Category: General Category

Whether you live in an apartment, condo, townhouse, or detached house, as the winter season rolls around, you want to make sure that your home is ready for the cold weather ahead. Winter offers a number of challenges for every type of home, and can make managing the mess even trickier. 

In this article, we will share tips on how to winterize your residence this season, so your home is cozy, clean, and warm.

Apartment Living

If you live in an apartment, it might feel like you have less control over the comfort level in your unit. However, you can use these tips to help winterize your home:

Apply Seal to Your Windows

In older apartments and condos, the window seals inside your home might start to fail. If the seals are old, you can help eliminate small gaps that contribute to drafts by applying adhesive seals on the areas where you feel a draft coming in.

Seal Your Doors

Very old apartments have actual doors instead of sliding glass doors. If this is the case, feel around the edges of the door for drafts. 

If you can feel air movement, apply a door stopper seal and door sweeper along the bottom of the door to help keep cold air from leaking into your apartment in the winter.

Turn On Your Heat

Before it gets chilly, turn on your heat to make sure it works. If not, let your landlord or superintendent know, so they can make repairs before the really cold weather arrives.

Get Out Your Winter Bedding

Exchange your lightweight sheets and duvet for heavier, warmer winter bedding. If you’re on a budget and can’t afford a heavier winter comforter, invest in a warm blanket for each bed, so you have an added layer of warmth.

You can also drape some cozy blankets over your couch and chairs to snuggle up and keep warm while reading, watching TV, or working on your laptop on those extra-cold nights. 

Prepare Your Patio Furniture

If you have furniture or plants out on your balcony or patio, make sure they are secure and covered before the first snowfall arrives. This will protect them from damage, while also ensuring they aren’t easily blown around during winter storms. 

Consider Purchasing a Humidifier

If you find the air in your apartment feels dry, invest in a portable humidifier. Humidifiers help keep the air moist to avoid uncomfortable, dry throats and eyes. They also protect wooden furniture from drying out. 

Prepare an Emergency Winter Kit

With the severity of winter storms posing a threat for long-term power outages, it’s wise to put together an emergency winter kit with the following items:

• Flashlight
• Candles
• Bottled water
• Matches
• Portable cell phone charger
• Manual can opener
• Non-perishable foods and snacks 

Home Owners

If you own or rent a house, you can use these home-winterizing tips:

Seal Your Windows and Doors

Feel for drafts around windows and doors, and apply caulking on the exterior and interior around window frames. 

Also, replace old seals on the interior of windows where the window connects with the frame when closed. For doors, apply a new door sweep seal, and place a secure seal between the door and door frame.

Schedule a Furnace Maintenance Call

Have your furnace company come in and perform an annual maintenance call. They will ensure that your furnace works properly, so you don’t get caught without heat at the coldest time of the year.

Check Your Attic Insulation

Attic insulation is essential to keep your home warm. It also reduces the risk for condensation that can lead to mould growth. Ensure that you have proper insulation, or ask a roof inspector to inspect your attic for you. 

Clean Your Eavestroughs

This is a messy, precarious job, but it is important to protect your home from winter leaks. If your eavestroughs are filled with debris, then snow and water can be forced up under your shingles, causing damage and leading to roof leaks.

Inspect Your Roof

You might want to leave this up to a local roofing expert, as it’s dangerous walking around on your roof. 

Arranging for roof repairs before the winter weather arrives is a worthwhile investment to protect your home from water damage. While they’re up there, you can also have them clean your gutters, so you don’t have to!

Set Your Thermostat to the Ideal Temperature

Having your thermostat set to about 17°C for winter nights and 20°C during the day helps save energy while keeping your home comfortable. If you don’t have a programmable thermostat, consider installing one to help manage home comfort levels.

Shut Off Exterior Water Sources

Make sure the water sources in the garage or backyard are turned off. If not, the pipes can burst and cause a flood in your home or on your property.

Stock up on De-icing Products

Make sure you’re prepared for all types of weather, including the snow and ice that can make your property a risk for slips and falls. Stock up on deckers, sand, or salt so that you, visitors, and people making deliveries won’t slip.

Managing the Winter Mess

You can also prepare your home for winter messes with these tips:

• Place a boot tray at the door: Boot trays provide a place to keep dirty, wet boots to limit dirt on your floors and avoid tracking debris like salt and sand into your home.
• Create more storage with hooks: If your home has limited storage space for all those winter coats, scarves, and gloves, consider installing some hooks at your entry.
  
  Each person can have their own hook to hang their coats, handbags, knapsacks, etc., and you can place a bag on the lower hook to store hats and mitts. Hooks are also great for hanging skates. 
• Store winter sports equipment outside: If you live in an apartment, consider getting a weatherproof storage trunk where you can store things like skates, snowboards, hockey gear, etc.
  
  This avoids snow melting all over your floors, and also keeps stinky hockey gear outside. If you’re in a house, do the same in your garage or backyard.
• Call deep cleaning services in Toronto: A deep cleaning makes for easier maintenance. It also removes all those germs so you stay healthy throughout the winter. 

Ultimately, being prepared for the cold weather will keep your home tidy and warm, so you can snuggle in comfortably for the long winter ahead.  
To help keep on top of your house cleaning, consider kicking off your winter with Maid4Condos’ deep cleaning services in Toronto. Click here for a convenient online quote. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Whether you are managing your own property, or are about to embark on your first job as a rental property manager, you want to enjoy success in your role. 

To help you overcome common challenges and excel as a rental property manager, use these nine tips from the professionals at Toronto’s premier cleaning company: Maid4Condos. 

1. Create a move-in/move-out routine

Rental properties experience a constant flow of incoming new tenants and outgoing old tenants. This process can create a backlog of issues that can make moving days stressful. 

Create a  move-in/move-out routine you can execute every time a tenant leaves so that you don’t miss anything and avoid bottlenecks. Your routine might include the following:

• A pre-move unit inspection to ensure the current tenant has not caused costly damage.
• A formal process to return tenant deposits or inform the tenant that their deposits will not be returned due to damage.
• A post-move cleaning to ensure the unit is up to the proper standards to avoid new tenant dissatisfaction and complaints.
• A formal process to replace the locks or update keycodes/fobs to keep the new tenants safe.
• A formal process to ensure all repairs are made prior to the new tenants moving in.
• Creating dated photos of the empty unit as a reference for the next tenant turnover.

2. Improve communication

Make it easy for tenants to contact you so that their concerns are addressed in a timely manner. Because tenant turnover is a major issue for rental property managers, you want to keep tenants as happy as possible. 

This will ensure you have regular income and don’t lose money on your investment (or the investment of your employers).

3. Review lease terms

Make sure you review the lease terms so, should anything come up, you can answer questions and ensure tenants are treated fairly. Part of your job as a property manager is to also be familiar with the landlord and tenant act to ensure you adhere to your legal obligations. 

