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Lucy Leyva

Recalling the Way Mom Used to Clean

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In this Mother’s Day month, our thoughts are turned to our own moms and grandmothers. I think about how things were in their day. How did mom do things differently from what we do today? How did grandma do things differently from mom?

Just for fun, I wanted to take a look way back at how “clean” was viewed and accomplished through the different eras. In the Victorian era, the luxury of a regular bath was reserved for the upper class. Family members would share the same bath water and so, as it got used over and over, by the time it got to the last family member, the baby, it was murky, so murky you could possibly lose someone in it. Thus came the birth of the saying, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater.”

In 1400, the Chinese invented toilet paper; thank you, China. The first electric powered vacuum cleaner was invented in 1901, and not widely used until later than that. Today, we have central vacuums, Rumbas, amazing cleaning products and polishes that make things sterile and shiny. Thankfully, most of us are able to shower or bathe regularly without having to share the water.

Do we think about all the conveniences we have now to help us with keeping clean and keeping our homes clean? I know that I am thankful that I don’t have to take the rug out to the laundry line and beat it to death. One thing I can remember was a great aunt who would wrap each clean folded towel in wax paper and carefully place it in the linen closet along with the other individually wrapped clean towels and linens.  On that same note, does anyone remember the plastic couch covers in the ‘60s? It was a terrible invention in my eyes, but nonetheless, the standard of clean in those days.

Before commercially produced cleaning sponges were invented, they would actually use sponge from the sea. Wood ash, pork fat and also lye were used to make soap. Some natural resources used then for cleaning are still popular today, such as vinegar and lemon.

The one common denominator from then to now is good old elbow grease.  Cleaning is hard work – it was then and still is now – but the reward is great and makes us feel good.

I guess, regardless of how they did it through the years, the fact is: they did it. Our great grandmothers, grandmothers and moms worked tirelessly to keep things clean and in order. I think about my own mother and how hard she worked all her life. I thank her and all of the other moms this Mother’s Day for all they do for us.

From everyone here at Prescott Maid to Order, thank you to all of the moms who came before us and all the moms here today. Have a wonderful Mother’s Day! QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Spring Cleaning for a Healthy Home 

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With all of the snow and cold weather ending, we are ready for nice weather. Our homes have been closed up, air recirculating, fireplaces burning and heaters running almost non–stop. The air that we have been breathing hasn’t been the healthiest. Dust and allergens lurk in hidden areas. As we start to open up for spring, it’s time to clean things up. 

A deep spring clean on the interior of the house will make your home feel beautiful, it will look well cared for and will contribute to healthy living. The ceiling fans, vents, light fixtures, fireplaces, baseboards, raised panel doors, pot shelves, cabinet fronts and many more areas collect dust and grease over the months. Your general vacuuming and dusting just doesn’t get all of those areas. Many people are sensitive to the dust that collects in these areas and sometimes do not even realize the effect it can have on their health. Mold and bacteria can grow in areas that are difficult to reach such as high window sills, corners, ceilings and shower door frames. 

In the kitchen, there is a danger of cross contamination when unwashed plates with food left on them are piled in the sink or discarded food piles up in the trash can. Dirty ovens can create smoke that is released into the air when the door is opened. Mold and bacteria can form in washing machines, fridge doors and seals, dish washers and other appliances that can then be transferred to foods and utensils 

The winter has played havoc on our windows. As the rain runs down the glass and the snow piles up on the outside sills, dirt and debris collect in the tracks and frames. This makes it difficult for the windows to open, close and seal correctly. Besides wanting your windows to be sparkling clean so you can enjoy the beautiful outdoors, it is important that they are working properly. Check the weatherstripping and seals for cracks and breaks and repair or replace. Spring is a good time to check all the screens for holes and tears that might let insects or pests in. Keeping your windows and screens in good working order will help to keep unwanted dust, dirt, allergens and pests out of your home. 

Curtains, bed skirts, valances and comforters are all places where allergen producing dust mites, mold and pet dander linger, exposing your family to and increasing the possibility of asthma and other related symptoms. 

A dirty bathroom is the culprit of an array of possible threats. Bacteria and parasites that collect in “unchecked” areas of the bathroom can lead to E. coli and Staph infections. A good scrubbing and disinfecting of the areas around the toilet, shower corners and frames, all handles and fixtures and medicine cabinet where you store such things as toothbrushes and medicine, will help to alleviate these threats. 

A clean home will reduce illnesses and accidents from falls. It has also been studied that a clean home reduces stress, and we all need less stress. Have a beautiful, happy and healthy spring! QCBN 

By Lucy Leyva 

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order LLC. 

