Summer is synonymous with sunshine, and while we all love soaking up extra vitamin D and spending time outside, those sunny rays are notorious for shining through windows and doors like a spotlight on streaks, dust, and dirt. You may have added household chores to your 2024 resolution list or rolled up your sleeves for a traditional deep spring clean, but the task is, unfortunately, ongoing.
As summer comes into swing, we’re sharing cleaning tips and tricks from our friends at Molly Maid’s local branch, which is owned and operated by Daron and Maricela Farrar. The local business has been in the family since it opened in 1993, and services South Davidson, Williamson, Maury, and Hamilton Counties.
Beautiful Bathrooms
As much as we may want to protest, light cleaning is a daily chore. Wiping countertops, sweeping crumbs, and trash duty are a necessary routine to maintain cleanliness in your home. But a deep clean can be just as important, something Molly Maid knows all too well. In some cases, like your shower, a deep clean can make those regular tidies that much easier.
“You can make cleaning a shower a lot easier by taking steps to prevent buildup from occurring in the first place that over time can become very difficult to remove,” shares Daron. “For example in a shower, if you use a squeegee to dry off the water after taking a shower it can go a long way to preventing water mineral stains on the glass and tile.”
Bathrooms are among the most daunting areas of the home to clean, often requiring extra elbow grease and special cleaners to get the job done right. Due to increased moisture in bathrooms, mold can also be a concern.
“Mold needs moisture to grow, so anything that can be done to dry the area quickly and stay ventilated can help prevent mold from forming,” Daron adds. “Even using liquid soap instead of bar soap that contains wax can reduce the amount of soap scum that will build up on the walls, glass and fixtures.”
Daron also adds that cleaning solutions do have the potential to damage materials in the bathroom, with acid-based options or even a homemade vinegar wash being detrimental to marble. For delicate materials or tricky spaces, consider calling in the pros to help you tackle the project.
This Molly Maid branch began in Grassland and has expanded its service area across Middle Tennessee and Chattanooga. As part of the Neighborly group of home service companies, Molly Maid is connected with other brands like Mr. Handyman and Mr. Rooter to help with additional maintenance and repairs.
Fancy Floors
Sweeping, mopping, and vacuuming are instantly gratifying ways to tidy your home, but before you break out the broom, consider what’s causing the mess in the first place. Floor cleaning and care begins with reducing the amount of dirt being tracked in from the outdoors, achievable through mats with bristles outside to brush off any excess, or encouraging shoes to come off at the door.
“Dry dirt and soil are abrasive and can wear the finish of hardwood and laminate floors, so it is good to sweep and vacuum at least once a week or even more often if you have kids and pets,” Daron shares. “Robotic vacuums can also help keep dry dirt at bay between deeper cleanings.”
When it comes to mopping, the experts at Molly Maid use microfiber mops to trap dirt and bacteria, using a neutral floor cleaner that’s safe for a multitude of floors and finishes.
“Mop the floor with a slightly damp mop head in about a 10-foot by 10-foot section, then it is always a good idea to use a dry microfiber pad to go over the section and dry off the floor so there is minimal damp solution left behind,” Daron adds. “Mopping with the grain of the wood will have the best results once the floor is completely dry.”
Of course, any spills or accidents should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent stains and damage.
“For finished hardwood, I would stay away from products that contain an oil or wax or any mop on finish products because they will buildup on the finish of the hardwood and begin to look hazy and dull,” Daron adds. “It can be very difficult to remove when this happens. In some cases, the floor may need to be re-finished if the buildup becomes too thick.”
Whether you need to tap into an expert or are eager to take a major task off your plate, the Molly Maid team is ready to help. The brand is licensed and insured and supplies all cleaning products for their team members (who will arrive in a cute branded vehicle). Molly Maid is bookable as a recurring service or as a one-off for special occasions or moving. MollyMaid.com