You want to provide all requirements without hesitation and to the best of your abilities to avoid compliance issues. 

4. Get organized

Property managers often wear many hats, making it difficult to keep up with demand. Get organized using a calendar to track your duties and the types of tasks that must be attended to daily, weekly, monthly, and annually so nothing is missed. 

5. Find effective partners

Find effective partners who will make your life easier. For example, for the move-in/move-out process, work with a cleaning company in Toronto specializing in this procedure to ensure the units are always left in perfect condition. 

This makes life easier for yourself and your new tenants, creating a good first impression to help keep tenants happy. 

6. Be proactive

Don’t manage your property with a reactive approach. Instead, be proactive to help prevent and avoid issues. 

This includes communication with tenants, maintaining the building to keep it presentable and livable to encourage lease renewals, and creating long-lasting agreements with top-rated suppliers like janitorial services, carpet cleaners, handypersons, etc.

You should have agreements to maintain the following areas of the building:

• HVAC
• Elevators
• Security
• Parking lot repairs
• Handyperson chores to address common issues
• Landscapers to manage the lawn and garden for curb appeal
• Common area janitorial services

All of these jobs contribute to a happier community.

7. Consider minor upgrades

Little fixes in between tenants can also go a long way in helping reduce tenant turnover. These can include simple things such as:

• Painting the unit for each new tenant
• Replacing light bulbs or installing modern light fixtures
• Appliance maintenance or replacement if required
• Professional carpet cleaning
• Flooring repairs, polishing, or replacement
• Repairing and replacing broken window screens
• Replacing outdated kitchen cabinet knobs
• Cabinet makeovers and/or new counters
• New bathroom vanities and toilets
• New faucets in the kitchen and bathroom
• Updated unit locks

With each new tenant, the unit becomes more updated to improve its value. As a result, you are more likely to quickly find new tenants and increase the odds of them enjoying their new home and wanting to renew their lease.

These fixes are affordable and, when done gradually, are very manageable for any budget. The more upgrades you invest in, the higher quality tenants you attract and the more value you bring to them.

8. Leverage technology

Take advantage of technology to make your job and the lives of your tenants easier. For example, try the following:

• A tenant portal to place maintenance requests streamlines the process and avoids back-and-forth calls between yourself and tenants. 
• Automatic rent payments avoid the need to collect cheques.
• Using different contact options for tenants to reach you such as texts, email, and the portal ensures everyone feels comfortable with your processes.  
• E-newsletters help keep tenants up to date on maintenance plans such as elevator repairs.
• Create social media accounts to keep in touch with tenants and foster a sense of community.
• New unit locks using FOBs for easier entry, security, and key management reduce issues such as lost keys.

All of these steps help improve communication and decrease the time involved to process tenant-related information.

9. Create a unit cleaning checklist

Even if your tenants leave the unit sparkling clean, you still need to have professional cleaners come in just to be safe. 

When you hire cleaning services in Toronto, create a unit cleaning checklist that they can use to maintain the same high standards for each tenant. Your list should include the following:

Bathrooms

• Bathtub and shower enclosure
• Inside, out, and behind the toilet
• Lights, mirrors, sink, countertops
• Vacuum ceiling fan cover
• Light switches and door knobs
• Vacuum/mop floors
• Wipe baseboards and window ledges

Bedrooms

• Wipe light switches and door knobs
• Vacuum/mop floors
• Wipe baseboards and window ledges

Kitchen

• Inside fridge and oven
• Stove top and sink
• Polish fridge front
• Microwave (inside and out)
• Backsplash, counter tops, and cupboard fronts
• Wipe light switches and door knobs
• Vacuum/mop floors
• Wipe baseboards and window ledges
• Wipe inside cabinets and drawers

Living and Dining Rooms

• Wipe switches and door knobs
• Vacuum/mop floors
• Wipe baseboards and window ledges

Laundry Room

• Clear air vent
• Clear lint trap
• Wipe washer and dryer
• Clean floors

Call the Cleaning Professionals

As a property manager, your job is to ensure the building and units are maintained and that your tenants are happy. These tips will help you keep on top of your responsibilities and make your job and tenants’ lives easier. 

For a free quote on Maid4Condos’ rental cleaning services in Toronto, click here. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Rental property maintenance is a necessary evil for landlords. Whether you have a short or long-term rental, providing a thorough cleaning between tenants maintains the value of your property, while ensuring you meet the standards of the landlord and tenant act. 

In this article, we offer a step-by-step guide on rental property maintenance from our professional maid services in Toronto to help you keep your tenants happy.

Step #1: Use a Move-in Checklist

It all starts at the move-in stage. To identify new issues that might occur during the tenant’s occupancy, it helps to have a move-in checklist you create together. This allows you to note things like carpet stains, damaged tiles in the bathroom or kitchen, floor damage, etc., that won’t necessarily interfere with the tenant’s enjoyment of the unit but also that you aren’t planning to fix. 

The list ensures the tenants aren’t held responsible for the damage they didn’t cause and avoids disputes when they move out. It’s part of an effective maintenance plan, as it also identifies issues you can choose to repair to keep the unit in good shape. 

Step #2: Conduct an Inspection 

When leases won’t be renewed, inspect the unit with the current tenant, using your move-in checklist. If you see possible new damage, check the list and determine if the damage warrants the tenant losing their deposit. This also allows you to identify what would be considered normal wear and tear.

These are the items you might want to correct prior to showing the unit to potential new tenants, such as painting the walls, replacing the carpet, getting new appliances, replacing window screens, etc.

Step #3: Work With a Professional Maid Service in Toronto

Engaging a professional maid service specializing in apartment moves simplifies the move-out/move-in process. They will create a comprehensive task list to follow for tenant turnover. You can also inform them of your expected tenant turnover dates in advance so they can add those cleaning jobs to their schedule.

You can avoid the struggle of trying to get units clean between tenants and set a schedule and standard cleaning routine that ensures your units are always tenant-ready. Professional move-out maid services in Toronto should include the following:

Bathrooms

• Bathtub and shower enclosure
• Inside, outside, and behind toilets
• Lights, mirrors, sink, countertops
• Vacuuming the ceiling fan cover
• Light switches and door knobs
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Wiping vanity inside and out

Bedrooms

• Wiping switches and door knobs
• Vacuuming or mopping floors

Kitchen

• Cleaning inside and out the fridge, oven, and stove top
• Polishing the fridge front 
• Cleaning the microwave inside and out
• Scrubbing the backsplash, countertops, and cupboard fronts
• Scrubbing the sink
• Wiping light switches and door knobs
• Vacuuming and mopping floors
• Wiping inside cabinets and drawers

Living and Dining Rooms

• Wiping switches and door knobs
• Vacuuming and/or mopping floors

Laundry Room

• Clearing air vent and lint trap
• Wiping down the washer and dryer
• Cleaning floors

Also, throughout the unit, all baseboards, windowsills/ledges, and walls will be wiped down and cleaned. 

