- Tips! From Time Saver Maids
Cleaning Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture generally pleads for cleaning at the first sign of spring. Remember always test an inconspicuous spot before using a new cleaner.
Mix a bucket (make sure the bucket is clean) with liquid dish soap, some Borax and ½ cup hydrogen peroxide per gallon of water. Saturate the furniture thoroughly and allow to set 15 minutes. Scrub with a nylon scrub brush and rinse. Be sure to follow the manufacturer's guidelines for cleaning. Some fabrics will not tolerate peroxide.
If any of the metal has rusted, first try using a rust remover found in automotive stores. If the rust refuses to budge, use a #800 ery and dry sand paper to sand the metal and repaint.
We are a Southern California's Premier housecleaning company who specializes in providing customers with a great cleaning at an awesome price. We have been serving the great people of San Diego since 1999 and provide custmers with a way to save money and time while getting that house cleaned. Hope we can clean for you soon.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Tips! - How to Remove Cat Urine Odor from Wood Floorboards - From Time Saver Maids
Tips! From Time Saver Maids
- How to Remove Cat Urine Odor from Wood Floorboards
If you have both a cat and wood floors, you will eventually need to know how to remove cat urine odor from wood floorboards. Cat urine often seems to be clean but the odor reappears later due to moisture or other causes. Cats often use the same spot again since they can still smell the leftover odor when the human residents of the home can no longer detect it. If urine is caught right away, cleaning it is much easier than cleaning a stain that has had time to soak in. The way that the floorboards are sealed will also determine how badly the urine will soak in. Cracks in the sealant will allow the liquid to seep under the top layer of wood and make it harder to remove.
Tools and Materials Needed:
Step 1: Clean It Up
Wipe the area where the urine is puddled with a damp sponge until all traces of the urine are gone. This is the most important step when dealing with a fresh puddle since the odor will be stronger and harder to remove the longer the urine is left on the wood flooring. If you are dealing with a preexisting stain, skip this step and begin with step two.
Step 2: Do a Vinegar Wash
Pour white vinegar over the area and allow it to sit for several minutes. Blot it up completely with a dry cloth. Apply more vinegar with a clean sponge and scrub it into the stained area. Allow the vinegar to seep into any openings in the wood.
Step 3: Rinse
Rinse the area with warm water to remove the vinegar and any traces of urine that is left over. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth until no more moisture is felt. This is best done by blotting with the cloth rather than wiping the floor. Blotting is done by pressing a dry cloth into the wet wood and patting down on it to allow it to soak up the moisture. When a cloth is dampened, replace it with a new cloth and continue blotting.
Step 4: Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Clean the area again with an enzyme cleaner. While there are many such products on the market, you'll want to choose one that is specifically designed for pet urine stains. Follow the package directions for the particular brand you chose. It is best to test the cleaner on a small portion of the flooring that is not easily seen before using it on the stain to ensure that the cleaner will not stain or damage the wood.
Step 5: If the Odor Remains
Apply a floor sander to the floor if the odor remains after cleaning with an enzyme cleaner. The wood will need to be sanded deeply enough to completely remove the stained part of the wood and leave clean wood exposed. Once the stain has been sanded away, reclean the area with an enzyme cleaner and dry completely. Apply a wood sealer to protect the new wood from damage.
- How to Remove Cat Urine Odor from Wood Floorboards
If you have both a cat and wood floors, you will eventually need to know how to remove cat urine odor from wood floorboards. Cat urine often seems to be clean but the odor reappears later due to moisture or other causes. Cats often use the same spot again since they can still smell the leftover odor when the human residents of the home can no longer detect it. If urine is caught right away, cleaning it is much easier than cleaning a stain that has had time to soak in. The way that the floorboards are sealed will also determine how badly the urine will soak in. Cracks in the sealant will allow the liquid to seep under the top layer of wood and make it harder to remove.
Tools and Materials Needed:
- Vinegar
- Sponges
- Dry clothes
- Enzyme cleaner
- Floor sander
- Wood sealer
Step 1: Clean It Up
Wipe the area where the urine is puddled with a damp sponge until all traces of the urine are gone. This is the most important step when dealing with a fresh puddle since the odor will be stronger and harder to remove the longer the urine is left on the wood flooring. If you are dealing with a preexisting stain, skip this step and begin with step two.
Step 2: Do a Vinegar Wash
Pour white vinegar over the area and allow it to sit for several minutes. Blot it up completely with a dry cloth. Apply more vinegar with a clean sponge and scrub it into the stained area. Allow the vinegar to seep into any openings in the wood.
