Cleaning Tips

If you’re a fan of the unique natural look of unsealed wood floors, you know how delicate they are. You should also be aware of how much risk there is of ruining them while cleaning.

But don’t worry; you can still save your floors from damage! Follow the next steps to remove the grime from unsealed wood.

Step 1. Keep the floor clear 

Having a clear path will help you avoid damaging the unsealed surface while cleaning. So, start by removing anything that shouldn’t be on your floor, like knick-knacks, shoes, etc.

Then, you can go ahead and grab a broom to get sweeping—or use your trusty vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment (or rubber wheels if possible). Now that you removed the dust and debris, nothing should scratch your floor when mopping. 

Step 2. Prepare a safe floor cleaner

While several store-bought chemical cleaners are useful for cleaning many surfaces, when it comes to unsealed wood floors, it is best to skip them altogether.

So, in this case, using a simple mix of water and dish soap is more than enough. Fill a bucket (big enough to dip a mop in) with clean water and add a few slashes of mild dish soap. 

Can I just use a store-bought cleaner?

You may not know that most wood floor cleaners are only for sealed and finished surfaces. This means they might not work well with your unsealed floors and may also corrode and scratch the wood. 

However, you may still come across one product that works on unsealed wood floors. If you choose it, just make sure to spot-test it first.

Step 3. Mop the floor carefully

Mopping is pretty intuitive in the case of unsealed floors. However, some small details can make a big difference when doing this task.

First, too much liquid on wood floors is one of the easiest ways to ruin them, so wring your mop thoroughly every time you use it. 

You should also mop in small sections and dry them as soon as you’re done to prevent the water from penetrating and swelling the wood.

Pro tip: mopping in the direction of the grain will make the process smoother and prevent any dirt from getting caught in the small crevices of the wooden surface.

Can I use a steam mop?

Steam mops remove the grime through moisture and heat, none of which are great for wood floors, especially when unsealed. So, using a steam mop for this particular task is a big no-no!

Pro tip: How to deal with stubborn stains

If you’re dealing with tough stains, simply mopping the floor may not be enough. However, there is a simple extra thing you can do: use mineral spirits.

This natural solvent is excellent for removing stubborn stains without damaging the wood (as long as you don’t pour it directly onto the surface). Simply dab a clean cloth in your mineral spirits and wipe the stain a few times until it’s gone—it’s that simple!

Need a hand with the rest of your place?

Cleaning the floor is one thing everyone can do with a little free time to spare, but cleaning an entire house takes a whole lot more. So, if you live a busy life and lack time to clean properly, why not get professional help?

Mya Cleaning Services is the perfect solution for effortlessly getting a spotless house! Schedule your cleaning service here.

A refrigerator looking (and smelling) like a science experiment gone wrong doesn’t please anybody, and frankly, using potentially harmful chemicals to clean it isn’t great, either. Luckily, there’s a way to make your fridge spotless and odor-free with vinegar, and here you can learn about it!

Step #1. Unplug the fridge

Prevention is key! Avoid shocking risks and thaw the freezer by disconnecting the fridge beforehand. A warmer temperature will also soften stains, making cleaning them much easier.

However, waiting for the fridge to change temperature takes time, so try to unplug your appliance half an hour before starting. If you can’t get to the plug easily, shut down the circuit breaker providing power to the fridge.

Step #2. Empty the appliance

After you unplug the appliance or cut the power, take out everything inside your refrigerator and freezer—including shelves and racks. Use this chance to discard expired items and clean containers from spills and drips (this will also help you remove foul smells!)

Note: Put any temperature-sensitive items inside a cooler until you finish. If you don’t have one at hand, clump all the items together and wrap them with aluminum foil.

Step #3. Clean the refrigerator

Vinegar will help you to weaken grime and food stains inside your fridge. To use this product’s full potential, heat it for a minute in the microwave before pouring it into a spray bottle. This way, the acid concentration will be higher and dissolve stains quicker.

Don’t let the vinegar get too cold! Spray it immediately all over your fridge and freezer interior, focusing on stained areas, and let it sit for five minutes. Then, grab a middle-bristled toothbrush or a rough sponge and scrub the stains until they’re gone. Finally, rinse with a clean cloth and water.

What if the stains are too stubborn?

Vinegar won’t cut through too much grease or tough stains effectively, but baking soda will. Harness its power by mixing one part baking soda, one part dish soap, and two parts boiled water—again, don’t let the mixture get too cold before applying it.

Don’t forget to clean the exterior!

You can use undiluted vinegar to clean your fridge exterior, too. To do it, spray the solution all over the surface (focusing on stains) and let it sit for five minutes before wiping it away. Finally, rinse with clean water.

If your fridge is made of stainless steel: Dilute the vinegar in water (a 50/50 mixture) before using it on stained steel appliances. Wait five minutes, and then gently wipe along the grain for better cleaning! 