Step #4: Consider Hiring a Property Manager

This isn’t necessary for all landlords, but if you have more than one unit or a popular short-term unit with tight turnovers, a property manager might be worth the investment.

If your budget is tight, working with professional maid services in Toronto is a more affordable option, as the supervisor can manage the cleaning on your behalf.

Step #5: Share a Move-Out Cleaning Checklist With Tenants

Not all tenants understand exactly what cleaning responsibilities fall on their shoulders before they leave. It helps to share a move-out cleaning checklist with tenants so they understand what they have to do to meet the standards of the lease agreement.

You can recommend your maid service in Toronto to tenants who might not have time to deal with the cleaning. This kills two birds with one stone in the tenant turnover process. 

Step #6: Keep Up With Tenant Maintenance Requests

It’s hard not to feel that some tenants are high-maintenance if they seem to have ongoing maintenance requests. However, considering each request and taking care of it in a timely manner is a good practice for landlords. First, it ensures you provide a safe and clean environment for tenants as per the landlord and tenant act, and second, it keeps your rental units in tip-top shape.

Little, yet time-consuming issues such as torn window screens, broken overhead lights, malfunctioning appliances, etc., all contribute to tenant comfort and the appearance and appeal of your units. By responding to such requests, you protect your investment, while reducing the effort required to get the unit up to standards for new tenants.

Step #7: Take the Deep Cleaning Route

Deep cleaning is the best way to prepare your units for the next tenants. Even if the tenants moving were extremely clean and careful with their move-out cleaning process, a deep cleaning ensures hard-to-reach places like baseboards, oven cleaning, fridge cleaning, window cleaning, etc. prepare the unit so it is move-in ready.

Deep cleaning routines include those additional steps that you should take to create a safe and welcoming environment free of mould spores, bacteria, grime, and allergens that accumulate and can’t be completely removed with a basic cleaning

Step #8: Arrange for Appliance Maintenance

Even if the appliances are in working order, it helps to arrange a routine service call for the stove, fridge, and washer and dryer. The technician will do a thorough check of all appliances, make repairs as required, and ensure the appliances are safe for use. It also ensures your warranties remain intact. If the unit is a house, it is crucial to have the HVAC system and water heater assessed and maintained. 

Landlords have a legal responsibility to provide access to hot and cold water, electricity, heat, and fuel to tenants. If you have long-term tenants renewing the lease, it’s best to perform annual maintenance on all appliances to avoid costly appliance replacements. Annual maintenance also improves efficiency to save costs on energy, while reducing the risk of needing repairs or replacement when new tenants move in.

Contact the Cleaning Experts

Having a partner in cleaning makes the move-out/move-in process easier. At Maid4Condos, our move-out/move-in maid services in Toronto allow you to customize your cleaning process based on the number of bedrooms, bathrooms, and square footage. 

We’ll provide an affordable quote for a thorough rental unit cleaning to help keep tenants happy and maintain the value of your property. Call Maid4Condos today at (647) 822-0601 or contact us here.

You might think it’s safe to assume that the household cleaning products you find at your local grocery or hardware store are harmless. However, although they might be approved for household cleaning, many contain harmful chemicals that can put your family at risk.

Luckily, you can use this cleaning product safety overview to learn everything you need to know about cleaning product use.

Always Read the Label

When selecting household cleaning products, always read the label. You want to understand the recommended uses, how to handle the cleaner, and its ingredients. Some of the most hazardous components include:

• Phthalates
• Sulfates
• Triclosan
• QUATS (quaternary ammonium compounds)
• Butoxyethenol
• Chlorine
• Sodium hydroxide 

You can also look for the hazard symbol on the label to see if the product can cause injury or health issues.

Teach Kids to Recognize Hazard Symbols

Young children should be taught to recognize the hazard symbols and told never to touch any bottles with those symbols. The sooner they learn that those icons mean danger, the safer they will be when the products are home. 

Follow the Instructions

Even when using “natural” or “green” household cleaning products, you need to ensure you are using the product as intended. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions, not just for use but also storage. 

Never Mix Household Cleaning Products

If you think combining cleaning products will help you clean more efficiently, think again! Mixing cleaners pose a serious risk of injury and damage to household surfaces. Most household cleaning products contain ingredients that can create a chemical reaction with other chemicals, producing dangerous, toxic gases that can cause serious injury. 

Not only should you not physically mix them in a spray bottle, you should never put them in a container together, even if it is in water. Also, never use products together without thoroughly rinsing the surface first. For example, you would never spray the tub with one cleaner and then add another on top if it doesn’t clean to your satisfaction.

Understand the Difference Between Child-Resistant and Child-Proof

Selecting child-resistant containers is always safer. However, child-resistant is not the same as child-proof. Child-resistant means it is more difficult for a child to open the container. However, to make the container more child-proof, you must follow the instructions to ensure the closure is tight.

You should also always check household products stored under the counter to make sure they are not leaking and that the lids are secure with the child-resistant features activated. Ideally, dangerous chemicals should not be stored in an area where kids can reach them. 

Lock Away Household Cleaning Products

That brings us to locks. If you live in a smaller home, you might not have enough storage space to keep cleaning products out of reach of children and pets. If this is the case, it’s best to be safe than sorry and apply a lock or child-proof device on the cabinet so kids can’t get in.

Ventilation

Only use household chemical products in a well-ventilated area. Whether it is a ceiling fan, bathroom exhaust fan, or opening the windows, always work with proper ventilation to remove the gases that can make you sick. If this isn’t possible, wear a mask, keep the door open, and take breaks to get fresh air while you work. 

Wear Protective Gear

Although the idea of wearing protective gear when cleaning sounds like overkill, masks, goggles, and gloves protect your eyes, respiratory system, and skin from exposure to chemicals.

Strong-smelling products like bleach are very irritating, and if you inadvertently mix household cleaning products and then release gases, you will reduce the risk of serious injury.

Again, it’s all about following the manufacturer’s recommended use to keep safe. Their instructions should never be considered “suggestions” but instead always followed carefully.

Never Switch Containers

Always keep household cleaning products in the containers they came in. If the container is damaged, it’s best to dispose of the cleaner safely to avoid confusion and accidents. A piece of tape with the name written on it can easily become difficult to read, increasing the risk of mistaking the product for something else.

Additionally, don’t reuse empty cleaning product spray bottles for other purposes. The material used might not be suited to the new liquid you are storing. It’s also possible for chemicals to leach into the bottle materials, leading to dangerous chemical reactions or the release of noxious gases.

