Caveat Emptor: Poison

One of the primary reasons to hire a green maid service is experience. While many of our new and existing customers point to convenience, affordability and quality, few are aware that many of the products and processes they’ve been using to clean their homes could be making them sick. I recently came across an outstanding article by Jessie Sholl and have included it here. Knowledge is power and you have a right to know what could be lurking if your household cleaning products. I cannot emphasize this enough: As more and more people demand green products, more and more businesses and manufacturers will try and leverage this trend with false and misleading offerings. Read labels. Demand disclosure. Don’t take for granted that just because a person or product markets itself as “Green” that it is.

While I am always grateful for the opportunity at new business, my chief motivation with this blog is to reach as many people as I can about green, healthy alternatives, processes and products that keep you and your family  clean, green, happy and healthy.

We’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs, questions and concerns.  Never hesitate to reach out, here by adding a comment or emailing me directly. If you’re interested in a free in-home consultation, call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote. All in all, we look forward to the opportunity to serve.

Towards saving green and keeping clean, Drew

No one can avoid exposure to toxic chemicals altogether, but it is possible to reduce it significantly. In the following article, Greer, Sutton and other experts weigh in on the worst toxic offenders commonly found in household cleaning products, and offer ways to swap them for healthier, safer options.

1. Phthalates

Found in: Many fragranced household products, such as air fresheners, dish soap, even toilet paper. Because of proprietary laws, companies don’t have to disclose what’s in their scents, so you won’t find phthalates on a label. If you see the word “fragrance” on a label, there’s a good chance phthalates are present.

Health Risks: Phthalates are known endocrine disruptors. Men with higher phthalate compounds in their blood had correspondingly reduced sperm counts, according to a 2003 study conducted by researchers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Harvard School of Public Health. Although exposure to phthalates mainly occurs through inhalation, it can also happen through skin contact with scented soaps, which is a significant problem, warns Alicia Stanton, MD, coauthor of Hormone Harmony (Healthy Life Library, 2009). Unlike the digestive system, the skin has no safeguards against toxins. Absorbed chemicals go straight to organs.

Healthier Choice: When possible choose fragrance-free or all-natural organic products. Greer recommends bypassing aerosol or plug-in air fresheners and instead using essential oils or simply opening windows to freshen the air. Besides causing more serious effects like endocrine disruption, “Aerosol sprays and air fresheners can be migraine and asthma triggers,” she says. Also consider adding more plants to your home: They’re natural air detoxifiers.

2. Perchloroethylene or “PERC”

Found in: Dry-cleaning solutions, spot removers, and carpet and upholstery cleaners.

Health Risks: Perc is a neurotoxin, according to the chief scientist of environmental protection for the New York Attorney General’s office. And the EPA classifies perc as a “possible carcinogen” as well. People who live in residential buildings where dry cleaners are located have reported dizziness, loss of coordination and other symptoms. While the EPA has ordered a phase-out of perc machines in residential buildings by 2020, California is going even further and plans to eliminate all use of perc by 2023 because of its suspected health risks. The route of exposure is most often inhalation: that telltale smell on clothes when they return from the dry cleaner, or the fumes that linger after cleaning carpets.

Healthier Choice: Curtains, drapes and clothes that are labeled “dry clean only” can be taken instead to a “wet cleaner,” which uses water-based technology rather than chemical solvents. The EPA recently recognized liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) as an environmentally preferable alternative to more toxic dry-cleaning solvents. Ask your dry cleaner which method they use. For a safer spot remover, look for a nontoxic brand like Ecover at a natural market, or rub undiluted castile soap directly on stains before washing.

3. Triclosan

Found in: Most liquid dishwashing detergents and hand soaps labeled “antibacterial.”

Health Risks: Triclosan is an aggressive antibacterial agent that can promote the growth of drug-resistant bacteria. Explains Sutton: “The American Medical Association has found no evidence that these antimicrobials make us healthier or safer, and they’re particularly concerned because they don’t want us overusing antibacterial chemicals — that’s how microbes develop resistance, and not just to these [household antibacterials], but also to real antibiotics that we need.” Other studies have now found dangerous concentrations of triclosan in rivers and streams, where it is toxic to algae. The EPA is currently investigating whether triclosan may also disrupt endocrine (hormonal) function. It is a probable carcinogen. At press time, the agency was reviewing the safety of triclosan in consumer products.

