The New Year, like an Infant Heir to the whole world,
was waited for, with welcomes, presents, and rejoicings. C. Dickens
***Happy New Year from all of us here at The Maids!!!

Now Is The Time For Some Good Clean Fun

Now is the time for some good clean fun! If your home is stuck with the winter blues, call on The Maids. We'll wipe away any winter doldrums and bring in a little spring- spring cleaning that is. With our exclusive systems, products and experience, it's the kind of deep down clean that will have you talking, just like 96% of our other customers do.

~ Each Team consists of four bonded and insured cleaning-istas.

~ We get into the nooks and crannies, like light switch plates and phone receivers, where cold and flu germs can lurk.

~ We use enviromentally preferable cleaning products- so the earth breathes easy, too.

~Plus, our work comes with a 24-hour, 100% satisfaction guarantee.

It's time to get the cleaning service that 96% of our customers would recommend to friends and family. At least that's is what we would recommend.

Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for a Happy and Healthy New Year

To all our blogging friends,devoted employees, cherished customers and knowledgable cohorts: ~~~~May your holiday be filled with warmth and cheer, touched by the wonder and joy of the season!

"DEAR EDITOR: I am 8 years old. "Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus. "Papa says, 'If you see it in THE SUN it's so.' "Please tell me the truth; is there a Santa Claus?"VIRGINIA O'HANLON."115 WEST NINETY-FIFTH STREET.

"VIRGINIA, your little friends are wrong. They have been affected by the skepticism of a skeptical age. They do not believe except [what] they see. They think that nothing can be which is not comprehensible by their little minds. All minds, Virginia, whether they be men's or children's, are little. In this great universe of ours man is a mere insect, an ant, in his intellect, as compared with the boundless world about him, as measured by the intelligence capable of grasping the whole of truth and knowledge.

*Yes, VIRGINIA, there is a Santa Claus. He exists as certainly as love and generosity and devotion exist, and you know that they abound and give to your life its highest beauty and joy. Alas! how dreary would be the world if there were no Santa Claus. It would be as dreary as if there were no VIRGINIAS. There would be no childlike faith then, no poetry, no romance to make tolerable this existence. We should have no enjoyment, except in sense and sight. The eternal light with which childhood fills the world would be extinguished.

*Not believe in Santa Claus! You might as well not believe in fairies! You might get your papa to hire men to watch in all the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Santa Claus, but even if they did not see Santa Claus coming down, what would that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, but that is no sign that there is no Santa Claus. The most real things in the world are those that neither children nor men can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that's no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

*You may tear apart the baby's rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived, could tear apart. Only faith, fancy, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and glory beyond. Is it all real? Ah, VIRGINIA, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding. No Santa Claus! Thank God! he lives, and he lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay, ten times ten thousand years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

Francis Pharcellus Church 09/21/1897

The Tie That Binds Us Together

Christmas reminds us we are not alone. We are not unrelated atoms, bouncing and ricocheting amid aliens, but are a part of something, which holds and sustains us. As we struggle with shopping lists and invitations, compounded by December's bad weather, it is good to be reminded that there are people in our lives who are worth this aggravation, and people to whom we are worth the same. Christmas shows us the ties that bind us together, threads of love and caring, woven in the simplest and strongest way within the family.

Only You have the Power to Boost our Online Reputation

~~~We do our best to create a positive reputation of our business in the communities in which we serve. We strive to be a service consumers are proud of and would recommend to others. And actually, through research, we know 96% of our customers would recommend us – which is quite a compliment.
~~~ We understand the importance of having a good reputation. But now we have to think about another type of reputation – our online reputation.
~~~Online reviews are becoming more and more prevalent as online sites like Google Places, Yahoo Local, Bing Local, JudysBook, CitySearch, MerchantCircle, InsiderPages, Yelp and Angie’s List give consumers the option to write about their experiences with local businesses.
~~~As you might guess, review sites are more likely to attract a customer that has a negative experience than a positive one. Even though an overwhelming majority of our customers have positive things to say about our service, those customers are more unlikely to post their opinions online than the few customers who have negative things to say.
~~~ We want to give our happy customers a strong voice, therefore we ask you to give your feedback on your experience with us. If you could take a moment and visit one of the popular review sites and help us out with your opinion of our service, we would greatly appreciate it.
~~~And, of course, if you are ever unsatisfied following a clean, please call us right away so we can rectify the situation immediately.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~The precious gift of Time! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Time denotes our existance here on earth. It is filled with memories of love, joy, laughter, pain, sorrow, anger, and forgiveness. There is Important Time, Interrupted Time, Escape Time, Relaxing Time, Dream Time, Action Time and Bed Time.Time is too precious to waste! Let The Maids wrap and mail a gift of time with a Maid's gift certificate offered to you with a discount of $20.00 off an hour or more of cleaning. Santa only comes once a year!!!

