Maid in North Carolina – Housecleaning Tips and More Blog

Toxins in your cosmetics?

Which is more toxic for you and the environment…  Cleaning house or your daily personal hygiene ritual?   Watch “The Story of Cosmetics” to find out!

What you put on your body is just as important as what you put in it. Your skin is the largest organ in your body, and it absorbs everything including toxins. If you are concerned about not eating unhealthy foods like trans fat, then you’ll definitely want to know which synthetic ingredients you should watch out for in the products you use.

1. Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Parabens: Used as a preservative to inhibit microbial growth and extend shelf life. Unfortunately, it can cause allergic reactions and skin rashes. Preliminary research found parabens in human breast cancer tumors.
2. Diethanolamine (DEA), Triethanolamine (TEA): These are used as foaming agents, but can cause allergic reactions, eye irritation, and dryness of the hair and skin. DEA and TEA are toxic if absorbed into the body over a long period of time, and are associated with cancer in lab animals.
3. Diazolidinyl Urea, Imidazolidinyl Urea: Often used as preservatives, the American Academy of Dermatology has found these chemicals to be a primary cause of contact dermatitis (irritation caused by foreign substance). Both these chemicals release formaldehyde, which can be toxic.
4. Sodium Lauryl/Laureth Sulfate: This is a cheap, harsh detergent used in many shampoos for its ability to cleanse and foam. Often derived from petroleum, it causes eye irritation, dry scalp, skin rashes and other allergic reactions. Be on the lookout for pseudo-natural products that list this ingredient with the phrase “comes from coconuts” – it’s still bad for you.
5. Petrolatum: Also known as petroleum jelly, this is a mineral oil derivative that can clog your pores. This in turn disrupts your body’s natural ability to moisturize its own skin, leading to dryness and chapping. Manufacturers use it because it’s really inexpensive.
6. Propylene Glycol: Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural, but it’s usually made from synthetic chemicals. It has been known to cause hives and eczema. Beware of related chemicals labeled PEG and PPG.
7. PVP/VA Copolymer: A petroleum-derived chemical that’s used in hair styling products and some cosmetics. Considered toxic since if inhaled, it can damage the lungs.
8. Stearalkonium Chloride: This toxic chemical was designed by the fabric industry for use as a fabric softener. Companies use it in hair conditioners and lotions because it’s much cheaper than natural conditioning ingredients such as proteins.
9. Synthetic Colors: Labeled as FD&C or D&C and followed by a number, these make products look pretty but can be carcinogenic.
10. Synthetic Fragrances: Labeled simply as “fragrance,” there’s no way to tell what chemicals are actually in the product. People can get headaches, dizziness, rashes, and respiratory problems from them. People may also experience hyper-pigmentation, which means this chemical may cause brown spots to form on your skin.

Before buying beauty products, check the ingredients list. These ingredients can be found in make-up, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, perfumes, baby care products, sunscreens, toothpastes, nail products, and deodorants.

Visit the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics website for more information.

By Gwen Gibson

Cold and Flu season is in full swing, and there’s not much you can do to avoid coming in contact with germs.  James M. Steckelberg, M.D., internist at the Mayo Clinic states,  “Researchers have repeatedly found that cold and flu germs generally remain active longer on stainless steel, plastic and similar hard surfaces than on fabric and other soft surfaces. On any surface, though, flu viruses seem to live longer than cold viruses do. Other factors, such as the amount of virus deposited on a surface and the temperature and humidity of the environment, also have effects on how long cold and flu germs stay active outside the body. ”

We all know not to touch our face, and to wash our hands frequently.  But, what else can we do to stay healthy when we’re bound to come in contact with nasty organisms?

Good Nutrition

According to Lisa Hark PhD, RD, director of the Nutrition Education and Prevention Program at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, foods are better than dietary supplements for the prevention of colds and flu because you get the whole nutritional package. For example, Dr. Hark points out, eating an orange is better for you than just taking vitamin C because the orange offers you a combination of nutrients — magnesium, potassium, folate, vitamin B6, andantioxidant -rich flavonoids. Everyone needs at least five servings of fruits and vegetables every day to get adequate vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants — all things we need for a healthy immune system.  Don’t have time to cook fresh?  Dr. Hark assures us that eating frozen fruits and vegetables is an economical and convenient way to improve your diet and prevent colds and flu.

While you want to focus on increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables you eat, don’t forget to choose other healthy foods to supply nutrients your immune system needs. A healthy balanced diet with lean meats, fish, poultry, low-fat dairy, legumes, whole grains, nuts and seeds provides your body with all of the nutrients you need for general health. A healthy body tends to have a healthier immune system.

Exercise

There is strong evidence that people who exercise don’t get sick as often. Exercise is important all year, even in the dark and cold of winter. Dr. Lisa Hark suggests having a plan to keep active in the winter, such as walking on a treadmill, using exercise videos, jumping rope, or going to the gym.

