We’re often asked by cleaning business owners how to clean tile and grout floors.

It’s a big challenge for a couple reasons:

1. The tile itself is higher than the grout, so when you clean the surface, the cleaning solution naturally settles in the lower grout area. The cleaning solution suspends the soil while mopping, so if it settles in the grout line, the soil can get trapped there.
2. Grout is porous, so if it hasn’t been sealed, the soil that is sitting on top will eventually work its way into the grout.

So what is a person to do? Follow these steps:

1. First remove any dry soil by vacuuming with a backpack or upright vacuum that has a hard floor attachment. Avoid sweeping because brooms and dust mops tend to leave soil particles in the grout lines.
2. Wet mop the floor using a neutral pH floor cleaner.
3. Do not leave too much solution on the floor. This will leave soil particles in the grout lines, which can work their way down into the porous grout. One way to accomplish this is to use microfiber flat mops, as they leave less solution on the floor than traditional mops, and they’re able to pick up more of the soil particles due to the nature of the microfiber.
4. Increase frequency of mopping. The more frequently the floor is mopped, the less likely it is that the soil will settle into the grout lines. If it’s not possible for you to increase the frequency, educate your customer on the consequences of infrequent mopping. You may be able to convince them to mop the floors between your visits.

If the grout hasn’t been sealed, there may not be much you can do because the soil has probably penetrated the grout. If this is the case, you may need to call in a professional who can remove the top layer of grout with a grout saw, and then apply a skin coat of new grout. Then it can be sealed with a penetrating sealer after about 24 to 36 hours.

If your customer asks you to clean and seal the grout, here are the steps to follow:

1. Mix the cleaning solution according to the label directions.
2. Apply a small amount of solution to the grout. Allow the chemical to stand for several minutes, and then agitate with a grout brush or stiff bristled brush.
3. To make the job easier, use a 175 rpm floor machine with a nylo-grit brush.
4. Vacuum up the solution with a wet vac and then rinse the grout with clean water and allow to dry overnight.
5. Once the grout is dry, protect it with a good penetrating sealer.

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Lone Star Maids utilizes a fuel surcharge based upon the fuel prices published daily by the American Automobile Association (AAA). This method closely links fuel surcharges to current fuel prices and adjusts quickly to changes up or down in fuel prices.  We update our fuel surcharge every Monday morning.  Click here to view the AAA Fuel Gauge Report*, where you will see the average pricing per gallon of regular unleaded fuel in the Austin metro area!

Also, in an effort to curb excessive driving, we service homes based on their proximity to other homes on our routes. If you need to be home during your appointment, we can give you a 30-minute courtesy call before our scheduled arrival.

*Fuel surcharge percentages and basis for calculation are subject to change without notice.

In a perfect world, all of our stainless steel sinks, counters, and appliances would remain as pristine as the day we bought them. Unfortunately, the real world of abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, pots and pans, and countless other culprits can leave unsightly scratches on stainless steel. One well-meaning scrubbing of a stainless steel sink with an aggressive scrub pad can leave visible scratches. People brushing up against a stainless steel refrigerator can leave unwanted marks. Normal wear and tear can damage even the most well-cared-for countertop. Normal cleaners will not remove these scratches, so what can you do?

The first piece of advice is to start out with the least aggressive method of removal. If possible, consult the manufacturer for recommended methods of removal. You MUST use care with any of these methods by always rubbing with the grain of the stainless steel. Also, always keep the surface wet to prevent further scratching. It is best to begin any of these methods using a gentle hand. The less aggressive methods may require time and elbow grease, so patience is needed.

It should also be noted that many stainless steel appliances are coated with a protective film to help prevent fingerprints. Using these methods can damage these surfaces, so caution is required. Here is a list of methods you can try:

• Sometimes, minor scratches can simply be concealed through the use of a stainless steel polish. Unfortunately, you must frequently re-apply it on a frequent basis, but it is a small price to pay to keep your products looking great. This may be the best method for appliances covered with protective film, to prevent even more damage.
• You can purchase products made specifically for scratch removal on stainless steel, such as Scratch B Gone. Many people have had good results with Bar Keeper’s Friend, a powdered cleaner safe for stainless steel.
• Another method is using a rubbing compound, such as those made by 3M. Again, be sure to rub in the direction of the grain.
• A piece of wet fine-grit sandpaper can also be used to remove deeper scratches. Always keep it wet, and follow up with a rubbing compound. If you need to use a courser-grit paper to remove deeper scratches, follow up with a finer grit, and then finally a rubbing compound.

Again, care must be given in using some of these methods, as you could cause more harm than good. Test a small inconspicuous area first, if possible. Time, elbow grease, and the proper product can safely remove scratches and bring your stainless back to its original beauty!

We love animals and we realize that pets are family. So why do we assess this fee? Overall, your pets can create a mess and it takes longer to clean up after them! From our personal experience, pets leave bits of themselves, their food, their toys and their fur everywhere!

Gone are the days when whirlpool baths were found only in the most affluent of homes. As our culture has becomes more and more accustomed to creature comforts, these luxuries have become more and more commonplace. As residential cleaners, it is very likely you will, or have already, cleaned homes with these tubs in them. By learning how to care for whirlpool tubs properly, you will have another useful service to offer your clients.

Oftentimes, maintaining a whirlpool is a task the homeowner has neglected. The pumps, jets, and hoses can become breeding grounds for various microorganisms, and the combination of minerals from water, soaps, and body oils and dirt can create a buildup both internally as well as on the tub surface itself. Improper cleaning can not only affect the appearance and performance of these fixtures, but can be a health hazard as well. As the interior tubing collects water, molds and bacteria begin to grow. Common complaints include a foul odor coming from the jets, as well as black or brown “gunk” entering the tub as pieces of the decaying matter break off and enter the water stream. Not a pleasant site when you are trying to enjoy a relaxing bath.

