​Your home has plenty of areas for dirt and grime to hide. Locating them may seem easy. Cleaning them effectively is something else.
 
Most homeowners spend plenty of time sweeping, vacuuming, scrubbing, and cleaning areas that are obviously soiled and become soiled daily. There are areas that can really get gross in a short amount of time.
 
Your bathroom “work stations” — also known as vanity cabinets — are prime locations for soil buildup.
 
Let’s spend some time on how to tackle the chore of cleaning the bathroom vanity. One area of the home easy to ignore. After all, who looks in there besides the person searching out some face cream or hand lotion, among other items?
 
The buildup of residues can wreak havoc over time. Think of hairspray that you use daily and that ends up on the top of the cabinet. It may be easy to clean when fresh but give it 10 or more applications and you have a “goo” that’s not giving up its tenacious hold on the counter. This isn’t to even mention toothpaste and other necessary items that get smeared on the same surface.
 
Take some time each day — perhaps just a minute or so — to quickly wipe up any residues that land on the surface.
 
Then, take some time each week — perhaps just five minutes or so — to open up any cabinet doors or mirrors that house storage behind them, remove all objects, and use a household cleaning solution to wipe down all surfaces. After a week, you will still be amazed at how much residue has built up in there. Imagine what could happen after a few months!
 
And once a month, give your entire bathroom a close scrutiny and look for all those nooks and crannies that can be the host of soil. This could be behind the toilet, in the corners of shower stalls, where the soap resides on the bathtub edge. All these areas could use a good scrubbing each month, if not more frequently.
 
And all this is besides the typical routine cleaning you no doubt give all your bathrooms.
 
But when you need some real help, from your favorite cleaning service, do the right thing. Give them a call today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385

​It’s part of the home that you try to hide. It’s one that you hope no one stumbles across and, of course, hope no one sniffs and notices it is there.
 
If you have cats, you know exactly what we are talking about. If you have cats, you either train them to go outside (unlikely) or use the toilet (as seen on YouTube) — but most resort to the standard litter box for their feline friends to do their “business.”
 
As much as you would like anyone else but you to take care of cleaning and maintaining the litter box, if you are the owner of the cat, it’s probably your job to do.
 
Here are some simple tips to do it faster — and better — and keep things a little more sanitary as well.
 
Keep it contained
One thing most hate is when the cat (or cats) leave the litter box and bring those tiny litter particles with them, tracking them all over the home.
 
Placing a cat litter mat under the cat box and some type of carpet remnant where the cats step out on helps reduce the amount of litter tracked through the home.
 
Protect yourself
Litter boxes are festering tubs of bacteria and other contaminants that need to stay right there in the box. But a cleaning must happen, usually every day, to keep the clumps from taking over and becoming difficult to scoop.
 
Wear a proper pair of gloves, and even a dust mask, to keep yourself healthy and safe when doing the scooping’.
 
Fresh is best
Besides daily scooping, adding some litter every few days is smart. When the litter gets low, add a little more to keep the litter box sufficiently full so your cats can easily cover over their “deposits”. You don’t want to give them any excuse to skip the litter box for a more convenience area to use, if you know what we mean. And each month, empty and completely wash the pan, and add fresh litter.
 
The inevitable
One thing that cats may do from time to time is “miss” the litter box, creating nasty odors, especially in carpet. That’s when you need some real help, from your favorite cleaning service. Do the right thing. Give them a call today. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385

​Closet Cleaning & Organizing
 
Although traditionally a spring cleaning chore, cleaning and organizing a closet can be done any time of year.
 
And no, keeping the door shut isn’t the best solution to a messy, disorganized closet, although it may give you moments of sanity that quickly disappear when you venture inside for that favorite pair of pants you haven’t seen in months.
 
Here are a few quick tips on cleaning and organizing your closet.

1. Empty the closet. Take everything out. Put it in organized piles according to type, such as a pile of shoes, shirts, pants, sweaters, etc.
2. Clean all surfaces in the closet. This means a bucket of soapy water and a sponge, some paper towels or cotton cloths. This is a good time to clean the walls, shelves, every surface you can reach.
3. Inspect what needs to go back in. Take a close look at those piles of shoes, shirts, pants, sweaters, etc. Do you need all of them? Are there some items you might discard or donate to charity? Now’s the time!
4. If you are a seasonal organizer, this could be an opportunity to store away, perhaps in a basement, items you won’t need for the near future.
5. Restock the closet. Give this some thought. Hanging as many items as you can on thinner hangers saves space. Have areas in the closet where you keep items you wear more frequently and other areas for items that you wear occasionally.
6. Consider garment organizers, which are helpful in keeping items separate for seasonal use, or for specific types of events, such as formal occasions. And remember the floor space, which can be used for shoe organizers.

 
Closets are very important real estate. Take advantage of them and keep them all neat, clean and organized. Imagine… going into a closet that doesn’t scare you as you select your favorite sweater to ward off a cold evening chill. Nice thought, right? 575-937-4385

​Everyone loves cleaning their windows in their home. Right? Maybe not. But when you have to do it, it sure is easier if you have some window-cleaning best practices in mind.
 
You may choose the very best window cleaning solution, the most lint-free cloths, but often you end up with streaks that just won’t seem to go away no matter how much you rub and buff.
 
Here are some tips to ensure a complete window cleaning job — without those pesky streaks.
 
