How to make Valentine’s flowers last longer

Make your flowers go further this Valentine’s Day with these tips.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

However it is that you’re celebrating today, it’s safe to say that flowers are probably involved in some way.

Whether your valentine surprises you with red roses or pink peonies today, it would be nice if they could last longer than the end of the week, wouldn’t it?

That’s why we’ve put together five handy tips for making your Valentine’s Day stems last longer.


  1. Trim your stems at an angle

You might have heard this one if you got the flowers from a florist, as it’s a must for proper flower care: Trim the stems at an angle before you put them in water.

Why is this advised?

Your flowers drink through a part of their stems called the xylem, which carries water and nutrients from the root to the flower.

Once picked, the end of a flower dries out, so cutting the end of their stems before putting them in water allows them to absorb water and drink properly.

Cutting them at an angle is advised because it allows more surface area to drink from.

While cutting straight is harmless, cutting at a 45-degree angle means the entire stem’s surface area is always in contact with the water and can absorb more helpful nutrients to live longer.


  1. Remove foliage under the water line

Any leaves and foliage and or leaves under the water line of your flowers should be removed.

This is because any foliage left under the water line will begin to rot, encouraging bacteria growth and damaging the plant.


  1. Add bleach and sugar solution

Hear us out on this one…

Add a little bleach to the flower water.

Add 1/4 teaspoon bleach per 1 litre of water.

Alternatively, you can add a solution of bleach and sugar.

Add three drops of bleach and one teaspoon of sugar in 1-quart (1 litre) water to inhibit the growth of harmful bacteria and prevent the water from growing cloudy.


  1. The penny drops

Copper is a natural fungicide, so dropping a penny into the vase will also help kill off the harmful bacteria festering in the old water and try to kill off your lovely bouquet.


  1. Refresh the water

Do you feel good in a dirty environment?

Neither do your stems.

For optimal bloom and vase life, refresh the water of your bouquet every 2-3 days or when it starts to look cloudy (as this is your sign of rot below the water line).


Show your home some love this Valentine’s Day

Show your home you care this Valentine’s Day by refreshing your space with Merry Maids UK.

Go above and beyond for you and your home by trusting the professionals at Merry Maids to utilise over 30 years of experience as home cleaning experts to deliver results you’ll love.

To see how we can help you, find your nearest Merry Maids business or book online today.

How to get rid of window condensation

Expert help on getting rid of window condensation.

Have you found yourself waking up to windows covered in condensation?

Condensation can be a nightmare at this time of year.

For home renters and buyers alike, water collecting on your windows can be bad for your property.

Here’s an easy way to eliminate this pesky winter window pest from the experts of Merry Maids UK.


Causes and effects of window condensation

One study found 44% of British renters live in properties with no extractor fan in the bathroom, and 31% live in a property with no window in the bathroom – meaning humid air has nowhere to go after a hot shower.

The build-up of water from condensing air can lead to multiple household issues, such as black mould, dampness, and draughts.

Not only can these be bad for your home, but have a real negative impact on your health.


How to eliminate window condensation with Stosslüften

This quick and easy fix for window condensation comes from a German method called ‘Stosslüften’.

Stosslüften is an alternative to a more well-known method of condensation reduction, essentially to open the windows with condensation on.

However, this is often not cost or energy-effective as it can take almost all day for the condensation to evaporate.

Instead, the Stosslüften method suggests creating a draft throughout the house by opening windows all over your property for three minutes.

This will exchange the hot air inside for cold air outside, which holds less moisture.

It will also eliminate condensation quickly by ridding your house of the humidity that allows it to thrive.


How the professionals can help with condensation

Our cleaning experts can do various things to help keep your home in its best possible condition, including cleaning tiles and mirrors and deodorising in bathrooms and suites – a common place for condensation to wreak havoc.

If your house has developed mould due to condensation, you can call disaster restoration experts like ServiceMaster Restore to eliminate mould growths in your home.


Contact Us

To start saving time and energy on your cleaning, call in the experts at Merry Maids now by finding your nearest business or booking online today.

Why should I get my home professionally spring-cleaned?

The benefits of a professional spring-cleaning service.

We don’t know about you, but we’re ready for spring.

It’s when nature washes away the cold of winter and freshens up for a brighter year ahead.

The flowers start to bloom, and the temperatures begin to rise. What’s not to love?

Preparing for spring also means it’s time to start thinking about your spring cleaning.

It may not always be pleasant, but the practice of getting down and dirty to clear out the clutter and the cobwebs of the past year is a vital part of the springtime.

Though the adage often cited is ‘if you want a job done properly, do it yourself,’ we’re here to tell you there is another way.

In this blog post, our cleaning experts walk you through the benefits of hiring a professional cleaning service for your spring cleaning.


What’s involved in spring cleaning?

Spring cleans are a deeper and more comprehensive cleaning than a regular maintenance clean and are all about clearing out the house at a deeper level to prepare for the year ahead.

Regular cleaning keeps your home in top condition, while deep cleaning gives that extra oomph and sparkle to make your home truly SHINE.

Our expert deep and spring cleans are ideal when moving in or out of a property, preparing your home to sell, having the in-laws visiting, in the aftermath of building or renovation works or needing a complete freshen-up.

They can include:
  • Cleaning out kitchen cupboards
  • Vacuuming curtains
  • Cleaning inside windows
  • Cleaning inside and or defrosting fridges and freezers
  • Washing internal doors and window frames
  • Moving heavier furniture to clean behind (where possible)

How do the professionals spring clean your home?

Professional cleaning services like those at Merry Maids use experienced professionals trained to deliver excellent-value home cleaning with a tried and tested methodology and products to produce the best results.

On every visit, your Merry Maids team will dust, wash, sanitise and vacuum your home using our equipment and specially formulated products.

We operate a strict cleaning process that utilises coloured cloths for different areas of the home to avoid cross-contamination.

All our maids are trained in Health and Safety regulations and procedures* to use our products and equipment

*Practices may vary by area due to area-specific considerations.

How much does it cost to have my home professionally cleaned?

There is no standard pricing index used to determine domestic cleaning service fees.

Some businesses charge by the hour, while others will charge for the scope of the cleaning involved.

Either way, professional cleaning services will determine their prices based on the following factors:

  1. Size
  2. Layout and number of rooms
  3. Style of home
  4. Number of residents
  5. Factoring of children and pets
  6. Frequency of cleaning
  7. Location and travel distance from business location

To see the value of professional spring-cleaning services in your area, contact your nearest Merry Maids business for a free, no-obligation quotation.

Why pay when you can do it yourself, you ask.

We’ll tell you…


  1. Professional spring cleaning saves you time and effort

There’s no doubt about it… spring cleaning is a massive undertaking.

Especially if you’re already juggling family and childcare responsibilities, work, and the basics like socialisation and a good amount of rest.

Whatever your idea is of time well spent, we know it doesn’t involve doing the cleaning.

Entrusting your spring cleaning to professionals can save you hours of effort and give you time to focus on what matters most.


  1. The bespoke and professional touch

At Merry Maids, we love to clean. It’s what we do.

Over our 30 years of delivering home cleaning expertise, we have refined the experience had by our customers to a fine art.

We know that each home and each individual we clean for is unique.

So, we go above and beyond to ensure you get the clean you deserve, not just the clean you expect, and work with you to understand the specific needs of you and your home and work tirelessly to ensure that you’re more than happy with gleaming results – at a time that suits you.

Professional cleaning staff like ours are trained with the latest (and often exclusive) products, tools, and best practices to make every room in the house sparkle.


