Are you getting excited about spring? You, me and probably 200 million of our countrymen most likely are. There is something about the new growth in spring that brings out this type reaction in most of us. These comments are provided to show you how easy the freshening up of your home can be if you want to do it yourself. Many are items you already know but if you are like me, we tend to forget during the cold and dreariness of fall and winter. Try them and see what you think.
Windows are always a challenge but can be tamed with some old tried and proven techniques. Streak-free windows can be achieved by using crumpled old newspaper with a vinegar and water solution for cleaning and/or squeegees to remove streaks. You can also buy a combination cleaning sponge tool like the one I use with a squeegee on the back side that allows you to have all your tools in one hand.
Windows are always a challenge but can be tamed with some old tried and proven techniques. Streak-free windows can be achieved by using crumpled old newspaper with a vinegar and water solution for cleaning and/or squeegees to remove streaks. You can also buy a combination cleaning sponge tool like the one I use with a squeegee on the back side that allows you to have all your tools in one hand.
Hard surfaces in your home can be attacked with many of the old as well as new cleaners on the market. They can be applied and removed with paper towels, sometimes applied directly to the towel to use less and save dollars in the process. There are also special micro-fiber cloths and mitts that are good alternatives and can be washed when you are finished and reused.
Carpet cleaning can be a challenge but in recent years, several new products have come to market that do an excellent job. The key is and has always been to try to blot stains (never rub) as soon as they occur but sometimes that is not possible. Some of the newer products will remove old stains if you follow instructions very closely (blot and do not brush or rub).
Carpet cleaning can be a challenge but in recent years, several new products have come to market that do an excellent job. The key is and has always been to try to blot stains (never rub) as soon as they occur but sometimes that is not possible. Some of the newer products will remove old stains if you follow instructions very closely (blot and do not brush or rub).
For your bath tub, keeping that ring from forming may not be as difficult as one might think. A tip recently shared is to add a little degreasing dish soap to the bath water once you finish the bath. Agitate the water a bit as it begins to drain and the ring will come off. If you have a whirlpool tub, all the better, just leave the pump on as the tub starts to drain but shut it off before you get below the highest water jet as it will make large splashes on you, the floor and potentially the walls.
Ovens are also an area where issues can quickly occur. An old tried and proven trick, even with electric self cleaning ovens is to sprinkle a generous amount of salt on overspills, even as food is cooking. It can then easily be wiped up with an oven mitt and wet rags as soon as you remove your food. You just need to be careful with the mitt not to burn yourself on the hot racks and oven walls.
Ovens are also an area where issues can quickly occur. An old tried and proven trick, even with electric self cleaning ovens is to sprinkle a generous amount of salt on overspills, even as food is cooking. It can then easily be wiped up with an oven mitt and wet rags as soon as you remove your food. You just need to be careful with the mitt not to burn yourself on the hot racks and oven walls.
While there is no panacea for cleaning, I hope these ideas are helpful and remind you of some of the old techniques that really work.