Practice a Random Act Of Kindness This Holiday Season

All of us at The Maids would like to ask a favor of its blog followers and clients. We would like each of you to do one or more Random Acts of Kindness this holiday season. After you've done your Random Act, we'd like you to come back and share your experience with us! It can be a small act, like smiling at your grumpy neighbor or paying the toll for the next car behind you at the toll booth...or perhaps something bigger! We don't care, we just want to hear your stories and share them with you. And please don't be timid about sharing the smallest of kind acts...it's the little changes that make the world a better place!

~~~~Kindness Ideas~~~~

1.) Offer a couple hours of free babysitting to parents

2.) Clean up graffiti

3.) Donate used books to the library

4.) Give carepacks to the homeless

5.) Make a new friend

6.) Study with a class mate

7.) Pick up groceries for a neighbor

8.) Give directions to someone who is lost

9.) Talk with a homeless person

10.) Pick up trash

"Truth is a deep kindness that teaches us to be content in our everyday life and share with the people the same happiness."
-Kahlil Gabron (1883-1931); poet, artist, author

Dazzled, not Frazzled by Holiday Gatherings

If you are planning a holiday or New Year gathering, all the preparations may be leaving you feeling a bit weary or anxious. Take heart, it isn’t as difficult as it may seem. The effortless tips below will help you to prepare for a holiday dinner party and make sure you get the most out of your big affair:

**** Create a menu ensuring guests don’t have any allergies to particular foods. Then gather recipes and create a grocery list.
**** Head to the store 2 - 3 days in advance of the party. This ensures produce and ingredients are fresh, but any frozen foods, like turkey, will have time to thaw in the refrigerator. Try to get everything you need in one trip.
**** Wash any linen like tablecloths, placemats or napkins you’ll use as part of your table décor.
**** Schedule a clean from The Maids the day before the party to get your home guest-ready. We guarantee you’ll love our holiday presence!
**** Prepare foods early, if possible. Desserts can often be made in advance.
**** Set and style your table the morning of the party. You will be glad this is complete before the afternoon becomes hectic with cooking and preparing final details for your guests’ arrivals.
**** Remove extra items from the counters in the kitchen to give it an open feel. Find extra space in the refrigerator where you can quickly put leftovers.
**** Create areas for extra seating, where guests will gather. This often is in the kitchen, so plan ahead.
**** Be sure the coat closet has room for extra coats, or designate a bedroom for coats.
**** If you have a dishwasher, make sure it is cleaned out before guests arrive so you can stash dirty dishes inside to keep up on the cleanup.
**** Have a “cleaning bucket” ready for cleaning emergencies. Make sure to include carpet cleaner and an absorbent cloth. A spot from a spilled drink is easy to clean if you are prepared for the possible accident.
If time is a factor, consider eliciting the help of others or hiring services to help you prepare for your dinner party. Don’t get too caught up with the details – a dinner party should be enjoyable for you too. Remember to take time to slow down and take pleasure in your time with friends and family.

Yes Virginia, The Maids really do hand wash floors!

Yes Virginia, there is a Santa Claus and The Maids really do hand wash floors. And beyond, dusting, scrubbing, straightening, disinfecting and vacuuming, they will also leave you with sparkling clean, germ-free doorknobs, light switches and phone receivers. Believe in the home service that is recommended to friends and family by 96% of customers, and invite The Maids over for a thorough holiday cleaning this season.

********************

Your personal four-person cleaning team will clean your home four times as efficiently, so they promise not to overstay their welcome. Just long enough to take out the dirt, dust, allergens, and pet dander, and give you a deep clean like you've never seen before.The Maids clean under the couch, in between the cushions, on top of your ceiling fans and in places you did not even know there was dirt. Their attention to detail is unmatched in the industry.

********************

And, yes Virginia, each team is bonded and insured to guarantee you get the best clean imaginable. No wonder The Maids score more referrals than deals on Black Friday. Give yourself a gift for a change- it will feel like a miracle.

********************

Merry Christmas Virginia!

Are you having a hard time thinking of that perfect gift to give your loved one or special friend? How about giving the gift of time? A gift certificate from The Maids is the perfect answer! This promises to be your best idea yet!!! Why not give the gift of time, so that your loved one can sit back and relax and know that their house is being taken care of. Give the gift of a service that has one spotless reputation- The Maids is the answer this holiday season!!!

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you from The Maids

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today and creates a vision for tomorrow.

From all of us here at The Maids, may you have a joyous and festive Thanksgiving!!

Marine Toys for Tots Foundation

The Maids of Portland has just received its 2010 Toys for Tots drop off box. The mission of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October through December each year and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to the needy children in the community. Through the gift of a new toy, The Toys for Tots Program delivers a message of hope to less fortunate youngsters that will assist them into becoming responsible, productive, patriotic citizens.