Choose your solution
 
You can, of course, purchase a quality window cleaning solution from your favorite grocery or department store.
 
Another option is to make your own, using the power of vinegar. Vinegar is inexpensive and helps kill germs on contact. For spraying on windows, it’s non-toxic and safe (although sometimes a little smelly). Vinegar breaks down soils and films that cause streaking, so it’s one way to limit streaks after the cleaning is accomplished.
 
But don’t use just vinegar; that’s too strong and unnecessary, and you need to boost the power of vinegar with other solutions. It’s best to mix your vinegar (1/3) with water (2/3) and add a tiny drop of dish detergent. This has a two-fold effect: You are getting a little more grease-cutting power, and you can better see the progress as you clean your windows.
 
The cleaning process
 
The traditional method of window cleaning is to spray the solution (either store-bought or home-made) onto the glass, and then wiping it off with paper towels. If you use paper towels, choose a high-quality brand that doesn’t leave lint. Even better would be lint-free cotton towels.
 
Do the cleaning in two steps. The first is to apply a heavy amount of window cleaning solution to the glass and remove with the towels. Do it again with a light missing of solution and clean and polish until the window looks great. The first, heavier application removes virtually all the soil and film, and the second finishes it off nicely.
 
It’s best, when working the towel on the glass, to use consistent circular motions or go in the same direction. When cleaning the opposite side, do the opposite of what you did on the original side.
 
And don’t forget, for all your cleaning needs, from floors to furniture and more, do the right thing. Call your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385

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It sits in the center of every sink, at the end of every bathtub, and could be anywhere at the bottom of a shower stall… that’s right. You see them all the time. Drains that faithfully work to take away soapy water, food waste and more.
 
So when they slow down or even quit working entirely, it is very frustrating and annoying.
 
Your first inclination is to grab a plunger, which might work but more than often… it doesn’t work at all. But you have to try! Sometimes, a connecting drain to the plugged one allows air to escape and the plunging action is worthless. You can plug the second drain with a towel or cloth, and that might help with the plunging action.
 
If typical plunging doesn’t work, consider these steps to enable a drain to do what it’s supposed to do.
 
Step 1
 
The drain could be plugged with something that could be melted, dissolved or moved by super-hot water. Boil an entire pot of water and (very carefully so you don’t get burned) pour it into the drain. It might be enough to clear the drain.
 
Step 2
 
Often, protein matter, such as hair, plugs up drains, especially in sinks, tubs and showers in bathrooms. Carefully pouring chlorine bleach into the drain, enough to fill the drain, and then allow the solution to work on the hair will work. Chlorine bleach is very inexpensive but very powerful. It will eat its way through a drain blocked with hair and clear it out so it drains effectively.
 
Step 3
 
It’s time to get physical. Unclogging a drain with an auger, also known as a “snake” will move what’s stuck. You can purchase a tool like this at your local hardware store. Carefully insert the end of the snake into the drain and push and pull until you move the blockage or can pull it out. You can do this from the drain itself or from the pipe below if accessible.
 
Sometimes a clogged drain creates a big mess. When that happens, and for all your cleaning needs, call your cleaning pros for help. 575-937-4385

Household hazardous waste (or HHW to keep this simple) is a topic that requires our attention and responsible action.
 
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) defines HHW as leftover household products that can be potentially dangerous, as they can catch fire, react, or even explode under certain circumstances. Additionally, these products can be corrosive or toxic, posing serious risks to health and the environment. We must handle and dispose of these materials with great care.
 
Common household items such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries, pesticides, and more can and often contain hazardous ingredients. Therefore, it is essential to exercise caution when dealing with them.
 
Improper disposal of HHW can have severe consequences. Many people unknowingly pour these substances down the drain, on the ground, into storm sewers, or even mix them with regular trash. However, the dangers of such disposal methods may not be immediately apparent. Improperly discarded HHW can contaminate the environment, pollute water sources, and pose a threat to human health.
 
To ensure the safe handling of household hazardous waste, here are some quick tips to keep in mind, courtesy of groups such as the EPA:
 
1. Follow product labels: Carefully read and adhere to the instructions for use and storage provided on product labels. This will help prevent accidents and mishaps at home.
 
2. Dispose according to label instructions: Read product labels to determine the proper disposal directions. This will reduce the risk of products exploding, igniting, leaking, mixing with other chemicals, or posing other hazards during transportation to disposal facilities.
 
3. Use original containers: Never store hazardous products in food containers. Keep them in their original containers and avoid removing labels. Corroding containers require special handling, so it's important to consult your local hazardous materials official or fire department for proper instructions.
 
4. Avoid mixing HHW: Never mix HHW with other products. Incompatible substances can react, ignite, or explode, rendering the HHW unrecyclable. It's crucial to handle and dispose of them separately.
 
5. Seek information from local authorities: Check with your local environmental, health, or solid waste agency for more information on HHW management options available in your area. They can provide guidance on year-round collection systems, designated collection days, and drop-off locations for safe disposal and recycling.
 
6. Handle empty containers with care: Even empty containers of HHW can pose hazards due to residual chemicals. It's important to handle them with caution and ensure they are disposed of properly.
 
And as with any cleaning-related questions or concerns, contact your favorite cleaning company. After all, it pays to call a pro! 575-937-4385
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