Tag Archive for: tips

Your Christmas Morning Cleaning Survival Guide

/by

Christmas morning is filled with excitement, wrapping paper, and the delicious aroma of breakfast cooking. However, along with all that joy comes a significant amount of mess. Between unwrapping gifts, preparing a big meal, and ensuring everyone is happy, cleaning on Christmas morning can feel like a full-time job.

Here’s your Christmas Morning Cleaning Survival Guide:

1. Prepare Before the Big Day

A little preparation on Christmas Eve makes a significant difference.

  • Empty the bins and recycling beforehand so they’re ready for the surge of wrapping paper.
  • Clear the kitchen counters and run the dishwasher to start fresh in the morning.
  • Prepare one bin bag for paper and another for plastic to make tidying up easier as you go.

2. Contain the Wrapping Paper Chaos

Wrapping paper seems to multiply the moment presents are opened.

  • Assign someone to be responsible for cleaning up the wrapping paper. This keeps the living room looking neat and saves a significant clean-up effort later.
  • If you’re feeling eco-friendly, save reusable ribbons and gift bags before they get crumpled.

3. Keep the Kitchen Under Control

The kitchen can easily become the busiest room in the house. To stay organised, clean as you cook.

  • While food cooks, wash dishes, load the dishwasher, and wipe down surfaces between tasks.
  • If you are hosting, don’t hesitate to ask for help. There’s always someone willing to dry dishes or put things away.

4. Tackle Spills Straight Away

With drinks flowing and excitement high, accidents happen.

Keep a cloth and a bottle of Spot Hero from our sister company, ServiceMaster Clean, handy to wipe up spills immediately, especially on soft furnishings or carpets. Quick action stops stains from setting.

5. Christmas Morning with Young Families

If you have young children, mornings can be even busier. Toys, packaging, and excitement fill every corner of your home.

Try these small steps to help keep things under control:

  • Prepare a box or basket to store new toys, keeping the floor tidy and clear.
  • Be sure to collect the packaging immediately to prevent it from being stepped on or mixed in with the gifts.
  • Always keep wipes and a damp cloth nearby for cleaning sticky hands and spills.
  • Establish a small play area where children can use their new toys without spreading them throughout the house (easier said than done, we hear a few of you saying).

These simple habits help you maintain a sense of order while still enjoying every moment with your family.

6. Make a Midday Reset

Once presents are opened and breakfast is done, take ten minutes to reset your home.

  • Fluff the cushions
  • Empty bins
  • Give the kitchen a quick tidy.

It allows the rest of the day to feel relaxed and organised.

 

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a free quote today, or call 0800 021 3072 to learn more.

Dementia Conscious Bonfire Night Tips

/by

Bonfire Night is the time of year to expect lots of oohs and aahs from firework displays around the country. But for those with dementia, they can be overwhelming.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our businesses work with members of the public who suffer from the condition and work hard to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently as we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2025.

Year-round, we work hard to keep our customers safe and cared for.

Here are five tips on how to enjoy the fun while being mindful of everyone’s comfort during bonfire night:

Plan Ahead

Let your loved one know fireworks night is approaching. This helps gauge their feelings and level of involvement. Some might prefer company without the noise, so plan a cosy activity together. Check in with neighbours about their firework plans, as nearby displays might upset someone with dementia. A change of scenery could be a good idea.

Attend a Professional Event

Firework shows with hot chocolate, marshmallows, and bonfires are fun for all. Choose events run by professionals, as they often offer quieter displays and follow strict safety rules.

Stay Comfortable

Ensure the environment isn’t overwhelming with too much noise or activity. If it gets too much, have a plan to retreat to a quieter space. Keep them warm with layers of natural fabrics and hot drinks, checking the temperature first. Ear defenders or plugs can also help.

Create an Alternative Fireworks Night

For those not keen on big events, enjoy sparklers at home or watch from a safe distance. TV and online displays offer the spectacle without the noise. A themed dinner with favourite foods can be a delightful way to celebrate.

Avoid Fireworks Altogether

If fireworks aren’t their thing, that’s okay. Enjoy movies, audiobooks, or music together instead. Offer reassurance with calm words and comforting touch if they feel distressed.

