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5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning

June 13, 2022 by Dallas Maids

5 Mistakes to Avoid When Cleaning

Like everything in life, cleaning can be improved when you know what mistakes you’re doing. Trial and error are important in our daily routines and of course, that includes knowing what, when, and how to clean.

This is why this week’s article is all about learning -and changing- any cleaning mistakes you make. This will cover everything from using the wrong products to techniques that are not efficient and even planning out your cleaning tasks the wrong way can extend your cleaning process unnecessarily, for hours even.

Over the years, we have seen and heard all types of horror stories about stained floors, ruined laundry, and clogged drains, as well as endless cleaning routines that go for hours and hours. All because of wrong products, techniques, and planning.

Let’s get right into it! Here are 5 common cleaning mistakes and how you can fix them.

Mixing Cleaning Products

First, it is dangerous. Two chemicals that are not meant to be mixed can make a mess in an instant. Anything from excessive foam to releasing toxic fumes.

Second, it is contaminating. Many of these products end up in the ocean causing harm to aquatic life. Everything from an excessive increase of algae (which leaves fish without oxygen) to microplastics and other harmful chemicals that end up in the ocean.

Besides, the plastic packaging will most likely end up in the ocean as well. Commercial cleaning products tend to be one-time plastic packaging, instead of other solutions such as non-plastic packaging or reusable plastic.

If you check our guide for choosing green products, you will know exactly what to avoid before you buy your cleaning products.

Now you even find these “challenges” on social media such as Instagram and TikTok. They show people mixing different cleaning products, especially into the toilet. This, of course, is wrong on so many levels.

Not only it is dangerous and contaminating, but it is also a waste of product. Everyone knows how expensive cleaning products can be, particularly if they are commercial, specialized products.

Mixing Cleaning Products

     

Cleaning In a Hurry

Acting in a hurry creates the opposite outcome for most cases.

The biggest consequence is that you might plan or even start different cleaning tasks that you won’t have the time to finish, leading you to feel frustrated or overwhelmed.

You will -most likely- clean and scrub your items and surfaces in an unorganized way that will lead you to repeat steps or spend extra energy.

For example, you might make small cleaning mistakes such as sweeping and mopping your floors and then wiping surfaces and shelves above. This will only cause dust and debris to fall on top of your floor and you will have to repeat steps unnecessarily.

One of the most common cleaning mistakes is to apply your cleaning product to surfaces and then start scrubbing or brushing right away. This happens often when you are cleaning surfaces such as countertops, floors, and shower walls.

This will tire you quickly, because of the physical effort of mopping, scrubbing, or vacuuming. But it will also lead to your surfaces or furniture getting scratched or discolored by applying a constant, strong motion to the surface (such as the movement of scrubbing up and down constantly). 

Besides setting a proper time window for cleaning, you will need to come up with a structure to optimize your resources, being time the most valuable.

Examples like cleaning surfaces from top to bottom and letting your cleaning products act on the surfaces for 15 – 30 minutes before wiping or scrubbing, will make you spend less time and energy on the same tasks.

Overwhelmed after cleaning in a hurry

Not Planning Your Cleaning

There are many issues in different areas when you don’t create a cleaning plan beforehand.

Even though spontaneous cleaning sprees are better than not cleaning, it doesn’t mean it’s going to be the most successful or productive use of your time.

You will end up cleaning too much or too little. This can cause, for example, some surfaces end up getting worn out and “aged” too fast, while other areas are unkempt and dirty.

Additionally, this can cause stress when you don’t plan things out because you get overwhelmed with unrealistic cleaning goals.

Planning your cleaning process will help you keep track of all areas and cleaning tasks, as well as save you time by not needing to think about what you need to clean or what is your next step.

There are many ways you can approach this, and you can combine different strategies. Many people like scheduling their week and sorting different cleaning tasks during the week. Others prefer to clean mostly on the weekends.

You could also assign one day of the month or the last weekend of the month for more occasional cleaning tasks (vacuuming all your furniture, cleaning your roof and/or your deck, decluttering…).

There are many resources on the internet available for you. For example, you can check our guide for Spring Cleaning, our 3-hour Weekly Cleaning Schedule, and even our Daily Cleaning Checklist.

Planning a Cleaning Schedule

Using the Wrong Products

Even if you are not mixing products, you can still damage your surface and furniture by using the wrong product. Some materials, mostly organic ones, are more sensitive to the environment.

On one hand, this includes temperature and humidity changes. For example, Dallas is known to have over 40% changes in humidity on the same day!

On the other hand, this is related to interaction with other materials and chemicals. This is why you need to be really careful when choosing the products that will act on your surface.

Some chemicals, even water, can cause damage such as stains, discoloration, excessive moisture, and even the material cracking or lifting (especially floors). 

The damage will be more noticeable with more abrasive cleaning products. Bleach, for example, can cause heavy staining and color fading. This is particularly common for carpet floors, wooden, and upholstery.

Ammonia is another component that causes staining, again in oak floors and carpet.

Even vinegar and lemon juice, which are mostly natural and harmless cleaning agents, they are not recommended in natural stone surfaces, such as granite and marble. The acid penetrates the protective sealant, causing permanent stains.

You have many choices here. First, you can purchase specialized cleaners for each material you have at home. This is a safe route, but it can become quite pricey, and you will have to keep track of how much you have left of all those products.

Second, you can choose commercial all-purpose cleaners. Check if that product is safe for each one of your surfaces, both on the label and on the internet.

Third, you have many homemade cleaners available, that you can create with inconspicuous cleaning agents such as baking soda and hot water.

No matter your choice, always test your products in hidden areas first.

Using the wrong products for cleaning

Doing It All on Your Own

This is somewhat related to the “not planning your cleaning” mistake. Research has shown that, unfortunately, task segregation between genders is still present in households -meaning that women still do mostly “women’s chores” and vice versa-, especially cooking and cleaning.

Other studies show that women around the world perform the majority of domestic chores.

The most positive route is to include all family members in all the different tasks that you need to do to take care of your house. If you have children, you can slowly include them as well with age-appropriate tasks.

Again, science shows that kids with assigned cleaning and home maintenance tasks are more independent and confident. They will also grow with positive standards, feel better about themselves and learn good habits both as individuals and their families in the future.

Of course, assign them tasks as long as their school and leisure time stay a priority.

The secret is to mix and assign different tasks for each one so that no one gets bored, or overwhelmed. For example, you can try a cleaning/home maintenance checklist for one month, and then switch roles. Perhaps, your family prefers switching every month, or maybe you just try different strategies until you find a checklist that works for everyone permanently. You can also hire a cleaning service to help ease the entire routine of your family.

Make sure you take into account everyone’s time availability, even if you are a stay-at-home parent. Research also shows that, to this day, women are still much more likely to take care of household duties than men and, of course, this takes a toll on your individual and marital happiness and well-being.

Everyone needs time to rest and disconnect from cleaning and running a household.

Stressed of cleaning all on your own

Conclusion

There you have it! Before jumping into your cleaning tasks, make sure you read this article carefully and think about whether you make these cleaning mistakes frequently.

Remember practice makes perfect, and it’s best to think about improving the way you plan and carry out your cleaning tasks to save you so much mental and physical energy, as well as your time.

And if you are feeling overwhelmed with household chores and you want to take things easier, make sure to check our cleaning service in Dallas! We have different services to suit your home’s needs.

Good luck and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!  

6 Features to Look for In Green Cleaning Products

June 1, 2022 by Dallas Maids

6 Features to Look for In Green Cleaning Products - Dallas Maids

You have probably seen by now that more and more brands started developing new items that are labeled as “green” “eco-friendly” or “natural” cleaning products. Whether these are companies with decades on the market which are trying to become environmentally conscious, or new ones with a fresh, innovative starting point, you have many new and better choices.

