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Merry Maids North Sussex wins award for business excellence

Merry Maids North Sussex won the prestigious Best in Class award during this year’s ServiceMaster Spring Forward event.

Merry Maids and ServiceMaster Clean Contract Services businesses from across the UK rallied in Coventry this month for our Spring Forward event.

The day was packed with informative sessions from Team Academy on how owners and staff can utilise their natural superpowers to create an impact in their businesses.

The day was rounded off with a gala dinner and awards evening that saw franchise business owners from both brands awarded for their accomplishments over the last year.


Merry Maids of North Sussex – Best in Class

This included the team from Merry Maids North Sussex, who won the prestigious Best in Class awards as a recognition of their embracing of the latest technology adoptions to improve her business’ employee satisfaction, customer service and financial results too!

After winning these awards on the night, the business owner of Merry Maids North Sussex, Beccy Pope, said that it was “amazing” to win for the value they provide to customers and staff.

When asked what great customer service and satisfaction meant to her, Beccy said:

“It’s what keeps the orders coming in and keeps us booked! Alex [Team Leader] has a lovely rapport with everybody, trying to invest in what they like.”

Congratulations to the team at Merry Maids North Sussex for their hard work delivering excellence.

We wish them continued success in the years to come!


Want award-winning home cleaning?

If you’re in North Sussex and would benefit from professional home cleaning services from an award-winning business, contact the Merry Maids North Sussex team on 01293 613133 or find your nearest Merry Maids business to see how we can help you today.

Why should I get my home professionally spring-cleaned?

The benefits of a professional spring-cleaning service.

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for spring.

It’s when nature washes away the cold of winter and freshens up for a brighter year ahead.

The flowers start to bloom, and the temperatures begin to rise. What’s not to love?

Preparing for spring also means it’s time to start thinking about your spring cleaning.

It may not always be pleasant, but the practice of getting down and dirty to clear out the clutter and the cobwebs of the past year is a vital part of the springtime.

Though the adage often cited is ‘if you want a job done properly, do it yourself,’ we’re here to tell you there is another way.

In this blog post, our cleaning experts walk you through the benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service for your spring cleaning.


What’s involved in spring cleaning?

Spring cleans are a deeper and more comprehensive cleaning than a regular maintenance clean and are all about clearing out the house at a deeper level to prepare for the year ahead.

Regular cleaning keeps your home in top condition, while deep cleaning gives that extra oomph and sparkle to make your home truly SHINE.

Our expert deep and spring 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.

They can include:
  • Cleaning out kitchen cupboards
  • Vacuuming curtains
  • Cleaning inside windows
  • Cleaning inside and or defrosting fridges and freezers
  • Washing internal doors and window frames
  • Moving heavier furniture to clean behind (where possible)

How do the professionals spring clean your home?

Professional cleaning services like those at Merry Maids use experienced professionals trained to deliver excellent-value home cleaning with a tried and tested methodology and products to produce the best results.

On every visit, your Merry Maids team will dust, wash, sanitise and vacuum your home using our equipment and specially formulated products.

We operate a strict cleaning process that utilises coloured cloths for different areas of the home to avoid cross-contamination.

All our maids are trained in Health and Safety regulations and procedures* to use our products and equipment

*Practices may vary by area due to area-specific considerations.

How much does it cost to have my home professionally cleaned?

There is no standard pricing index used to determine domestic cleaning service fees.

Some businesses charge by the hour, while others will charge for the scope of the cleaning involved.

Either way, professional cleaning services will determine their prices based on the following factors:

  1. Size
  2. Layout and number of rooms
  3. Style of home
  4. Number of residents
  5. Factoring of children and pets
  6. Frequency of cleaning
  7. Location and travel distance from business location

To see the value of professional spring-cleaning services in your area, contact your nearest Merry Maids business for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Why pay when you can do it yourself, you ask.

We’ll tell you…


  1. Professional spring cleaning saves you time and effort

There’s no doubt about it… spring cleaning is a massive undertaking.

