Fall Allergies – Can Your Home Be Making You Sick?

As the weather starts to turn colder and the leaves begin to fall, we start closing up our homes to keep the cold out and the heat in.  Many people start to notice allergies flaring up in the fall due to various allergens in the air such as ragweed and mold spores.  Often what feels like a “change of season” cold is actually allergies that present themselves with the same symptoms as the common cold.  These symptoms include but are not limited to cough, itchy eyes, sore throat, sneezing and just overall yuckiness.  

 In addition to the outside causes of allergies, there are inside culprits as well.  The American Academy of Allergy and Immunology (AAAA&I) talks about these inside allergens in an article on their website www.aaaai.org.  Some of these are dust mite droppings, animal dander, mold and cockroach droppings:
Dust mites can be found in bedding, carpeting and upholstery.  Keep these areas vacuumed and cleaned regularly.  Bedding should be washed and dried often and if possible, replace wall to wall carpeting with hard flooring and use rugs that can be washed or cleaned often.

Contrary to popular belief, most people are not allergic to animal hair.  It is more often the “dander” or dried skin flakes, saliva and pet urine that cause the trouble.  Even the breeds that are thought to be “hypo-allergenic” can still create a problem for allergy sufferers.  As in the case of dust mites, it is essential for your home to be vacuumed, cleaned and sanitized often to minimize the symptoms of these allergies.

Mold is one of the most common issues when it comes to allergies within your home.  We close up the windows to keep things nice and warm and the mold just thrives in a warm moist environment.  Some areas that may be harboring the mold spores are inside bath toys, in washing machine seals, showers and shower door railings, drain pans under the fridge, fridge seals, sponge holders in the sink and so many more places that you may not even think about.  These areas should be inspected and cleaned regularly.

Though cockroaches are associated with big cities and dirty areas, they can actually be found anywhere. Make sure floors are cleaned and pet food is not left out.  Seal up any cracks and crevices where they may be able to enter. Clean under stoves, refrigerators, toasters, microwaves and toaster ovens where crumbs can accumulate.  Clean stove tops, counters, kitchen surfaces and cabinets regularly.

We look forward to the cozy holiday season and enjoy the warm comfort of our homes.  It is imperative to our health to make sure that the areas we spend our time in are clean and free of these allergy culprits so that we can enjoy the upcoming season.

Prescott Maid to Order asks: Is there dust behind your fridge? We can help with deep cleaning in your Prescott home

Busy lifestyles prevent us from doing the deep cleaning that our homes need. When was the last time you cleaned behind your refrigerator? If you’re a pet owner, you likely have areas where the pet hair collects as well. Prescott Maid to Order can help rid your Prescott home of those dusty forgotten spots with our deep cleaning service.

If this is your first time hiring a house cleaning service, deep cleaning is the best way to get started. Here are some of the items you can expect to be covered in a deep cleaning:

Bathroom: Extra attention is given to shower doors, tile grout, doors and door frames, and even sanitizing wastebaskets. Decorative items are individually cleaned.

Kitchen: Deep cleaning includes the underside of the range hood, the oven interior, behind the refrigerator and stove, inside of the refrigerator and dishwasher, doors and door frames, cabinet doors, inside of the microwave, and decorative items.

Living room and bedrooms: Attention is given to cleaning under beds, dusting lamp shades, ceiling fans, vacuuming furniture and upholstery, dusting mini-blinds, sanitizing wastebaskets, and cleaning decorative items like knick-knacks.

Consider having a your home deep cleaned when you’re getting ready for the holidays or other special occasion. You can specify what areas of your Prescott home you’d like to have deep cleaned and customize your cleaning service. To request a free estimate, contact Prescott Maid to Order today at 928-899-8518. Learn more about our services and why we’re the Quad Cities’ number one cleaning service at http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott House Cleaning Services
Property Cleanup in Prescott
Helpful Cleaning Articles

Prescott Maid To Order gives you reasons to have your Prescott windows cleaned in spring

S

Most of us look forward to a change of seasons. Spring brings warmer weather as plants and animals return from winter’s slumber. This is a beautiful time of year in Prescott but can pose some problems for homeowners. Nature and the elements can really make a mess of clean windows. Prescott Maid To Order shows you why it’s important to have a professional service clean your windows in Prescott for Spring.
 