Making Your Home Beautifully Clean for Spring

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While taking a walk in February on the trails at Watson Lake, I looked all around at the dark, cloudy skies and the barren, cold trees. As I looked a little closer, there was a hint of green on the very tips of the Cottonwoods. Could it be? I examined the trees up close and sure enough, there they were, little green sprouts on the tips of the branches. Well, now, it is March and the first day of spring this year is March 20. As do many people, I absolutely love spring. Everything is so fresh and beautiful. Things start to bloom and the overall feeling is that of energy and renewal.

As we move into this new phase of the year, we can look a little closer to home, explore the possibilities of rectifying any negative effect that the winter has had on our home, prepare for the upcoming warmer weather and plan projects to improve our homes and yards.

The last several months have brought in dust and dirt from wet roads, wind and rain. Your home has most likely been closed up for a while, without a lot of fresh air. Heaters and fireplaces have been running. It’s time to clean things up and start fresh.

If you have a fireplace, it is a good time to get it checked out and cleaned by a professional. The same applies to the duct work in your house that circulates the air from your heater and air conditioning unit. There are several companies in the area that can check out the ductwork and make sure it is clean and nothing has come loose during the winter months. Another money-saving idea is to have the ductwork sealed after it is cleaned so that it is energy efficient. This is also a good time to have your air conditioning unit checked out. If you wait until the hottest month (usually June) and something goes wrong, you may have to wait in line for someone to come fix it.

Consider power washing any drainage areas in your yard, around your house and clearing out the gutters of debris. Power washing can also clean your driveways and walkways much better than just sweeping or rinsing down with a hose. It is also a necessary step in preparing for any painting fixes or projects you may have on the outside of your house. It will strip away the dirt and loose, peeling paint so that your new paint will look beautiful and last longer.

My favorite thing to have done once spring comes is to have all of my windows professionally cleaned, including all the screens and tracks. It feels so good to have all of that dirt and buildup cleaned away so that I can clearly see the gorgeous weather and views that our area offers. Having crystal clean and clear windows makes the whole house feel newer, cleaner and fresher.

Have carpets, rugs, upholstery and tile cleaned. There’s been a lot of traffic trampled all over your floors. There have been holiday parties, food spills, wet boots, dog paws, sweet but muddy kids and who knows what else going in and out of the house, bringing in all the dirt and grime onto your floors and furniture. Having the carpets and upholstery cleaned will also help to extract any unwanted odors that have been lurking.

Enjoy your spring and make your home beautifully clean. QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Spreading the Love in Business 

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February is all about love. We give gifts to our one and only and seem to have the spirit of cupid all around us. How in business can we love our clients, our employees, our colleagues, our community and even our competition? I think that business owners or professionals have to look at their business from a personal perspective and give it personality, understand its purpose and realize that anyone that the business touches deserves a certain amount of attention, respect and, yes, even love. 

As business professionals, we need to love our community. Feeling like a part of a larger entity like our community gives us an identity and pride in being involved in what is happening around us and the people we serve and come in contact with daily. Our community is what keeps our businesses flourishing and give us purpose. As we take part in community events and causes, we can grow our love for the area and for the people. How can you not love Prescott, Prescott Valley and the surrounding areas? We are blessed with so much here. 

Becoming involved in networking groups, chambers, industry events and organizations helps us to grow mutual respect and admiration for others that are also striving to be the best at what they do. They, too, are working toward the same goal as we are, to serve their customers and provide great products or services to their clients and customers. As we learn more about them, we can develop long lasting relationships professionally and personally. We can create a large circle of individuals that we can count as friends, neighbors and business partners. 

Within each company large or small, there are the people who make it happen, from management to each and every employee. Their importance and value to your success is paramount. Realizing each person’s value is essential in acquiring and keeping loyal hardworking individuals to help you succeed in your professional goals. The people you hire should not be viewed as a means to an end, but more the heart and soul of your business. Love your coworkers and employees. We strive to make sure our employees feel valued because they are valued and we appreciate each one. 

A business or company shows love to its customers by being there when the customer needs them, by providing a good value and a quality product of service. By providing stellar customer service and by having people in your business who really do care about each customer, you are able to convey that love and respect to your clientele. Going the extra mile and doing more than expected should be the norm, not the exception.  

This month, the month of love, show your love and respect for your community, your family, your employees and coworkers and, of course, your customers. At Prescott Maid to Order, we love our clients. Have a great Valentine’s Day! Spread the love. QCBN 

By Lucy Leyva 

Lucy Leyva is the owner and CEO of Prescott Maid to Order. 

