House Cleaning Tips

Getting and keeping the house clean is a challenge we all deal with on a daily basis. This is a guide about house cleaning tips.

Solutions: House Cleaning Tips

Read and rate the best solutions below by giving them a "thumbs up".

Clean Room Clockwise

I find it is much easier to clean when I start at one end of the room and work my way around in a circle. For example, in my living room I sprinkle baking soda or carpet freshener on the floor so it can sit and deodorize while I clean. Then I start in the left corner and go clockwise around the room, dusting, putting things away, sorting coupons and newspapers, tossing garbage, refreshing fabrics, plumping pillows, and when I get back to where I started, the whole room is fresh and organized and all I have left is to vacuum. It is fast, easy, and it also gives the carpet freshener a good chance to really get the odors out.

By ragingdarkwaters from Lakewood, OH

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Use Beauty Supply Latex Gloves for Cleaning

Ever need rubber gloves, but can't find a pair without holes? I used to buy the yellow ones that came one pair to a package, but they were always wearing out and were either too large or too small and pretty expensive. I had a pair for the kitchen, bathroom and for outdoors. OK, you can replace an old left glove with a new left glove etc. but that can be pretty pricey in the end.

One day I went to the beauty supply and saw they had a box of 250 latex gloves suited for either hand on sale for $5.00. I found that these gloves are pretty tough and would last for a couple of uses. When they got a hole, or wore out I could just recycle them and not add to the landfill. They fit perfectly with a snap and have so many uses! You can even use them to dye your hair!

Your local beauty supply has so much to offer. Squirt bottles, gloves, plastic containers, scrubby things, etc. Go investigate!

By Sue123 from Oroville, CA

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Quick Clean a House

How to fake clean a house (or what to do when your house is a wreck and company is coming in 15 minutes).

Family Room: Stack books and magazines in neat piles or place in a decorative basket. Drape a blanket over the sofa to create an inviting atmosphere. Arrange throw pillows to hide stains. Toss scattered toys into a tub or basket

Kitchen: Declutter refrigerator by removing notes, drawings, etc and placing in a shoe box (sort at a later date). Refold kitchen towels with the clean side out. Boil cinnamon and orange peels to cover food smells

Bathroom: Use a lint roller to pickup hair. Hang fresh towels. Use your robe to cover the damp towels on the back of the door. Gather counter clutter (cosmetics, etc) into a stylish basket. Light a candle

Remember: Your friends came to see you, not your house!

Source: Kentucky Monthy, December 2009 issue.

By skibum1910 from Prospect, KY

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Mom's Best Housekeeping Tip

The best thing I have ever done is move back in with my mother. For six months, while my family was between houses, we moved back in with my parents. During this time, I observed how my mother, a wonderful housekeeper, kept her house so spotless.

She only works at 20 minutes intervals. For example, after supper, she would put the dishes in the sink and clean off the stove. Then she would take a break. Later, she would go back and rinse the dishes and put them in the dishwasher. Then, she would take another break. Later, she would go put some laundry in.

I have taken my mother's unspoken advice and have found household chores not to be so daunting now.

By BarwickJ from Ottumwa, IA

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Store and Go Cleaning Basket

You only need a few basic cleaning supplies to perform all of your household cleaning tasks. All purpose cleaners save money and eliminate clutter caused by an over abundance of specialized products. You can store basic cleaning supplies in a basket with a handle to keep your cabinet more organized. When it's time for a quick clean or a thorough weekly cleaning, you can grab the basket and carry it with you from room to room. This saves time and eliminates the aggravation of having to search for cleaning products and supplies.

By VeronicaHB from Asheboro, NC

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Using Color Coded Sponges

I color code my sponges. For example: yellow is for the toilet, green is for the sink, etc. The sponges last longer because you know what it is being used for. And you can plan accordingly.

By Jessie B.

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Air Out the House When Cleaning

Do yourself and your senses a favor by opening up windows when you use caustic cleaners. Opening up various windows and doors will help air circulate throughout the house and help freshen everything. An even better approach is to avoid these type of fumes by using cleaners like baking soda and vinegar whenever possible.

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Rules for Food Leaving the Kitchen

I have one rule for food leaving the kitchen. It must be on a tray. For this reason, I never get spills on my carpet or furniture.

By Susann

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A Steamer for Cleaning

Get a small steamer used for cleaning. Use the jet tip and when cleaning the bathroom it shoots a strong jet of steam and makes quick work of any and all corners. When dusting, and be careful here with wood, I use a very short blast of the steam, again with the jet tip, on carved wood and anything that can be wiped with water. It's just amazing how easy it is to get dust and built up furniture polish out of all those little corners and do dads.

As stated before, be very careful when using on delicate items and wood. Some finishes could be harmed with steam. Make sure you use quick short blasts of steam, that way you are less likely to damage the surface.

By Valery

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15 Minute Clean-Up

Set a timer for 15 minutes and clean during that period ONLY. When the timer goes off, you're done for the night. It's amazing what you can get done when you're focused by the tick of the timer.