The Birds and the Bees
More than likely you already have a spring cleaning list that fairly extensive. Cleaning windows can be a difficult chore, especially if they are hard to reach or very dirty. Though spring means new life, you don’t want it on your windows. Chances are, bugs don’t see your windows while trying to evade danger. Birds perched in the trees above your windows seem to have excellent aim, too.

Trees and Bushes
Plants can be a reason for dirty windows as well. Tree sap and pollen can cause unsightly and hard to remove smudges. If trees in your yard have fruits, these can cause some problems for your windows, too.

Winter’s Leftovers
Though the snow season is over, winter can leave behind salt deposits and streaks that can be difficult to clean, especially if your window screens are dirty.

A Better View
Clean windows mean unobstructed views. Springtime is lively and vibrant, and having the best possible views will certainly enhance your and your guests' enjoyment.

Whatever the cause for your dirty windows, Prescott Maid To Order can help you keep your home and your windows spotless through all four seasons. To learn more about our window cleaning service in Prescott, call us at 928-899-8518 or http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Prescott Home Cleaning
Professional Cleaning Services in Prescott
Helpful Cleaning Articles

Moving or trying to get rid of old junk? Prescott Maid to Order gives some tips

 

If you’ve lived in the same place for a couple years, chances are you have a bunch of stuff you don’t need. If you are moving soon, all of this stuff can be really difficult to haul off to your new place, especially if you are downsizing. Prescott Maid to Order does offer junk haul off in Prescott, however here is a few suggestions to help you get rid of some stuff, and maybe even make a little money doing it before resorting to hiring someone to take it the dump. Here are a few times for getting rid of all of your unneeded stuff.

When getting ready to move, go through each room and categorize items into “must take”, “valuables”, “unwanted/unneeded” and “useless”. Start by sorting big items first, simply because they take up a lot of room and can make the sorting process seem less daunting.
 
Write down all of the items you need to take with you: family photos, your computer, that giant flat screen television you bought last week, etc. Then make a list of all valuables: if you have gold or silver investments, antiques, heirlooms not specific to your family, jewelry, etc. Take these two groups and, if they aren’t currently serving a purpose, box them up. You obviously don't want to move your TV until the day of the move, but a box of gold coins can be put in storage for months and you’ll probably not notice.
 
Once you have all of your needs and valuables packed away, you can go through as sort between two options: useless and unneeded. Useless items are things like ripped clothes that you use for painting, used dog chew toys, anything broken or damaged, and anything that has your name on it that you absolutely don't care about. These go off to the dump or recycling.
 
As for the more valuable things, like old sports equipment, collectors items, duplicate items, and gifts that you never really liked, garage sales or online sales like Craigslist and eBay are always an option and a great way to make some extra money to offset the cost of the move. Prescott Maid to Order encourages you to donate any newspapers, clothes, and glasses that you may have lying around to either the Lion’s Club or to another reputable charity organization, because the amount of impact a pair of gently used pants can make is incredible. Anything that doesn’t sell at your garage sale that is still worth having can be donated to a thrift shop like the DAV in the Prescott Area or any Goodwill nationwide. There are many impactful things that you can do with your used items that may not get you any spare cash but can really help out others.
 
If you still have unwanted items left over after all of this, or if you don’t have time to go to the dump, consider calling Prescott Maid to Order. We offer junk and trash cleanup services, as well as home cleaning services that can make your home shine for when the new owners come to look or buy. We can be reached at 928-899-8518 or you can visit our website at http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com

More Information
 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Prescott Junk Removal

House Cleaning in Prescott

Helpful Articles

Hiring a professional house cleaner for your Prescott home might be a great time saver - Prescott Maid to Order

Cleaning your home can take hours to complete, taking up precious time that you could be used for leisure activities. To make matters worse, your house still isn’t as clean as it can be! Prescott Maid to Order, Prescott’s premier house cleaning service, is here to show you how hiring a professional cleaner can significantly improve the cleanliness of your home.

Bathroom and Sink Cleaning - We are experts in removing hard to clean soap scum and hard water build up, as well as toilet cleaning and general disinfecting.

Dusting and Vacuuming - Cloths can remove dust well enough, but we have specialized dusters than can more thoroughly pick up and remove dust in a fraction of the time. And, our high-powered vacuums grab deep and pull out more grime than the average consumer vacuum.

Stainless Steel and Kitchen Cleaning - We can remove grime buildup and grease from stainless steel and make it shine like the day it was made. And, while we’re at it, cleaning the kitchen is a breeze with our experience and know how.

