Short Cuts for Cleaning

Occasionally, time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning.  Here are a few tips—some of them unconventional—for whipping your house into shape in quick order:

 Got a large window that needs to be cleaned fast?  Pull the blinds up halfway and clean just the bottom half of the glass, using vinegar and newspaper.

 Lint or pet-hair on furniture?  Ball up an old pair of pantyhose and rub them all over the furniture.  These are an amazing fur- and hair-magnet.

 Invest in a couple of inexpensive laundry baskets at the dollar store.  When cleaning a room, put all the things that have accumulated—but don’t belong—in that room into a basket, then set the basket in the room where the items should be located.  You can sort them later.

 If you don’t have time for a thorough mopping of the floor, spray the floor with cleaner and then go over it with the mop.  Spray the floor again with water and go over it a second time to remove residue.

 Remember that when you live in a place twenty-four/seven, your nose may have adjusted to smells that visitors will find jarring.  Your house may be sparkling clean but have accumulated cooking or pet odors you’ve long since ceased to notice.  “Clean” these up by keeping a vase of potpourri on hand, or candles, air fresheners or sprays.

 Most importantly, keep in mind that when it comes to housework, there will ALWAYS be something else to clean and organize.  Resist the temptation to pull out everything from a bookcase or a cupboard and reorganize or dust thoroughly when time is short.  Save the detailed cleaning for another day.

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