How to Clean Your Home of Critters

Warm weather brings lots of creepy crawlies who like to invade even squeaky clean homes. So what is a winning strategy to clean your house so it’s free from pests and doesn’t offer an inviting habitat for future visits?

Itsy Bitsy Spiders

Poorly lit, abandoned corners often sport brown recluse and black widow spiders and their baby-spider nests. This is particularly true of older homes. In fact, you might even find spiders hanging out in an empty bathtub or cupboard. Although most spiders are merely a harmless nuisance, desirable because they feed on tiny insects, the brown recluse spider is dangerous because it has toxic venom.

According to a report in the New York Times, one home Kansas City had more than 2,000 brown recluse spiders, which were removed over a six-month period. Although these spiders are not aggressive, they will bite if they are disturbed, with symptoms of their bites ranging from minor to severe skin lesions and, in extreme cases, death. The same is true of black widows, which prefer to nest in dark, undisturbed spaces.

So, to discourage spiders from taking refuge in your home:

• Let the sun shine in. Open windows and turn on the lights.
• Clean the corners from the baseboards all the way up to the ceiling.
• Vacuum on a regular basis. Tiny spiders can nest in carpet fibers.
• Dust hard-to-reach areas with a long-handled tool or use a ladder so you can get to crevices and corners.
• When you clean your tub, sink or shower, run fresh clean water and product down the drain to discourage nest-building in bathrooms that don’t get a lot of traffic.

La Cucaracha 

Arguably one of the most disgusting of all household pests, the humble cockroach is said to be able to survive a nuclear bomb. These hearty bugs are less of a problem than they once were thanks to toxic cockroach baits—which are made by combining insecticide active ingredients and highly palatable foods to encourage consumption. Insecticide dusts that contain boric acid are also effective in controlling cockroaches, but should not be placed in areas where there are children or small pets. In fact, dust is most effective in destroying cockroaches when it is used inside walls.

Take these precautions to clean your home so it won’t attract cockroaches:

• Move food to the fridge or freezer.
• Cover anything and everything that is edible.
• Carefully scrub countertops, stovetops and appliances to make sure they are free from sticky substances.

Antz

Whether you live in the suburbs or the city, you will likely encounter ants. Across the country, ants are considered the top nuisance pest in and around structures. In fact, according to a recent survey sponsored by the National Pest Management Association, the number of ant infestations is on the rise. Ants are most active during the warm months of spring through fall. Ants usually move indoors during environmental such as heavy rain, drought and temperature extremes.

The best defense against an ant infestation is to keep your home clean. Keep foods in sealed containers. Stow pet food bowls when not in use. Check your home for moisture problems (leaky pipes, poor drainage, clogged gutters, etc.) and correct these problems since ants will make nests outdoors under steppingstones or objects near your home and then will move from these sites to inside your home.

• Keep foods that are attractive to ants in sealed containers.
• Clean your kitchen.
• Do not leave dirty dishes out overnight (even inside the dishwasher!)
• Spray ant trails with blue window cleaner, which is relatively safe for animals and easy to wipe up.

No matter the pest, the best defense is to keep your home as clean as possible. The professionals at My Cleaning Lady can keep your home so that pests won’t have a chance to infest. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency which offers professional housecleaning services. We only work with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. If your pest problems persist despite maintaining a sparkling home, you may want to hire a pest management company.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for information or to arrange a free estimate.

 

How to Do a Quick Clean in 30 Minutes per Day

You can do a cursory clean of your entire house in just 30 minutes.

Although you probably set aside big chunks of time to deep clean your home or hire someone to help you out with the heavy-hitting, what do you do along the way to keep your house presentable for unplanned drop-ins? This simple checklist will get you in and out in less than 30 minutes a day.

Living Room

2 Minutes: Since your sofa is likely the focus of the room, take two to straighten it out. Fluff the pillows and fold the throws.

1 Minute: Use a small handheld vacuum to pick up crumbs. Concentrate on surfaces that are located in plain sight: couch cushions, coffee table, and rugs in the middle of the room.

