Out with the Old, in with the New: Merry Maids Urges Swapping out #SpringCleaning Supplies

MEMPHIS, Tenn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–In many ways, spring is a season to look forward to, with longer days
and more opportunities to get outdoors. But for many, the thought of
spring cleaning isn’t quite as pleasant – and it’s likely because many
simply don’t know where to begin. It’s also likely they’re not using the
right tools, making cleaning that much more difficult, labor intensive
and time consuming – enter here, the stress of spring cleaning.

Fortunately, Merry Maids, the nation’s largest home cleaning provider
and a ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) company, is here to help homeowners
ease into spring by sharing the tools that will make spring cleaning
easier – and ultimately, cleaner.

“Spring cleaning is a big undertaking and it’s important to make sure
you’re really cleaning your home instead of spreading the dirt,” says
Debra Johnson, Merry Maids home cleaning expert. “You may have to revamp
your supply closet and part with beloved cleaning items you grew up
using. We want you to go beyond removing dust and debris, and if your
tools are more likely to spread, rather than remove, then it’s time to
upgrade your spring cleaning routine.”

To ensure a successful spring cleaning, Johnson shares her expert advice
on which cleaning supplies and products are up to the task and which you
should leave behind in the closet:

Sponges vs. Microfiber Cloths

Even the cleanest-smelling household sponges can be germ magnets. Since
most of us don’t have a microscope and can never fully tell how clean
(or dirty, in most cases) sponges are, Johnson recommends that you steer
clear of them altogether. Instead, opt for a microfiber cloth. Not only
is microfiber better at cleaning surfaces, but it’s also machine
washable and quick-drying, which means that microfiber cloths are less
likely to hold onto germs. And, if you can’t remember the last time one
was washed, wash it before (and after) spring cleaning.

Brooms vs. Vacuums

More often than not, brooms push dirt and dust around, rather than
collect it, so skip sweeping and say “goodbye” to your broom. Instead,
dust off your vacuum, literally, and get to work. Johnson’s pro tip?
Show your vacuum a little TLC before you begin. There’s a strong
likelihood you haven’t cleaned the roller brush or changed the HEPA
filter since you bought it (which is different than emptying the bin).
Ignoring important maintenance can impact the suction of a vacuum,
making it less effective at picking up dust and debris, and ultimately
leaving a lot behind in its wake (even if you can see vacuum lines in
the carpet).

Floor Cleaner vs. Floor Steamer

While some floor cleaners promise to do it all, they’re not necessarily
the best option when it comes to deep cleaning your floors. Instead,
steamers can be a secret weapon in your spring cleaning toolkit, because
not only can they remove stains off ceramic tile or vinyl flooring, but
some can also get hot enough to kill bacteria lingering in hard-to-reach
places or tile grout. If your family had a particularly rough cold and
flu season, this may be the best way to help rid your home of those
germs. In all cases, follow the steamer manufacturer’s directions
carefully; and, when in doubt, test an inconspicuous portion of the
floor first to ensure the steamer won’t damage the floor.

Trusty Toilet Brush vs. Disposable Toilet Wands

Toilet brushes have the least glamorous cleaning duty in the home. After
use, they’re often put back in their holders, bringing all their dirty
work with them. Opt for a more sanitary solution, like disposable toilet
wands that come with a built-in cleaning solution. Their textures are
better for scrubbing and they don’t have the same horrifying potential
to hang onto unwanted grime in your spotless, newly spring-cleaned
bathroom.

Brand Name Glass Cleaner vs. Make-It-Yourself
Solutions

Not only can retail cleaners and paper towels be expensive, they’re
often not as effective as the homemade solution you can make with things
like vinegar and rubbing alcohol, and using coffee filters instead of
paper towels. Mix one-fourth cup of vinegar with one-fourth cup of
rubbing alcohol and a half cup of water, and you’ve got a natural,
great-performing solution that, when paired with coffee filters as your
cloth, can get your windows streak-free.

If there’s a chance that spring cleaning season could pass you by, find
a Merry Maids nearby and have an expert take care of it for you – with
pristine cleaning supplies in hand. To find the nearest Merry Maids
location, visit MerryMaids.com.
Merry Maids can customize a cleaning plan for your home, ensuring a
consistent, reliable and thorough cleaning every time.

About Merry Maids

Merry Maids is the largest home cleaning franchise network in the United
States. Merry Maids provides services in 49 states and the District of
Columbia through approximately 450 franchised outlets. Through its
company-owned and franchise locations, Merry Maids employs more than
7,400 home cleaning professionals that service homes on four continents,
including more than 200,000 homes in North America every month. Merry
Maids is a business unit of The
ServiceMaster Company, LLC, one of the world’s largest residential
and commercial service networks. The company’s brands include Terminix,
American Home Shield, ServiceMaster Restore, ServiceMaster Clean, Merry
Maids, Furniture Medic and AmeriSpec. Go to www.merrymaids.com
for more information about Merry Maids or follow us at twitter.com/MerryMaids
and facebook.com/MerryMaids.

About ServiceMaster

ServiceMaster (NYSE: SERV) solves the homeowner’s dilemma. Every day, we
visit more than 75,000 homes and businesses through our extensive
service network of expert professionals. Technology powers our trusted
experts to engage with customers so they can order, buy and receive
services when, where and how they want them. Our well-recognized brands
includes American Home Shield (home warranties), AmeriSpec (home
inspections), Furniture Medic (furniture repair), Merry Maids
(residential cleaning), ServiceMaster Clean (janitorial and residential
floor cleaning), ServiceMaster Restore (disaster restoration) and
Terminix (termite and pest control). Like, follow or visit us at facebook.com/ServiceMaster,
linkedin.com/ServiceMaster,
twitter.com/ServiceMaster,
or servicemaster.com.

Contacts

For Merry Maids
Jenna Walsh, 617-939-8471
jwalsh@conecomm.com
or
Alison
Bishop, 901-827-6956
alison.bishop@servicemaster.com