Organize closets. Reorganize closets, removing items that you have “slightly” outgrown or have not worn in the past two years. Check expiration dates on medications and remove old lotions, shampoos or cosmetics.

Clean vents and registers. Dust and dirt quickly collect in registers and air vents, which can circulate into the air. For regular cleaning, use the brush attachment and your vacuum. For a thorough clean, remove metal vents from wall and wash in warm soapy water, dry and reattach.

Clean carpets. Regular carpet cleaning helps maintain the life of your carpet and improve indoor air quality, which in turn decreases the likelihood of allergy and asthma symptoms. If you do not own a carpet cleaner, consider renting a machine or hiring a professional.

Wash windows. Wash windows inside and out. Use a drop of liquid dish soap per two gallons of water and a good squeegee. You will get the best results if you wash windows on a cloudy, not sunny day, because sunlight dries the glass quickly, causing it to streak.

Wash linens. Wash bedding, curtains and shower liners according to fabric instructions. Remove extra blankets from the bed only needed during the cold winter months.

Vacuum mattresses. Dust, dander and dust mites build up in your mattress. Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. This draws air through the mattress and unsettles dust and dirt.

Clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Turn off your light then remove the light bulbs and light casing. Vacuum the tops of ceiling fan blades and inside ceiling lamp globes. Put a washcloth in the bottom of your sink to prevent damage then wash glass fixtures with warm soapy water.

Clean wastebaskets. Empty all trash containers. Clean and disinfect inside and out with warm, soapy water and a neutral disinfectant.

Clean cupboards and drawers. Vacuum crumbs, dust and hair, then wash the bottom and inside of each drawer and cupboard using a solution of two tablespoons vinegar per one quart of water and wipe dry.

Clean range hood. To release trapped grease and odors, wash range hood and fan with warm water and vinegar then rinse well. Remove the metal filter, soak in warm water, vinegar and a few drops of liquid dish detergent and then rinse well before replacing.

About THE MAIDS of Naples, FL Home Services:
THE MAIDS Home Services, founded in 1979, is the most trusted name in home services due to their consistent quality service and premium products which meet or exceed customers’ expectations. THE MAIDS of Naples, FL promises to deliver a cleaner, healthier, happier and more comfortable home…guaranteed because “Nobody Outcleans The Maids.” For more information, visit THE MAIDS of Naples, FL Home Services’ web site at www.themaidsofnaples.com or call 1-239-774-6243

Naples, FL – For years I have been intimidated by my brother, Harry Ireland’s cleaning habits. I an am artist, and have very “creative” cleaning and organizing habits. But my brother is the extreme opposite; his house is so extremely organized, so clean that he typically has white carpeting and white furniture throughout the house. Everything is not just in it’s place, it is precisely in its place; the magazine is placed at an exactly 45 degree angle. If I pick up the magazine, put it down, look away, when I look back it will be magically into it’s 45 degree angle again. It is hard to believe that we are from the same family. Yes, I am frightened by his cleanness.

Now, of course, he owns a cleaning business.

I think it all started in the military. It was the 5:00 a.m. bugle calls and white glove tests that did this to him. He still gets up early in the morning and is up CLEANS before going to work! Those military people are so clean; and he was a sergeant in the Air Force.

Then I think is was his engineering at Ford Motor Company that deepened the cleanliness. Everything is so precise. For over 20 years, he was creating microscopic perfection. No wonder he is like that!

My brother, of course, in choosing to purchase a business, chooses the top-of-the-line franchise in residential cleaning. He has started a business under the franchise leadership of “The Maids®.” The Maids is the industry’s quality leader, since is the only residential cleaning franchise to clean for health using the company’s “22-Step “Healthy Touch® Deep Cleaning System.” This unique cleaning method provides customers with cleaner, healthier homes through using environmentally preferable cleaning products, a strategic, methodic cleaning approach and state-of-the-art equipment. This includes their patented back pack vacuum with HEPA filtration that can capture up to 99 percent of all dust, allergens, bacteria, pet dander, pollen and other pollutants. The Maids has more than 164 franchise partners serving over 90 major US and Canadian cities. The Maids offices can be found in over 40 US states and four Canadian provinces.

So why is my brother the original Mr. Clean? First of all, I think he might be a little older than the “other Mr. Clean.” Second, my bother lives a clean life. He has been married over 30 years, is loyal to his wife, attends church, and is honest and upright. So perhaps a better name for him may be “The ULTIMATE Mr. Clean!”

My bother, Harry Ireland’s business is called “The Maids of Naples” and serves Bonita Springs, Marco Island, Naples, Ft. Myers Beach, Estero and surrounding areas. The Maids of Naples may be contacted at 239-774-6243 or visit them online at www.themaidsofnaples.com for a free estimate.