 

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Dementia conscious trick-or-treating tips for Halloween

/by

Top tips to celebrate Halloween safely and considerately as dementia friends.

Happy Halloween!

Whilst this holiday is fun for many, for some, it could be a nightmare come true.

Around 900,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with dementia.

For these people, Halloween can be a scary time.

What may seem innocent and harmless to us, like a scary costume or group of trick-or-treaters, can feel threatening to people with dementia, as Halloween exists outside of their known daily routine.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our businesses work with members of the public who suffer from the condition and work hard to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently as we clean their homes.

Last year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge and have pledged to raise £10,000 in 2024.

Year-round, we work hard to keep our customers safe and cared for.

To help safeguard the vulnerable members of our community during Halloween, we’ve compiled some tips to help you trick-or-treat consciously and safely.

How trick or treating can affect those with dementia

Dementia is often disorientating, which can be scary enough in itself.

Now add scary masks, giant spiders, carved pumpkins, and cobweb decorations, and suddenly, the world is a very frightening place.

If you add unknown house visitors in costumes, regularly high levels of concern and fear can skyrocket.

How to trick or treat dementia-consciously

  • Try not to frighten vulnerable people and remain mindful of others whilst trick or treating.
  • Ensure children are supervised by an adult while trick-or-treating.
  • Do not trick-or-treat elderly members of the community – unless prearranged.
  • Ensure elderly relatives who live alone are accompanied by another adult during the evening.
  • Do not knock on doors with an anti-trick or treating sign. Homes that wish to be visited by trick-or-treaters put out decorations, lights, or pumpkins.

As an alternative, you could also forgo trick-or-treating and plan a spooktacular Halloween party to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Become a Dementia Friend

Being conscious of the vulnerable members of your community is vital all year round.

Particularly during holidays and events like Halloween, we should all take precautions where possible so everyone can stay safe and have fun.

To learn more about how to be a friend to the vulnerable members of your community living with dementia and turn information into action, join us in becoming a dementia friend today.

Merry Maids: Dementia-Conscious Cleaning Experts

For people living with conditions that affect their physical and mental health, keeping up with day-to-day tasks like cleaning can be a real hardship.

For people with dementia, seeing a friendly and familiar face who helps out regularly can make a huge difference.

This year, Merry Maids has partnered with Alzheimer’s Society to train all of our maids in specialist dementia support, so we’re equipped with the knowledge and expertise to give you and your loved ones the support you need.

Be it a deep cleaning, regular tidy-up, or just having someone to talk to.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

How do I improve ventilation in my home?

/by

Top tips on keeping your home properly ventilated.

While in the UK, we often try desperately to keep warmth in and drafts out, there are many benefits to having a properly ventilated home. Keeping the air flowing throughout your property can have numerous health benefits and put a stop to some pretty nasty issues.

“But how do I improve ventilation in my home?” You ask.

In this blog post, the experts at Merry Maids UK have devised a guide to keeping your home properly ventilated.

Why is it important to keep your home well ventilated?

Ventilation (or the exchange of fresh air outside and stagnant air and moisture inside) can prevent harmful pollutants and moisture from being trapped in your home.

The average person breathes in 11,000 litres of air daily – that’s about the size of a cement mixer truck! Ensuring your home is well ventilated means this gigantic amount of air you’re breathing day in and day out contains lots of vital oxygen and removes air pollutants from inside the home, like smoke, carbon dioxide and cooking smells.

Speaking of cooking smells, ventilation is of particular significance in the kitchen and bathroom. Any room containing a gas appliance must be properly ventilated to provide enough oxygen to burn and prevent the appliance from producing dangerous carbon monoxide.

The high air moisture levels in these rooms also cause condensation, the precursor to damp and mould. The average UK family produces 20 litres of moisture daily from breathing and everyday activities, so properly ventilating your property helps you avoid costly repairs.

What are the Building Regulations for ventilation?

In the UK, Building Regulations require that the ventilation in your home is not worsened by the installation of energy efficiency measures.

When work is done on homes, gaps and cracks previously providing useful ventilation are often sealed. In older homes, these may have been the only source of ventilation. Thus, when windows are replaced, a background ventilator (trickle vent) should be installed to replace any lost ventilation. If, however, it can be proven that replacing your window did not reduce the amount of useful ventilation, more ventilation is unnecessary.

