Cleaning Hints & Tips

There is nothing like a cluttered kitchen filled with piles of dirty crockery and glasses and splattered with food stains to make you feel depressed. The amount of cleaning needed almost feels overwhelming! But don’t panic – if you follow these simple tips, keeping your kitchen clean should become a simple and easy task.

Step 1
Before tackling anything, first make sure that you assemble all the necessary supplies and equipment as looking for these things later will not only make the process take longer but may also distract you and make you forget vital tasks. Things you will need will include:

• All-Purpose cleaner or kitchen cleaner
• Sponges, Cleaning Cloths and Scrubbers
• Paper Towels,
• Rubber Gloves
• Oven Cleaner
• Dishwashing Detergent
• Broom & Dustpan
• Vacuum Cleaner
• Mop & Mop Bucket
• Mopping Solution for your floor type

Step 2
Fill your sink with a solution of hot water and dishwashing detergent. If you have a double-sink, then make sure that you use the side that does not contain the disposal unit, as you may need this for getting rid of left-overs and other rubbish later on.

Step 3
Scrape all the plates and bowls clean and push their contents either down the sink disposal unit or into the rubbish bin.

Step 4
Place all dirty crockery and cutlery into the sink of hot, soapy water to soak. Place the most heavily-soiled dishes in first. If you have large pans and pots that won’t fit in the sink, simply fill them with the same solution of hot water and detergent and leave them to soak on the counter.

Step 5
Use the time, while the crockery and cutlery are soaking, to go through the kitchen, clearing countertops and returning any clean or used items to the pantry, fridge, cupboards and drawers. Put any rubbish into the bin.

Step 6
Now, if you are using a dishwasher, decide which pieces of crockery and cutlery can be safely washed by the machine and load the dishwasher. Certain very heavily-soiled or very large items may need to be washed by hand, as will anything that is not made of a material that is ‘dishwasher-safe’.

You may also not wish to use a dishwasher or not have one – in this case, try to get help from other family members and form an assembly line for washing, rinsing, drying and putting away the crockery and cutlery. This will speed things up significantly. If you don’t have someone to help you dry up, you can place washed items on a draining board or a clean, dry tea towel spread out on the counter, to drip dry.

Step 7
Using moistened sponges or cleaning cloths, wipe down the countertops and appliances. You may need to use a kitchen cleaner or some hot, soapy water to help you if there are stubborn stains. Rinse your cloths and wipe again, until all traces of detergent or cleaner have been removed. Do the sink last – rinse it clear of any food and detergent and wipe over with a sponge.

Step 8
For a more thorough clean, you may like to tackle the oven at this point – follow the manufacturer’s instructions on your oven cleaner for the best results. If you do not have a commercial oven cleaner, using some baking soda and water will be just as effective and will not involve any chemicals. If you have a microwave, wipe the insides and wash out any stains on the rotating dish. Check your toaster and remove any crumbs collecting at the bottom.

Step 9
Depending on the type of flooring you have, vacuum or sweep away any debris and then follow with a wet mop, using the right kind of cleaning solution for your floor type (in many cases, just mild detergent and hot water).

Step 10
Finally, if the bin is full or contains food with particularly strong odours, take the rubbish outside and reline the bin with a fresh bag.

Obviously, the more people in a household, the longer the cleaning process is likely to take but there should be more helpers too! Dividing the different tasks and delegating can really speed things up as well as teaching family members the importance of individual responsibility in a group situation.

In addition, getting every member of the household to clear and rinse out their own plates and bowls immediately after each meal (even if they don’t do the whole washing up) will help to speed up the cleaning process and prevent you having to spend ages fighting congealed, dry food stuck onto crockery.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

We use our computers constantly in modern life and tend to take it for granted but it needs to be looked after and cleaned on a regular basis just like other household equipment and appliances. Always make sure that you shut down the computer and switch off the power before starting any kind of cleaning.

Cleaning the Keyboard
First, unplug the keyboard from the computer and then turn it upside down and gently shake it to loosen any debris such as grit, food crumbs and dust that may be trapped under the individual keys. If you have a can of compressed air, spray this between the keys or you can also use a vacuum cleaner, with specialised vacuum attachments for dealing with small crevices. If you do not have either, try using a small, soft-bristled brush, such as an old toothbrush to work between the individual keys but take care and go slowly.

