5 Must-Have Tools for Quick House Cleaning

My husband is notorious for telling me -- out of the clear blue and usually when I am sitting at my computer busily writing away -- that we are going to be having company. Soon. I look around and realize that the house could look -- well -- better. Of course, my beloved husband has given me very little time to get things in order. There are five "tools" that I keep on-hand for just such occasions. With these, I can give my house a quick cleaning and have it looking presentable in no time.

Static or Lambswool Duster. As far as I am concerned, the static dusters on the market today should be a part of everyone's cleaning supplies. Some are also made of lambswool, which works just as well. They are excellent for those quick dust-ups. I like the fact that they can get under things, such as stereo equipment, and into crevices. I do not have to take everything off the shelves to dust either. Also, they are good for cleaning the blades on ceiling fans. As a result, I can quickly breeze through my house and soon have it dust-free.

Floor Sweeper. You often see people using these in restaurants for quick clean-ups. These sweepers are handy for giving floors a quick cleaning and eliminates the need for pulling a large, heavy vacuum cleaner out of the closet and then having to put said vacuum cleaner back in the closet. Because the sweeper has a dirt catcher, you do not have to employ a broom and dustpan. I also like the fact that these types of sweepers work on all types of floors -- linoleum, tile, hardwood, and carpet. This makes a broom a moot point, too.

Eraser Pads or Sponge. You might not consider this to be a "tool" in the strict sense of the word; however, I do and a valuable one at that. Such pads or sponges produce a foam (melamine) when water is applied. This foam is great for spot-cleaning, which is something that always needs to be done, it seems, when trying to quickly get your house looking decent for the unexpected company. You can use it to wipe off furniture scuff marks on the wall, quickly clean around doorknobs where dirty hands may have been, and wipe down bathroom fixtures. It is also great for wiping down stoves and refrigerators. Another nice thing about this "eraser" is that you do not have to get together a bunch of rags and/or sponges and other cleaning materials to do all of this. One little sponge-like "tool," and you are done. Quick. Easy.

Disinfecting Wipes. This is something else that you might not consider a tool but will be glad that you have handy for those quick clean-ups. Use the wipes to quickly clean kitchen counters. (These wipes also help to eliminate germs and are antibacterial, as well as, disinfecting.) As with the eraser pads mentioned above, you do not have to grab sponges and cleansers either. Just wipe and toss.

Toilet Brush. Let's face it; the toilet is not one of the most pleasant things in the world to clean. No house can be without a toilet brush, especially if you are trying to accomplish a quick housecleaning. There are some on the market, too, that have a built-in cleanser on the sponge part of the brush and which is disposable. These types can shorten your time cleaning, too.

Well, now my house is clean. Done in record time, too. It is now safe to let the company in the door.