How to improve ventilation in your home

To ensure that your home is properly ventilated, you must allow for natural air flow and filtration throughout the property.

  • Always leave trickle vents open, even in winter. This won’t significantly affect your heating costs, but will ensure a fresh flow of clean air.
  • Leave internal doors between rooms open to allow for a natural flow of air and stop lingering smells.
  • Ensure you have and regularly clean any extractor fans in bathrooms and kitchens.
  • If you have any whole-house mechanical ventilation systems, check the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure the filters are replaced as stated (typically annually).
  • Air out the home as often as possible – even in winter. In colder months, turn off your central heating and air out the home three times a day if possible.
  • Invest in ceiling fans to stop hot air from becoming trapped near the ceiling.
  • Reduce dust and allergens through regular cleaning to improve air quality

Want to breathe easier?

This spring and summer, let out the deep breath you didn’t know you were holding by leaving your home cleaning to the professionals at your nearest Merry Maids business.

Our experts are on hand to give you the time back to focus on what matters most to you, not the cleaning.

With regular services, we’ll thoroughly clean kitchens and bathrooms, including extractor fans, to ensure the air quality in your home helps you breathe easier.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation quote on our range of professional and bespoke cleaning services or book online in select locations.

Why should I get my home professionally spring-cleaned?

/by

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.

How To Remove Lingering Food Smells at Christmas

/by

Say goodbye to lingering food smells this Christmas! In this blog post, discover expert tips to refresh your home and tackle stubborn kitchen odours, keeping it clean and inviting all season long.

1. Simmer a Festive Fragrance

Create a warm and inviting scent in your home by simmering a pot of water with festive ingredients.

Add a mix of cinnamon sticks, orange peel, cloves, and a splash of vanilla extract to a saucepan of water, and let it gently simmer on the hob. The heat will release a warm, spicy aroma that will overpower any lingering food smells.

Alternatively, make some mulled wine, enjoy a drink, and let this festive smell fill your home.

2. Use Natural Odour Absorbers

Baking soda is a fantastic, natural odour neutraliser.

Simply place a small bowl of baking soda near the source of the smell, such as the kitchen or dining area, and let it absorb the odours. Similarly, use white vinegar – its natural acidity helps neutralise strong smells. Place a bowl of vinegar on the counter overnight, and you’ll wake up to a fresher-smelling home.

3. Light Candles or Use Diffusers

Scented candles or essential oil diffusers can help mask unwanted food smells with more pleasant fragrances and make your home smell all Christmassy!

If using a diffuser, consider adding essential oils like eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint to cleanse the air naturally.

4. Clean as You Cook

One of the best ways to minimise odours is to tackle them at the source. Clean your pots, pans, and cooking utensils as soon as possible after use.

Wipe down surfaces, focusing on any splashes or spills that could contribute to lingering smells.

5. Deodorise Your Bin

Bins can quickly become the source of unpleasant smells, especially after a big Christmas dinner.

Make sure to empty the bin regularly during the festive period. You can also sprinkle some baking soda at the bottom of the bin, purchase ‘Bin Buddy’ powder, or use bin liners with built-in odour control for extra freshness.

6. Call in a Professional Upholstery Cleaner

Soft furnishings, such as curtains, cushions, and upholstery, can trap cooking smells over time.

You can call ServiceMaster Clean and speak to their cleaning experts on 0800 021 3073, or find your local ServiceMaster Clean here.

7. Clean Your Oven and Extractor Fan

Cooking residues in your oven or grease build-up in your extractor fan can contribute to persistent food smells.

Give your oven a good clean using a natural mixture of baking soda and vinegar, and check your extractor fan filters as these might need washing or replacing.

8. Boil Lemon Water

Lemons are a natural deodoriser and can cut through food smells.

Slice a couple of lemons and place them in a saucepan of water. Bring the water to a boil and let it simmer for about 20 minutes.

The citrusy steam will help neutralise food smells and leave your home smelling clean and lemony fresh.

9. Use Fresh Coffee Grounds

Coffee grounds are also excellent for absorbing odours.