Next, wipe the keyboard with a damp cloth and use a cotton swap between the keys. If you have stains on the keyboard, such as ink, try using a ball of cotton wool saturated with rubbing alcohol or a commercial alcohol wipe. For stains from drinks, such as coffee, make sure that you tackle these immediately – save any data you are working on (using the mouse rather than key stroke commands) and then quickly unplug the keyboard and turn it upside down to enable as much liquid as possible to drip off the keyboard. Then wipe it clean with a damp cloth.

Cleaning the Computer Screen
For this job, it is best to use a soft, anti-static cloth and a specially formulated screen cleaner. Check your manual first to determine exactly what kind of screen you have, as many screen have an anti-glare coating, which can be damaged if you use a household cleaner (even traditional glass cleaners). This is especially important in laptop computers. If your screen is anti-glare, it is better to just use a soft cloth dampened with plain water. (But make sure that you go over the screen with a dry cloth at the end, to prevent watermarks and streaking).

Always make sure that you spray any liquids onto the cloth and not directly onto any part of the computer! Alternatively, you can buy commercial screen wipes especially designed for general computer cleaning. If you are using these, always wipe your screen first and then the keyboard, the mouse and finally, the casing.

Anti-static sprays are very popular and work on the principle that they leave a neutral charge after cleaning, so that there is no positive or negative charge to attract dust particles. While some people question their effectiveness, they can be a good investment.

Cleaning the CPU
Start with the vacuum cleaner to clean all cooling slots of collected dust – do not use compressed air here as it can force large amounts of dust back inside the CPU, which has an abrasive action like pouring in lots of fine sand. Keeping the vents clean is very important as it helps to maximise airflow and thus improve cooling, which is the key in maintaining the longevity of the CPU.

Wipe the outside casing with a soft cloth that has been dampened with plain water or with a specially formulated computer cleaning fluid. Remember, always spray the cleaning fluid onto the cloth and not directly onto your computer equipment. For inside the casing, use compressed air only as any slight mistake with the vacuum or a brush or cloth can cause serious, permanent damage to the processor. Remember also to always check your warranty before starting to take your computer apart.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Most people dread cleaning their bathrooms yet it is a room where hygiene and cleanliness is very important and should therefore be cleaned on a weekly basis or even more frequently if it is heavily used, such as in a busy household with many family members.

In fact, most bathrooms are made of materials that are designed to be easy to clean – for example, tiles and porcelain surfaces are stain resistant if they are kept clean of dirt and scum build-up. Thus, by following a few simple steps, keeping you bathroom clean should become easier and less of a chore.

Bathtubs and Showers
For bathtubs, you need to first determine what it is made of – most new models are made of fibreglass and acrylic and with these, you have to be especially careful of scratching the surface; only use a commercial fibre-glass cleaning product or a non-abrasive liquid cleanser, applying with a damp sponge and rinsing liberally with clean water. If your tub is older, it might be made of porcelain-on-cast-iron or porcelain-on-steel. These should also be cleaned using a non-abrasive powder or liquid cleaner, as they may not be acid- and alkaline-resistant. If you get a stubborn “ring” around the bathtub, cover it with a paste made of cream of tartar and hydrogen peroxide, wait until it dries and then wipe it off. This paste can also be used to tackle rust stains around the drain and taps, although you can also use a commercial rust remover. Finally, don’t forget to remove any hairs stuck in the drain to prevent clogging and flooding.

Showers, especially those with glass enclosures, can be a chore to keep clean. The glass shower doors and walls can be cleaned with a sponge dipped in white vinegar, which will help to keep them sparkling. This solution will also help to remove any hard-water deposits. For the tiled walls, run the shower on the hottest water temperature and soak the walls – the steam will help to loosen the dirt. Then using a mixture of ½ cup vinegar, 1 cup clear ammonia and ¼ baking powder, all mixed in 1 gallon of warm water, apply to the tiles with a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.

Remember, even if there is frustrating scum stuck to the walls and edges, resist the temptation to use harsh abrasive powders and steel wool pads. Instead, use a solution of 1 cup liquid fabric softener mixed with 1 quart of warm water, which will loosen and clean the soap scum. If you get mineral deposits in your shower head, remove it from the main apparatus, take it apart and soak it in vinegar before loosening the deposits with an old toothbrush. You can even clean the holes by sticking a wire, pin or toothpick through them individually. The best way to keep showers clean is through daily good habits and prevention – for example, wiping the shower walls with a towel after each shower and leaving the shower door slightly open to allow air to circulate – to discourage the growth of mildew.