Step 3: Rinse
Rinse the area with warm water to remove the vinegar and any traces of urine that is left over. Dry the area with a clean, dry cloth until no more moisture is felt. This is best done by blotting with the cloth rather than wiping the floor. Blotting is done by pressing a dry cloth into the wet wood and patting down on it to allow it to soak up the moisture. When a cloth is dampened, replace it with a new cloth and continue blotting.
Step 4: Use an Enzyme Cleaner
Clean the area again with an enzyme cleaner. While there are many such products on the market, you'll want to choose one that is specifically designed for pet urine stains. Follow the package directions for the particular brand you chose. It is best to test the cleaner on a small portion of the flooring that is not easily seen before using it on the stain to ensure that the cleaner will not stain or damage the wood.
Step 5: If the Odor Remains
Apply a floor sander to the floor if the odor remains after cleaning with an enzyme cleaner. The wood will need to be sanded deeply enough to completely remove the stained part of the wood and leave clean wood exposed. Once the stain has been sanded away, reclean the area with an enzyme cleaner and dry completely. Apply a wood sealer to protect the new wood from damage.
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tips! - Cigarette Smoke: Natural Ways to Remove the Smell From Wood Furniture
Tips! From Time Saver Maids
Cigarette Smoke: Natural Ways to Remove the Smell From Wood Furniture
Browse any flea market or yard sale for secondhand furniture and you are bound to discover beautiful wood pieces at fantastic prices. Unfortunately secondhand wood furniture that looks fantastic might come with unpleasant extras that are sometimes not initially apparent. In closed areas where cigarettes are smoked on a regular basis, furniture and other home furnishings take on the unpleasant smell of cigarette smoke. Walls, window treatments, and everything in between is permeated with the odor of cigarette smoke, but fortunately it can be removed. With proper cleaning and a few natural odor removing tips and tricks, it is possible to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture without stripping, sanding, and completely refinishing.
Begin by Cleaning the Wood
When attempting to remove any type of odor, the source of the odor must be removed or the odor will remain. Wood furniture infused with cigarette smoke and sprayed with floral deodorizer will end up smelling like cigarette smoke and flowers. Do not attempt to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke. Get to the bottom of the problem and remove it for good by cleaning the wood with high-quality and completely natural oil soap and water. Follow product label instructions and precautions, and thoroughly clean the smoke residue and all other dirt or grime from the inside as well as the outside of doors, drawers, and all other finished wood surfaces. Once the wood furniture has been thoroughly cleaned, absorb excess moisture with clean dry rags and try one or more natural odor-removing options to completely remove the smell
Air-Dry Wood Furniture Outdoors
If possible, allow wood furniture to air-dry outdoors after thoroughly drying by hand. On a warm clear day, place wood furniture out of direct sunlight for several hours. Not only will the wood furniture dry more thoroughly than it would when drying with rags alone, but air-drying will also help remove the smell of cigarette smoke that has pervaded the wood. Remove all drawers and prop open doors for best results. Follow up with one or more of the following easy, inexpensive, and natural odor-absorbing techniques.
Natural Odor Absorbing Techniques
Vinegar is one of the best natural odor removers, and it does a fantastic job of absorbing the smell left behind by cigarette smoke. Carefully place bowls of ordinary white vinegar in closed drawers and cabinets. The vinegar will gradually absorb the smell of any cigarette smoke residue trapped inside. Allow the vinegar to remain undisturbed for a few days before careful removal.
Newsprint is also a great natural odor-absorbing material, and ordinary sheets of black and white newspaper will remove the smell of cigarette smoke from the interior of wood dresser drawers and cabinets. Loosely crumple several sheets of black and white newsprint, and place them inside tightly closed cabinets and drawers. Keep the papers inside the closed areas for several days. The newspaper will absorb any remaining moisture as well as bad odors caused by cigarette smoke.
Ground coffee had been used for decades to remove bad odors from semi trailers, and it is one of the best natural chemical-free ways to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture. To remove the smell of cigarette smoke from the outside as well as the inside of wood furniture, place each completely dry piece separately inside plastic trash bags, and include a bowl filled with freshly ground coffee in each tightly closed bag. Allow the bags to remain closed for at least three days, depending on the severity of the odor problem. The smell of coffee will eventually dissipate after removal, and when properly cleaned beforehand, the furniture will no longer harbor the lingering smell of cigarette smoke.
