Clean glass railings with window cleaner
• Clean the pool 
• Disinfect high-touch surfaces 
• Make sure equipment is safe, such as the ladder and diving board for the pool, outdoor lighting, etc. 
• Check and clean hot tubs, saunas, etc.
• Sweep the area 
• Check that equipment like bikes, kayaks, and so on are wiped down and safe for use
• Disinfect the dining area 

Invest in Deep Cleaning Services

With a constant turnover of guests, each having their own views of what clean actually means, you want to invest time to make certain that the rental unit is deep cleaned. A deep clean is a heavy-duty cleaning that ensures your vacation rental is spotless. 

Also, you need a cleaning regime suited to the specifics offered at your vacation rental. If you don’t want to worry about keeping your unit clean, then work with deep cleaning services in Toronto to ensure your unit is always guest-friendly. 

Consider a Germ-Blasting Clean in Peak Cold and Flu Season

You really don’t know what goes on with guests using your vacation rental. As a result, the risk of spreading germs is high at the best of times. However, if you have an all-season vacation rental, it’s even more important to keep your unit clean when cold and flu season arrives.

A germ-blasting clean ensures every surface is cleaned to the highest standards so that you can feel confident no one will get sick due to anything they encountered at your rental. 

Although common household cleaners kill 99.99% of pathogens, a germ-blasting clean kills 99.999%. 

What difference do a few 9s make? A lot. The average surface has 10,000,000 pathogens. A 99.99% kill rate leaves behind 10,000 pathogens, while a 99.999% disinfectant kills all but 100. 

The process is safe and targets the types of germs that make people sick. Healthy vacationers are happy vacationers, and they’ll associate their stay with positive memories. However, if someone gets sick, their vacation is ruined, which means they are less likely to leave a positive review.

Contact the Cleaning Professionals

By using the above checklist, you’ll reduce the risk of guest complaints so you both can enjoy peace of mind during their stay.  

Reach out to the cleaning experts at Maid4Condos today to create a welcoming home away from home for your guests. For more information, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Cleaning your home can become more difficult if you have mobility issues or suffer from conditions such as arthritis. You want to maintain your independence but also avoid accidents and aggravating painful conditions by overexerting yourself. 

Fortunately, you can keep on top of your cleaning with these 12 cleaning tips for seniors courtesy of the professionals from Maid4Condos cleaning services in Toronto.

1. Reduce the risk of falls with an extension

Stretching and reaching can increase your risk of falls. Luckily, there is a wide variety of extendable cleaning tools available that are ideal for reaching higher areas, such as light fixtures, ceiling fans, and the tops of shelves. 

Products such as Swiffer dusters are an excellent tool for seniors, as you can extend the handle and get at hard-to-reach spots without climbing onto a chair or injuring yourself stretching.

You can also customize your own extendable tool using a broom! You can slip a cloth bag over the bristles and then tackle tasks such as removing cobwebs and dusting. 

2. Tackle bathtub scum with a soft-bristled broom

Once again, it’s your trusty broom to the rescue. A soft-bristled broom allows you to clean your bathtub and shower walls without stretching or crouching. Apply your cleaner to the tub surface and walls as usual, and then use the broom to scrub away dirt.

You can then rinse the area by turning on the shower. Remember to keep this broom separate from your day-to-day broom, as you want it to be free of dirt when using it to clean the tub.

3. Choose scrub-free cleaning products

Instead of using elbow grease to scrub away dirt, shop for scrub-free cleaning products. They make an assortment of cleaners that attack dirt with little effort, allowing you to spray, soak, and then wipe away the mess. 

These items are great for bathrooms, including tubs, toilets, and shower stalls. 

4. Keep on top of clutter

Clutter can increase the risk of trips and falls. If you keep it clutter-free, your home will look cleaner and also feel safer. Make sure anything you use is put away after you’re done. Invest in some affordable storage items like baskets to make it easier to keep things organized.

Also, things such as flyers and newspapers should be placed in the recycle bin right away so you reduce the amount of unnecessary papers lying around. 

Something as simple as a flyer on the floor can lead to a slip and injury. Also, be sure you keep baskets out of the way so you aren’t constantly tripping over them.

5. Use your dishwasher

Dishwashers are handy cleaning tools you can use on dusty or grimey items in the home, including:

• Water-safe nicknacks 
• Small waste baskets
• Small compost containers
• Small filters
• Cleaning brushes
• Soap dishes
• Plastic pet toys
• Small light fixtures

Pop them in for a cycle, and then get on with your day. 

6. Put cleaning products on wheels

Instead of lugging around your cleaning products, place a cleaning storage unit on wheels. 