Now, the question is: are they really interested and honest about their efforts? Or is this just greenwashing?

Let’s read how to choose wisely the truthful green products.

Greenwashing or Honest Green Cleaning Products?

“Greenwashing” is a term for companies that are trying to make their products look more sustainable than they are. Their focus is on the marketing of the product rather than improving the product itself.

Of course, this can lead you to buy a product because, visually, it pretends to be environmentally conscious.

You can see that with the color palette (green, mostly), or with stickers such as “natural” “green” or “ecofriendly”. These are too ambiguous and evasive: they’re not really saying how they are natural or green, or what pledges or certifications are they following with that product.

It’s common to find these in products or brands that already exist, and that already have earned popularity over the years. When they have to compete with new, fresh alternative brands, they “keep up” by greenwashing marketing techniques.

For you to know that a product or a brand is fully committed, make sure it has at least most of the following tips:

Greenwashing VS real green cleaning product

Short & Clear Ingredient List

A good rule of thumb for choosing a safer cleaning product is to check its ingredient list. Just like every other field (food, personal care, makeup & beauty), a short, simple ingredient list means that the company chose all the ingredients carefully. Everything there is strictly necessary for the product to work. 

Even further: companies with strong ethics and honesty about their products will take the time to indicate the purpose of each ingredient and their source. Either on the label itself or on their website or social media where they have all the elements they need to be clear about the product.

But besides the length of the ingredient list, keep reading to find out what should and should not be on that list.

Ingredient List for Cleaning and Personal Care products

Green Cleaning Products are Free of Harmful Chemicals

Of course, the easiest solution would be to go with brands that have removed harmful chemicals from their ingredient list. But this is not as easy as it sounds.

First of all, synthetic chemicals tend to be more contaminating, yes, but they are also much more affordable to produce. Plants and minerals tend to be harder to produce or obtain.

Now, exactly what harmful chemicals should you avoid?

There is a long list of chemicals used in the cleaning industry, and they might be either harmful to the environment, or possibly harmful or toxic to the human body.

If you check our Spring Cleaning Guide, we recommended choosing soap that is free of phosphates, ammonia, and artificial colors.

Phosphates can cause mild irritation to the skin, but they are particularly harmful to the ocean. Excessive phosphates increase the growth of algae, which depletes the oxygen supply to the entire ecosystem.

Ammonia is commonly used in polishers and glass cleaners. However, it is highly toxic and irritating. Its fumes are dangerous for people with respiratory issues such as asthma and bronchitis.

Artificial colors are common in cleaning products for easier identification of their purpose, in case you lose their label or packaging (low-risk cleaners, glass cleaners, food, kitchen cleaners, etc.). As long as you keep the label and the items organized in your cleaning pantry.

Other chemicals such as Sodium Lauryl Sulfate and Sodium Laureth Sulfate, (or SLS and SLES), are toxic to aquatic life. Palm oil is one of the ingredients for sulfates, which is well-known to damage the tropical rainforest ecosystems, according to research. You should stay away from parabens and phthalates as well.

Harmful chemicals in products

Plant and Mineral Based Cleaning

Plants and minerals are obtained from natural, organic sources. They present several benefits when compared to synthesized compounds.  

First, plants and minerals that are used in cleaning products tend to be much gentler and more harmless to contact, including skin and lungs (by breathing). This is particularly important if you have sensitive skin, allergies, or respiratory issues.

They also come with dozens of natural cleaning properties such as degreasing, sanitizing, and deodorizing.

Second, the production process is less harmful, especially for plants for obvious reasons. Technology allows users to take advantage of plants for different purposes: anything from food to even packaging of the cleaning product itself.

Third, they are less contaminating to the environment once you discard them, at least when compared to the chemicals above.

Many chemical compounds are plant-based or mineral-based.

Citric acid is one of the most popular, obtained from citrus fruits. It has degreasing and stain-removing properties, mostly. It works as a natural preservative as well.

Many plants and flowers such as lavender, eucalyptus, and tea tree, are used as natural fragrances and disinfectants.

However, even plant-based components can be harmful to the environment. For example, sulfates come from either coconut or palm trees, and they are still toxic and damaging.

This means that, even if these products are plant-based, you should do some research first. Learn about the effects of each ingredient on the human body and the environment.

Surfactants such as Lauryl Glucoside, Decyl Glucoside, and Coco glucoside are plant-based cleansing agents. They are less harmful to the environment than sulfates.

Many oils are plant-based and can be used instead of palm oil. The most popular ones are coconut, sunflower, jojoba, and olive.

Products with green ingredients and components

Carbon Neutral

Carbon neutral is a term that is now used often. It doesn’t necessarily mean that this product doesn’t emit carbon, but that it absorbs enough carbon to balance the emission out. The easiest and most common way to reduce carbon emissions is to plant more trees.

This means that the company has put time and resources to compensate for its carbon emission. Another option is that the ingredients and materials come from trees, such as plants and flowers as the ingredients, or cleaning tools with bamboo handles or cardboard packaging.

Vegan & Cruelty-Free Should Be Part of Green Cleaning Products

The environment includes animals, of course. We have two main “labels” that are directly related to the respect for animals in cleaning products: “vegan” & “cruelty-free”.

A vegan product doesn’t have any component that is related to animals, either directly or indirectly. Believe it or not, many cleaning products actually have animal-based ingredients, such as tallow, animal glycerol, steric acid (animal fats) or oleyl alcohols (fish oil).

First, this might be an issue for you if you are ethically against using animals for human consumption or benefit, in this case, as a cleaning product. Second, you might have allergic reactions to certain animals or by-products.

On a similar note, you have cruelty-free products. For human safety, companies test products first on animals, to see how they would react to contact on skin, eyes, breathing, and so on.

Cruelty-free products are free of animal testing. Instead, they use different methods such as cell culture (where scientists cultivate animal or plant cells in an artificial environment), human tissue, and even human volunteers.

Green cleaning companies will often include vegan and cruelty-free products as part of the respect for the environment.

Cruelty Free Sign: Not tested on animals

Eco-Conscious or Green Packaging

The product itself is not the only important component. Packaging also plays an important role in green cleaning products. As you know, the oceans are filled with one-time plastics. This includes packaging from cleaning products, such as soap dispensers and spray bottles.

What can you do in this case?

You have the classic alternatives to plastic: cardboard, paper, glass, and recycled materials.

Then, you have items that are plastic but are reusable, or more durable. If you buy the refill products in bulk (such as gallon presentation), they come in a hard, reusable plastic container that you can easily clean and refill.

You even have options now where the packaging is a slim, biodegradable film that dissolves itself after you use it, or no packaging at all, such as laundry tabs.

Bamboo and Cardboard Eco Packaging

Are Green Cleaning Products Pricier?

Because they have to spend much more on resources that are less harmful to the environment, their production costs increase. However, sometimes they might use alternative benefits.

For example, they are concentrated, usually. This means that you can dilute your cleaning product in water. Sometimes, a concentrated product can be cheaper in the long run. This is because you (normally) use commercial products straight from the bottle in order for them to work properly.

Besides, they usually offer a container to apply the product (mostly a dispenser or spray bottle) and then cheaper refills for you to use once you run out of it.

Last but not least, many of them come with individual packaging (biodegradable) for each use, for example, washing pods. This is helpful because it helps you use exactly the amount you need and not go overboard.  

Conclusion

Green cleaning products can be hard to find when they are just the product of greenwashing marketing campaigns.

Fortunately, now the internet allows you to do your research and find out exactly what’s behind each cleaning product. Brands that have nothing to hide will do exactly that: they will show everything that’s on their ingredient list, where it came from, and why it is on that list.