Cleaning up, Clearing Out, Starting Fresh 

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With the New Year, we are usually motivated to do better, feel better and be better. Does it last all year? Sometimes, it does. It is a good time to look at our daily lives and see what we can do to make each day better, how we can make a difference, how we can improve health and happiness for ourselves and our loved ones. Whether you have a large family or live alone, there are things we can do this new year to achieve our goals and make them last all year long. 

Cleaning up, clearing out and starting fresh can apply to both material things like in our homes, but it can also have a broader meaning.  Here are a few thoughts I have to share. 

Count your blessings: Take stock of what is important to you. Take five minutes each morning to review what you are thankful for and spend time appreciating those things. We all have something to be thankful for and often get too busy to recognize those things. Your day will be less stressful when you take the opportunity to look at the bigger picture. 

Let go: If there are things that are bringing you down that you cannot change, let them go. Let go of past failures, maybe you didn’t lose the weight last year, or get the dream job or paint the house. Whatever it is, you can’t change the past, so let it go and move forward with renewed resolve. 

Don’t set your resolutions too high: If you are a “New Year’s resolution” type of person, make sure that you set attainable goals. Little tiny steps that you achieve will do much good for your esteem. It will motivate you to move forward. Expecting too much and not achieving will have the opposite result. 

Clean up: Deciding to clear out the “stuff” and clean up for the new year often has long lasting emotional and health benefits. It feels so good to get rid of the things you don’t need and are creating clutter in your life. Do a closet at a time, a section of the garage or one dresser at a time. Have a garage sale or donate items you no longer need. Do a deep clean or hire a professional to help with the big stuff, windows, carpets, ovens, blinds, baseboards. What a great feeling! 

Commit to better well–being: Decide what would make you feel better this year. Maybe eat a little healthier, walk a little more, take up a hobby or sport, dance a little, sing out loud (even if you’re tone deaf) and do what you can to get enough sleep. Whatever you have not been doing, make a conscientious effort this year to improve your well-being. 

Learn to treat yourself: You deserve to allow yourself some luxuries. In our industry, we find that at a certain point in life, many people who have worked very hard for many years finally come to the realization that they deserve some help with things like the cleaning of their home. Hire someone to do the things you don’t like to do. Maybe schedule a massage, or just allow yourself some downtime. 

Serve others: Such an important concept. Small acts of kindness will lighten your own burdens and lift others. What a way to start the new year. 

As we venture forward into 2019, it is our wish that each day brings you joy. Happy New Year! QCBN 

 

By Lucy Leyva 

 

Maintaining Sparkle for the Holidays 

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Your home is where memories are made. Relationships with family and friends are renewed and grown within the walls of your home and you want this season to be wonderful. Here are some tips for making your home feel comfortable and homey for the holidays for friends, family and guests. 

Keep up on the little daily chores during the holidays so that they don’t grow to be projects. Set a 20-minute timer to do the little stuff, make sure the bed is made and dishes are done. Keep mail in a designated place so that it doesn’t get strewn around the counters and pick up the clothes off of the floors. 

In the kitchen, do a quick check in the fridge to get rid of older leftovers and unneeded extra food just taking up valuable space. Don’t worry about cleaning the oven, save that task for after the holidays.  Make sure that you have all the kitchen tools you will need and that they are in good working order.  Sharpen knives and have plenty of large serving spoons. 

Do a safety check around the house for possible hazards to young children and the elderly. Replace batteries in your smoke detectors and test them to ensure they are in good working order. 

Declutter and remove any unnecessary items from the guest rooms, countertops, in the entry and on the floors. Less clutter equals less stress and creates a relaxed and clean feeling. Clear out space for guests’ coats and make room in the guest room for their items. 

Each room that your guests may encounter should have a night light so they can find their way easily. Make sure outdoor walkways and the address are well lit.  

Make the entry or the first room people see organized and pretty. This is where people come in, say their hellos, give big hugs and it is the first impression. Make it special and warm and welcoming. 

Get help when needed. Don’t feel guilty that you are so busy during this season. Your time is precious, so spend it with the ones you love, doing the things that contribute to the joy of the season. Schedule professional carpet cleaning, window cleaning and house cleaning to free up your time and reduce stress. 

NOW, decorate to your heart’s content. Some like a lot of decorations and some like a minimalist approach. Either way, make it yours, show your style and have fun! 

Finally, have something cooking that smells wonderful and festive as you entertain. Even “cut and bake” cookies baking or cinnamon potpourri simmering on the stove will do the trick. You’re all set! Your guests will feel comfortable and cozy, your house will feel like home and SPARKLE. Have a safe, and love-filled holiday season! QCBN 

By Lucy Leyva 

Lucy Leyva is the owner of Prescott Maid to Order. 