Place a small bowl of used coffee grounds in areas prone to strong food smells, such as near the kitchen sink or on the dining table, to help neutralise the air.

 

Don’t let lingering food odours dampen your Christmas spirit. With these simple tips, you can maintain a fresh and cosy atmosphere in your home, ready to welcome friends and family with festive cheer. For expert help in keeping your home pristine, get in touch with Merry Maids today

You can give us a call and speak to our cleaning experts on 0800 021 3072, or find your local Merry Maids UK here.

Merry Maids’ top tips for a spooktacular Halloween party

/by

How to make sure your Halloween party is scarily good.

Halloween is coming.

It’s the perfect holiday for people who love sweets and chocolate, dressing up, and being a big kid.

Whether you’re planning a ghostly gathering for kids or grown-ups, some Halloween essentials can’t be missed.

Here are our tips on preparing the perfect Halloween monster bash.

  1. Make it age-appropriate

No matter your guest demographic, ensure it is appropriate for the age of your guests.

For example, some scarier decorations might be too intense for young kids.

If your guests are all adults, you’re probably safe to go all out with the fright factor, but the last thing you want from a fun kid’s party is to upset them!

  1. Avoid hard-to-clean substances

In our experience, some spooky substances are an absolute monster to remove from surfaces and furnishings.

While they are essentials for many, substances like fake blood, silly string, and the makeup from Halloween costume sets can easily stain carpets, curtains, and upholstery and are notoriously difficult to remove.

If any spillages or issues with these substances occur, your local ServiceMaster Clean technicians will remove them in a flash with their specialist expertise and high-quality equipment.

  1. Set the scene with some monstrous media

Prepare for your guests and set the mood for a fun and festive time with a combo of themed media.

Make a playlist of your favourite songs to get you in the spooky spirit.

Some hits like Thriller and the Monster Mash will surely get guests feeling Halloween-y.

And if you don’t have time to make your own, check out our Halloween playlist that’s sure to have your party jumping with fright.

You could also play classic Halloween films in the background for extra ambience.

For horror fans, you could play one of the many Halloween or Scream films, Friday the 13th or The Exorcist.

For a less frightening time, try some appropriate films for a younger audience, like The Corpse Bride, Wendall and Wilde, The Addams Family, or Beetlejuice.

  1. Plan ahead

Your gathering doesn’t need to be a massive expense.

Throwing a memorable, sustainable, but inexpensive party merely requires a little forward-thinking.

The only strangers turning up on your doorstep should be trick-or-treaters.

Establish a “ghouls list” and get an exact headcount for the evening by specifying whether or not people should bring plus 1s.

When you invite your guests, set an RSVP date.

If you host guests often, you can also use decorations that can be used more than once.

You can source a lot of cheap and inexpensive decorations from discount stores.

Halloween is meant to be scary, but one thing you shouldn’t be afraid of is asking for help.

Ask your guests to help out by bringing beverages or their favourite (possibly themed) dish.

This might save you valuable prep time ahead of your party.

You can also plan fun activities like games or a prize for the best costume.

  1. Clear away the cobwebs

While giant spider webs are appropriate for Halloween, you don’t want to invite guests into a dusty or untidy home.

Ensure your home is party-ready by enlisting the help of your local Merry Maids.

As experts in cleaning for over 60 years, we’ll help ensure your home is so clean it’s almost scary!

Contact Us

To see how we can help you maintain a clean and tidy home, find your nearest Merry Maids business for a free, no-obligation quotation on a range of bespoke, one-off or regular cleaning services.

Earth Day | Eco friendly washing tips

/by

Today is Earth Day, so we thought we put together a few useful and eco-friendly washing tips for you to implement in your home.

Earth Day is today, a global initiative that’s all about raising awareness and making changes to help take care of our home planet.

To celebrate Earth Day, Merry Maids UK has put together a list of our top tips to save energy and make your washing habits a bit more eco-friendly.

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 a lot of energy, and considering the world we’re living in at the moment, this isn’t such a bad thing! Choosing to wash at 30 degrees instead of a higher setting can save you a whopping 40% of energy and will still leave your clothes looking clean and smelling fresh!

 

2. Use plant-based products

You can help the environment in many ways by using biodegradable plant-based products for your washing.