Dispose of Leaky or Damaged Bottles

It’s best to dispose of leaky or damaged cleaning products. Leaks can lead to risks of toxic gas release and combustion. Do not pour the chemical down the drain. Instead, check your municipality’s guidelines for safe disposal of chemicals and hazardous waste. 

Avoid Stockpiling Household Cleaning Products

Most of us are guilty of this. We stock up on household cleaning products under our kitchen sinks that sit unused for years. Not only do the chemicals in the cleaners change, but they can also eat away at their containers and leak.

It’s always best to buy only the cleaning products you need and trust to reduce the amount of dangerous chemicals stored in your home.

When to Use Bleach

Thanks to its virus-killing power, bleach was flying off the shelves during the pandemic. However, the safe use of bleach is essential to avoid health issues. Follow these steps:

• Always dilute bleach using increments of 250 mL of water to each 5 mL of bleach.
• Never mix bleach with anything other than water. 
• Never use bleach as a disinfectant for human use; it is only intended for surfaces.
• Ensure you have proper ventilation.
• Wear goggles and rubber gloves.
• Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water if bleach gets on your skin.
• Even when in use, secure the container lid and put the bleach away if you are using it around children or pets.

If anyone in your household is exposed to chemicals, call your local poison centre and let them know what chemicals were involved. They will tell you how to proceed.

Call the Cleaning Professionals in Toronto

The expert Maid4Condos team in Toronto uses safe household cleaning products and procedures to keep your home sparkling and toxin-free. For more information, call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

Whether you depend on tenants to pay your mortgage or provide a passive income, you want to ensure all your rental units are occupied. Although it’s impossible to guarantee a tenant will renew their lease, you can increase the odds by maximizing their satisfaction. 

In this article, we will offer simple tips to help you up your game and retain your tenants, including everything from improving response time to hiring cleaning services in Toronto for the unit-turnover process.

Take Property Maintenance Seriously

Whether you have a single unit or several, property maintenance is not something you can ignore. When a resident complains about something that is broken in their unit, remember that this is their home.

Being responsive to reasonable resident requests ensures they see you take property maintenance seriously, and they won’t be left without running water, broken appliances, or mould damage from an ongoing leak. 

Pay Attention to Repeat Complaints

If you are seeing the same complaints from residents, it might be time to reassess how you are resolving it. For example, if someone is constantly complaining about a leak and your repairs are not working, you should speak to a plumber to assess the problem and recommend a permanent fix.

Remember, although it might cost more than a makeshift repair, it will save you money in the long run in two ways:

1. You will retain the resident, so your rent is not disrupted.
2. You will avoid costly structural and cosmetic damage down the road.

Make It Easy to Reach You

Playing the mysterious landlord role is not the best way to improve resident satisfaction. Instead, you need to make yourself available for emergencies. This helps build trust while ensuring your residents feel they are being heard.

Consider offering several contacts, such as your cell phone for texts, an email address, and a phone number. Depending on your budget, you might also consider enlisting a property manager to take calls as an alternate (or main) contact. 

Respond Immediately

It’s one thing to offer several ways to contact you and another to ignore residents when they reach out. Make sure you respond immediately, even if it is just to say, “I will be there, or call you at such and such a time.”

Although your initial response won’t solve most scenarios, taking the time to provide an answer with a more solid schedule for when you can address the issue helps set your residents’ minds at ease. 

Have an FAQ Website

There are occasions when residents might have questions that have easy answers. For example, they might wonder if they can paint their apartment, which isn’t mentioned in their lease. Another resident might wonder what to do if they have a noise complaint.

Setting up a simple web page with an FAQ can provide quick answers, thus reducing the number of calls you are fielding. As a result, you can become more efficient in dealing with serious issues that need your attention and in answering questions, killing two birds with one stone. 

Create a Worry-Free Move-in Experience

Moving is said to be one of the most stressful things we experience in life. You can introduce ways to make moving into your rental unit worry-free, so residents automatically feel satisfied. Some ideas that can help include:

• Leave a little gift in the unit with a welcome message, such as a gift card to a local restaurant, a bottle of wine, or a gift basket.
• Post your contact information on their fridge with a fun little fridge magnet.
• Make sure all requests are taken care of, such as painting the unit, replacing a broken appliance, cleaning the space, or repairing a broken cupboard door.
• Replace all the lightbulbs in the unit as well as in the range hood and oven.
• Make sure the smoke detector has batteries.
• Post instructions throughout the apartment, such as on the oven, security system, intercom, laundry machines, etc.
• Leave a few local takeout menus on the kitchen counter with a note saying: “Thought you might be hungry once you settle in.”
• Replace the toilet seat and leave a little note letting them know it’s brand new.
• Leave a list of amenities with a few tips like the pool tends to be busiest at such and such time, you need to wear flip flops in the gym shower, or barbecues on the rooftop have to be reserved at this number.

These simple gestures make it easy to settle into their new home and relax. 

Make Sure the Unit Is Sparkling

Hire a professional cleaning company to come in and do a move-in ready clean. Nothing says welcome home more than a sparkling clean unit where all traces of the previous tenant have been removed.

A move-in clean touches every surface, nook, and cranny, including streak-free windows, scrubbed kitchen and bathroom grout, freshly-shampooed carpets, shining wood floors, and more. Cleaning services in Toronto create move-in-ready apartments that will set the right tone for new tenants.

Leverage Technology

Today, it’s all about self-serve options that make life easier. Here are some ways you can leverage technology to improve resident satisfaction:

• Requisition forms: Consider setting up an online requisition form for repair requests designed to collect all relevant information. When tenants know what information you need, you reduce back-and-forth calls and expedite the process. 
• Auto-responses: Have an auto-response for emails and requests that lets residents know their request has been received. 
• Direct deposit: Offer easy rent payment options, such as direct deposit, so residents don’t have to worry about cheques. 
• Updates: Improve communication with monthly e-flyers and updates with information that will improve their living experience.
• Thank you notes: Send out an auto-response to thank residents for their rent payments.

Make Follow-Up Calls

Instead of simply conducting repairs and leaving it at that, reach out with a follow-up call, text, or email. Although it might open you up to further complaints, residents will know that you want them to be happy. If there are complaints, address them right away so they feel 100% satisfied with the results.

Although it can be hard to keep up with resident expectations, consider it like a relationship: it takes attention, trust, and ongoing communication to make it work!

Call the Cleaning Professionals

To ensure your residents are satisfied, use the professional condo and apartment cleaning services in Toronto at Maid4Condos. We specialize in move-in/move-out cleaning for residential units and can customize your service to suit your needs.

For more information on our services, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us here.

In Toronto, landlords must comply with health, safety, housing, and maintenance standards. Although tenants share responsibility for maintaining a reasonable level of repair and cleanliness in the unit, the bottom line is that you won’t find new tenants if the unit is dirty. 

