Tag Archive for: Daily Cleaning Services

One Year On: Celebrating a Successful First Year for Merry Maids Aberdeen and Inverness

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A year ago, Siva and Ayranna Kugathas took ownership of Merry Maids Aberdeen and Inverness with a simple goal: to build on an already trusted local service while creating an even better experience for customers.

Twelve months later, they’re celebrating an important milestone and reflecting on what has made the past year so rewarding.

For Siva and Ayranna, success has never just been about cleaning homes. It’s about helping people reclaim their time.

Whether that’s giving busy families more time together, helping professionals balance work and home life, or supporting older customers who need an extra helping hand, every clean creates something valuable: peace of mind.

Built on Trust

Inviting somebody into your home is personal. That’s why trust sits at the heart of everything Merry Maids does.

Over the past year, Siva and Ayranna have focused on building strong relationships with customers across Aberdeen and Inverness, supported by dedicated local teams who take pride in delivering consistent, professional service.

Their approach has always been simple: treat every home with care and every customer as an individual.

“When people trust you to care for their home, it’s a responsibility you never take for granted. What has made this first year so rewarding is seeing the difference our team makes to customers’ lives. We’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve received across Aberdeen and Inverness and excited for what comes next.” Siva Kugathas.

More Than a Cleaning Service

Professional domestic cleaning has become an increasingly important part of modern life.

Around 2.5 million UK households now pay for domestic cleaning services, as more people look for practical ways to free up time and reduce the pressures of busy schedules.

For Merry Maids customers, professional cleaning means returning to a home that feels welcoming, comfortable and ready to enjoy.

It means spending less time worrying about chores and more time focusing on family, friends, careers and hobbies. That’s why demand for reliable cleaning services continues to grow.

Looking Ahead

While the first year under new ownership is worth celebrating, Siva and Ayranna are already focused on the future.

Their ambition is simple: continue delivering exceptional service, support their local teams and ensure customers across Aberdeen and Inverness can rely on Merry Maids for years to come.

Reflecting on the milestone, they remain grateful for the support of their customers and proud of everything the team has achieved together.

Thank You

As Merry Maids Aberdeen and Inverness marks one year under Siva and Ayranna’s ownership, they would like to thank every customer who has welcomed the team into their home and trusted them to deliver a service that makes a real difference.

The past year has been built on trust, relationships and a shared commitment to high standards. The team looks forward to continuing to support customers across Aberdeen and Inverness for many years to come.

Looking for a reliable, professional cleaner in Aberdeen or Inverness? Contact your local Merry Maids team today for a free, no-obligation quote and discover how much time you could get back each week.

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Merry Maids Aberdeen and Inverness

How much does a cleaner cost in Aberdeen and Inverness?

The cost depends on the size of your home and the level of cleaning required. Merry Maids provides a tailored quote based on your individual needs. CLICK HERE TO VIEW PRICES

How often should I book a house cleaner?

Many customers choose weekly or fortnightly cleaning, while others prefer monthly visits or occasional support. CLICK HERE TO VIEW CLEANING SERVICES

Do Merry Maids offer regular house cleaning in Aberdeen and Inverness?

Yes. Merry Maids provides regular cleaning services across Aberdeen and Inverness, with flexible schedules to suit your lifestyle. CLICK HERE TO VIEW AREAS COVERED

Why do people hire a professional cleaner?

Many customers want more time for family, work, hobbies and relaxation, while enjoying the comfort of a consistently clean home. HEAR FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

Can I trust someone cleaning my home?

Yes. Trust is at the heart of the Merry Maids service. Team members are carefully recruited, trained and supported to deliver a professional and reliable experience. HEAR FROM OUR CUSTOMERS

What is included in a Merry Maids house clean?

Cleaning can be tailored to your needs and typically includes kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and living areas, helping keep your home clean, fresh and comfortable. CLICK HERE TO VIEW CLEANING SERVICES

Why choose Merry Maids Aberdeen and Inverness?

Customers choose Merry Maids for professional standards, reliable service and a team they can trust in their home. One year on from new ownership, that commitment remains stronger than ever. CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR CLEAN

What Keeps Customers Coming Back Year After Year? A Trusted Cleaning Service for Homes Across Dudley & Wolverhampton

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Life rarely gets less busy. Between work, family commitments and everything else that fills the week, keeping on top of household cleaning can often feel like one more thing on an already full to-do list.

That’s why homeowners across Dudley, Wolverhampton and the surrounding areas choose Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhampton. Not simply for a cleaner home, but for the reassurance that comes from knowing they can rely on a professional domestic cleaning service that consistently delivers high standards.

For more than two decades, Franchise Owner Tom Jackson and his team have been helping customers across Dudley, Halesowen, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge, Hagley, Kinver, Kingswinford, Tipton, Wall Heath, Sandwell, Romsley, Hunnington and the surrounding areas enjoy cleaner homes and more time for the things that matter most.

Supporting Customers Through Every Stage of Life

 

Over the years, the team has supported thousands of local households with a wide range of professional cleaning services.

For some, it’s regular domestic cleaning that frees up valuable hours each week. For others, it’s a one-off clean before guests arrive, a deep clean to refresh the home, an end-of-tenancy clean during a house move, or a builders clean following renovation work.

Whatever the requirement, customers are looking for the same thing: a dependable cleaning service that gives them confidence their home will be cared for properly.

That commitment to quality and customer care has made Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhampton a trusted choice for local homeowners for many years.

Built on Trust and Consistency

Choosing a cleaning company is a personal decision. You’re inviting people into your home and trusting them to care for a space that matters to you and your family.

That’s why trust sits at the heart of everything the Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhampton team does.

From professionally trained cleaning specialists to tailored cleaning plans and consistent service, Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhamptonhas built a reputation for providing reliable house cleaning services that customers can depend on.

It’s one of the reasons so many customers continue to come back year after year.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the trust our customers place in us. Inviting someone into your home is a big decision, and we’ve always worked hard to build a reputation for reliability, professionalism and great customer service. Seeing customers stay with us for many years is something we’re very proud of.” Tom Jackson

More Than Just Cleaning

Over the years, the team has supported customers through some of life’s busiest moments.

From helping growing families reclaim valuable time, to supporting older homeowners who want extra help around the house, the service has become an important part of many customers’ routines.

For others, professional cleaning support has provided peace of mind during house moves, renovations or other significant life events.

While circumstances change, the goal remains the same: helping customers enjoy cleaner homes and less to worry about.

Looking Ahead

Although much has changed since Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhampton first began serving the area, the focus remains exactly the same.

Tom and his team continue to prioritise dependable service, professional standards and customer care, helping local homeowners spend less time cleaning and more time doing the things they enjoy.

Looking for a reliable local cleaning service? Contact Merry Maids Dudley & Wolverhampton today for a free, no-obligation quotation and discover why customers have trusted the team for more than two decades.

