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[H964]How To Clean Your House

by Christine Julianne, Chr

We live in such a demanding world. We have to work, work, work, make dinner, and we're expected to clean too? And what with all the chemicals and cleaning gadgets on the market, it's an overwhelming job. But if you really want to learn how to clean anything, here are some basic tools you should have. We're lucky: Our great-grandmothers didn't have any of this newfangled stuff, and their houses were usually cleaner than our own!

Chemicals - You'll be able to clean just about anything if you just keep some basic liquid cleansers and chemicals around. First, ammonia. Ammonia is a great tool to use in solutions where you want clarity. If you want to mop floors, wipe stainless steel, and sine up glass and windows, ammonia is wonderful mixed in wonder.

To polish up some dull items and get them shining again, you'll want lemon juice. This acidic liquid is good for the job. Bleach is a necessity as well, for removing stains from white items, and for killing mold and mildew.

However, always remember that ammonia and bleach are mortal enemies! The fumes created by mixing these two chemicals are deadly! Don't do this at home (or anywhere else for that matter)! To tackle the really challenging cleaning jobs, use cream of tartar and salt. You probably already have them stocked in your spice cabinet. With these items on hand, you'll be prepared for how to clean anything.

Large tools - A good broom and dust pan, a dust mop or Swiffer, and probably a vacuum. Depending on the kind of flooring you have, all three of these tools are considered necessities for many households.

You may prefer the mop and bucket like many other people if you have linoleum or tiled flooring. Got dusty ceiling fan blades and cobwebs hanging in the corners of your ceiling? You'll want a long-handled duster for these jobs.

Small tools - Basically wiping tools such as sponges, wags, and a couple of microfiber clothes. These are considered the staples of cleaning tools. You can make your own rags from worn out men's undershirts and old cloth diapers. Sponges should be replaced on a regular basis, as they can hold germs. Microfiber cloths come in two varieties.

Nubby or napped, the first kind of cloth is mostly used for dust and general household cleaning. The second is smooth, meant for delicate surfaces like electronic screens.

You're lying on the couch in your living room, in one of your husband's old t-shirts and a pair of baggie sweatpants, watching last night's taped episode of Desperate Housewives, when suddenly - the phone rings. You don't recognize the number on caller ID and you make the mistake of answering it. It's your long lost best friend from the sixth grade. She's in town and she just happens to be in your neighborhood. She'll be over in 10 minutes, and your house is a MESS.

So, how do you clean up for unexpected guests in 10 minutes or less?!

1. Stay calm!

2. Do a clean sweep. Grab a trash bag or laundry basket and gather up everything that is lying around that shouldn't be, and throw it into the bag. Hide the bag.

3. Plump up pillows on couches and chairs in living room, fold blankets. Give each cushion a swat for crumbs.

4. Stack mail, newspapers and magazines in a nice, neat pile. Stick the pile in a corner or on a kitchen chair.

5. Give the bathroom a speedy sprucing up! Wipe out the sink, wipe off the toilet seat and quickly swish the bowl. Then, close the shower curtain, and throw odds and ends in cabinets or drawers. Spray some air freshener so the bathroom will smell clean - even if it's far from it.

6. Rinse off any dishes in the sink and stack them neatly or toss them in the dishwasher. Wipe off the table and counter tops.

7. Take a peek inside the fridge - what beverages and snacks do you have that you can offer your guests?

8. Close the doors to all rooms that you don't want on display.

9. Light a yummy scented candle in the kitchen - like Cinnamon Buns or Chocolate Cake. Lighting a few scented candles will uplift the mood of your home and make guests feel welcome. Throw some fruit in a bowl and place it in the center of your table. Fresh flowers also do wonders, if you have them on hand.

10. Take a deep breath. Give yourself a squirt of perfume and you're all set! You may even have enough time to get changed into something a little more presentable.

Cleaning up for unexpected guests does not have to be a mad rush, if you stay caught up on your housework as a rule. A friend of mine gave me some really good advice right after my husband and I got married, she said "The best way to keep a clean house is to entertain in your home at least once a month." There's nothing like having company coming to get cleaning!

Article Source : Pg. 8

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Both Christine Julianne & Angela Tyler are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Christine Julianne has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home. Visit to learn to. Christine Julianne's top article generates over 5400 views. to your Favourites.

Angela Tyler has sinced written about articles on various topics from Family Concerns, Home and Food and Drink. . Angela Tyler's top article generates over 6600 views. to your Favourites.