The objectives of this program are to help those less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the developmentof one of our nation's most valuable resources-our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause; and to contribute to better communities in the future.

No donations are too big or too small and will be greatly appreciated!!!

Donate Here:http://topsham-me.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-donate.asp

American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Thank you to The Maids of Portland and to their families and friends for participating in The Making Strides Event to benefit The American Cancer Society on Sunday, October 17th. It was a beautiful day and The Maids were proud to be part of the 3,000 people walking to make strides towards a world with more birthdays.

Thank you to the Maid's participants, because it is people like you who have been helping The American Cancer Society fight breast cancer for nearly a century. When you walked, the funds you raised save lives by helping find breast cancer's causes and cures. We proudly report that The Maids raised $250.00 dollars through generous donations towards such a worthy cause!!

Here Comes The Sun!

Sit Back...

Relax...

Take a Deep Breath...

And Let The Maids Brighten Your Day!!

Green Cleaning:Easy on Allergies and Asthma

A good start for healthier living and reducing environmental allergy reactions is to get rid of chemicals and toxins in your home. In an average home there are 150 chemicals associated with allergies, birth defects, cancer, and psychological disorders. Chemicals in household cleaners can be linked with respiratory problems and asthma. It is said that one in every 13 school-age children in America has asthma! And the condition has increased 160 percent since 1980 in children younger than five years old.

Switching to green cleaners which are non-toxic and bio-degradable is healthy for you, your family and your planet. When toxins in the home are removed, problems with asthma related to the environment can diminish. When you are fighting allergies your immune system needs all the power it can get. Being in the midst of “irritants,” as most chemical cleaners warning labels read, make your body work harder to defend itself.

Most people think they need to compromise effectiveness or price with Green cleaners. That is not true. There are many to choose from now that the “Green” movement is sweeping the nation. Look for green cleaners that are concentrated so that you are not contributing unnecessary plastic to our land fills.

You can even save money while saving your health. For example, some like Shaklee’s “Get Clean” line can save you up to $3000 a year! When a product is in concentrated form, the company uses fewer bottles, less packaging, etc. So it costs less…. and wastes less…. our planet likes that!

If you have someone else cleaning your home ( like The Maids ) have them use your Green products to do the job. You won’t have to come home and open all the windows to get the so-called clean chemical smell out. You also won’t have to worry about babies, small children or pets coming in contact with chemical residue on floors or surfaces like counters and sinks.Cleaning Green makes sense. If your are in harmony with nature it will be in harmony with you. Everyone wins. You, your family and your planet.

You Roast the Turkey,We'll Clean the House

You Roast the Turkey,We'll Clean the House and Everyone will be Thankful!

You've got enough on your plate. It is easy to get a little to full around the holiday season. Let The Maids give you some help by handling all the cleaning duties. After all, they've got back pack vacs that could suck the stuffing out of a turkey. Not to mention, they clean things like remote controls, doorknobs and phone receivers, places that can harbor some serious germs in your home. But that's not even the half of it.

It's time to get the cleaning service that 96% of our customers would recommend to friends and family. Call The Maids! We'll handle the clean.

What's New at The Maids you ask?

Over the last couple of months The Maids in Omaha have been testing a new technology that has the ability to revolutionize our cleaning system. The new technology is called the Ionator. The Ionator eliminates cleaning chemicals by transforming ordinary tap water into a powerful sanitizer. This sanitizing option will save time, reduce cost and protect the enviroment, all with ionized tap water.

Cleaning with the Ionator instead of traditional chemicals reduces energy consumption and pollution formation. The Ionator kills 99.999% of common bacteria including salmonella and leaves no chemical residue behind. There are also no synthetic fragrances or dyes added. In short, The Ionator is a safe and enviromentally friendly sanitizer.

Bloggers- what are your thoughts on this? We would love to hear your opinons!!!

More and more people seem to be adopting a “no shoes policy” in their homes. The Maids will tell you the advantages are clear:

Carpeting stays clean and lasts far longer.Less wear and tear on wood flooring means a substantially longer life-span and less frequent washing

An advantage you may not have thought of:Possibly improved health if you live in an area with high levels of pollen, dust or other allergy triggers, because you won’t track all those allergens into your home.

A few cautions:Going barefoot in the house is not the answer. Always wear slippers or socks. The reason? Dust and dirt mixed with the oils on your feet can lead to carpet stains and premature wear.Don’t just heap a pile of shoes near the door. Looks bad and smells bad!Don’t “require” your guests to remove their shoes unless you provide them with some kind of slippers. Who knows but what they have a hole in their sock or worse.So save money and cleaning time, keep carpeting and wood floors looking new longer, reduce allergens in your house all by simply taking off your shoes!

The Maids Has Flu Season Covered

Many experts and media outlets are predicting that we are entering one of the
worst cold and flu seasons on record. For all of us here at The Maids Home Services