Especially if you’re already juggling family and childcare responsibilities, work, and the basics like socialisation and a good amount of rest.

Whatever your idea is of time well spent, we know it doesn’t involve doing the cleaning.

Entrusting your spring cleaning to professionals can save you hours of effort and give you time to focus on what matters most.


  1. The bespoke and professional touch

At Merry Maids, we love to clean. It’s what we do.

Over our 30 years of delivering home cleaning expertise, we have refined the experience had by our customers to a fine art.

We know that each home and each individual we clean for is unique.

So, we go above and beyond to ensure you get the clean you deserve, not just the clean you expect, and work with you to understand the specific needs of you and your home and work tirelessly to ensure that you’re more than happy with gleaming results – at a time that suits you.

Professional cleaning staff like ours are trained with the latest (and often exclusive) products, tools, and best practices to make every room in the house sparkle.


  1. Professional spring cleaning is good for your health

Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefit, a good spring cleaning is also good for your health!

According to Verywell Mind, a cluttered and dirty environment can be harmful to your mental health, as it has been scientifically linked to higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety, as well as decreased rates of focus.

In addition, studies have shown that having a clean home typically is the mark of healthier inhabitants.

Cleanliness in the home has even been found to be a better predictor of good health for the residents than the walkability of its neighbourhood!

Cleaning can also improve the air quality of your home.

This is extra vital in the spring as the winter often involves more time spent inside with less fresh air in the home – causing more dust on the property.

The equipment used by professional cleaners is designed to eliminate harmful dust in the home and can benefit your health and air quality.


  1. Professional support with additional health requirements

We know that people aren’t always able to clean for themselves.

Following our successful Forget Me Knot Challenge last year – where our businesses across the UK raised over £4000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends in a matter of weeks – Merry Maids UK have this year become an official partner in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.

At Merry Maids, our staff understand the specific requirements of the over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK and ensure their homes are clean, healthy places for them to live, maintained by friendly, local people who support them with any additional requirements that come with dementia and other conditions – even if that means being someone to make a cup of tea and have a chat with.


Why hire Merry Maids to spring clean your home?

Put the spring back in your cleaning with Merry Maids.

The springtime is for enjoying, not cleaning.

Get a cleaner, fresher home faster and reclaim your free time with the expert help of your local cleaning professionals.

Are you tired of spending your free time hunched over to clean cobwebbed corners rather than enjoying the sunshine?

Your springtime is sacred.

Booking your spring cleaning with your local professionals now could be the saving grace you’ve been waiting for.

At Merry Maids, we’ve been experts in home cleaning for over 30 years, providing professional and bespoke services as one-off, regular or deep cleans and taking the hassle out of your spring cleaning.

Naturally, you might not love cleaning, but we do. It’s what we do best!


Contact Us

To start saving time and energy on your spring cleaning, book your spring cleaning with the experts at Merry Maids now by finding your nearest business or booking online today.

Cleaning in the new year

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

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’ Pre-Christmas Cleaning Checklist

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.

Merry Maids Relaunches in Northampton under brand new ownership

(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.

Age appropriate chores for children

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!

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.

Celebrate World Productivity Day with a clean and organised home!

Celebrate World Productivity Day with Merry Maids UK’s top de-cluttering tips. 

At Merry Maids UK, we know a clean and organised home sets the stage for increased productivity and success.

In this blog post, celebrating World Productivity Day, we’ll explore the connection between tidy living spaces and enhanced productivity while showcasing how Merry Maids can help you achieve a harmonious balance between cleanliness and efficiency.

Creating a clutter-free zone

Clutter can be a major productivity killer, as it creates visual distractions and adds to any mental weight you may be carrying, making it hard to focus on the task at hand.

A clear mind for better productivity

A clean and tidy home helps clear your mind.

When your surroundings are free from dirt and mess, it reduces mental clutter and helps you concentrate more efficiently on your work and personal projects.