Make sure you avoid chemicals that are harmful to the environment or the human body. Phosphates, Phthalates, and Ammonia are the most common ones. Besides, palm oil by-products and Sulphates are harmful to the environment.

Instead, look for plant-based and mineral-based ingredients which are safe for the environment and harmless to your body.

Packaging is also important. Brands with strong ethics use eco-conscious packaging as well. You can find anything such as cardboard, paper, bamboo, glass, and reusable and/or recycled plastic.

Last but not least, ethics also include taking care of animals. Vegan and cruelty-free products do not harm animals and look for only plant-based or mineral-based ingredients.

Fortunately, if you want Dallas Maids to take care of your home, you can let us know if you want us to use your preferred cleaning products.

Deep Clean Your Room in 6 Steps

May 18, 2022 by Dallas Maids

Deep Clean Your Room 6 Steps Dallas Maids

Hello! We’re back with another article, where we will give you some tips on how to clean your room in just 6 easy steps. Last week was National Clean Your Room day, but maybe you forgot or didn’t know about it.

This is harder than it seems, especially if you are deep cleaning and you don’t have a clear idea of what to do or where to start.

Besides, National Clean Your Room Day was celebrated on May 10, so you might have been busy enjoying Mother’s Day. After a busy weekend, you might have not had the time or the energy to clean your room. And unless you hire a professional cleaning service, your room might start to become messy after some time.

But don’t worry, you’re still pretty much on time! We wanted to create this cleaning guide for your room for all people who missed the opportunity.

Start By Decluttering Your Room

If you want to deep clean your room, it doesn’t make sense to start wiping and mopping, especially if it’s cluttered. You might end up cleaning things that you are going to discard anyway.

The most important question is: where to start?

Many professional organizers recommend decluttering your home by category instead of by room. In this case, you are just going to take care of your room, so you can use the three-box method. Separate all your items into three boxes (or piles), which are: Keep, Storage, and Discard.

With Keep items, you probably want to leave them as they are, as you will have to clean them before putting them back in their spot.

The next one is the storage box. The most important step here is to properly categorize and tag containers as you fill them. Otherwise, your items will end up unorganized and messy once again.

If you don’t have containers, there are hundreds of options on the internet. You can find different materials, containers with or without a lid, transparent or opaque. 

All items that you are not going to keep or store somewhere else, should be discarded. Everything that is still in great condition can be sold or donated. The rest needs to go in the trash.

Packing and Decluttering Bedroom Items

Organize Your Belongings Before Cleaning Your Room

Now that you have decided what to do in regards to your room, it’s time to find the right place for each item. Many times we get things unorganized because they don’t have the right spot which is the place they belong and it will be easier to be stored and found afterward.

As we mentioned earlier, the right containers will help you keep things organized. Even if you need to get things cleaned or vacuumed, you can try placing your items and moving things around until you find the right vibe.

Perhaps if you have containers from other areas such as your kitchen or your laundry room, you can even bring them to mix and match! Drawer dividers are also helpful for big drawers to keep everything perfectly organized. Even having the same type of hangers adds consistency, for example.

Creating a system and a pattern is the way to go. Take the time to learn how to fold your clothing items properly, and how to store them in a way that you can take each one individually as you need them, even if you’re placing them in the same container.

Create labels so you are reminded of where everything goes. Besides, the labels themselves create a pattern and help with the décor for your closet or shelves.

When organizing your items, try to keep surfaces (other than shelves) empty, such as your TV stand or your bedside table. The items that you do leave (e.g., a lamp, a book, or a plant) should be able to breathe. Surfaces that are crowded or messy tend to lead you to get everything unorganized back again in the short term.

Deep Clean Your Room Part I: Your Closet

Now that your items have the right place, it’s time for cleaning! We always recommend cleaning from top to bottom. This way, all pieces of dust and lint will fall naturally to the next surface and so on, until they reach the floor.

Of course, it will be easier to keep everything out of your closet so you can really dig in and reach every corner.

Now that your shelves are empty, it should be quite easy to clean them. There are different strategies depending on the material: the most common shelves are either wire, laminate, or wooden.

For wire shelves, you can use hot, soapy water and a sponge or large brush, as well as an old toothbrush for reaching nooks and crannies. If they are laminate shelves, use just a tiny bit of hot soapy water with a non-scrub sponge. Wipe with a damp cloth and then wipe a final time but using a dry cloth this time.

For wooden shelves, use very little water. Spray a little bit of white vinegar in a microfiber cloth until it is slightly damp and wipe the surface.

Occasionally, you can create a 2-part white vinegar, 2-part olive oil, and 1-part lemon juice which works as a conditioner and will moisturize your wooden shelves, leaving a nice, subtle fragrance. Remember to wipe with a clean, dry cloth.

Deep Clean Your Room Part II: Your Furniture

Now it’s time to tackle items like your TV stand, your bedside table, and your décor, as well as your bed and sofas or cushions (if any).

Start by carefully vacuuming each item. Most TV stands and bedside tables allow you to remove the shelves inside so they are easier to clean once you remove them.

If you have wooden furniture, you might have to moisturize surfaces in case you haven’t done so for some time (6 months) or if they look dull, dry, or if look slightly scratched or worn out. You can apply the vinegar, olive oil, and lemon juice cleaning solution that we mentioned above.

Next, you have your bed. Research shows that there’s a significant amount of bacteria in all your bed items, such as your pillows, covers, blankets, and your mattress.

Check the care tag for each of those items. Normally, just washing using hot water is more than enough to kill bacteria and other germs. If you have comforters as well, we were featured in an article at MyDomaine about Washing a Down Comforter. Feel free to check it out for more tips!

Then, you might have a loveseat or a small armchair. With upholstery, you might need to clean them using an upholstery cleaner. Of course, this depends on the type of fabric. There are around 6 – 8 commonly used types of fabrics. You can check the Couch Cleaning Guide from Emily’s Maids to find out all the tips for the different types of materials.

For most items, running a steamer or a steam iron on the surface will help to kill bacteria. Of course, check the care tag first and let everything dry properly.

Deep Clean Your Room Part III: Clothing and Miscellaneous Items

After all the large items in your room have been taken care of, it’s time to pay attention to smaller items. These could be your clothing, other items that go into your closet, and even items outside your closet, such as plants, lamps, books, or magazines.

These items are mostly pretty easy to clean, with just a handheld vacuum cleaner you will be able to clean books, flower pots, and lamps. If you are cleaning a lamp or any other electrical fixture, remember to unplug the item first.

For metal items, you can wipe them once in a while using a microfiber cloth with just a tiny bit of warm, soapy water. Don’t forget to wipe them dry.

Remember that displaying items on a bookcase or open shelves is a form of décor on its own. Items like books work great in groups of around 3 to 5 per shelf. Of course, this depends on the total size of the shelf.

On the other hand, lamps are plants that are more likely to work on their own, as a unique piece. Around one plant or lamp, every 2 to 3 shelves are more than okay, if you have more than 3 shelves that are close to one another. You can add candles as well as frames with pictures or inspirational quotes.

Remember to let items breathe, this will make the difference between a messy room and a peaceful one under control. You can even check magazines or the internet to get more inspiration.

Organized and Folded Clothing

Clean Your Room Part IV: Your Floors

Now that you have wiped, vacuumed, and brushed all surfaces, your floor is going to need some care too. As you know, each type of floor has different rules for cleaning: some require vacuuming, some require just brushing, while others can be mopped safely. Some of them even require to be polished and waxed.

If you have mopped your floors, make sure you open up the windows to let air flow dry them naturally, or turn on the heater if there’s little sunlight. 