the health and welfare of our employees, and customers is always a top
priority. Our 22-Step Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System was created to
provide you and your family with the healthiest living environment possible.
Reducing germs and bacteria in your home takes on particular importance this
year.
We would like to share with you some of the ways in which we are working each
day to attain this healthy environment for you and our teams:
-> All microfiber cleaning cloths, brushes, toilet brushes and scrub tools are
switched out between homes, and cleaned and disinfected at our facilities
before reuse.
-> Our backpack vacuums with HEPA filtration capture 99% of dust,
allergens, dust mites, and bacteria that are vacuumed. Our vacuums and
cleaning buckets are disinfected after each use.
->Our teams are provided with and required to use antibacterial hand
sanitizer between homes. Also, all interior surfaces of the team cars are
disinfected each evening.
->In your home our team disinfects light switches, doorknobs, telephones,
->This fall we have been holding refresher training meetings on disinfecting
techniques, spread of virus and bacteria, and cold / flu prevention for all
our teams and managers. Managers are on the lookout for any employees
displaying flu like symptoms, and those employees will be sent home.
Cleaning for health is not something new for The Maids, we have been practicing
these techniques your home since 1995. We are, however, more acutely aware of its importance, and our role in helping you keep healthy.

The Maids Welcomes Indian Summer

The hazy, cloudless skies of Indian Summer. Leaves scurrying down the street before the wind. The cold shiver from an arctic blast. Indian Summer. The last warmth of the sun. Chilly mornings and glorious warm afternoons. The Harvest Moon. The Hunter's Moon. The Rainy Season. Dry corn stalks clattering in the wind. The touch of frost on grass and window pane. The smell of burning leaves. It is that time of year again when pumpkins glow in golden fields. The Maids recommends using the Autumn's brisk and breezy days to conquer deep-cleaning chores for a clean and comfortable winter home, and wrap up summer's outdoor areas. And, we would be happy to help and here is how:

1.) Clean out entryway closets and place items back neatly and organized.

2.) Clean out the inside of your refrigerator

3.) Sweep out your garage and get rid of all the cobwebs that have been accumulating

4.) Vacuuming and flipping mattresses

5.) Washing out the inside of kitchen and bathroom drawers and cabinets

Let The Maids help you prepare the home and hearth for the coming of winter.

Fall Back into the Swing of Things

Fall Back into the Swing of Things
THE MAIDS offers tips for keeping your home clean in a crunch

Before you know it, the trees will begin their autumn metamorphosis, reminding us that cooler and shorter days are lurking just around the corner. Fall conjures up images of football, back to school and pumpkin patches … but certainly not cleaning.

If this summer’s activities did not derail your housekeeping efforts, the coming months
are sure to cause some time constraints. In between raking leaves and enjoying a brisk fall walk, use these quick cleaning tips I offer as owner of The Maids, a residential cleaning service. Remember, even taking small actions can make a big impact when it’s time for major housecleaning.

Thirty seconds is longer than you think. In the amount of time it takes pour a cup of coffee and savor that first sip, you can easily maintain trouble spots or reduce pesky clutter:
• Prevent soap scum buildup in your shower with a few quick squirts of daily shower spray.
• Swipe the bathroom counter with a disinfectant wipe, clearing it of hairspray, toothpaste and soap scum.
• Shake out entryway rugs to rid them of excess dirt and minimize traipsing it throughout your home.

Did you know two minutes is the recommended amount of time you should take to brush your teeth? But did you also realize that in that short amount of time you can:
• Gather stray clutter into a laundry basket. Just be sure to put everything in its proper place at a later time.
• Sweep high-traffic areas, like the entryway or bathroom floor.
• Spritz the bathroom mirror with glass cleaner and wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.

Are you lucky enough to have won a time windfall? Use your five minutes wisely:
• Start a load of laundry.
• Wash the bathroom floor. Clean-up is simple if you have already swept it during your two-minute hiatus.
• Wipe down kitchen countertops. You don’t want harmful germs finding their way into your food preparations.
• Sort through your pile of mail and toss the junk. Remember to shred and recycle!

Busy lifestyles necessitate taking small, time-efficient steps when it comes to maintaining an orderly and clean house. If you need an extra hand, call THE MAIDS and experience the healthiest, most thorough housecleaning in the industry. For a free, no-obligation estimate, call us at 207-772-6212 or visit our Web site at :http://www.maids.com/franchise/Portland,_ME/72.aspx

We Could all Learn A Lesson From This Dedicated Maid's Employee!

Damon Lewis began working for a Maids office in Waukegan, Ill., in 1999. The office he worked at was located not far from his home and the commute was quick and easy. Damon was hired as a team member, moved up to assistant team leader, advanced to team leader and then became the field manager. In 2000, Damon was nominated by his owner and selected Maid of the Year by The Maids International (TMI) corporate office. Then, in 2004, TMI purchased the Evanston office and also the Waukegan office. Since the Evanston operation was much larger, the franchise home office was in Evanston which is 30 miles from Waukegan and Damon didn’t have a car. Now what? Understandably, all of the other employees left The Maids except Damon. It was too far to walk, there was no bus, but there was a train he could take to Evanston. The only problem was he would need to get to the train stop each morning and would need to do the same on his return trip home. How could he make this happen? Then Damon thought about his roller blades and decided this would be his answer. I asked Damon how he made this work for him and this is what he told me. He gets out of bed at 4:00 a.m., gets ready, puts on his skates and leaves home at 4:45 a.m. in order to rollerblade 1 ½ hours (yes hours) to reach the train. He said the train commute to Evanston is 45 minutes to one hour depending on how many stops it makes. After he arrives at his train stop, he again puts on his rollerblades and skates the short 10 minutes to The Maids office. What a trip!