This allows you to keep everything handy as you clean, without having to carry heavy items around.

7. Cover fridge drawers and shelves with plastic wrap

Your fridge drawers are prone to spills and leaks. To make cleanup a breeze, cover your fridge surfaces with cling wrap. 

If there is a spill or leak, simply remove the wrap and replace it so you don’t have to worry about constantly wiping them down. This also helps reduce germs in the area you store food. 

8. Use wipes

Wipes are a handy cleaning tool that help keep you on top of the mess. Keep a container of wipes on your kitchen counter and in the bathroom so you can wipe up messes, like spilled food and toothpaste before they have time to harden. 

This not only tackles the mess when it happens but also makes cleaning day easier as the surfaces will be clean.

9. Use vacuum attachments

If your vacuum has attachments, it makes it easy to tackle cleaning tasks such as dusting, removing crumbs from table tops and counters, cleaning up spills like cereal, and more. 

10. Create a cleaning schedule 

Create a cleaning schedule so you know what needs to be done and when. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, you can have a day to vacuum, a day to dust, a day to do laundry, etc. 

If you find it difficult to keep on top of your cleaning, you should consider hiring cleaning services in Toronto to help. They can come into your home based on your preferred cleaning schedule and keep your home clean and safe. 

11. Keep things within reach

Consider the cleaning products and tools you use often, and store them in an area that makes them easy to reach. 

For example, you might find it easier to have them in a basket on the kitchen counter or a nearby table, instead of under the sink or on a high shelf in your pantry or closet.

This will make it easier to reach the cleaning items you need, so you are more likely to take care of cleaning with less worry. Ideally, you have an out-of-the-way area for a cleaning caddy on wheels.

12. Avoid difficult tasks

You know what you’re capable of doing, but sometimes you can underestimate how demanding some cleaning tasks can be.

 For example, getting down on your hands and knees to scrub the floor or tub, trying to clean away dust bunnies from under the bed, or carrying a heavy load of laundry may be too hard. 

Pay attention to how you’re feeling and take care when managing more difficult tasks. If you find something is hard, or makes you feel unsafe, avoid those tasks and enlist some help from a loved one. You can also hire cleaning services in Toronto to help!

Contact the Cleaning Professionals

Fortunately, Maid4Condos’ cleaning services in Toronto offer an affordable cleaning option for seniors. You can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information. 

Area rugs add warmth underfoot, help anchor and separate spaces, and provide a punch of colour and texture. However, neglecting them in your cleaning regime can find them quickly looking matted, drab, and old. 

Your area rugs can also be magnets for pet hair and dander, dust, and allergens, which can reduce the quality of the air in your home. To help bring your area rugs back to life, here we explain how to wash rugs, with tips to keep them looking brand new.

Vacuum Both Sides Regularly

All area rug types should be vacuumed regularly during your weekly cleaning regime. This will help remove debris as well as pet hair and dander. If your area rugs have a particularly long pile, like “shag” or faux fur, you might hesitate to vacuum. 

However, these rugs are even more in need of a little vacuuming TLC as they are more apt to collect dirt and debris. It’s also easier for these rugs to become matted, due to their longer pile. 

You might want to vacuum area rugs a few times a week in higher-traffic areas, such as entryways. You should also vacuum the back of the rug while you’re at it. If this seems like too much work, then do the backs at least once every few weeks. 

Vacuum Under the Rug

It’s just as important to vacuum the floor under your area rugs as it is to vacuum the rug itself. This is because the dirt on the floor can work its way up into the fibres, contributing to wear and tear. It also rubs against the backing, which becomes worn, ruining the integrity of the rug. 

Shake Them Out

Smaller area rugs are easy to manoeuvre and can be shaken out once a month. This ensures you keep the dirt buildup to a minimum. If you live in an apartment, shake the rug out on your balcony. Be careful, though, as you can send debris flying onto other balconies.

Although this isn’t so bad in the winter and fall when most people are safe inside, on a nice summer morning you don’t want to fill your neighbour’s cup of coffee with dust!

Flip Two-Sided Rugs

If you have two-sided area rugs, flip them every few months. This will help keep the wear even, and reduce having tread marks on higher-traffic areas of the rug.

Rotate Sun-Exposed Area Rugs

UV rays can fade area rugs. If you have sun exposure, you should rotate your area rugs at least twice a year to help keep fading even and less noticeable. 

Check the Materials Before Tackling Stains

Before you clean anything in your home, it’s best to know what it’s made of. This is particularly important for soft items like rugs. Today, area rugs come in all kinds of materials, from wool to silk and grass to various synthetics. 