Sleep, Sleep, Sleep

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, US came to the conclusion that people who sleep less than seven hours per night have a three times higher risk of catching a cold than those who sleep for eight hours or more. Getting a good night’s sleep might not cure the common cold, but the new study says that it could prevent one. According to scientists, sleep is very closely connected to the strength of the immune system and that is why people feel tired and exhausted when they have an infection or are sick.

Fresh Air

Get plenty of fresh air! Take breaks outside a few times each day to get fresh air into your lungs.  At home, open a few windows once a week to bring fresh air in and flush out stale, germ laden air.

Drink Plenty of Fluids

Water flushes your system, washing out the poisons as it rehydrates you. A typical, healthy adult needs eight 8-ounce glasses of fluids each day. How can you tell if you’re getting enough liquid? If the color of your urine runs close to clear, you’re getting enough. If it’s deep yellow, you need more fluids.

Take a Sauna

Researchers aren’t clear about the exact role saunas play in prevention, but one 1989 German study found that people who steamed twice a week got half as many colds as those who didn’t. One theory: When you take a sauna you inhale air hotter than 80 degrees, a temperature too hot for cold and flu viruses to survive.

Sanitize Shopping Carts

I’m so grateful to the stores that provide sanitizing wipes at their entry doors.  I always wipe the shopping cart handle and seat when I enter a store.  Just thinking about the coughs, sneezes, unwashed hands, diapered babies, and drippy nosed toddlers that have been in that cart makes my spine crawl.  I also sanitize my hands when leaving the store, no sense in bringing any germs I may have picked up into the car with me.

Avoid the Ups and Downs

How many people visit your local mall during the cold weather?  Multiply that by two hands per person and you have the number of possibilities for spreading germs on the escalator.  Don’t touch the handrail if you can manage without it. And, remember to sanitize your hands if you must hold on.
In the elevator use your elbow instead of a finger to press the button.  Better yet, take the stairs! You’ll get some exercise and stay out of that enclosed, germ infested space.

De-germ at Work

Has your office coffee pot and mug been cleaned with a soaked-with-germs sponge that  hasn’t been sanitized since 1989? Maybe someone borrowed your mug while you were out last week and didn’t clean it as scrupulously as you would?  It’s worth the effort to bring your own coffee and a fresh cup from home every day.

You can’t avoid it, people come to work sick and sneeze, talk, breathe, use your computer or phone and open the office fridge.  So, keep sanitizing wipes at your desk and Lysol in the bathroom.  Disinfect every 48 hours, your phone, keyboard, mouse, desk surface, arms of your chair, and don’t forget the refrigerator handle and bathroom faucets!  You may be the only one who does this, but everyone will benefit.

Greet with a Smile

Since you can’t always tell who is sick or has been around sick people recently, it’s best to avoid physical contact during the cold and flu season. No handshakes or hugs if it can be avoided. To keep myself from this exposure, I’ll apologize when a hand is offered, and say “I’m so sorry, I don’t shake hands during cold & flu season because I don’t want to unknowingly pass along germs” (said with a smile of course!)

Keep Your Distance

When a person coughs or sneezes, everyone within three feet (or more) is at risk of catching the bug.  One of my pet peeves is people invading my personal space, especially in a checkout line.  A few years ago, instead of getting upset with each intrusion, I started keeping my cart behind me, insuring my 3 feet of personal space.

Eating Out

Having worked as a waitress before, I know that the same old rags are used over and over to wipe tables.  Therefore, I wipe my table with sanitizing wipes before we sit down, and wipe the salt and pepper shakers too!  If eating at a buffet, use sanitizer or wipes to clean your hands after each trip to the buffet line.

Around the House

Charles Gerba, PhD, professor of microbiology at the University of Arizona, says a sponge is a “bacteria cafeteria.” Next up, in order of being germiest around the house: dishcloths, the kitchen sink, the bathroom sink, cutting boards, the kitchen floor, the bathroom floor, the bathroom counter, and finally, in dead last, the toilet seat. Other hot spots are refrigerator door handles; salt and pepper shakers; bathroom faucets; computer keyboards; video game controllers; remote controls; sofa throws; light switches; door knobs; towels; sheets and pillow cases.
During cold and flu season, sanitize and disinfect your household surfaces every 48 hours or less.  In liue of that (how many of us actually have the time to do this?) Have a professional cleaning company deep clean your home, then follow these rules:

• Take your shoes off at the door to avoid tracking in germs by foot.
• Wash your hands as soon as you come home
• If someone in your home is sick, keep disinfecting wipes or spray in every room and instruct everyone to wipe or spray the hot spots.

Clean Linens

We usually wash sheets once a week, but during cold and flu season it’s important to at least change pillow cases daily.  If at all possible, change linens daily for anyone who is sick.  And hand towels should never be reused if there is someone sick at home – use paper towels if you’re unable to keep enough clean towels at hand.

Every Little Bit Counts

I always use a paper towel to open bathroom doors; my forearm or hip to push open entry doors.  I also carry along my own pen and NEVER use the ones at the check out lane. (I also use my pen to push in my pin code for debit purchases.)  I keep sanitizer on my key chain (which I keep in my coat pocket) and immediately use it after signing with anything other than my own pen.  Finally, if it feels like I’m starting to get sick, I use Zicam and take 1000 mg of vitamin C three times a day.