  1. Professional spring cleaning is good for your health

Aside from the obvious aesthetic benefit, a good spring cleaning is also good for your health!

According to Verywell Mind, a cluttered and dirty environment can be harmful to your mental health, as it has been scientifically linked to higher rates of stress, depression and anxiety, as well as decreased rates of focus.

In addition, studies have shown that having a clean home typically is the mark of healthier inhabitants.

Cleanliness in the home has even been found to be a better predictor of good health for the residents than the walkability of its neighbourhood!

Cleaning can also improve the air quality of your home.

This is extra vital in the spring as the winter often involves more time spent inside with less fresh air in the home – causing more dust on the property.

The equipment used by professional cleaners is designed to eliminate harmful dust in the home and can benefit your health and air quality.


  1. Professional support with additional health requirements

We know that people aren’t always able to clean for themselves.

Following our successful Forget Me Knot Challenge last year – where our businesses across the UK raised over £4000 for the Alzheimer’s Society and Dementia Friends in a matter of weeks – Merry Maids UK have this year become an official partner in aid of Alzheimer’s Society.

At Merry Maids, our staff understand the specific requirements of the over 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK and ensure their homes are clean, healthy places for them to live, maintained by friendly, local people who support them with any additional requirements that come with dementia and other conditions – even if that means being someone to make a cup of tea and have a chat with.


Why hire Merry Maids to spring clean your home?

Put the spring back in your cleaning with Merry Maids.

The springtime is for enjoying, not cleaning.

Get a cleaner, fresher home faster and reclaim your free time with the expert help of your local cleaning professionals.

Are you tired of spending your free time hunched over to clean cobwebbed corners rather than enjoying the sunshine?

Your springtime is sacred.

Booking your spring cleaning with your local professionals now could be the saving grace you’ve been waiting for.

At Merry Maids, we’ve been experts in home cleaning for over 30 years, providing professional and bespoke services as one-off, regular or deep cleans and taking the hassle out of your spring cleaning.

Naturally, you might not love cleaning, but we do. It’s what we do best!


Contact Us

To start saving time and energy on your spring cleaning, book your spring cleaning with the experts at Merry Maids now by finding your nearest business or booking online today.

At home DIY cleaning hacks

DIY cleaning hacks from the experts.

Stubborn stains, grimy appliances, and no solution in sight?

Here are some cleaning hacks you can do at home to get your house looking ship-shaped in no time.


Cleaning a Dirty Oven Door

Let’s face it… our ovens see a lot of traffic, especially with the holiday period just gone.

This can leave your oven door looking less than desirable due to grime building upon the glass.

Not only is this quite an eyesore, but it also might make it difficult to see what you’re cooking!

Luckily, there is an easy solution that only needs a little help from something you probably already have in your home: Dishwasher Tablets.

That’s right, the little pods that we use to clean our dishwashers can also come in handy elsewhere.

To do this trick, ensure that the glass in your oven door is removable.

You may not know the ins and outs of your oven’s design specification.

But often, you can easily remove the glass from your oven door.

Usually, if you lower your oven door, you can look for a clip at each top corner that will slide off quite easily if you press it firmly and slide it towards you with one finger – we also recommend wearing gloves whilst doing this hack.

Once you’re done with this, you can lift the entire glass panel of your oven door out and make it much easier to clean!

This is where the dishwasher tablets come in. You can use them directly on the glass and apply hot water.

You can now use them like an eraser and remove all that nasty dirt and grime.


Cleaning your Shower Head

Our shower heads get a lot of use and, as a result, develop a build-up of limescale and grime that can affect your shower’s hygiene and performance.

If your shower head is detachable, we have an odd yet cheap and effective solution for you: Cola.

Buy some cheap cola from your local supermarket and place your showerhead into a deep plastic bag.

Then, fill the bag with cola until the showerhead is completely submerged.

Seal the bag with a clip or string and hang it somewhere safe where it will be untouched.

Leave it for a few hours, and the acidic cola will gradually dissolve the limescale build-up!


Bicarb is a cleaner’s best friend

You might not think it, but the humble bicarbonate of soda has many uses within the home for keeping things clean.

You can make bicarb a part of your cleaning routine in several ways, including:

  • Remove tannin stains – You can use a DIY paste of bicarbonate of soda and water to get rid of tannin stains on teaspoons and the inside of your cups. Just be sure to rinse them thoroughly when done.
  • Absorbing food odours – Keeping a ramekin with powdered bicarbonate of soda in your fridge on top of your salad drawer can help to keep it fresh.
  • General Cleaning – You can clean countertops, sinks, microwaves, and cooking utensils. Like removing tannin stains, make a paste using water and bicarb, scrub, and rinse.
  • Remove Odours – Use it to deodorise carpets, pet beds, and upholstered furniture. Sprinkle some bicarbonate of soda onto a surface, leave it to sit for 15 minutes, and vacuum it up thoroughly. This also works on clothes. Fill the sink with cool water and 5-6 tablespoons of bicarb, and soak the offending garment for 30 minutes. Then wash again and dry off naturally.
  • Restore shine to sterling silver – Make up a paste of three parts bicarb to one part water, and apply it to silverware with a lint-free cloth, then rinse it off.

Is your time too tight for DIY cleaning?

If all this DIY seems like a lot of effort and you would prefer to leave your home cleaning to the professionals, find your nearest Merry Maids business today to book a cleaning or to learn more about our services.

Cleaning in the new year

Is your New Year’s resolution a clean home?

Happy New Year!

It’s on occasions like the new year when it becomes clear how much time flies.

But often, this means that the time for cleaning flies away with the fairies.

However, now many of us may find ourselves coming out of a mince-pie-induced haze and realising the house looked cleaner before Santa came crashing down the chimney!

It’s in times like this that a little extra guidance can help.

Our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have put together some pointers to revitalise your home this new year.


Wash Your Windows

Windows are a component of your home that probably doesn’t get much TLC. But we’re not passing judgment.

Window washing only needs to be completed once a year at least.

However, we recommend a window cleaning schedule of every six months as this will ensure the glass panes are cleaned.

This will be doing you favours for the rest of the winter months, as it improves the insulation of your windows by ensuring the seals are intact.


Clean Behind Appliances

We’re all guilty of letting crumbs and other food particles fall between or behind appliances and counters.

What’s worse is that these areas barely see the light of day once everything is in place.

So, a new year cleaning routine wouldn’t be complete without cleaning behind appliances and bulky electronics.

This is a big one of those forgotten tasks that have an impact, and by resolving it this year, you can begin to make it a part of your annual cleaning regimen.


Tackle Elevated Areas

When did you last clean the ceiling or the tops of your upper kitchen cabinets?

The beginning of the year is the perfect time to start making those cleaning duties a part of your routine.

Dust and dirt collect in those areas all year and could negatively impact your air quality and make it difficult for your loved ones to breathe easier.

Instead of a conventional duster, use a dry microfiber cloth to attract dust and keep from leaving residue behind.


Want to start this year off with a clean?

If you resolved to tidy up around the home but can’t find the time or energy amongst everything else happening in January, don’t worry.

Your local Merry Maids business can carry out a professional one-off or regular cleaning service to get your home fresh and sparkling this new year.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a free, no-obligation quotation with your local cleaning specialists, or book online today to get that fresh New Year feeling in your home this January without lifting a finger.

Merry Maids’ Pre-Christmas Cleaning Checklist

Our guide to getting all your pre-Christmas cleaning done. 

Christmas is on its way!

Are you planning to host a Christmas party or spend Christmas Day with the whole family?

If you are, you may want to tidy up before the guests arrive.

But with so much to do, Christmas cleaning can feel overwhelming.