If possible, it is always best to follow manufacturers’ maintenance procedures, but oftentimes you or the homeowner may not know the manufacturer. There are general guidelines, however, that apply to all whirlpools. There is one step in these procedures that I’m sure rarely gets followed. It is recommended to purge the system using a germicidal cleaning solution. Some manufacturers recommend this be done after every use, while others recommend doing the procedure twice per month.

The process involves filling the tub with hot water, just past the highest set of jets, then adding the cleaning agents. Some manufacturers, such as Jacuzzi, recommend using a product specifically intended for this process, available on their website. Others recommend using a solution of ½ cup of bleach and 2 tsp of dishwashing detergent, such as Cascade. In either case, run the whirlpool for 5 to 10 minutes, drain the tub, then fill the tub with cool water and run it again for a few minutes to rinse. This process not only kills any bacteria lingering in the system, it also prevents buildup from accumulating. This buildup can clog the jets and decrease the performance of the whirlpool. As a side note, it is recommended not to use bubble bath or other soaps in whirlpools, as it can harm the pump and add to the buildup problem.

As far as cleaning the interior of the whirlpool, it is not really different from cleaning a regular tub. All purpose cleaners are fine—just make sure not to use abrasive cleansers, such as Comet, as they may damage the surface. For heavy mineral deposits, mild acid cleaners are effective, but be sure to rinse well after use. Do not use aggressive scrubbing pads or steel wool, as this will cause damage as well.

“There are tons of cancer-research foundations.  I need help with my house!   I have three small children and have been taking chemotherapy for over 19 months.  We don’t need another research foundation; this is what I need today.  This is a God-send to me.”

Cancer Patient, Long Island, NY

You do not need to be a researcher, doctor or nurse to have a positive and dramatic impact on the life of a cancer patient. Member companies of Cleaning For A Reason are proving this every time they leave a clean home for a woman receiving treatment for cancer.

Cleaning For A Reason is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free and discounted cleaning for cancer patients. This nonprofit was formed in 2006 and is the only foundation in America doing this type of philanthropic work.  Lone Star Maids is proud to say that we are a Local Chapter of this organization.

We have always helped women simplify their lives.  That is what we do.  So being a part of the Cleaning For A Reason Foundation is a natural fit for our company.  As a local business we are grateful for the success that we have attained through our many loyal customers.  We are proud of the services we provide and proud to be able to help those in need.  It is another way that we can reach out to our community.

We are committed to providing the gift of a clean home to women undergoing treatment for cancer through this Foundation. When someone knows a woman who is in need of help during this difficult season of her life she can contact Cleaning For A Reason at www.cleaningforareason.org.

The national Cleaning For A Reason Foundation makes it possible for us to do our part in the way we know best: cleaning homes every day and making a difference.

Contact Jess Duarte at (512) 258-4798 for more information regarding this new and innovative foundation supporting women with cancer.

Not sure what to get that special someone? Finding the perfect gift just got easier. Pick up a Lone Star Maids Gift Card and let them decide.

To get started, simply choose a dollar amount and let your recipient choose what to services they need.  Lone Star

Maids’ Gift Cards can be ordered one at a time or in groups and they can be mailed to you or directly to the gift recipient!

Get them now and make someone’s day by sharing the quality and convenience of Lone Star Maids.  You may order gift cards here: http://www.lonestarmaids.com/gift-cards/ or you can call us directly at (512) 258-4798!

There are so many ways to make a bed!  But I found a nice little video from the Courtyard housekeeping staff that shows you the step-by-step process of how to properly make a bed. Brought to you by Danielle Jenkins and Allison Lloyd.

Enjoy…

Family owned and operated since 1976, the folks at Charlie’s Soap have made non-toxic detergents which clean everything from clothes to cars to carpet stains, from false teeth to Diesel engines.

Today, Lone Star Maids is recommending Charlie’s Soap laundry liquid.  Charlie’s Soap is formulated to work specifically with fabrics, safely and effectively.  Charlie’s Soap is safe and effective on many fabrics including silk, wool, linen, cotton, high-tech microfiber athletic and waterproof gear.

Charlie’s Soap is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, completely biodegradable and front-loader/HE compatible.  Futhermore, it contains no dyes, no phosphates, no UV brighteners and no perfumes!  All of this and you will only have to use an 1/8 cup per large washload!

At Lone Star Maids, we depend on Charlie’s Soap to keep our microfiber towels clean and at the peek of softness and performance. Charlie’s Soap not only leaves our towels clean, but it removes lingering bacteria and oils that may otherwise not be removed. Wax, furniture polish and most other cleaning chemicals build-up and compromise the cleaning ability of microfiber as well as dramatically reduce the cleaning, buffing or polishing efficiency of the microfiber.

In the past, using inferior household detergents led to rapid discoloration, deterioration and stiffness greatly reducing the microfiber natural absorption ability as well as its longevity.  Now, used regularly, Charlie’s Soap has kept our microfiber towels soft and absorbent, all the while rapidly eliminating stains and spots without jeopardizing the individual micro-fibers.

We believe that we’ve come across a revolutionary approach to laundry care, Charlie’s Soap does not cover up stains and odors – it really cleans them!

Check them out at http://www.charliessoap.com.

Sign up for weekly or biweekly service and get a $100 Rebate after your 6th cleaning in 90 days. Code: TWIT0609.