Security & Integrity at Merry Maids of Stoke on Trent

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Security & Integrity at Merry Maids of Stoke on Trent

At Merry Maids of Stoke-on-Trent, we understand that our customers trust us not just to clean their homes, but to care for them too. That’s why our team always goes the extra mile when it matters most.

During a regular morning visit, our team arrived to find that a customer’s carers hadn’t yet turned up and the key had been left in an open key box. This created two concerns: first, the potential security risk of the unattended open key-box; second, the wellbeing of the customer who relied on carers but who had not yet arrived. Straight away, our staff made sure everything was safe and that the customer was comfortable.

Before starting their usual clean, they made the customer a cup of tea and some toast — a small gesture that made a big difference!

Our office team also reached out to the customer’s family to explain what had happened and to ensure the situation was followed up with the carers. The family were so appreciative of the care, calmness and professionalism shown by our staff.

For over 25 years, Merry Maids of Stoke-on-Trent has built its reputation on trust, reliability and compassion. Our fully trained, insured and DBS-checked teams take pride in treating every home as if it were their own — and every customer as part of the Merry Maids family.

Because with us, it’s never just about cleaning — it’s about care, comfort and peace of mind. Our cleaning staff are uniformed, insured, reference-checked and trained to use approved cleaning products and equipment.

If you or someone you know is looking for a reputable cleaner in the Sheffield, South Yorkshire area, visit our website www.merrymaids.co.uk/stoke-on-trent or call our team directly 01782 412500

Going the Extra Mile – When Cleaning Becomes Caring!

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Going the Extra Mile in South Yorkshire – When Cleaning Becomes Caring!

Merry Maids South Yorkshire has been proudly serving homes across Sheffield and the surrounding areas for over 30 years. As part of a trusted national brand, the team provides professional, reliable, and fully insured domestic cleaning services tailored to each client’s individual needs. Using specialist equipment and products, every clean is carried out by friendly staff who take pride in delivering more than just a spotless home — they bring reassurance, consistency, and care to every visit.

Whether client’s need a regular cleaning service, a one-off deep clean, or end-of-tenancy support, Merry Maids South Yorkshire ensures homes are not only clean but cared for.

The Situation

When a new client reached out for a one-off deep clean, they simply hoped for a tidy, refreshed home ahead of family visiting. During the visit, however, our team noticed that the client’s shower had been out of action for some time — an issue that was causing ongoing stress and making daily routines difficult.

What We Did

While cleaning was the original focus, the Merry Maids South Yorkshire team saw an opportunity to help beyond the mop and bucket. After completing the deep clean with our usual thoroughness and attention to detail, the team took the initiative to call our office who contacted a trusted local tradesperson to inspect and repair the shower. We kept in touch with the client throughout the process, ensuring they were comfortable, informed, and supported every step of the way.

The Result

By the time her family had come to visit, the client not only had a sparkling clean home but also a fully working shower — something that had been a real source of frustration. They were delighted by the care and initiative shown by the team, expressing gratitude for the extra effort taken to make their life easier. What began as a one-off clean quickly developed into a regular arrangement, with the client now booking Merry Maids South Yorkshire for ongoing cleans and happily recommending us to others.

Why This Matters

At Merry Maids South Yorkshire, we believe our work goes beyond cleaning. It’s about helping people feel comfortable, supported, and cared for in their homes. By taking the time to listen and go the extra mile, we demonstrate that our service is rooted in compassion, trust, and community — ensuring that every client feels valued long after the clean is complete.

If you or someone you know is looking for a reputable cleaner in the Sheffield, South Yorkshire area, visit our website www.merrymaids.co.uk/south-yorkshire or call our team directly 0114 272 2655.

Time-Saving Kitchen Cleaning Tips

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Speed up your kitchen cleaning routine with these tips from the experts.

 At Merry Maids, we love cleaning; it’s what we do, but we know we’re a little abnormal for this. It’s certainly not everyone’s favourite thing to do. And even if it is, you still want to make the most of your time.

Unfortunately, cleaning your kitchen can be a mammoth task, sucking the time out of your day with ease.

Thankfully, the experts at Merry Maids UK have years of expertise needed to offer some tried and tested methods to save time when cleaning your kitchen. In fact, we asked Gina Glendinning and her team at Merry Maids Wakefield for their solutions, and have compiled them here for you.

In this blog post, check out these top three time-saving kitchen cleaning tips used by professionals in our homes and yours.

Clean as you go

One cleaner finds that the best way to save time when cleaning your kitchen while ensuring high standards is by cleaning up after yourself when cooking, so you leave less to do when you’re doing the big clean.

“I always find it is easier to wipe down the worktop as I go, for instance, as I finish preparing dinner, as I finish cooking dinner and as I load the dishwasher. This way, I never seem to have a huge amount to do at the end of the day. If you spill something, wipe it up immediately, as if you leave it, your worktop may stain, or the spillage will be stubborn to remove.”

Keep your cupboards tidy

Try to organise as much of your kitchen equipment as possible. If you keep items in cupboards, your work surfaces are clear, and cleaning is much quicker. It might be hard, but sometimes organising your kitchen might be the best form of cleaning you do!

Check the sink

Believe it or not, your kitchen sink is one of the dirtiest places in your home. In fact, one study revealed that 47% of kitchen sinks had coliform bacteria, while 27% tested positive for mould!

Swill it every time you use it and remove waste, that way when you come to clean the sink, it should be stain-free and quick to clean.

Want to save time on your cleaning?

If you’re in Wakefield and South Leeds and want to save time cleaning, call in the help of our professionals, backed by over 30 years of brand expertise as a leader in the cleaning industry, on 01924 871122.

Or, nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online to see how we can help you today.

Case Study: C.diff Cleaning in Leicester

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Deep cleaning for infection control and recovery in Leicester.

There are many reasons to want a clean home, from the aesthetic benefit to hosting company or keeping your living space hygienic.

But sometimes life hands you a curveball that means you need a little extra help.

For this customer in Leicester, Merry Maids was the right pair of hands for the job when she needed specialist deep cleaning after her mum was in the hospital with C.diff.

This blog post has all the details.

What was the problem?

This customer got in touch with Rachel and her team at Merry Maids Leicester after her mum was in hospital with a Clostridioides difficile (C.diff) infection.

C.diff is a type of bacteria that often affects people who have been taking antibiotics and can cause a range of nasty symptoms from an upset stomach and high temperatures to sickness and loss of appetite.

Because C. diff can live on people’s skin, it can be spread by touch, and therefore, medical experts like the American CDC recommend cleaning and disinfecting surfaces to reduce further risk of infection. To properly reduce the threat of further infection and complications, it’s also recommended that patients use specialist methods and products for the best results.

For this customer, she knew she needed the house cleaned before her mum got home, but was struggling to find someone to do the job.

That’s where we came in.