Copyright © 2010 Maid in North Carolina ® ~ All rights reserved.

Maid in North Carolina, Inc was established in 1989.   Call today for a free and convenient customized house cleaning estimate.  Or visit www.MAIDinNC.com to complete an online estimate.

MAID  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA,  INC.
274-0078 – Greensboro, NC / Oak Ridge, NC / Summerfield, NC
788-8100 – Clemmons, NC / Kernersville, NC / Winston Salem, NC
869-0078 – Archdale, NC / High Point, NC / Trinity, NC

Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning service in:

Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Sedgefield, Summerfield, Thomasville, Trinity, Walburg, Winston Salem, NC

If you live in a surrounding city, please call for a one-time house cleaning quote.

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puncryet86

by Guest Writer:   Kathy Peterson Inspired

Wow, who wouldn’t just love a fabulous backyard deck like this? But I’ve got to tell you, the day before I did this deck makeover—- well, it wasn’t so fabulous. In fact it was darn right drab, dirty and dreary. Now I know some of us are guilty when it comes to a neglected deck! So let’s face it, a drabby deck is not very inviting, but here are a few tips on creating your own fabulous deck makeover.

START FROM THE BOTTOM UP!

• First clear the deck of any furniture or debris
• Clean the deck using a deck cleaner. I like using Thompson’s Water Seal Heavy Duty Deck Wash. NOTE: If you choose to power wash your deck with a pressure cleaner, be careful not to damage the wood by using too much water pressure or too narrow of a spray on your nozzle setting. Also consider replacing any decayed or damage wood before your proceed.
• Next allow the deck to dry according the manufacturers instructions
• Follow up with a tinted wood protector. This deck was tinted and sealed a sheer rustic red by Thompson’s Water Seal. If rustic red isn’t your color consider having your retail supplier tint a clear sealer for a custom color look. Let dry accordingly.

Too often, we neglect our backyard, patios, decks and even our front porches. That can be a big mistake because our outdoor space is just as important as the interior of our living space. Your outdoor décor should convey your own personal style. And in this deck makeover I chose to use copper accents to dress up this space.

ACCENT WITH COPPER

Unexpected accessories in copper and wicker can quickly change any outdoor space. I used white wicker to brighten this deck and copper accents such as a birdbath, pots and window boxes to give this deck a little bit of unexpected shine and charm.

Unexpected décor elements like floating candles and flowers in the birdbath can also create a lovely outdoor evening with suttle ambiance. What I like about this copper birdbath is that it’s lightweight, portable and multi-functional and limited to your own imagination. It can be easily disassembled and stored for winter months or left outdoors throughout the year.

Also consider potting plants like orchids or annuals for summer months to add shine in a dark area of a patio, balcony or deck. And I love the look of these copper window boxes hanging from the railing. Simply fill the boxes with your favorite annuals or perennials in your favorite colors that work best with your region and climate.

Add a little more brightness by adding pretty white wicker furniture mixed with comfy cushions in a mix of colors. For this deck makeover, I used greens, pinks and yellows for a fresh, clean look. But of course, use your favorite colors that reflect your personality and the carry from the inside of your home to the outside.

Overall, this makeover took about 2 days to do with the help of a few friends. So remember, it’s never too late to put a fresh spin on your drabby deck. Then when you’re done, share the new space with your family and friends for a cozy outdoor dinner or simply relax with a cocktail. Till then–have fun!

Celebrity Design Expert, Author, National TV Host, and Syndicated Columnist, Kathy Peterson is  known for her creative style in home decor, patio, and floral design using simple and easy design techniques. Kathy reaches MILLIONS of households each week through television, publications, website articles and more.  Visit her site at www.kathypeterson.com

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By Terry Light and RealEstate ABC

Disconnect Your Emotions

When conversing with real estate agents, you will often find that when they talk to you about buying real estate, they will refer to your purchase as a “home.” Yet if you are selling property, they will often refer to it as a “house.” There is a reason for this. Buying real estate is often an emotional decision, but when selling real estate you need to remove emotion from the equation.

You need to think of your house as a marketable commodity. Property. Real estate. Your goal is to get others to see it as their potential home, not yours. If you do not consciously make this decision, you can inadvertently create a situation where it takes longer to sell your property.

The first step in getting your home ready to sell is to “de-personalize” it.

Make Your Home “Anonymous”

If there is a new home sales tract near your home, go visit. It doesn’t matter what size the homes are. What you will find are some wonderfully (but sparsely) furnished homes that anyone could live in — with the emphasis on “anyone.” They are anonymous. There may be a baseball glove in the boy’s room, but no family photos on the walls. There may be “personality” – but no person.

The reason you want to make your home “anonymous” is because you want buyers to view it as their potential home. When a potential homebuyer sees your family photos hanging on the wall, it puts your own brand on the home and momentarily shatters their illusions about living in the house themselves.

Put away family photos, sports trophies, collectible items, knick-knacks, and souvenirs. Put them in a box. Rent a storage area for a few months and put the box in the storage unit.