2 Minutes: Stack mail, books and magazines. Toss old newspapers and corral the remote controls into one place (a drawer, if possible).

5 Minutes: Clear out the clutter. Stash video games, pet accessories or toys that could be underfoot.

Bedroom

2 Minutes: Make your bed. Just pulling your comforter over messy sheets will turn a messy bedroom into a much neater space.

5 Minutes: Fold or hang clothes and put away jewelry.

30 Seconds: Straighten out the top of your nightstand. Take water glasses to the kitchen. Stow reading glasses in a drawer, and stack books and magazines.

Kitchen

5 Minutes: Clear out the sink and wipe it down. Don’t leave piles of dirty dishes in the sink. Instead, load them into the dishwasher and wipe down the sink with a clean sponge.

1 Minute: Wipe countertops and stove. Use a damp cloth or sponge to clean up splatters and spills.

2 Minutes: Wipe spots off of the floor. Quickly clean spills or sticky spots.

30 Minutes: Fold or hang dish towels.

Bathroom

30 Seconds: Wipe out the sink. You can either use a pre-moistened antiseptic cloth or a clean, damp sponge to swipe the sink bowl and faucet.

30 Seconds: Clean splatters off of household mirrors. Wipe the mirror with a moist microfiber cloth and then follow up with a fresh, dry microfiber cloth. You’ll be amazed by the results.

 30 Seconds: Spray the toilet seat, tank and rim with antibacterial cleanser and then wipe dry with a paper towel.

30 Seconds: Clean the toilet bowl with a brush. To rid the rim of rings, scrub with a toilet brush.

30 Seconds: Squeegee shower doors. Wipe glass doors to remove water droplets that lead to spotting. If you don’t have a squeegee on hand, use a microfiber cloth or a dry towel.

30 Seconds: Spray the shower and liner with a shower mist. A quick spray with a daily cleanser will reduce mildew and soap scum buildup.

1 Minute: Wipe tables and spot-clean cabinets. Use a microfiber cloth or a disposable cloth to pick up loose dust.

That’s all it takes to do a quick clean! Sit back and enjoy the fruits of your labor. And when you’re ready for a deep clean, give us a call. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency which offers professional housecleaning services. We only works with experienced cleaners. And our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Clean Your Shower

In an effort to help you maximize cleaning time, the professionals at My Cleaning Lady have prepared a few suggestions for cleaning two of the toughest areas in your home—the bathtub and shower. Last week, we covered the best ways to clean a bathtub. This week, we will focus on the humble shower.

• Before you clean your shower, empty it of all clutter. Remove shampoo bottles, loofah sponges, razors, washcloths and soap. Place them into a bucket so you will have room to move around without knocking anything over. Also, why not take the opportunity to toss out empty containers and wash or discard anything that has become moldy or soggy.
• Start by rinsing. Using a bucket, cup, watering can, or pitcher and thoroughly rinse shower walls and floor with piping hot water. If your shower head is handheld, take advantage of the tool by spraying every surface.
• Purchase a scrubbing tool that fits your needs. For a tall shower stall, you might consider getting a long-handled brush.
• Use a cleanser that will foam or bubble. This type of product will allow you to “soak” your entire shower even vertical walls.
• For a greener product, mix your own homemade shower-cleaner. You’ll need 1 cup of vinegar, 1/2 cup baking soda, 1 cup ammonia and one and a half gallons of hot water.
• Use rubber gloves to apply cleanser to shower walls.
• Use a sponge to scrub well and rinse with hot water. Be sure to wipe the walls dry to prevent mildew from forming.
• Scrub shower tiles. Run very hot shower water to create steam. This will help loosen the dirt clinging to the tiles. Scrub well with a mixture of ammonia, vinegar, and baking soda. Use an old toothbrush to reach grout between the tiles.
• Rinse the shower head. It’s difficult to clean your shower head if it is clogged. If your shower head is malfunctioning, remove it from the wall. Fill a bowl with vinegar and let it soak for a few hours.
• Don’t forget to clean the drain. Unscrew the cap on your drain and use a large crochet hook or your fingers, yank the hair out and quickly throw it away.
• Remove hard water spots. Mix equal parts hot water and vinegar together in a bucket. Scrub the hard-water spots well. This works great for shining the lever and knobs in your shower.
• To deal with tough water build-up, you can use a paint scraper or acid-based cleanser to gently loosen caked-on soap scum.
• Eliminate mold and mildew. Commercial cleaning spray is available at virtually any dollar or department store. Use it to spray the walls, let soak and then wipe or rinse.
• Clean your shower door or curtain. Glass shower doors are usually cleaned best with white vinegar, but there are many other options.
• After each use, spray the shower down. Taking care of matters along the way will eliminate the need to spend hours cleaning caked-on soap scum.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond clearing clutter, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Clean your House: All about Bathtubs

