Studies suggest that many people sleep better if they're in a clean room and bed. Since you spend almost one-third of your life asleep, it makes sense to schedule regular deep-cleans of the entire bed. The expert cleaners at MOLLY MAID have created an easy, four-step cleaning guide that will freshen the mattress, help eliminate dust, and create a wonderful place for you to lay your head.

Step 1: Remove all bedding, including sheets, pillow cases, mattress pad, valences, etc. Wash them in hot water - at a minimum of 50 degrees Celsius.

Step 2: Vacuum the entire surface of your mattress, including the sides and underside.

Step 3: Use a natural stain remover or a laundry spot remover to treat and remove any stains. Be careful not to spray on this product too heavily. The cleaners at MOLLY MAID recommend using a dry cloth to blot the cleaning solution spray over the stained area with water. Then, blot the water up with a dry microfibre cloth to help remove any chemicals that may have been left in the process.

Step 4: Mix together a small amount of baking soda with a tablespoon of your favourite fabric softener - sprinkle this mixture over your mattress. Let it sit for one hour, and then vacuum it all up. (Do this once every couple of months, but be careful not to use too much fabric softener.)

Note: If you use liquid cleaner or water on your mattress, allow it to dry for a full four hours before you place linen back on the bed. This will prevent any mold or mildew from drawing upon extra moisture. 

If your son or daughter comes home from a soccer practice covered in mud, don't panic! The house cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID know how to tackle those stains while avoiding the problem of clogging the filters in your washing machine.

Follow these simple steps to remove stains:

1. Let the mud stains dry completely.
2. Gently - and carefully - scrape away any excess dirt.
3. Rub the stains with a little bit of liquid dish soap with your fingers in order to loosen ground-in dirt.
4. Add a few drops of water to the stain and detergent.
5. If the items are REALLY muddy, follow steps one and two again. Then, place items in a bucket of cold water, add detergent - and pre-soak the items. Use a cloth to loosen mud from the fabric.
6. Wash the item according to the washing guidelines.
7. When the wash is completed, check to see if any stains remain. If there are, repeat the previous steps.

Note: Definitely do NOT put clothing in the dryer if stains are persistent and still remain. Heat will set the stain, making it even harder to remove. 

Love April Fool's Day pranks but hate the clean-up?  Not to worry, say the cleaning experts at MOLLY MAID who share a few tricks of their own here to help you tackle two particularly icky stains.

• Vaseline  - Spreading Vaseline on a door knob can get a few good laughs, but then someone goes and wipes their hands on their shirt. It's best to pre-treat the stain before you wash it. Here's how:
  • Remove as much of the Vaseline as possible without spreading the stain.
  • Gently dab a small amount of liquid dish soap onto the stained area, and let it sit for five minutes.
  • Rinse thoroughly to flush out the soap and any remaining Vaseline.
  • Apply your usual stain removal spray, then toss the shirt into the washer with a regular load of laundry.
• Urine  - Some people still pull the 'hand in a warm cup of water' prank... yikes! While most people think urine is a stain that can't be removed, MOLLY MAID actually has a tried-and-true cleaning method that you can use to remove both the odour and stain from a mattress (if you have young kids) or carpets (if you've got pets).  
  • Mix one part white vinegar and two parts liquid dish soap.
  • Generously apply mixture to the stain with a clean, dry microfibre cloth and let sit for 30 minutes.
  • Take a clean, wet microfibre cloth and pull up as much of the soap mixture as you can.
  • Sprinkle the wet area with baking soda and leave for several hours (or overnight if possible), then vacuum the remainder of the baking soda.

Ever watch - in horror - as a huge drip of tomato sauce lands on your white t-shirt?

Next time it happens, grab a can of shaving cream. It's an effective and easy solution. The shaving cream helps dissolve the tomato sauce before it sets as a stain.

How to do it:

1. Apply shaving cream to the stain
2. Let it soak in for a few minutes
3. Rinse in water, then wash the clothing with your regular laundry load.

We'll continue to feature other great cleaning solutions that use everyday items most people already have on hand, so come back soon.

Remember also that a professional cleaning company can make your life easier - and cleaner. MOLLY MAID is always happy to help you with your spring cleaning or anytime!