Do not just put the box in the attic, basement, garage or a closet. Part of preparing a house for sale is to remove “clutter,” and that is the next step in preparing your house for sale.

Uncluttering the House

This is the hardest thing for most people to do because they are emotionally attached to everything in the house. After years of living in the same home, clutter collects in such a way that may not be evident to the homeowner. However, it does affect the way buyers see the home, even if you do not realize it.

Clutter collects on shelves, counter tops, drawers, closets, garages, attics, and basements.  You want as much open clear space as possible, so every extra little thing needs to be cleared away.

Take a step back and pretend you are a buyer. Let a friend help point out areas of clutter, as long as you can accept their views without getting defensive. Let your agent help you, too.

Kitchen Clutter

The kitchen is a good place to start removing clutter, because it is an easy place to start.

First, get everything off the counters. Everything. Even the toaster. Put the toaster in a cabinet and take it out when you use it. Find a place where you can store everything in cabinets and drawers. Of course, you may notice that you do not have cabinet space to put everything. Clean them out. The dishes, pots and pans that rarely get used? Put them in a box and put that box in storage.

You see, homebuyers will open all your cabinets and drawers, especially in the kitchen. They want to be sure there is enough room for their “stuff.” If your kitchen cabinets, pantries, and drawers look jammed full, it sends a negative message to the buyer and does not promote an image of plentiful storage space. The best way to do that is to have as much “empty space” as possible.

For that reason, if you have a “junk drawer,” get rid of the junk. If you have a rarely used crock pot, put it in storage. Do this with every cabinet and drawer. Create open space.

If you have a large amount of foodstuffs crammed into the shelves or pantry, begin using them especially canned goods. Canned goods are heavy and you don’t want to be lugging them to a new house, anyway or paying a mover to do so. Let what you have on the shelves determine your menus and use up as much as you can.

Beneath the sink is very critical, too. Make sure the area beneath the sink is as empty as possible, removing all extra cleaning supplies. You should scrub the area down as well, and determine if there are any tell-tale signs of water leaks that may cause a homebuyer to hesitate in buying your home.

Closet Clutter

Closets are great for accumulating clutter, though you may not think of it as clutter. We are talking about extra clothes and shoes things you rarely wear but cannot bear to be without. Do without these items for a couple of months by putting them in a box, because these items can make your closets look “crammed full.” Sometimes there are shoeboxes full of “stuff” or other accumulated personal items, too.

Furniture Clutter

Many people have too much furniture in certain rooms not too much for your own personal living needs but too much to give the illusion of space that a homebuyer would like to see. You may want to tour some builders models to see how they place furniture in the model homes. Observe how they place furniture in the models so you get some ideas on what to remove and what to leave in your house.

Storage Area Clutter

Basements, garages, attics, and sheds accumulate not only clutter, but junk. These areas should be as empty as possible so that buyers can imagine what they would do with the space. Remove anything that is not essential and take it to the storage area, or have a garage sale.
Repairs

Costs of Repairs

Do not do anything expensive, such as remodeling. If possible, use savings to pay for any repairs and improvements do not go charging up credit cards or obtaining new loans. Remember that part of selling a house is also preparing to buy your next home. You do not want to do anything that will affect your credit scores or hurt your ability to qualify for your next mortgage.

Plumbing and Fixtures

When looking at a house, prospective home buyers often do not really know what to do. So they play with things. They flick light switches. They open everything with a handle. They turn on all the faucets and flush all the toilets.

Having nice shiny fixtures makes an impression. All your sink fixtures should look shiny and new. If this cannot be accomplished by cleaning, buy new ones. If you don’t buy something fancy, this can be accomplished inexpensively. Make sure all the hot and cold water knobs are easy to turn and that the faucets do not leak. If they do, replace the washers.

It sounds like hard work, but it’s pretty easy — even for the inexperienced.
Check to make sure you have good water pressure and that there are no stains on any of the porcelain. If you have a difficult stain to remove, one trick is to hire a cleaning crew to go through and clean your home on a one-time basis. They seem to be wonderful at making stains go away.

Ceilings, Walls, and Painting

Check all the ceilings for water stains, whether the leak is caused by plumbing or a faulty roof. Find the leak and repair it and make sure a proper job is done. Nothing irritates a buyer more than finding out – after the fact – about plumbing or roofing leaks. They will be talking about calling a lawyer faster than your car engine starts when you turn the ignition key.

If a water stain is left after something you have already repaired, do the cosmetic work necessary to improve the desirability of your home. That means painting.

You may have to paint anyway, especially if dirt has accumulated in spots or you have an outdated color scheme. Painting makes a home look fresh and new on the inside and never fails to impress.

Painting can be your best investment when selling your home. It is not a very expensive operation and often you can do it yourself. Do not choose colors based on your own preferences, but based on what would appeal to the widest possible number of buyers. You should almost always choose an off-white color because white helps your rooms appear bright and spacious.

Carpet and Flooring

Unless your carpet appears old and worn, or it is definitely an outdated style or color, you probably should do nothing more than hire a good carpet cleaner. If you do choose to replace it, do so with something inexpensive in a fairly neutral color.