Let’s face it. When you’re expecting day guests, you probably do a cursory job of housecleaning—dusting, wiping down counters, sweeping and clearing clutter. But when it comes to hosting visitors overnight, the rubber gloves go on and the deep cleaning begins. In an effort to help you maximize cleaning time, the professionals at My Cleaning Lady have prepared a few suggestions for cleaning two of the toughest areas in your home—the bathtub and shower.

The first step to deep cleaning your bathtub is to figure out which type of tub you have. This is critical because some cleaning methods could potentially damage or stain certain surfaces.

Types of Tubs:

• Porcelain. This is the most durable material used to build bathtubs and sinks. It is heavy and long-lasting, featuring a material that is stone like.
• Enamel. This is common in old tubs and is very sensitive to modern drain cleaners and bleach. In fact, if it is exposed to bleach or strong acid, it can instantly develop brown, rust-like stains.
• Acrylic. This material most closely resembles plastic. Acrylic shower walls may bend in some places. If you have an acrylic tub, stay away from abrasives like pumice stones.

How to Clean Porcelain:

1. Cleaning Agents. If your tub is made of porcelain, you will be able to safely use an abrasive powder such as Comet or Ajax. Pour some powder on the stain and add a little bit of hot water.
2. Scouring Pad. Since porcelain is durable, you can safely use the scruffy scrubbing side of a clean dish sponge.
3. Pumice. You can remove stubborn stains with a pumice stone. But be very sure your tub is porcelain before using acrylic and enamel bathtubs scratch if they encounter hard stones.
4. Make a paste. Mix powder cleanser and hot water. Apply the mixture to the bottom of a porcelain tub or sink for 15-30 minutes to soak. Then, follow through with a vigorous scrub.

How to Clean Enamel:

1. Commercial Cleaners. Any supermarket bleach-free bathroom cleanser should safely work on enamel tubs. Bleach instantly reacts with enamel, leaving brown rust-like stains in its wake.
2. Shampoo. In a pinch, you can rub store-bought shampoo on rings that collect on the tub surface. Let it sit for a few minutes and rinse with warm water. Since shampoo is made to cut through scalp oil, it can also conquer bathtub rings.
3. Trisodium Phosphate. For extreme deposits of dirt, grease and soap scum, mix a tablespoon of this chemical with a gallon of hot water. Use sparingly.
4. Erasers. With a little elbow grease, special commercially-made sponges “ magically” weaken bathtub stains.
5. Spray-on Soap Scum Remover. This step dissolves the soap scum on your tub that may be trapping dirt and grime. Removing the soap scum first can allow the hydrogen peroxide/baking soda paste easier access to the real grime.