Toilets
You can buy special toilet cleaners at your supermarket or hardware store – or you can use a chlorine bleach solution, although take great care if using the latter – always wear gloves and eye protection, keep the area well-ventilated and NEVER mix with ammonia-based products – this can release toxic gases. Be careful also of splashing any cleaning solution on other bathroom surfaces and make sure that it is thoroughly rinsed from the toilet bowl after cleaning. Never use any toilet cleaners in the bathtub or sink as the chemicals can damage the finish in those areas.

As most toilet bowels and tanks are made of vitreous china, they tend to be non-porous and easily cleaned. Pour your cleaning solution into the toilet bowl (e.g. ½ cup chlorine bleach) and let it stand for 10 minutes, then scrub with a long-handled toilet brush, paying particular attention to any stains or hard scum. An easy way to clean toilets overnight is to put two denture cleanser tablets into the bowl or ¼ borax and then scrub the toilet in the morning.

Countertops and Mirrors
As bathroom countertops have to withstand assault from a variety of substances, from hairspray to toothpaste, they are usually made of strong, inert, stain-resistant materials such as ceramic tile, cultured marble and plastic laminate. Not only are these materials durable, they are also very easy to clean. Most will respond well to just a regular wipe with a sponge moistened with water. If you have a plastic laminate countertop and it has become particularly dirty, you can use the abrasive side of a wet scrubbing pad to gently rub away grease and grime, before wiping with the sponge side. A bit of baking soda can also help to shift stubborn spots and stains. If your countertop is cultured marble, avoid using any abrasives as these materials can scratch easily, making it more likely to trap dirt and stain in the future.

Mirrors are often the focal point of a bathroom so it is important to keep them clean and sparkling. You can purchase a glass cleaner from the supermarket or hardware store specifically for this purpose or you can just use some vinegar mixed with warm water, applied with a sponge or sprayed directly onto the glass, followed by buffing with a lint-free cloth or paper towel. Crumpled newspaper can also be used as the ink will act as a polish.

Your weekly bathroom clean-up will be made a lot easier if you can keep up good habits during the week – for example, always rinse out the bathtub or shower enclosure immediately after using it to remove as much soap residue as possible and prevent the build-up of scum.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Upholstered furniture may be comfortable and attractive but they can also be a hassle to keep looking nice and clean. Regular attention and quick action around any staining is the key combined with an occasional “deep clean” which may involve shampooing the fabric.

Dust
This is a common enemy (dust can settle on upholstered furniture just as on hard surfaces) and needs to be tackled on a regular basis, at least once a month. Otherwise, it will solidify into grime that is harder to remove and may leave permanent stains and discolourations.

Use a vacuum cleaner with the correct attachments (the upholstery nozzle and the crevice tool) or a brush, although this is less ideal as it will also scatter dust around the room and into the air. Note, though, that if you have any cushions that are filled with down, only vacuum them if they are lined with a down-proof ticking, as otherwise the vacuum may suck the down out. In this case, it may be better to use the brush.

Shampooing Your Upholstery
Most modern upholstery comes with labels or tags, which explain how it should be cleaned, via “Fabric Cleaning Codes” – and it is best to follow these instructions. Sometime, fabric will be marked “Dry-Clean Only” but otherwise, most fabrics can be safely shampooed at home.

Nowadays, it is possible to purchase specially formulated upholstery shampoos from your local hardware store or even supermarket that are remarkably effective and very easy and convenient to use. However, if you wish, you can also make do with a homemade version:

• Make up a solution of ¼ cup liquid dishwashing or laundry detergent and 1 cup of warm water.
• Whip this up (using a hand mixer) until dry suds form, so that it looks like whipped cream.
• Apply the dry suds to a small, inconspicuous test area on your upholstery using a cloth or soft brush. Scrub lightly and then allow to dry. Ideally, the area should look the same but cleaner. If this is the case, you can go on to do all the upholstery.
• Work on one small area at a time and once you have worked the suds in, use a rubber scraper or spatula to lift off the dirty suds.
• “Rinse” by wiping with a clean cloth dipped in clean water (make sure it is wrung nearly dry) – it is essential that you do not over wet upholstery as this can seriously damage it.
• Allow the upholstery to dry completely before use – open all windows and keep the area well ventilated through the use of a fan, a dehumidifier or an air conditioner.

