Household Cleaning Tips

Create a Cleaning Routine to Make Housecleaning Easier

2008-02-01T16:26:00.001-08:00

Cleaning house is a never-ending job. There is an endless supply of dishes and clothes to wash, and that pesky dust never stays away for long. Sometimes it seems that there are just not enough hours in the day to keep the house clean and get everything else done too.

In order to stay on top of housecleaning, it is essential for us to have a routine. Every situation is different, so the routine that works for your mother, sister, or friend may or may not work for you. But we can all create our own routines to make housecleaning easier.

* Tackle one room at a time. Many of us don't have an entire day to dedicate to house cleaning every week. Doing one room at a time allows us to break the work up into smaller chunks while still accomplishing something noticeable. One or two rooms each day should allow us to get the whole house clean in a week's time.

* Do one task at a time, but do it for the whole house. This is another effective way to break the work up. For example, you could dust the entire house from end to end and be done with it. Then you could move on to sweeping or vacuuming. Doing things this way will save time by eliminating a lot of the "stop and go" as well.

* Try grouping certain tasks together to multitask. Chores like doing the laundry do not require constant attention, so we can do other things while we're waiting for the clothes to be washed and dried. Associating another task with it that is more labor-intensive, like dusting or cleaning the kitchen, can increase our productivity. Once the first load is finished, we can fold or iron clothes while waiting for the next load.

* Break larger tasks up into smaller ones if they become too monotonous. Some of us have rooms that it seems to take forever to clean, or certain chores that we just hate to do. Breaking them up into smaller, more manageable parts might help us get them done. For example, if you despise cleaning the bathroom, you could clean the shower and then go work on something more enjoyable for a while. Then you can come back later and tackle something else, and repeat until the whole bathroom is clean.

* Put on some upbeat music to keep yourself motivated. Listening to music you love can make any task more pleasant, and something with a good beat will keep you moving. You might even find yourself dancing as you clean.

Having a routine is a great way to do anything more efficiently. This is especially true for housecleaning. You may have to experiment a little at first, but finding a routine that works for you will pay off. You'll be able to get your house clean in less time, and you might even start enjoying it more.

Seven Tips for Getting Your Husband to Help with Housework

2007-11-22T17:21:00.000-08:00

Since the beginning of time, husbands have been viewed as the hunters and wives as the gatherers. According to statistics, only 15% of husbands today help with housework. Although we may not have fully evolved into an equal partnership when it comes to the home, and while there is still an on-going debate as to how to encourage husbands to help around the house, here are seven tips for getting your husband to help with housework that may work for you.

Depending upon how your husband was raised, he may or may not know how to handle housework. Therefore, the first thing you can do is teach him.

Every woman cleans their home in their own way. They have a method which guarantees everything is spotless and in its place. For men, however, they hardly notice if the house is clean or not, and so it is important to discuss housework and their role – not as helper, but one who can equally share the responsibility of keeping the house clean and orderly. Discuss housework with him.

More often than not, the husband usually takes out the trash and does “manly” work around the house, such as fixing and building or working in the back yard. If you need your husband to assist you with housework, you will have to compromise a bit by asking what chore he would like to tackle. Is he a good cook? Does he enjoy food shopping? If so, perhaps he can take over the meal preparation while you take care of the house.

Offer a compromise to him.

If both of you work, weekends are a time for rest and relaxation. If one of you works at home or is taking care of children, you may find it even more difficult to get your husband to help with housework. Talk to your husband about taking on one chore at a time, so that you can free up your weekends to spend more time with each other and the children. Discuss a schedule of chores with him.

If you find that your husband will not lift a finger to help you, call in the guards. Hire a cleaning service. Perhaps when he sees the bill week after week, he may decide it’s easier to help rather than pay someone to do it. Discuss the cleaning service with him.

Now ladies, this next tip may be over the top, but in some cases it is needed to cajole your husband to help with the housework. Simply tell him if he doesn’t help, he’ll be spending many lonely nights without your company. Talk about a lack of lovin’ with him.

Finally, if any or all of these tips fail, your last resort is to do nothing. That’s right, engage in a housework strike, and go out one Saturday leaving him to handle the kids and the messy house. You can be assured that at some point he will get the message, and a dialogue will ensue where you can talk about your feelings and his lack of attention.

How To Avoid Clutter Build

2007-11-05T18:43:00.000-08:00

One of the easiest ways to make a big impact on your home’s appearance is to take care of clutter. We all accumulate things, and when they don’t get picked up they can easily take over an area of the house.

Here are some tips on how to avoid clutter build.

Start by going through each room and identifying where extra storage space is needed. After you have figured out where you need storage, you can decide what type of storage pieces to buy.

There are many types of storage solutions to choose from, and you can certainly find some that will fit into your home’s décor. You can choose from bookcases, chests, and ottomans for your living room.