That’s why we’ve made a list (and we’ve checked it twice) of handy pre-Christmas cleaning tasks to ensure your cleaning and home can stay in order this festive season.


Guest Bedroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

If you have a spare or guest room, the temptation may be to use it for… “storage”.

However, around this time of year, ensure your spare bedroom(s) are cleaned for any unexpected overnight guests.

Just in case a white Christmas or extra glass of sherry mean that driving home for Christmas home becomes inadvisable.

When cleaning your spare bedroom, remember to:

  • Change the sheets/bedding & duvets so they are clean and fresh for your guests. A quick tip to make them even fresher smelling is to wash them separately from any clothes
  • Vacuum and polish the guest room to ensure the room has a welcoming scent

If your guest room isn’t used that often, it may not be as welcoming as other rooms.

  • You can potentially get a few paintings or photos up in the room, maybe a houseplant or anything else you may feel is welcoming

Your guests are likely to be staying more than one night. Therefore, they’ll need space for their clothes and other belongings. So:

  • Empty the wardrobe and drawers of usually all of your summer clothes or the: “I’ll take these to a charity shop one-day” clothes. This will ensure your guest has sufficient space and will feel more at home instead of living out of their suitcase

Kitchen Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The kitchen is usually the centre of the action at Christmas.

Especially with the mulled wine brewing on the stove, it makes it feel warm and festive!

First, your oven should be clean to ensure it’s ready for the juicy turkey or tasty nut roast!

  • Buy an oven cleaning product and follow the instructions on the label, as there are lots of different products you can use
  • A clean oven will make your food taste better and won’t produce smoke that would float around the house and make it smell unpleasant.

You’ll probably have to put LOADS of food in your fridge and freezer, so it’s time for a clear-out.

A clean and less cluttered fridge will allow space for all pigs in blankets, wine and pudding!

  • Have a clean fridge for all of your Christmas food
    – Remove all food, drawers and shelves
    – Soak drawers and shelves in washing up liquid
    – Use warm water and washing-up liquid to wipe the interior
    – Wipe outer surfaces and dry inside with kitchen roll
    – Dry and return the drawers/shelves
    – Wait until the temperature has returned to 5°C

Bathroom Pre-Christmas Cleaning

The wintertime is the time of year when people get horrid colds that they can’t shake.

That’s why pre-cleaning the bathroom and maintaining the cleanliness throughout the time your guests are here is vital.

  • Clean the bathroom from top to bottom, including the bath, shower, sink, toilet, carpet, cupboards and anything else you may have in there.
  • Tidy up your bathroom to leave space for your guest’s toiletries, or if you have two washrooms, move all your toiletries to the bathroom your guests won’t be using. This will again make them feel at home.

Living Room Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Your living room is the social and board gaming hub, with the fire roaring in the background and the smell of Christmas all around. Lovely!

  • Vacuum your living room carpet before your guests arrive and during their stay, depending on how long they’re there for
  • Vacuum all of your upholstery and cushions before guests arrive
  • Have a general tidy-up and, if you have time, a bit of a declutter of things you don’t need during the winter period

Home Exterior Pre-Christmas Cleaning

Ensure the outside of your house looks welcoming for your guests and any neighbours that might pop around to wish you a Merry Christmas.

  • Clean your outside decorations just by wiping them with a dry cloth
  • Clean your windows on the inside and outside
  • Ensure, if you have a drive, you’ve left enough space for your guest’s car/s or, if it’s on-street parking, there is enough space for them. If necessary, remember to sort out their on-street parking permits.

A bit much?

All this cleaning might seem like a bit much, especially with all the extra Christmas prep.

If you don’t feel like you have time to clean your home, find your nearest Merry Maids business to do it all for you!

We carry out all the services listed above and more, so you can focus on the stuff that matters at Christmas and not do the cleaning.

To learn more about our services and how we can help you, call 0800 021 3072 today.

Top tips on cleaning your fridge

Top tips on cleaning your fridge.

The humble refrigerator plays an often understated yet important role and gets a lot of use all year round.

This can make them a breeding ground for bacteria.

One study on the average frost-free home fridge found that salad drawers contained 7,850 bacteria units per colony-forming unit (cfu/cm2).

Therefore, it’s vital to know the proper way to clean your fridge.

Luckily, our cleaning experts have made a list of steps to help you out:


Preparing for the clean

Cleaning your fridge doesn’t require many speciality products.

Here are some things you will need to clean out your fridge:

  • Bin bags
  • Rubber or disposable gloves
  • A cooler box
  • A cleaning product
  • Sponges, old rags or kitchen roll
  • Microfibre cloths

Clear it out

The first thing to do when cleaning out your fridge is to ensure it’s empty.

This might be quite the undertaking if you’re stocking up for Christmas, so planning is essential.

Your fridge needs cleaning every 3-6 months, so choosing a time in between shops might be a good idea.

During the cleaning process, you’ll need to use cool bags as a substitute.

This is because products like meat and dairy need to be refrigerated to stop the rapid growth of bacteria that occurs at room temperature.


Wipe down shelves and drawers

Now that your fridge is empty and you can properly get to them, it’s time to clean out all of its shelves and drawers.

Many fridges have removable shelves, so you don’t hunch over inside of them to clean them.

If you have removable shelves, it might be a good call to check the manual if you’re unsure about taking them out or putting them back.

The good news is, once removed, you can wash them up in the sink with hot water and washing up liquid.

However, it’s probably best to leave them to warm up to room temperature if they’re made of glass, as they might crack or shatter when they come into contact with hot water.

Once this is done, you can move onto the drawers, which you may also be able to wash in the sink, depending on size.

For larger drawers like salad crisper drawers, the best thing to do is to give them a good wipe-down with hot water and dish soap.

Next, clean the areas around the shelves.

Food residue can build up in the joints between the shelves, so make sure you scrape all of this away.

Rinse the shelves and drawers with clean water to eliminate soap suds.

Allow them to dry naturally on the drainer or a tea towel, and move on to…


Cleaning the inside

To clean the inside, you can use diluted bleach, white vinegar or a commercial all-purpose cleaner.

Ensure you’re always wearing rubber gloves when cleaning with these products.

If you use any solution that uses water as a base or want to use water and soap, remember to only use cold water.

Hot water can raise the temperature of your fridge, meaning that it takes longer before you can return perishable foods to it.

When it comes to utensils, we recommend using a scouring pad or a sponge that has one attached, as these are excellent for removing any stuck-on food and spills from surfaces without scratching the area.

Perhaps surprisingly, a cotton bud or toothbrush can be great for removing old food.

They’re also great for fiddly and hard-to-reach places, like the drip hole at the back of the fridge.

This is a vital area inside, as it can become clogged and dirty.

Furthermore, as with the shelve joiners, be thorough when scrubbing the grooves where the shelves rest, as they can be hotspots for dirt.

When finished, you can dry the inside with paper towels or a dry and clean tea towel.


And the outside

Remember to give the outside of the fridge similar focus and attention by wiping down doors and handles.

For the exterior, we recommend using a microfiber cloth, as these are best at removing streaks and fingerprints on surfaces.


Put everything back

When you’ve finished cleaning, put the shelves, drawers, and door inserts back into their slots.

Check your condiments for mould, wipe them down to ensure any residue is removed, and place them back into the fridge.

Then, return everything else to its proper place.


Need a professional cleaner?

If this is too much work, leave it to the professionals.

For a deep clean, spring clean, tidy up, regular or one-off visit, our maids are here to take the hassle of cleaning your home off your hands.

Book now, or book your free, no-obligation quote by finding your nearest Merry Maids business today.