In this article, we will share four professional cleaning tips for a successful clean between tenants.

1. Enlist current tenants

In Ontario, tenants leaving their rental units must give at least 30 days’ notice for yearly or monthly leases and at least 28 days’ notice for daily or weekly leases. 

Once a tenant gives notice, send a polite note reminding them they are responsible for cleaning their unit before they go. You can include a list of tasks to help them understand what this involves. 

It sometimes helps to highlight the clause in the lease indicating the terms related to the condition they must leave the unit in when they move. This ensures they know what needs to be done while reducing the amount of cleaning you’ll have to complete once they move out, thus saving you time and money.

2. Inspect the unit

You have a right to inspect the unit before your tenants move out. You must provide 24 hours’ written notice to inspect the unit. To keep things amicable, try to work with your tenant to find an agreeable time for your inspection. This will just make it easier for everyone involved. 

Although normal wear and tear is a given, look for obvious damage caused by the tenant and create a list, preferably with images, of anything that needs to be repaired or replaced. Share the list with the tenant and let them know they need to address the damage before they go. 

In most cases, this will not be necessary. However, in Toronto, tenants are responsible for repairs to damage caused while they live there—even if it was damage caused by guests. 

Make a list of major concerns that you can address before showing the unit to potential tenants. This is important as it ensures the unit is as presentable as possible. You want tenants to feel safe in the space and clean apartments in good repair feel secure and homey. 

If you need to make repairs or updates in the unit, the law requires you to give the current tenant 24 hours’ notice if they are still living there. This is especially important for things you are responsible for providing under landlord regulations, such as heating, running water, etc.

3. Create a go-to apartment turnover checklist

Create an apartment turnover cleaning list you can use for every cleaning between tenants. This will include:

Kitchen:

• Floors
• Cabinets
• Microwave
• Dishwasher
• Refrigerator
• Stove and oven
• Counters, sink, and garbage disposal

Bathroom:

• Toilet
• Floors
• Vanity
• Sink and cabinets
• Bath, shower, and surrounding area
• Grout

All rooms:

• Light fixtures
• Trim moulding
• Walls and doors
• Windows and blinds
• Ceilings
• Floors
• Professional carpet cleaning
• Laundry and storage areas

You can also include general maintenance on your checklist, such as:

• Paint touch-ups or repainting
• Replacing air filters and lightbulbs
• Tightening loose cabinet and door knobs
• Clearing clogs
• Ensuring smoke detectors are working with new batteries
• Addressing leaks in drains and pipes
• Mould clean-up
• Appliance maintenance

This will ensure you have a solid apartment turnover process that you can follow between tenants.

4. Schedule professional Toronto cleaning services

Once you receive notice that a tenant is moving, schedule move-out Toronto cleaning services to manage the work. No matter how hard you clean, you won’t reach the level of cleaning that your tenants deserve. 

You can reduce your own workload and ensure the job gets done to the highest possible standards. It will also save time and money in the long run by avoiding complaints and keeping your new tenants happy. 

Before choosing Toronto cleaning services, review their move-out cleaning list to ensure it meets your expectations. Discuss any specialty jobs you might want to see if they can handle those details as well. For example, a deep cleaning is advisable, as this ensures every inch of your unit is spotless. In fact, many landlords opt for a disinfecting clean to kill germs and bacteria. Our Germblasters service is an excellent option.

Tips to Help Attract and Retain Tenants

To help attract and retain tenants, you should always take a proactive approach to maintenance, including:

• Keep up with tenant requests: Listen to current tenants’ needs when they request repairs to reduce tenant churn. They live in the unit and are familiar with its shortcomings. In most cases, requests are reasonable, and it is a major benefit to make repairs while they are affordable instead of waiting for the issues to cause further damage. 
• Manage unit systems: Pay close attention to things, like in-unit HVAC and appliance maintenance, to increase life and improve performance and energy efficiency. It takes minimal time, and when part of a comprehensive maintenance plan, it also saves money. 
• Examine plumbing: Leaks can lead to mould and water damage, which are hard to clean and costly to repair. They can also compromise the structure of floors and walls if the leaks are allowed to settle in major wood components such as joists and supports. 
• Check smoke detectors: Let tenants know you will check smoke detectors in the spring and fall to make sure they work. This way, you keep tenants safe and avoid liabilities should a fire or C02 leak occur. 
• Clean exterior windows: Exterior window dirt and grime interfere with natural light and make units appear uncared for. Cleaning exterior windows at least once a year improves views from inside the unit while increasing natural light, a highly desirable feature for most tenants. 
• Maintain doors and windows: Replace damaged door and window seals with the change of the seasons. This helps provide a tight seal to protect against air and water infiltration and also improve energy efficiency.
• Replace anything broken: Replace broken light fixtures, window panes and screens, etc. as soon as possible to keep the unit and common areas looking their best. 
• Improve security: Ensure unit entry doors are secure with functioning locks and consider installing smart locks to make the change over to new tenants easier, safer, and more affordable. 

Your tenants will appreciate your efforts and might even decide to stay, so you won’t have to worry about cleaning between tenants as often.

Call the Cleaning Professionals

If you would like more information about Maid4Condos’ professional Toronto cleaning services between tenants, click here for a free quote. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.

It’s true that house cleaning is a pain. However, using the right approach to cleaning can make life easier. In this article, we will share our do’s and don’ts to keep your home clean without causing more harm than good.