Time-saving efficiency

Cleaning takes up valuable time, especially when it comes to productivity.

By entrusting all your cleaning needs to Merry Maids, you can free up precious hours of the day better spent on more meaningful and productive activities.

A healthy environment to optimise performance

A clean home enhances productivity and helps with your mental well-being.

The dust, allergens and germs lingering in your home can adversely affect your health and energy levels, reducing productivity.

Every home is unique, and so are their cleaning needs.

Merry Maids UK offers fully bespoke cleaning solutions to fit your life and work schedule. Whether you need assistance with a one-off deep clean or regular cleaning, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business.

Call 0800 021 3072 to learn more or book online in select locations today.

World Environment Day | 10 Useful Home Energy-Saving Tips

Today is World Environment Day, so here are ten handy energy-saving tips to implement in your home.

In celebration of World Environment Day today, the day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment, here are our top 10 energy-saving tips to help you and the environment.

  1. Wash at 30°

Of course, you always need to check the care labels before loading up the washing machine.

But high temperatures aren’t always necessary and can waste energy, and considering the world we’re living in, we want to save every penny we can!

Washing at 30 degrees instead of a higher setting can save you up to £40 per year and still leave your clothes looking clean and smelling fresh.

  1. Avoid using your tumble dryer

Avoid using your tumble dryer; instead, hanging your clothes outside or on a rack inside could save you up to £70 a year.

If you need to use your tumble dryer, lower the temperature or use quick drying cycles to save money.

  1. Close your curtains at night

By closing your curtains and blinds around the house, you can help stop warm air from escaping through the windows and reduce heating costs, especially if you have radiators placed under your windows.

  1. Use energy-saving lightbulbs

Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs around your home can save you as much as £65 a year.

You can buy many different energy-saving light bulbs, and the Energy Saving Trust goes into more detail on how energy-saving lightbulbs work.

  1. Turn off the lights

We all forget to turn the lights off when leaving a room, but if you get into a habit of doing this, according to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £20 a year!

  1. Take shorter showers

Water is the most valuable resource on Earth, yet every day worldwide, it’s wasted by the bucket load.

Taking shorter showers can save you up to £95 per year, and the time to aim for is a maximum of 4 minutes.

The charity Water Aid has put together a playlist of songs on Spotify, each lasting 4 minutes.

So, by listening to one of these songs each time you shower, you can hit your time limit every shower you take.

  1. Switch off appliances on standby mode

Save up to £60 a year by switching your appliances off at the wall when not on.

The Energy Saving Trust has compiled a list of your home’s top five most-energy-hungry appliances.

  1. Don’t overfill the kettle

Us Brits love a good cuppa, but did you know that boiling the amount of water for the number of cups you need to fill can save you £36 per year?

You can also buy hot water dispensers that only boil enough for one cup each time, helping you save money.

  1. Keep your hob clean

The average cost of an electric hob cost around £44 per year.

However, burnt-on food or grease on the hob can absorb the heat when cooking, making it less efficient.

  1. Install a smart meter

As part of a government scheme, all energy suppliers can install smart meters at no extra cost, and they are great for keeping track of what you are spending.

Want a more efficient clean?

Look no further than Merry Maids UK for efficient and quality home cleaning.

Our domestic cleaning experts are no strangers to deep cleaning or regular cleaning at an exceptional standard.

So, whether you need someone to keep on top of things or make a messy home sparkle again, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business to handle it for you – so you can save your energy for the things that make you happy.

Coronation Activity Guide

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.

How to declutter your clutter

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 Bromley donating Easter eggs to Dandelion Time

Spreading Easter cheer and chocolate.

Over Easter, Richard Wall and his team at Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington partnered with Reed Employment to donate chocolate eggs to Dandelion Time.

Richard, who has previously engaged in other charity work, such as running the Cambridge Half Marathon to raise money for Dementia Friends, says he and his business are always looking for ways to help charities that do vital work, like Dandelion Time.

“We are always glad to support charities and help [wherever possible].”