How to clean urine out of a mattress

A quick and easy method to remove urine from your mattress.

Mattresses are important. Not to mention expensive!

This makes it all the worse when you wake up from sharing your bed with your pet or child to find they’ve wet your bed.

Panic sets in. You understand that accidents happen. But equally, you don’t want it to seep into the mattress and stain it forever.

So, what do you do?

It’s the first thing in the morning (or worse… the middle of the night).

You must handle this quickly, and the longer you spend standing in indecision, the closer you inch to a mattress permanently stained with urine.

We’ve got you covered.

Here is everything you need to know to clean a urine-stained mattress in five easy steps.

1. Strip the bed

First things first, clear the area.

This means removing any bedding: sheets, duvets, blankets, and putting them in the wash immediately.

2. Start to soak up the stain yourself

Begin to bring up as much of the liquid as you can by using a large towel.

Much like the stain from a bottle of wine, the key here is to blot, not scrub it.

As much as you may not want to get wee on one of your towels, using paper towels on bedding will likely get bits of paper all over the sheet.

You’re far better off grinning and bearing it with a towel and washing it afterwards.

You also want to avoid creating heat through friction from scrubbing or with any other heat source, as this will cause the stain to set in and become permanent.

Instead, add as much pressure as possible to soak up the liquid – rather than letting the towel sit on top.

3. Create your own solution

Next, create your own cleaning solution of 50:50 distilled white vinegar and water.

The best method is to give the stain a light coating here.

If you have one, a spray bottle is a good way to apply your solution by spraying the urine-stained area of the mattress.

Let this sit for a while – anywhere between five and ten minutes is preferable and then apply the next magic ingredient.

4. Cover the stain with bicarbonate of soda

Applying sodium bicarbonate to the affected area works in tandem with the solution you’ve put down to help lift the stain from the mattress.

How does this work? The acidic vinegar breaks down the bicarb and releases carbon dioxide, which lifts stains.

But to do this effectively, you need time.

The process yields the best results when left to work for a while – between 8 to 10 hours, to be precise.

The good thing is, once this has been done, the nature of the bicarbonate of soda means that all you have to do is…

5. Hoover up the bicarb

Now, all that’s left to do is vacuum up the remaining bicarbonate of soda and viola – you should have a clean mattress that is free of odour.

If not, you may have to repeat the process.

You may still be left with a faint outline or stain where the mixture did not reach or not enough was blotted up.

However, the smell should be gone, and the stain will fade as you repeat the process.

Alternatively, if you are unhappy leaving a faint stain or would rather trust the stain removal experts, call ServiceMaster Clean from our ServiceMaster brand family.

See how Merry Maids can help.

Or, for a regular deep clean of your whole home, contact your local Merry Maids.

If it’s a deep clean, spring clean, tidy up, regular or one-off visit, our maids are here to take the hassle of cleaning your home off your hands.

Book now, or book your free, no-obligation quote by finding your nearest Merry Maids business today.

Dementia conscious trick-or-treating tips for Halloween

Top tips to celebrate Halloween safely and considerately as dementia friends.

Happy Halloween!

Whilst this holiday is fun for many, for some, it could be a nightmare come true.

Around 900,000 people in the UK are estimated to be living with dementia.

For these people, Halloween can be a scary time.

What may seem innocent and harmless to us, like a scary costume or group of trick-or-treaters, can feel threatening to people with dementia, as Halloween exists outside of their known daily routine.

At Merry Maids UK, we are certified Dementia Friends, as many of our businesses work with members of the public who suffer from the condition and work hard to ensure they are cared for properly and confidently as we clean their homes.

This year, we raised £4,000 for Alzheimer’s Society as part of our Forget Me Knot Challenge.

Year-round, we work hard to keep our customers safe and cared for.

To help safeguard the vulnerable members of our community during Halloween, we’ve compiled some tips to help you trick-or-treat consciously and safely.

How trick or treating can affect those with dementia

Dementia is often disorientating, which can be scary enough in itself.

Now add scary masks, giant spiders, carved pumpkins, and cobweb decorations, and suddenly, the world is a very frightening place.

If you add unknown house visitors in costumes, regularly high levels of concern and fear can skyrocket.

How to trick or treat dementia-consciously

  • Try not to frighten vulnerable people and remain mindful of others whilst trick or treating.
  • Ensure children are supervised by an adult while trick-or-treating.
  • Do not trick-or-treat elderly members of the community – unless prearranged.
  • Ensure elderly relatives who live alone are accompanied by another adult during the evening.
  • Do not knock on doors with an anti-trick or treating sign. Homes that wish to be visited by trick-or-treaters put out decorations, lights, or pumpkins.

As an alternative, you could also forgo trick-or-treating and plan a spooktacular Halloween party to enjoy in the comfort of your own home.

Become a Dementia Friend

Being conscious of the vulnerable members of your community is vital all year round.

Particularly during holidays and events like Halloween, we should all take precautions where possible so everyone can stay safe and have fun.

To learn more about how to be a friend to the vulnerable members of your community living with dementia and turn information into action, join us in becoming a dementia friend today.

How Merry Maids helps those in need of specialist care

For people living with conditions that affect their physical and mental health, keeping up with day-to-day tasks like cleaning can be a real hardship.

For people with dementia, seeing a friendly and familiar face who helps out regularly can make a huge difference.

At Merry Maids, we work hard to support our customers with whatever they need.

Be it a deep cleaning, regular tidy-up, or just having someone to talk to.

To learn more about how we can help you or a loved one, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a clean online or call 0800 021 3072 today.

Age appropriate chores for children

Our tips for responsible and age-appropriate chores for your little ones. 

Teaching children to pitch in and help with housekeeping at a young age is vital.

After all, they have to start learning responsibility to succeed in life, but how do you know which chores young kids will be capable of handling?

If only you had an age-appropriate chore list to check…

Oh, look: our cleaning experts at Merry Maids UK have produced one just for you!

Use the following chart to assign chores for kids by age, whether a parent, grandparent, teacher or babysitter.

We also give you a few tips on how to keep your children motivated and chores fun.

Children Age 2 – 3

  • Pick up toys
  • Help set the table
  • Throw trash away when instructed
  • Place their clothes in a laundry basket
  • Wipe lower cabinet doors

Tip: Kids this age love to use their imagination, so think of ways to turn chores into fun and imaginative games.

Children Age 4 – 5

  • Put toys and books away
  • Set and clear the table
  • Pick out clothes for the next day
  • Sweep small areas with a handheld broom
  • Fold towels

Tip: Children aged four to five can get overwhelmed with too many instructions.

Ensure you assign one task at a time. To de-stress, consider singing silly songs as you work.

Tip: With a tiled kitchen, you can use a bit of masking tape to make a square, then get your child to sweep everything into this small square.

Children Age 6 – 7

  • Put away clean silverware
  • Help clean the bedroom
  • Wipe down bathroom surfaces
  • Unload the dishwasher
  • Load and unload the washing machine and tumble dryer

Tip: Give six and seven-year-olds plenty of recognition for how well they are doing as their confidence develops around this time.

You can make chores more enjoyable by turning them into games.

Children Age 8 – 9

  • Help prepare meals with supervision
  • Dust and vacuum
  • Feed, brush and walk pets
  • Empty trash cans
  • Fold towels and put clothes away

Tip: Consider buying kids this age their own brightly coloured, child-friendly kitchen utensils and get them to wash these up after every meal.

This will ramp up the fun factor and make them feel more independent.