How we helped

Rachel and her team of cleaners at Merry Maids Leicester spoke to the customer to assess her needs, stocked up on all the correct PPE and chemicals for C.diff cleaning and control, and sent one of our experienced and expertly trained cleaners out to do a full deep cleaning of the property, all the while staying in direct contact with the customer to ensure everything proceeded as expected and that she was happy with the process.

The result

One clean home later, the customer was very grateful to us for going above and beyond and getting the job done for her mother to come home safely and expressed how thankful they were, leaving the team this glowing Google Review:

“Fantastic service from start to end, cannot rate this business highly enough, should be 10 gold stars, need I say any more except a big thank you to Rachel & Sam? If you need a cleaning service, this is the one to use!”

Need professional C.diff or infection deep cleaning?

If you’re in Leicester and the surrounding areas and need to see the difference a professional cleaner can make for your home, contact Rachel and her team of experts today on 0116 275 9055.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online to see how we can help you through a variety of expert and bespoke home cleaning services today.

Age appropriate chores for children

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Our tips for responsible and age-appropriate chores for your little ones. 

Teaching children to pitch in and help with housekeeping at a young age is vital.

After all, they have to start learning responsibility to succeed in life, but how do you know which chores young kids will be capable of handling?

If only you had an age-appropriate chore list to check…

Oh, look: our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have produced one just for you!

Use the following chart to assign chores for kids by age, whether a parent, grandparent, teacher or babysitter.

We also give you a few tips on how to keep your children motivated and chores fun.

Children Age 2 – 3

  • Pick up toys
  • Help set the table
  • Throw trash away when instructed
  • Place their clothes in a laundry basket
  • Wipe lower cabinet doors

Tip: Kids this age love to use their imagination, so think of ways to turn chores into fun and imaginative games.

Children Age 4 – 5

  • Put toys and books away
  • Set and clear the table
  • Pick out clothes for the next day
  • Sweep small areas with a handheld broom
  • Fold towels

Tip: Children aged four to five can get overwhelmed with too many instructions.

Ensure you assign one task at a time. To de-stress, consider singing silly songs as you work.

Tip: With a tiled kitchen, you can use a bit of masking tape to make a square, then get your child to sweep everything into this small square.

Children Age 6 – 7

  • Put away clean silverware
  • Help clean the bedroom
  • Wipe down bathroom surfaces
  • Unload the dishwasher
  • Load and unload the washing machine and tumble dryer

Tip: Give six and seven-year-olds plenty of recognition for how well they are doing as their confidence develops around this time.

You can make chores more enjoyable by turning them into games.

Children Age 8 – 9

  • Help prepare meals with supervision
  • Dust and vacuum
  • Feed, brush and walk pets
  • Empty trash cans
  • Fold towels and put clothes away

Tip: Consider buying kids this age their own brightly coloured, child-friendly kitchen utensils and get them to wash these up after every meal.

This will ramp up the fun factor and make them feel more independent.

Children Age 10 – 12

  • Laundry and ironing
  • Gardening jobs
  • Cook simple meals
  • Wash dishes by hand or load the dishwasher
  • Clean the kitchen

Tip: Start incentivising kids at this age.

Devise a routine list of chores for kids by age and reward them with weekly pocket money, extra screen time, and a trip to get ice cream or see a movie.

Children Age 13 and up

  • Make full meals
  • Clean the shower, tub, sink, and toilet
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Babysit for younger siblings

Tip: Rewards and incentives still work well.

Ensure you continue to recognise the additional responsibilities your children can take on so they know their help is appreciated.

There may be a little trial and error involved with different age groups.

Every child’s development is different, so give kids a new task if they have difficulty completing the original assignment.

Remember, when dealing with children and chores, there is no such thing as too much praise.

Let kids know you’re proud of their efforts.

It will make them feel good, and they’ll want to keep helping to get more positive feedback.

Learn More

Looking for more insights on children and chores?

Check out our post on fun cleaning games with kids.

And if you’re finding that life has you too busy to even think about cleaning your home, contact your local Merry Maids or book online today!

We’re happy to lend a hand so you can free up more time to do what you love with the people you care for the most.

Merry Maids AAA Staff Awarded for Dedication to Business

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Andrea Morland from Merry Maids Inverness has been recognised for going above and beyond the call of duty in her dedication to the business.

Alongside winning an award for making the business a great place to work, Merry Maids Inverness Office Manager Andrea Morland was recognised for going the extra mile to support the business in the last year, taking home the Merry Maids North Star Above and Beyond Award at the ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 conference and gala evening.

Going the extra mile

This extra special award, sponsored and awarded by Capital Fleet Solutions, celebrates an individual who consistently goes the extra mile: embracing change without hesitation, stepping up without complaint, and always moving forward with purpose and positivity.

Andrea was recognised as the worthy winner for demonstrating her unwavering dedication and truly embodying the spirit of going above and beyond.

Andrea joined the business as a cleaner in 2023 under then-owner Bill Grant.

Rising through the ranks as the Office Manager, Andrea took the reins of the business and led it forward with a deep understanding of its services and the community it supports in the interim between the passing of the torch to new owners Siva and Ayranna Kugathas.

Evolving Role

Before having children, Andrea worked as a Sales and Marketing Manager within the hospitality industry and fitted her work around them while building up a small beauty business.

With both children now in their early twenties and starting their careers, Andrea joined Merry Maids as a cleaner when looking for a job that would fit around her other commitments.

“What appealed to me initially was the flexibility of the shift pattern and the variety of the job. It is never dull,” she says.

“Merry Maids is a very welcoming place, and you quickly become part of a team providing a much-needed service.”

Last year, Andrea’s role within the business changed, and she started spending more time in the office supporting the previous Branch Manager, Pheobe.

With Phoebe moving on to new pastures, Andrea stepped into a management role to drive Merry Maids Inverness to new heights.

Andrea says the advantage of her experience is that she can visualise the homes and has met most clients from a cleaning point of view.

She knows what it means to deliver the service that we provide, both from a practical point of view and the impact it can have on the people we serve.

Stepping up to meet every new opportunity presented to her, Andrea says she was still surprised to win the award.

”It’s been a bit of a rollercoaster three months being in this role, so to get an award tonight is quite unexpected, but I’d like to thank  my team. I’ve got some great girls doing a fantastic job, and of course, my fellow Office Manager, Kelly Ramsey. Thank you very much.”

Need a new cleaner?

If you’re in Inverness and would benefit from premier home cleaning services from a team of friendly and compassionate experts, contact Andrea and the team at Merry Maids Inverness on 01463 250229 or book online today.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business to see how we can help give your home a new standard of clean, tailored to your lifestyle.

Merry Maids Leicester Staff Awarded for Exceptional Contributions to Business

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Sam Stokes from Merry Maids Leicester has been chosen by her team as the Merry Maids Employee’s Choice Award Winner for 2024/25.