Bonus Tips

Now that your bedroom looks sparkling and squeaky clean, you must be happy to see the results. The big question is: How do you keep it that way?

First, keep the balance of the total number of items in your bedroom. Even if you keep things tidy, if you slowly add more and more items, they will be harder to keep under control.

A good rule of thumb is to get rid of one item each time you bring something new. This will keep you from avoiding a shopping spree, and it will keep your room nice and tidy as well.

On a similar note, keep things simple and don’t overcrowd your storage elements, especially your closet. Even if you keep things perfectly organized,

Of course, regular cleaning is always important. Your bed gathers bacteria constantly, and you might have different surfaces and drawers that collect dust. If you are not hiring a professional cleaning service, then you should deep clean around once or twice every quarter. 

Last but not least, don’t forget to check our Bedroom Daily Cleaning guide for extra tips on easy, daily cleaning.

Conclusion

That’s it! By now, your room will look nice and fresh and, most importantly, you will be able to keep it that way. You’re still on time to celebrate National Clean Your Room day!

Remember all your safety measures: wear goggles, gloves, and a face mask. You will be dealing with a lot of dust and lint in the air so make sure you’re protected against that.

And if you are busy running errands or taking care of your family, don’t forget to check the Dallas Maids booking page too. You can find us if you live in Frisco as well!

Good luck with room cleaning and until next time!

How Much to Tip a House Cleaner?

May 5, 2022 by Dallas Maids

How much to tip a house cleaner - Dallas Maids

Hello! We’re back with another article, and this time we wanted to talk about how o tip a house cleaner or carpet cleaning professional. Dallas Maids is known for its friendly, professional staff; and it is common to find that customers are willing to tip cleaners for their hard work and service.

However, over the years we have received many questions from our clients on whether they should tip or not, is it proper or not, how much they should give, and so on.

In this article, you’ll be able to read our experience and advice for this.

Should I Tip a House Cleaner?

This question is, in fact, much more common than people think. Even though common sense would make you think that tips are widely accepted, sometimes people wonder if the company would keep the tips instead of the employee, or if the employee would feel offended or uncomfortable receiving them.

And those are completely valid questions! Although it is illegal in the US, (besides morally questionable), some companies and business owners keep the tips from their employees, unfortunately.

Dallas Maids doesn’t keep the tips for their customers. Besides abiding by the law, there’s also a huge moral component here. We believe that employees keeping their tips is not only the right thing to do but also encouraging to keep up the good work. It is a fair reward for their own hard work and going above and beyond with their cleaning tasks.

Besides, this builds a healthy and positive relationship with their customer, which can improve the experience for both parties.

And don’t worry about the cleaning artists feeling offended or even uncomfortable! Fortunately, their stellar performance earns them tips all day, every day. You can imagine they are more than used to it, and of course they appreciate it.

It’s positive on many levels for them. First, it is additional profit (as little or as big as it may be, it’s still profit). Second, it’s a huge morale boost. It is an important recognition of their work as well. This is something that the company takes note of when it’s time for a salary raise or a promotion.

Cash tip to a house cleaner

When Should I Tip a House Cleaner?

The short answer is that you should tip a house cleaner if you’re happy with the results of their work! With proper training and a strong work ethic, cleaning artists work harder and faster. Sometimes, they even go above and beyond their original duties.

For example, let’s say you were planning a party with your friends and colleagues. This means you need to get your home deep cleaned, and probably within a small timeframe. If your maid leaves your home looking sparkling clean and finishes the job within the estimated time (or even earlier!) feel free to reward that with a nice cash tip.

Another good reason is to celebrate a special event or a holiday such as Christmas or Thanksgiving. Festivities always bring people together and it makes it much more special for everyone to have some extra cash to spend on their loved ones.

With time, it is likely that you form a bond with your cleaning artist, especially if you schedule a regular cleaning service with them (unless you ask for someone else, of course).

Although they always stay professional, with the occasional conversation you can slowly build a bond with your cleaning artist. If you are happy with their work overtime, you might want to surprise them with a bonus.  

What Happens if I Don’t Tip a House Cleaner?

This question is just as valid as the previous one. Sometimes, you don’t feel like tipping your cleaner. That’s completely fine too! Remember they are getting paid for their work and how much or how little you want to give is completely up to you.

Plus, if you do ask for an additional cleaning task and they have time and the proper equipment, they will add that task or room to the final invoice, so every step of their work process is being paid fairly.

Perhaps you’re satisfied with their work, but you wouldn’t say their job was stellar or that they went above and beyond. In this case, it is completely fair for you to feel like not giving a bonus for their performance.

This would be different than being unhappy with their work, for example. If this happens, remember you can always contact us and explain your case so we can fix the problem as soon as possible.

How Much to Tip a House Cleaner?

Now, let’s say you’ve decided to tip your house cleaner. The question is: how much?

A good rule of thumb is to give 15-20% of the total service cost, just like you would do with a restaurant waiter/waitress. This is a good estimate because this percentage increases or decreases depending on the number of rooms and cleaning tasks. Therefore, if they need to spend more time and effort, their tip will increase accordingly.

This translates to around $25 to $50, but of course this depends on the size of your home and the type of cleaning service.

This percentage is just an estimate, and it probably makes more sense for you to round this up so that it’s easier to give this amount in cash. For example, if your desired percentage equals $28.75, you might want to round that up to $30.

Keep in mind this is completely voluntary and that it should follow your current financial situation. For example, you might want to give a 15% tip occasionally, and then 25% for a special holiday or festivity. This is completely up to you.

Money jar with coins and plant

How to Approach a House Cleaner to Give Them a Tip

For some people, this situation might be awkward or even embarrassing. But don’t worry! This situation will be as pleasant or unpleasant as you want it to be. From the cleaner’s perspective, keep in mind they are used to receiving bonuses for their work.

To take down the pressure, put yourself for a second in their shoes and think about receiving a tip from someone you work for. This is a happy and positive moment for the person receiving the tip, so it should be for you (the client) as well!

A good time to approach your house cleaner would be right after they finish the job when they’re wrapping up everything to leave. If you wish, take a look around to see the quality of their work, offer feedback (if you have any) and inform them that you want to thank them with a little extra cash.

Taking cash out of a wallet for a tip

Does the Company Care about Employee Tips?

Of course we do! Dallas Maids’ philosophy has always been: take care of your employee, and the employee will take care of your customers.

If the employee earned a tip and/or a positive review, this means they are doing exceptional work and that should not only be awarded by the client, but also by us (the company).

Earning positive feedback from clients and mentioning their job was good enough to earn a tip, will be taken into consideration when it’s time for a raise and/or promotion, besides other factors (employee longevity, reliability, behavior, and so on).

However, this doesn’t mean you have to feel pressured into giving a tip or expressing your opinion about the employee (and the company) whether it is positive or not so positive. Our customer’s happiness is our utmost priority, and if you feel the performance was just okay and not impressive, then it’s a completely valid opinion.

And if you weren’t happy with the results, please let us know so we can fix it for you.

House Cleaner With Gloves

Conclusion

It’s fair to say that a tip is much more than a monetary incentive. It is a recognition of someone else’s hard work, and that recognition inspires them to keep up with it.

We encourage you to tip our cleaning artists whenever you feel they exceeded your expectations. Or, as a “thank you” for their hard work and loyalty, especially if they happen to clean your household frequently.

Remember their behavior is always professional and serious, but it doesn’t mean they don’t get happy and proud when someone recognizes their work.

Here’s a quick reminder for calculating how much you should give as a tip. 15-20% is the standard, however, this can go up depending on their performance, or any special occasion such as a festivity or a personal gesture that you want to engage in with your cleaning artist.