Due to Richard’s first-hand experiences earlier in his career, supporting children’s mental health for him was a no-brainer.

Hence when Reed contacted him about Dandelion Time, Richard was more than happy to help.

Dandelion Time

Dandelion Time is a charity local to Richard’s area.

Their mission is to support children in Kent who have suffered traumatic experiences like neglect or domestic abuse.

According to Dandelion Time,

“Health, education and social care services face huge financial pressures and aren’t always the right solution for children with [mental health and trauma] issues: Dandelion Time fills this gap.”

Over the last 20 years, they have brought lasting change to over 1,000 families through their unique therapeutic approach focusing on the great outdoors.

At Dandelion Time, families take part in a ten-week programme.

During this time, they work with experts, nature, crafts and families to get the time and space they need to recover and be the children they deserve – without trauma and distress.

Donating Eggs

We all know that as much as the time off is much appreciated, the holidays are the best for children.

Especially when there’s plenty of chocolate to seek out and snack on.

That’s why, in partnership with Reed Employment, Richard and Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington donated Easter Eggs to Dandelion Time so the children in their care could share in the spirit and have some chocolate eggs this Easter.

A gesture which was gratefully received by the children and staff at Dandelion Time:

“Dandelion Time is committed to supporting Kent children and families who are in difficult circumstances and so are keen to brighten their day in any way we can.”

“The Easter donations of chocolate eggs were a lovely way to help them celebrate and we were all so grateful for the generous donations received from organisations such as Merry Maids, via Reed.”

– Dandelion Time Representative

Find out more

To find out more about Dandelion Time’s vital work please visit their website.

To schedule a visit from Richard and his team at Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington, book online or call 01689 830000 to receive a free, no-obligation quote on a range of bespoke and professional home cleaning services.

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

Or nationwide, find your nearest Merry Maids business to see how your local cleaning experts can help you today.

4 Habits of New Year’s Resolution Keepers

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.

How to remove mince pie stains from carpet

The best way to remove Mince Pie stains from your carpet.

Mince Pies are an absolute festive MUST. But they’re better off eaten than coating your carpet.

Accidents happen, which is why the cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK are bringing you the best way to remove Mince Pie stains from your carpet.

Myths: BUSTED!

In the cleaning world, there are many old wives’ tales about at-home remedies that remove any stain.

One of the most common culprits is an ingredient that can be found in most kitchens: vinegar.

While vinegar can work well to remove stains on some surfaces, it’s not a surefire method to rely upon all the time.

This is the case with mince pies. Some sources may tell you to use vinegar and washing powder to lift mince pie stains from the carpet, but we don’t advise this.

The combination of vinegar and washing powder does work to remove the stain, but when mixed on the carpet can cause a chemical reaction and get hot.

Therefore, this method is a fire hazard and can cause more harm than good!

How to clean mince pie stains on the carpet

So, what should you do instead?

In cases like this, you can be tempted to act fast – which is why the at-home methods are so popular. After all, using whatever you already have on hand seems ideal, doesn’t it?

But, for the quickest and safest results, the best way to deal with mince pie stains is to use a professional cleaning solution.

When tested, our ServiceMaster Spot Hero cleaner made several mince pie stains vanish from the carpet in as little as 2 mins!

Merry Maids Spot Hero

Easy to buy and use, Spot Hero is the perfect solution to any Christmas messes.

Spot Hero is the culmination of our years of cleaning excellence, distilled into a single bottle for you to use at home, at just £7.99 a bottle. For the hands-on approach to carpet cleaning, you can’t do better than Merry Maids Hero.

Buy now and see for yourself.

Need your carpet cleaning this Christmas?

If you would like our experts to come to you, find your nearest Merry Maids business today to find out more.

Whether it’s stain removal, carpet cleaning, or repair, our teams are on hand to help you this festive season.

To learn more about our range of services, call 0800 021 3072 or book a clean online through our online shop.

Running a business… literally!