If you can, use plant-based products that favour biodegradable ingredients to reduce the impact of your wastewater on aquatic life. There’s a chance that on your washing up liquid or cleaning spray, you might have a warning that says “harmful to aquatic life with long-lasting effects”, if this is the case, look for plant-based products that are better for the environment

 

3. Use shorter cycles where possible

Just as colder cycles can save you energy, washing laundry that’s not stained or completely covered in dirt on a shorter cycle saves energy too and it will clean them just as well! Trust us, change to a quicker cycle for your general clothing and you’ll see absolutely no change in the quality of wash, but certainly save on energy!

 

4. Avoid chlorine bleach

Chlorine may have plenty of benefits when it comes to cleaning and disinfecting, however, once it’s released into the environment and reaches water, it reacts with other elements to form toxins that are harmful to wildlife.

 

5. Don’t do half loads

Quite a simple tip this one… Always have a full drum before you start any washing cycle on your machine. This is more beneficial as you’ll still be using the same amount of water and energy as you would if you were to only half fill your machine.

 

6. Use concentrated detergent

Water is the most valuable resource on Earth, yet every day all over the world it’s wasted by the bucket load! Try and use detergents that are concentrated, meaning they’ve used less water in the production process and a bonus they’ll last you even longer. Concentrated detergents can lead to huge energy and water savings!

 

7. Wash clothes inside-out

This quick trick will help your clothes to look new, meaning you’ll have to replace them less often. If fewer clothes are purchased then less water and fossil fuels will be used as fewer clothes will be mass-produced.

 

We hope these tips can in use, if you need your home cleaning then contact your local Merry Maids today.

5 Recycling Tips for a Successful Global Recycling Day

/by

Join us in celebrating global recycling day today with these useful recycling tips.

Today is Global Recycling Day, an initiative designed to recognise the importance of recycling and the benefits it has for our planet.

Now in its fourth year, Global Recycling Day was created in 2018 and aims to raise awareness of the necessity of recycling to aid against global warming and climate change.

The Global Recycling Foundation – which sponsors Global Recycling Day – has named recycling the world’s ‘Seventh Resource’ as part of its circular economy.

This invaluable resource has been found to save over 700 million tonnes in Co2 emissions each year – and is projected to rise to 1 billion by 2030.

So, how can you start recycling effectively from home? We’ve put together some helpful tips and info to help you become a #RecyclingHero.

  1. Get acquainted with your council’s system

One of the biggest hurdles to overcome when first thinking about recycling can simply be a lack of information and knowledge.

Different councils across the UK have different approaches to recycling and different guidelines to follow.

Luckily, you can dispel any confusion quickly by using this handy tool from Recycle Now to find information on your local policy and recycling facilities.

  1. Have a system of your own

Now that you know what to do with your waste come collection day – make sure you have a system in place at home.

Keep all of your recycling waste in separate boxes, bins, or bags, and be sure to flatten all cardboard so that it can fit into whatever receptacle you choose more easily.

  1. Know what you can and can’t recycle

There are some items that you might not be sure of whether or not you can recycle. For example, you can recycle some types of plastics – like shampoo or mouthwash bottles – but not others.

As a rule of thumb, most councils should accept different types of plastic, and the majority of items will include recycling information on the label.

However, if you’re still unsure of whether or not to recycle something, it’s better not to.

Especially if your council operates a system of commingled recycling – in which everyone’s recycling gets processed together – as one item can spoil a whole batch, meaning it ends up in landfill.

You can recycle:

  • Plastic: Bottles and food containers
  • Jars
  • Paper: Newspaper, envelopes, cards (without additions like glitter and beads etc.), wrapping paper
  • Cardboard: Loo rolls, boxes, drinks cartons
  • Metals: Tin cans, aerosol cans, tin foil

  1. Make the necessary preparations for some items

A lot of the plastic and other items that you’ll likely end up recycling will be food packaging.

Plastic, glass, and aluminium food containers can all be recycled – but will need rinsing beforehand to get rid of excess food waste.

This makes them less likely to become contaminated and ruin a batch and makes them easier to recycle.

When recycling items like jars and bottles, make sure you leave the lids on. This might seem counterintuitive, as lids can be made from different materials as the main body.