And if you do not want to tip your cleaners, that’s okay too! There’s no need to need for an explanation, as long as you’re happy with the results of your cleaning service. However, if that is not the case, please contact us within 24 hours of service so we can fix this.

Now that you know everything about tipping your cleaning artists, feel free to visit our booking page to find the perfect service for you. Dallas Maids’ professionals will take care of your home and we’re certain you will be impressed with the results!

Spring Is Here in Dallas! Read Our Spring Cleaning Guide (Part II)

April 20, 2022 by Dallas Maids

Spring Is Here in Dallas Our Spring Cleaning Guide Part II

Hello! We’re back with Part II of our Spring Cleaning guide!

It has been a crazy month but now we’re here to for Part II of this guide so you can create the perfect spring cleaning checklist that matches your schedule and routine.

Last time, we covered how to start with your spring cleaning, and we started covering two challenging areas: your kitchen and your bathroom. Now, we will finish with the rest of your home: your office or workspace, your living room and your bedrooms.

Always keep in mind that you can adapt this guide and add or remove areas and tasks as you deem necessary.

Before we start, here’s a quick recap of the previous article: remember to set your priorities because you might not have time to actually cover each nook and cranny of your home, especially if you’re doing this on your own instead of hiring a professional service.

You will need to grab your cleaning supplies as well: you will need basic cleaning agents (vinegar, baking soda, and dish soap), your equipment (a steam cleaner, a mop and a vacuum cleaner) as well as the must-haves which are microfiber towels, sponges, and any special products for delicate surfaces, such as granite or marble.

Now, let’s move on with the rest of your rooms. Let’s go!

Getting Ready for Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Step Four: Your Living Room

We all know your living room is the heart of the home and it’s not easy to keep everything in place. Besides, it’s the first room you invite your guests to spend when they visit you. The good news is, it probably takes less time than your kitchen and your bathroom.

First of all, you should declutter and organize your items. Living areas usually have a lot of surfaces, like your TV stand or your bookshelf. By taking everything out, it’s easier to wipe surfaces and drawers.

After you’ve taken all your items, start by vacuuming your empty furniture. Now, you have two choices here: you can leave it as it is or you can take an extra step and moisturize your furniture, especially if they are made from wood.

To do so, you should mix 1/2 cup of olive oil and ¼ cup of lemon juice, and wipe using a microfiber cloth. If you see any excess after you’ve finished, wipe again with a clean, dry cloth.

Next, you have your sofa and your armchairs. Here, you should be extra careful because each material should be treated differently. Some materials, such as leather and linen, need extra care and specialized products. Check the care tag for each piece of furniture, as well as the material and apply the proper product.

Vacuuming Sofa

Spring Cleaning Step Five: Your Bedrooms

Next on the list, we have your bedrooms.

Because this is a spring cleaning guide, besides your regular cleaning steps for your bedroom, you should also wash items like your pillows, your comforters, your weighted blankets and any extra bedding you’re currently using.

According to research, pillowcases have from 3 to 5 million units of bacteria per square inch after a week since the last time they were washed. Imagine what happens to the rest of your bedding! This is why you should definitely clean all your bedding. If you don’t know how, it’s quite easy!

For your pillows, you can toss them in the washing machine. Just toss a few of them at the same time to balance the load, and wash using cold water and a delicate cycle. Some materials such as memory foam or latex, should be washed by hand only.

For comforters and heavy blankets, check the care label first to see whether they are machine washable, hand washable, or not washable at all (which means you should spot clean them only). Usually, you should use cold water, a delicate cycle, and low heat.

While your bed linen is getting washed, you might want to tackle the rest of your bedroom. A rule of thumb for cleaning is to start from top to bottom. If you have any surfaces such as nightstands, TV stands, open shelves or vanity tables, give them a good rundown. Use your vacuum (using the brush attachment) and wiping with a one-part white vinegar, one-part water mix. Make sure you wipe everything out after you finish and that the surface dries properly.

Don’t forget about vacuuming and mopping your floors, of course. If you have extra time, decluttering your closet is a great idea!

Declutter and organizing your clothes

Spring Cleaning Step Six: Your Office or Workspace

Your office or workspace needs some care as well. Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic started, the number of people working from home increased remarkably and adapting their spaces to suit their professional needs.

Your current workspace at home probably has one or more of the following features: a flat surface such as a table or desk, some easy-access shelves or cabinets, and then a more private, secondary storage area. You most likely have a desk chair as well as a desktop computer or laptop as well, even if it’s not your primary tool for work.

The steps would be similar to the other areas. You need to take your office supplies, declutter and organize what you use. Then, wipe inside the drawers, cabinets or any other storage area. Wipe and disinfect your surfaces as well.

If you do have a desktop pc or laptop, make sure you clean them thoroughly as well, especially if several people in your household share the same computer. According to research, keyboards and mice are filled with bacteria, so take the necessary steps to disinfect those pieces without harming your computer, of course.

Electronics should be handled only using a microfiber cloth with the tiniest amount of water. You will probably need a small, handheld vacuum cleaner as well, and a soft-bristled brush. However, make sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first.

Cleaning and disinfecting the desktop

Spring Cleaning Step Seven: Your Floors

Of course, we couldn’t leave your floors out of this spring cleaning guide! As mentioned above, cleaning from top to bottom is the right way. By now all your floors will probably have dust and debris all over the place.

Pretty much all types of floors require to be swept and vacuumed first. Then, depending on the type of floor you might take the next step. For example, for cleaning carpet floors you might need to use an enzyme cleaner. For tile floors, you might want to scrub with hot, soapy water.

If you need a DIY universal floor cleaner, a 1:1 vinegar and water mix is a good place to start. You can add a few drops of essential oil for a nice fragrance. Vinegar works for many types of floors such as linoleum and tile floors.

Of course, make sure all these products are safe to use on your floors first. Don’t forget to test in a small, hidden area. Vinegar is a versatile cleaner but some materials, such as marble and hardwood floors, do not get along well with it, especially with prolonged use.

In this case, it’s best to start with areas such as your kitchen and your bathroom, which probably have residues of soap, grease or oil. If you have tile floors, you can leave your cleaning product acting on the surface for 15 or 30 minutes while you take care of the rest of your home.

Mopping Hardwood Floors

Bonus Tips

Now that your home looks like a million dollars, you must be feeling a bit tired but happy with the results. Here are some bonus tips so that your spring cleaning gives you the best results!

As we mentioned above, always test your cleaning products first before applying to the entire area or surface.

A good rule of thumb to start is to think of every area that you haven’t cleaned, and make sure they are a priority. This attention to detail is what sets apart a good spring cleaning from just regular cleaning. Areas and surfaces such as baseboards, ceiling fans, air vents, and windows, are often ignored.

You can’t do all cleaning chores and areas at the same time or with the same frequency. Of course, some areas demand regular care, while others need to be cleaned a few times a year. This is perfectly normal, but it also means that those areas should become your priority now.

Finally, remember not to underestimate the time and energy it takes to deep clean. By creating more realistic timetables, you will avoid getting frustrated or overwhelmed. The goal here is to make it a pleasant experience, and why not, even a fun one.

Dallas Maids’ Spring Cleaning Checklist Printable

Last but not least, we prepared a printable checklist so you can keep track of each task without forgetting. Feel free to put in on your fridge or in your agenda.

As always, remember this is only a guide. You are free to adapt it to your own household and cleaning needs. Each category has an extra line so you can fill it out with any cleaning task that you feel important for this spring cleaning.

Plus, each task has a small, empty space at the beginning. You can use this to mark each area as “completed” once you finish. Or, if you’re cleaning alongside friends, roommates, or family, you can assign a letter to each task to identify what each member needs to clean.

