For most of us, summer just can’t get here fast enough. We eagerly await its arrival – three months of spectacular sunshine that those other seasons simply don’t produce. Summer is synonymous with vivacious vacations, patio parties, bustling barbecues and growing gardens. We understand – cleaning house might just be the last thing on your mind. But, even if that swimming pool is loudly calling your name, your home still deserves a little summer lovin’.With these simple tips from The Maids, you’ll be taking a dip in no time:

• Do the decks and driveways. Find a deck cleaning solution appropriate for your deck by reading the product labels. Use a push broom or stiff brush to scrub the deck. Rinse the deck thoroughly using your hose. For driveways, use a solution of ¼ cup of dishwashing detergent to one gallon of water. Scrub with a push broom and rinse with your hose. Stay away from heavy duty power washers. Not only can they be dangerous, but they can damage your deck or driveway.
• Buff up the barbecue. You may think you’re the meat-master, but a dirty grill can lead to foul-tasting food. Remove the cooking grates and soak them in warm soapy water. Using a stiff wire brush and soapy water, gently scour the inside of the grill. Remove the cooking grates from the water and use the wire brush to scrape off any residue. Put the grates back in place and allow the entire grill to air dry.
• Purge your pantry. Summer is the perfect time to de-clutter the kitchen. Give your pantry a once-over and decide what can stay and what should go. Donate unwanted items to your local Food Bank. Anything that’s expired should be thrown in the trash.
• Maintain your mattresses. To keep dust mites under control it’s important to clean your mattresses at least twice a year. Use your vacuum’s upholstery attachment to vacuum the top of your mattress. Then, move the mattress and vacuum the box springs. Finally, flip the mattress and vacuum the new top. For additional protection, consider buying a hypo-allergenic mattress pad.
• Rinse off your registers. If your home has a central air-conditioning unit, make sure you clean your vents and registers at summer’s end. Remove the registers and use a damp cloth to wipe them down. Consider using a register filter if you or a loved one suffers from allergies.

Still think cleaning in the summer is a total bummer? Relax. The Maids can help! To find out more, give us a call or visit our website at www.maids.com.