Healthier Choice: Use simple detergents and soaps with short ingredient lists, and avoid antibacterial products with triclosan for home use. If you’re hooked on hand sanitizer, choose one that is alcohol-based and without triclosan.

4. Quarternary Ammonium Compounds, or “QUATS”

Found in: Fabric softener liquids and sheets, most household cleaners labeled “antibacterial.”

Health Risks: Quats are another type of antimicrobial, and thus pose the same problem as triclosan by helping breed antibiotic-resistant bacteria. They’re also a skin irritant; one 10-year study of contact dermatitis found quats to be one of the leading causes. According to Sutton, they’re also suspected as a culprit for respiratory disorders: “There’s evidence that even healthy people who are [exposed to quats] on a regular basis develop asthma as a result.”

Healthier Choice: You don’t really need fabric softener or dryer sheets to soften clothes or get rid of static: Simple vinegar works just as well. “Vinegar is the natural fabric softener of choice for many reasons,” explains Karyn Siegel-Maier in her book The Naturally Clean Home (Storey Publishing, 2008). “Not only is it nontoxic, it also removes soap residue in the rinse cycle and helps to prevent static cling in the dryer.” White vinegar is your best choice for general cleaning; other types can stain.

Alternatives to chemical disinfectants abound, including antibacterial, antifungal tea-tree oil. Mix a few drops of tea-tree oil and a tablespoon of vinegar with water in a spray bottle for a safe, germ killing, all-purpose cleaner. Add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil for scent.

5. 2-Butoxyethanol

Found in: Window, kitchen and multipurpose cleaners.

Health Risks: 2-butoxyethanol is the key ingredient in many window cleaners and gives them their characteristic sweet smell. It belongs in the category of “glycol ethers,” a set of powerful solvents that don’t mess around. Law does not require 2-butoxyethanol to be listed on a product’s label. According to the EPA’s Web site, in addition to causing sore throats when inhaled, at high levels glycol ethers can also contribute to narcosis, pulmonary edema, and severe liver and kidney damage. Although the EPA sets a standard on 2-butoxyethanol for workplace safety, Sutton warns, “If you’re cleaning at home in a confined area, like an unventilated bathroom, you can actually end up getting 2-butoxyethanol in the air at levels that are higher than workplace safety standards.”

Healthier Choice: Clean mirrors and windows with newspaper and diluted vinegar. For other kitchen tasks, stick to simple cleaning compounds like Bon Ami powder; it’s made from natural ingredients like ground feldspar and baking soda without the added bleach or fragrances found in most commercial cleansers. You can also make your own formulas with baking soda, vinegar and essential oils. See the “DIY Cleaners” sidebar for a list of clean concoctions.

6. Ammonia

Found in: Polishing agents for bathroom fixtures, sinks and jewelry; also in glass cleaner.

Health Risks: Because ammonia evaporates and doesn’t leave streaks, it’s another common ingredient in commercial window cleaners. That sparkle has a price. “Ammonia is a powerful irritant,” says Donna Kasuska, chemical engineer and president of ChemConscious, Inc., a risk-management consulting company. “It’s going to affect you right away. The people who will be really affected are those who have asthma, and elderly people with lung issues and breathing problems. It’s almost always inhaled. People who get a lot of ammonia exposure, like housekeepers, will often develop chronic bronchitis and asthma.” Ammonia can also create a poisonous gas if it’s mixed with bleach.

Healthier Choice: Vodka. “It will produce a reflective shine on any metal or mirrored surface,” explains Lori Dennis, author of Green Interior Design (Allsworth Press, 2010). And toothpaste makes an outstanding silver polish.

7. Chlorine

Found in: Scouring powders, toilet bowl cleaners, mildew removers, laundry whiteners, household tap water.

Health Risks: “With chlorine we have so many avenues of exposure,” says Kasuska. “You’re getting exposed through fumes and possibly through skin when you clean with it, but because it’s also in city water to get rid of bacteria, you’re also getting exposed when you take a shower or bath. The health risks from chlorine can be acute, and they can be chronic; it’s a respiratory irritant at an acute level. But the chronic effects are what people don’t realize: It may be a serious thyroid disrupter.”