Children Age 10 – 12

  • Laundry and ironing
  • Gardening jobs
  • Cook simple meals
  • Wash dishes by hand or load the dishwasher
  • Clean the kitchen

Tip: Start incentivising kids at this age.

Devise a routine list of chores for kids by age and reward them with weekly pocket money, extra screen time, and a trip to get ice cream or see a movie.

Children Age 13 and up

  • Make full meals
  • Clean the shower, tub, sink, and toilet
  • Clean out the refrigerator
  • Babysit for younger siblings

Tip: Rewards and incentives still work well.

Ensure you continue to recognise the additional responsibilities your children can take on so they know their help is appreciated.

There may be a little trial and error involved with different age groups.

Every child’s development is different, so give kids a new task if they have difficulty completing the original assignment.

Remember, when dealing with children and chores, there is no such thing as too much praise.

Let kids know you’re proud of their efforts.

It will make them feel good, and they’ll want to keep helping to get more positive feedback.

Learn More

Looking for more insights on children and chores?

Check out our post on fun cleaning games with kids.

And if you’re finding that life has you too busy to even think about cleaning your home, contact your local Merry Maids!

We’re happy to lend a hand so you can free up more time to do what you love with the people you care for the most.

Merry Maids UK’s essential pre-holiday home cleaning and safety checklist

Come back from your holiday to a lovely, clean, and organised home.

The one thing worse than coming home after a perfect summer holiday is returning to a house full of mess.

So, before your leave for a well-deserved break, your home should be clean, organised and secure.

At Merry Maids UK, we’re experts in home cleaning – it’s what we do.

Following these steps from our experts before you leave means you can enjoy peace of mind knowing everything is in order while you’re away.

1.   Declutter and Organise

To start your pre-holiday cleaning schedule, declutter and organise your home. Clear sideboards, put away items that usually live in drawers or cupboards, and tidy up each room.

2.   Give the kitchen a deep clean

No matter your idea of a perfect homecoming, we know it doesn’t involve a stinky fridge.

Ensure you dispose of any perishable items, and give the surfaces a good wipe-down.

The first thing you do when you get home from a holiday isn’t the washing up, so pop the dishwasher on to ensure you have clean cutlery and dishes ready for your return.

Empty the general and recycling bins to prevent unpleasant odours and unwanted guests while you’re away.

3.   Clean and put away your washing

Make sure you do a load of washing before you head off to ensure you don’t come home to a pile of dirty laundry, as you’ll already have all your holiday clothes that need to be cleaned upon your return.

Put some clean sheets on the bed as well, as there’s nothing better than returning home from a late flight and getting into a bed with nice clean sheets!

4.   Dust and vacuum

Dust all surfaces, including furniture, shelving, and blinds, to eliminate build-up.

Vacuum your whole house from top to bottom to remove dirt and debris, as you don’t want to be doing this upon your arrival.

5.   Bathroom Cleaning

Scrub a dub, dub the tub, the toilet and the shower, clean the sink, and any countertops and give the floor a clean.

Put out clean towels ready for use when you’re back.

6.   Secure your home

Check that all windows and doors are securely locked before leaving, and consider installing timers for lights or using smart home devices to create the illusion of someone being home.

Set your security alarm before leaving the house.

This will give you peace of mind while you’re on your holiday.

7.   Notify those you trust

Make sure you inform your trusted neighbours or friends about your holiday plans.

Provide them with your contact information if they haven’t already got it, and ask them to keep an eye on your home while you’re away.

8.   Save energy

Unplug non-essential appliances and electronics to reduce energy consumption and protect against power surges.

Make sure your TVs are turned off and not on standby as, according to Uswitch, switching off your TV when not in use will do more to reduce energy usage than anything else.

9.   Call in the cleaning experts

Our teams of maids can be trusted to keep your home clean while you’re away and give you that little bit of extra peace of mind knowing that your home is being checked on while you’re away.

Whether you need assistance with a one-off deep clean or regular cleaning, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business.

Call 0800 021 3072 to learn more, or book online in select locations.

5 Cleaning tips for hot weather

How to clean the house while staying cool.

With June set to be the hottest on record and the rest of the summer looking to follow suit, this weather can make cleaning tasks more challenging.

The Merry Maids team wanted to share some valuable cleaning tips to help you with chores while staying comfortable in the hot weather.

Plan Your Cleaning Schedule

Plan your cleaning tasks to avoid strenuous activity during peak heat.

Schedule your cleaning sessions in the early morning or late evening when the temperatures are cooler to make the process more bearable and prevent excessive exhaustion.

Open Windows for Natural Ventilation

Take advantage of cooler mornings and evenings by opening windows to let in the fresh air and create natural cross ventilation.

However, avoid opening your windows during the hottest part of the day to prevent hot air from entering.

Efficient airflow can help eliminate stuffiness and any odours lingering in your home.

Stay Hydrated and Take Breaks

Cleaning in the hot weather can be physically demanding.

So, it’s vital to stay hydrated. Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby and take regular breaks to cool down.

Use Lightweight Cleaning Tools

Use lightweight and ergonomic cleaning tools that won’t add any unnecessary strain. Use highly absorbent microfibre cloths to clean surfaces with less effort.

Use lightweight mops and vacuum cleaners.

These are easier to manoeuvre, allowing you to clean without feeling overwhelmed by the heat.

Merry Maids Can Clean for You

You may want to get the professionals in to do it instead, and that’s ok, as we know how overwhelming it can be to handle cleaning tasks on your own in warm weather.

Merry Maids UK offers fully bespoke cleaning solutions to fit your summer schedule.

So, you can enjoy your summer without worrying about cleaning, giving you more time to spend at family barbecues and going on your holidays!

Whether you need assistance with a one-off deep clean or regular cleaning, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business.

Call 0800 021 3072 to learn more, or book online in select locations today.

Celebrate World Productivity Day with a clean and organised home!

Celebrate World Productivity Day with Merry Maids UK’s top de-cluttering tips. 

At Merry Maids UK, we know a clean and organised home sets the stage for increased productivity and success.

In this blog post, celebrating World Productivity Day, we’ll explore the connection between tidy living spaces and enhanced productivity while showcasing how Merry Maids can help you achieve a harmonious balance between cleanliness and efficiency.

Creating a clutter-free zone

Clutter can be a major productivity killer, as it creates visual distractions and adds to any mental weight you may be carrying, making it hard to focus on the task at hand.

A clear mind for better productivity

A clean and tidy home helps clear your mind.

When your surroundings are free from dirt and mess, it reduces mental clutter and helps you concentrate more efficiently on your work and personal projects.

Time-saving efficiency

Cleaning takes up valuable time, especially when it comes to productivity.

By entrusting all your cleaning needs to Merry Maids, you can free up precious hours of the day better spent on more meaningful and productive activities.

A healthy environment to optimise performance

A clean home enhances productivity and helps with your mental well-being.

The dust, allergens and germs lingering in your home can adversely affect your health and energy levels, reducing productivity.

Every home is unique, and so are their cleaning needs.

Merry Maids UK offers fully bespoke cleaning solutions to fit your life and work schedule. Whether you need assistance with a one-off deep clean or regular cleaning, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business.

Call 0800 021 3072 to learn more or book online in select locations today.

World Environment Day | 10 Useful Home Energy-Saving Tips

Today is World Environment Day, so here are ten handy energy-saving tips to implement in your home.

In celebration of World Environment Day today, the day for encouraging worldwide awareness and action to protect our environment, here are our top 10 energy-saving tips to help you and the environment.

  1. Wash at 30°

Of course, you always need to check the care labels before loading up the washing machine.

But high temperatures aren’t always necessary and can waste energy, and considering the world we’re living in, we want to save every penny we can!