How to Clean Acrylic:

1. Frequently Clean. Acrylic tubs require more frequent washings than those made from other materials.  If you have an acrylic tub, thoroughly clean it at least once a week.
2. Dish Soap. An inexpensive fix for dirty acrylic tubs is dish washing liquid mixed with plenty of hot water.
3. Vinegar. Perfect for hard water build-up, vinegar is the naturally safe way to clean your acrylic tub. Apply hot water and vinegar and let it soak for 30-45 minutes. Scrub and then rinse with warm water.
4. Soft Sponges. Avoid abrasive cleaning pads or any products that contain fine grit. Using soft tools is critical because acrylic is easily scratched.
5. Don’t Use Pumice Stones or scouring pads, which can permanently damage surfaces.
6. Don’t Use Wax. The natural shine on your acrylic tub will dull if you use wax.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond clearing clutter, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

Three Steps to Clean Clutter

My Cleaning Lady gives you three steps to clear clutter.

Do you have to dig through piles of old papers to find past due bills? Are your receipts buried under out-of-date magazines, coupons and fliers? Is your kitchen table stacked with CDs, DVDs and books? If you’ve answered “yes” to any of these questions, you might be a pack rat. Even if you are relatively organized, spring is the perfect time to clear clutter from hearth and home. But where do you start?

Here are three ideas brought to you by the housecleaning professionals at My Cleaning Lady:

1. Make piles for sorting: “keep,” “toss,” “donate” and “sell.” Be brutal. If you haven’t used an item in six months, you probably won’t use it in the next six months. Stuff can weigh you down.

• KEEP: Put away everything that you have decided to keep. You’ve heard the saying, “Everything has a place and everything in its place.” The neater your surroundings, the more in control you will feel. And the easier it will be for you to maintain a neat environment. A tidy house is a healthy house. And a healthy house is a happy home.

• TOSS: Items that are stained, broken, or irreparably damaged belong here, along with unwanted mementos that are meaningful to no one but you. After you’ve cleared the decks, take the “toss” bags to the trash before you have time to rethink things. But be mindful of the environment when disposing of electronics.  Freecycle.org is a good resource. Also, local communities often host free e-waste disposal days.

• DONATE: Drive to a thrift store to donate unneeded items as soon as possible. When you are trying to decide whether to sell or donate, consider the tax software “It’s Deductible,” which provides detailed guidelines for the market value of everything from socks to skis. And you might be surprised how much each item is worth. So if you decide to donate instead of give, itemize everything to use at tax time.

• SELL: Plan to host a yard sale. Furniture, power tools, lawn mowers, toys, sports equipment, and bicycles move briskly—but they won’t bring in big bucks. Clothing goes for a pittance. In his book, It’s All Too Much, Professional Organizer Peter Walsh suggests: “Think of a yard sale as a way to have neighbors pay you modestly for the favor of hauling away your stuff rather than as a moneymaking venture.”

2. Tackle one room at a time. This way, if you run out of time in the middle of the process, you will know where to start when you have time. If you try to tackle everything all at once, you might get discouraged and bail out. To keep things relatively even, you can divide the house into five areas—bedrooms, dining room, living room, bathrooms, kitchen.

3. Deep clean as you go. As soon as you are finished clearing unnecessary items, thoroughly clean the room before moving to the next step. Seeing a clean space should keep you motivated to move on to another room. The housekeeping professionals at My Cleaning Lady can help you with this all-important step.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond clearing clutter, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. We are currently offering a Spring Cleaning Special. If you book any cleaning at regular price, we will clean your refrigerator for free. Offer good through April 30, 2012.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Clean Your Mirrors

Do you know how to safely clean your household mirrors?

In Snow White, the evil queen gazes into a sparkling reflection to pose her infamous question, “Mirror, mirror, on the wall. Who’s the fairest of them all?”

Murky smudges wouldn’t do for her. And they shouldn’t cut it for you. Before we share tips for cleaning your mirrors, here is a little history. Mirrors were once made by polishing a suitable substance until it became highly reflective. Modern Neolithic mirrors are made by grinding and polishing obsidian rocks until they sport an incredible sheen.

The most common type of consumer mirror is known as a plane mirror, which takes light and reflects it back. Essentially highly reflective surfaces, household mirrors typically hung on walls in bedrooms and bathrooms are often backed with silver. This means that the reflective surface (which in most modern mirrors is aluminum), is viewed through a thin layer of glass. The glass protects the aluminum from scratching and bubbling, but also slightly distorts the image.

