How to Clean Wicker and Wood FurnitureHouse Cleaning Tips

Buying furniture can take some time. If you have cats, you might look for something other than leather so they don't scratch the heck out of it.

If you have kids, you might look for furniture that can withstand spills and other messes. If you entertain and have friends and family over for barbecues often, maybe you're looking for that right piece of outdoor furniture.

When you do decide on a piece of furniture and buy it, you expect it to last for years, and it can especially if you know how to clean it the right way.

You might even find a great piece of furniture in a thrift store or estate sale, in which case these cleaning tips can come in handy.

Wicker Furniture

Wicker furniture is very attractive, making your space feel calm and special. It can be used in the home or outside on a patio.

If you're thinking of purchasing wicker furniture, don’t deprive yourself just because you think it’s going to be hard to clean. It isn't that bad.

If you have purchased some wicker furniture and it needs cleaning, here are a few tools you will need for getting the job done.

* Toothbrush.
* A paint brush with short bristles or you can take a regular paint brush and cut the bristles about half way.
* Cleaning rag.
* A medium stiff bristle brush.

Cleaning Wicker

1. Remove the dust and/or debris by vacuuming first.
2. In a bucket mix 2 tablespoons ammonia to each gallon of water.
3. Use the medium stiff bristle brush or the cleaning rag to clean the furniture. The bristle brush can be used for heavier duty cleaning. You don’t want to use a lot of pressure just enough to get the job done.
4. Keep the amount of water you use to a minimum so you don’t drench the wicker as this could possibly damage it; making it limp.
5. Use the toothbrush or paint brush to get in the nooks and crannies.
6. Carefully rinse with clean water when you're done and gently dry as best you can with absorbent towels.

If the wicker furniture is something you purchased used or it was left in the elements and is in need of a good cleaning due to mildew or mold, here's a cleaning tip for removing mold and mildew from outdoor wicker furniture.

Removing Water Stains from Wood Furniture

Water stains or ring spots are caused by minerals that are naturally present in the water and when left on the surface and allowed to air dry, a stain happens. So remember these spots can be eliminated completely by wiping surfaces dry.

Using a Dry Iron to Remove Water Stains

The heat from the iron will soften the minerals in the water enough so you can then wipe them away.
Set the iron to medium high and don’t use the steam setting.

Get a clean, lint free rag and place it over the water stain. When the iron has heated up, run it over the cloth that is covering the stain for just a few seconds.

Pick up the rag and check the water stain. Repeat as necessary. Polish or wax furniture when finished.

Removing White Water Marks from Wooden Furniture

You can use regular white toothpaste (not the gel kind) to remove white water marks on your furniture. Toothpaste has very fine abrasives and is an effective way to clean white water spots.

Slightly dampen a clean rag and apply a small amount of white toothpaste then gently rub into the water mark.

Dampen a clean section of the rag with water to remove the stain and any of the toothpaste that is remaining. Polish as you normally would.

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How to Wash and Dry Bath Mats with Rubber BackingHouse Cleaning Tips

Washing and Drying a Bathroom Floor Mat

Bathroom floor mats are standard items we use in our bathrooms; maybe you even use one in the laundry room? We use them to keep from slipping on the wet floor when we get out of the bath or shower. Makes sense, right? I use the kind that has the rubber backing to protect us from any of that slippage.

But how often do you wash your bath mats? It’s something that many of us don’t think about doing. When we need a new one, we go buy one and maybe use the old one in front of the garage door if it still has life left in it.

If you do you wash the bathmats, on a somewhat regular basis, do you wash it in a way that won’t damage the backing? You might not believe this, but some manufacturers recommend washing bathmats before using them to remove any residual smells leftover from the factory.

Many of us would never know this because we don’t take the time to read the care label.

Why Wash and How Often?

The bathroom is the perfect environment for mold, mildew and other bacteria to thrive. Bathrooms are damp, high humidity, low air flow, and they are low light areas.

How often you wash the bath mats in your home depends on how many family members are using the bathroom and the kind of work you do. Dirty feet = dirty rugs. If you have kids of various ages sharing a bathroom, you may have to wash the bath mats more frequently than you would in the master bathroom or if there are only a couple of people in the home.