Cleaning Tips For Leather Furniture
Leather requires special attention and it is crucial that you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Do no use detergents on leather – only pure soap products. Like above, apply only the dry suds, using a soft-bristled brush, and then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. In addition, you should apply a conditioning product from time to time to help restore moisture to the leather and add a sheen.

Prevention
It can be a good idea to protect your furnishings to prevent heavy soiling, particularly during times like summer when there is a lot of indoor-outdoor traffic and people are likely to sit on furniture in shorts or other skimpy clothing, increasing the chance of body soiling and stains.

Similarly, if you have pets and they are allowed on the furniture, protective covers are essential. You can simply use washable throws, sheets or blankets – or even have arm and headrest covers that match or blend with the upholstery fabric. In some cases, you can make exchangeable covers for your sofas that can be washed and replaced as necessary.

If you do a lot of frying in your cooking and the living area is close to the kitchen, use a range hood and extractor fan when cooking to reduce the amount of oil and other greasy soil in the air, which may then settle on the upholstery.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

While cleaning is important for everyone to maintain a comfortable and healthy home it is absolutely vital for people who suffer from allergies. By maintaining a regular cleaning routine and following certain practices, you can remove a large proportion of allergens from your environment, such as dust, dust mites, chemical and environmental pollutants, and eliminate many of your allergy symptoms.

Carpets
Carpets are a haven for dust, dirt, dust mites and other allergens so it is critical that they are kept scrupulously clean. This means a regular vacuuming routine, either taking it in turns between family members or if you are really busy, even hiring a cleaner.

If you suffer from severe allergies, this will be money well-spent. The longer that dust and dirt remains in the carpet, the deeper it will settle into the carpet fibres, meaning that they will become impossible to remove with normal vacuuming as most vacuums can only cover the top layer of carpet and do not have the capacity to clean deep down into the nooks and crannies.

Invest in a good vacuum, with strong, consistent suction and HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filters, which trap dirt and also provide an anti-bacterial action. Bagless models are preferred as they do not lose suction as they fill up. Remember, there is no point vacuuming several times a day if it is not actually reaching the dirt and dust trapped in the carpets.

At least twice a year (e.g. spring and autumn), hire a steam cleaner or get professionals to come and deep clean your carpet. Hot water and cleaning solution will be injected deep into the carpet fibres and mixed with the dirt, then sucked back up into the machine, along with any ingrained dust, dirt and grime.

To keep dirt and dust in your carpets to a minimum, remove your shoes at the door (and ask your guests to do likewise) – just this simple action can make a big difference to keeping your carpets cleaner. If you are expecting a visitor who suffers from allergies, it is actually a bad idea to vacuum right before they arrive as the action will stir up dust into the room and create a dust-filled air system for them to breathe in. Try to vacuum the day before so that any dust and dirt that has been stirred up (and not effectively removed) has a chance to settle back down before your guest arrives.

Bedrooms
Bedrooms are the other key areas for allergy sufferers. Most pillows are infested with dust mites, which you breathe in as you sleep every night. Buy some allergen-impermeable, dust-proof casings for your pillows, mattresses and duvets and avoid things like foam rubber mattresses and pillows as these are more likely to harbour mould. Wash your bed linen and blankets every other week and use the hot water cycle, as this will kill any dust mites.

It is best to remove wall-to-wall carpeting from your bedroom if you suffer from serious allergies, as not only do carpets harbour a multitude of allergens but they are also the single most chemically-treated item in any household. If you have air vents in your bedroom (e.g. from a central air conditioner or heater), check the vents periodically to make sure that they are clean and free of dust.

Choose shades instead of heavy curtains and blinds for your windows as the former is less likely to accumulate allergens. If you do have to use curtains, make sure that you wash them frequently and if you have blinds, to clean them often.

Things like wall hangings, stuffed animals and even piles of clothing, towels, linen, etc, are all dust collectors so eliminate these if you suffer from severe allergies. Keep them in cupboards and wardrobes, with the doors shut, and wash any washable stuffed animals on display frequently in hot water.