However, removing the lid may mean it is lost during the filtering process at the recycling plant.

Leaving the lid on means that it can be manually removed and properly sorted by an employee – ensuring it is recycled as you intended.

It also has the added benefit of keeping the jar etc, sealed so other items don’t get trapped inside of it.

With a lot of items – you may find that the recycling instructions include directions to flatten them. This can have different reasons for different items.

Primarily, it makes everything smaller and easier to transport to the recycling facility, saving fuel, money and trips – which is better for both the taxpayer and the environment.

But it can also have benefits during processing, as it also stops items like bottles and cans from rolling off the conveyer!

  1. Avoid black plastic

Black plastics are very common: approximately 1.3 billion black plastic trays are used in ready meal packaging alone in the UK every year, and can technically be recycled.

The problem is, the black carbon pigment can’t be picked up by the laser technology used in the sorting process at recycling plants.

This means that black plastic is never actually recycled, and is always sent to landfills, or incinerated.

Organisations like Greenpeace UK have crunched the numbers, and say that it would be more cost-effective for a ban on ‘problem plastics’ like black plastic altogether.

So, where you can, it’s better to opt for recyclable clear plastic and boycott black plastics entirely.

How to stay on top of your waste

Become a #RecyclingHero today by using these tips to start taking better care of our planet for Global Recycling Day.

And for further assistance on the upkeep and care of your home – including help sorting and emptying your bins – get in touch with us.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business, or book online today for a reliable, friendly, and professional domestic cleaning service.

Tips on washing your bed sheets

/by

From duvet covers to flat sheets, many people wash these necessary bedding items whenever the mood strikes, but is that enough? Unfortunately, you may be sleeping on more than you bargained for.

Our experts at Merry Maids have put together a guide to washing your bedsheets to help create a healthier environment for you and your loved ones.

How Often Should You Wash Your Bed Sheets?

In 2020 Hammonds Furniture conducted a poll and found that a third of Brits only wash their bed sheets once a year, no that’s not wrong, ONCE A YEAR!!!

We recommend washing your bed sheets weekly to eliminate harmful bacteria. Because of the general nature of your sheets, they tend to attract thousands of dead skin cells and odours. These factors warrant more frequent washing and changing of your bedding to keep you and your family healthy.

You should wash your sheets more often if you:

  • Have allergies or asthma

  • Have an infection or skin condition

  • Sweat excessively at night

  • Have pets that like to sleep in your bed

  • Enjoy a midnight snack or breakfast in bed

  • Go to bed without showering (after vigorous activity)

When you don’t wash your sheets and other bedding regularly, you run the risk of exposure to harmful fungi, bacteria, pollen, and animal dander that can get trapped in the fibres of your sheets. It’s not the most pleasant thought to consider you’re lying in all that. Other things such as bodily secretions can also be found on your fabric, though they don’t necessarily pose a health risk like the above. However, these fluids and organisms left on the surface of your bedding could trigger skin irritation, eczema flares (in people already living with the condition), and dermatitis.

What’s the Best Way to Wash Sheets?

Hot water is always the best way to wash and sanitize your sheets and other bedding. Although, more delicate fabrics and textures may require different cycles or water temperatures. For clarification, read the care label on your sheets and follow the instructions carefully to prevent ruining the material. Remember, the hotter the water, the best chance you have of removing more bacteria and allergens.

How Often Should You Change Your Sheets?

You should change your sheets every week or two to avoid the buildup of bacteria. If sleeping in your own sweat, oils, and skin cells weren’t enough to make you want to wash your sheets a bit more often, a colony of dust mites could be lurking in the fibres and these can have a dramatic impact on your health.

Dust mites are unpleasant eight-legged creatures not visible to the naked eye, so it won’t do any good trying to locate them on your sheets. By chance, if you do happen to see some creepy crawlers in your bed, they may be bed bugs. A bed bug situation requires abatement from a pest control company that specializes in these types of insects.

Keeping Your Bed Sheets Clean For Longer

It’s always a good idea to follow through with our recommended one to two-week washing routine. However, if life gets in the way (as it’s prone to do sometimes), you can make some changes in your lifestyle to keep your sheets and bedding cleaner longer, so washing frequently isn’t as necessary.