When it comes to the bedroom, you can go to your local department store, such as Target, and find all types of closet organizers in that you can fit together to create customized storage solutions. You can also find pieces that fit under the bed as well as nets that hang from the ceiling. These can be great for storing kids’ stuffed animals.

After you have figured out where you are going to put your things, you can start sorting through them. If the task of de-cluttering your home seems overwhelming, focus on one room at a time. And if that seems overwhelming, focus on something small, such as one drawer. When you are finished with that drawer, move on to another drawer or cabinet. Eventually, you will have made your way through your home.

As you are working, you may find it helpful to make several piles. Put everything you plan to keep in one pile, things you can sell on eBay in another pile, things to give away in a separate pile, and things to throw away in the final pile.

If you tend to be a pack rat, try to break free from your old habits. For the most part, things that you haven’t used in the last year can be sold, given away, or thrown out. If you are unsure of whether you will use it or not, put it in storage. If another six months go by and you haven’t used it, it is time to let go of it.

Now that you have gone through the trouble of de-cluttering your house, here are a few tips on helping you avoid clutter build-up in the future. It is a lot easier to schedule a 30 clutter cleaning session once a week than to spend several days de-cluttering once every few months.
* Don’t let newspapers and magazines pile up. After you’re done reading them, put them in a bin and when it’s full, take it to a recycling center. If you are hanging onto it for a specific article, clip the article out and pin it up on a bulletin board. It will take up much less space and will be a visual reminder that you wanted to read it.

* Instead of leaving things out on the counters, put items away when you are done using them.

* Use the time you spend on the phone to wipe down counters, fold laundry, and take care of other quiet chores. You can get a headset for your phone so that you are audible to the person you’re speaking to, yet have both hands free to take care of other things.

* If you have a big house, buy a large basket with handles. Each night, start in one room and place the items that do not belong in that room into the basket. Make your way through each room, putting away things that belong in that room and placing items that belong somewhere else into the basket.

Save Time On Household Chores

2007-10-23T19:05:00.000-07:00

Your work around the house can take up a big portion of your time, especially household chores. The following ways will help you streamline your household chore activity:

Household Chores

Many people feel that their kitchen is the heart of their home. In many cases, the kitchen table is the place where you gather with your family to eat meals, talk, help your children with homework, and much more. Since so much time is spent in the kitchen, it is not uncommon for most of your cleaning time to also be spent in this room. Here are some tips on cleaning your kitchen quickly and easily:

* If you are the type of person who is prone to tossing mail and other important pieces of paper on the counter, invest in some containers that you can use to sit on the counter and keep things organized. Once a week, go through your containers and take care of what needs to be taken care of, and throw away the rest.

* There are many new alternatives to brooms and mops that make cleaning the floors easy. The Swiffer brand is a great example. You can come home, put a pot of water on the stove to cook some pasta, and give your floors a quick cleaning before your pasta water has reached a boil.

* Don’t waste time scrubbing your pans. Instead, line them with heavy duty foil before you cook your dinner in them. If you forget this step and have a pan that is particularly messy, simply add a few drops of dish soap to it, fill it with hot water and let it sit overnight. The next day, the mess will easily be washed away with little scrubbing.

* Store as many appliances as you can in the cabinets. This will keep your kitchen looking neat and clean.
Your children’s rooms can also be some of the messiest rooms in the house. Here are some tips on how to streamline the mess in their rooms and get them involved in the cleaning. Remember, the more they do on their own, the less you’ll have to do!

If your children are old enough, you may want to consider purchasing them their own laundry hampers, so that they can start learning to sort clothes, and eventually do their own laundry. Of course, this may not be a good idea for small children, as they may end up having more fun throwing their dirty laundry around the room and creating an even bigger mess.

If your children are too young to read, consider color coding the storage areas in their room. For example, socks can go into the blue dresser drawer and pajamas can go into the yellow drawer.

You don’t have to paint the whole drawer a different color. You can look for painter’s tape that doesn’t stick and just use a portion of the colored tape on the drawer or perhaps you can find some decorative plastic clings. These come in a variety of colors, shapes and themes and you can stick them right on the dresser drawers. You can also use this method to organize their toys and toy chests.

Another idea is to take a picture of the item that goes into each drawer or toy chest. You can even make it special by having your child pose with the item. For example, have them hold a pair of socks, take a picture, and place that picture on the outside of the sock drawer.

When it is time to put things away, make a fun game out if by asking your child to find the pajama drawer. They will be more than happy to help you clean up when actually have fun with the process.

Busy moms of young children often find it difficult to clean the house with their children underfoot. While it can be difficult, there are ways to keep your home clean and your children entertained at the same time.

Nap time, of course, is a prime time to get some chores done. Use this time to take care of some quieter tasks, like dusting, sorting through the mail, sorting laundry, and washing dishes.