So what’s the best way to clean the mirrors in your home?

Supplies:

• Soft cloth

• Old newspaper
• White vinegar
• Foam shaving cream

How to clean a mirror:

1. To remove dust and loose dirt, pre-clean the surface by wiping it with a soft cloth.
2. Make sure the area is well-ventilated.
3. In much the same way we outlined the proper way to clean windows in the instructional video from My Cleaning Lady; you will be able to clean the surface of your mirror by using crumpled newspapers and a mixture of 1 cup of white or distilled vinegar to 1 quart of warm water.
4. Dip newspapers into the vinegar/water mixture and rub in slow circles across the surface of the mirror.
5. Once you have cleaned the surfaces of the mirror, rub the wet areas with dry newspaper. This will prevent drips.
6. If streaks persist, repeat steps 2 and 3.
7. To dry the mirror, use a squeegee.
8. The first time you clean your mirror using the above method, you might find that you are battling a heavy residue which may have built up from the repeated use of harsh commercial cleaners.

Other Mirror-Cleaning Tips:

• To remove the film which results from hairspray, apply rubbing alcohol.
• Defog your mirror. Julie Edelman, author of The Accidental Housewife, suggests spreading a thin layer of shaving cream over your mirror. When you’re finished showering, wipe it off with a paper towel for a clean mirror that will not fog up for up to 3 weeks.
• Another way to prevent foggy mirrors is to run an inch of cold water into the bathtub before turning on hot water.
• Also popular is the use of a hairdryer to de-fog mirrors.
• Inexpensive anti-fog wipes designed for use on car windshields can be safely applied to mirrors.

How to Protect Mirrors:

• Keep the edges of mirrors dry. Moisture can cause “black edge,” which damages the backing. If you do accidentally spill liquid on mirror edges, wipe it up!
• Don’t spray cleaner/vinegar/water directly onto the mirror-this helps avoid black edge.
• Avoid using abrasive commercial cleaners which contain acid, alkali, or ammonia.
• If you have several wall-mounted mirrors next to each other, clean each mirror separately.
• Avoid using newspapers which contain soy-based ink.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond clearing clutter, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Allergy-Proof Your Kitchen

Part 4 in a 4-Part Series about How to Clean Your Home to Eliminate Allergens

This blog post is meant solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details about treating allergies.

Your house is a place to relax and entertain family and friends, far from the worries of the outside world. But is your home a haven for hidden allergens? Do dust mites hang out on your sofa as much as you do? Do mold spores hide in the crevices of your shower? Unseen housemates can turn a happy home into a house of allergy horrors.

Over the past four weeks, we have discussed some housecleaning basics for eliminating allergens in the home. This final post in our four-week series will focus on how to clean your home to eliminate allergies from your kitchen.

Allergy-Proof Your Kitchen

Like the bathroom, your kitchen likely features surfaces made of porcelain and tile. So keeping it allergy-free requires a different approach than what is necessary to eliminate allergies in areas with lots of soft surfaces.

Although bed bugs and dust mites don’t hang around in the kitchen, cockroaches love the kitchen because it is a prime hunting ground. Also, another allergy-producer is the humble mold spore, which loves kitchens because they usually contain plenty of moisture. To encourage the infestation of roaches and growth of mold, all you need to do is scatter crumbs, spills liquids and leave spilled food that falls between the stove and counter top.

If you would prefer to discourage these types of unwelcome house guests, you’ll need to diligently work to keep your kitchen clean. Unlike other areas that can be left unattended, you should clean your kitchen each and every day. What’s more, you should do a heavy-duty cleaning job every week or at least twice a month. If you follow these simple steps, you will easily eliminate allergens in your kitchen.