Merry Maids Leicester team member Sam Stokes was recognised for demonstrating exceptional performance, dedication and support to the business’s staff and customers, winning the coveted Merry Maids People award for Employee’s Choice at the ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 conference and gala evening.

Bringing the sparkle

This is an extra special award, even amongst the many prestigious awards at the gala, as the winner was chosen and voted for by their colleagues, measuring their impact on their workplace in their effect on its people.

For the team at Merry Maids Leicester, Sam sets the standard: always ready to lend a hand, fully engaged in every task, and consistently bringing a positive energy to her environment. The nominations received for her colleagues spoke volumes about the impact she has on the business every day.

Owner Rachel Mullaney testified to this at the Gala as Sam received her award:

“What hasn’t Sam done this year that’s made me proud?

“She has stepped up in remarkable ways. Every single day, she comes in and brings a fabulous energy, and anyone who’s been in her presence will know that customers worship the ground she walks on.  So does everyone who works with us. She is fabulous.”

 

Collecting her award after practically dancing up to the stage, Sam was overcome with gratitude:

“I’m just overwhelmed,” she said.

“You know, I’m never gonna win an Oscar, but [holding her award aloft] look at this!” I’m just over the moon. This is so unexpected. Thank you.”

Need a cleaner that makes your home sparkle?

If you’re in Leicester and would benefit from premier home cleaning services from a team of friendly and compassionate experts, contact Rachel and the team at Merry Maids Leicester on o116 275 9055 or book online today.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business to see how we can help give your home a new standard of clean, tailored to your lifestyle.

Merry Maids Businesses Awarded for Investing in Their Communities

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Two Merry Maids businesses celebrated winning awards for investing in their communities at the ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 Gala.

Merry Maids in Inverness and Bedford were recognised for their dedication to supporting their customers and their staff, winning coveted Merry Maids Invest awards at the ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 conference and gala evening.

This blog post has all the details.

A Great Place to Work

Merry Maids of Inverness, represented at the awards by Office Manager Andrea Morland, were awarded for their successes in making the business a great place for its staff to thrive.

Collecting the award, Andrea, who oversees the day-to-day running of the business, has united the team under her leadership since taking the reins as Office Manager last year, said:

“ I think it’s just really important that the staff like coming to work. Cleaning isn’t the easiest job, but I’ve tried to make work a very friendly place.”

To do this, Andrea has increased both the communication within the business and created more opportunities for teambuilding and fun at work, alongside, naturally, delivering an exceptional service. This includes creating a morning meeting where the office team communicate with the cleaning staff and discusses the jobs of the day and regular activities like a quiz and playing games to round off the week on a Friday. All of this has made Merry Maids Inverness a great place to work and a place where excellence can prosper.

“I think we have a very dedicated team in the office, and it’s thriving,” Andrea adds.

A Great Place to Invest

The owner of Merry Maids Bedford, Mercy Ikeji, has made headlines this year for the business’ unique dedication to dementia support, where beyond our expert and compassionate cleaning for those living with dementia, she and her team have offered free cleanings to those living with dementia who cannot clean for themselves and are finding their quality of life impacted by the disease.

Collecting the award, she said:

 ”The training for Merry Maids, and Alzheimer’s for all our cleaners has really helped our cleaners to understand how to clean for those with dementia in a caring way. Most of the people clean for can see that our cleaners are caring cleaners and that has really made an impact, especially with the charity cleaning, where we support people in the community with those kinds of needs with a free cleaning and give back.”

“I want to thank Merry Maids, and our brand manager, Vikki, for the initiative and partnership with the Alzheimer’s Society, and my team for actually coming out to do the free clean to support the people we serve.”

Win a Free Cleaning!

As a celebration of Merry Maids Bedford’s first anniversary and our work alongside Alzheimer’s Society we would like you to nominate someone who is living with or caring for someone with Alzheimer’s/dementia who you believe deserves a FREE 5hr clean.

T&C’s – All Nominee’s must be over the age of 18 and live within the Bedfordshire area. The prize is non-transferable and non-negotiable. Entries close on 31st Oct.

Need a cleaner who cares?

If you or someone you love could benefit from dementia-conscious and expert cleaning services from your local professionals, find your nearest Merry Maids business, book online or learn more about our commitment to supporting Alzheimer’s Society today.

Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston Recognised as Forget Me Knot Champion for 2024

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Nicky Morris and her team have been recognised as Merry Maids’ Forget Me Knot Challenge Champions for 2024.

Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston have been awarded the title of Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion for 2024, for their exceptional contributions to our fundraising efforts over the last year for our charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society.

This blog post has all of the details.

Merry Maids Forget Me Knot Challenge

The Forget Me Knot Challenge is an annual initiative started by Merry Maids in 2023 to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society.

Our staff nationwide regularly clean for members of the public living with dementia and have been long-time supporters of Dementia Friends, which helps people become more aware of ways to support those living with dementia.

As we noticed we were encountering an increasing number of people living with dementia, whether themselves or caring for a loved one, we devised The Forget Me Knot Challenge to provide more ways to help by supporting Alzheimer’s Society and its mission.

The sponsored virtual relay tracks the distance covered by our business owners and staff as they walk, run, cycle or swim to travel the equivalent distance between each Merry Maids business nationwide.

Since then, we’ve raised a significant amount of money for Alzheimer’s Society, including £10,000 in the last year, all of which goes toward helping them provide help and hope to the over 800,000 people living with dementia in the UK.

Not to mention, over the last year, every Merry Maids cleaner across the UK has also attended exclusive dementia information sessions run by Alzheimer’s Society to recognise and bolster their knowledge of dementia, helping position them to provide informed care to the people we serve.

Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion

Each year, we recognise a Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion, who has gone above and beyond in their fundraising efforts. As the second-ever Forget Me Knot Challenge Champion, succeeding Mike Fargher from Merry Maids Sheffield, Nicky and the team at Merry Maids Fylde, Blackpool and Preston were celebrated for their impressive donations, group activities, and vocal advocacy of the initiative across their social media platforms.

The team collected their award at the annual ServiceMaster Thrive in 2025 gala and has taken it back to the office to sit in pride of place in their trophy cabinet as a reminder and motivator for this year’s challenge, which is already underway.

Need a cleaner who cares?

If you or someone you love could benefit from dementia-conscious and expert cleaning services from your local professionals, find your nearest Merry Maids business, book online or learn more about our commitment to supporting Alzheimer’s Society today.

Merry Maids Stafford Manager raises over £400 for Alzheimer’s Society through charity boxing event

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Ashley Weston from Merry Maids Stafford has raised over £400 for Alzheimer’s Society through a charity white collar boxing match.

There are many ways to raise money for charity. And though it may seem unorthodox to do so by stepping into the boxing ring, Ashley Weston from Merry Maids Stafford, Dudley, and Wolverhampton has joined Merry Maids Inverness’  Matt Cooper in taking part in one of Ultra White Collar Boxing’s charity boxing events.