Professional Cleaning Services Housekeeping Do’s

• Do wash before you disinfect: Although washing with soap and water first adds a second step to your washing, it is particularly important in the bathroom and kitchen. These areas call for disinfecting cleaners. However, they won’t work if you use them on a dirty surface.
• Do kill viruses and bacteria on high-touch surfaces daily: COVID-19 taught us that germs spread when we cough and sneeze, as well as through touch. Washing high-touch areas with an antibacterial wipe will reduce the spread of germs.  
• Do wash toys: Tossing dryer-safe soft toys in the dryer every now and then kills dust mites and helps remove allergens. You can also put most plastic toys in the dishwasher. Just check labels to make sure you won’t ruin them.
• Do use surface-appropriate cleaners: Check the manufacturer’s recommendations before using any cleaning product on the surfaces in your home.
• Do clean your coffee machine: The reservoir in your coffee machine can become contaminated if you don’t clean it often enough. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to determine how often they recommend cleaning and follow the recommended steps.
• Do clean your garbage disposal: If you have a garbage disposal, keep it germ and odour-free by feeding it some lemons or baking soda and white vinegar weekly.
• Do deep clean your major appliances monthly: Use this schedule to keep your appliances clean:
  • Dishwasher: Run an empty cycle using baking soda and white vinegar once a month.
  • Fridge: Clean your fridge shelves and drawers every month or two.
  • Washer: If you have a front-loading washer, use a washer-cleaning product every three to four months to remove soap scum from the seal.
  • Oven: Deep clean your oven every three to four months to remove greasy buildup.
• Do dry work first: Dusting and sweeping/vacuuming should always be done first before you apply wet cleaning solutions. Otherwise, you’ll be creating a mess that adheres to surfaces.
• Do clean from top to bottom: Cleaning from top to bottom allows you to remove dirt as you work. If you start at the bottom, any cleaning you’ve done will be ruined as dust falls from areas you clean above. 
• Do use the least harmful cleaners first: Instead of always reaching for the bleach and heavy-duty toxic cleaners, use a mild cleaner to see if it works first. This reduces toxins in the home and avoids wear and tear on your surfaces.
• Do put together a cleaning caddy: Use a cleaning caddy stocked with all your housecleaning staples. You can carry it around from room to room to make your cleaning more efficient. You won’t have to keep running to grab the right tool or cleaning product. Opt for all-purpose cleaners that tackle multiple jobs and surfaces so you’re not lugging around a massive caddy.
• Do be careful using cleaning products: Drips from cleaning products should be avoided, as they can damage other surfaces. For example, a strong cleaner used on your oven will damage wood floors. Drips into electronics can also cause permanent damage.  
• Do follow manufacturers’ instructions: When using any cleaning product, always read the instructions first. You might find that you can’t use it on certain surfaces, or it requires a soaking period or special protective equipment like gloves or a mask. The same rule applies to your belongings. Don’t try to wash anything without reading the manufacturer’s care manual or label.
  

Professional Cleaning Services Housekeeping Don’ts

• Don’t forget out-of-sight areas: Out of sight is out of mind, but that hidden dirt is still harmful. Dusty buildup can irritate allergies and asthma symptoms, so don’t overlook those nooks, corners, and areas like ceiling fans/lighting fixtures, baseboards, under the furniture and appliances, the tops of kitchen cabinets, etc.
• Don’t ignore spills: If you spill something, whether it’s on the kitchen counter, the floor, or anywhere else, always wipe it up immediately so it doesn’t get sticky or cause stains.
• Don’t wipe away disinfectants before they do their job: Disinfectants need time to kill bacteria and germs. Follow the directions on the bottle to ensure they’re doing their job.
• Don’t use bleach if you don’t have to: Bleach is a harsh cleaner and disinfectant that can be hard on your skin, lungs, and eyes. If you don’t need it, use other cleaners instead, including natural solutions like vinegar. If you do use it, keep the windows open.
• Don’t assume natural cleaners are safe on all surfaces: Natural, non-toxic cleaners like white vinegar and baking soda can damage surfaces such as marble and wood. Don’t assume it is safe to use just because it’s natural.
• Don’t put cleaning off: Putting basic cleaning tasks off just leads to a bigger mess. As a result, you end up working much harder. Keeping on top of small cleaning tasks allows you to avoid major cleaning marathons.
• Don’t waste time: Work smarter, not harder. You’re probably catching on that working in small bursts with regular cleaning avoids long-haul cleaning marathons. You can also do double duty by tackling a few jobs at once. If your disinfectant is at work, move on to another job, like washing the dishes. You’ll finish your cleaning sooner.  
• Don’t forget to spot-test cleaning products: When cleaning soft surfaces, always do a spot test in a hidden area first. This will avoid damaging items like upholstered furniture or carpeting.
• Don’t mix cleaning products: Never mix cleaning products. For example, if you’re scrubbing your tub and find the cleaner you used isn’t working, don’t apply another cleaner. First, thoroughly rinse the other cleaner away. Also, don’t try to make your own concoction by mixing full-strength cleaners together. Most cleaners will cause a chemical reaction that produces toxic fumes that can lead to serious injury. 

These do’s and don’ts will keep you safe, protect your belongings, and also make the job easier.

Maid4Condos: Your Cleaning Experts

If you’d prefer to avoid house cleaning altogether, click here to learn more about Maid4Condos’ deep cleaning and professional cleaning services. You can also call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online for more information.

Managing rental properties is a time-consuming job requiring a team of professionals to keep things running smoothly. You have a responsibility to maintain the building to meet the needs of your tenants, whether it is a three-story “walk-up” or a high-rise building with over 100 units. 

Building a relationship with a professional cleaning company can help streamline cleaning processes and maintain a high standard of cleanliness to attract and retain tenants. Cleaning companies make your job easier, taking over the daunting task of cleaning all apartment units as tenants come and go. 

Here we look at the benefits of cleaning companies and why you should use one to help manage one, especially during the busy apartment turnover process at month’s end. 

What are the Benefits of Hiring Cleaning Companies for Rental Properties?

The more units you manage, the more difficult it becomes to keep your property presentable. There are several benefits to working with a cleaning company to help maintain your property, including:

Reduced Tenant Complaints

Clean apartments provide the living standards all tenants deserve. When you keep the units in your building well-maintained, tenants are kept happy, which helps to reduce complaints. 

You can also do a better job because you’re not dodging bullets from angry tenants who expect their units to feel safe and sanitary.

Attract Tenants

First impressions matter when prospective tenants arrive at an apartment or condo they hope to call home. Part of your job is to ensure the unit makes an excellent first impression to attract tenants. 

Tenants are also more likely to stay longer if satisfied with the building and feel confident you are meeting their needs. Professional cleaners provide superior move-in/move-out cleaning services, so tenants are always happy with their new homes. 

There are no delays on moving day because your move-out cleanings are prearranged with your professional cleaning partners. Your team has time to do a quick inspection feeling confident the cleaning will be up to snuff. 

The work involved in the move-in/move-out cleaning process is challenging to manage when you are dealing with multiple moves each month. Working with a cleaning partner specializing in the apartment turnover process helps streamline move-out cleanings, so property management and superintendent aren’t forced to manage these cleanings alone. 

Hiring a specialist is essential as they provide a deep cleaning that sanitizes the entire space from top to bottom and room to room, including the bathrooms and kitchen area. As a result, tenants feel safe and comfortable in their new home. 

Higher Tenant Retention

High tenant turnover costs property owners money. The more empty units you have, the less rent is collected and the less income the property generates. As a property manager, your job is to ensure that the property retains its value and that tenants are happy. 

Cleaners provide first-class move-in cleaning services so the unit meets tenant expectations. Your tenants will never feel they made a mistake signing their lease. 

An excellent first impression from day one helps set the tone for the relationship, improving tenant retention.

Improved Property Management

When you no longer worry about apartment turnover cleaning, you can focus on higher-value tasks. As a result, the property has improved levels of property management with increased efficiency. 