Healthier Choice: For scrubbing, stick to Bon Ami or baking soda. Toilet bowls can be cleaned with vinegar, and vinegar or borax powder both work well for whitening clothes. So does the chlorine-free oxygen bleach powder made by Biokleen. To reduce your exposure to chlorine through tap water, install filters on your kitchen sink and in the shower.

8. Sodium Hydroxide

Found in: Oven cleaners and drain openers.

Health Risks: Otherwise known as lye, sodium hydroxide is extremely corrosive: If it touches your skin or gets in your eyes, it can cause severe burns. Routes of exposure are skin contact and inhalation. Inhaling sodium hydroxide can cause a sore throat that lasts for days.

Healthier Choice: You can clean the grimiest oven with baking-soda paste — it just takes a little more time and elbow grease (see recipes in “DIY Cleaners” sidebar). Unclog drains with a mechanical “snake” tool, or try this approach from the Green Living Ideas Web site: Pour a cup of baking soda and a cup of vinegar down the drain and plug it for 30 minutes. After the bubbles die down, run hot water down the drain to clear the debris.

Related articles

• Alcohol Rubs, Not Antibacterials (vandav.wordpress.com)
• FDA Reviews Triclosan Safety (abcnews.go.com)
• Green Clean (becomethevoice.com)
• 10 Products You Should Ban From Your House Forever! (greenflbroker.com)
• You Dont Actually Need A Disinfectant! (spongesparkle.wordpress.com)
• In Praise of Plain Old Soap (lewrockwell.com)
• Should You Use Hand Sanitizer? (633woman.com)

This is the second post of a five post series covering Fall Cleaning. In step one we covered clothing. In step two we address appliances. (Reminder: Last week we covered 2011 tax incentives and rebates for replacing older, less efficient appliances.) Each step corresponds with one day so you and our family can prepare for Fall using a quick, easy iterative process, one step at a time. This post covers cleaning appliances.

We get this question at least once a month: “Drew, what’s the best and safest way to clean my kitchen appliances without using harsh, store bought chemicals?”

Step Two of the Fall House Cleaning Plan: Appliances

For hundreds of years, white vinegar has been the greenest, safest solution to effectively clean everything from windows and floors to oven vents and dishwaters. For this reason we’re advising our readers to use it. It’s effective on all fronts.

To speed the cleaning process, spray down the insides of the dishwasher, the stove, the microwave and the fridge with non-diluted white vinegar, all at the same time. Wipe down the inside of the fridge and freezer while the vinegar works on the other appliances. Fill all of the soap and rinse sections on the dishwasher with vinegar, turn it on to the longest setting, then move to the outside of the fridge. Wipe clean, then vacuum the coils. Wipe down the outside of the dishwasher, then stove.

Check the oven-if the grease has softened, wipe it out. Any hard, burned-on residue should be covered with baking soda; add a spray of vinegar and the chemical reaction will work on the more troublesome areas. The fizzing action will work on the residue. Close the oven, vacuum under the top of the range if it is able to be opened. Wipe clean. Vacuum the back of the stove and all electrical connections-but do not touch. Finish scrubbing the oven.

Look for Fall House Cleaning steps 3-5 in the coming days.

In the meantime, we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote. Looking forward to the conversation.

Towards saving green and keeping clean, Drew

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Save Money and Save the Planet

While The Cleaning Authority is arguably Austin’s best residential maid service offering comprehensive green cleaning, we like to keep our customers and community up-to-date on on all-things-home improvement, especially when it involves saving money and saving the planet.

The federal government, in concert with many local and state governments and utilities, is offering extensive rebates and tax credits for home improvement and home owners that replace household inefficiencies.

These rebates and credits are not guaranteed to be around in 2012 and expire on December 31, 2011. So while haste makes waste, ignore that cliche and hurry up into savings!

The dollar amount listed below is the credit offered for qualifying energy efficient products. For more information about how to qualify, visit http://www.energysavers.gov.