These black-tie events are held in over a hundred cities across the UK, where volunteers like Ashley train for eight weeks to step into the ring and raise money for charity.

Ashley’s efforts contribute to fundraising for our charity of the year, Alzheimer’s Society, which we have fundraised for over the last two years through our annual Forget Me Knot challenge.

After eight weeks of training and a team evening out to cheer him on, Ashley had a great fight and raised £470 for the dementia charity, which will help them in their mission to provide help and hope for those living with dementia across the UK.

“All the donations, big or small, were so appreciated. A lot of blood, sweat and tears have gone into these eight weeks of solid training to raise money for such a great charity,” said Ashley after his match.

Discover the value of a cleaner who cares

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate, regular or one-off, home cleaning service from the local experts at Merry Maids, contact Merry Maids Stafford on 01785 255299 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

Is it wrong to clean before your cleaner arrives?

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What is the appropriate etiquette for cleaning before your cleaner arrives? Our experts weigh in.

In our experience, there can be a lot of tentativeness around the proper etiquette when it comes to getting a home cleaner.

Particularly when it comes to the question of whether or not you need to tidy your home before the cleaner arrives.

It’s tricky, as it seems counterintuitive, but there are many reasons people often cite as to why they want to clean before our experts have even set foot in the home.

Informed by over 20 years of experience as a Merry Maids business owner in Croydon, in this blog post, Debbie Walker answers frequently asked questions about cleaning for your cleaner.

Is it wrong to clean before your cleaner arrives?

“At Merry Maids of Croydon, we are here to help you with whatever you need,” says Debbie.

It is definitely not wrong to clean your home before a professional cleaner arrives. However, we are here to help you, and we don’t want you to spend precious time or energy doing the tasks that we are very happy to do for you.

Many people have that psychological feeling of guilt that they are asking someone to help them. We always say, “Please don’t worry. You are helping us by letting us help you.”

It’s what we do, and it’s helping keep our staff busy and employed. So please don’t do too much the day or night before a clean.

What will a professional cleaner typically do and not do to clean a home?

Services carried out by a professional cleaner will vary depending on the provider. But there will always, naturally, be some overlap. At Merry Maids…

We do:

On every visit, a Merry Maids team will dust, wash, sanitise and vacuum your home using our own equipment and specially formulated products. Our services depend on the type of cleaning you require, as some customers may book for a one-off service and some we see regularly.

Regular cleans are frequent visits, typically weekly, fortnightly or 4-weekly. They involve:

  • Dusting – ornaments, electrical goods, furniture, skirting boards.
  • Vacuuming – carpets and soft furnishings.
  • Emptying wastebaskets and ashtrays.
  • Bathrooms – suites, tiles, mirrors, and deodorising.
  • Kitchens – surfaces, cupboards (exterior), white goods (exterior).

One-offs, which can be spring cleans or deep cleans, end-of-tenancies or builders cleans, are ideal when moving in or out of a property, preparing your home to sell, having the in-laws visiting, in the aftermath of building or renovation works or needing a complete freshen-up. Above and beyond the services included in a regular cleaning, they can also include:

  • Cleaning out kitchen cupboards.
  • Vacuuming curtains.
  • Cleaning brass and silver.
  • Washing walls.
  • Cleaning inside windows.
  • Cleaning inside and/or defrosting fridges and freezers.

We don’t:

As a rule of thumb, we don’t typically:

  • Deal with bodily fluids (human or animal) from a health and safety point of view.
  • Clean external windows.
  • Clean anything that could affect the health and safety of the staff, e.g. cleaning a very high window that cannot be reached.

Things to do before a cleaner arrives

Before arriving at your home, we recommend that you pick things up off the floors, which can be difficult, we know, with young children. But this allows us to move around the home efficiently and safely. We’ll also do an initial risk assessment to cover these areas, so we know what to expect from your home and can clean safely.⁠

How can someone feel less embarrassed before a professional cleaner arrives?

Part of feeling less embarrassed is having a good working relationship and communication with your professional cleaning company,” says Debbie.

“At Merry Maids of Croydon, we take the time to get to know you and your circumstances. By sharing with us your concerns, we can help alleviate them. We understand that for many reasons, from mental and physical health, work pressures or family circumstances, the tidiness or cleanliness of your home can be affected. Ideally, before we clean, we offer a free, no-obligation quotation to visit you in your home, allowing us to get to know you and understand how we can help you.”

Our staff recruitment is vital in helping you feel more comfortable. Our cleaners need to be understanding and non-judgmental, and have great communication skills to put you at ease. By only employing cleaners with these skills and who meet these standards, we help you, as our customers, by providing compassionate, understanding staff to do the best possible job while putting you at ease.

To support this, we offer regularity by cleaning teams so that it’s possible to build up a good relationship, so if things are not as you would want them to be when the cleaning arrives, you are not embarrassed to tell us that you had a really bad night’s sleep, for example.

Considering getting a cleaner?

If you have any more questions about the ins and outs or etiquette of hiring a professional cleaning service in your home, our experts nationwide, like Debbie, are happy to field any questions and concerns you may have.

To find out more about how we can help you with a range of professional and expert cleaning services, find your nearest Merry Maids business, book online, or call 0800 021 3072 today.

And if you’re in Croydon and the surrounding areas and would like to benefit from a cleaning service with over 20 years of expertise and heart, contact Debbie and her team today on 0208 663 3268 or email croydon@merrymaids.org.uk.

How to declutter your clutter

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Top home organisation and decluttering tips from Merry Maids UK. 

We’ve all got those items in our home that we haven’t used for a while (or never used!)

With spring upon us, now is the perfect time for a spring clean and a good old-fashioned clear out.

At Merry Maids UK, we love a clean and tidy space.

Not only does it look nicer, but it also helps your health and mood!

Our cleaning experts have spent years helping customers across the UK reduce the clutter in their homes. That’s why we’ve compiled our top decluttering and organisation tips to help you keep a clean home.

  1. Organise your time

When it comes to spring cleaning, proper organisation is vital!

If you don’t know where to start, you will make spring cleaning harder for yourself.

First, get your tasks in order by listing your chores.

Structure your list a room at a time and in order of how you’ll do them – for example, all vacuuming tasks.

Even just a mental note will help.

One barrier to getting the job done is the mental effect.

Overcoming your mind and hesitancy is one of the best things you can do to ensure you get your cleaning done.

So, take the individual tasks and cut them down into smaller jobs. Soon, a big task has become much more manageable.

In taking it step by step, soon, it isn’t a big task after all!

The organisation focuses your efforts on smaller tasks, which are more achievable and, in the end, more rewarding when the tasks are completed.

  1. Envision a clean home

Having a goal and vision is a vital part of your cleaning strategy.