Preparing Your Home for Winter

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With the nip in the air, you can feel the change from summer to fall and then ultimately into winter. The summer months brought in all the dust from open windows and the windows are pretty much a mess from the monsoons. This is generally the time that you start thinking about cleaning up from the earlier months and getting homes ready for holidays. It’s time to prepare for colder weather, closed windows, heaters on and the snows and rains.

Inside the house, the dust may have settled on places you usually don’t have to clean on a weekly basis. Let’s look at some of the areas you may want to address in your fall cleaning:

Baseboards throughout the house

Blinds and window sills and tracks of the windows

Ceiling fans

Light fixtures

Vent covers and heating and air conditioning vents

Heat and air conditioning ducts

Cobwebs

On the outside of the house, check and clean the following:

Make sure roof gutters and downspouts are clean and free of debris and leaves. While checking and cleaning the gutters, make sure all the connections are secure so that the water can run freely out to the appropriate area.

Make sure any wood-burning fireplace chimneys are clear and that the screen at the top of the chimney is free of nests and leaves.

Clear the yard of overgrown plants, bushes, leaves and weeds.

Check and clear any drainage areas on the property of leaves and debris.

In addition to the above suggestions, fall is a good time to organize and clean out closets before bringing in your winter wear from storage. Reducing and cleaning up clutter reduces stress. Start the season out right by organizing and decluttering. I even heard that the less clutter around the house, the less you eat! True? I don’t know, but sounds good to me. Straighten up and clear out the garage so that you can get to your holiday decorations. Another good idea is to prepare an area in your entry, mudroom, Arizona room or laundry room so that you can discard muddy boots, coats and sweaters, hats, umbrellas, snow shovels and a myriad of other winter necessities so that they do not become part of the living room or dining area. Also, protect your carpets and wood floors from the outdoors by having substantial rugs on the exterior and interior of the doors.

It’s the perfect time to clean up, organize and prepare your home for the winter months. It’s a lot to take on all at once, but one project at a time and help from professionals can get the job done. We wish you all a wonderful, safe and healthy holiday season! QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Understanding the Value of a Good Reputation

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Can enough importance be placed on reputation? It is paramount in almost any aspect of life. Your personal reputation and integrity affect just about everything you do, from your social circle to your professional life. It is the same with business. As business professionals, your company’s reputation should be at the very top of your list of goals and aspirations. Of course, every business owner wants to be highly regarded; however, your reputation goes further than that. Your business reputation is impacted by almost everything you do. Here is a list of some of the most important components that affect an organization’s reputation:

Employees: The company has talented employees.

Ethics: The company behaves ethically and is worthy of respect and trust.

Leadership: The company is a leader in the industry and is innovative.

Financial: The company is financially strong, profitable and growing.

Social responsibility: The company is involved in the community and supports good causes.

Management: The company is well organized, well managed and has a vision for the future.

Customer Service: The company cares about and is committed to its customers.

Reliability: The company provides consistent service and stands behind its products and services.

Quality: The company provides high quality of services and products to its customers.

Value: The company provides its products and services at a good value.

Communication: The company provides good communication between the customer and the company representatives.

Emotional Appeal: It’s a company to feel good about using.

Whether its online and social media reviews, publication awards and recognition or overall word of mouth, reputation is what drives consumers more today than ever. Advertising is, of course, still crucial and is how you get your businesses name in front of the public, but your reputation is what will seal the deal.

As a consumer, are you looking for a particular service or product? When searching for your next service provider or product, do your homework and research the company you are considering. Take a look at its reputation online and in the community. Try to avoid the cheapest deal and look for the qualities listed above. In the long run, it will save you time, money and headache. The organizations with good reputations got there with hard work and commitment to be the best in their field.

Here at Prescott Maid to Order, we are committed to excellence and are grateful to our community and customers for our reputation. QCBN

By Lucy Leyva

Lucy Leyva is the proud owner of MTO Janitorial LLC, and Prescott Maid to Order LLC, both local cleaning companies based out of Prescott Valley, serving Northern Arizona since 2005. For any cleaning inquiry, please contact us at 928-772-0004 and/or visit our website at mtojanitorial.com.

Keeping Your Home and Pets Healthy in Monsoon Season 

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We finally got the rain that our area so desperately needs, but as thankful as we may be for the moisture, we must remember that there are concerns during this time of the year. Mold and mildew can create health issues and the additional dirt, debris and germs that enter our homes can cause us trouble down the line. Here are a few tips to help us a stay safe and healthy this summer monsoon season. 