How to Wash the Bath Mat

Most bathroom floor mats can be washed. Most should have a care label attached but I did buy a bathmat once that had the care instructions on the packaging, not the mat.

1. I will always wash two or more bathmats at a time. Saves time and keeps the washer happy.
2. Take bath mats outside and shake them out to remove as much hair, paper and lint as you can.
3. If necessary, apply a small amount of stain removal product. I use hydrogen peroxide if needed. If you have a colored bathmat, test a small area in the corner prior to using.
4. Put them in the washing machine, add laundry soap, and wash on a gentle, cold water setting.
5. If needed, you can add baking soda for odor removal and borax to help disinfect bath mats. About 1/ 2 cup per load.

It’s not a good idea to use a hot water setting or chlorine bleach as they could (overtime) loosen glue and breakdown the rubber backing. I also don’t overstuff when washing bathmats.

How to Dry a Bath Mat

Not only is hot water damaging to bath mats with rubber backing, a hot dryer can be just as damaging. So be sure to use a gentle cycle to dry the mats.

If it’s possible, take them outside and let the sun dry them naturally. If it’s not possible, then you’ll need to put them in the dryer for a bit.

Use a gentle low heat setting for about 20 minutes. Don’t let them sit wrinkled up in the dryer as this can damage the backing. Remove rugs immediately. If they are still a little too wet, let them tumble in the dryer for another 10 to 20 minutes.

They may not be completely dry yet but you can hang them over something until they are dry. At least they won’t be dripping all over the floor.

In Between Cleanings

If there are only a couple of people in the house and the bathroom floor mats don’t need washing often, at least once or twice a week take them outside, shake them out, and if it’s a nice day – leave it out to soak up the fresh air and sunshine.

For more bathroom cleaning tips, check these out:

Bathroom Cleaning Tips
The Best Way to Clean and Remove Soap Scum

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Spring Essential Oil Diffuser BlendsHouse Cleaning Tips

Diffuser Blend Recipes

Spring is one of my favorite seasons. The temperature changes, the flowers are blooming, the sun is out more frequently –

spring can almost instantly change the mood.

One of the ways I like to bring the fresh spring scent indoors is using my diffuser.

My diffusers hold between 125 ml to 180 ml of water. You can always adjust these recipe blends to your liking.

Floral Blend

1 drop Geranium Essential Oil
1 drop Roman Chamomile Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Woodsy Spring Blend

2 drops Grapefruit Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 drop Coriander Seed Essential Oil
1-2 drop Juniper Berry Essential Oil

Spring Flowers

3 drops Wild Orange Oil
2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
1 drop Ginger Essential Oil

Remember that my sense of smell might be different than yours and vice versa. These are all wonderful scents but until you know how you react to it, start with these minimum drops and go up or down from there.

Essential oils are highly concentrated and a little goes a long way. Using too much of any essential oil can overwhelm the senses and possibly cause a headache.

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Cleaning Tips Using a Lint RollerHouse Cleaning Tips

 Surprising Uses for a Lint Roller

I think a lint roller is something most of us have in the house. I have quite a few of them. But, have you ever thought you can use it on more than just clothes? You can. Those sticky little pieces of paper can help you clean around the house – quit effectively too.

Let’s take a look at what you can do with your lint roller.

Cleaning Screens

If you have guests coming over and you need to quickly clean screens (window screens or screen doors), a lint roller will remove dust, cobwebs, hair and other debris.

Cleaning the Inside of Bags

Have you ever noticed over time the inside of your purse, the kid’s backpacks, diaper bags, etc. all end up with crumbs and other debris? Some of these can be washed or turned inside out and shaken but for those that can’t, try a lint roller. I had no idea the bottom of my purse was so dirty.

Cleaning Craft Room Spills

I scrapbook, the kids and I make cards and gifts and I know how easy it is for stray spills to happen. Glitter, small beads, little pieces of paper, bits of ribbon, thread and more can cause unintentional spills or just a mess we brush off to the side. To quickly and easily clean up, run a lint roller over the mess.

Cleaning Lampshades

Run a lint roller over the lampshade and dust comes right off. Be sure to keep the roller clean so it doesn’t dirty the shade.