You know where you’re trying to end up.

Imagine your home the cleanest it’s ever been, and try and set your goal to make your house look like that.

With that goal in mind, you can start asking yourself valuable questions.

  1. Do you need it?

To avoid keeping clutter around, you need to evaluate your items.

Ask yourself four simple questions about everything in your home:

  1. Should I throw it away?
  2. Do I want to recycle it?
  3. Do I want to give it to charity or a friend?
  4. Is there any need for me to keep it?

Get into the right mindset and be ruthless with what you throw away.

Remember, you don’t need to save everything.

  1. Don’t be a hoarder

If there’s one trap many of us fall into, it’s thinking: “You never know when you might need it.”

Remember, when decluttering, you need to be ruthless.

If you haven’t used an item regularly or at all for the past year, throw or give it away.

Here are some items that are usually the common “you never know” culprits:

  • Plastic Food Containers – One of the main culprits for cupboard Jenga is plastic food containers.

Why we keep them around, nobody knows. But one thing is sure: they’re always stacked precariously and filling up a whole cupboard.

  • Batteries – When batteries are dead, many people head into the kitchen and straight to ‘The Junk Drawer’, where they sit… forever!
  • Toys – Far too many. Plain and simple. And where did they all come from? Any parent can attest to having boxes and boxes of toys.

While it can seem brutal to bin or donate your child’s toys, some probably don’t get played with anymore.

And getting your child to help with the selection and organisation teaches them positive habits for the future.

  • Wires and tech – Everybody on Earth has a drawer full of old wiring and tech.

How many of them do you know what they’re for? Is your ancient Nokia brick going to need charging anytime soon?

It’s safe to say that you can get rid of them.

To better organise the items in your home, try some handy tech by checking out some unique storage and organisation solutions.

  1. Book time with your books

We’re not psychic. But we bet, in your kitchen, you have at least ten recipe books.

Do you use all of these books regularly? The answer is probably no.

Rather than take up space with shelves full of books, one quick tip is to photocopy your favourite recipes and put them in one of those empty recipe books with plastic wallets.

Book in time with Merry Maids

There are many ways to declutter your home. But it takes time.

In the modern world, we don’t always have the time to dedicate to cleaning and decluttering our homes.

At Merry Maids, our local cleaning experts do the cleaning to give you the time to focus on what matters to you.

To benefit from one-off, regular or deep cleaning services, find your nearest Merry Maids business today.

Merry Maids’ Pre-Christmas Cleaning Checklist

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Our guide to getting all your pre-Christmas cleaning done. 

Christmas is on its way!

Are you planning to host a Christmas party or spend Christmas Day with the whole family?

If you are, you may want to tidy up before the guests arrive.

But with so much to do, Christmas cleaning can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve made a list (and we’ve checked it twice) of handy pre-Christmas cleaning tasks to ensure your cleaning and home can stay in order this festive season.

Guest Bedroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

If you have a spare or guest room, the temptation may be to use it for… “storage”.

However, around this time of year, ensure your spare bedroom(s) are cleaned for any unexpected overnight guests.

Just in case a white Christmas or extra glass of sherry mean that driving home for Christmas home becomes inadvisable.

When cleaning your spare bedroom, remember to:

  • Change the sheets/bedding & duvets so they are clean and fresh for your guests. A quick tip to make them even fresher smelling is to wash them separately from any clothes
  • Vacuum and polish the guest room to ensure the room has a welcoming scent

If your guest room isn’t used that often, it may not be as welcoming as other rooms.

  • You can potentially get a few paintings or photos up in the room, maybe a houseplant or anything else you may feel is welcoming

Your guests are likely to be staying more than one night. Therefore, they’ll need space for their clothes and other belongings. So:

  • Empty the wardrobe and drawers of usually all of your summer clothes or the: “I’ll take these to a charity shop one-day” clothes. This will ensure your guest has sufficient space and will feel more at home instead of living out of their suitcase

Kitchen Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The kitchen is usually the centre of the action at Christmas.

Especially with the mulled wine brewing on the stove, it makes it feel warm and festive!

First, your oven should be clean to ensure it’s ready for the juicy turkey or tasty nut roast!

  • Buy an oven cleaning product and follow the instructions on the label, as there are lots of different products you can use
  • A clean oven will make your food taste better and won’t produce smoke that would float around the house and make it smell unpleasant.

You’ll probably have to put LOADS of food in your fridge and freezer, so it’s time for a clear-out.

A clean and less cluttered fridge will allow space for all pigs in blankets, wine and pudding!

  • Have a clean fridge for all of your Christmas food
    – Remove all food, drawers and shelves
    – Soak drawers and shelves in washing up liquid
    – Use warm water and washing-up liquid to wipe the interior
    – Wipe outer surfaces and dry inside with kitchen roll
    – Dry and return the drawers/shelves
    – Wait until the temperature has returned to 5°C

Bathroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The wintertime is the time of year when people get horrid colds that they can’t shake.

That’s why pre-cleaning the bathroom and maintaining the cleanliness throughout the time your guests are here is vital.

  • Clean the bathroom from top to bottom, including the bath, shower, sink, toilet, carpet, cupboards and anything else you may have in there.
  • Tidy up your bathroom to leave space for your guest’s toiletries, or if you have two washrooms, move all your toiletries to the bathroom your guests won’t be using. This will again make them feel at home.

Living Room Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Your living room is the social and board gaming hub, with the fire roaring in the background and the smell of Christmas all around. Lovely!

  • Vacuum your living room carpet before your guests arrive and during their stay, depending on how long they’re there for
  • Vacuum all of your upholstery and cushions before guests arrive
  • Have a general tidy-up and, if you have time, a bit of a declutter of things you don’t need during the winter period

Home Exterior Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Ensure the outside of your house looks welcoming for your guests and any neighbours that might pop around to wish you a Merry Christmas.

  • Clean your outside decorations just by wiping them with a dry cloth
  • Clean your windows on the inside and outside
  • Ensure, if you have a drive, you’ve left enough space for your guest’s car/s or, if it’s on-street parking, there is enough space for them. If necessary, remember to sort out their on-street parking permits.

A bit much?

All this cleaning might seem like a bit much, especially with all the extra Christmas prep.

If you don’t feel like you have time to clean your home, find your nearest Merry Maids business to do it all for you!

We carry out all the services listed above and more, so you can focus on the stuff that matters at Christmas and not do the cleaning.

To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call 0800 021 3072 today.

Cleaning in the new year

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Is your New Year’s resolution a clean home?

Happy New Year!

It’s on occasions like the new year when it becomes clear how much time flies.

But often, this means that the time for cleaning flies away with the fairies.

However, now many of us may find ourselves coming out of a mince-pie-induced haze and realising the house looked cleaner before Santa came crashing down the chimney!

It’s in times like this that a little extra guidance can help.

Our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have put together some pointers to revitalise your home this new year.