Baking soda is also a natural odor absorbing material that is very inexpensive. To remove the smell of cigarette smoke without leaving behind another odor, place open boxes or shallow bowls of natural baking soda inside closed drawers and cabinet doors. Allow the baking soda to work for several days to absorb the smell of cigarette smoke before removing. If the baking soda is kept inside tightly closed drawers and cabinet doors for an extended period of time it will leave behind nothing more than a natural fresh scent.
Clay kitty litter is a fantastic natural odor-absorbing material, and it works quite well to remove the smell left behind by cigarette smoke. Place shallow bowls or open paper sacks filled with kitty litter inside closed cabinet doors and drawers. The natural clay litter will draw out any moisture left behind after cleaning the wood furniture, and it will also pull out and absorb the smell left behind by cigarette smoke.
Try one or more of these natural and inexpensive ways to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture. Natural methods of odor removal are always best, and sometimes it takes more than just a few days to completely remove the smell. Remove the source of the odor first, and with natural odor-absorbing techniques, the smell left behind by cigarette smoke will eventually be gone for good!
Cigarette Smoke: Natural Ways to Remove the Smell From Wood Furniture
Browse any flea market or yard sale for secondhand furniture and you are bound to discover beautiful wood pieces at fantastic prices. Unfortunately secondhand wood furniture that looks fantastic might come with unpleasant extras that are sometimes not initially apparent. In closed areas where cigarettes are smoked on a regular basis, furniture and other home furnishings take on the unpleasant smell of cigarette smoke. Walls, window treatments, and everything in between is permeated with the odor of cigarette smoke, but fortunately it can be removed. With proper cleaning and a few natural odor removing tips and tricks, it is possible to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture without stripping, sanding, and completely refinishing.
Begin by Cleaning the Wood
When attempting to remove any type of odor, the source of the odor must be removed or the odor will remain. Wood furniture infused with cigarette smoke and sprayed with floral deodorizer will end up smelling like cigarette smoke and flowers. Do not attempt to cover up the smell of cigarette smoke. Get to the bottom of the problem and remove it for good by cleaning the wood with high-quality and completely natural oil soap and water. Follow product label instructions and precautions, and thoroughly clean the smoke residue and all other dirt or grime from the inside as well as the outside of doors, drawers, and all other finished wood surfaces. Once the wood furniture has been thoroughly cleaned, absorb excess moisture with clean dry rags and try one or more natural odor-removing options to completely remove the smell
Air-Dry Wood Furniture Outdoors
If possible, allow wood furniture to air-dry outdoors after thoroughly drying by hand. On a warm clear day, place wood furniture out of direct sunlight for several hours. Not only will the wood furniture dry more thoroughly than it would when drying with rags alone, but air-drying will also help remove the smell of cigarette smoke that has pervaded the wood. Remove all drawers and prop open doors for best results. Follow up with one or more of the following easy, inexpensive, and natural odor-absorbing techniques.
Natural Odor Absorbing Techniques
Vinegar is one of the best natural odor removers, and it does a fantastic job of absorbing the smell left behind by cigarette smoke. Carefully place bowls of ordinary white vinegar in closed drawers and cabinets. The vinegar will gradually absorb the smell of any cigarette smoke residue trapped inside. Allow the vinegar to remain undisturbed for a few days before careful removal.
Newsprint is also a great natural odor-absorbing material, and ordinary sheets of black and white newspaper will remove the smell of cigarette smoke from the interior of wood dresser drawers and cabinets. Loosely crumple several sheets of black and white newsprint, and place them inside tightly closed cabinets and drawers. Keep the papers inside the closed areas for several days. The newspaper will absorb any remaining moisture as well as bad odors caused by cigarette smoke.
Ground coffee had been used for decades to remove bad odors from semi trailers, and it is one of the best natural chemical-free ways to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture. To remove the smell of cigarette smoke from the outside as well as the inside of wood furniture, place each completely dry piece separately inside plastic trash bags, and include a bowl filled with freshly ground coffee in each tightly closed bag. Allow the bags to remain closed for at least three days, depending on the severity of the odor problem. The smell of coffee will eventually dissipate after removal, and when properly cleaned beforehand, the furniture will no longer harbor the lingering smell of cigarette smoke.
Baking soda is also a natural odor absorbing material that is very inexpensive. To remove the smell of cigarette smoke without leaving behind another odor, place open boxes or shallow bowls of natural baking soda inside closed drawers and cabinet doors. Allow the baking soda to work for several days to absorb the smell of cigarette smoke before removing. If the baking soda is kept inside tightly closed drawers and cabinet doors for an extended period of time it will leave behind nothing more than a natural fresh scent.