Control Cockroaches

• Immediately wash each and every dish. A dirty pan left to soak is an ideal venue for wining and dining.
• Pests love clutter. The more clutter on your counter, the more time it will take you to clean off every surface and the more likely you are to fail to clean every single crumb.
• Dispose of waste in sealed garbage containers. If you dump food scraps down the garbage disposal, turn the disposal on immediately and rinse the sink right away.
• Pet food that’s left out is an open invitation to roaches. So remove dog and pet food bowls when not in use.
• Sweep or vacuum kitchen corners and underneath all major appliances to remove all crumbs. Also, clean the drip pan under the stove and empty the crumb plate in the toaster. Use a warm, soapy rag to wipe up messes.
• Use glass, plastic, or metal containers to store all food in cabinets and on countertops.
• A pile of brown paper bags or newspapers makes for a perfect hiding place. Place old papers in a sealed plastic box away from food.
• Cockroaches are tough to get rid of, so don’t despair if you see a scout. Just keep up with regular house cleaning.

Eliminate Mold

• Eat your food. If you aren’t going to eat it, pitch it right away instead of giving mold the perfect place to hibernate.
• Keep the kitchen well-ventilated.
• Don’t give mold a chance to grow. Immediately wipe up spills.
• Buy easy-to-clean kitchen furniture, preferably made of wood, plastic, vinyl, or glass. Fabric-covered furniture absorbs spills, collects crumbs and attracts mold.
• Replace carpeting with vinyl, tile, or hardwood.
• Clean the often-neglected drip pan underneath the refrigerator to prevent it from becoming a watering hole for roaches, not to mention a mold colony.
• Immediately clean up any spills in the refrigerator.
• Wash the garbage can and regularly deodorize your garbage disposal.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond your floors, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. We are currently offering a Spring Cleaning Special. If you book any cleaning at regular price, we will clean your refrigerator for free. Offer good through April 30, 2012.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Allergy-Proof Your Bathroom

Part 3 in a Series about How to Clean Your Home to Eliminate Allergens

Clean your bathroom to eliminate allergens.

This blog post is meant solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details about treating allergies.

Your house is a place to relax and entertain family and friends, far from the worries of the outside world. But is your home a haven for hidden allergens? Do dust mites hang out on your sofa as much as you do? Do mold spores hide in the crevices of your shower? Unseen housemates can turn a happy home into a house of allergy horrors.

Over the past three weeks, we have discussed some housecleaning basics for eliminating allergens in the home. This post will focus on ways to eliminate allergies from bathrooms.

Glossy floors and shiny porcelain surfaces aren’t typical breeding grounds for dust-mites. However, that doesn’t mean your bathroom is out of danger from other allergens…chiefly, mold and cockroaches, which love the steamy warmth that bathrooms provide.

Tips for an Allergen-Free Bathroom

Minimizing moisture is critical. Exhaust fans and open windows reduce condensation. So you can manually remove moisture by wiping shower and sink areas after each use.

How to Clean a Bathroom:

• Use waterproof wallpaper, or paint all bathroom walls. Mold spores can grow underneath wallpaper.
• Install easy-to-clean tile near sinks and tubs.
• Wash shower curtains once a month or purchase curtains that contain an antifungal agent.
• Clean encrusted toothpaste and soap scum from cups and toothbrush storage containers. To make sure you clean these easily-forgotten areas, wash, rinse and dry containers each time you scrub the sink.
• Use soap, water and a brush to clean surfaces where mold forms. But soap won’t kill existing mold. So consider purchasing a mold-killing cleaning product.
• Make sure your bathroom remains well-ventilated and thoroughly rinse surfaces.
• When you shower, turn on the exhaust fan or open a window to remove moisture.
• Wall-to-wall carpeting does not belong in the bathroom. If your bathroom has carpet, rip it out. Bare floors are better than mold-harboring woven carpets.
• Wash bath towels in hot water.