Wash Your Windows

Windows are a component of your home that probably doesn’t get much TLC. But we’re not passing judgment.

Window washing only needs to be completed once a year at least.

However, we recommend a window cleaning schedule of every six months as this will ensure the glass panes are cleaned.

This will be doing you favours for the rest of the winter months, as it improves the insulation of your windows by ensuring the seals are intact.

Clean Behind Appliances

We’re all guilty of letting crumbs and other food particles fall between or behind appliances and counters.

What’s worse is that these areas barely see the light of day once everything is in place.

So, a new year cleaning routine wouldn’t be complete without cleaning behind appliances and bulky electronics.

This is a big one of those forgotten tasks that have an impact, and by resolving it this year, you can begin to make it a part of your annual cleaning regimen.

Tackle Elevated Areas

When did you last clean the ceiling or the tops of your upper kitchen cabinets?

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start making those cleaning duties a part of your routine.

Dust and dirt collect in those areas all year and could negatively impact your air quality and make it difficult for your loved ones to breathe easier.

Instead of a conventional duster, use a dry microfiber cloth to attract dust and keep from leaving residue behind.

Want to start this year off with a clean?

If you resolved to tidy up around the home but can’t find the time or energy amongst everything else happening in January, don’t worry.

Your local Merry Maids business can carry out a professional one-off or regular cleaning service to get your home fresh and sparkling this new year.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a free, no-obligation quotation with your local cleaning specialists, or book online today to get that fresh New Year feeling in your home this January without lifting a finger.

Care in the community: Charity Initiatives from Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington

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How Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington support their community through charity engagement. 

Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington’s Office Supervisor, Jo, has been with the company for several years, beginning as a cleaner.

She uses her position to combine her passion for the community and background in care to support local and national charities.

Jo’s Background

Jo worked in care for eight years, running care homes and fundraising regularly through sponsored activities and events.

These have included mental health and dementia campaigns and a brain tumour charity.

Following the COVID-19 pandemic, Jo returned to Merry Maids, having worked with us as a cleaner before her time in care.

In joining Merry Maids, Jo joined a business that enables her to use her natural affinity for providing personalised care through professional and bespoke home cleaning services.

Recent Charity Work at Merry Maids

In April, Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington donated Easter eggs and chocolate to Dandelion Time, a local charity that supports children who have experienced hardship and traumatic events.

But that’s not all they’ve been up to.

Recently, Jo has been getting active and supporting charities close to her heart while at Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington.

“In February this year, I did 10,000 steps [daily] for Brain Tumour Research. And then I did 30 miles in September for dementia charities,” she says.

Her other recent activities have again supported the brain tumour and mental health charities.

Jo also completed a Memory Walk for Alzheimer’s Society, a charity that is close to all of our teams at Merry Maids UK and Jo, whose mother-in-law sadly suffered from the disease.

She estimates that she has raised £1500 from her recent efforts.

Upcoming Charity Work with Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington

Looking to the future, Jo has some ambitious charity plans for the new year.

Alongside more active fundraising for dementia and mental health charities, she is organising a charity initiative with her son to give out Christmas presents to local children in need.

Furthermore, Merry Maids Bromley will donate an afternoon tea to Southmore Court Assisted Living, one of their regular cleaning clients.

Jo says she is always looking to push her contributions and do more for the people in the local community:

“Me, myself, I want to do more volunteer work in the lines with dementia, like volunteer, maybe afternoon or a couple of hours here and there. I really like doing it,” she says.

“For my birthday, I’ve put something up for anyone to donate to Alzheimer’s instead of getting me giving me a present. And that’s what I’ll do for Christmas as well. We do cancer one, me and my friends. We don’t buy each other cards, but donate to Cancer Research.”

Want to see the value of a cleaner who cares?

If you or someone you know would benefit from a professional and compassionate home cleaning service from Merry Maids UK, find your nearest Merry Maids business today.

To schedule a visit from Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington, book online or call 01689 830000 for a free quote for our bespoke and professional home cleaning services.

From one-off deep cleans to regular visits and spring cleaning, we do the cleaning so you don’t have to.

Merry Maids Relaunches in Northampton under brand new ownership

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(Re)introducing Merry Maids Northampton, bringing brand new and improved cleaning to Northampton and the surrounding areas like never before.

Merry Maids Northampton has reopened this week under the management of franchisor ServiceMaster Ltd.

We spoke to Office Manager Becky Gardner about the changes to the business and what customers, new and old, can expect from the new and improved Merry Maids Northampton.

Northampton, a history

Merry Maids Northampton has been operating for 18 years.

Previously under the ownership of Barbara and Martin Smart, the business faced hard times during the COVID-19 pandemic when it was forced to close as lockdowns threatened the retirement plans of its owners.

This year, the business has come under the management of Merry Maids’ franchisor, ServiceMaster Ltd.

Becky started as a part-time cleaner in 2011, “which worked wonders for me with the two young children,” she says.

“It was a perfect job. And I loved cleaning. I took pride in cleaning. It’s always been nice to go into a customer’s house and make it all nice.”

She became an Office Manager when Barbara and Martin retired and is being supported in the reopening by the ServiceMaster team, including Merry Maids Brand Leader Vikki Donnachie.

“One day, my old boss called me into the office and said she needed an Office Manager to take over the day-to-day role of going out, doing quotes, seeing off the girls, sorting out the bays and the folders.”

“Vikki has been amazing. She’s been there every step of the way. It’s been useful to have that support.”

Changes and Transformation

Under Becky and Vikki’s supervision, Merry Maids Northampton has transformed, moving from a small unit to a brand-new office unit alongside ServiceMaster’s Northampton-based contract cleaning franchise.

“At first, it was scary, but we’re fully operating from the new unit now. We absolutely love it. The girls are so happy!

We’ve just rolled with it. The girls have been amazing. We all get on really well. They’ve supported me, and I them.”

Aspirations and Assurances

Becky and Vikki have big plans for the business.

“I just want it to grow and get bigger and bigger,” says Becky.

“We’ve got loyal customers. I want to build from that to get more customers, get more staff in and build Merry Maids to as big as we possibly can.”

We’ve got the space now. We’ve got the unit, we’ve got the facilities, we’ve got it all now. It’s just growing and making it as best as we can make it. Which I’m excited about!”

Vikki adds:

“I’m delighted to reintroduce Merry Maids Northampton into the Merry Maids franchise network under the ownership of ServiceMaster. Becky and the team have embraced the transition brilliantly, so I’m very excited to see their growth in driving the business to new heights while delivering the trademark Merry Maids service to the community.”

To those loyal customers, Becky says:

“Thank you for continuing to let us clean your homes. We did lose a lot of customers through COVID, but we also have a lot of loyal customers who stayed with us, and getting their feedback from cleans is always lovely.”

To new customers, Merry Maids Northampton provides satisfaction, a spotless home, and time that would’ve otherwise been spent cleaning.