Step #4. Wash the removable parts

It’s always best to wash shelves and racks after finishing with your fridge. Doing so can prevent accidents, as a sudden temperature change isn’t good for plastic shelves and can shatter glass.

One by one, wash the removable parts in your sink using warm, soapy water and the rough side of your kitchen sponge. There’s not much else to it, so take your time to clean every part thoroughly.

Step #5. Assemble and plug the fridge again

Ensure your fridge, shelves, and racks are dry before putting them back again (humidity can cause mold growth). As you return everything inside, you can check again for expired food and discard all those items just taking up space in your fridge.

Finally, plug in your appliance or restore the power to enjoy your freshly cleaned fridge.

Don’t have time to clean your fridge? Let us help you!

We get it. Between all your other chores and daily routine, there’s not much time left for cleaning. Mya Cleaning Services can help you to keep your fridge and house spotless thanks to our well-prepared cleaning experts. Get your free quote now!

Cleaning baseboards is a hassle. Continuously crouching, standing, and kneeling will take a toll on your back. Luckily, there is a way to leave your fixtures spotless without straining yourself, and here you’ll learn about it.

Step #1. Choose the right tool

Picking the right tool is key for cleaning your baseboards in the easiest way possible.

Bought: Buying a tool doesn’t mean you’ll need to spend tons of money getting super-specialized devices. Instead, focus on getting a tool long enough to reach your baseboards without extra effort—a Swiffer or a dust mop will do the job just fine, thanks to their flexible head.

DIY: You can still spare the bending-over part using everyday household items if you don’t want to spend any money. Just wrap a microfiber cloth over the brush end of a broom and secure it tightly with zip ties or rubber bands.

Step #2. Dust the baseboards

This step is important to avoid making a mess further ahead when water gets involved. To do it, grab your cleaning tool and dust your fixtures from top to bottom. Once you finish, sweep or vacuum the fallen dust off the floor to avoid it from re-settling on your baseboards.

Step #3. Clean your baseboards

Now, you’ll need to prepare a cleaning solution. Do it by filling half a bucket with water and adding a trickle of dish soap. Once the solution is ready, dip your cleaning tool and wring it to remove the excess water.

If your bucket doesn’t include a wringer, place it on a little stool or something elevated so you won’t have to bend over. Wringing your tool well is crucial if you have MDF or wooden baseboards, as too much water could make them swell or warp.

When you are ready to start, use your dampened tool to wipe the baseboards gently. Keep your back straight while you clean (you can also sit on a chair). Also, there’s no need to apply too much pressure; most stains will eventually come off as long as you keep wiping.

How to deal with stubborn stains

Don’t strain yourself if you spot a tough stain. For plastic baseboards, spray some degreaser on your tool and wipe. If you have wood or MDF baseboards, dampen your cleaning tool with mineral spirits instead.

Let the solution sit for a few minutes to lessen the elbow grease needed. Then, rinse your cleaning tool and use it to remove the dirt.

Step #4. Rinse and dry the baseboards

Don’t forget to dry your baseboards before finishing. Otherwise, marks could appear, or the material can get damaged—MDF baseboards can even disintegrate if they absorb too much water.

If possible, replace the cloth you are using; if not, rinse and wring your cleaning tool. Then, dry your baseboards as thoroughly as you can.

Extra tip: Once the baseboards are dry, wipe them with dryer sheets to keep the surface dust-free for longer.

We can help you to clean your baseboards!

If cleaning your baseboards is still too much hassle, Mya Cleaning Services will gladly do it! Besides dusting and wiping your fixtures, our expert cleaners remove even the most stubborn grime in your house. You can ask for a free quote online!

Cleaning shower tiles can be a daunting task, but with this scrub-free method, you’ll be amazed at how effortless and efficient it can be. 

No more spending hours on your hands and knees, scrubbing away grime and soap scum. Say goodbye to expensive cleaning products that promise miracles but rarely deliver. 

With just three simple steps, you’ll have your shower tiles looking brand new in no time, and all without draining your wallet with high house cleaning rates. So, let’s dive in and discover the secret to achieving spotless shower tiles without the hassle of scrubbing!

Step 1. Steam clean the tiles

Steam cleaning shower tiles is pretty simple: run the hot water for several minutes and wipe with a cloth or mop.

The best part of doing this first is that if your tiles aren’t too messy, you can skip the rest of the method since light dirt comes off easily, thanks to the steam. On the other hand, if the tiles are still grimy, it’s time to move forward with your tile cleaning.

Step 2. Make a cleaning solution

Here are three options for effective cleaning agents to leave your tiles as good as new (without having to scrub them):

Option #1. Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide

Baking soda is one of the most popular kitchen products used as homemade cleaners, so it’s easy to find in stores. What’s more, it becomes even stronger when mixed with hydrogen peroxide—a very powerful oxidizer!

To use this cleaner on your tiles, make a paste with ½ a cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide. Then, add one teaspoon of liquid dish soap to the mix.