10+ End of Year Home Improvement Projects that Qualify for Tax Credits

We’ve all read the news of the stimulus spending bills benefitting corporations and entire industries. But what’s in it for the little guys? What’s init for John Q Taxpayer? The federal government, as part of its economic stimulus spending, has been offering income tax credits for home improvement projects that improve energy efficiency. While the tax credits for this year are much less generous than those available in previous years, they are still worth hundreds of dollars. When coupled with local, state and utility rebates and tax credits, the savings is well into the thousands of dollars. Additionally, real estate experts suggest that overhauling inefficient appliances and investing in energy efficient products and processes is a multiplier when it comes to resell value of your home. Again, the credits and rebates listed and linked below expire on December 31, 2011 so be sure to get started soon!

• Biomass stoves: $300
• Central air conditioning: $300
• Furnaces and boilers: $150
• Advanced main air circulating fan: $50
• Insulation: 10% of the cost, up to $500
• Roofing: 10% of the cost, up to $500
• Gas, oil or propane water heaters: $300
• Electric heat pump water heaters: $300
• Windows and skylights: 10% of the cost, up to $200
• Doors: 10% of the cost, up to $500

Also, you can check out the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiencies for even more savings specific to your Texas and Austin!

In the meantime, we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote.  I welcome your thoughts and feedback…. learning from others is what it’s all about. Looking forward to the conversation.

Related articles

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• TaxWatch: Go green before credits expire (marketwatch.com)
• Go Green Before Credits Expire (online.wsj.com)

This is the first post of a five post series. Each step corresponds with one day so you and our family can prepare for Fall using a quick, easy interation process, one step at a time.

Step One of the Fall House Cleaning Plan: Clothing

Room by room, take inventory of clothing in dressers and closets. First, go through clothing that no longer fits or is unwanted. Place those in bags marked accordingly. (Given the recent fires and community need for clothing donations, there is a ready-made home for these articles.) Now your children’s clothing can be organized into outfits. One outfit hung on a hanger, with a small net or cloth bag to hold a pair of underwear or socks. It’s not necessary to organize by day; this is a great opportunity for kids to choose their own outfit and with everything in one place, the mad dash to find the kids something to wear every morning is a thing of the past. For kids that are required to wear a uniform to school, establish a cleaning cycle, and make sure that your child always has two uniforms to wear at any given time. Keep play, sports and weekend clothing separate. This is a great process for adult closets, too.  Humans, children especially, thrive in established, expected processes… some of the world’s most recognizable geniuses even take this a step further and wore the same thing every day.

Place anything that does not fit or clothing that is unwanted into a laundry bag. This laundry bag will hold all the clothing from all of the closets that will not be used any longer. (If needed, carry two.) After all outfits have been hung, place accessories and shoes into small bins on closet shelves or on top of dressers. This keeps them handy for children to choose their own. (Look for our upcoming video on properly storing shoes and accessories in recycled plastic bins; there is a right way and a wrong way.)  Pack away summer clothing as the weather turns cooler. Keep a few out for warmer days. Vacuum away any dust or spider webs that might be lurking in corners. Consider replacing the light bulb with an LED bulb to save energy, save money and to avoid an incandescent bulb going out during an early morning (this will save you time and presents a great opportunity to talk to the kids about lighting).

Look for Fall House Cleaning steps 2-5 in the coming days.

In the meantime, we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote.  I welcome your thoughts and feedback…. learning from others is what it’s all about. Looking forward to the conversation.

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Plan for the Worst Before it Happens*

Thousands of homes have been affected or completely destroyed by wildfires in Texas this year. The Labor Day Weekend wildfires across Central Texas have raised many questions about fire insurance policies, coverage and the mitigation of risk/loss. Our friends and residential real estate professionals at The Good Life Team have created a video tutorial to address these questions. Even if you are one of the lucky home owners that escaped damage or loss, this is great information.