What to Safely Store in the Bathroom:

• Products. Products stored in bathrooms can pose problems for people who are susceptible to skin allergies and/or who struggle with respiratory sensitivities. Avoid or limit contact with potential allergens/irritants:
• Bleach. Bleach is harsh and can harm the skin on sensitive people. Wear gloves and a vapor mask if you are sensitive. Also, keep the room well-ventilated. Consider using natural, eco-friendly products such as baking soda, vinegar, natural soap and water.
• Lotions. Many use perfumed soaps and shampoos, aftershaves, perfumes, antiperspirants, face creams, hair dyes, cosmetics and oils. Cater to skin sensitivities by using shampoos, lotions and creams that are free of fragrances, dyes and PABA.
• Nickel. This is the metal that often causes contact dermatitis. As we sweat, our perspiration dissolves nickel, which the skin absorbs and often causes a rash. About 10 percent of the population suffers from nickel sensitivity. Nickel-containing products are easily overlooked. They include mascara, eye shadow and eyeliner, snap other fasteners; belt buckles, bra clips, metal eyeglass frames, thimbles, zippers and coins. For this reason, the jewelry box is often a gold mine for potential irritants.
• Formaldehyde. You might be surprised to learn that many of the products you use contain formaldehyde because many products break down to formaldehyde. These include bubble baths, deodorants, hair dyes, nail hardeners, permanent wave lotions, hair thickeners, talc and powders, shampoo and conditioners, skin cleaners and hand sanitizers. These are the most common formaldehyde or preservatives releasing formaldehyde formulas: quaternium 15, imidazolidine urea, and diazolidinyl urea.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond your floors, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. We are currently offering a Spring Cleaning Special. If you book any cleaning at regular price, we will clean your refrigerator for free. Offer good through April 30, 2012.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

Clean Your Home to Eliminate Allergens

You can clean your home to eliminate allergens.

Part 2 in a Series about cleaning your home to eliminate allergens.

This blog post is meant solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details about treating allergies.

Your house is a place to relax and entertain family and friends, far from the worries of the outside world. But is your home a haven for hidden allergens? Do dust mites hang out on your sofa as much as you do? Do mold spores hide in the crevices of your shower? Unseen housemates can turn a happy home into a house of allergy horrors.

Last week, we discussed some housecleaning basics for eliminating allergens in the home. This post will focus on ways to eliminate allergies from kids’ rooms. There are several specific considerations to be address when allergy-proofing a child’s bedroom.

Allergy-Proof Kids’ Beds

As soon as your son or daughter is ready to graduate from the crib to a “grown up bed,” invest in a new mattress encased in allergen-impermeable coverings. These casings efficiently block out dust mites and mold spores, while remaining breathable and water permeable.

If your baby’s new mattress isn’t sealed in vinyl, encase it in a plastic, waterproof covering before the baby ever sleeps on it. This simple step will prevent the growth of mold. Then, top the plastic or vinyl with a dust-mite-proof encasing. Replace mattresses if they start to smell or show signs of mold.

Allergy-Proof Kids’ Toys

Although they are cute and irresistible to kids, stuffed animals can harbor dust mites. If your child insists on cuddling with a stuffed toy, buy one that’s durable and washable. To keep it from housing dust mites, wash it each week along with linens. Keep all toys in dust-free containers away from the bed and not on the floor.

Allergy-Proof Kids’ Rooms

1.     Dust: When it comes to allergy prevention, one of the most important things you can do to protect your kids is to thoroughly dust with a liquid cleanser. Avoid the use of feather dusters, as they kick dust into the air instead of eliminating it.

2. A/C: Allergy-prone kids do best in air-conditioned rooms. If your home doesn’t have central air conditioning, purchase a wall or window-unit for your child’s bedroom. And be sure to close the door to keep dust from the outside from landing on your kids’ dresser, nightstand or bookshelves.
3. Out with the Old: Eliminate old carpet or area rugs that could harbor mites and mold.
4. Keep food where it belongs: Don’t let your kids eat in their room. Cockroaches love pizza, popcorn and fish crackers as much as children do.
5. The Air in There: Buy a portable HEPA air filter.
6. Keep Closets Clean. Avoid the temptation to use kids’ closets for extra household storage. The more items you store, the more surfaces there are for dust to settle. Use closets for solely for storing laundered clothes. If you store shoes in the closet, hang them on wire shoe racks to encourage air circulation. Also, although it might be convenient to store the clothes hamper in the closet, make sure it’s a well-ventilated area to limit mold growth. Also, don’t toss wet towels into the closet.
7. Clean on a Regular Basis. The safest way to keep your home allergy-free, clean it on a regular basis.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond your floors, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. We are currently offering a Spring Cleaning Special. If you book any cleaning at regular price, we will clean your refrigerator for free. Offer good through April 30, 2012.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.