You can manage tenants effectively and reduce operational costs through your new efficiencies. You can enhance property management productivity, including:

• Ease of use to arranging for cleanings with a cleaning company on board
• Improved optics for corporate social responsibility
• Simplified, affordable true billing and invoicing
• Time and cost savings through monthly volume discounts
• Master class trained and certified cleaners with a proven move-out cleaning technique

Your cleaning partners “own” the apartment turnover process. As a result, your team is free of cleaning tasks and related administrative tasks, such as:

• Managing cleaning teams
• Coordinating work orders for move-out cleaning
• Ensuring every apartment is move-in ready by the first of each month, aka – moving day 

Safe, Hygienic Cleaning

Professional cleaners follow industry best practices to maintain a consistent, high level of cleanliness to meet the expectations of tenants and property owners. They help keep your building safe and hygienic, removing bacteria and germs that make people ill. Not only are tenants healthier, but you also reduce sick days for your property management team.

Condo cleaners specifically specialize in condo unit cleaning, including rental units, making indvidual owners’ lives easier as landlords. You don’t have to worry about cleaning the unit yourself and can rest assured that your new tenants won’t call with complaints because the unit is not up to their standards.

Demonstrate Your Competence

A building with clean, welcoming units reflects well on you, and everyone involved in the management of the buility. Whether you’re an owner or property manager, your ability to delegate and call in the pros to manage tasks effectively speaks to your understanding of your role. 

As mentioned above, you also free up more time to focus on critical tasks, making you more strategic, saving time and money. Whether you work directly for the building owner or with a property management company, the ability to deliver top-notch service helps you maintain a reputation of excellence. 

What to Look for in Rental Property Cleaning Companies

Before committing to a cleaning service, you want to ensure they offer the following:

• 100% Satisfaction Guarantee: This is a must as it shows the company stands behind its work.
• Experience: A company that has only been operating for a few years will need more expertise to manage the cleaning needs of a large rental property.
• Customization: No two properties are alike, and customization ensures you meet the specifics of your building’s needs.
• Timely and Flexible Service: Your cleaners should accommodate your schedule with flexible availability.
• Training Process: Professional cleaning services have a robust training process that ensures each cleaner that enters your building is master class trained and certified.
• Supervision: Ask how cleaning crews are supervised, and if so, how. Supervision improves quality control and reduces the risk of poor quality.  
• Insurance: Your professional cleaning company should be fully insured with at least $5,000,000 in liability.
• Cleaning Staff: All staff should be bonded, covered by WSIB, and undergo a thorough background check.
• Eco-Friendly Cleaning Methods: Today, tenants worry more about the environment and their health. Your cleaners should use professional-grade, biodegradable products free of harsh chemicals that are safe for the environment.
• Excellent Communication and Responsiveness: Your cleaning company should have a contact you deal with, so you can discuss changing needs. They should also be open to feedback and willing to accommodate your needs.

Cleaning companies that meet the requirements of this checklist are sure to provide the level of cleaning you expect. In addition, hiring a professional cleaning company reflects well on the building and your ability to do your job.

Looking for a professional cleaning company?

If your current rental property cleaning method doesn’t meet the needs of your tenants, call the team at Maid4Condos. As one of Toronto’s best cleaning companies, we can help. Click here for a quick quote or contact us here.

Those longer spring days draw more attention to the dirt that builds up in your home over the winter months. That’s likely one of the reasons many of us celebrate the arrival of spring with a bucket of warm soapy water and a pair of rubber gloves! 

Spring Cleaning Checklist

When spring cleaning season arrives, it’s time to hunker down and tackle that long list of cleaning to-dos. To ensure you don’t “miss a spot,” we’ve used our residential cleaning services experience to create the only spring cleaning checklist you’ll ever need.

Remove Cobwebs and Ceiling Dust

Spring cleaning calls for a top-down approach. Before you do anything else, grab your broom and run it along the line where your ceiling meets the wall. Your broom is a cobweb magnet and will capture the clumps of dust so you can grab them and toss them in the garbage.  

Dust Off Light Fixtures & Ceiling Fans

With the cobwebs cleared, you can move on to the light fixtures and ceiling fans. Use a duster with an extendable handle to remove dust and cobwebs. The mess will fall everywhere, so you need to get this out of the way before you can dust the area below.

Tackle the Walls

Use your duster to wipe down your walls and remove any clinging dust and cobwebs left behind. Using a duster takes care of anything that can fall, making cleaning the rest of the home difficult. 

The walls won’t be filthy in most spots. However, you want to pay special attention to areas like wall corners, lower spots in high-traffic areas where there might be scruff marks, and on and around switchplates. An all-purpose cleaner will do the trick.

Get Down and Clean Baseboards

Baseboards are real dust collectors and, during the spring-cleaning process, are also drip collectors. Once your walls are clean, get down and give your baseboards a good wipe with an all-purpose cleaner to complete cleaning your walls. 

Professionally Clean Carpets

If you have carpets or area rugs, this is the perfect time of year to have a professional carpet cleaner come in and clean them. Most will pick up your area rugs, clean them and then deliver them once they’re done. Doing this will create an excellent clean base for your rooms and makes it easier to keep your carpets clean with regular vacuuming.

Dry Clean Window Treatments

Although many curtains today are machine washable, sending them out for a professional dry cleaning is best. You’ll get out all the dust and brighten them up. Your dry cleaner will also press them, making them nice and smooth. 

Dust and Clean Blind Slats

Dusting and cleaning blind slats is an essential spring cleaning chore that helps reduce dust in your home and keeps indoor air quality slightly healthier. It’s worth investing in a duster with static power to handle this particular job.

Vacuum Kitchen Drawers and Shelves

Vacuuming kitchen drawers and shelves is tedious, but it is the best way to remove crumbs. If you don’t have a vacuum to do this, use a cloth to brush crumbs from shelves into a dust pan. Then, pull out the drawers and shake the crumbs into the garbage or sink. 

You should also remove everything from the drawers and shelves. Removing everything allows you to clear the crumbs and then wipe everything down. Before putting everything away, reorganize your cupboards and drawers to free up space. Consider laying down shelving paper and drawer liners for a nice finishing touch.

Dry Clean Your Duvet and Pillows

Although you are washing the rest of your bed linens frequently, your duvet and pillows are not always washer and dryer safe. You can send them out to the dry cleaners to get them nice and clean. If you have tons of throw pillows throughout your home, bring them along. Most dry cleaners offer a throw pillow-cleaning service.

Shampoo Your Upholstered Furniture

Ask your carpet cleaning company if they offer upholstery cleaning services as well. You don’t have to do this, but keeping your furniture looking its best is a nice touch. 

Steam Clean Tiles and Grout

Whether it’s your kitchen or the bathroom tile, a good steam cleaning will make your tile and grout look brand new. It also removes a year’s worth of bacteria and germs! Many residential cleaning services offer deep cleaning for tile and grout, so your home is healthy and sanitized. 