General Tips
While cleaning is important, it is actually best for the allergy-sufferer not to do extensive house-cleaning themselves because the cleaning processes often stir up lots of dust, dander and other allergens which will trigger the symptoms. Ask or bribe other members of the household to help, especially with the really “dirty” jobs such as vacuuming beneath the bed and cleaning air vents.

If you do have to do it yourself, then make sure that you wear a high-quality dust mask and wear plastic gloves. Wear old clothes during cleaning and wash them immediately afterwards in hot water. Take a shower straight away after you have finished your cleaning chores.

Feather dusters are actually not a good idea as they only stir up dust and add more airborne allergens to your environment. Instead, use a damp cleaning cloth to wipe over dusty areas and “capture” the dust first, before it drifts up into the air.

Remember, while cleaning your home won’t remove all the allergens, it will significantly reduce them and thus your symptoms, making you feel better overall.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Regardless of the kind of floor you have, regular cleaning is the key to keeping it in good condition. This usually means cleaning on a weekly basis and prompt attention to any stains and spills. Unlike carpets, most hard surfaces are relatively easy to clean and maintain – here are a few tips to help you:

Hardwood Floors
As hardwood floors can be very expensive to install, keeping it clean and in good condition is extremely important to preserving its value, as well as prolonging its longevity and its natural beauty. Because hardwood is sensitive to abrasives which scratch the wood’s surface, leading to a dull appearance, the key thing is to keep the floors clear of grit and debris. This can be done by regular vacuuming, such as on a weekly basis, and occasional dust mopping or sweeping during the week.

Any spills MUST be tackled immediately as liquid left to pool on the wood can seep through into the joints and seams and lead to irreparable damage. Thus, after you have cleaned up a spill, always go over the area again with a dry cloth. If you have to clean the floors with a damp cloth due to heavier soiling, use the minimum amount of water possible and always go over everything at the end again with a dry cloth.

Tile Floors
Tiles are one of the easiest things to keep clean – all they require is a weekly vacuum or sweep, followed by damp mopping using hot water and mild household detergent. If they are very heavily soiled, you may need to repeat the damp mopping several times – the hot water will loosen most of the dirt and any oily residue left will be lifted off by the detergent. For persistent grime and stains, you can use a synthetic scouring pad or even a soft brush to try and loosen the dirt but do not use harsh abrasives, such as steel wool, as these will scratch the tile surface. Remember to always rinse the tiles again at the end with clean water as any detergent left on the surface will simply trap more dirt and grime. If mould or mildew is seen, especially in the grout, it should be removed promptly to prevent it becoming ingrained. Do this using a solution of equal parts water and ammonia (remember to keep the area well-ventilated and do not mix with any chlorine products).

Laminate and Vinyl Floors
One of the main reasons these two types of flooring are so popular is due to their ease of cleaning and maintenance. Both require nothing more than a regular vacuum using a soft-brush attachment and an occasional wipe with a damp mop or soft cloth to keep them looking beautiful and in good condition. Remember, though, to avoid using soap-based detergents or harsh chemical cleaners on laminate as this can damage the floor’s finish, leading to clouding and discolouration – simply using hot water is best. For vinyl, commercial floor cleaners can be used to maintain its original shine and a stripping solution can be used twice a year to remove any accumulated oils and soap residues. While both materials are often touted as “stain-proof”, it is still a good idea to tackle any spills or stains as soon as possible, to prevent any permanent discolouration. Finally, avoid using harsh abrasives such as steel wool, sandpaper or scouring pads.

With the wealth of choice in the market today, you can purchase many different commercial products designed to clean and maintain specific types of flooring – however, in many cases, a simple, regular routine is all you need to keep your floors looking their best.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

To prevent condensation building up on windows ensure there is sufficient ventilation in the room. If you have a build up of mildew stains, rub a dry, mildly abrasive sponge over the mildewed area, this will loosen some of the black mildew. Wipe off with a paper towel and discard. Wash down with warm soapy water and a sponge.