Join us in supporting Merry Maids Bromley & Orpington owner Richard Wall in running the Cambridge Half-Marathon in aid of Dementia Friends this March.

In the spirit of hitting the ground running, the new owner of Merry Maids Bromley & Orpington, Richard Wall, is participating in the 13-mile Cambridge Half-Marathon to raise money for Dementia Friends on 6th March.

This comes following Richard’s recent participation in the 26-mile Brighton marathon, which, along with his regular training, has prepared Richard well. It has also tied into to his new business, as he has been able to incorporate his training into his commute to Merry Maids Bromley.

 

Richard running a business and running a mile in training for the half marathon!

Richard’s giving nature has gelled well with Merry Maids and his support-based approach to running his team is no better exemplified by his running in aid of supporting Dementia Friends.

About Dementia Friends

Dementia Friends will be receiving support from the ServiceMaster Brands UK family throughout 2022.

Dementia Friends is an initiative aiming to change the perception of dementia. Based around learning more about dementia, they strive to create a better quality of life for those living with the condition. Dementia Friends advocates the conversion of information to action to make a change. They do this by providing information about the reality of living with dementia on their website.

They then encourage turning this information into action by becoming a Dementia Friend. Part of what they do also involves partnering with brands, and in 2022, Merry Maids UK have become dementia friends.

We work closely with all of our clients and are always striving to make sure we can provide them with the best possible support. That’s why, up and down the country, our maid teams have been training to work sensitively and effectively with residents living with Alzheimer’s, and how best to aid them when carrying out our services in their homes. 

Alzheimer’s support is also close to Richard’s heart as his mum lived with dementia for 10 years before she passed away in 2019. Richard says he wants to do all he can to help support what Dementia Friends does to support those living with Alzheimer’s.

Show your support

Keep your eyes out for more of our fundraisers and events in aid of this good cause throughout the year. In learning more about the condition, we have also been able to convert information to action, as our services are dementia friendly.

You can also join us in sponsoring Richard in his effort to take action by donating to his JustGiving page today.

Book a clean

Give Richard and the team at Merry Maids Bromley and Orpington a call today on 01689 830000 to book a free, no-obligation quotation on a range of bespoke domestic cleaning services.

Or find your nearest Merry Maids business to book or to learn more about our services nationwide

Loving your home

Show your home some love this Valentine’s Day by booking a professional clean from Merry Maids.

Is your home feeling a little unloved? With many of us returning to work, be it at home or in person, it can be easy to neglect your cleaning in the rush of the regular 9 to 5. Before you know it, you may look around to see that your home is looking a little worse for wear. Maintaining a clean home is a difficult and labour intensive job. Especially when added to an already extensive list of things to stay on top of, cleaning your home regularly can leave even the most organised of us feeling a little frazzled.

Let us take care of the cleaning for you. Just one weekly visit from our Merry Maids cleaning operatives will leave your home looking and feeling fresh and squeaky clean. It’s one less thing to worry about, and you can relax without feeling worried or guilty for not getting round to it. At Merry Maids, our job is to look after the cleaning, so you don’t have to. With 42 years of experience as a leading domestic cleaning brand, Merry Maids is trusted nationwide for our expert domestic cleaning services. This includes one-off, weekly, fortnightly, or monthly visits where we will:

Dust picture frames, ornaments, lamps, furniture, woodwork, shelves & skirting boards
Vacuum – both rooms and furniture, including under-seat cushions
Empty bins
Clean kitchen and bathroom appliances, mirrors
Sanitise countertops, tiles, toilets
Polish chrome
Deodorise
And more!

Our Merry Maids cleans can be scheduled and adjusted to suit you and any particular requirements you may have. For example, we are dementia and pet friendly, and all of our maids have been thoroughly trained to work safely and effectively during COVID19.

So, whether you are looking for a one-off or regular clean, Merry Maids are committed to keeping your home at its best, so you can relax, and keep your free time well… free! Show yourself, and your home some love this Valentine’s Day by leaving the cleaning to us. Book a regular or one-off clean today by finding your nearest Merry Maids business here.