Option #2. Vinegar and baking soda

If you don’t have hydrogen peroxide at hand, don’t worry! You can easily make an equally efficient cleaner with white vinegar. The acidity of vinegar loosens up stuck-on grime—plus, if your tiles have mineral buildup, this solution will work wonders removing it.

Grab a bowl and mix 2 cups of water, ¼ cup of vinegar, and ½ cup baking soda.

Option #3. Vinegar and rubbing alcohol

Rubbing alcohol not only works to clean your tiles but also disinfect them! And with the help of the vinegar, all the grime should come off easily.

To make this cleaning solution, fill a spray bottle with two tablespoons of rubbing alcohol and two cups of vinegar—you can add 50 drops of tea tree oil to help with fungus. However, be careful when using this oil! Wear a mask and keep the windows open.

Step 3. Apply the solution and let it work

Now comes the easiest part: letting the cleaner work its magic. For this, you need to wait based on the specific cleaner you used.

• Baking soda and hydrogen peroxide: Spread the paste on the tiles—be thorough on the grout—wait 30 minutes, and remove with a damp cloth.
• Baking soda and vinegar: Apply it on the tiles, a little thicker on mineral buildup. Wait between 10-15 minutes and wipe it with a damp cloth.
• Vinegar and rubbing alcohol: Spray it on the tiles. That’s it! Wiping is optional, but wait at least 30 minutes first if you decide to do so.

Do you want to know the best way to have a clean shower?

Cleaning your shower is just the beginning. However, if time is not a luxury you have, with the help of Mya Cleaning Services, this won’t be a problem anymore!

We follow a thorough cleaning checklist to ensure your bathroom and home are as clean as possible. Check out our services and book your cleaning today!

Unless you like the idea of living in a haunted house from a horror movie, having cobwebs as decoration won’t do. Cobwebs might not be a significant hazard, but they are dust traps and will make your house look unkempt.

Luckily, removing the sticky webs is not that hard if you know what tools to use. Keep reading to learn how to get rid of cobwebs in your home! 

Why are there cobwebs in your home?

Maybe it’s not surprising, but cobwebs are built by spiders that like to catch their prey in the corners of your home. However, there’s a reason why cobwebs seem to appear from nowhere: these are abandoned spider webs, only gathering dust.

In other words, most homeowners spot cobwebs when the sticky threads are already covered in dust, but you can clean them before they get messy!

How to get rid of cobwebs (even if they’re hard to reach)

Getting rid of cobwebs may seem pretty intuitive and straightforward, but if the cobwebs are out of reach, wiping them can get tricky. The solution is using the right tools!

Here are the top choices of cleaning tools to aid in your battle against cobwebs.

Soft duster

A duster is the most straightforward tool to clean cobwebs; the soft bristles are perfect for grabbing the sticky threads. Plus, if you get an extendable duster, you can reach even the highest places where spiders might hide their webs.

Microfiber sock

If you don’t have a duster, you can make your own out of a spare microfiber sock and a pole. Just attach the sock with rubber bands to one end of the stick. This way, you will have a similar reach as any store-bought dusters.

Vacuum cleaner

Vacuum cleaners are perfect if you’re looking for an effortless tool. All you need is a long wand attachment to have a more extended reach for the cobwebs hidden in high places or the top corners of the rooms. That’s it!

How to prevent cobwebs

While cleaning the cobwebs when they build up works, it’s not a permanent solution. So, if you’re looking for a way to keep your house web-free, here are three tips you can try.

Tip #1. Seal the cracks

The best way to stop having cobwebs is to prevent the spiders from getting into your home in the first place. So, an excellent way to do that is to cover up the cracks and crevices from where they can enter. 

You can do this by sealing the cracks or small spaces that usually go unnoticed in your home—like in the windowsills, the cracks in the walls, between the door and the floor, etc.

Tip #2. Use repellents

Spiders hate strong scents, so you can scare them away using repellents. Getting a ready-to-use product from a store might work, but choose homemade repellents if you want a more natural option.

To make a spider repellent, start by grabbing a spray bottle and filling it with water. Then add a splash of dishwasher detergent and a couple of drops of essential oil—the soap will help the oil mix with the water, and the scents from the oils will help scare the spiders away.

Once you have the mix, you just need to spray it around your home!

Note: The best scents for the homemade repellent are peppermint, lavender, eucalyptus, citrus, citronella, and tea tree oil.

Tip #3. Set up a cleaning routine

Another thing you can do to keep spiders from building their pesky webs all over your home is clean regularly. A simple routine will allow you to discover the webs sooner and clean them as they appear. 

Don’t you have time to keep a cleaning routine?

We know your time is valuable, so if you don’t have much spare time, you won’t want to spend it cleaning. Leave the chores to us!

At Mya Cleaning Services, we offer a wide range of services to cover all your cleaning needs! Get a quote today.