Cleaning Area Rugs

If you have pets, you know the hair they can leave behind. Not only pet hair but we tend to drop a few strands here and there. The vacuum cleaner cleans area rugs well enough but there is always hair that doesn’t get sucked up, especially around the edges. A lint roller can remove some of the fluff and hair that gets stuck on the rug and around the edges.

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5 Last Minute Tips for Shopping and Having a Little FunHouse Cleaning Tips

Simplify Your Last Days Before the Holidays

Once again, the Christmas holiday is here – like now! I tell myself every year I’ll have everything done in record time; there won’t be any last-minute shopping and we’ll have time to enjoy the things going on around us.

We almost made it, we didn’t procrastinate, but life sometimes gets in the way and I do have some last-minute things to do. I’m not going into panic mode though, the majority of what I have to do is done, I still have a few days and so do you.

Did you know that over 70 percent of adult’s shop for Christmas gifts right up to the day? Whatever the reason, you’re not alone.

Here’s some of my last-minute ideas for shopping and to get out and have a little fun.

Get Online to Finish Your Shopping

If you don’t want to join the scores of shoppers at the mall, which I don’t blame you, turn on the computer and do some online shopping. Retailers know there are thousands of last minute shoppers and most guarantee delivery if you can get your orders in a few days before Christmas.

Give the Gift of a Gift Card

You can’t go wrong with a gift card and don’t let yourself think it’s an impersonal gift either. Young kids who are old enough to shop love the idea of spending their own money (even if it is in the form of a plastic card). Older teens and young adults will probably love a gift of dinner, a movie and a cup of coffee afterwards.

And don’t forget all the department stores, I don’t even bother anymore with buying clothes for the older kids – one-day fashions “in” – the next it’s out. So, there’s a gift card for that!

Regifting

How many times have you received a gift that was never opened and is just taking up space in the closet? It happens more often than you might think. So why not regift it to someone else? After all, it’s the thought that counts, not how much you spent.

If it’s still in the box, undamaged and you know someone who would love it – clean off the dust and wrap it – spread the joy.

Very important: just be sure you’re not regifting to the person who gave it to you.

Get Out and Enjoy the Holiday Lights

Don’t be a scrooge. Pack up the kids, make hot cocoa and put it in to-go cups, then take a drive around town to enjoy all the Christmas lights. Some people (and neighborhoods) go all out decorating the house and yard.

You might even be able to make a donation or two. There are a couple of families in one of the neighborhoods we visit - they sell baked goods, handmade stocking stuffers and small trinkets. All the proceeds are donated to local children’s hospitals or low income senior facilities.

If you have a zoo nearby, oftentimes they will be decorated in lights and have displays to enjoy while you walk around all bundled up looking at the animals.

Take a Horse Drawn Carriage Ride

Not only can you get out and enjoy the lights but some cities have a holiday tradition for locals and guests alike, a cozy horse drawn carriage ride. What a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the sights, sounds, smells and lights of Christmas at a leisurely pace.

A carriage ride will delight that special someone and kids will be sure to enjoy it too.

These are just 5 of my last minute tips to shop and enjoy the things around you. Happy Holidays to you all.

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5 Tips to Help Make Laundry Day EasierHouse Cleaning Tips

Simplifying Laundry Day Chores

Why is it laundry chores are something a lot of us just don’t like to do? It’s right up there next to doing the dishes, right?

Some may not like laundry day because of a shared laundry space in an apartment complex; needing to go to the laundromat; or simply because laundry piles up so quickly.

Whatever the reason, here are some tips to save time when you’re doing laundry.

Laundry Once a Week or Multiple Times a Week?

How often you do laundry depends on a few different variables. Some of them being how many people you’re doing laundry for, how often you wear clothes before you toss them in the hamper, and how active you and your family are.

If you’re only washing for a couple people, wear clothes 2-3 times before you consider them dirty, and/or not very active, you can probably get away with only doing laundry once a week.

If you have a large family you’re washing for, very active, or you wear it once and it’s in the hamper, you may want to do laundry two or three times a week so it doesn’t pile up and become overwhelming.

Treating Stains

In order to successfully remove clothing stains, you need to act quickly and hopefully you catch it before it gets sorted! The sooner you address the stain, the faster and the easier it will come out.