In this video, Jack Miller of the Good Life Team interviews insurance expert and home owner advocate, Gena Caudle. You will learn:

• Policy Distinctions: “All Perils” or “Named Perils” Policy (“All Perils” Policy is all inclusive coverage; “Named Perils” Policy specifically lists event-disasters that you’re covered under.)
• Mitigating Loss: Chronicle a Photographic/Video Record of your belongings; store in firebox or off-property.
• Mitigating Risk: Understanding your responsibility to ensure coverage in the case of event-disaster is critical. Coverage does not always guarantee a claim. Read your policy. While every policy enjoins different responsibilities, it is a good idea to know exactly what steps are necessary to guarantee you have done everything in your power to mitigate risk.
• Understanding Your Coverage Ceiling: “I’ve got coverage; is it enough?” Determining if you have a replacement cost policy or an actual cash value policy. The “Nine Multiplier” Rule of Thumb.
• Navigating a Claim: My Home is Damaged or Destroyed by Fire, What do I do now? Get to know your insurance agent; know who they are! Call your agent. You’ve invested in coverage and now is your agent’s oportunity to provide service. Of course, not all agents are created equal so when considering coverage, determine what companies and agents are most focused on you and your family’s needs, not just your money.

You are not alone; we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote.  In the meantime, I absolutely welcome your thoughts and feedback…. learning from others is what it’s all about. Looking forward to the conversation.

• Covering Your Assets with Homeowners Insurance (boldrealestategroup.wordpress.com)
• Matthew Dornic: Flood Insurance Lapse Puts Home Owners, Housing at Risk (huffingtonpost.com)
• Insurance Wisdom for Your Home and Vehicles (couponshoebox.com)
• Do You Have Enough Insurance to Rebuild Your Home? (eastsiderealestatebuzz.com)
• An Insurance Primer (moneymanager.com)
• Homeowners Insurance: Getting The Right Insurance Coverage (massrealestatenews.com)

The Liedeker Family, The Cleaning Authority Owners & Greenling Suppliers

First and foremost, to those Greenling customers checking us out for the first time, thank you. As long time Greenling friends, supporters and suppliers we share their commitment to distribute locally-grown organic foods; from our family to yours, we appreciate your commitment to a green, local, organic Austin.

Greenling Partnership

As a token of our appreciation, Greenling customers that sign up for weekly, bi-weekly or maid service every four weeks we are offering $30 off  your initial home cleaning now through the end of August. Simply call us at 512.827.8657 to schedule a free in-home estimate; or after 7pm, Request a Quote online. During the initial consult mention you’re a Greenling customer and we will apply the savings on the spot.

Saving Green on Clean Living with Greenling

Current Cleaning Authority, Austin customers and new customers that sign up before the end of August receive 25% off their initial Greenling order… farm-fresh, organically grown produce, dairy and groceries delivered right to your door at prices comparable to grocery stores.

Our continued support of Greenling and Greenling’s continued support of the Cleaning Authority, Austin is based on a shared belief that every home we serve is a commitment to community, sustainable practices, ecological consciousness, fairness and honest work.

We hope you take advantage of the opportunity to do business with Greenling. Mason and his team are doing truly remarkable things for Austin and the communities we serve.

Towards saving green, keeping clean and promoting sustainable local economies, Drew

The Singer Family Accept Their Prize: Unlimited Car Washes from Genie Car Wash for One Year!

After over 1,300 entries, Thom Singer, wife Sara and “two highly-spirited girls” won The Cleaning Authority, Austin’s first “Save Green on Clean” promotion in conjunction with H2O and Genie Car Wash and Detail. Thom and family will enjoy a year of free car washes from Genie! Upon the random selection and hearing the news, Thom was ecstatic:

“When I tell the girls, they are going to be thrilled; as a professional speaker, the road takes its toll on the family vehicle. We’ve never won anything like this. Thanks to The Cleaning Authority, Austin, H2O and Genie Car Wash, Austin. This prize will definitely be put to good use!”

In an effort to boost cross-promotion with local businesses adamant about “saving green” on cleaning products and services, The Cleaning Authority, Austin’s intent is to drive awareness for local businesses. Every dollar spent locally helps Austin thrive by allowing entrepreneurs to support additional team members and economic development. As arguably Austin’s best maid service, we’re proud to call Austin home and do everything we can to ensure Austin stays on top.

Be on the look out for future promotions and opportunities to save money, meet new local businesses, and get to know our friends and partners. After all, life is too short to clean your own stuff!