Washing at 30 degrees instead of a higher setting can save you up to £40 per year and still leave your clothes looking clean and smelling fresh.

  1. Avoid using your tumble dryer

Avoid using your tumble dryer; instead, hanging your clothes outside or on a rack inside could save you up to £70 a year.

If you need to use your tumble dryer, lower the temperature or use quick drying cycles to save money.

  1. Close your curtains at night

By closing your curtains and blinds around the house, you can help stop warm air from escaping through the windows and reduce heating costs, especially if you have radiators placed under your windows.

  1. Use energy-saving lightbulbs

Switching to energy-saving lightbulbs around your home can save you as much as £65 a year.

You can buy many different energy-saving light bulbs, and the Energy Saving Trust goes into more detail on how energy-saving lightbulbs work.

  1. Turn off the lights

We all forget to turn the lights off when leaving a room, but if you get into a habit of doing this, according to the Energy Saving Trust, you can save around £20 a year!

  1. Take shorter showers

Water is the most valuable resource on Earth, yet every day worldwide, it’s wasted by the bucket load.

Taking shorter showers can save you up to £95 per year, and the time to aim for is a maximum of 4 minutes.

The charity Water Aid has put together a playlist of songs on Spotify, each lasting 4 minutes.

So, by listening to one of these songs each time you shower, you can hit your time limit every shower you take.

  1. Switch off appliances on standby mode

Save up to £60 a year by switching your appliances off at the wall when not on.

The Energy Saving Trust has compiled a list of your home’s top five most-energy-hungry appliances.

  1. Don’t overfill the kettle

Us Brits love a good cuppa, but did you know that boiling the amount of water for the number of cups you need to fill can save you £36 per year?

You can also buy hot water dispensers that only boil enough for one cup each time, helping you save money.

  1. Keep your hob clean

The average cost of an electric hob cost around £44 per year.

However, burnt-on food or grease on the hob can absorb the heat when cooking, making it less efficient.

  1. Install a smart meter

As part of a government scheme, all energy suppliers can install smart meters at no extra cost, and they are great for keeping track of what you are spending.

Want a more efficient clean?

Look no further than Merry Maids UK for efficient and quality home cleaning.

Our domestic cleaning experts are no strangers to deep cleaning or regular cleaning at an exceptional standard.

So, whether you need someone to keep on top of things or make a messy home sparkle again, you can rely on your nearest Merry Maids business to handle it for you – so you can save your energy for the things that make you happy.

Merry Maids Spring-Cleaning Checklist for a clean and tidy home

Merry Maids UK’s spring-cleaning checklist to help you get clean and organised!

For many, springtime is the cue to break out the cleaning supplies and give the house a proper de-cluttering and spring cleaning.

Unsure of where to start?

With the whole house needing attention, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of things to do.

Luckily, the home cleaning experts from Merry Maids UK are here to help.

In our experience, the best way to spring clean is to take it room by room and have a hit list for each.

So, we’ve compiled a list of jobs for the main areas in your home and some top tips for each.

1.    Hallways and stairs

  • Dust light fixtures
  • Sweep and vacuum floors and stairs
  • Mop hardwood floors

Have a stubborn stain or damage on your carpet or wood floor?

Contact the carpet and hard floor cleaning specialists at ServiceMaster Clean to have them as good as new in a flash.

  • Give walls, bannisters and skirting boards a wipe down
  • Clean doors
  • Clean doormats. We recommend having two doormats, one inside and one outside, for maximum cleanliness.
  • Organise shoes and coats and make sure they’re not an obstacle or trip hazard

2.    Living room

  • Wash cushions and throws
  • Dust and polish mantles and furniture
  • Dust curtains/blinds and lampshades
  • Vacuum sofas. Spot clean when necessary.

Have a stubborn stain on furniture or upholstery that you can’t seem to shake?

Try Merry Maids Spot Hero Cleaner to eliminate any persistent mess.

  • Clean spills and wash windows
  • Sanitise remote controls
  • Vacuum rugs and carpets
  • Dust TV and other appliances. Here are our top tips for cleaning the screen of your telly without leaving streaks.
  • Untangle, sort and label any wires and plugs from the electronics
  • Sort through any DVDs and CDs etc., organising them in a proper place or selling/donating ones you don’t want
  • Wash walls
  • Clean light switches
  • You may want to also get into the habit of washing and sanitising doorknobs.

3.    Kitchen

  • Empty cabinets and drawers and give cutlery a clean if necessary. Then, clean them inside and out and sort everything back neatly.
  • Dispose of out-of-date food and drink items and donate anything unwanted. Provided food and drink items are in date and look okay, you can use this handy tool from the Trussell Trust to find your nearest foodbank.
  • While you have them out of the drawers, sharpen your knives.
  • Clean and organise your fridge. Not sure how to go about it? Check out our top tips.
  • Clean and organise freezer, pantry or larder cupboards
  • Clean the oven. For an easy way to clean a grimy oven door, and other handy tips, check out this blog post on our best at-home DIY cleaning hacks.
  • Clean microwave
  • Clear crumbs from the toaster
  • Clean and descale the kettle
  • Clean the dishwasher
  • Defrost your freezer if need be
  • Dust high surfaces like the top of the fridge and cabinets
  • Wipe walls and baseboards
  • Wipe countertops and appliances
  • Vacuum and mop the floor
  • Shake out doormats if you have them
  • Reseal grout lines if needed
  • Disinfect high touch points areas like light switches and door handles
  • Disinfect sinks and drains
  • Clean and shine taps
  • Clean dishcloths and sponges

4.    Dining room

  • Dust and polish furniture
  • Wash curtains or dust blinds
  • Sanitise tables and chairs – polish where needed
  • Vacuum, sweep or wash floors and
  • Vacuum and spot clean cushions. You could also machine wash these where possible.
  • Wipe walls
  • Wash any table lines
  • Dust any décor such as wall hangings or china
  • Wash windows and sills
  • Polish and shine any silverware
  • Sanitise high touchpoint areas like light switches and doorknobs

5.    Laundry room

  • Wash windows and sills
  • Clean washing machine and dryers inside out
  • Empty the lint trap and wash with soap and water to eliminate excess build-up. Be sure you air dry it thoroughly before putting it back.
  • As in the kitchen, empty any drawers and cabinets, and wash inside and out before organising and replacing the contents.
  • Sanitise high touchpoint areas like light switches and doorknobs
  • Sweep and mop or vacuum floors

6.    Office

  • Organise documents, file to suit your needs and recycle and shred anything you don’t need.
  • Wipe down and sanitise any laptops or computers and keyboards etc.
  • Empty desk drawers before you clean, organise and replace contents.
  • Dust and polish any woodwork and furniture
  • Sort bookshelves and donate or sell unwanted books
  • Sanitise high touchpoint areas like light switches and doorknobs

7.    Bathroom

  • Have a sort through old products and remove things you don’t use or need.

Bring wanted items to a drop-off site. These are often in different locations or shops, so it’s worth looking around.

Toiletries Amnesty has this comprehensive directory to help you find your nearest facility.