Natural materials are more delicate, and the dyes used can be damaged by cleaning agents. To be safe, check the back of your area rug to see if the tag tells you what materials were used, and, better yet, if there are any cleaning instructions.

If there isn’t a tag, proceed with caution, testing rug shampoos and other cleaning agents on a less obvious spot on the rug. If it seems safe to proceed, follow the instructions on the bottle. If you’re not sure, or your rug is expensive or an antique, have them professionally cleaned to avoid damage.  

Avoid Too Much Moisture on Natural Fibre Rugs

There are many natural fibre area rugs, including grasses, sisal, and rush. It’s easier to determine these types of materials, as they have a distinct look, like rattan furniture, baskets, or even straw hats. They are low maintenance, as the natural fibres stay fresh, and just need vacuuming to keep them clean. 

To remove stains from natural fibres, you need to minimize water exposure, as this will degrade the fibres, which can start to break apart. You’ll have to work fast, using a soft brush and soapy water to scrub the stain.

Rinse away the soap, and then use a thick towel to absorb as much moisture as possible. 

If it still seems wet, you can dry it with a hair dryer. The good thing about this material is that it tends to stay fresh smelling unless you allow the dampness to set in. It’s essential to avoid letting your rug stay damp, as this might promote the growth of mould and bacteria. 

Keep Area Rugs Fresh

Area rugs can get stinky if you have pets, but sweat from bare feet can also cling to the fibres, which can contribute to odours. If your area rug is smelling a little funky, an easy tip is to sprinkle it with baking soda and let it sit for about 15 minutes before vacuuming it up. 

You can also spray most area rugs with products like Febreze as often as you like to keep them smelling fresh. 

Tackle Stains Quickly 

Most cotton and synthetic rug fibres can withstand either a carpet shampoo stain remover or a mix of water and liquid dish detergent. If there are solids involved, remove them first, and then gently try to blot up the moist areas.

You can then apply the cleaning solution and continue to blot and reapply the solution until the stain is removed.

Follow up with a clean damp cloth to remove the soapy residue and allow it to air dry. Avoid getting the carpet too wet. If the rug is small enough, find a place to hang it so air can circulate better.

For specific stains, follow these steps:

• Urine: Blot up the excess and then use an enzyme cleaner that will tackle the stain and the smell. Follow the instructions on the bottle, and blot test to make sure it is colour-safe.
• Wine or dark beverages: Sparkling, clear water is best to manage these stains. First, blot away access, then spritz and blot the stain until it is gone.
• Gum: Gum is tricky. First, remove as much of the gum as you can, then apply ice in a plastic sealable bag to harden it.
  
  Once it’s hard, you can try to remove it in pieces, reapplying the ice bag as it becomes soft again. 
• Fatty stains like suntan oil, salad dressing, butter, etc.: Sprinkle the stain with baking soda and let it sit for at least six hours to absorb the grease.
  
  Vacuum the mess and then apply rubbing alcohol to a clean cloth to remove the remaining grease.
  
  There are also “dry solvent” carpet cleaners you can try if the baking soda doesn’t work. And, as always, test to make sure the cleaner or rubbing alcohol is colour-safe.

Contact the Cleaning Experts

Following these cleaning tips will help keep your area rugs looking brand new. However, if you hate cleaning, or are simply too busy, you can hire the professionals at Maid4Condos to keep your clean and looking its best. You can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.

When you pull out your cleaning products to tackle your cleaning chores, you might not notice the ominous warnings on the bottles. However, those little “cautions” are there for a reason: they warn you that the chemicals in the cleaning products are hazardous when not used properly.

If the idea of toxic chemicals in your home makes you nervous, you should consider the following nine reasons that it’s time to use eco-friendly cleaning products.

1. Keep your family healthier

Eco-friendly cleaning products are not just designed to protect the environment; they also protect your family and pets. Children and pets are more vulnerable to toxins in the air, which means you should always opt for products with low emissions and limit the amount of toxins you introduce into your home.

You can feel confident that your pets and little ones (not to mention yourself) will be healthier by avoiding the potential dangers of cleaning product toxins. Common symptoms caused by cleaning chemicals include:

• Coughing
• Sneezing
• Skin rashes
• Headaches
• Itchy, watery eyes
• Respiratory issues

Choosing natural cleaning products helps reduce exposure to toxins and severe reactions. Some of the main culprits include:

• Phthalates: Phthalates used in products, like dish soaps, can damage the liver, kidneys, lungs, and reproductive system.
• Tetrachloroethylene: Also known as perchloroethylene, tetrachloroethylene is a carcinogen known to irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat, and respiratory system, as well as potentially cause liver damage.
• Triclosan: Triclosan can affect thyroid hormone metabolism and also contribute to the development of asthma, allergies, and eczema in children exposed to antibacterial compounds early in life.   

