Quick And Easy Cleaning Tricks
Maintaining a clean home can seem like a never-ending battle, but fortunately there are some time-saving tricks.
One of the most important steps in keeping a clean house is scheduling time. Make it part of your weekly or daily routine, tackling one big project at a time. Just 15 to 30 minutes each day can translate to 2 to 3 hours of cleaning a week.
Stay on top of the mess by cleaning a little at a time. Don't just add to the pile of papers on your desk, file them away or better yet go paperless with monthly bills to reduce clutter. You can also keep up with ongoing chores through taking steps such as cutting down on mildew in the shower by wiping down the sides with a squeegee or a towel after each use.
To get pet hair off a couch or chair, Good Housekeeping recommends running your hands back and forth over the furniture while wearing a pair of rubber gloves. As the fur balls up gather it and toss it in the trash.
When it comes to cleaning counter-top appliances, the trick is to clean smarter. To clean the coffee maker, brew a mix of water and vinegar, followed by a pot of clean water. The acid from the vinegar mix removes old stains and the clean water removes any lingering vinegar from the system that could affect the taste of the next pot.
For tough stains in the microwave, Good Housekeeping recommends heating up a cup of water first. The steam from the water will help loosen the material caked onto the sides of the microwave, making it easier to wipe off.
Baking soda is great for removing odors. Sprinkle some onto your carpets 10 to 15 minutes before you vacuum to freshen your home. You can also use baking soda for baked-on stains. Sprinkle it over a surface then scrub with a wet rag until everything is spotless.