Introducing Merry Maids Spot Hero

Do you want a professional stain cleaning product? Try Merry Maids Spot Hero today!

From our ServiceMaster family of brands, introducing Merry Maids Spot Hero cleaner. The cleaner is tried and trusted by each and every one of our maids across the UK. And now available to you! Safe to use on all water washable carpets, fabrics and upholstery, our Spot Hero cleaner has been developed by cleaning experts at ServiceMaster to give you a professional stain removal for you to use.

Using a spritz of this flash cleaner will have your carpets and upholstery looking as good as new in no time. Spot Hero cleaner works fast and effectively to eliminate all of the most common household stains, including:

•     Tea
•     Red Wine
•     Cola
•     Coffee
•     Mud
•     Fruit
•     Berries
•     Grease
•     Dirt
•     Grass
•     Vegetable Oil
•     Jam
•     Tomato Sauce
•    & MORE

ServiceMaster has been a trusted hero in the cleaning industry for over 55 years, and now we’ve distilled the magic of our professional cleans into a spray for you to take home. Whether you’re one of our valued Merry Maids customers, or simply looking to brighten up your home, you can call on Merry Maids Spot Hero to save your carpets and upholstery from stains for as little as £7.99!

Simply, click here to take home that ServiceMaster shine today, or find your nearest Merry Maids branch to find out more about our services.

Back to school organisation tips

With Summer coming to a close and the new school term edging closer, getting back into a routine can be challenging.

The following tips can help you get your home ready and organised for the first school term.

Continue to follow government guidelines on COVID

While more than 47 million people in the UK have had at least one dose of the Coronavirus vaccine, it’s still vital that you follow government health guidelines to protect yourself and those around you. A few simple things you can continue to do include:

  • Washing your hands regularly
  • Wearing a reusable face mask when picking your child/children up from school
  • Cleaning high-traffic areas and high-touch surfaces regularly
  • Keeping a close eye on individuals showing symptoms

Create a Homework Station

It’s important for a small, quiet area, preferably with a desk, to be tidied and organised for your children to have their own space to do their homework.

You can organise all of the school/office supplies within this area, including pens, scissors, highlighters, pencils and anything else they may need.

Having everything in one place should discourage them from getting distracted and wander off to search for any items they may need.

Organise the School Bags

Always make sure that before and after school the kid’s bags are organised, as they will get out of hand if you’re not careful!

Our recommendation is to keep the backpacks hanging up near the front door, making sure homework and anything like permission slips are removed from the bag. Everything else, if not needed to stay within the bags.

Create a school bag checklist for you and your kids to go through every morning to ensure nothing is forgotten.

Have it All on a Checklist

We’ve all got out of routine by now after spending summer days out with the family, but now it’s time to get organised.

For younger school children have a point by point checklist, which should include things such as;

  • Make the bed
  • Eat breakfast
  • Clean dishes
  • Brush teeth
  • Organise bag etc.

The checklist should include after school chores as well, such as cleaning and packing lunchboxes, doing homework & taking care of chores.

Have Clothes Ready To Go

Laying out clothes for the next day is a huge time saver for you and your kids.

You could even be extremely organised and lay out clothes for the whole week, including clothes for the evening as well as school uniform.

Get your kids into a routine of doing this on a Sunday afternoon, and then check they’ve got everything they need for the whole week.

What to include;

  • School uniform for the week
  • Gym kit for gym day or any after school sports
  • Evening clothes to change into when they’re home

 

With the help of these back to school organisation tips, you’ll be back on a slick schedule in no time at all.

However, the increased amount of activities during school time can leave you begging for more time to complete your daily housekeeping schedule. That’s where we can help, get in contact with your local Merry Maids today.

Cut your cleaning time in half

We all want to enjoy time with our family and not be stuck cleaning the house for hours, why not try these simple cleaning tips and tricks from the experts at Merry Maids. With just a little effort and some insider knowledge you can get on top of the chores and free up some valuable “me time”.