Remember you can share this article to your friends and family so they can get it as well!

Spring Cleaning Checklist

Conclusion

It’s not easy to find a reliable cleaning service in Dallas, but don’t worry. With Dallas Maids, we got you covered and our deep cleaning service is ideal if you want to avoid a spring-cleaning on your own.

Spring cleaning can be something fun if you take the time for it, and after you see the benefits of your home that looks like brand new, you’ll want to do it again soon.

Spring Is Here In Dallas! Our Spring Cleaning Guide (Part I)

March 28, 2022 by Dallas Maids

Spring is Here in Dallas Our Spring Cleaning Guide

Spring is here in Dallas after a long winter. Finally! This is the perfect opportunity to take a step back, realize what needs some serious cleaning and organizing in your home, and get the job done!

If you haven’t hired a cleaning service before, they usually include a deep cleaning service which is a must every couple of months, or right before an event or holiday is coming soon and you want to impress your guests with a spotless home.

And if you want to tackle this on your own, don’t worry! With our spring cleaning guide, you will be able to handle great results. It will take some time and energy though! We’ve split this guide into two parts so it’s easier to read and go through it without burning or giving up first.

Now, here’s how you can do it:

First Step: Before Spring Cleaning, Assess the Situation

Whenever you have a spring cleaning coming soon, it’s important to think clearly about what you want to achieve and what is not a priority right now. Some people enjoy organizing their cleaning by room, while other prefer to organize by task.

Think about the last time you cleaned each big part of your home and think how long will it take for each task. Then, multiply that times 1.5x: if you estimated 2 hours, think of 3 hours instead. We always tend to be over-optimistic when calculating the time it requires to clean, and 2 hours go by faster than you think!

It’s easy to get frustrated or overwhelmed when that happens and you start to run behind the schedule. It’s better to calculate extra time.

Creating a schedule is not easy. You can check our 3-Hour Weekly Schedule, but that won’t do it for a spring cleaning. You may use it as a template and start adding areas or cleaning tasks.

Spring cleaning means that you will have to reach areas that you probably haven’t even seen in a while. Make sure you have all the essential tools and equipment to reach everywhere and remove all the grease, dirt, and dust.

Cleaning Checklist Schedule

Step Two: Grab all Your Spring Cleaning Supplies

We’re almost ready to get started! Now it’s time to choose all your tools, gadgets, and cleaning products. There are many great products for you to choose from, but if you don’t have any, we can talk about the most basic, natural ones you can find in your pantry.

You can check the entire guide for supplies for Spring Cleaning from Emily’s Maids if you want a more detailed guide.

Vinegar

As far as cleaning goes, vinegar (or acetic acid) is one of the most versatile cleaning agents in your home. It is one of our favorite cleaning products and you can use it on pretty much any surface. Everything from removing pet stains from your carpet to cleaning your oven, with white vinegar you can take care of pretty much every area of your home.

Baking Soda

Baking soda is another popular product, and for all the good reasons. In fact, it is one of the very few cleaning agents that can be safely mixed with bleach.

Soap

There are hundreds of options on the market. You should choose those with a smaller impact on the environment and on your own health: check if they are free of phosphates, ammonia, and/or artificial colors, as well as cruelty-free.

Microfiber Towels And Sponges

Microfiber towels and cloths work better than those made of cotton. They can absorb dirt and moisture better, which is why they’ve become popular over the years.

Your tools: A Steam Cleaner, a Mop, and a Vacuum Cleaner

It’s important to have good, reliable devices to help you get through this. A steam cleaner is a device that sprays steam, just hot water. But you will notice the difference when you start using it, as it can get through grease and dirt in an instant, especially for nook and crannies. If you haven’t got yourself one yet, look for a multi-purpose steam cleaner that works as a long-handled and handheld device.

Don’t worry about the price! You can get a standard, handheld steam cleaner for less than $30, or a steam mop with a detachable handheld unit for less than $70.

Of course, you will need a mop as well (unless you have carpet floors) and a vacuum cleaner. Make sure you replace the dirty water as you go, otherwise you’ll just be spreading the dirty water and going back to square one.

Special Products for Special Surfaces

You will need a specialized product if you have natural stone countertops (marble, granite, or quartz) and for glass-ceramic cooktops.

Last But Not Least: Take All the Safety Measures for Spring Cleaning

Since you’re spring cleaning, you’re going to be in contact with lint, dirt, and chemicals for a long time. Always wear safety gloves, goggles, and a mask.

Remember to open windows to let air flow, especially in small spaces like your bathroom.

Cleaning Supplies

It’s Time for Some Cleaning! Let’s Start with Your Kitchen

It’s a good idea to start with your kitchen for several reasons. Even if it’s not the biggest room of your home, it will probably take the longest to clean. You need to let your cleaning agents act for a while, and your kitchen is one of those areas with a lot to clean and organize.

Now that you’re in your kitchen, it’s not easy to decide which appliance or area to clean first. In most cases, it should be the oven, because the cleaning agents need some time to act on the surface.

Check our 5 Easy Tips for Cleaning Your Oven if you want to hear all the details!

Take Care of Your Pantry

If you have the time, remove everything from your pantry and leave your counters empty. Make some soapy water with 2 cups of warm water and ½ teaspoon of concentrated dish soap. Apply using a spray bottle inside your cabinets and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. You can use a 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup warm water mix too.

While you’re at it, organize and declutter your dishware and cookware. Think of your everyday needs and organize your items in a way that you have the most used items closer to you, and then go from there and place the less-used items in the upper and lower cabinets away from your reach.

Cleaning Kitchen Sink

Deep Cleaning Your Fridge

The same goes for your fridge: grab all your food and take it out, remove all the fridge shelves and drawers, and apply your cleaning mix. If it has liquid stains (e.g., tomato sauce, meat juice) you can use your steam cleaner to get rid of them.

Clean all your shelves and drawers using soapy water and a sponge while you let your cleaning mix act on the inside of your fridge and then wipe it out with a microfiber cloth.

If your fridge is particularly in serious cleaning issues, or if you have a secondary fridge that hasn’t been cleaned in a long time, you can check our Refrigerator Renew article.

By now, you should have a few appliances and your stove waiting for your cleaning touch. For your microwave, you can try our tip on the article from Insider to get it looking -and smelling- like new.

Cleaning Fridge

Stovetops and Countertops

In the meantime, wipe any big crumbs or food residues with a dishcloth. Now, grab a bowl of hot soapy water and a clean sponge and start scrubbing! Use a spray bottle with clean water to rinse and wipe out the dirty soapy water with a microfiber cloth. You might need to repeat the process and swipe the cloth for a clean one a few times.

For glass-ceramic stovetops, you should use a specialized product. Remove any debris first, using a glass scraper and very carefully scraping the surface. If you want to play safe you can use a sponge, but it will take longer and you will need to let sit the cleaning product for a few minutes before starting to scrub.

Last but not least, remember to clean your countertops! This is saved for last because you’ve probably used them to place your food and ingredients on top while reorganizing your pantry and your fridge.

The type of cleaning will depend on the material. Vinegar is an excellent option for laminate countertops, but not so much for natural stone (granite, marble, quartz) because of its acidity, which may cause staining.

Now your kitchen should be squeaky clean! Next up, your bathrooms.

Spring Cleaning Step Three: Your Bathroom

Just like your kitchen, your bathroom might need some time to absorb all the cleaning properties from your products and tools. This is why you might want to start here (or in the kitchen) while doing other tasks in the meantime.

The big question is: where can you start? Well, if all your fixtures look more or less the same (i.e., none of them is dirtier than the others in a significant way) then you should start with your shower. It has the biggest surface of the usual fixtures (sink, toilet).