Clay kitty litter is a fantastic natural odor-absorbing material, and it works quite well to remove the smell left behind by cigarette smoke. Place shallow bowls or open paper sacks filled with kitty litter inside closed cabinet doors and drawers. The natural clay litter will draw out any moisture left behind after cleaning the wood furniture, and it will also pull out and absorb the smell left behind by cigarette smoke.
Try one or more of these natural and inexpensive ways to remove the smell of cigarette smoke from wood furniture. Natural methods of odor removal are always best, and sometimes it takes more than just a few days to completely remove the smell. Remove the source of the odor first, and with natural odor-absorbing techniques, the smell left behind by cigarette smoke will eventually be gone for good!
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Tips! - Removing Mildew from Shower Doors
Tips! From Time Saver Maids
Removing Mildew from Shower Doors
If you have shower doors, it is important to keep them sparkling clean and free from mildew so that your bathroom remains sanitary, smells good, and looks its best. Mildew is a fungus that thrives in moist areas, particularly on shower doors because of the small, enclosed space, heat, and moisture in your bathroom. It can leave your bathroom smelling musty and sour-like.
Maintaining clean, mildew-free shower doors is less unpleasant than having to clean off mildew once it has formed, so always clean your shower doors when you have finished showering. Encourage others in your household to follow this same cleaning and drying procedure. The 7 steps below will not only assist you in preventing the growth of mildew on your shower doors, but will help you in cleaning your doors if mildew has already developed.
Removing Mildew from Shower Doors
If you have shower doors, it is important to keep them sparkling clean and free from mildew so that your bathroom remains sanitary, smells good, and looks its best. Mildew is a fungus that thrives in moist areas, particularly on shower doors because of the small, enclosed space, heat, and moisture in your bathroom. It can leave your bathroom smelling musty and sour-like.
Maintaining clean, mildew-free shower doors is less unpleasant than having to clean off mildew once it has formed, so always clean your shower doors when you have finished showering. Encourage others in your household to follow this same cleaning and drying procedure. The 7 steps below will not only assist you in preventing the growth of mildew on your shower doors, but will help you in cleaning your doors if mildew has already developed.
Things you will need:
- Clean cloth
- Bristle brush
- Bucket of water mixed with chlorine bleach
- Rubber gloves
Step 1 – Keep Shower Doors Dry
The best way to maintain mildew-free shower doors is to keep the mildew from forming. To do this, keep moisture off the doors as much as possible by using a clean, dry towel or cloth after you or members of your household finish showering. This will thoroughly dry the doors. By doing this on an on-going basis, you will be able to prevent the mildew from breeding and adhering to your shower doors.Step 2 – Maintain Low Humidity
Because humidity is a key factor in encouraging mildew growth, by the simple act of turning on your bathroom fan when you are bathing, showering, or when there is otherwise moist air in your bathroom you will help inhibit mildew growth. Don’t have a fan? Then open a window or use a humidifier or room fan to dehumidify the room. Or, simply increase the air circulation by turning on the AC or its blower.Step 3 – Leave Lights on
Leave the bathroom lights on while you are showering and for about fifteen minutes afterward. Light reduces the growth of mildew spores, as they seem to thrive best in a dark, dank environment. Sunny bathrooms inhibit mildew growth.Step 4 – Leave Shower Doors Open
After showering and wiping off the shower doors, keep them open so there is better air circulation, which will inhibit mildew growth.Step 5 – Avoid Using Soap
Use a shower gel instead of hand soap when you shower. This will help prevent scum buildup that eventually creates a growth environment for mildew.Step 6 – Clean off Mildew
If mildew has adhered to your shower doors, you can use a simple solution consisting of five cups of water to one cup of chlorine bleach. Use this solution to scrub off the offensive mildew. It will not only clean the mildew off shower doors but will also disinfect the doors. Use a stiff bristle brush, apply the water/chlorine solution to the entire door, and begin scrubbing. For areas where using a larger brush makes it difficult for you to reach mildew, such as in crevices or the metal door tracking area, use an old toothbrush to scrub these areas. Be sure to discard the toothbrush after using it.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Tips! Water Stain Removal Tips From Time Saver Maids
Tips! From Time Saver Maids
Water Stain Removal Tips
Water stain removal is often required when mineral build up on surfaces exposed to liquid becomes evident. In bathrooms and kitchens especially, water stain removal is often necessary.