Removing Odors - The world is filled with lots of smells, and many of them aren’t too pleasant. We are experts in odor removal, and always know the quickest and most effective way to clean up any bad smells you might have in your house. From animal odors to garbage disposal smell, we can clean it all.

Streak Proof Windows - Our years of cleaning experience have taught us the best way to clean windows to make sure that there aren’t any streaks. Period. Especially when window cleaner and a little cloth doesn’t cut it. If you have lots of windows, or particularly large windows, we can help save you a lot of time and frustration.

Erase Stains - For places where a MagicEraser won’t cut it, we have it all. We can remove nearly any stain, whether it be on a wall, in your carpets, or on your couch. There isn’t any stain too tough for us.

Carpet Cleaning - We have all the latest and greatest carpet cleaning tools to make sure that your carpets are like new. Our deep cleaning machine can get out even the toughest of stains and restore your carpet to its factory “shine”.

Calling a maid service in Prescott is a great alternative to cleaning at any budget, and the time you save by not having to clean your home, can be used for far more enjoyable or productive things. If you would like to get your home cleaned or would like a consultation, give Prescott Maid to Order a call. We can be reached at 928-899-8518 or visit our website http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com for more information.

More Information
Carpet Cleaning in Prescott
Prescott Residential Cleaning
More Information

Prescott Maid to Order gives tips on how to make your house shine this Fall

Fall is coming up quick, and as the temperature gets cooler and the days get shorter, you’ll probably be having more indoor company at your house. That means it’s time to get cleaning! Prescott Maid to Order, offering residential cleaning services in Prescott and surround areas, is here to give you some great tips on how to impress your friends and maybe even make you a bit less stuffy when cold season rolls around.

Dusting, dusting, and more dusting - Dust builds up everywhere, and it isn’t just the visible places that you need to worry about. Air vents, tops of shelves, and under couches and chairs are just some of the places that dust can sneak up and accumulate. But that doesn't mean you can skip dusting where dust is visible. Some places that can make a huge visual difference in the way your house looks are the tops of unused tables, the tops of picture frames and hanging decor, and the “invisible” dust on couches and chairs.

Polishing metal and cleaning kitchen oil and gunk - Ever notice how almost every time you have company you end up in the kitchen? Well, we don’t have an answer for that, but we do have an answer to dazzle your company. Polishing any hanging pots and pans, as well as any stainless steel or open metal in your kitchen can make your kitchen shine - literally. And, removing grease build up on your stove, stovetop hood, and in your sink can make all the difference between nasty and classy. Organization is a great way to save time and look good doing it. Get new holders of toiletries and hand towels, resort your utensils that are out in the open.  

Windows so clear you don’t even know they’re there! Invest in a bottle of Windex and a good microfiber cloth and get to work. Don't forget about mirrors, plastics, and TV screens. Be sure to use the appropriate cleaner for each type (definitely don’t use Windex on your TV), and be sure to wet the cloth and not the window or screen.

It's a good of a time as ever to perform general maintenance. Repairing cracks, ripped window screens, and broken trim around the house can make your house go from drab to fab. You’ll have to do it eventually anyway, so why not do it before you expect the influx of company this holiday season?

Now, this list could take hours or even days depending on the size of your house. If you don’t have the time or don’t feel like spending your time off making sure your house looks good, give Prescott Maid to Order a call. We do everything from cleaning and dusting, to trash cleanup and cleaning maintenance. Just give us a call today at 928-899-8518 or visit us at http://www.prescottmaidtoorder.com to see how we can help you make your home beautiful this holiday season.

More Information
House Cleaning in Prescott
Prescott Carpet Cleaning
Helpful Articles

Give Your House a Thorough Clean Before and After the Party - Prescott Maid to Order

Preparing for a party can take weeks, maybe months. Don’t wait until it’s too late to realize that the house needs a good cleaning before the guests arrive. If you time it right, a thorough cleaning won’t be too early. It will start to get dirty before long anyway. Prescott Maid to Order would like to stress that if you’re going to schedule a professional call well in advance, you will be advised on the perfect time and how avoid any type of holiday rush.

You can plan to do the dirty work yourself; at least concentrate on the main party area. Pay special attention to floors, main bathrooms, carpets, furniture, blinds, windows and kitchen. The main thing is that you want to put your best foot forward for your guests. Cleaning before the party is just as important as cleaning after the party.

Your guest list is made up of friends, but things happen. Guests will mingle; items can get broken, or stolen, although that’s rare. Put away valuables and delicate or fragile items. Pick up excessive mail, magazines and newspapers.