 

Wash your hands regularly. Additional germs and allergens are growing during this time of the year. We bring them in on our hands and feet and on our clothing. Don’t allow wet or damp clothing to sit in a hamper; wash and dry it immediately to avoid mildew and germs. Shoes are bound to get wet. Clean footwear regularly and make sure shoes are completely dry before wearing again. Use antibacterial foot powder. 

 

Keep kitchens and bathrooms clean. Check in areas that sometimes don’t get cleaned every time, like high corners above the shower, behind and under things, window tracks and sills. These are all areas that can collect mildew, dirt and germs. 

 

Keep windows closed when you leave the house. As you know, it may be sunny one minute and a cloud burst the next. Water entering through an open window can damage sills, walls, curtains, furniture and floors. Open windows again when you are home and it is not raining. Your home needs as much fresh air ventilation as possible. 

 

Use area rugs on the interior and exterior side of each door to the outside. Leave soiled shoes in a shoe rack instead of walking around the house and spreading the dirt and germs. 

 

Remove any containers or buckets outside that may collect rainwater. Once the rain stops and the sun comes out, that standing water is a place for mosquitos and other pests to gather and breed. Keep pets clean and teach them to wipe their paws on the rug outside (yes, they can learn that), or you can wipe their feet. 

 

Keep furniture clean and dry and disinfect all hard surfaces often. Outside of appliances, walls, fixtures, door handles, ceiling fans can all collect dirt and germs. 

 

Make sure your pets are safe during the thunderstorms. Many normally well-behaved pets totally “lose it” during the storms and will dart out of the door, or oven a fence. Some people have had success with the Thunder shirts that can be purchased at most pet stores. If you don’t have one of those, and your dog or cat is sensitive to the sounds of thunder, place a crate with a comfortable blanket, one of your t-shirts and a toy inside, in an interior bathroom or closet with a little radio or music playing. You can cover the crate with a sheet. The crate serves as a den, which is a natural comfort for most dogs and cats and is a safe place for them until the storm subsides. Microchip your pets so that if they do get separated from you, they will have a better chance of returning home safely. 

 

After the monsoon season, it is a perfect time to get windows, tracks and sills professionally cleaned and carpeting and draperies professionally cleaned to prepare for the winter and to avoid the continued growth of mold and mildew. 

 

As I write this, the lightning and thunder is rolling outside! Have a great summer and be safe and healthy. QCBN 

 

By Lucy Leyva 

Prepping for a Prescott Summer

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This is an exciting time of year here in the Quad Cities area. There are so many activities and events that start taking place in and around Prescott, Prescott Valley and the surrounding towns. People seem to come from all around to experience what we sometimes take for granted. The upcoming 4th of July festivities and the rodeo are a major draw and bring visitors from all over. There’s kind of a buzz in town as the weather warms up.

Businesses, restaurants, shops and vacation rentals are gearing up, too. It’s that time of year to prepare for the busiest season by cleaning and sprucing up the inside and outside of your business. It also takes more effort to keep things maintained during this time. It’s a good idea to get professional help to prepare and maintain, even if it is just temporary. Summer camps are at capacity, stores and shops have constant traffic, restaurants are filled to the brim, vacation rentals and hotels are booked weeks in advance. It feels good to see people out enjoying the summer and, of course, it feels good when business is good, but it is sometimes difficult to keep up in all the hustle and bustle. It’s important to make sure your business is presented at its best and shows well by keeping things in good working order and clean.

Another aspect of the Prescott summer is the coming of the monsoons. Thankfully, we don’t usually have to deal with the huge dust storms that some of the other areas of Arizona experience, but we do have monsoons. Make sure roofs are in good shape, and that you have good drainage in the yard to prevent flooding. Clear the leaves from the roof and from the rain gutters on your house and business. Remove debris and overgrown bushes and trees. Make sure you have the right amount of brush clearance for fire safety around your home and property.

Are you ready? Do you need help during this busy time? The Quad Cities are filled with willing and qualified businesses to assist you with just about anything you may need help with to make this a successful summer for your business and family.

And finally, I want to mention as part of this Prescott summer article that the 4th of July is another great time to remember and thank our veterans and active duty military. We love our parades, fireworks displays and patriotic songs. Thank a veteran for helping to keep this country free and for the sacrifice that many have made and are currently making for all of us. Maybe offer a discount, recognize them publicly at an event or just extend a hand to a vet this summer. We wish everyone an exciting, fun and safe summer. QCBN

By Lucy Leyva