Hints on Cleaning House
Whether you're doing intense spring cleaning or just lighter weekly cleaning, the chore may seem equally daunting. Sometimes cleaning seems so intimidating it's easier to ignore the mess. Instead of putting off your cleaning, take some time to formulate a solid plan. Knowing how to approach the project turns the task from dreadful to fulfilling. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Cleaning Tools
-
The right tools make cleaning easier. Arm yourself with cleaning solutions, rags and sponges before you get started. For carpets, use a vacuum with HEPA filters, which will remove unhealthy particles so you and your family don't inhale them. Wear a face mask to prevent dust or cleaning products from entering your lungs, particularly helpful if you have asthma or allergies. You may also want to wear goggles and gloves for added protection. Additionally, choose clothing you don't mind getting dirty or bleach-spotted, and seek out shoes with plenty of support.
Dividing Up Tasks
-
Cleaning all in one fell swoop to get it over with might sound like a good idea, but approaching cleaning this way ensures that you'll get burned out on cleaning and wind up not getting much done. The better plan would be to approach the project a few things at a time, either over the course of a few days or by taking breaks in one day. For instance, you might clean the bedrooms one day, living room the next and so on. By working a little at a time, you're less likely to become overwhelmed with cleaning and therefore can get more done. You might even divide up cleaning within one room, such as working in one corner at a time.
-
Home Remedies
-
Commercial cleaners work, but sometimes you can clean your home with common household items. For example, submerge the shower head in a plastic baggie full of vinegar to remove hard-water buildup. Steam a bowl of vinegar in the microwave to remove caked-on food bits from the oven's interior. Baking soda cleans pots and pans and removes tarnish from silver. Even shaving cream can be used to clean windows and mirrors.
Spot Cleaning
-
One of the easiest methods of cleaning is to clean as you go along. This way, messes don't pile up and you're less likely to feel overwhelmed with cleaning. If something spills, clean it immediately to avoid set-in stains. Clean showers after use, as moist walls can be cleaned more easily than dry walls. Wash dishes after use, or at least rinse them to prevent stuck-on food. While cleaning as you go won't completely eliminate the need for a more thorough cleaning later on, it will lessen your cleaning load.
-
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Woman cleaning the house. image by maron from Fotolia.com
