Tag Archives: clean

When to Change Air Conditioner Filters

While most of the country is enduring an extreme heat wave, this is a good time to point out that air filters need to be changed more often in summer in central air conditioning systems. A general rule of thumb is that they should be changed every 1-3 months. Follow these rules:

1. Inspect your air filter monthly and only change it if it looks dirty. See the photos below and compare.

1. Write down the dates when you change your filters, and you will get a better idea of what is normal for your home. You will notice that in spring and fall you can get by changing the filters less. Your filter will get dirtier if you have pets, live in a high pollution area, or like to keep the windows open. This includes your balcony window.

3. Avoid purchasing low-end filters. Instead, choose ones that have a higher MERV (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value). These high efficiency filters will do a better job, but will need to be replaced more often.

Also see our post Change Your Furnace Filter for a Cleaner Home

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 Clean Your Dishwasher

No, we’re not kidding! Your dishwasher needs to be cleaned every now and then. Over a period of time soap scum, grease, and gunk from your dirty dishes gets stuck on the door, sides, bottom, and drain area. I find it really handy to grab one of those dish scrub brushes with a long handle to get into all of the nooks and crannies. Sprinkle some baking soda on the areas to be cleaned. You can also add a squirt of dishwashing liquid. Scrub with the brush, and then wipe with a wet sponge or dish rag. Also, check for and remove any debris that may be plugging the drain. This could save you a visit from the repairman.

When finished scrubbing, add a cup of vinegar to a dishwasher safe coffee cup and set it on the top rack of the dishwasher. Run the (almost) empty dishwasher through one cycle.

Hint: A little preventative maintenance goes a long way. Rinsing dishes, at least the worst offenders, will help keep the drain unclogged and the dishwasher cleaner.

Also see our post titled Quick Tip to Deodorize Dishwashers

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.

Earth Day Every Day – 6 Tips

Over the past year we have been busy writing about greener cleaning methods. Most of the ideas involve using natural cleaners and producing less waste.  Incorporating these methods into your routine will make you more earth friendly, save you money, and make your home less toxic.

1.  Eco window cleaning. Did you know that there is a preferred method to clean windows without using a single sheet of paper towels or even a squirt of Windex? All you need is a squeegee, a sponge, two buckets, some vinegar, water, and a soft cleaning cloth or two. See our post: How to clean windows

2. Baking soda as an oven cleaner. Instead of reaching for oven cleaner, which is caustic, first try sprinkling some baking soda on the stovetop and clean with a damp scrub pad. See our post: Green cleaning idea #2 – mild oven cleaner

3. Use cleaning cloths more, and paper towels less. See our posts: Cleaning Cloths 101, Everything you always wanted to know about microfiber cleaning cloths

4. Don’t clean hardwood floors with disposable Swiffer pads. I’ll admit, I love Swiffer advertising as much as the next person, but let’s be honest. These are products that create more landfill waste. Instead, mop your floors with a string mop or a Bona mop, which can be laundered over and over again. See our post: How to clean hardwood floors

5. Mix your own general cleaner. One thing our cleaning company does is purchase concentrated chemicals and mix our own cleaners into refillable spray bottles. This is not only cost efficient, but the spray bottles are used over and over again. The most earth friendly general cleaner you can use is vinegar and water. You can also mix a simple solution of dishwashing liquid and water to use as a degreaser. See our post: Green cleaning idea #1 – general cleaner

6. Use a dishwasher rather than washing dishes by hand. Dishwashers use less energy, soap, and water than if you were to wash them by hand. Install an energy efficient dishwasher, and run it only when it is full. Also, avoid using the dry cycle. You can prop the door open after the final rinse cycle, and the dishes will dry by themselves.

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 Clean Moldy Caulking

Lately we’ve been discussing how to clean and maintain marble surfaces and grout. (“Don’t Take it for Granite. How to Avoid Damaging Fine Stone Surfaces.” “How to Clean Marble Grout”, and “Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mold in Showers“)

Mold is clearly a concern that surfaces. In fact, Dan Lundstedt from Sir Grout cites mold as the number one reason people call his company. He  offered us some more tips, this time how to clean moldy caulking. His tips apply for caulking in any bathroom, whether there is marble or not.

Photos of Hotel Center 1, Rome
Photo above by TripAdvisor.com

Dan: Make a mild bleach solution by mixing one part bleach to five or more parts water. Wet a soft cleaning cloth with the solution and wipe the caulking. Let it set for a few minutes after application, then rinse.

Unfortunately moldy caulking turns into an uphill battle. Once mold forms on caulking it will generally keep reappearing until the caulking is replaced.  The more you clean it the more it gets compromised, and it is more susceptible to mold.

Never scrub caulking because it will break the seal, which may lead to water damage. Moldy caulking that will not come clean may need to be replaced. Caulking does break down over time and typically should be replaced every two years.