  • Clean any makeup brushes that you plan to keep
  • Wipe down mirrors and windows
  • Dust surfaces
  • Vacuum and mop floors
  • Clean the bath/shower
  • Make your showerhead spotless using our DIY cleaning method
  • Air your shower curtain or replace the liner
  • Disinfect and clear drains and clean the sink
  • Wash and shine the taps
  • Wash windows and sills
  • Clean the toilet, both inside and out. For maximum cleanliness, remove the seat and scrub it.
  • Wash walls
  • Sanitise high touchpoint areas like light switches and doorknobs
  • Re-grout tile lines if needed

8.    Bedrooms

  • Take items out of drawers and off shelves and organise what you need.
  • Dust and vacuum floors and furniture
  • Empty drawers, dust, wash, organise contents and replace
  • Empty and clean the inside of the wardrobes
  • Donate any items of clothing or other things you don’t need
  • Push your bed to one side so that you can vacuum and clear any debris underneath
  • Hoover your mattress. For an extra tip, sprinkle some baking soda beforehand to make it extra fresh.
  • Wash bedding, pillows and duets and air the mattress
  • Wash windows, sills and mirrors
  • Wash walls
  • Dust blinds and curtain rods and vacuum curtains
  • Dust décor
  • Wash floors if needed
  • Dust lights and lampshades
  • Sanitise high touchpoint areas like light switches and doorknobs
  • For stubborn carpet stains, contact ServiceMaster Clean or spot clean with Spot Hero Cleaner

9.    Other

When looking outside the home, check out our compressive guide to cleaning and decluttering your garage here.

Other spring-cleaning tasks you may want to consider include:

  • Replacing lightbulbs and smoke alarm batteries
  • Cleaning air vents
  • Cleaning bags and purses and their contents
  • Sanitising keys, mobile phones or tablets

Need help with your spring cleaning?

If this seems like a lot to handle alone, we can lend you a hand.

Find your nearest Merry Maids business to schedule a one-off deep clean or regular domestic cleaning service today, or book online in select locations.

Effective ways to remove dog urine from carpet and hardwood floors

How to stop dog waste from dampening your day… and your floors.

With the weather getting warmer and the days growing longer, it’s becoming possible to take your furry companion out for a long walk in the sunshine.

Or to let them out into the garden without the worry of them trekking muddy prints back into the house.

But as any dog owner is aware, just because they can go to the toilet outside, it doesn’t always mean that they will.

But not to worry, accidents happen, and there are ways of dealing with the mess. That’s why we’ve put together a blog on the best ways to clean up after your dog.

How to Clean Urine from Carpet

Fresh Urine

If the urine is fresh, your first instinct might be to cover the area of the stain with paper towels, and you’d be right.

In the case of a fresh urine stain, the best thing to do is cover the affected area with paper towels.

Ensure you apply a significant amount of pressure rather than letting them sit on top.

Applying more pressure will allow you to soak up the urine as much as possible.

If the stain is set

If, unfortunately, you didn’t catch the stain in time and the urine is now set into the carpet, there are still ways to help.

Simply sprinkle some baking soda onto the stain and let it sit for a moment.

Then, decant some distilled white wine vinegar into a spray bottle and spray it onto the affected area.

After that, you need to wipe it with a wet dishcloth. If the stain is still set in the carpet following this, you might need to repeat the process.

How to Clean Urine from Hardwood Floor

It is easier to deal with dog urine on a hardwood or tiled floor. Simply wipe away the urine with a paper towel and spray the area with a cleaning solution.

When buying a cleaner

When choosing a store-bought cleaner to get rid of dog urine, be sure to use an enzymatic cleaner that is specifically designed to remove pet urine.

These can include well-known brands like Vanish®, which have their own pet stain and odour removers.

Steer clear of cleaners that contain ammonia such as many Flash® or Dettol® products dog urines also contain ammonia, so this may encourage your dog to mark the same spot.

Getting help from the professionals

If the odour from dog urine is still present after cleaning, then it may be time to enlist the help of a professional carpet and hardwood cleaning business like ServiceMaster Clean or use a carpet cleaning device.

However, if you do try and deal with the smell yourself, make sure you avoid using a steam cleaner as the steam will set the odours into the carpet fibres.

To enlist the help of our professional home cleaning experts, find your nearest Merry Maids business to book a free, no-obligation quotation today.

Coronation Activity Guide

Want to know what you can do to mark the coronation of King Charles III?

With the coronation of King Charles III just around the corner, many are wondering how they can celebrate.

And can you blame them? It’s been a while since there was last a coronation in the UK, so the celebration activities aren’t exactly a force of habit.

Rather than letting the day slip by unmarked, here is a list of ways you and your family can celebrate the coronation this weekend.

Fun for the kids

Royal Arts & Crafts

There are lots of activities that the kids can get involved in this weekend.

Particularly those involving arts in crafts.

For some inspiration, try making:

  • Crowns using strips of paper
  • Paper flags using rectangles of paper and lolly sticks.

For tips and alternative methods, check out three ways to make a homemade flag.

For more inspiration, including card carriages and homemade bunting, check out this article from Twinkl on 10 Regal Coronation Crafts.

Writing letters and cards to Buckingham Palace

The King also takes a great interest in correspondence with his subjects. Writing letters and cards to send to Buckingham Palace are a great way to celebrate the occasion.

For guidance on the correct ways to format your correspondence, please visit www.royal.uk/contact

Fun for everyone

For some activities that people of all ages can participate in, look no further than…

Creating a time capsule

Take objects and souvenirs that remind you of 2023 and the royal weekend (maybe even some of your crafts) and bury them in the garden so that, in years to come, you can look back on this time with fondness and nostalgia.

This could include a family photo, money, letters, newspapers and stamps.

Place it all in a secure container and bury it to be dug up in future.

For a step-by-step Time Capsule building (and burying) guide, check out this article from Millets.

Hosting a garden party

To celebrate a royal occasion, there is nothing better than a street or garden party.

While the date to register a road closure to host your street party has passed, there may still be one in your area.

Failing that, a good old-fashioned garden party never goes amiss.

Just don’t forget the bunting, finger sandwiches and scones!

For more activity inspiration and to find events near you this weekend and beyond, check out this coronation event map and locator from the UK Government.

A clean fit for a king

Tidy up your palace with Merry Maids UK.

Whether you’re expecting company or restoring tranquillity after they’ve gone, we know you have better things to do than spend your holiday cleaning.

Our experts have over 30 years of experience in delivering home cleaning services, so you can trust us to provide a royal treatment!

For a one-off deep clean or regular services as little or often as you like, find your local Merry Maids business today or book online in select locations.

How to declutter your clutter

Top home organisation and decluttering tips from Merry Maids UK. 

We’ve all got those items in our home that we haven’t used for a while (or never used!)

With spring upon us, now is the perfect time for a spring clean and a good old-fashioned clear out.

At Merry Maids UK, we love a clean and tidy space.

Not only does it look nicer, but it also helps your health and mood!

Our cleaning experts have spent years helping customers across the UK reduce the clutter in their homes.

That’s why we’ve compiled our top decluttering and organisation tips to help you keep a clean home.

  1. Organise your time

When it comes to spring cleaning, proper organisation is vital!

If you don’t know where to start, you will make spring cleaning harder for yourself.

First, get your tasks in order by listing your chores.

Structure your list a room at a time and in order of how you’ll do them – for example, all vacuuming tasks.

Even just a mental note will help.

One barrier to getting the job done is the mental effect.

Overcoming your mind and hesitancy is one of the best things you can do to ensure you get your cleaning done.

So, take the individual tasks and cut them down into smaller jobs. Soon, a big task has become much more manageable.

In taking it step by step, soon, it isn’t a big task after all!

The organisation focuses your efforts on smaller tasks, which are more achievable and, in the end, more rewarding when the tasks are completed.

  1. Envision a clean home

Having a goal and vision is a vital part of your cleaning strategy.

You know where you’re trying to end up.

Imagine your home the cleanest it’s ever been, and try and set your goal to make your house look like that.

With that goal in mind, you can start asking yourself valuable questions.