If your house is not in perfect order, here is a list to lighten the load and you can work on it throughout the week leading up to the party. Remember to stay caught up on laundry throughout the week.

Monday: Take out all garbage and recyclables.
Tuesday: Tidy all rooms that are less likely to get used.
Wednesday: Clean the washrooms; scrub sinks, toilets, counter tops and floors. Stock the washrooms with extra Kleenex, TP, liquid hand soap and hand towels.
Thursday: Clean the windows (at least in the main party area), window sills, light switches and shelves.
Friday: Since these get used the most throughout the week, this is a good day to take care of the floors; Sweep, vacuum and mop.
Saturday: Food Prep and Clean Kitchen! Dishes done, surfaces scrubbed, floor swept and mopped. Stock with plenty of napkins in easy to reach areas, cups, plates and serving utensils.

Once all of your tasks have been accomplished, go through the whole house and catch anything that might have been missed. Make sure the beds are made.

For easy post clean-up, put out recycling and waste bins in discreet yet guest-friendly areas. Guests are usually happy to assist the host by ridding themselves of empty plates, cups and bottles.

When the party’s over, put away any perishables before the end of the night. Pick up and take out any trash. The day after, go through your pre-party cleaning checklist, start at the top and work your way down. If you’re too pooped after the party, or you’re in a time crunch before the party, Prescott Maid to Order is always here for you. Call to schedule an appointment at 928-899-8518 or visit our website at http://prescottmaidtoorder.com/

More Information
Residential Cleaning in Prescott
Prescott Residential Cleaning
Helpful Articles

Mid Season Cleaning Check List - Prescott Maid to Order

The season’s changes come quickly. This is the time of year when Prescott Maid to Order likes to think of this as the ‘between-the-seasons.’ This time of year we have said so long to the oppressive temperatures while we say hello to cooler mornings and evenings. Now is the time to take care of some household projects before cold weather discourages us. We have put a list together for you to stay organized while winterizing your home in Prescott.

Outdoor Hints:

•    Clean and store patio furniture, umbrellas, and children’s summer toys.
•    Touch up paint on outdoor wood surfaces, window and door trim. Give your decks extra attention and special care.
•    Check caulk around windows and doors. Install or replace weather-stripping. Make sure the garage doors are functioning properly.
•    Wash exterior windows.
•    Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior spigots. In hard-freeze areas, have sprinkler systems blown free of water.
•    Check gutters and downspouts. Clear the leaves and other debris.
•    Have chimneys and flues inspected and cleaned if necessary.

Indoor Hints:

•    Focus the rooms we share; living room, family room, entryway, guest bath.
•    Deep clean; Vacuum drapes and window treatments. Clean window sills and window cases. Don’t skip the baseboards or the corners.
•    Many hands make light work. Ask someone to help you move the furniture as you vacuum behind it and under it. An extra pair of hands can lift cushions as you deep clean.
•    Wash interior windows.
•    Turn mattresses according to manufacturer’s instructions.
•    Wash and dry all bedding: mattress pads, pillows, duvets, blankets, comforters.
•    Schedule a professional carpet cleaning before the rush.
•    Organize the cabinets. Get rid of unused items and duplicate utensils. How many wooden spoons do we need?
•    Clear kitchen counters of all appliances not used within the last week. Clear counters look cleaner.
•    Pull refrigerator away from the wall, and vacuum the condenser coils. Clean and thoroughly dry the floor.
•    Vacuum lamp shades and decorative lighting.
•    Inspect each appliance, including your home’s heating system and air cleaning system.
•    Stock up on ice melt before the rush. Prescott has a way of running thin on this item.
•    Clean or replace humidifier elements before the heating season begins.
•    Inspect washing machine hoses for cracks or splits.
•    Check dryer exhaust tube and vent for built-up lint. Make sure the exterior vent door closes tightly when it’s not in use.
•    Schedule fall furnace inspections now. Don't wait for the first cold night!
•    Save trips to the store and stock up on furnace filters. Change filters monthly for maximum energy savings and indoor comfort.

If this list is still too hefty and you’re looking for more hands to help, then call Prescott Maid to Order Today at 928-899-8518 to schedule a free consultation. To see a complete list residential cleaning services in Prescott, visit http://prescottmaidtoorder.com/

More Information
Prescott Residential Cleaning Services
Residential Cleaning Services in Prescott
Helpful Household Hints