A really good strategy for your shower is to add some hot, soapy water with a spray bottle, and then sprinkle baking soda on your shower pan. After 15 minutes, scrub using a clean broom, and then use the steam cleaner to soften up every residue of soap scum or dirt on your tiles.

With your sink and toilet, you might want to use baking soda, let sit for 15 minutes and then spray white vinegar on the surface. Clean using either a toilet brush (toilet) or a sponge or an old toothbrush (sink).  

For your mirrors, you can spray rubbing alcohol and wipe with a microfiber cloth, using an “S” pattern. You might have to scrub a bit harder right after spraying if you have toothpaste or soap residues.  

You can check our guide on how to clean your bathroom if you need a more detailed approach.

Cleaning Mirror with a Squeegee

Conclusion (Before Part II)

We still have so many areas that we need to take care of! Your living area, your bedroom, your office, and all floors!

Spring cleaning is an exciting activity, with a high chance of making you feel accomplished and happy. But that’s not the case for everyone: you need lots of free time, as well as mental and physical energy. If you’ve realized that it’s too much work, feel free to visit our booking page if you’d prefer a professional cleaning service.  

Keep reading our blog and wait next week for part II of this spring cleaning guide!

HomeGuide’s Best of 2020

March 11, 2022 by admin

We’re excited to announce Dallas Maids of Frisco has been chosen by HomeGuide as one of the “Top 10” house cleaning business in Frisco!

We are 100% dedicated to adding happiness to our customers’ lives by removing the chore of cleaning. It’s an honor to be recognized for our hard work!

Paul Mazzola, Founder of HomeGuide, writes:

Dear Greg,

I’m excited to announce that you’ve been named Best of HomeGuide in 2020. Congratulations!

We looked at dozens of other pros in your area, scored you on more than 10 variables, and hand picked you to be part of the program.

This is no small feat. In fact, the Best of HomeGuide pros make up less than six percent of all HomeGuide professionals.

Hard work deserves recognition, so we’re proud to offer you our Best of HomeGuide perks. We’re placing a ribbon on your profile and quotes so customers will recognize your achievement.

I’m honored to have you on HomeGuide and excited to see you grow your business. Congratulations again!

~ Paul Mazzola, Founder of HomeGuide

Cleaning Underarm Stains with Homemade DIY Cleaners

March 9, 2022 by Dallas Maids

Cleaning Undearm Stains with Homemade DIY Cleaners - Dallas Maids

Underarm stains are mostly caused by residues of deodorant or sweat, and we are sure you can’t wait to clean them and get rid of them.

You don’t want to see yellow stains under your arms or white stains behind your neck. Fortunately, most stains can be treated.

Let’s find out why they appear in the first place and, hopefully, fix them as soon as possible using DIY methods and ingredients around your home. Keep reading to find out more!

What Are Underarm Stains?

Underarm stains are noticeable, discolored areas in the underarm area of your clothing. The type of discoloring depends on the type of fabric and the color of your shirt.

If they are white or light-colored, you might see yellow stains. If they are dark, the opposite can happen and you will start seeing white or light grey stains.

They might also give out a “blurry” feeling to the fabric.

What Can Cause Underarm Stains

There are two main causes of underarm stains: natural causes and man-made causes. They are both related to the fact of sweating (natural causes) which, as we know, causes body odor. With time, they become bigger and more and more noticeable. Not only this doesn’t look good, but it can also affect garments that you like or even with sentimental value. You might be pulling a perfect outfit only to get it ruined by underarm stains.

The answer that we have is to apply deodorant (man-made). As we know, this mitigates body odor and adds a slight fragrance.

Sweaty Shirt

Stains Caused by Sweat

Perspiration is another common cause of stains. We have glands under our arms that generate sweat, which helps us cool down if our body temperature is increasing. It could be because of exercising, or just the natural increase of temperature in your city. Dallas can reach over 100° sometimes during the year!

Stressful situations also increase your body temperature, which translates into sweat. Work, traffic and running errands are all common causes of stress increasing.

Sweat also releases components from our body that we don’t need anymore, mostly minerals. The stain is produced when they come in contact with our deodorant or antiperspirant.

Whether they came from deodorant or sweat, stains are there and need to be gone.

Stains Caused by Deodorant

Deodorant stains are extremely common. They are caused mostly by aluminum. There are two main types of products that reduce sweat and body odor: antiperspirants and deodorants.

Antiperspirants contain aluminum, deodorants don’t. When it comes into contact with our bodies, particularly our sweat, they will decolorate our clothing.

With time, you’ll start noticing yellow stains under your arms. The worst part is that it’s not a one-time issue, it just evolves slowly with time, so you’ll have to act before the stains are too noticeable or permanent.

Natural Deodorant

Cleaning Underarm Stains with Homemade DIY Cleaners

The good news is that underarm stains are not permanent! There are so many cleaning products and techniques that you can use and the best part is that you can create them at home in less than 10 minutes.

We can go from easy/simple and start trying with different cleaning agents.

The Rubbing Technique for Removing Stains

The first technique is fantastic because it doesn’t require any products, not even water. Try removing the stain by rubbing it with a nonstained piece of fabric from the same article of clothing. Because you are using the same type of fabric, this is a really gentle approach to your garment. This is especially useful for delicate fabrics such as silk.

This works particularly well for white deodorant stains, not so much for darker ones. You should try this method before adding any other product: at worst, it will have no effect.

Try Hydrogen Peroxide for Stubborn Underarm Stains

If that didn’t work, hydrogen peroxide will be a lifesaver here. As you may know, water is a great cleaning on its own, and with extra oxygen, it will be able to break down components that cause decoloration.

To start, create a cleaning solution by mixing one spoon of hydrogen peroxide, two spoons of baking soda, and ½ teaspoon of dish soap. Mixing chemicals is usually not a good idea but baking soda reacts nicely with most -if not all- household cleaning products. Plus, hydrogen peroxide is just water and oxygen.

Next, mix these three components until you form a paste and apply using an old toothbrush, and rub in a soft, circular motion. Then, let sit for 15 minutes. Finally, wash your article of clothing as per usual. 

Hydrogen Peroxide

      

The Good Old Vinegar Trick

When it comes to cleaning, vinegar has proven to be a jack-of-all-trades. In fact, vinegar is a great fabric softener and it can be used to remove deodorant stains for both white and colored clothes.

White cooking vinegar will do just fine. All you’ll need to do is grab your article of clothing and soak the stained area (it doesn’t need to be the entire piece) for an hour. Next, brush that same area with an old toothbrush for about 5 minutes or until you see the stain disappearing. Wash the entire garment in cold water afterward.

Related: Vinegar, A Very Versatile Cleaner

Try Lemon Juice for Underarm Stains

Similar to vinegar, lemon juice is one of the most versatile natural cleaning agents. Citric acid is a popular ingredient for cleaning products and one of the easiest ways to obtain it is through lemon or oranges and you can use it for many areas or surfaces at home.

Here’s how you can use it to remove underarm stains: place two or three teaspons of fresh lemon juice in a cup of warm water. Rub it into the stained area and rub with your fingers or with a soft brush, in a soft, circular motion. Let it sit for about an hour and then wash using cold setting.

If the stains are still there, repeat the process before placing your clothes in the dryer. Remember, heat will set the stains and it will be even harder to remove later.

Related: Homemade Cleaner Recipes

Use Your Deodorant Smarter, not Harder

If you’re using antiperspirants, switch to a deodorant that has no aluminum so you can tell the difference. Now you can find no-stains deodorants that are specifically designed to avoid staining your clothing. Also, if possible, take a shower every night and use your deodorant.