Water stain removal tools
There are a number of agents that can help with water stain removal. Some are extremely useful for eliminating calcium deposits, iron and other metals that are left behind on solid surfaces. Some of the most common tools used for water stain removal include:
Before making an attempt at water stain removal, it is important to consider the material involved. Store-bought acids, for example, might damage delicate surfaces even further. Even vinegar can be a problem on some surfaces. It’s best to work with a product designed specifically for the surface in question. In any event, make sure to carefully rinse and dry a surface after water stain removal is performed. Most solvents are acidic in nature
Water Stain Removal Tips
Water stain removal is often required when mineral build up on surfaces exposed to liquid becomes evident. In bathrooms and kitchens especially, water stain removal is often necessary.
Water stain removal tools
There are a number of agents that can help with water stain removal. Some are extremely useful for eliminating calcium deposits, iron and other metals that are left behind on solid surfaces. Some of the most common tools used for water stain removal include:
- Vinegar – This standard household product can be very useful on a number of different surfaces. It is commonly used to remove water stains from coffee pots.
- Hydrogen peroxide – This can be useful on some surfaces for lifting metals and making water stain removal possible.
- Specialty products – There are a variety of specialty products produced by manufacturers to tackle water stain removal on different surfaces.
Before making an attempt at water stain removal, it is important to consider the material involved. Store-bought acids, for example, might damage delicate surfaces even further. Even vinegar can be a problem on some surfaces. It’s best to work with a product designed specifically for the surface in question. In any event, make sure to carefully rinse and dry a surface after water stain removal is performed. Most solvents are acidic in nature
Monday, March 9, 2009
Tips! Effective Green Carpet Cleaning Tips - Tip of the month
Carpet Cleaning Tips From Time Saver Maids
Whether you have a household filled with pets, kids or simply a lot of foot traffic in your home, a few easy carpet cleaning tips could save you time and money. If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals and prefer the natural way of cleaning, that’s possible, too. Some of the most effective ways to clean carpets or rugs is with natural products often found inside kitchen cabinets or bought from the grocery store. For example, simple products such as baking soda and vinegar can be used to remove carpet stains and freshen air. Follow the quick tips below to effectively clean your carpet the green way.
Whether you have a household filled with pets, kids or simply a lot of foot traffic in your home, a few easy carpet cleaning tips could save you time and money. If you don’t want to use harsh chemicals and prefer the natural way of cleaning, that’s possible, too. Some of the most effective ways to clean carpets or rugs is with natural products often found inside kitchen cabinets or bought from the grocery store. For example, simple products such as baking soda and vinegar can be used to remove carpet stains and freshen air. Follow the quick tips below to effectively clean your carpet the green way.
Baking Soda
One of the easiest and cheapest ways to clean and refresh carpet is with a box of baking soda. Use baking soda to treat pet messes, baby spills, and in general, to absorb every day smells. Sprinkle the baking soda straight out of the box and let it sit over night. The next day, vacuum it up and empty the bag or dump the canister that contains the debris.
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Time Saver Maids Welcoms Jennifer W. to the staff of wonders
We would like to welcome Jennifer W. to our staff o wonders. lol. We like to think we are. Anyways, Jen brings a great sense of humor and a knowledge of cleaning like nobody else we have seen. She will be in charge of our scheduling and customer service department. Jen comes to us at a crucial time in our companies history here, the busy one! Thanks Jen for all of your help. With the acquisition of Speedy Maids our customer base doubled and our workload tripled! The crown jewel we acquired from Speedy, Jen! So, welcome... Welcome ...WELCOME!!
" I thank you all for your warm welcome and big hugs! Thanks. I look forward to helping all of Time Saver Maids's customers with any issues they may have or scheduling new service that will blow their minds!... Thanks again" - Jen W.
" I thank you all for your warm welcome and big hugs! Thanks. I look forward to helping all of Time Saver Maids's customers with any issues they may have or scheduling new service that will blow their minds!... Thanks again" - Jen W.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Time Saver Maids Aquires SPEEDY MAIDS
News Post Acquisition of Speedy Maids
Welcome all new Speedy Maids customers. We know it's been a long hall and a ruff process in getting the ink to dry on this deal. But we can say it's been worth it and you will soon agree. As you well know Jen W. From Speedy Maids will be coming over in the deal and you will have a familiar voice on the other end of the phone. We thank you all for your patience and look forward to providing you all with excellent service for years to come.
- Time Saver Maids Staff
Welcome all new Speedy Maids customers. We know it's been a long hall and a ruff process in getting the ink to dry on this deal. But we can say it's been worth it and you will soon agree. As you well know Jen W. From Speedy Maids will be coming over in the deal and you will have a familiar voice on the other end of the phone. We thank you all for your patience and look forward to providing you all with excellent service for years to come.
- Time Saver Maids Staff
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