This isn’t the entire story! Damon is the team leader of the “Gold “team and at 8:30 each morning he gets in the car and drives his team to the first clean - and you’ll never guess where - Waukegan. It has just taken him two hours and 45 minutes to come from there. He said one good thing is that by driving he reaches his first clean in a little less than one hour. He then starts his day cleaning four to five homes. I asked what time he leaves The Maids office at the end of the day only to start this entire exhausting process in reverse. He said it’s usually around 5:30 p.m., but if he leaves the office after 6:00 p.m., his home commute would be two hours. After arriving back in Waukegan, he said it takes only one hour because it’s all downhill and he can rollerblade faster. I only had two more questions for Damon and I should have known he would again astound me with his answers. “What time do you go to bed?” I asked. He responded that it’s usually around midnight depending if he has to work or not. “What do you mean?” I inquired.
“I have two part-time jobs either driving a limo or I bartend,” he replied.
I was almost afraid to ask him my second question but I did anyway. “What do you do in your free time?” I dared ask. He just glared at me and said, “Are you kidding me?”Is this dedication or what?

Beware of the 7 Dirtiest (and Most Germ-Infested) Spots in Your Home

( But not if you have The Maids)

1. Kitchen sinks and faucets
Half of the faucets in homes are covered in bacteria. That’s why we detail clean faucets. We not only clean them to remove grime and germs, but we buff them to a shiny sparkle, once they are germ-free!
2. Bathroom tubs and showers
A bathtub might contain 100 times more bacteria than a trashcan, and the shower is the third most germ-laden area in a home, right behind your kitchen sponge and sink. Bathroom germs are no match for The Maids. We disinfect your tub, shower and toilet every visit, pre-treat soap scum and buildup with our bathroom cleaner, then use old-fashioned elbow grease to clean surfaces to a dazzling shine.
3. Pet areas
We all know pets do not practice good hygiene; plus, most people infrequently wash pet dishes and areas. The Maids keep pet problems at bay. We have a special vacuum attachment that pet hair clings to, plus our commercial-grade vacuum has HEPA filtration, which removes pet dander and other pet allergens from your carpets. We also clean baseboards and under beds – areas that can get overlooked, but are natural areas for pet hair (and germs) to accumulate.
4. Microwave touch screens
It’s a common practice to put raw meat into the microwave and program the timer. But you may not realize you are leaving behind E. coli or salmonella on the touch screen. Not a problem. During every visit from The Maids, we clean your microwave inside and out – removing illness-causing bacteria.
5. TV remotes
When was your TV remote last cleaned? Well, possibly during your last visit from The Maids. A remote control is usually covered with germs – so it gets special attention from our teams, each and every visit.
6. Light switches
One in five people don’t wash their hands after using the restroom. Therefore, bathroom light switches can contain as many germs as a trashcan. The Maids make sure to clean light switches throughout your home, on every visit.
7. Baby changing tables
When someone is changing a dirty diaper, anything on or around the area can become contaminated with bacteria. That’s why we treat a baby’s room with special care. We clean the diaper area with disinfectant, and use microfiber cloths to dust, because even though our products are environmentally preferable, we know children chew on surfaces, therefore we use our cleaning products judiciously.

Dear Blog Readers,
The Maids are walking in this year's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer to create a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays and we hope you'll support us with a donation. We've made this special video to tell you more. Why is the video special? Because it features YOU. Check it out!

By walking and raising money for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, we really can save lives from breast cancer. Watch this fun video, then click the Donate button to support us with a donation of any amount! If you can donate a little my way, together we can go a long way in the fight against breast cancer.

The Maids is Making Strides Against Breast Cancer

Why Are The Maids Walking?

Today, there is more hope than ever for people facing breast cancer. However, there is much work to be done. Every day, the American Cancer Society is helping people stay well by taking steps to reduce their risk of breast cancer or find it early, when it is most treatable; helping people get well with information, day-to-day help, and emotional support to guide them through every step of a breast cancer experience; by finding cures and promising new treatments through funding and conducting research; and by fighting back by working with lawmakers to help all women get access to screenings and care. The Maids believe that one day, breast cancer will never steal another year from anyone’s life – and we will live in a world with less breast cancer and more birthdays. That’s why The Maids is walking in the American Cancer Society Making Strides against Breast Cancer event on October 17, 2010. Not only is this our opportunity to join our community to fight back against breast cancer, it is a way to inspire hope by raising funds and awareness to help those facing the disease and save more lives.And you can be a part of it, too! The Maids have signed up to walk we hope you will join The Maids in our effort by signing up to join our team or making a donation in support of our participation. Together, we can save lives from breast cancer! Any donations would be extremely appreciated. Donations in check form should be made out to The American Cancer Society and given to your team cleaning supervisor. The Maids thanks you for your support.

