Tag Archives: cleaning

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.

Quick Tip to Deodorize Dishwashers

Arm & Hammer has a good idea for deodorizing and cleaning dishwashers:

“Relax. There’s no need to run the dishwasher just yet! Sprinkle a handful of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda on the dishes or in the bottom of the dishwasher to absorb food odors just lingering in the dishwasher.  Double duty!  Use Arm & Hammer Baking Soda to deodorize before you run the dishwasher and then as a gentle cleanser in the wash cycle.”

Of course this is not a substitute for cleaning your dishwasher!

There are many other tips for using Arm & Hammer as a cleaner in the kitchen on their web site.

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 a Moldy Shower Curtain Liner

Here is an easy way to remove mold and mildew from a vinyl shower curtain liner. Simply throw it in the washing machine, and add a cup of chlorine bleach to your detergent. When it comes out,  hang it back up in the shower to dry. Do not put it in the dryer.

If that doesn’t work you’ll need to scrub it with a plastic brush. We recommend using a cleaning solution of 10 parts water to one part bleach.

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.

Everything you always wanted to know about microfiber cleaning cloths

The number of cleaning applications for microfiber seems to be growing. In homes, microfiber cleaning clothes are great for dusting and general cleaning. Microfiber also has very specific applications such as cleaning sensitive photographic lenses and detailing cars. Martha Stewart recommends using them in particular on “surfaces prone to scratching, such as computer and television screens and stainless steel appliances.” Lately, microfibers appear in popular Rubbermaid wet mop heads (see our blog Wet Mop Brand Recommendations), and Apple recommends using the cloths for cleaning iPads.

wonder cloth

(pictured above is the Wonder Cloth by ACS)

To learn more about the properties, uses, and care for microfiber cleaning cloths, I turned to an expert who is also our supplier, Ted Parish of ACS. Below is a summary of a recent interview with him.

What is a microfiber? By definition a microfiber is a synthetic fiber less than one denier. For comparison purposes the size of a human hair is about 10 denier. Unlike cotton yarns, which are measured by a “count” (think of those 300 thread count or more Egyptian cotton bed sheets), the denier measurement scale goes in the opposite direction, so the lower the denier the finer the thread. Because microfiber is thinner than cotton, the space between threads is larger, which enables the cloths to pick up more dirt or absorb more water. These properties make it excellent for cleaning.

What do you use them for? When microfiber first came out its big claim to fame was that you could use the cloths on glass and mirrors without any water. For cleaning purposes manufacturers actually recommend that you first dampen them with water and wring them out before  using them to wipe counters, stove tops, and other things. Dry the clean surface with a separate dry microfiber cleaning cloth or larger microfiber bath towel. The cleaning cloths are also really good for dusting because contrary to cotton, they attract dust and leave no residue.

I heard that you need to be careful when laundering and drying them. Machine wash them just like you would colors. Do not use any bleach or fabric softener. The oils in softener will clog up the fibers. They will last longer if you air dry rather than machine dry them.

Where can we buy them? Feel free to call me, Ted Parish, at ACS tel: (888) 374-5250 x2,       e-mail me at Americanchair@yahoo.com, or check out our website at acshomeandwork.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.

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.

green cleaning idea #3 – drain cleaner

To unclog a sink or tub try this environmentally friendly drain cleaner. Pour 1 cup of baking soda down the drain. Follow it with 1 cup of hot vinegar. Let it set for a few minutes, and then pour a kettle of boiling water down the drain. Repeat if necessary.

Hint: Instead of throwing away the baking soda used as a freshener in your refrigerator, extend the life of it by reusing it as a drain cleaner.

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.