“Our goal is to make the customer happy, and their home is done exactly how they want it.”

“Hence, we come out to quote for the cleaning in the first place, so we can get an idea of what the customer wants to do in their home and then make sure that we follow the instructions and just make them happy.”

Speaking with experience as a cleaner, Becky adds:

“I love going into a customer’s home, and I prefer the ones that are a bit messy because once you’ve done it and then close that door, you just know when they open it, it’s going to be all nice and clean and won’t have to worry about anything. It’s all done. They can relax and enjoy their evening.”

See how Merry Maids Northampton can help you

If you are in Northampton or the surrounding areas and would benefit from a professional and bespoke home cleaning service carried out by trained and fully insured professionals, or if you would like to work for a cleaning business that provides a high standard of service as part of a friendly and professional team, call 0845 7626 828 today to see how we can help you today.

To benefit from Merry Maids services nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online now.

Coronation Activity Guide

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Want to know what you can do to mark the coronation of King Charles III?

With the coronation of King Charles III just around the corner, many are wondering how they can celebrate.

And can you blame them? It’s been a while since there was last a coronation in the UK, so the celebration activities aren’t exactly a force of habit.

Rather than letting the day slip by unmarked, here is a list of ways you and your family can celebrate the coronation this weekend.

Fun for the kids

Royal Arts & Crafts

There are lots of activities that the kids can get involved in this weekend.

Particularly those involving arts in crafts.

For some inspiration, try making:

  • Crowns using strips of paper
  • Paper flags using rectangles of paper and lolly sticks.

For tips and alternative methods, check out three ways to make a homemade flag.

For more inspiration, including card carriages and homemade bunting, check out this article from Twinkl on 10 Regal Coronation Crafts.

Writing letters and cards to Buckingham Palace

The King also takes a great interest in correspondence with his subjects. Writing letters and cards to send to Buckingham Palace are a great way to celebrate the occasion.

For guidance on the correct ways to format your correspondence, please visit www.royal.uk/contact

Fun for everyone

For some activities that people of all ages can participate in, look no further than…

Creating a time capsule

Take objects and souvenirs that remind you of 2023 and the royal weekend (maybe even some of your crafts) and bury them in the garden so that, in years to come, you can look back on this time with fondness and nostalgia.

This could include a family photo, money, letters, newspapers and stamps.

Place it all in a secure container and bury it to be dug up in future.

For a step-by-step Time Capsule building (and burying) guide, check out this article from Millets.

Hosting a garden party

To celebrate a royal occasion, there is nothing better than a street or garden party.

While the date to register a road closure to host your street party has passed, there may still be one in your area.

Failing that, a good old-fashioned garden party never goes amiss.

Just don’t forget the bunting, finger sandwiches and scones!

For more activity inspiration and to find events near you this weekend and beyond, check out this coronation event map and locator from the UK Government.

A clean fit for a king

Tidy up your palace with Merry Maids UK.

Whether you’re expecting company or restoring tranquillity after they’ve gone, we know you have better things to do than spend your holiday cleaning.

Our experts have over 30 years of experience in delivering home cleaning services, so you can trust us to provide a royal treatment!

For a one-off deep clean or regular services as little or often as you like, find your local Merry Maids business today or book online in select locations.

4 Habits of New Year’s Resolution Keepers

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How to stick to your resolutions this new year.

Have you ever wondered how some people actually stick to their New Year’s resolutions? Or why some resolutions fail?

The answers aren’t as simple as, “some people are just more motivated to reach their goals.” Motivation doesn’t always yield fruitful results.

In fact, across the pond, Ohio State University psychology professor Steven Reiss argues that “there is no real evidence that intrinsic motivation even exists.”

This is to say that motivation can’t be packaged in a neat little box and sold as a one-size-fits-all.

When you resolve for the New Year, usually it’s to make positive changes in your life. And many who are successful in that endeavour are creatures of particular habits.

But if you’ve found yourself only in the third week of January and already struggling to stick to your resolve, we’ve put together a guide on how to stick to your resolution.

  1. Keep It Real

To avoid resolution failure, an important habit is staying grounded.

It’s never a good idea to set an unattainable goal or one outside your means to complete it.

For instance, if you resolve to travel internationally but are in enormous credit card debt, that’s probably not the most realistic (or financially savvy) resolution for you at this point.

Strive for something you’ll be able to achieve, like spending more time with your family, reading more books, or drinking more water.

Most significant change happens incrementally, so keeping your resolutions achievable in the short term will help you in the long run.

Remember, there are many days in the year – it’s a marathon, not a sprint.

  1. Plan Ahead… (And Back)

Poet Robert Burns coined the phrase, “The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry.”

This means even with a there’s no guarantee of success.

However, there’s a much higher chance you’ll accomplish a New Year’s resolution when you plan in reverse.

But what does that mean?

In a 2017 study, researchers at the University of Iowa, Peking University HSBC Business School, and the Korea University Business School found that goal-planning methods amongst students were more comprehensive when done backwards.

To put things in perspective, start with your end goal.

Then, work backwards to develop a plan to achieve your realistic resolution. Make sure to set a due date if a schedule drives your goal.

Remember, reverse planning doesn’t mean you follow your steps backwards. It’s simply a way to help you map your goal if you’re unsure of your first step.

  1. Incentivise Resolutions

Keeping New Year’s resolutions can be challenging if you set your sights too high and don’t reward yourself throughout the process.

Sure, the reward is accomplishing your goal, but you deserve mini rewards here and there to keep you inspired.

Ways to incentivise your resolution:

  • Buying yourself something small anytime you reach a mini-goal
  • Book a staycation to a part of the country you’ve never been
  • Treat yourself to your favourite dessert or tasty treat
  • Invite a good friend to watch a movie you’ve been waiting to see

Whatever the incentive, make sure the reward doesn’t contradict your resolution.

For instance, if you’re working toward cutting back on sweets, the best prize probably isn’t a box of chocolates.

Your incentive should be something in line with your goal.

  1. Give Yourself Some Grace

Sometimes, resolutions don’t always work out the way you planned because various factors obstruct you or other things take precedence.

In those cases, give yourself grace.

Don’t beat yourself up about any missteps you may have. There is, quite literally, always tomorrow.

But that’s not to say you should continuously give yourself a pass on the things you aspire to achieve.

Whether you resolve to stop a bad habit or pick up a healthier routine, continue to focus on reaching your goal.

Want a cleaner home this year?

If your New Year’s resolution is to have a cleaner home, give yourself some grace by contacting your local cleaning professionals.

While you’re taking on the world and your resolutions, we’ll be here to maintain your home.

With over 30 years of experience as experts in home cleaning, all of our cleaning professionals are best equipped to take care of the everyday messes in your home while you take care of what matters to you.

To find out more about our services, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book now through our online shop.