To make an online donation, please click HERE.

Plan The Perfect Summer Soiree


Summer is the perfect time to journey outdoors and mingle with family and friends. However, the stress of hosting summer get-togethers can sometimes be discouraging. This year, avoid a meltdown and make your next barbecue or block party a breeze by keeping in mind the following party preparation tips:

Some barbecue fanatics spend days marinating their brisket before a barbecue. Who has time to make a potato salad on top of that? Provide the main course, and ask each guest to bring their favorite side dish with them. You'll get a great variety of dishes, and even your pickier guests will be guaranteed to find one item they will love.

Keep your outdoor decor simple and unfussy. Tea light candles provide instant glamour to any evening party, and are extremely versatile design elements. Some varieties float and can be placed in the pool, while others are perfect for luminaria. To make your own, fill simple white or brown paper bags with enough sand to keep them from overturning in the wind and place one tea candle inside. These can be lovely when used to line a deck or walkway. And for those who are concerned about keeping pesky bugs at bay: Look for candles that include citronella oil, an effective ingredient that naturally repels insects.

Set up a few outdoor games to keep your guests entertained. Games like "Capture the Flag," bean bag toss and Frisbee require very little setup, and get guests to interact with people outside of their own group or family. Kits can be ordered online, or built from materials you have around the house.

No one likes to rush around looking for matching bowls and lids when it's time for guests to take leftovers home. Inexpensive wax-lined paper cartons (bought at craft stores) allow guests to transport food home without the hassle of returning your expensive food storage containers afterward -- something everyone will appreciate. If you have extra time before the party starts, these containers can also be customized by adding each guest's name and the date of your party. Courtesy of ARAcontent

Finally, A Legitimate Reason To Fire Your Cleaning Lady

There is finally a legitimate reason to fire your cleaning lady! Out with the maid,in with The Maids. It's time to clean house. At a 96% referral rate, it's time to go with the cleaning service everyone's talking about. Well, practically everyone.

Here's why: The Maids clean light switches ,phone receivers , even toilet seat hinges. 1/3 of adults do not wash their hands after using the bathroom. No problem, The Maids clean doorknobs. Each cleaning team consists of four professionally bonded and insured, obsessive-complusive clean freaks. Teams use back pack vacs with Hepa filtration to suck up dirt,dust,allergens, pet dander and any shred of doubt.

We hope you like hand-washed floors.

Satisfied yet? We'll happily come back and clean any area you're unhappy with. That's our 24-hour,100%,satisfaction guarantee!

Discover The Every Day Choices You Can Make To Create a Healthier and Safer Home For You and Your Family

Clean with 5 Basic Tools•White distilled vinegar disinfects and deodorizes.

Acidic vinegar disinfects, deodorizes, and dissolves hard water scale, gummy substances, and tarnish. It also pulls dirt from wood. As a fabric rinse, 1/4 cup of vinegar added to the washing machine’s rinse cycle removes detergent completely from clothes, eliminating that scratchy feel. Recent research also shows that vinegar is an effective weed killer.
•Lemon juice cuts grease and polishes metal.

Lemon juice, also acidic, lightens stains and cuts grease. For a laundry brightener, add 1/2 cup of strained lemon juice to the rinse cycle. To remove tarnish, rub sliced lemons on brass, copper, bronze and aluminum. This work especially well with baking soda sprinkled on the lemon.
•Baking soda has many cleaning and deodorizing uses.

Slightly abrasive and alkaline, this soda ash (a mineral) byproduct neutralizes odors and makes a good sink, tub, oven and countertop scourer.

Deodorize: Place an open box of baking soda in the fridge. Sprinkle it on carpets before vacuuming. Line kitty’s litter box with about 1 cup before adding litter.

To de-grease and sweeten sink and tub drains, pour 1/2 cup of baking soda down drain followed by 1 cup vinegar; let bubble for 15 minutes; rinse with hot water.

For a "soft scrub," mix together baking soda and liquid soap. Make only as much as you need, as it dries up quickly.
•Washing soda is a stronger alternative to baking soda.

Found in the supermarket laundry aisle, washing soda is baking soda’s more caustic cousin. It’s stronger and also requires the use of gloves and more rinsing, so save for extra-stubborn stains.

To clean extra-greasy ovens, apply a paste of 1 cup baking soda, 1/4 cup of washing soda, and water; soak overnight. The next morning, lift off soda mixture and grime; rinse well.

Add 1/2 cup washing soda to laundry as a detergent booster.

Watch A Wake Up Story from Healthy Child Healthy World.

Find Peace Of Mind With Your Cleaning Services Company

Find Peace Of Mind With Your Cleaning Services Company