Repair or replace broken floor tiles, but do not spend a lot of money on anything. Remember, you are not fixing up the place for yourself. You want to move. Your goal is simply to have few negative impressions upon those who may want to purchase your property.

Windows and Doors

Check all of your windows to make sure they open and close easily. If not, a spray of WD40 often helps. Make sure there are no cracked or broken windowpanes. If there are, replace them before you begin showing your home.

Do the same things with the doors make sure they open and close properly, without creaking. If they do, a shot of WD40 on the hinges usually makes the creak go away. Be sure the doorknobs turn easily, and that they are cleaned and polished to look sharp. As buyers go from room to room, someone opens each door and you want to do everything necessary to create a positive impression.

Odor Control

For those who smoke, you might want to minimize smoking indoors while trying to sell your home. Actually, it is best to move smoking outside.  You could also purchase an ozone spray that helps to remove odors without creating a masking odor.

Apologies to pet owners, but pets come with odors.  You may have become used to them, but they are immediately noticeable to those with more finely tuned olfactory senses.

For those with cats, be sure to empty kitty litter boxes daily and use plenty of baking soda.  For dog owners, keep the dog outdoors as much as possible, even those adorable lovable little dogs. You might also try sprinkling carpet freshener on the carpet on a periodic basis.
The Exterior of the House

Most real estate advice tells you to work on the outside of the house first, but unless there is a major project involved, it is probably best to save it for last. There are two main reasons for this. First, the first steps in preparing the interior of the house are easier. They also help develop the proper mind set required for selling – beginning to think of your “home” as a marketable commodity. Second, the exterior is the most important.

A homebuyer’s first impression is based on his or her view of the house from the real estate agent’s car.  They call that first impression “curb appeal.”

So take a walk across the street and take a good look at your house. Look at nearby houses, too, and see how yours compares.  Then it may be time to go to work.
The Front Door & Entryway

The front door should be especially sharp, since it is the entryway into the house. Polish the door fixture so it gleams. If the door needs refinishing or repainting, make sure to get that done.

If you have a cute little plaque or shingle with your family name on it, remove it. Even if it is just on the mailbox. You can always put it up again once you move. Get a new plush door mat, too. This is something else you can take with you once you move.

Make sure the lock works easily and the key fits properly. When a homebuyer comes to visit your home, the agent uses the key from the lock box to unlock the door. If there is trouble working the lock while everyone else stands around twiddling their thumbs, this sends a negative first impression to prospective homebuyers.

Landscaping

Is your landscaping at least average for the neighborhood? If it is not, buy a few bushes and plant them. Do not put in trees. Mature trees are expensive, and you will not get back your investment. Also, immature trees do not really add much to the appearance value of the home.

If you have an area for flowers, buy mature colorful flowers and plant them. They add a splash of vibrancy and color, creating a favorable first impression. Do not buy bulbs or seeds and plant them. They will not mature fast enough to create the desired effect and you certainly don’t want a patch of brown earth for homebuyers to view.

Your lawn should be evenly cut, freshly edged, well watered, and free of brown spots. If there are problems with your lawn, you should probably take care of them before working on the inside of your home. This is because certain areas may need to be re-sod, and you want to give it a chance to grow so that re-sod areas are not immediately apparent. Plus, you might want to give fertilizer enough time to be effective.

Always rake up loose leaves and grass cuttings.

Painting

The big decision is whether to paint or not to paint. When you look at your house from across the street, does it look tired and faded? If so, a paint job may be in order. It is often a very good investment and really spruces up the appearance of a house, adding dollars to offers from potential homebuyers.
When choosing a color, it should not be something garish and unusual, but a color that fits well in your neighborhood. Of course, the color also depends on the style of your house, too. For some reason, different shades of yellow seem to illicit the best response in homebuyers, whether it is in the trim or the basic color of the house.

As for the roof, if you know your roof leaks, repair it.  If you do not repair a leaky roof, you are going to have to disclose it and the buyer will want an entire new roof.  If you know your roof leaks and you don’t repair it and don’t disclose it, look forward to hearing from lawyers at some point in the future.
Otherwise, wait and see what the home inspector says. Why spend money unnecessarily?

The Back Yard

The back yard should be tidy. If you have a pool or spa, keep it freshly maintained and constantly cleaned. For those that have dogs, be sure to constantly keep the area clear of “debris.” If you have swing sets or anything elaborate for your kids, it probably makes more sense to remove them than to leave them in place. They take up room, and you want your back yard to appear as spacious as possible, especially in newer homes where the yards are not as large.

Copyright 2000 – Terry Light and RealEstate ABC

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Need help getting your home ready?

Maid in North Carolina offers the best cleaning, guaranteed satisfaction, and secure service at an affordable price.  We work with home owners, realtors and relocation specialists to help properties sell quickly, and families settle into their new homes comfortably!  Call today for a free and convenient customized house cleaning estimate.  Or visit www.MAIDinNC.com to complete an online estimate.

