Housecleaning 101

As every housewife knows, we all absolutely hate doing those burdensome chores we must do everyday. Washing dishes, doing laundry and mopping floors, is just not the way we want to spend our precious free time. However, experts on housecleaning recommend that we invest a little time everyday in completing our household chores, to minimize the overall time and effort we must invest to maintain our home. Not that you should spend every single day going thorough the drudgery of cleaning your home. Simplify your cleaning routine and take small steps to maintain your homes cleanliness in between those days when you really thoroughly clean everything.

With steps like, letting the dishes air dry, spot cleaning the bathroom after your daily bath or shower; and also spray it down after each shower with a mold and mildew cleaner. Also, if mold tends to be a problem in your bathroom, especially around your tub; place paper towels soaked in Clorox around the edge of your tub where the mold is, allow it to set overnight and the next morning the mold will be gone. Simplify your weekly cleaning routine and create a clean, welcoming home for those you love, by assigning daily chores for each member of the household to complete.

There are household maintenance jobs that are only required to be done about once or twice a year, like washing the windows, doors and walls of your home. Window washing should only be done on cloudy days as the sun tends to dry the cleaning solution to fast, which causes the windows to be streaked. A wonderful window washing solution is to take ½ cup sudsy ammonia, one pint rubbing alcohol, one teaspoon of dishwashing liquid and add it to one gallon of water, cleaning with this solution will produce a streak free shine to all the windows of your home.

Sliding glass door tracks are an area often neglected when we clean. Dirt and grime can build up in this area over time so its recommended that we clean here at least once or twice a year. A good method to use is to scrub the tracks with an old, dry toothbrush to loosen dirt and debris, then use the hose on your vacuum to remove it, finish by scrubbing with a wet sponge and mild detergent.

Always make sure and clean underneath the cushions of your furniture, and also underneath appliances in your home. This of course, takes some work and will often require the help of a partner to assist you in moving these heavy items. Once everything is moved, sweep and mop underneath and then place back in position.

About as often as you clean your carpet or have it professionally cleaned, its also recommended that you have your furniture cleaned as well. Freshen your window treatments periodically and have them dry cleaned about once a year. To remove dust from sheer curtains, put them in the dryer on a low setting with a cloth thrown in scented with a mild oil, like peppermint oil.

Light fixtures, ceiling fans and light bulbs must be dusted periodically with a micro fiber or lint-free cloth, clean grimy light bulbs with a cloth lightly dampened in vinegar.

Cleaning doesn't have to be a burdensome chore that every one in the family hates participating in. I've found that the easiest way to do those chores that I absolutely hate doing, is to write everything that I have to do down on a sheet of paper, I usually start in the kitchen with cleaning cabinets, washing windows and mopping floors; and as I complete each item on the list I mark it off. Of course, as I complete one room I allow myself a 10 minute break to do something enjoyable, it may 10 minutes of reading or even something simple, like sitting outside. You should also set aside a certain amount of time each day to devote to the completion of household chores, this will keep your home in tiptop shape, while allowing you more time to concentrate on your family. For more interesting cleaning tips visit www.bhg.com