Our last campaign was so successful we’ve decided to extend the promotion into a second round. Simply click on the banner below, enter your email address, share the good word about our business, and be entered to win a year of free car washes for one year, in addition to receiving $5 off any car wash or detail at H2O or Genie Car Wash. You’ll also receive $30 off your initial green maid service.

Every Friday The Cleaning Authority, Austin answers your questions about all things green cleaning from around the interwebs. If your question is selected, prospects receive $20 off your initial cleaning with us; current customers, you receive a free refrigerator cleaning. So keep those questions coming, Austin!

Our first question comes to us via twitter from Cynthia Fedor: “…What questions should I ask when hiring a green a maid service?”

"It's not easy bein' green" - Kermit the Frog

Cynthia, thanks for your question and we’re glad you asked!

Over the last few years the “green”craze has reached a fever pitch. This is great for the industry, great for the community and great for long-term sustainability. But like many trends and positive change, some unscrupulous individuals and businesses invariably market their products and services to take advantage of the trend while failing to deliver on the service’s promise. In the industry we call this “green washing.” Unfortunately, this unethical practice hurts the rest of us trying to improve the industry.

The Cleaning Authority’s green cleaning commitment and detail clean rotation system are the two primary reasons I became an owner. But enough about me already!

Below are questions to ask that will help you verify the cleaning service soliciting your business is using accepted green cleaning practices and not green washing.

The Bonafide Green House Cleaning Service Checklist

• Are you bonded and insured?
• Do you provide all of the cleaning solutions to clean my home with every scheduled clean?
• Does Green Cleaning of the entire house come with your service or are certain areas and green cleaning services considered add-on’s and/or not green cleaned?
• Do you use house cleaning products that are certified by an independent organization such as Green Seal?  Follow-up(s): Are the cleaning solutions you use safe for people and pets? Can you show me labels of the cleaning solutions you use?
• What kind of vacuums do you use?  Follow-up: Do you use HEPA filtration to reduce allergens and other respiratory irritants by up to 99.9%?
• Do you use house cleaning techniques and procedures that reduce cross contamination across surfaces, including color coded micro-fiber mops and cleaning cloths?
• Do you have a green house cleaning training program that teaches the benefits and importance of green cleaning?  Follow-up(s):Do you supervise and coach your employees to constantly improve performance? Do you have a quality assurance manager that inspects green cleaning services and the quality of the service delivered?
• Do you have any questions for me about my lifestyle, preferences or my home? (It is absolutely crucial to open dialog with your chosen green cleaning company. After years of experience, the number one challenge for small businesses is delivering to the expectation of its customers. Your home is where most days begin and most days end… your maid service should be conscious of this and address your needs in order to ensure a long, healthy, mutually beneficial relationship.)

Should a house cleaning service soliciting your business answer any of the questions above in the negative, I highly suggest you move on to the next company. Thanks again for your question Cynthia and we look forward to supporting you and yours in the future. Keep those questions coming… Knowledge is power and it provides us with the opportunity to learn more to be better.

Towards saving green and keeping clean, Drew

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Life is too short to clean your own home

The Dog Days of Summer

To clean or not to clean, that is the question.  Summer is typically the slowest season for professional house cleaning and maid services; numbers drop off significantly.

This phenomenon has always confounded me–I prefer to spend less time on household chores and more time enjoying my family and my interests. Am I so different than my customers?

Since Eileen and I became the owners of The Cleaning Authority, Austin, I’ve researched studies that  attempt to answer my questions, in an effort to provide a better service: Why do customers terminate service on the cusp of summer and what can I do as a service provider to help them maximize their time doing things they love?

I’ve conducted surveys, read academic literature on home production and leisure, and questioned some of my colleagues and competitors about their experiences and what if anything they’ve done to address this.