2. A fresher-smelling home

If you’ve ever felt a little repulsed by the “clean smell” of fresh toxin-laden cleaning products, you’re not alone. Many people experience respiratory issues or burning eyes when they breathe in the smell of strong cleaning agents.

This isn’t limited to bleach, but can include other products, such as Pine-Sol, that can really affect you smell-wise. Eco-friendly cleaning products are made with natural ingredients, so they are either fragrance-free or use lovely, light essential oils such as citrus, mint, and lavender.

3. Recognizable ingredients

When you read the label on eco-friendly products, you are likely to find recognizable ingredients that don’t include the scary chemicals we mentioned, like phthalates, perchloroethylene, or triclosan. To help find eco-friendly cleaners, look for plant-based items and pass on products that are petroleum-based. 

Additionally, many products use vague claims that they are “green” or contain “natural ingredients” yet still contain dangerous chemicals you want to avoid. Instead, look for specifics like phosphate-free, plant-based, or no solvents. 

4. Save time and money with fewer cleaning products

When you choose eco-friendly cleaners, you can save time and money by using fewer cleaning products. Instead of jamming every known product under your sink, you can select a highly rated, eco-friendly multi-purpose cleaner or two to tackle all jobs. As a result, you are paying less for cleaners while also streamlining your cleaning process with one handy bottle that does it all.

5. DIY cleaning solutions

You can also save a little money by opting to make your own DIY cleaning solutions. Some handy things that are likely already in your pantry include:

• Salt, which is perfect for scrubbing cutting boards with a lemon.
• Baking soda adds a chemical-free abrasive to clean grout, some kitchen counters, toilets, bathtubs, etc.
• Vinegar to disinfect kitchen and bathroom surfaces and tackle mirrors and windows.
• Lemons to clean and refresh your garbage disposal, cut grease, steam off baked-on grunge in the microwave, and more.
• Essential oils to add to your DIY cleaning solutions.
• Olive oil to remove the greasy grunge on your range hood.

However, just make sure that your DIY cleaners are safe for each task. 

6. Natural cleaners are easier on your home

As long as you choose the right product for the job, natural cleansers are much easier on your home. They are less abrasive, are less likely to fade colours on fabrics and other surfaces, and will be gentle on harder-to-clean surfaces in the bathroom and kitchen. Just make sure that you are using the products properly!

7. Cleaner air

If you’re unfamiliar with VOCs, they are volatile organic compounds found in many household cleaning products. They have been tied to several health issues, from cancer to liver issues and diseases of the central nervous system. These compounds are released not just when you use cleaning products, but also by simply storing them in your home.

Even if you no longer smell them once you’re done cleaning, the VOCs linger in the air. The biggest culprits in cleaners are ammonia, chlorine, or petroleum-based chemicals. However, many people are allergic to artificial fragrances, which can trigger coughing fits, sneezing, and watery eyes. 

8. For the sake of the environment

Eco-friendly cleaners are just that—friendly. They can have a positive impact on the environment, thus helping to save the planet. Many natural products also adopt eco-friendly methods such as:

• Sustainable manufacturing practices.
• Using naturally derived ingredients that are safe and non-toxic.
• Choosing biodegradable ingredients.
• Using practices that don’t negatively impact the environment for not just manufacturing, but little details, such as going paperless, using daylight instead of electricity, or only serving ethically-sourced coffee in the break room.

9. Fewer single-use plastics

You might not think about it as you spray your cleaners on dirty surfaces, but there’s a pretty good chance that the bottle is single-use plastic. As mentioned above, eco-friendly cleaning companies adhere to far stricter environmentally-friendly practices, including using bottles that are biodegradable, recyclable, or multi-use/refillable.

To put things in perspective, Canadians throw away over 3 million tonnes of single-use plastics every year, with only 9% being recycled. We can do better, Canada! You can start by choosing eco-friendly cleaners.

Although it might be hard to part with your favourite bathtub cleaner, when you consider the harm it can do to your family, the planet and the delicate finish on your tub, it just makes good sense to opt for eco-friendly products instead.

Contact the Cleaning Experts

If cleaning your home causes symptoms such as dread, regret, and frustration, let the team at Maid4Condos handle it for you! We use eco-friendly cleaning products to keep your home clean and safe. For more information on our services, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.

If you aren’t overly concerned about the dust in your home, it might help to learn that the average household accumulates about 40 pounds each year. Yuck! In fact, your home is packed with dust magnets, all contributing to that weight. 