Because you won’t sweat as often at night, your glands won’t be producing that much sweat, this way the deodorant can set on your underarms and perform better during the day.

You can try the natural route and go for eco-friendly or natural deodorants. They usually contain essential oils to kill bacteria and offer a fragrance, and something to absorb sweat (e.g., cornstarch, baking soda) and many people enjoy using them instead of “regular” deodorants because they won’t create stains. Take the time to test 2 or 3 natural deodorants, either homemade or manufactured, and see if you “click” with one of them!

Using Natural Deodorants to Prevent Underarm Stains

Take Good Care of Your Shirts

Good maintenance keeps many problems away.

Oxygen-based bleach, instead of chlorine bleach, is perfectly safe for both white and colored clothes and will soften stains. It will also make fabrics look brighter. Soak your clothes once in a while in a gallon of cold water next to a cup of oxygen-based bleach and you’ll notice an improvement.

Placing once cup of vinegar in the rinse cycle of your washing machine will work as a natural fabric softener. It will also help removing stains.

Avoid Underarm Stains in the Future

A good rule of thumb is that taking preventive measures always works great in the long run, and this includes sweating!

Wearing an undershirt is a great strategy. If you want to preserve your favorite garments for a long time, you could use white cotton undershirts underneath. They will absorb all your body substances (sweat, natural body oils, deodorant…) that may cause stains or decoloration.

Therefore, your most valued clothes won’t need to be washed that often since they won’t absorb smells directly, keeping them safe and sound for a long time. On top of that, you will also save on water and detergent because you won’t need to wash your clothes as often.

As for sweating, you can’t avoid that happening, for obvious reasons, but you do want to help sweat be as harmless as possible: wash your sweaty clothes as fast as possible as soon as you’ve stopped using them.

Also, wear comfortable clothing that allows sweat to leave your body. The better airflow, the quicker sweat will evaporate. Many shirts now come with a mesh fabric that allows for better ventilation, reducing the accumulation of sweat and body odor.

If you are working out at home, make sure you remove your workout clothes as soon as you finish and, if possible, hang them to air dry.

Applying Natural Deodorants

Conclusion

Underarm stains, either caused by sweat or by deodorant, are not pleasant to look at and can ruin your clothing. Taking extra care of your garments will make them last for years and years. Always try your cleaning solutions in a small, hidden area (the area behind your neck, for example).

Choosing the right deodorant will save you a big headache later on. And remember, if you want your belongings to last long and stay clean and sanitized efficiently, you can hire a professional service.

We ❤️ You

February 16, 2022 by Dallas Maids

I am excited to offer you an early Happy Valentine’s Day greeting. While the modern incarnation of this holiday seems to be bent toward chocolates, romantic dinners, and greeting cards, I decided this year to do a little research.

St. Valentine is a complicated guy. Supposedly he lived in Rome during the 2nd century and was a contemporary with the loathed Emperor, Claudius the Cruel. Fearing the flagging loyalty of his imperial army, Claudius outlawed marriage for all Roman soldiers. This decree went over about as well as you would expect.

Valentine, a minister in the city of Rome or possibly a bishop in Interamna (reports are unclear) bravely defied the emperor’s decree. He wed numerous couples in secret for quite some time. Eventually he was found out and beheaded for his “crime.”

The Catholic church lists two other possible St. Valentine’s – one who served in Rome and another who was a bishop in Italy. Regardless of the patron saint’s true identity, his martyrdom (all three were killed for their faith) is always connected to celebrating the special bond of love. We’ve come a long way since that time – Hallmark seems to define Valentine’s Day for us each year.

But this year I want to wish you a truly Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at Dallas’ Maids. Whether you are single and simply enjoying and celebrating who you are or dating, engaged, or married and doting upon another, we want you to have a truly enjoyable Valentine’s Day. As you think about caring for yourself or someone you love, we have a special offer just for you.

Any gift card purchased by Tuesday February 15, 2022 and you will get a 2nd gift card equal to half the amount of the 1st. So, if you purchase a $500 gift card, you’ll get a 2nd one for $250.00, free! Just send us an email with your name, the purchase amount, and mention this email. Our sign of care and affection to you because you love. That is something worth celebrating.

From all of us at Dallas Maids, Happy Valentine’s Day – let’s go show the people we love how much they mean to us!

~ Greg & the Dallas Maids happiness team

Gift Card

P.S. Some of our previous Valentine’s Day posts:

Clean the House and Skip the Flowers this Valentine’s Day!
A Guy’s Guide to Valentine’s Day Cleaning

Celebrating Dignity This Christmas

February 9, 2022 by Dallas Maids

Monse putting together customer's appreciation gifts

The holidays are upon us and I was wondering if I could start our annual Christmas letter this year with some data points? Festive, I know.

In 2021 more than 67% of Americans supported raising the minimum wage from $7.25 to $15.00 per hour. In fact, that number has stayed above 60% for more than 5 years and only keeps increasing. Despite the country’s broad support legislation has either stalled or died in the halls of Congress under both political parties.

Meanwhile, billion-dollar corporations have capitalized on the pain and anxiety of a global pandemic. They have made over $1.3 trillion more than they had prior to the advent of the COVID-19 era. Billionaires have brandished their insane dreams of touching the stars. Meanwhile, our neighbors and friends wonder if they can continue to pay their mortgage, buy Christmas presents, or choose between a much-needed new pair of shoes or a long-overdue oil change.

As our nation shudders beneath all this economic turmoil and hardship, a personal story from just this week caused me to reflect and find hope.

What Dignity Means to Delfina

Our longest-tenured employee, Delfina opened up about her time with Dallas Maids with me earlier this week. Delfina has 15 years with our company, joining the team when we were only in our third year.

She has seen our highs and lows and provided consistent, quality service through it all. Yesterday she shared with me that because of Dallas Maids’ industry bucking pay standards, she was able to put both her daughters through college. She was so pleased to share that her choices were not between groceries or an electric bill, but between which Christmas presents to buy to spoil her children.

Delfina’s story isn’t the only one like it in our company. This year she is receiving her 15-year service award – a gold ring. We also have two staff members receiving their 10-year service award this month as well – a silver ring.

This is employee consistency in an industry that averages 300% turnover rate in a single year. Much of this consistency comes from the stellar leadership of Lupe and Monse. They manage the daily operations of Dallas Maids and their work has fostered an extended family atmosphere. Our team is able to divide the sadness amongst ourselves on the hardest days. This way, no one carries a burden alone and multiply joy in the brightest moments to celebrate things like children graduating college.

All of this is possible because you, as our customers, care about people. Dallas Maids is not the cheapest cleaning service in town. I know that – you know that. Google reviews certainly knows that! But for paying a slightly higher price our customers know that the service will be 5-star. And, more importantly, that not only will the cleaning artist cleaning their home be treated with dignity and respect. They will be the same person cleaning your home for years, having a chance to grow with the family.

The living wage in the Dallas-Fort Worth area is $15.21 for a single individual and $20.43 for a couple with two children. Our employees surpass that minimum standard of pay. And that is because of a robust company culture and a customer base that values not only quality but also dignity.

I have no political pull. I can’t meander through the halls of power in this country and actuate change that will lift so many out of poverty. But, I do own a business. And I can use that business to serve customers and empower employees to work hard while earning a respectable wage that doesn’t just enable survival, but thriving.

As Christmas approaches, I wanted to share this simple moment of joy with you. Your patronage at Dallas Maids has meaning and it provides real dignity. It sends children to college, buys Christmas presents without anxiety, and puts smiles on dozens of my teams’ faces each day. That is certainly a reason to celebrate this holiday season.

Merry Christmas,

Greg and the Dallas Maids’ Happiness Team