Maids

A maid, or housemaid or maidservant, is a  person employed in domestic service. Although now usually found only in the most wealthy of households. Cleaning services was the second largest category of employment after agricultural work in england

In today's society we all need a little assistance in maintaining the cleanliness of our homes. By hiring a cleaning service weekly or bi-weekly you are ensuring a clean and safe environment for your family. Contact us today to explore the possibilities of a clean home with less work for you. 

Less Toxic Cleaning Products

GEF

Our company wants to improve the life of you and of the ones you love. By using a cleaning service you can ensure the cleanliness of your home without the hassle of weekly chores that eventually get neglected. Call us today to set up a meeting with our team to discuss your needs. In the mean time try these alternative cleaning products to keep your family safe. 

All-Purpose Cleaner

Cleaners may contain ammonia, a strong irritant which can also cause kidney and liver damage, butyl cellusolve which is neurotoxic and rapidly penetrates skin, and ortho phenylphenol which is a severe eye and skin irritant. Many all-purpose cleaners contain DEA and TEA which can react with nitrites (added as undisclosed preservatives or present as contaminants) to form carcinogenic nitrosomines which readily penetrate the skin.  Many coloured products are made with carcinogenic coal tar colours.  Hormone disrupting parabens may be used as preservatives. Many cleaners also include fragrances and detergents. Alternative brands may contain d-limonene, a sensitizer which can also cause respiratory distress as well as liver, kidney and nervous system damage. D-limonene is a hazardous substance, although it is derived from a natural source.  We do not recommend it for frequent use.  

  Less-toxic Alternatives

• Arm & Hammer Washing Soda
• Down East - All-Purpose Cleaner
• ECOgent - General Purpose Cleaner and Stain Removal
• 20 Mule Team Borax (caution: do not inhale powder)
• Microfiber cloths
• Nature Clean - All Purpose Cleaning Lotion
• Nature Clean - Cream Cleanser
• Nature Clean - Natural Kitchen and Bath Spray Cleaner
• Soap Factory  AA5 Concentrate - multi-purpose cleaner

Bleach

The main ingredient in chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite (chlorine added to lye.) Chlorine is toxic as a skin irritant, and by inhalation.  Sodium hypochlorite can create poisonous chlorine gas if mixed with ammonia (which may be an unlabeled ingredient in some cleaning products) or with vinegar. Workplace safety data sheets warn that sodium hypochlorite may be a neurotoxin and cause liver damage. People with chemical sensitivies report adverse reactions to minute quantities of chlorine.  Sodium hypochlorite readily combines with organic matter to form organochlorines which are highly toxic to aquatic life.

 Less-toxic Alternatives

• Envirodesic - Hydrox
• Hydrogen peroxide - drug store dilution.  Use 1/2 cup per wash load.
• Nature Clean - Natural Laundry Bleach (powder)
• Nature Clean - Natural Liquid Bleach
• Oxiclean - oxygen bleach
• President's Choice - Active Oxygen Bleach
• Soapworks - Safe Bleach
• Simply Clean - Oxygen bleach

Dishwashing Liquid (Hand)

Most dishwashing liquids contain detergents, coal tar based colours, and artificial fragrance. They may contain Quarternium 15, an eye and skin irritant which can release carcinogenic formaldehyde. If the label says "Do not use with chlorine bleach", then the product probably contains ammonia. Many dyes are known to be carcinogenic; they can penetrate the skin and be deposited on dishes. Conventional detergents are petroleum-based.

 Less-toxic Alternatives

• Bioasis Dishwasher Detergent
• Down East - Dishwashing Liquid
• Nature Clean - Natural Dishwashing Detergent
• Seventh Generation - Natural Dish Liquid

Cleaning Tips

Easy Cleaning Tricks

Clean Mini Blinds With Vinegar

There is a relatively new trick that involves the dishwasher for cleaning blinds but this little trick is much faster and you don’t have to take the blinds down first. You just mix together equal parts of water and vinegar in a bowl and then don an old sock (slip it on your hand not your feet). Just dip the sock in the vinegar and water mixture and then run it over your blinds. You can also use a second old sock to wipe away the dampness after you have cleaned each slat in the blind.

Clean A Microwave With Vinegar And Steam

Now’s the time to clean up that microwave and make it look new again. Unfortunately, for some this means removing food splatters from top to bottom and some of these food splatters can be really difficult to get off. Instead of wearing yourself out by scrubbing, simply fill a bowl (one that is microwave safe) with 1 to 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Place the bowl in the microwave and run for 5 minutes. If you have a really messy microwave, leave it sitting in there for a few extra minutes after the timer goes off. Then just wipe clean with a damp towel.

Call us today to have your home or office cleaned by a local, professional and friendly company (503) 676-3322

Cleaning Company Benefits

Contact GEF to learn about the cleaning services we offer 5036763322