The milder weather means that instead of struggling to get your muddy pooch into the bathtub (and leaving a mess throughout the house as you get there), you can move the doggie bath outdoors!

The maid service experts at MOLLY MAID provide these 5 easy ways to make bath time more enjoyable for you and your pet.

1. Be Prepared. Gather all the essentials you'll need ahead of time and put them outside near the hose. You'll need a pet brush, shampoo, leash, towels, etc. Having all your tools in one place will help make the bathing process run more smoothly.

2. Brush Out Excess Fur. Before you bathe your dog, brush them outside. This helps keep pet hair and dirt out of your house. Then, gather up the excess fur and add it to your compost container.  Or, spread it around the edge of your vegetable garden - the fur will help keep out wild animals. Raccoons and rabbits don't like the scent of a dog and will hopefully leave your garden alone.

3. Be Firm. Take control of your dog by asserting yourself from the beginning. Have your dog stand or sit or use their leash to keep them in one place while you turn on the water.

4. Wet, Shampoo, Rinse. Test the water temperature, then wet your pup from head to toe. Apply the dog shampoo (you can buy it at a pet store or grocery store). Once lathered, work the shampoo in for a couple of minutes - what a nice massage for your pet!  Rinse thoroughly.

5. Dry. Use old towels to remove as much moisture from your pet's fur as possible. But once you let your dog go, stand back - they'll definitely want to shake out as well. Then, let the warm sun dry the rest!

Note: If your dog doesn't enjoy getting bathed  at home, you could take them to a doggie spa to help them get used to the process.

A garden adds colour to your yard - and your life!

But the maid service experts at MOLLY MAID note that if dogs or cats share your home, it's important to know that some common plants and flowers are actually toxic to animals. That doesn't mean you have to dig up the plants and get rid of them.  But you do have to keep a watchful eye on your pets especially if they tend to be chewers and eat just about anything.

If your pet digests any of these, symptoms can include: vomiting, diarrhea, excess salivation, loss of appetite, convulsions, hallucinations and/or kidney pain. If you think your pet is having a reaction, call your vet or take your pet to an emergency veterinarian clinic.

Here's a list of plants that pose a health risk:

1. Ivy
2. Carnations
3. Lilies
4. Baby's Breath
5. Tulips
6. Aloe Vera
7. Daffodils
8. Morning Glories
9. Poinsettias

Dogs and cats make a wonderful addition to the family, but they don't help the germ situation in the home - especially when it comes to their food and water bowls!

As part of your spring cleaning this year, why not initiate this new cleaning ritual: wash your pet's food and water bowls every time you fill up the water bowl with fresh water. 

Hand-wash the dishes each time you refill them - MOLLY MAID recommends using regular dish detergent if you wash them by hand - then put the dishes into the dishwasher once a week.

With the spring cleaning season well underway, it's a joy to open the windows and let the fresh air in!

Taking care of filters in your appliances is one of those important cleaning tips that help keep the air in your house clean and fresh for you and your family. Clogged filters can't do their job properly, and an old filter might actually be circulating bad air and bacteria.

Vacuum cleaner: Cleaning or changing a dirty vacuum cleaner filter will improve suction power and can help eliminate dust particles from the air when you vacuum. Check your owner's manual for how-to- information.

Furnace: Even though the weather is changing and the furnace is being used less often, it's still important to replace filters regularly, usually every season. If you have a pet, best practice would be to replace your filter every month.

Air conditioner: Air conditioners also have filters and whether you have central air or a window unit, it's important to visually inspect the filter and clean it if necessary before you start using it again. A dirty filter can cause your air conditioner to malfunction. Remember to follow the manufacturer's instructions on how to clean or replace the filter.