Cottage Life

Here are some home cleaning tips that are worth keeping in mind.

• Avoid purchasing products that will need additional work. For example copper pots and pans, silver, and knick knacks. Do you really need it…or want it? How much time are you willing to invest in maintaining it? Cleaning it?
• Invest in a good rechargeable hand-vac. This needs to be located in a central area of your living space. Encourage everyone to use it when things are spilled or dropped.
• This handy little vac can reduce the need to drag out a clunky or awkward vacuum cleaner, Understand that the more convenient an item is — the more likely it will be used.
• The hand vac is a priceless little gem. They are easy to use. Even kids think they are fun.
• Get in the habit of using them immediately when you spot something on the floor or carpet. Take 5 minutes to keep up on your floors on a daily basis and your home won’t look like it needs a full cleaning when unexpected company drops in.
• Invest in a good vacuum cleaner for your regular cleaning. This is an investment that will repay you over and over again in several ways:
• The better vacuum cleaners have more infinitesimal filter trapping systems. Because of this they tend to trap more of the dust and dirt you are vacuuming .
• Most of the more inexpensive models actually release dust back into the air through the exhaust mechanism. The only difference is that it is now in smaller particles.
• This means all the time and effort you are investing in cleaning, will be done in vane. In as little as a few hours the dust will have re-settled, in a different location…yet it’s still there.
• Good filters reduce allergy symptoms while cleaning.
• The durability of a good solid vacuum translates into a longer lifetime of use. They are also capable of doing a deeper cleaning, and are less noisy to run.
• When searching for a good vacuum you may want to consider locating a “used” vacuum cleaner dealer. You can purchase the same vacuum at an incredible savings and you still will get the same warranty on parts.
• A good vacuum is like a car. When the new model leaves the showroom it depreciates in minutes. The same is true with a new vacuum, so invest in a used/rebuilt model.
• To get the most out of your investment follow the guidelines for regular maintenance so you can ensure the longevity of this valuable tool for years to come.
• Invest in a genuine feather duster. These little guys work extremely well. It will take you literally minutes to dust your entire house. They are great for those “in-between” cleanings and really work.
• One of the beauties of a feather duster is that they can really get into those small in-between spaces, they hold the dust, and they only require warm sudsy water to clean in minutes.
• Get everyone in the habit of returning things to their place of origin after each use. This means: “A place for everything and everything in its place.”
• If you don’t have a specific place for items they will inevitably get stuffed wherever there is room — creating massive dis-organization as well as wasted time “hunting” for items you need to use.
• Reduce the amount of cleaning supplies on hand. Contrary to the commercialism we are exposed to, you do not need umpteen different products for your cleaning necessities.
• Stanley Home products has a super line of cleaning agents, as does Amway and other environmentally conscious companies.
• There is a product Stanley makes called “First Mate” that can literally be used in numerous areas. This product handles all types of sinks, counter tops, vanities, appliances, stoves, bathroom counters, toilets and microwaves.
• When considering which product to purchase for cleaning, secure a product that can wear numerous hats. This can save you money as well as space!
• If you have children and cannot leave cleaning supplies in a safe place in each room that they are used, invest in a hand caddy.
• Load all supplies in the caddie and carry from room to room as you clean, avoiding the continuous back and forth fetch procedures that waste steps and time

Hope this helps!