Maintain the Clean - Everyday Housework Made Easy

No one likes to do housework. There are always other, more important chores to be done, a great movie on T.V. you've only seen twice, a book you've been meaning to read (the list goes on). But when it needs to get done and you can't get around it, you'll want it to be quick and easy. Here are seven little tasks you can do every day to make cleaning a breeze:

1. Keep disposable wipes preloaded with cleaner next to your sinks and toilets. Loaded with cleaner, disposable cloths making whipping up spills easy. Cleaning spills when they happen will prevent dried, cracked on messes.

2. Put a little cleaner in the toilet before going to bed. Unpleasant toilet smells can be prevented by swishing a cleaner around the bowl before bed. It will leave your bathroom with a fresh scent and prevent stains.

3. Banish stale smells with vinegar. No matter how clean your home is, pets, trash, smokers, and cooking can leave the air stale. Did unexpected guests drop in? Freshen up living spaces by waving a vinegar soaked cloth through the air - the smell of vinegar will dissipate quickly and your home will smell as clean as it looks.

4. Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet before vacuuming. A quick daily vacuum will keep your carpets looking clean and cut down on the amount of shampoos it will require. But did you know that by sprinkling baking soda over your carpet for just ten minuets before you vacuum will remove unwanted orders as well as dirt? And this is a great way to get the kids to help clean - have them shake baking soda over the rugs before dinner and vacuum while the dishes are being done.

5. Soak difficult dishes overnight. Don't waste your evening subbing tough dishes. Soak those stubborn dishes overnight and wipe the mess away the next morning.

6. Got Pets? Keep a lint roller next to furniture. A lint roller next to your couches, chairs, and bed will make cleaning up unwanted pet hair quick and easy. No lint roller? No problem! Make your own lint collector by rolling tape around your hand. Any kind will do, just make sure it's sticky side out.

7. Add cleaner to tub water as it drains. Make your bath work for you! Adding cleaner to your draining tub water prevents rings, stains, and gently cleans your tub.

Keeping your house clean and country fresh can be easy, fast, and fun with these simple steps, and don't forget to check back next week for more "Country Housekeeping: Tips for Mother's on the Run." I'm Cindy Marcelle reminding you to keep it simple, keep it green, and keep it country.