Clean Under Furniture and Appliances

Let’s assume you don’t do this during your weekly cleaning. Pulling out your furniture and appliances reveals a mess you wish you hadn’t seen. However, vacuuming the mess and following up with a thorough cleaning for hard floor surfaces will help you lose the ick factor and feel much better about your home.

Wash the Windows

Don’t let all that spring sunshine go to waste. Let lovely clean windows fill your home with natural light. If you live in an apartment, you might not be able to clean the outside of your windows, but you can still make your windows look great inside. The best window cleaner is a mix of vinegar and water in a clean spray bottle. Spritz the windows and use newspaper or a microfibre cloth to wipe away the spray for a spotless, streak-free shine.

Clean Your Closets

While you’re in the mood for cleaning, open up your closets and organize them. Remove your heavier winter clothes to make room for your lighter-weight sweaters for spring. 

Remove anything you haven’t worn in a year, give it to charity, or sell it. Invest in some baskets to help organize everything and use free spaces for additional storage. While you’re at it, sweep the floor. 

Remove the Boot Tray

That crusty old boot tray in your entry can be removed and stored away until the fall. Take the tray outside, shake it well, then rinse out all the crusty mess. Vacuum the floor, and wash away any salty, dirty boot residue to remove all evidence of the messy winter. 

Contact Maid4Condos for Residential Cleaning Services

If spring cleaning isn’t your idea of fun, call the team at Maid4Condos residential cleaning services to perform a deep cleaning for your entire home. To learn more, visit our website or contact us here.

If you’re finding your stress levels are rising, it’s time to look at your life to figure out why. One thing many stressed-out people fail to realize is that the environment where they work and live can contribute to stress, especially when the spaces you spend most of your time in are reaching unruly levels of mess. 

While you might not be conscious of your surroundings because you’re so busy, research proves that a neat and tidy environment, and even the act of cleaning itself, can positively impact your mental health. 

In this article, we will look at ten reasons to finally take control and reduce the mess in your life.

1.A sense of control is stress-relieving

First, stress is often heightened when we experience a feeling that we are not in control. However, when you’re living in a constant mess, cleaning is something you actually can control. Therefore, by cleaning, you not only reap the benefits of living in an organized environment, but also feel more in control, thus reducing stress.

2. Clutter is a constant distraction

When you think about how your mind feels when you’re stressed, it’s like a million different disorganized thoughts constantly bombarding you and fighting for attention. Mess and clutter work very much in the same way, creating a feeling of chaos that you can’t escape. 

When you reduce clutter in your home, you also reduce clutter in your mind, as you aren’t distracted by the endless reminder that you are not keeping up with your daily tasks. The clutter also limits your ability to process information. So, if you work from home, it’s even more important to keep things neat and tidy. Uncluttered work areas increase productivity and make it easier to work because you can process information efficiently.

3. Mess and clutter impact mood

A clean home reduces anxiety. As mentioned above, clutter is a distraction that constantly reminds you that there is too much work and not enough time to tackle it. When you clean your home, you feel happier, as the weight is lifted off your shoulders and you have less to do.

4. Cleanliness smells good

If you’re familiar with aromatherapy or are a scented candle fanatic, then you know how scent can positively impact your mood. Dirty homes don’t smell great, and even if you don’t notice the smell, your subconscious does. 

When your home is clean and fresh, it smells good and helps improve your mood. Clean smells, like pleasant soaps and cleaning products that you associate with cleanliness, reduce nervousness and anxiety, while helping you feel more motivated and positive.

5. Better sleep

Stress is infamous for making it difficult to sleep. If you are constantly tossing and turning in a messy bedroom with less than fresh sheets, you can improve your rest by cleaning your room and making your bed with a clean set of sheets. 

The physical activity of cleaning and making your bed helps you feel more relaxed or even a little sleepy, so you can sink into those clean sheets and enjoy a good night’s sleep.

6. Cleaning as meditation

Instead of seeing cleaning as a chore, you can use it as a form of meditation to focus on calmness and the idea of accomplishment. Mindfulness is a handy method to keep yourself calm and free of anxiety. It teaches you to focus on the moment instead of letting your brain wander to anxiety-inducing thoughts. 

When you clean, you can focus on each task one by one, so you remain in the moment and help ease your mind. Doing a little each day is an excellent way to use cleaning to train yourself on mindful practices to reduce stress, become more focused, and remain in control of your life.

7. A burst of endorphins

The act of cleaning is also a form of exercise. When you exercise, you release endorphins, which are the feel-good chemicals that our bodies produce naturally. They interact with your brain’s receptors, thus creating a positive feeling. 

In fact, endorphins can even fight pain. Including regular cleaning in your daily activities can reduce stress and lessen the risk of depression and anxiety.

8. 100% satisfaction (almost) guaranteed

Cleaning offers a true sense of satisfaction, even in small doses. You help create a more livable space where you can relax. Tackling messes is also very therapeutic as it releases those positive endorphins and creates a sense of pride in your work. 

Something as simple as washing dishes, sweeping the floor, or tidying messy papers on the coffee table is very satisfying and are tangible actions that provide measurable results.

9. A happier home and relationships

It’s often said, “Happy wife, happy life.” However, it can also be a happy husband, happy partner, happy kids, or even a happy roommate. The people you live with all feel better in a clean home. 

Messes can harness resentment that builds day after day. You could wonder why no one is cleaning while others are actually thinking the same. You might long for a clean home, but are too stubborn to be the one who “always” cleans or vice versa. Or, even worse, you live with someone who is literally oblivious to the mess. 

When the home is clean, however, no one feels resentment. There is an underlying sense of calm because there is no clutter. All of the points above benefit the entire home, so everyone is happier, calmer, and resentment-free.

10. Improved physical health

There’s much to be said about how good health helps to reduce stress. When you suffer from aches and pains or are always sick or exhausted, it adds to your anxiety. Luckily, cleaning contributes to improved physical health in several ways, such as:

• The release of endorphins (as already mentioned).
• Physical activity can get your heart rate up to reduce the risk of heart disease.
• Fewer germs and bacteria in the home can make you sick, including E-coli, staphylococcus, and corynebacterium, and of course, flu, colds, and COVID-19.
• Reduced allergy and asthma symptoms with the removal of dust and allergens in the home.
• Reduced risk for disease-carrying pests attracted to food and dirt, especially in the kitchen or wherever you leave dirty dishes lying around.  
• Improved sleep.

As you can see, a clean home helps to reduce stress and also keeps you healthier and happier. 

If you want to get a good start on keeping your home clean, Maid4Condos offers the deep cleaning services in Toronto that you need to make your daily cleaning more manageable. For more information, you can call us at 647-822-0601 or contact us online.