Maid in Chicago: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends cleaning mold with a bleach solution of no more than a cup of bleach to a gallon of water. This is the equivalent of filling a 32 fl.oz spray bottle with water and 2 oz. of bleach.

Caulking is a do-it-yourself project many home owners can tackle themselves. However, if you would prefer to have a professional handle it, contact Dan at Sir Grout:

Dan Lundstedt
Owner – Sir Grout and Tile Care
work: (847) 597-8171
cell: (847) 909-4479
e-mail: dan@sirgrout.com
sirgrout.com

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.

Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mold in Showers

This is a follow-up to our post “How to Clean Marble Grout,” in which we interviewed Dan Lundstedt from Sir Grout. Dan is a wealth of information and kindly offered us all some more advice.

Dan: Prolonged moisture is the enemy in the shower. Here are my Top 5 Tips to Prevent Mold in Showers.

1. Turn on the bathroom fan while showering, and leave it on while you are getting ready.

2. After you are finished showering, leave the shower door open to let the steam escape.

3. For the best daily maintenance, squeegee or towel dry your shower after each use.

4. Learn from the pros in hotels. Consider installing a fan timer in your bathroom. They are great!

5. Wipe caulk lines and trouble areas with a mild bleach solution (1 part bleach to 5 or more parts water).

Maid in Chicago: The Center for Disease Control (CDC) actually recommends cleaning mold with a bleach solution of no more than a cup of bleach to a gallon of water. This is the equivalent of filling a 32 fl.oz spray bottle with water and 2 oz. of bleach.

Thanks again Dan for your great information.

If you need some professional grout and tile care, please contact Dan:

Dan Lundstedt
Owner – Sir Grout and Tile Care
work: (847) 597-8171
cell: (847) 909-4479
e-mail: dan@sirgrout.com
sirgrout.com

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 Clean Marble Grout

This is a follow-up to our post “Don’t Take it for Granite. How to Avoid Damaging Fine Stone Surfaces.” I turned to no other than Dan Lundstedt, two-time winner of Sir Grouts’ “Top Franchise Award” (2009, 2010) for some professional advice on how to clean marble grout. Dan is a franchise owner of Sir Grout, an industry leader in grout and tile care.

Maid in Chicago:
What is grout and why is it so tricky to clean?

Dan: Grout is the porous material between tiles. In a shower, grout can absorb mineral deposits, soaps, etc. causing discoloration over time. Prolonged exposure to moisture also causes mold to form in the grout lines, which can be a difficult problem to remedy.

In floor tiles dirt often collects because the grout lines are lower
than the rest of the floor. When floors are mopped, this is where all of the dirty water pools. It is then absorbed by this porous surface leaving unsightly grout lines.


(“before” photo by Sir Grout)


(“after” photo by Sir Grout)

Maid in Chicago:
Maintenance is key to avoid discoloration and staining of grout. What type of cleaner do you recommend?

Dan: Stone should be maintained with a PH-neutral maintenance cleaning solution. Sir Grout’s brand (which you can purchase from me!) is formulated to work on all natural stone, grout, tile, and counter tops.  It is also soapless to prevent residual soap scum, and contains surfactants to help keep the surfaces cleaner longer between cleanings.

To clean shower tiles, wet a cleaning cloth with cleaning solution and wipe the surface. If you are fighting mold and discoloration, a soft toothbrush can be used, but don’t scrub the caulking since that will break the seal and cause more issues and possible water damage.

For marble floors I recommend using a microfiber mop rather than a sponge mop or string mop. Microfibers trap the dirt and prevent it from accumulating in the grout. Alternatively you can wrap a towel around a mop stick, or simply wipe the floors by hand with a towel.

Maid in Chicago:
When is it time to call a professional to clean the grout?

Dan: I like to use an analogy that stained grout is like a dirty sponge. It can be an uphill battle cleaning it because the cleaner tends to work on the surface area dirt. Customers sometimes tell me that after they have cleaned the grout it can appear dirty again after only a few weeks or months. This is due to the grout being more porous after being scrubbed and cleaned with chemicals. When it is poorly stained it is better to call a professional.

We have a process of steam cleaning the grout. Sir Grout steam cleans all grout lines to kill the mold and mildew, then replaces any grout if necessary. Once the grout surface is clean, we seal it with the company’s proprietary color sealant. These tinted sealants are stain, water, mold, and mildew resistant. They restore the original color and keep water from penetrating into the surface of the grout. This prevents future discoloration, leaks, and water damage.

Also, if you see grout cracking or falling out, it is definitely time to have a professional take a look at it.

Maid in Chicago:
Thanks Dan for your helpful information.

If you would like to purchase Sir Grout’s cleaning product or set up an appointment, please contact Dan:

Dan Lundstedt
Owner – Sir Grout and Tile Care
work: (847) 597-8171
cell: (847) 909-4479
e-mail: dan@sirgrout.com
sirgrout.com

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.