MAID  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA,  INC.
274-0078 – Greensboro, NC / Oak Ridge, NC / Summerfield, NC
788-8100 – Clemmons, NC / Kernersville, NC / Winston Salem, NC
869-0078 – Archdale, NC / High Point, NC / Trinity, NC

Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning service in the following cities:

Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Sedgefield, Summerfield, Thomasville, Trinity, Walburg, Winston Salem, NC

If you live in a surrounding city, please call for a one-time house cleaning quote.

Return to Maid in North Carolina – Main Website Home Page

How to Hire Domestic Help

By Walter L. Gibson, Jr.

Are you absolutely certain that your cleaning service company or private maid is trustworthy?  According to Mark Roselli of The Mang Insurance Group, a national survey of insurance companies concluded that 44.6% of all theft claims are derived from domestic cleaning services. In addition, Mr. Roselli states that most cleaning service companies are underinsured – protecting themselves from theft and/or damage of company property but not covering their customers.  He also stated that criminal background checks are not required in order to purchase bonding insurance.  These staggering facts should be of great concern to anyone hiring domestic help.  Before you agree to let a stranger into your home, whether you are hiring a private maid or a cleaning service company, you must be assured that you are not putting yourself at risk.

As the owner of a cleaning service company since 1989, and as a consultant for residential cleaning companies since 2004, I have heard about many experiences.  Aside from underinsured companies who may have criminals on staff, there are less dire concerns to consider.  One woman came home from a month in the hospital to find her private maid had not only moved in, but brought her family of five with her.  Another hired a franchise service that apparently came in only to pick up her check each time they were supposed to clean her home.  I’ve been told about another franchise service that sent a team of three cleaning ladies to perform a cleaning, but the customer could not communicate with them because none of the three spoke English.

To ensure that you have an acceptable experience you must do your research before hiring a cleaning company.  My recommendations are:

Remember that the fee alone should not determine who you hire.

1. Remember that the fee alone should not determine who you hire.
2. Ask for proof of insurance to be sent directly from the insurance company so that you will have a document on hand should an incident occur.  Insist that the insurance certificate is sent to you by the insurance company, not the cleaning company, so that you are certain the policy has not expired.  Here are some coverage guidelines:
   1. Bonding insurance can be as low as $1,000 and protects you against theft ONLY if it is a Third Party Bond.  Proper coverage would be a minimum of a $25,000 third party bond.
   2. Liability coverage insures that any accident will not be charged to your homeowners’ policy ONLY if it is Third Party Coverage.  A minimum of $1,000,000 is desirable for liability coverage.
   3. Worker’s compensation insures that any personal injury occurring on your property is not charged to your home owner’s policy.
3. Be certain that you feel comfortable with the owner or manager of the cleaning company, as they will be your contact should there be any problems with the service.  Inquire about company policies regarding inadequate service, problems with employees and insurance claims.  How long will it be before you are reimbursed for damaged or missing items?  Will you be reimbursed for inadequate cleaning, or will a team be sent to reclean your home, and how long will this take?
4. Ask if the cleaning company checks employment and criminal records.  From one hundred applications reviewed we can invite an average of ten for interviews because of a lack of stability in work history and residence.  Out of the ten applicants invited for an interview, nine are eliminated because of poor work ethics, excessive residences and/or criminal records.  Although my company would bring in more immediate income if I carelessly hired anyone who applied, I assure you that repeat business would suffer tremendously and my customers would feel violated.
5. How far back does the company check criminal records?  A ten year background check is the legal maximum in some states; however a twenty year check is more desirable.  I have seen applicants who appeared to be upstanding citizens but had criminal records reminiscent of infamous outlaws of the Wild West.  One young woman who had applied to be a maid had six pages of offenses and had served time for safe cracking! Another mild mannered applicant had served time for armed robbery.  Although these are extreme cases they serve to make a point — if your cleaning service does not check criminal records then you may be inviting a felon into your home.  Most often the criminal records of applicants are clean; however ten percent include assault, disturbing the peace and serious traffic violations.  These are the records of applicants whose applications were above average — can you imagine who will be sent to your home if the company you hire does not enforce the most stringent hiring policies?
6. If you prefer to hire a private maid then be certain that you perform a criminal record check. Remember that appearances can be deceiving and references can be falsified.

In most situations your greatest concern will be getting value for your investment.  If you invest $120 to have your home cleaned and are unhappy with the results, then you have the opportunity to see first hand how the internal policies of the company work.  Does the company have policies, procedures and resources which allow them to handle your complaint professionally and with diplomacy?  Do they offer immediate remedies to correct any problem?  Not only should you be assured that the company you have invited to be such an important part of your life will clean your home properly and without incident, but that they will take your concerns seriously.

The labor intensity of the residential cleaning industry is equally rivaled by the communication and management intensity.  If the cleaning company does not utilize proper management techniques, your overall experience will not be desirable.

In conclusion,  as with any important decision you should educate yourself before making a final choice on which company you’ll allow to clean your home.   Make inquires by phone, in person, online, speak to friends and neighbors about their experiences with local cleaning companies.  Bottom line – you are getting ready to invite people into your home, for many their most private and prized possession.  Be certain that your decision is an educated and prudent one, not solely based upon price.  Like so many of our customers you may find that a decade later the same friendly faces and good service are a refreshing and very necessary part of your life.

