“Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire: it is the time for home.” Edith Sitwell.
Thanks for stopping by. At Maid In Windsor, we’re getting ready for the winter season. The leaves are swirling and there is a chill in the air. We are thinking about large mugs of hot chocolate and spiced apple cider as we prepare for the cold weather. It’s a time of hibernating for some, but before we do, there are a number of things around your home that should be attended to.
We remind you to book your cleaning service before the first week of December. We get really busy before the holidays. We will close on Christmas and New Year’s Eve at 3 pm and on December 25-27th we will be home celebrating with our families.
New Product from Maid In Windsor:
We are now using Nature’s Own Refresh Peroxide Cleaner to clean grout. It is hydrogen- peroxide based and, does a fantastic job on dirty floors, restoring them to almost new! It’s biodegradable and non-toxic and it will literally bubble away the dirt. Talk to us about using it in your home or office to make your floors look like they are brand new!
Before:(
After!
Winterizing Your Home Outdoors:
Now is the time to shut off your outdoor taps to prevent water damage due to bursting pipes from the colder weather.
Clean your gutters. If they are clogged with leaves, the possibility of melting and refreezing snow can cause water to get under the shingles, which has the potential to create damage.
Take your patio furniture indoors and disconnect the tank on your BBQ to prevent rust. Remove your window air conditioners and before you store them, have them cleaned and ready for next summer’s heat.
Have your furnace looked at by a professional. Buy extra filters now for the entire season and change them monthly; you don’t want them to get clogged with dust. A furnace that runs efficiently operates better and keeps your energy costs lower. If you install a programmable thermostat, it will keep you warm and comfortable, while saving you money.
A drafty home costs more money to heat. Seal any open spaces to ensure that air is not coming in or escaping from your home. Caulk around the edges of your window and use weather-stripping around your outside doors and windows.
Lower your thermostat by up to 6°C during sleeping hours or during the day when everyone is out to save approximately 1% for every 1°C. (Source: Union Gas)
Test your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Ensure that all your natural gas products are inspected annually to protect your family from carbon monoxide which is a poisonous gas that you cannot see, taste or smell. Also, install CO alarms on every floor of your home and test them twice a year. The symptoms of CO poisoning are flu-like; headaches, nausea, dizziness, burning eyes, confusion and shortness of breath. If any member of your family exhibits these signs while at home only, leave immediately, call 911 and get medical assistance.
Warm up the Indoors:
You’ll be spending more time inside with the winter season upon us. Take a day to clean and cozy up your living spaces.
Pull out your washer /dryer and your refrigerator/stove and clean behind them.
Clean out the fridge and freezer and remove old food packages. The right temperature setting for your refrigerator is between 35 and 38° F (1.7- 3.3°C).
Ceiling fans are invaluable during the winter months. They add warmth by improving energy efficiency. Remember to reverse the fan blade at the beginning of the season so the blade direction brings the cold air up from the floor.
Dust, sweep, clean and change the linens in your guest room. Be holiday ready while you have the time.
Add a warm knitted throw near or on your sofa to create a cozy feeling. A couple of pillows near the fireplace will make the room feel warmer and more inviting.
Moving your furniture is a great way to give your most-used rooms feel cozy. Place your seating areas closer to your fireplace.
During the cooler winter nights, you can increase your warmth by adding a duvet or an extra blanket to your family’s beds. Down or a fiber-filled duvet will trap body heat to keep you warm and comfortable without being bulky.
When you add a carpet to your hardwood or tile floors, not only do you protect them from salt and moisture, you will also warm them up. Your family and guests will also have a place to wipe their feet when they arrive at your front door.
Scent can also add intimacy and warmth to your home. Cinnamon, vanilla and apple are comfort triggers that hug you as you walk into a room and they make the air smell great.
Clutter Strategies:
Take a walk through your home regularly with 3 garbage bags; one for garbage, one for recycling and one for a spring garage sale or a charity donation. It won’t take a lot of time and you will be surprised at how much easier it will be for you to maintain a clutter-free environment.
If you want to clear out future clutter, refuse to bring anything new into your home for at least six months. It’s a simple strategy and you’ll see a difference in having a home that has eliminated a lot of “stuff” you don’t need.
Minding the Snow:
Did you know that the sound of snow can indicate how cold it is? A deep crunch under your foot indicates that the temperature is less than O °C (32° F). If it emits an irritating sound like a badly played instrument, the temperature is below freezing.
Stock up on salt or ice melt before the first snowstorm. Keep your sidewalks shoveled and clear to avoid any unfortunate slip and falls.
When you do shovel, bending and twisting can cause strain to your back muscles. If possible,the best time to clear snow is during the afternoon hours. Slipped discs occur more often in the morning hours after a night of rest. Warm up first with some gentle exercise. Don’t put too much snow on your shovel to avoid pain to your arm and shoulder muscles. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Try to push the snow instead of lifting it. Take frequent breaks and use a shovel that fits your body type.
Before the cold sets in, you may want to dab Vaseline on your keys and insert them in your home and car locks. This will prevent them from freezing up and inconveniencing you at just the most inopportune time.
Winter Survival Kit
The Canadian Automobile Association recommends keeping the following items in your vehicle so that you are not only safe, but well prepared for inclement weather. (Source: CAA)
- Shovel, ice scraper and snow brush
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Flashlight, warning light or flares
- Booster cables, tow chain/rope
- A compass and/or GPS (if you drive in remote areas)
- Paper towels or cloth
- Extra clothing, gloves/mitts/footwear
- Blanket (survival blankets are best)
- Emergency food pack with water
- Matches and a “survival” candle
- Small fire extinguisher and a first aid kit
- Extra windshield washer fluid
- Fuel line antifreeze
- Reflective vest
- Charged cell phone
Winter Driving:
It is advisable that you winterize your car(s) before the first storm of the season. Remove all snow from your vehicle before you leave home. This includes windows, mirrors, bumpers and roof. Ensure that your wiper blades are in good condition and designed for winter use. Avoid using cruise control on slippery roads and always leave yourself extra time for your car trip in nasty weather.
Being Outdoors:
This is a great time of the year to enjoy the season by talking a walk on our stunning riverfront or a stroll in one of our beautiful parks. Even a Sunday drive out in the county will be enjoyed by everyone in your family,so they don’t feel house-bound by the early evenings and long nights.
Winter means that night comes earlier. We love to gaze at the sky and the stars with family! Bundle up well and you can also take a night walk with the family. It’s easy to see Orion, as well as the Big Dipper which also shines brightly at this time of the year. We do know your children will enjoy this fun activity.
Everyone at Maid In Windsor wishes you a safe and healthy holiday season. We look forward to serving you in 2014.