Don’t Take it for Granite. How to Avoid Damaging Fine Stone Surfaces.

granite counters

With the many stunning varieties of marble and granite that are available now a days, it’s no wonder they are “must haves” in most modern kitchens and bathrooms. They are easily the most beautiful investment you can make in your home.  However, without proper care these surfaces are easily scratched, chipped, stained, or etched. And the price to repair them can be costly.

General Care

For daily maintenance of marble and granite, dampen a soft sponge or cleaning cloth with warm water and a neutral, ph-balanced cleaner, and wipe the surface clean. A mild dishwashing liquid works fine; Ivory is an ideal brand choice because it contains no dyes. Alternatively, you can use a specially formulated granite or marble cleaner. Avoid using anything acidic such as vinegar or cleaners containing orange or lemon. Use nothing abrasive on them such as cleansers or Scotch-Brite pads. Never use products containing hydrofluoric acid. (note: the same general care also applies to cleaning limestone, concrete, and DuPont™ Corian®.)

Countertops and vanities

Wipe counters and vanities following above general care instructions. Use a coaster under beverages. Clean up any spills immediately because acidic foods such as coffee, wine, orange juice, soft drinks, mustard, and tomato-based products can etch and dull natural stone.

Floors

Marble floors need to be dry dust mopped or vacuumed frequently to avoid scratching them up. Place an area rug or mat near the entrance to capture dirt and minimize it being tracked indoors. Don’t wear your shoes while indoors! Damp mop the floors with a solution of warm water and mild dishwashing liquid or a ph-balanced cleaner designed for stone.

Bath Areas

Clean marble bath tiles and floors following same general care instructions. Use a squeegee and a commercial descaling product formulated for stone to remove heavy soap scum and hard water deposits. Daily use of a squeegee is also recommended. If possible, avoid stocking your bathroom with any harsh bathroom cleaners that could accidentally damage your marble.

For more detailed information check out the Marble Institute of America‘s website.

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.

Cleaning up Christmas tree needles

Cheap_Tree_-Bags_L

Sticky Christmas tree needles are messy. Try to avoid vacuuming them up because they can get stuck inside your vacuum cleaner and ruin it. Instead, sweep them with a broom into a dust pan.

You may want to consider purchasing some Christmas tree removal bags too, which are sold at some hardware stores and online at Christmas Decorations & Gifts Store.com (pictured above) or Amazon.com from $2.99 and up per bag. Tuck one around the tree stand and put the tree skirt on top of it. After the holidays are over, simply pull the bag up and over the tree and neatly dispose of it. You can then avoid cleaning up a trail of needles throughout your home.  Residents of the city of Chicago can recycle their tree at a participating site where they will be chipped and made into mulch.

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.

Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly for a Cleaner Home

filter_group

Change Your Furnace Filter Regularly for a Cleaner Home

This is the time of year when we start noticing homes with furnace filters that need to be changed. Furnaces with clogged filters spew out more dust particles and quickly make your home dusty. Particle buildup decreases the efficiency of your heater too. A general rule of thumb is that disposable fiberglass panel or electrostatic panel filters need to be changed every 1-3 months. Pleated filters last longer, from 3-12 months. Replacement filters can be purchased at stores such as Ace Hardware, Target, and Home Depot.

For more information about furnace filters, check out FurnaceCompare.

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.

Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

We recently received some samples of Clorox Disinfecting Wipes, and it got me thinking about ways to avoid getting sick this year. I’m a firm believer in flu shots, and when exposed to sick family or colleagues I’ll take a preemptive dose of vitamin C or E to build up my immunity. The wipes may be another line of defense to add to your arsenal.

The packaging states that the product:

  • kills cold and flu viruses
  • disinfects household kitchen and bathroom bacteria
  • kills 99.9% of bacteria in 30 seconds

Since disinfecting the sick person isn’t an option, you may want to wipe off community items they touch such as door knobs, cabinet handles, telephones, remote controls, toilets, faucets, and light switches. If you are the sick one, it would be a good idea to wipe off your own personal items too such as cell phones, iPods, iPads, and other portable devices to avoid reinfecting yourself.

I’ve noticed grocery stores offering disinfecting wipes at entrances to sanitize grocery carts, which is a nice gesture considering they are known to be some of the nastiest public items to touch. The wipes would be great to use in cars as well. Clorox sells portable versions too which they advertise as good to use in schools and on airplanes. They wouldn’t hurt to use at the gym either.

Keep in mind that disinfecting wipes are not a substitute for cleaning surfaces. In fact, the packaging recommends cleaning the surface first before disinfecting or sanitizing it. Indeed, I found out when cleaning off my keyboard and phones at the office that they tended to spread the dust around. One thing nice about the wipes is that they are safe on multiple surfaces including sinks, counters, and hardwood.

They are, however, yet another disposable product you may or may not wish to stock. For a more environmentally friendly alternative you could always spray a cleaning cloth with disinfectant cleaner and wash it in your washing machine.

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.