Early on, my reasoning was not unlike what you’re probably thinking, now–summer is time to relax and it’s no big deal for things to get a little dirtier than normal. Or maybe I am wrong? However, consider:

• During summer, kids are out of school, usually at home; home base requires much more maintenance and attention. Parents’ schedule often remains unchanged, so the extra time kids spend at the house requires parents to do or manage more chores just to maintain the status quo.
• Central Texas summers are extraordinarily hot and it is necessary to spend time indoors just to survive the heat. I would think summer would be the prime time to hire my company, because more time indoors requires more to clean up.
• We love our Fur Friends, Austin! June through September, pets are typically indoors more. With few exceptions, dogs “blow their coats” twice a year: Towards the end of the spring and the beginning of fall. (Some dogs blow their coat year round.) This hair and dander accumulates in nooks and crannies, furniture, clothing and vents, inhibiting air quality and the indoor experience. Two or more family fur friends equates to double the time spent capturing and dispensing of hair and dander, June through September.
• Austin Energy reports that energy consumption is staggering during the summer because of increased need for household cooling. Couple this with increased time at home and decreased air quality, HVAC units are working harder to maintain indoor temperatures. A cleaner home is a more efficient home.
• The Staycation is becoming a popular Summer option, a time when people invest in their home experience. Would you rather invest time in cleaning, or enjoying your new investments, worry free?

Life is too short to clean your own home.™

In 2006, Valerie Ramey and Neville Francis published “A Century of Work and Leisure” in an attempt to answer the question, “has leisure increased over the last century?” The paper was underwritten by the National Bureau of Economic Research.

“… The new measures reveal a number of interesting 20th Century trends [extending into the 21st Century.] First, 70 percent of the decline in hours worked has been offset by an increase in hours spent in school. Second, contrary to conventional wisdom, average hours spent in home production [household chores]  are actually slightly higher now than they were in the early part of the 20th Century. Finally, leisure per capita is approximately the same now as it was in 1900.”

What we’ve gained in life expectancy, we’ve lost in cleaning the house. Despite all of the technological advances to expedite household chores and make the activity more efficient–vacuums, washer/dryers electrostatic dusters, non-toxic green cleaning products, indoor plumbing, central air and heat, dish washers, etc.–Americans spend slightly more time managing and maintaining their home than they did over 100 hundred years ago! This equates to less time enjoying life.

The more I investigate and learn, the more I think the reasoning to terminate service during the summer is backwards.  Summer is the absolute best time to hire help in order to maximize and focus your enjoyment of the things you value. Do you want to remember cleaning house all summer long or would you prefer to create memories doing the things that you love?

In an effort to maximize your quality of life, The Cleaning Authority, Austin is offering $30 off your initial green, professional house cleaning, $5 off any car wash or detail package at Austin-area H2O or Genie car washes, and a chance to win unlimited car washes for one year!

You are not alone; we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Call us today at 512.827.8657, or after 7pm, Request a Quote.  In the meantime, I absolutely welcome your thoughts and feedback…. learning from others is what it’s all about. Looking forward to the conversation.

Towards saving green and keeping clean, Drew

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1. Perfume
Perfumes are a perfect Mother’s Day gift, but they’re often filled with chemicals which are not great for Mom or Mother Earth. Try more natural options like those from Pacifica or Burt’s Bees, which makes solid perfumes perfect for moms on the go.

2. Organic Flowers
You’ve probably gotten her flowers before, but were they organic? Surprise your mom with a bouquet of flowers either at home or the office this Mother’s Day. Choose organic blooms onlne from either organicbouquet.com or 1800flowers.com to show her how much you appreciate her!  Or better yet, locally you may try Whole Blooms on Burnet Road or the Human Flower Project, sourcing organic flowers from among other places, Texas Specialty Cut Flowers in Blanco, Texas.

3. A Garden
While what you actually give to your mom will be the seedlings you picked up from our Austin farmers’ markets or nursery, that’s not the real gift. The real gift is the time you’ll spend together planting that garden and the memories that you’ll create.

4. Breakfast in Bed
Instead of driving to take your mom out for brunch, make her breakfast in bed! Waking up to the smell of organic coffee brewing and the sound of a sizzling skillet is always a treat.  Knowing she doesn’t have to clean up the kitchen will be the cherry on top!

Enjoy this special day with your mom, Austin.  And remember: Life is too short to clean your own home. You are not alone; we’re here for all of your green house cleaning maid service needs.  Request a quote or call us today at 512.827.8657.

Towards keeping Austin clean, Drew

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• Mother’s Day 2011 (milepostsproductions.wordpress.com)