Put on rubber gloves and in a bucket mix 240mls of household bleach with 4litres of water. Dip a soft sponge in this solution. Squeeze excess fluid out of the sponge before wiping down the wood surface. Wipe down the mildew-stained wood and then scrub heavily stained areas.  Rinse out the sponge frequently or use a new sponge. Allow the solution to sit on the stain for a few minutes to kill the mildew. Wipe the area well with paper towels to dry the wood as much as possible. If you have a fan heater direct towards the window to aid drying.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

How often should I clean my garden furniture?
Whatever the material of your furniture, it should be protected from the elements when not in use, ideally store away over the winter months, cleaning and drying thoroughly beforehand and again in the spring when you bring it out for use. During the summer it is a good idea to tackle any stains or marks that occur straight away and generally keeping it clean as you would your indoor furniture.

Plastic outdoor furniture
Plastic outdoor furniture is going to be more resilient to the elements than metal and wood and is definitely the easiest to clean. First clean off any stains or marks with a soft detergent and then simply hose it down. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scrubbing brushes as this can scratch the furniture and for a nice shine try using your regular furniture polish.

Metal outdoor furniture
Aluminium is rust free, but still requires regular cleaning, use a high quality car wax for this task.

Painted metal furniture should be dry before cleaning. Start by cleaning out any dirt from the joints and seams with a soft brush, water and soap and follow with a gentle detergent and water, which is an effective and hassle free way of keeping the furniture clean. Store the furniture indoors, if possible, when not in use and ensure it is dry when you do so.

For wrought iron furniture, clean with mild soap and water and leaving to dry out thoroughly. It is a good idea when cleaning to tilt the “feet” to ensure they dry properly.

Awnings, umbrellas and cushions
These materials have a tendency to attract mildew (mould that grows on fabric). To tackle it use a non-ammonia soap or dishwashing detergent and if it is a pale or white fabric use a non-chlorine bleach solution to remove mouldy spots and stains. Always rinse and dry thoroughly. Vinyl materials can be cleaned with convertible car hood cleaning products.

Wood
Wood furniture should be stored indoors and be cleaned once or twice a year. The best way to do this is by gentle scrubbing with mild detergent and hosing down with a low pressure hose. Again dry before use.

If mould and mildew does occur it is important to clean thoroughly and efficiently before exposing older people, infants and children who can be vulnerable to its negative effects. People who are affected by coming into contact with mould can suffer from watery eyes, nasal congestion, itching sneezing, runny noses, headaches and fatigue.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Most marks can be removed using a clean, soft, damp cloth. Microfibre cloths are excellent for cleaning with. More persistent marks can be removed using a solution of 50% methylated spirits with 50% lukewarm water. Once cleaned the gloss surface should be wiped over with a damp cloth to remove any excess and finally dried with a soft, clean cloth. Solvent or abrasive cleaning solutions should be avoided as they will damage the surface.

How to care for High Gloss Kitchen Worktops

Every day care: Naturally you want to keep food-preparation areas scrupulously clean, so wipe down work surfaces before and after every use. You can use an antibacterial spray, but warm water and washing-up liquid is enough if you are thorough.

Ceramic tiles: Clean up the grouting with a solution of one part bleach to four parts water, using an old toothbrush to scrub between the tiles. Stains can be tackled with an all-purpose kitchen cleaner, but be careful of abrasive cleaners on glazed tiles.

Laminate: Stubborn stains can be cleaned with cream cleaners or a paste of bicarbonate of soda with a few drops of chlorine bleach.

Solid wood: Regular oiling is required to prevent the wood soaking up water – follow manufacturer’s recommendations carefully. Firm rubbing with a cloth and a washing-up liquid solution should clean up the wood, but take care not to allow spills of tomato sauce, curry etc to sit on the surface as they can be tough to remove.

Stainless steel: Finger marks can be removed with a clean microfibre cloth or try a dab of baby oil on a clean cloth. Avoid any abrasive materials, which could scratch the surface.

Granite: Hardwearing and resistant to stains, washing-up liquid is all that’s required here. Avoid any abrasive materials, which could scratch the surface.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Fresh flowers brighten up the home and leave a pleasent smell for days, the tough part is cleaning your vases after the flowers have died. A bottle brush will get into those narrow openings, in which case warm soapy water will be all the accompaniment you need. If you don’t have one, or it isn’t long enough, try popping a couple of denture tablets into a vase of water and leaving overnight, then rinsing the next day.

For more stubborn marks, fill your vase with some vinegar and a handful of dry rice, and give it a good swirl around. Leave it overnight, then empty and rinse in warm soapy water the next day.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

There is a huge amount of choice when it comes to commercial cleaning products, many using harsh, powerful chemicals to do their job.