Copyright © 2004 Maid in North Carolina ® ~ All rights reserved.

Walter L. Gibson established the cleaning company Maid in North Carolina in 1989.  Visit www.Maidinnc.com for complete information, customer testimonials and on-line estimates.

Maid in North Carolina offers the best cleaning, guaranteed satisfaction, and secure service at an affordable price.  We work with home owners, realtors and relocation specialists to help properties sell quickly, and families settle into their new homes comfortably!  Call today for a free and convenient customized house cleaning estimate.  Or visit www.MAIDinNC.com to complete an online estimate.

MAID  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA,  INC.
274-0078 – Greensboro, NC / Oak Ridge, NC / Summerfield, NC
788-8100 – Clemmons, NC / Kernersville, NC / Winston Salem, NC
869-0078 – Archdale, NC / High Point, NC / Trinity, NC

Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning service in:

Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Sedgefield, Summerfield, Thomasville, Trinity, Walburg, Winston Salem, NC

If you live in a surrounding city, please call for a one-time house cleaning quote.

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Housecleaning With and For Less Stress

Tips to Help You Clean and Organize your Home by Gwen Gibson

Did you realize that clutter causes stress?  It’s true! Living in a cluttered home can drain you of time and energy, creating significant amounts of additional stress. Yet, busy people  have little time or energy to keep up with their home, causing even more clutter and more stress.  We need  to clean house in a way that causes little additional stress, and to organize our home to become uncluttered in the most time-efficient manner.   Then, once your home is organized,  keeping it clutter free is easy!  The following housekeeping tips can help you do both:

Tackle One Room at a Time:

If your home is very cluttered, concentrating on just one room at a time will ensure that you don’t get overwhelmed.  Also, if you move from room to room you’ll end up depositing more clutter going back and forth.  When you have taken the time to declutter a room you’ll be less likely to stop-and-drop the next time you enter it.  Cleaning this way will help you keep your house  clean and organized.

Be Prepared:

When you’re ready to clean be certain to have garbage bags, trash cans and storage containers ready to fill.  Put give-a-way items into the bags, throw-away items go into trash cans (go ahead and roll in the big outdoor unit if you need it), anything that you want to keep but haven’t used in 6 months will be put into labeled storage containers (permanent markers are good for this), and everything else gets put where it belongs.  (For motivation just think about the fact that you’ll be clutter free in no time at all!)

Play Your Favorite Music:

Music can energize you while you clean (depending on what type of music you choose.)  Harness the energy-inducing powers of music by playing your favorite up-beat tunes.  Remember, when you’re finished you’ll have  more energy by living in a clean – clutter free home!

Set Reasonable Goals:

We all know that saying we’ll deep clean every Saturday is just unreasonable! If you set reasonable house cleaning goals, such as putting things back where they belong immediately after use, and doing a quick clean up of kitchen and baths before bed every night, you won’t get overwhelmed by clutter and grime.  If you have children read our article  “How to Get Your Children to Clean.”

Enjoy Your Results:

Stay motivated by enjoying each room when your work is done.  If you clean your bathroom, give yourself a home spa experience. Enjoy a candlelit dinner in your newly decluttered dining room.   Burning essential oils is a great way to enjoy aromatherapy anytime (while cleaning or relaxing.)   You’ll probably be hooked on housecleaning once you get used to having your home as a sanctuary from stress instead of another cause of it!

Hire a Housecleaning Service:

Once your home is clutter free, splurge on a housecleaning by a professional company.  A professional deep cleaning will get those baseboards, windows, under and behind furnishings, ceiling fans and crown moldings cleaned along with all the regular cleaning, like toilets, floors, and dusting. After a professional deep cleaning your home will beckon you to keep it clean!  Be certain to read “How to Hire a Cleaning Service” before you start interviewing for help.

Visit Maid in North Carolina at www.MAIDinNC.com – Professional Housecleaning since 1989 in Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Summerfield, Trinity and Winston Salem, NC.  Licensed, bonded, and fully insured – Call us today to help with your house cleaning needs:  274-0078  /  788-8100  /  869-0078

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Mommy, I can't find it!

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a stay-at-home or a working parent, teaching your children how to stay organized will improve your life as well as theirs!