  1. Do you need it?

To avoid keeping clutter around, you need to evaluate your items.

Ask yourself four simple questions about everything in your home:

  1. Should I throw it away?
  2. Do I want to recycle it?
  3. Do I want to give it to charity or a friend?
  4. Is there any need for me to keep it?

Get into the right mindset and be ruthless with what you throw away.

Remember, you don’t need to save everything.

  1. Don’t be a hoarder

If there’s one trap many of us fall into, it’s thinking: “You never know when you might need it.”

Remember, when decluttering, you need to be ruthless.

If you haven’t used an item regularly or at all for the past year, throw or give it away.

Here are some items that are usually the common “you never know” culprits:

  • Plastic Food Containers – One of the main culprits for cupboard Jenga is plastic food containers.

Why we keep them around, nobody knows. But one thing is sure: they’re always stacked precariously and filling up a whole cupboard.

  • Batteries – When batteries are dead, many people head into the kitchen and straight to ‘The Junk Drawer’, where they sit… forever!
  • Toys – Far too many. Plain and simple. And where did they all come from? Any parent can attest to having boxes and boxes of toys.

While it can seem brutal to bin or donate your child’s toys, some probably don’t get played with anymore.

And getting your child to help with the selection and organisation teaches them positive habits for the future.

  • Wires and tech – Everybody on Earth has a drawer full of old wiring and tech.

How many of them do you know what they’re for? Is your ancient Nokia brick going to need charging anytime soon?

It’s safe to say that you can get rid of them.

To better organise the items in your home, try some handy tech by checking out some unique storage and organisation solutions.

  1. Book time with your books

We’re not psychic. But we bet, in your kitchen, you have at least ten recipe books.

Do you use all of these books regularly? The answer is probably no.

Rather than take up space with shelves full of books, one quick tip is to photocopy your favourite recipes and put them in one of those empty recipe books with plastic wallets.

Book in time with Merry Maids

There are many ways to declutter your home. But it takes time.

In the modern world, we don’t always have the time to dedicate to cleaning and decluttering our homes.

At Merry Maids, our local cleaning experts do the cleaning to give you the time to focus on what matters to you.

To benefit from one-off, regular or deep cleaning services, find your nearest Merry Maids business today.

Earth Day 2023

Join us in celebrating Earth Day.

Earth Day is this week, a national day observed to support our planet, held annually on 22nd April.

The first Earth Day was introduced in 1970 to flood the world with hope, optimism and action for our beautiful planet Earth.

It is now the world’s largest recruiter for the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in over 192 countries.

Why does Earth Day matter?

Our planet is currently facing a crisis that most of us know as climate change.

Human activity causes immense damage to our planet and environment.

From overpopulation to burning fossil fuels, deforestation and pollution, our activity has been linked to negative impacts across the world like rising sea levels, poor air quality and loss of habitat for wildlife.

When faced with the failings and misdoings of our entire species, it can be disheartening and discouraging to think about what we could do to help.

Earth Day serves as a reminder of the value of individual action to inform collective action and change.

As EARTHDAY.ORG say:

“Our world needs transformational change.”

“As an individual, you yield real power and influence as a consumer, a voter, and a member of a community that can unite for change.”

“Don’t underestimate your power. When your voice and your actions are united with thousands or millions of others around the world, we create a movement that is inclusive, impactful, and impossible to ignore.”

“Every Earth Day can drive a year of energy, enthusiasm, and commitment to create a new plan of action for our planet.”

How can you help save our planet?

Going green and doing your bit to save our planet is easier than you may think.

There are lots of little things you can do every day to help save our precious planet.

Ahead of this Earth Day, you can also check out this event map to see what events are taking place near you.

Save water

Conserving water is important.

According to theworldcounts.com, if we continue the way we are, freshwater will run out by 2040!

Here are a few ways that you can help save water:

  • Turn the tap off while you’re brushing your teeth and shaving
  • Have shorter showers, also turn off your shower while lathering yourself in soap
  • Take baths when possible, however, only partially fill your tub, this will use less water than even those short showers
  • Only boil the amount of water you need for your cups of tea and coffee
  • Collect rainwater for your garden by using a water butt, or another rainwater collection system (this can save up to 5,000 litres of water a year)
  • Use a watering can or regulated sprinkler system where you can, instead of a hosepipe

There are plenty more ways you can help save water, you can find a few here from Volusia.org.

Plant trees

You can give a little gift to mother nature by planting a tree in your garden, this will increase happiness as well as help the environment.

Trees and other plants are vital to Earth’s survival, so do your bit and plant trees in your garden.

Here is what your trees will do for the planet:

  • Absorb carbon dioxide and provide us with oxygen
  • Improve air quality
  • Help conserve water
  • Preserves soil
  • Helps support wildlife

“The little things that we can do to help save the environment, are the ones that make the biggest difference.”

Buy local or grow your own

Buying local produce like fruit, vegetables and meat from your local farm shop instead of your local supermarket will have a positive impact on the environment:

  • Will help reduce air pollution because of the decrease in goods being transported across long distances
  • Many local food producers grow their food organically, meaning they’ll use natural pest repellents and no chemically produced pesticides
  • Buying locally will help preserve farmland and reduce the amount of space for industrial and commercial development

Growing your own fruit and vegetables where possible will decrease air pollution even more, as you will only be walking into your garden or allotment to pick the produce. It’s as easy as pie!

Check out the RHS website for tips on growing vegetables.

You can learn more about Earth Day and how you can help on the Earth Day website.

Want to care for your environment?

Caring for our planet is important and there is much that we can do to help out. While you’re making change, we’ll look after your immediate environment: your home.

For a free quote on a range of home cleaning services from one-off deep cleans to regular visits, find your nearest Merry Maids business today or book online in select locations.

How to remove easter chocolate stains

It’s the Easter weekend, which means lots of chocolate!

As delicious and seasonal as it is at Easter, chocolate tends to melt all over your hands, and you don’t usually realise it’s melted until it’s on your clothes, furniture and carpets!

Chocolate soaks into the fabric a bit more slowly than other liquids, so cleaning it up as quickly as possible is vital in giving you the best chance to eliminate it.

At Merry Maids, we clean so you can relax and focus on your holidays.

That’s why we’re bringing you our top tips for removing chocolate stains.

How to remove chocolate stains from clothing

Besides its magical ability to make you feel better at any given moment, chocolate also has the amazing capability to get on clothing, especially when you’re wearing a white top!

To get rid of the stains:

  • Scrape off excess chocolate
  • Pretreat with a prewash stain remover
  • Put in the washing machine as normal
  • If the stain remains, wash again

How to remove chocolate stains from upholstery

Accidents happen. They are inevitable, and getting chocolate on your upholstery is a more common problem than you’d think!

Here’s how to remove chocolate stains from your upholstery:

  • Scrape off excess chocolate
  • Mix one tablespoon of washing-up liquid with two cups of cool water
  • Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with the above solution
  • Blot until the liquid is absorbed (Always blot the stain. If you rub it you’ll work the stain into the fabric more), repeat until the stain disappears
  • Sponge the area with cold water and blot dry.
  • If that doesn’t work, use a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent and blot until the solvent is absorbed, repeat until the stain disappears.

How to remove chocolate stains from carpet

With kids running around looking for (and scoffing) eggs, you’re bound to get chocolate everywhere not just on the carpet.

Here’s how to remove chocolate stains from your carpet:

For all of your house cleaning needs find your nearest Merry Maids today to book a free, no-obligation quote on our expert and bespoke domestic cleaning services.

Including one-off, regular and deep cleaning services to suit whatever shape your home is in.