Monthly Archives: June 2010

Self-cleaning microwave oven?

Loosen up gunk and grease splattered inside your microwave by following this simple tip. Fill a pyrex measuring cup or other microwave safe bowl with one cup water and put in microwave on high for three minutes. This should bring the water to a boil. Let it set in microwave for several minutes with the door closed.

Then, wet a sponge or soft rag with a tablespoon of vinegar.  If you need a degreaser, add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to it. Wipe microwave clean with the rag or sponge. The microwave will practically clean itself. Now that was easy! 

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.

iSmudged. How to clean an iPad

iSmudged
1: how your iPad touch screen appears from oily fingerprints.

All of that intimate iPad touching leaves behind a lot of fingerprints and many owners wondering how to safely clean their new favorite companion. It turns out the screen has an “oleophobic” coating, which means it is resistant to oils. That’s good while the coating lasts, as it can simply be wiped clean with a dry cloth. We recommend using microfiber cleaning cloths, which leave behind no lint or dust.  You can also use a cloth slighty dampened with distilled water, but you must first turn off and unplug the device. Any cleaners other than distilled water may damage your iPad. When in doubt consult the manufacturer. See below!

There many brands of microfiber cleaning cloths such as 3M, Scotch-Brite, Zwipes, Peak, etc. which can be found at Walmart, Menards, Home Depot, Ace Hardware, office supply stores, electronics stores, and online.

Here are cleaning instructions direct from Apple’s 154 page iPad user guide:
“To clean iPad, unplug all cables and turn off iPad (press and hold the Sleep/ Wake button, and then slide the onscreen slider). Then use a soft, slightly damp, lint-free cloth. Avoid getting moisture in openings. Don’t use window cleaners, household cleaners, aerosol sprays, solvents, alcohol, ammonia, or abrasives to clean iPad. iPad has an oleophobic coating on the screen; simply wipe the iPad screen with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove oil left by your hands. The ability of this coating to repel oil will diminish over time with normal usage, and rubbing the screen with an abrasive material will further diminish its effect and may scratch your screen.”

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.

Set your ceiling fans counterclockwise for the summer


During the summer, your ceiling fans should be set to turn counterclockwise, which will push the cooler air down and draw the warmer air up. Running a fan will help your air conditioner work less, which will in reduce your cooling bill. It is more energy efficient to run a fan and your air conditioner than the air conditioner alone.

Keep your ceiling fan blades clean too so the motor will expend less energy turning the blades. To clean your ceiling fans, prepare a simple solution of dishwashing liquid and water in a bucket. To reach the fan you will need a step stool or ladder. Climb up the step stool or ladder and dust off the blades with a Swiffer or feather duster. Then, wipe them clean with a rag dampened in your cleaning solution.

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.

How to get rid of vacuum cleaner odor

Is your vacuum cleaner a little stinky? Try these tips to freshen it up and make your whole home smell nice. Martha Stewart Living suggests dabbing a cotton ball with essential oil, and putting it inside your empty vacuum bag. Those with bagless vacuums can put a few drops directly on the filter. Use essential oil sparingly because less is more. There are endless varieties. If the thought of a Florida orange grove entices you, try orange oil.

Eucalyptus or tea tree oils will give you an instant pine forest type of fragrance.

Another idea is to sprinkle some baking soda on your carpeting and vacuum it up.

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.

green cleaning idea #4 – window cleaner

 

As an alternative to Windex or other ammonia-based window cleaners, try mixing up your own green window cleaner. Add 1 cup of white vinegar and 1 cup of warm water to a bucket or an empty spray bottle, and clean the windows as usual. The acetic acid in the vinegar will dissolve the dirt on the windows.

This window cleaner is similar to our green general cleaner. However, it is a more concentrated solution of vinegar to water.

Also see our blog entry how to clean windows.

To schedule a cleaning with Maid in Chicago or for a FREE quote, give us a call at (312) 829-9600. You can also visit our website maidinchicago.us and fill out our online form.