Fresh in a flash

Our top tip for keeping your rooms smelling fresh for longer is to sprinkle your living room carpet with baking soda before you go to bed. The next morning a quick vacuum will leave you with a cleaner smelling room.

Overnight oven cleaner

Apply oven cleaner at the end of the day and leave overnight, that way you can dramatically cut down the amount of scrubbing time.

  • We recommend using a mixture of white vinegar and baking soda to keep your oven clean.
  • Moisten the inside of your oven with water, apply a thick layer of baking soda and let it sit for around three hours, while you get on with other things.
  • Spray vinegar on the baking soda and watch it fizz into action.
  • Leave overnight and then wipe clean in the morning.

Scrub a dub tub

If both you and your shower are in need of freshening up, why not kill two birds with one stone? Hop in the shower armed with your best scrubbing brush. Soap up, and then rinse yourself and the shower at once. Both you and your shower will be fresh and clean in half the time!

Glass shower doors look better for longer if you use a squeegee or cleaning cloth to remove water after every shower.

Dust talk

If you have a family member or friend that seems to keep you on the phone for an hour, use the time to multi-task.  Use a microfibre cleaning cloth to clean your furniture, this not only makes the best use of your time but will also help to catch more dust than a regular duster and will cut down the need to use specialised cleaning products.

Get the kids involved

Remember, cleaning the house isn’t just your responsibility but the whole family’s. If you have children why not get them involved by giving them a regular cleaning chore. Even if you only start small with something simple like making their own bed or tidying away toys at the end of the day. You can check out our Age appropriate chores for children blog here.

Don’t panic

If you really don’t have the time to get stuck into your chores then don’t panic, you can call and book an appointment for us to come and clean your home from top to bottom. Find your nearest Merry Maids here.

5 hacks for keeping your home tidy all week

Keeping your house clean and tidy throughout the week can feel like a major challenge, particularly when you’re working 9 to 5 and trying to raise kids at the same time. Although you may not have an hour to dedicate towards cleaning each day, adopting a few daily cleaning habits can really make all the difference for your home environment.

These little cleaning rituals don’t have to be complicated or time-intensive, either: In fact, we’ve come up with 5 simple hacks that can help working parents create an efficient cleaning schedule. When combined with regular cleaning services from your local experts at Merry Maids, you’ll be well on your way to keeping a healthy and happy haven all week.

Here are 5 of our best hacks for maintaining your clean through weekdays:

1. Begin each day by making the bed – There’s nothing like diving into crisp, tucked sheets at the end of a long and stressful day. Because it only takes a few minutes, making the bed first thing in the morning can give you a feeling of peace and productivity, without requiring much effort.

2. Wipe down your counters regularly – It’s amazing how many little messes can accumulate on our countertops — and the effect continues to snowball with each new spill. To combat this problem, keep a simple cleaning spray next to your countertops, and give them a quick once-over with a microfibre cloth after you’re finished.

3. Take care of the post – By sorting your post into dedicated bins and folders after every trip, you’ll cut down on clutter, and keep important documents close at hand.

4. Keep dishes in the dishwasher or cabinets – Leaving dishes in the sink can make your home look (and smell) less clean than it actually is. When you commit to putting away the clean dishes each morning and putting dirty dishes into the washer after you eat, your kitchen will feel clean and well-ordered.

5. Do a 10-minute cleaning check when you get home – Once you get home from work or picking the kids up, the last thing on your mind may be cleaning. But while you’re still up, take no more than 10 minutes to look around your home and put away any items that are laying around, then the rest of the evening will be yours!

Although developing these daily cleaning habits can go a long way to maintaining your home, there’s nothing like a detailed clean to get rid of grime and bacteria. Offering a worry-free guarantee andtime-tested cleaning techniques, you can count on the housekeeping professionals at Merry Maids to tackle the house cleaning for you — leaving you to enjoy a more pristine environment during the week.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business here.