There are countless maid services and cleaning professionals from which to choose. Just open your phone book to maid service or maids and butlers and you’ll be faced with numerous options in a house cleaning company. Choosing based upon a clever advertisement alone may not yield a sparkling, healthy home. When evaluating a cleaning services company, consumers should have high expectations and not settle for anything but the best home maid service. Look for key benefits and exceptional service levels to ensure your peace of mind.

Home maid service involves more than just cleaning!
When it comes to home maid service, be assured you use a cleaning services company that cleans more than just the easy to reach places. You need a detailed clean in your home for your health and comfort.

A house cleaning company should provide its own cleaning products and equipment to ensure the home maid service employees are trained on their proper use. This guarantees products are used correctly.

Verify the service is bonded and insured. If a maid slips and falls while cleaning the shower or a theft occurs, a homeowner's insurance policy might not cover the incident. Demand the cleaning services company has coverage for both the business and your home.

Check references or if using a house cleaning company, be sure all employees' references are checked and residence status is confirmed. It is important that any in-home workers be thoroughly screened prior to hiring.

Remember, having a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee on every clean is important to ensure you’re happy with the finished work.

Make sure the cleaning services company has a standard service agreement because you need to know what will be included with your home maid service and agree upon expectations. Does the house cleaning company have a regimen list of cleaning activities, or do you need to specify the areas in the home that will be cleaned? Be sure you understand what cleaning functions will be completed in your home by the home maid service to ensure you are satisfied with the finished work. For a quick estimate, call Katie or Sally @ The Maids of Portland, ME 207-772-6212.

Twenty-One Reasons to Have Your Home Cleaned Professionally

So, you've never had professional housekeeping help? People are often surprised at how relatively little it can cost, so what's holding you back? If what you need are a few reasons to get started, read this article from http://cleaningproz.wordpress.com/

1.) You want to devote more time to working on your career, advancement or promotion.

2.) You run a home-based business or tele-commute.

3.) You want to spend more time with the people you love and doing the things you enjoy.

4.) You are temporarily unable to clean due to health issues.

5.) You are pregnant.

6.)You are about to have a party or houseguests.

7.)You had a party or houseguests.

8.)You'd like to buy back your weekends for rest, relaxation and fun.

9.)You or a family member suffer from allergies.

10.)You want to relieve some stress in your life-and be a nicer person for your family.

12.)You want to be able to entertain and have visitors without a major overhaul.

13.)You have a new baby ( or babies!)

14.)You are caring for several young children.

15.)You are Ms. ( or Mr. ) Volunteer for the community, your children's school, etc.

16.)You hate housework!!

17.)You want to reduce stress associated with a cluttered enviroment.

18.)You want to solve the family conflicts which result from the " messy house and no one wants to clean it" syndrome.

19.)You want to feel proud of your home.

20.)You want to experience the unbelievable bliss of coming home-just once or every other week-to a sparkling clean house.

21.) Because you desire a "life" outside work and more work!

What is your reason for having or wanting a professional house cleaning? Please share.

Stain Buster- Pollen

Pollen is everywhere! To remove pollen from fabrics, gently shake the garment to remove as much pollen as you can. Use a sticky side of a piece of tape to lift off remaining particles, or vacuum lightly. Avoid rubbing the particles in. Pretreat with a prewash stain remover and launder with added bleach that is safe for the fabric.

To remove pollen from upholstery, vacuum pollen particles then use a sticky side of a piece of tape to lift off remaining particles. Using a clean white cloth, sponge the stain with a dry-cleaning solvent. Blot until the solvent is absorbed. Repeat until the stain disappears.

Do not use your hand to brush off the pollen. You run the risk of rubbing the pollen into the fabric. In addition, the oils from your skin may set the stain. If some pollen still remains, place the item in direct sunlight for a few hours; the stain may disappear.

Welcome to The Maids Home Services' Survey

Have you ever used a Maids service before? If so, what did you like or dislike about your experience? If not, would you be interested in a free, no obligation estimate right over the phone? Take our survey and if a cleaning estimate from The Maids is of interest to you, simply let us know and we will be in touch!!Get out and enjoy yourself and leave the cleaning to us!

The Maids Home Services introduces the Rozeff-Bryant Family

Many families travel far from home to get treatment for their seriously ill or injured children. The treatment may last a day, a month, or even longer. It's a long time to be away from home, or to divide a family. The Ronald McDonald House offers families a way to stay together, in proximity to the treatment hospital, and be comfortable and cared for during their stay. One such family is the Rozeff-Bryant family. Tim was able to return to work after Kelton was born, returning every night to their home away from home at the Ronald McDonald House. The House made it possible for Anita to spend the maximum amount of time with Kelton and it allowed them to connect with other families in similar situations which made it easier to cope. One of the highlights of their stay was Thanksgiving dinner cooked by volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House.