Keep your sheets clean between washing and help preserve them by:

  • Showering before you go to bed

  • Avoiding napping after a vigorous gym session

  • Removing makeup before you go to sleep

  • Avoiding lotions, creams, or oils right before bed

  • Not eating or drinking in bed

  • Keeping your pets off your bedding

  • Removing debris and dirt from your feet and socks before getting into bed

To keep your sheets looking don’t use fabric softeners with every wash, instead, replace the fabric softener with a quarter-cup of baking soda or a half-cup of white vinegar in the wash during the rinse cycle. Your sheets will feel softer and look brighter without any irritating chemicals or overpowering smells.

It’s important to note, if you’re using bleach to launder your sheets, don’t mix in the white vinegar. This can create poisonous fumes that are extremely dangerous if inhaled. Also, avoid using vinegar in a washing machine as the acid in the vinegar can destroy the door seal.

If you’re wanting any help with cleaning in your home find your nearest Merry Maids business here.

10 things to do in the garden

/by

The Easter weekend is a slightly different one this year with us ‘staying home’, but don’t let that stop you having fun in the garden!

We’ve put together some fun activities that you and your family can do in the garden whilst the weather is nice this bank holiday weekend. 

#1 Garden Easter egg hunt 

 If you have young children or just want a bit of fun as a couple, then hide some chocolate eggs in the garden for others to find. Make sure that you remember where you’ve hidden them, as you don’t want them to melt! 

 Here are some great places that you can hide the Easter eggs: 

  • Bird bath 
  • Watering can 
  • Flower bed
  • Hanging plants
  • Sandbox 

Come up with some more yourselves and have some fun! 

#2 Garden sports 

 Staying active while staying at home is very important and sports games in the garden are a great way to do this. 

 Here are some ideas for sports games:  

  • Badminton or tennis – dust off the old rackets and have a family competition 
  • Football – practice those skills and become the next Lionel Messi 
  • Catch – throw a ball to each other, be it a rugby ball or tennis ball 
  • Bowls or bowling – play some bowls or put up some makeshift skittles and practice your bowling skills 
  • Twister – you could even get out your game of Twister and play that in the garden 

There are lots more fun games you can play in the garden, if you come up with any more let us know on social media.  

#3 Gardening

Gardening is a very popular hobby and whilst the weather is nice and we’re having to stay at home, why not get out there and tend to your garden. 

You could get out your trowel and tend to your flowerbeds or mow the lawn ready for your bowling games. 

#4 Garden camping

A great idea is to get the old tent out and have a camping trip in your garden. You could even use the barbecue as a bonfire, on which you can cook your dinner and toast marshmallows. 

#5 Garden bug hunt

Tell or show your kids what bugs to look for to see what they can find. Remember, if your kids do catch any to put them back where they found them.  

If you and your kids are feeling adventurous you could build a bug den or a butterfly feeder for example. 

#6 Chalk painting 

Being easily washable, chalk painting on your stone patio is a great way to entertain the kids and adults if you enjoy being creative.  

See who can come up with the most imaginative drawing and share them with us on social! 

 #7 Garden picnic

Set up a picnic in the garden, with young kids you can make this a fun teddy bear’s picnic if you like! 

Lay out a full picnic for the whole family to enjoy and then once you’ve finished you can make a day of it and enjoy some other garden activities. 

#8 Bury a time capsule

This is a great time to bury a time capsule with your family.  

Use some kind of waterproof container, cut articles from the newspaper, get your kids to draw or write a letter to their future self, including their age, their favourite things etc.  

You could even take and print out some pictures and put them in the time capsule. You’ll then need to seal up the capsule and bury it in your garden. 

#9 Paddling pool aerobics

You can get your kids to come up with a pool aerobics routine to do for the family. Have fun and get fit at the same time, perfect. 

For the younger kids, just playing with toys in the paddling pool will entertain them for hours! 

#10 Build a den

If you’ve got some wood or other items lying around you could build a garden fort fit for a king!  

Or if you or your children are massive Lego fans, then you’re bound to have enough bricks to build one as well! Make sure you show us your forts on social media! 

 

We hope you have a nice bank holiday weekend, and remember stay home, protect the NHS and save lives.