However, there are often much easier ways of cleaning using natural products, which are less harmful to your health and the environment. Here are some suggestions for a greener clean from the domestic cleaning experts, Merry Maids.

Fresh Water
Nature’s purest cleaning product can work wonders in the home!  In many cases, especially if the dirt or stain is fresh, flushing with lots of water will do the job. Rinsing and/or soaking in water can lift off many types of dirt without the need for stronger chemicals.

Salt
Salt is common household product that is not appreciated enough for its cleaning properties.  Mixing salt with alcohol (one part salt to four parts rubbing alcohol) creates a great product for tackling grease.

Barbara Roberts of Merry Maids recommends using salt as the first port of call when you spill red wine or find a blood stain. “Salt is a fabulous stain remover, pour a generous amount over the stain and watch it absorb and lift the stain”.

Baking Soda
Baking soda (4 tbsp) and warm water (1 litre) is a good general cleaner.  Baking soda on a damp sponge will clean all kitchen and bathroom surfaces. Mixing baking soda with lemon juice, vinegar or even just some water and making it into a paste will create a great all-purpose cleaner and stain remover.

Baking soda is also an incredible deodoriser – it doesn’t just absorb odours but it also neutralises them as well, making it a great cleaner for the fridge.  Sprinkling it onto carpets ten minutes before vacuuming will also help with any general unpleasant lingering smells in the room, especially pet odours.

Vinegar
White vinegar is a great all-round stain remover, whether it is food stains in pots and pans, stains in toilet bowls, perspiration from clothes or scorch marks. Like baking soda, it is also a natural air freshener – if you have a room filled with smoke or paint fumes, place a small bowl of vinegar in the room or spray some into the air and this will help to remove strong smells.

Lemon Juice
Like vinegar, lemon juice is mildly acidic and dissolves grease very effectively.  It also has a bleaching and deodorising effect.  Use lemon juice to remove smells and stains from cutting boards and clean many household items from stainless steel cutlery to the kitchen sink! Combined with salt, it can shift a whole host of stains from fabrics and rubbed straight into your hands will help you get ride of any stains from berry juices.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Sleep is something you take for granted before you have a baby, and something you can only dream about when your new baby arrives! Make the most of precious time to yourself when your new baby is sleeping.  Treat your home to a full top to bottom clean with Merry Maids leaving you to rest, safe in the knowledge your home is beautifully clean and free from harmful bacteria.

The Merry Maids service can eliminate hazardous bacteria germs, combating superbugs such as E Coli, MRSA and C-diff? It is an important time to ensure protection through cleaning and hygiene whilst your new baby’s immune system is developing and your body is still recovering from childbirth.

Barbara Roberts of Merry Maids UK explains ‘It’s so easy to think that while your new baby sleeps you must start vacuuming, dusting, polishing, etc but what we really should do is use this time to catch up on some much needed rest ourselves!’ with over 100 branches nationwide Merry Maids are the UK’s largest domestic cleaning company.  Merry Maids can be relied upon to carry out a trusted and professional service and will offer anything from a one off clean to a regular weekly, bi weekly or monthly clean all to the same fabulous high standard.

The result?  A spotless home leaving you safe in the knowledge that your nest is germ free without you having to even lift a finger!

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.

Who’d have thought that a task as simple as doing the laundry would hold so many opportunity to adopt an eco approach! Try these washing and drying eco tips today by Merry Maids, to get your greener home off to a kick start.

1. Wash with cold water
By washing with cold water you save 80 to 90 percent of the energy costs of washing.

2. Prevent Static the Natural way
Add one cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle, using your washing machine’s dispenser to prevent static. Vinegar also kills bacteria and prevents the build up of detergent residue.

3. Clean Regularly!
Clean out the dryer’s lint trap after every load to improve circulation and reduce energy costs.

4. Air dry!
Where possible use indoor drying racks or an outdoor washing line. This conserves energy and your clothes as your clothes will not fade or wear out as quickly!

5. End the Cycle!
Remove clothing from the dryer before the cycle ends and move to either the indoor drying rack or outdoor washing line to finish off drying. This conserves energy and increases the life span of the clothing.

For more cleaning advice from the experts or to find your nearest Merry Maids find your local or call 0800 021 3072.