Instead of trying to get your cleaning done in one big block of time during one day, break it up into fifteen minute increments throughout the week. It will be much easier to keep your children occupied with something else in 15 minute intervals than to try and keep them occupied for a long stretch of time.

Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

2007-10-12T12:36:00.000-07:00

You’ve been putting it off for quite a long time; but today you’ve decided to clean out your medicine cabinet. Once you follow these simple tips, you won’t have to do this again for a year.

Take everything out of the cabinet and put them into a box. Clean the inside with white vinegar. Sit at your kitchen table and go through each item one by one. Check your medicines first. Throw out any outdated prescriptions. Remember to remove the label on all of them. The general rule of thumb is to throw out anything that is old, since their effectiveness is diminished. Perhaps you have accumulated two or more of one product. Check the expiration labels and keep the newest one and throw out the old. After you have finished going through the box, it’s time to put back whatever is left. The good news is now is the perfect time to organize your medicine cabinet.

Depending upon the size of your medicine cabinet, you may want to prioritize those items you use on a daily basis, such as: deodorants and razors, which you can keep on the first shelf. You may want to use plastic cups to keep your Q-tips in; or disposable razors as well. Arrange all ointments and creams on another shelf, such as Neosporin and the like. Medicinal products can be put on the top shelf. It depends on your preference. Glass bottles, however, should be kept on the first shelf. Replace whatever creams or ointments you threw out, and any other necessary items you need to have on hand. For example; over the counter antacids; vapor rub; cough syrup; toothpaste; toothbrushes, and the like.

Having to clean out your medicine cabinet can be done on a yearly basis as long as you replace or throw out those items which are outdated or no longer useable during the year. It isn’t so bad, right? Ensure you have enough band aids; ointments; and other necessary items you may need, especially if you have children.

Natural Household Cleaners

2007-09-27T21:34:00.000-07:00

There is nothing more frightening than a child making his or her way into your household cleaning supplies. It’s a parent’s worse nightmare! To this end, it is important to find natural household cleaners to clean a home without jeopardizing the health of your children or your family. We are all trying to become more environmentally aware of the dangers of toxins, not only in our home but as it relates to polluting our air, waters, and landscape.
Are your household cleaners safe? If not, here are some measures you can take to make your home a healthier one.

Vinegar, Borax, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Salt, and Baking Soda are all the ingredients you can use to clean your entire home. They are safe, non-toxic, and can do just as good a job as your more toxic household cleaners.

Let’s begin with windows. Instead of using a popular brand of glass cleaner, use water with vinegar and lemon juice to spray onto your windows. Vinegar can also be used to clean surfaces in your kitchen and bathroom; just add salt and water. If the oven needs to be cleaned, use liquid soap, Borax and warm water. Borax can also be used as a disinfectant in hot water as well as for cleaning toilets.

Polish your furniture with olive oil and lemon juice. You can also use lemon juice to polish copper kettles; just add a bit of salt. For use in the bathroom, use baking soda and warm water. This can also be used to unclog the drain by pouring the baking soda down the drain with a cup of vinegar.

At a time when pollutants are contributing to the depletion of the ozone layer; while gas and oil fumes are literally killing our natural resources; it is time to take a hard look at what we can do as individuals to decrease the toxins from our air and water. Perhaps if we begin to use natural methods to using brand named household cleaners, we can send a clear and definitive message to these companies that toxins are no longer an acceptable form to be used in any capacity. It all begins with our taking a stand; it all begins at home.

Cleaning Tips On Stainless Steel

2007-09-10T16:56:00.000-07:00

Today, most all large and small appliances, cookware, utensils and sinks are stainless steel. Along with the easy to clean convenience, however, they can become stained and dull looking. To ensure they are kept clean and shiny, here are a few cleaning tips on stainless steel.

Using olive oil on a cloth, clean your sink and dry with a clean cloth. Be sure to also wipe away any water spots which may appear. To removes stains from your cookware, use club soda, and apply vinegar to remove spots and stains from your utensils and cutlery. Be sure to rinse off acid or salty foods if the flatware is not immediately washed. Well that was easy, right?

Now there are other problems you may encounter with stainless steel items that need more attention. For example, if you have just purchased a stainless steel mixer; and the label(s) won’t come off, soak the item in warm water; rub it with a soapy cloth. Voila!
Label on; label off.

Grease! Not the musical! To remove grease from your cookware or appliances, use a mixture of ammonia and warm water. Another problem you may encounter is rust stains. For this removal, you will need to use a household cleaner; and often.

Here are some tips to avoid damage to your stainless steel items. Don’t use steel wool to clean them; and never leave stainless steel cookware on extremely high heat for a long period of time as this will only lead to discoloration.