Most of the guests at The Ronald McDonald House have weakened immune systems so it is very important for the house to be especially clean. The Maids is proud to donate monthly cleaning at The Ronald McDonald House and are pleased to be there for the families when they need it the most! We love what we do and are happy to share our passion!

Fund Raising for the 19th Annual Pet and People Walk

Great News! The Maids of Portland, Maine has raised $380.00 thus far for the 19th Annual Pet and People walk on June 12, 2010 to benefit The Center for Grieving Children. A big thank you to those who have been so generous and a thank you in advance to those who plan to donate but have not yet done so. Your tax deductable contribution will help many children and their families during a stressful time in their lives!

Unique Cleaning Tips from The Maids

During the last fourteen years that The Maids has been servicing the greater Portland area,the Maids has received many unique inquiries about cleaning tips that we would like to share with you:
1.) How do you get rid of ants? To keep ants out of the house, find where the ants are entering and sprinkle a " barrier " of cinnamon or any type of ground pepper to block their way. The spices are too hot for the ants to cross.
2.) How do I get rid of bathroom odors? To repel bathroom odors, place a shallow dish of baking soda behind the toilet to absorb odors.
3.)How do I keep my chimney clean? To keep your chimney clean, throw a handful of salt on the fire.
4) Is there a good way to eliminate fish or other spoiled food odors? Yes- simply place a bowl of white vinegar on the counter for a few hours. The odor will disappear for good.
5.)Do you know of a way to keep my kitty litter smelling fresh? To keep kitty litter fresh smelling, mix baby powder in with the litter.
6.)HELP! I need to find a way to get rid of paint on my carpet. Any thoughts? Spray with windex and wipe clean.
7.) How can I remove stickers/decals and glue from things? My two year old has been very active decorating! To remove them from furniture,glass,plastic, etc. saturate with vegetable oil and rub off.

Even Your Dog Wants You To Get Out And Play!

Even your dog wants you to get out and play. Go ahead and enoy yourself and leave the cleaning to The Maids Home Services of Portland, Maine. You deserve it!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYnn8BFn2kc

The Annual Pet and People Walk

Please join us for the 19th annual pet and people walk Saturday, June 12th,2010 in Payson Park to benefit The Center for Grieving Children. The Maids Home Services is a proud sponsor and participant. Join us for a day filled with music,food,arts and crafts,games and a walk around Back Cove as we raise funds for The Center.

Date &Time: June 12, 2010 9:00am-12:30pm

Location: Payson Park (Back Cove)
Baxter Boulevard
Portland, Maine 04103

Registration Closes: June 11, 2010

Coordinator: The Center for Grieving Children
cgc@cgcmaine.org
207-775-5216

The Maids Slide Show!

The Center For Grieving Children

The Maids Home Services in Portland, Maine has recently volunteered to donate bi-monthly cleaning to The Center For Grieving Children in Portland. The Center for Grieving Children's mission is to provide loving support to grieving children,teens,families and the community through support,outreach and education.

" As a local business owner,I continually look for ways to give back to the communities I serve and The Center For Grieving Children is a wonderful opportunity that directly impacts the lives of so many community members in a positive way," explained Sally Libby,owner of The Maids Home Services. " The loss of a loved one is a devastating event, and we want to do what we can to help provide a clean, healthy, safe and caring place for the children and their families."

The Maids Home Services is the only residential cleaning franchise to clean for health using an exclusive 22-Step Healthy Touch Deep Cleaning System. Their unique cleaning method provides customers with cleaner, healthier homes through their distinctive cleaning products and equipment, as well as their strategic, methodic
cleaning approach.

The Maids Home Services has been serving customers in the Portland area since 1996.

Founded in 1987, The Center For Grieving Children honors and encourages safe expression of grief and loss. They provide a loving community to foster the discovery and development of each child's own resiliency and emotional well-being. The Center has over 200 volunteers serving the children, teens and their families and can be reached at 207-775-5216 or www.cgcmaine.org.

For more information about The Maids Home Services, call the office at 207-772-6212 or visit their Web site at http://www.maids.com/franchise/Portland,_ME/72.aspx.

How to clean patio furniture cushions

As the weather gets warmer, you will probably start to bring out your patio furniture. Are your cushions moldy? If so, mix together 1 tsp. dishwashing detergent and 1 tsp. borax in 1 quart warm water. Put the mixture in a spray bottle. Saturate the cushions with the cleaning solution. Do not be frugal-you want to get a lot of the solution on. This is what will clean off the mold and mildew. Be sure to get all the crevices and creases. The more you put on now, the less you will have to do when you wash it off. Let the cleaning solution set for 15 minutes. Then with the garden hose on high, spray the cushions thoroughly to knock the dirt and cleaning solution off the cushions. Stand the cushions on edge to dry.

Soap Scum in tubs and showers

The Maids Home Services of Portland, ME The days are getting longer and the temps are climbing!!! Here's a tip on cleaning caked on soap scum in your shower. Use a degreasing agent and lots of elbow grease. Get a good alkaline soap scum remover at a janitorial supply store or dissolve a handful of automatic dishwasher detergent in a bucket of warm water. Cover the area completely and let your solution soak for at least 15 minutes. After soaking, use a stiff scrub brush, or a white,nylon-backed scrub sponge to clean the walls. You may need to repeat this process several times. Then rinse with clear water.