Since dust is a terrible allergen containing all kinds of debris, you might want to show your duster a little more respect and use these 15 simple tricks to eliminate dust like a pro.

1. Use microfibre technology

Microfibre technology uses a blend of polyester and nylon fibres that are split to create, you guessed it, microfibres. The tiny fibres are also positively charged, creating a dust magnet that holds onto dust as you work.

As a result, you can quickly grab all the debris without moving it around, so it takes less time to clean. It also doesn’t send the dust up into the air to fall back down moments later.

2. Use HEPA filters

If you live in a condo, you might not have access to your furnace filters. However, if you do, they should be replaced every three months to reduce the amount of dust in your home.

Additionally, always choose HEPA filters, as they are designed to collect micro-debris that tend to be the most irritating particles in dust. HEPA filters are also available for vacuums. Replace your current filters with HEPA filters, or consider investing in a vacuum with a sealed-body bag to reduce the amount of dust it releases as you work.

3. Invest in an extension duster

These dusters are hot commodities, at least in avid dusting circles! They allow you to get to those high spaces where dust lurks, such as ceiling fans, top shelves, above the fridge, and along the ceiling.

4. Work from the top down

With your handy extension duster, you can work from the top down so that you continue to remove dust as it falls. If you start below, then as you reach higher areas, you’ll just send more dust onto the surfaces you just dusted, which is frustrating!

5. Get those dust bunnies

Getting down under furniture, especially the bed, allows you to grab those dust bunnies that tend to move around a lot. An extension duster is not just great for reaching high spots, but it also gets under the bed, and reaches the middle so you can help contain the amount of dust you kick up when you walk around the house.

6. Enlist your vacuum

Vacuums are often underused, and only assigned to clean rugs. However, if you have a vacuum with attachments, put them to good use. They are designed to collect dust from soft surfaces like your furniture, cushions, lampshades, drapes, and more.

You can also use the brush attachment to vacuum other surfaces if you’re feeling lazy. Always check the bag before vacuuming to see if it is full, as full bags choke up the process and will actually shoot dust everywhere as you work.

One last tip: Turn off the agitator brush if you aren’t vacuuming carpeting so you aren’t shooting dust into the air. 

7. Vacuum or sweep more often

Since we’re on the subject of vacuums, it also helps to vacuum or sweep more often. You want to reduce the amount of dust and debris that can spread throughout the home, and the floor is a good place to start. You should vacuum weekly and tackle higher-traffic carpeted areas twice a week.

8. Clean registers

Clean your heat registers to help reduce the amount of dust in the air when your furnace or air conditioning is on. 

9. Use your dryer

If you don’t have a vacuum with attachments, you can toss items like drapes in your dryer to help reduce dust. Run them for about 20 minutes with a damp towel to attract stuff like pet hair. The hot air in the dryer shakes out loose debris. 

10. Get an air purifier

Air purifiers with trusty HEPA filters help reduce the amount of dust in your home. As a result, you can dust less frequently!

11. Have a “shoes off please” policy

Shoes should be left at the door to reduce the amount of dirt tracked into your home. All kinds of stuff are wedged into your shoes, including germs from traces of dog poop on the street. By taking off your shoes, you not only reduce dust, but also won’t have as many germs lying around. 

12. Change your sheets weekly

Make this a habit. Your sheets are packed with all kinds of debris, including hair, dead skin cells, dead dust mites, dust mite excrement, pet hair, and other things you just don’t want to think about. When you move around in bed, you can loosen the debris, which then gets into the air.

Also, even the simple act of making your bed every morning will send that debris flying. Clean sheets reduce dust and allergens, so you get a better night’s sleep and keep the amount of dust in your bedroom to a minimum. 

13. Lay down a door mat

Having a doormat provides a place to remove debris from shoe bottoms. If you live in a condo, you can place the door mat inside your door, and it will do almost as good of a job.

14. Special steps for pets

Brushing your cat daily and sticking to a dog-grooming schedule will help reduce the amount of pet hair and dander in your home. If you have allergies, it will also help control symptoms. Additionally, for cats, choose a kitty litter box with a lid to reduce the amount of dust released after your cat does its business.

15. Cut down on “tchotchkes” 

Having a lot of little collections or “tchotchkes” make dusting a nightmare. Choose larger decorative home decor items so you: a) have fewer items to dust and b) have fewer things to move to get to your shelves. Fewer tchotchkes mean less clutter, which can also help keep your mind clear and calm.

Contact the Cleaning Professionals

If these simple tricks to eliminate dust aren’t doing it for you, don’t let the dust get you down. Call the professionals at Maid4Condos to handle the dusting for you! For more information on our services, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.

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.