• Teach your children good cleaning habits by being neat and tidy yourself.  Hanging up clothes and putting things away after you use them sets a good example for children to follow.
• Help your children decorate boxes, baskets, and plastic tubs for toy storage so that they will be personalized and encourage use.
• Plastic tubs can be stored under beds and in closets.  Decorated baskets and shoe boxes look great on bookshelves.  Keep board games on shelves, small toys in small containers, medium sized toys in medium size containers, and reserve toy boxes for large items.
• Make it a habit to take five minutes before bedtime for everyone (even the adults) to put their “stuff” away.  Praise your children for keeping their toys and books organized, and be certain to have them note how nice it is to wake up in a clutter free home!
• Store half of your children’s toys and switch them around every few months. They’ll have “new” toys to play with and will be able to keep fewer toys organized.
• While you are going through the toys to store, have your children pick out some that they don’t play with anymore. Pack these up and donate them to the Good Will or Salvation Army.  Bring the children with you to drop off the donations so they can see their charity put into action.
• Put hooks and pegs on the backs of room door and on the insides of closet doors for quick hang-ups when the children come in.
• Assign each child a different color towel and make sure they hang it up after every use. Explain that this not only keeps the bathroom clean, it saves water making your home a “greener” environment.
• Have a sock-sorting-party!  First sort into piles of colors, then teach the children how to match and fold pairs of socks.  Everyone sorts one of the colored piles into baskets by size.  After all the socks are matched put singles back into a basket for the next party.
• Next, teach the children to fold their own socks and underwear while you fold the laundry!  Everyone should have their own laundry basket for this chore.
• Let the children help you in the kitchen. They can wash vegetables while you prepare meat for cooking; set the table while you chop veggies; help clean the table while you load the dishwasher.  Don’t expect perfection, but always praise them for helping out!
• Let children listen to music while they are cleaning.  If they don’t have iPods, play a cd everyone likes and take breaks to dance a bit!
• Set aside a period of time each week for children dust and vacuum their rooms, clean under the beds etc… To set a good example, be certain to clean your room at the same time!  Make a game out of it with a timer and be certain to schedule quality family time after as a reward.  Keeping their room clean will become a good habit and something to celebrate.

Copyright 2008 ~ Gwen Gibson

Here are some great books for you and your children to read:

·          The Berenstain Bears and the Messy Room (A First Time Book) ~ Stan Berenstain

·          Five Little Monkeys with Nothing to Do ~ Eileen Christelow

·          Clutter Control: Tips and Crafts to Organize Your Bedroom, Backpack, Locker, Life (American Girl) ~ American Girl

·          Absolutely Organized: A Mom’s Guide to a No-Stress Schedule and Clutter-Free Home ~ Debbie Lillard

·          Mrs. Clean Jean’s Housekeeping with Kids: Family Pickup Lines (and Household Routines) That Work with Less Work from You ~ Tara Aronson

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Why Wait?

Maid in North Carolina offers the best cleaning, guaranteed satisfaction,  and secure service at an affordable price. Call today for a free and convenient customized house cleaning estimate.

MAID IN NORTH CAROLINA, INC.

274-0078 – Greensboro, NC / Oak Ridge, NC / Summerfield, NC
788-8100 – Clemmons, NC / Kernersville, NC / Winston Salem, NC
869-0078 – Archdale, NC / High Point, NC / Trinity, NC

Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning service in:

Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Sedgefield, Summerfield, Trinity, Walburg, and Winston Salem, NC

If you live in a surrounding city, please call for a one-time house cleaning quote.

Return to Maid in North Carolina – Main Website Home Page

housecleaning

To be certain that a house cleaning service carries third party insurance, which will protect you, the homeowner,  have their insurance company fax or mail you a copy of their certificates of insurance.   If the insurance carried is third party the Certificate of Liability and Bonding Insurance will list YOU as the certificate holder.  It will also list the name of the insurance broker, the insurance company and the name of the cleaning company that is insured.  The insurance company is then required to notify you if the house cleaning company’s insurance policy is ever cancelled.

The house cleaning company might try to give you a photocopy of their insurance policy as proof of insurance.   NEVER accept this as there’s no way for you to know whether the policy is current. The policy could have been cancelled the day after it was issued.   Without proof of insurance directly from the insurance company you could be paying the rate of a house cleaning company with insurance while unknowingly putting yourself at risk every time the house cleaner is on your property.

A reputable cleaning company will be happy to provide the proper proof of insurance. Enjoy peace of mind every time your home is cleaned. Choose a cleaning company that has third party insurance coverage to protect you and your home.

Maid in North Carolina carries third party coverage!  Our maids have gone through stingent background checks and hands-on training.  Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning in Greensboro, High Point, Winston Salem, Kernersville, Jamestown, Archdale, Clemmons, Trinity, Summerfield, Oakridge, NC.  Visit www.Maidinnc.com for complete information, customer testimonials, discounts and specials, online estimates.

Why Wait?

Maid in North Carolina offers the best cleaning, guaranteed satisfaction, and secure service at an affordable price. Call today for a free and convenient customized house cleaning estimate.  Or visit www.MAIDinNC.com to complete an online estimate.

MAID  IN  NORTH  CAROLINA,  INC.
274-0078 – Greensboro, NC / Oak Ridge, NC / Summerfield, NC
788-8100 – Clemmons, NC / Kernersville, NC / Winston Salem, NC
869-0078 – Archdale, NC / High Point, NC / Trinity, NC

Maid in North Carolina provides house cleaning service in:

Adams Farm, Archdale, Clemmons, Colfax, High Point, Jamestown, Greensboro, Kernersville, Oak Ridge, Sedgefield, Summerfield, Thomasville, Trinity, Walburg, Winston Salem, NC

If you live in a surrounding city, please call for a one-time house cleaning quote.

Return to Maid in North Carolina – Main Website Home Page