How to Clean Your Home to Keep Allergies at Bay

Part 1 in a Series about How to Clean Your Home to Eliminate Allergens.

This blog post is meant solely for informational purposes. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Please consult your physician for details about treating allergies.

Your house is a place to relax and entertain family and friends, far from the worries of the outside world. But is your home a haven for hidden allergens? Do dust mites hang out on your sofa as much as you do? Do mold spores hide in the crevices of your shower? Unseen housemates can turn a happy home into a house of allergy horrors.

According to a spokesman from the Honor Society of Nursing:

“About one third of all Americans suffer from some kind of allergy. Many suffer from environmental allergies. And about 35 million (more than 10%), experience hay fever, which is an allergy to pollen. Others are allergic to pet dander, mold and dust mites.”

The good news is that interior allergies can be tackled if you simply take a few easy steps to allergy-proof your home. Once you develop and implement some basic housecleaning strategies to reduce allergens, you will be able to breathe a sigh of relief without sneezing, sniffling, or wheezing.

• Cover the basics.
  • Cover all bed linens in mite-proof material.
  • Enclose your mattresses and box springs in zippered allergen-impermeable, mite-proof covers.
• Clean and repeat. (Follow a regular cleaning schedule.)
• Enlist the troops. (If you personally suffer from allergies, the best advice we can provide is to hire a professional to clean your home, or get your family on board. An allergy-prone person shouldn’t do extensive housecleaning since the cleaning process stirs up allergens that aggravate symptoms.) You could always leave the job to the professionals at My Cleaning Lady. A domestic referral agency, we work with only the best housekeepers in the business and are based in LaVerne, California. We offer professional housecleaning services all along the 210 corridor in the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.
• Invest in the right equipment. To rid your home of allergens, you need to be well-equipped. After all, you’ll be nose-to-nose with sneaky spores, multitudinous mites, and drifting dander.
  • Purchase a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Arrestance) filter. Allergists recommend HEPA-filter vacuums because they reduce airborne allergens by trapping dust mites and other small particles without re-releasing them into the air.
  • Encase comforters in allergen-impermeable material.

• Tame dust. Using a damp rag, wipe down your bed frame to keep it free of dust.
• Rinse and repeat.
  • Each week, wash all of linens in hot water.
  • Wash your mattress pad and blankets every two to four weeks in hot water.
  • Wash the mite-proof encasings as recommended by mattress manufacturer.
  • Washing linens regularly not only kills dust mites, it also reduces their food source (i.e., dead skin flakes). Washing only kills the adult mites but does not harm their larvae. So it’s important to wash linens weekly—to eliminate each new crop of critters.

If your commitment to keeping a clean home extends beyond your floors, you could benefit from professional housecleaning services. My Cleaning Lady is a domestic referral agency that only works with experienced cleaners. Our house cleaners offer complete home cleaning services including thorough dusting at reasonable prices. We are currently offering a Spring Cleaning Special. If you book any cleaning at regular price, we will clean your refrigerator for free. Offer good through April 30, 2012.

My Cleaning Lady proudly serves residents in the following California cities; Arcadia, Chino, Chino Hills, Duarte, Ontario, Pomona, La Verne, Covina, Rancho Cucamonga, Fontana, Montclair, Claremont, Phillips Ranch, Upland, West Covina, Glendora, San Dimas, and Sierra Madre. Visit www.MyCleaningLady.com or call (909) 593-6690 for more information or to arrange a free estimate.