While there are many stainless steel cleaning products available on the market today, try the old method first. If you have large surfaces, such as refrigerators or counter tops; try using glass cleaner or ammonia. Avoiding the use of any toxic chemicals or abrasives will ensure all of your stainless steel appliances, cookware and peripherals continue to sparkle.

Cleaning Tips For In The Kitchen - Clean The Refrigerator

2007-09-06T19:53:00.000-07:00

You’ve decided to clean the refrigerator; you’ve put it off long enough! Since you have the time and the patience; let’s give you some quick refrigerator cleaning tips for in the kitchen.

* Take everything out of the refrigerator.
* Throw away outdated cans, jars and plastic bottles.
* Take out the vegetable bins; wash and dry.
* Use a sponge or wet cloth to clean the shelving and the inside of the door. You may want to use baking soda as the cleaning agent.
* Put back whatever items you have left.
* Put the bins back, and sprinkle a bit of baking soda in each.
* Place an opened box of baking soda towards the back top shelf.
* Clean the entire refrigerator; top sides and doors and Voila!

You’re done! That was easy enough, right? Well that’s because you have been cleaning it religiously every month. Alas, there are some refrigerators which have not been so lucky, and cleaning will require more time.

To keep your refrigerator clean so that a simple once-over is required, here are some additional tips to follow.

* Use tin foil under your milk cartons to prevent leaking.
* Use food containers to store your leftovers.
* Change the box of baking soda every three months.
* Keep the temperature at the manufacturer’s recommendation.
* Try not to accumulate more than two items. Check certain items before buying them. Oftentimes, we buy too much of one item, and it just stays in the refrigerator for months on end.
* Keep your vegetables in zip lock bags to maintain their freshness.
* Defrost your freezer at least once a month. Don’t forget to place a box of baking soda in there as well.

By following these simple cleaning tips for the kitchen, your next cleaning will be easier and faster.

Ceramic Tile Cleaning Tips

2007-08-29T19:19:00.000-07:00

Cleaning the ceramic tile in your bathroom has been tops on your list of things to do, right? Here are some cleaning ceramic tile tips.

One of the areas on ceramic tile that is really tough to clean is the grout. It’s a really yucky area that attracts the most horrible dirt and grime in your bathroom, right? Okay then, put on a pair of rubber gloves and let’s get to it!

If you have a small bathroom, you may want to turn on the overhead fan; keep the doors open and wear a mask if you have to. It tends to get quite hot in there when cleaning.

Use a cleaning solution and hot water, start cleaning the grout. This will require some kneeling and scrubbing, so ensure you place a pillow or soft cushion to kneel on.

Stop and take a look. Does the grout look clean? If not, you may have to resort to more desperate measures. Do not use chlorine bleach! It is not safe and if you are allergic, it can cause breathing problems, and the fumes can be hazardous to your pets as well.

However, take heart! After scouring the web for the best product, there is one that is non-toxic, and is perfect for grout cleaning, it’s called oxygen bleach. It comes in powder form and when mixed with water it removes all of the stains to produce a clean and undamaged group. Moreover, there are no fumes or toxins to contend with. Simply apply the bleach and let it sit for thirty to sixty minutes. Then scrub the grout lightly and Voila! Behold the miracle!

If you have ceramic tile in your kitchen or counter top, you can use the oxygen bleach there as well. Users have raved about this product, so make it easy; chemical free; and pain free during cleaning and utilize these cleaning ceramic tile tips.

Carpet Cleaning Tips

2007-08-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

Having just purchased a new carpet for the living room, there is always that feeling of what if…! A living room is meant to be lived in; just because a new carpet has been installed doesn’t mean the room should to be roped off and only used on certain occasions. There will be the occasional spills. In order to avoid any accumulation of dust or other foreign matters, here are some carpet cleaning tips.

* Vacuum often
* If you spill anything on the carpet; take a paper towel and pat down on the spill until it is absorbed onto the paper towel.
* Whenever possible, use door mats to have your family wipe their shoes so nothing is tracked onto the carpet.
* Be careful when using certain cleaning supplies*
* If you choose to have your carpet shampooed; be sure to ask if the scotch guard will be removed in the process.
* Do not allow any family member to eat in the living room.

While these are just a few tips for cleaning your carpets, you may certainly have your own tried and tested methods to keep your carpet clean. Preventative measures are the best way to avoid soiling your new carpet.

*Cleaning supplies note: There are so many products which claim to remove stains from carpets. There is one thing you need to be aware of. Most of these carpet cleaners not only remove the scotch guard, but lighten the soiled area as well. Not only are these cleaners toxic; they include dangerous chemicals as well.

Buying a new carpet is an expensive undertaking. To ensure it is kept as pristine as possible, you can use these carpet cleaning tips . However, as mentioned earlier your home is meant to be lived in; so accidental spills will happen. Don’t stress over it. Just attend to the spillage as soon as possible and set some ground rules for the entire family.