Treat the stain and when it’s been removed, place it in the appropriate laundry basket.

Use the below stain removal methods as a guide to help select the best cleaning method for your stain when it happens.

Clothing Stain Removal Methods

Sort Your Laundry!

Sorting laundry ahead of time can save time and make laundry day more organized. Sort whites/light colored items, darks, delicates, sports clothes, dry cleaning, etc. and hopefully everyone remembers to remove things from their pockets.

Either keep a laundry basket for each in one main area or keep them in multiple places like the laundry room, bathroom or bedrooms.

Then on laundry day all you have to do is move from basket to washer. Always eyeball the clothes as they go in the washer to make sure you’ve treated all stains.

Do’s and Don’ts of Washing Clothes

1. Always check pockets before you put them in the washer. I have lost too many lip balms by forgetting to do a pocket check. Plus, you wouldn’t want to accidentally damage your washer with something that shouldn’t go through the wash.
2. If you have new clothes and are not sure if it the item is colorfast, wash them separately the first few times in cold water so they don’t bleed and discolor other clothes.
3. Make sure you choose the right setting for the type of clothing you’re washing. Today many clothes can be washed in cold water along with a good detergent and they come out just as clean as using hot water - but the temperature you use is totally up to you. If you’re not sure, always read the label.
4. Don’t overstuff the washing machine. Not only does it make the machine work harder, your clothes may not come out as clean either and may come out with detergent residue on them.
5. Don’t leave wet clothes sitting in the washing machine for an extended period of time, they can quickly acquire a smell. Who wants to wash the same load of clothes twice? Not me.

The below article can help with water temp, boosters, and fabric softeners.

How to Wash Clothes

Tips for the Dryer

1. Make sure as you are putting clothes in the dryer you are also shaking out the clumpy, twisted clothes. This will help them dry more thoroughly and not be as wrinkled.
2. Check the settings on the dryer and select the appropriate one for the clothes you’ve washed then throw in a fabric softener if you use one.
3. Don’t allow clothes to sit in the dryer for extended periods either as it will definitely wrinkle your clothes. Folding or hanging clothes while they are warm will help to prevent wrinkling.
4. Hang or lay flat any clothes that don’t go directly in the dryer. For any clothes that have been stain treated, make sure the stain is gone before putting in the dryer.

Get out the iron and iron clothes if that’s something you do.

Quick Tip for Removing Wrinkles

If you have a pair of pants, a shirt, or a skirt that has wrinkles and you just have to wear it, wet a clean dish towel, wring it out (if you need to de-wrinkle a pair of jeans, lightly wring out the dish towel) put that in the dryer with the wrinkled item and turn the dryer on for 15 to 20 minutes.

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Removing Stains from ClothingHouse Cleaning Tips

Messes happen and our clothes can sometimes take the brunt of the spill, causing stains you might think you won’t be able to get out.

But with a little effort, all may not be lost, your washable clothes can come clean and many of the stain removers - you probably have them somewhere in the house already.

Blotting and Scooping Up Spills

Before using any stain removal method, we need to get up the excess spill – if that is the type of stain you’re dealing with.

If the stain is a liquid stain, blot up as much as you can with some absorbent material. Do not rub the area as this will cause the stain to spread and we don’t want that. Place something under the area to avoid it spreading to a clean area of fabric.

If the spill is a blob of jelly, ketchup, etc. then scoop up as much as you can first before using a stain remover.

Dawn Dishsoap to the Rescue

If you have a greasy stain, oily stain or lipstick stain, reach for Dawn dishwashing liquid. It’s an excellent stain remover. Just put a dab on the stain and rub it between your fingers, let sit 5 minutes or so and rinse in cool water. Repeat if necessary, wash as usual and don’t put the garment in the dryer until you are positive the stain is gone.

Using Rubbing Alcohol for Grass Stains

I love working in my backyard and grass stains happen. If you or the kids come in with a grass stain, try using rubbing alcohol, it can work wonders to remove the green pigment grass leaves behind.

Apply rubbing alcohol to the grass stain and use your fingernail or an old toothbrush to work it in and pull out the stain. Put something behind the stain so it doesn’t transfer to another area of the garment. After a few minutes, rinse with cool water.

There may be some of the grass stain left so repeat the process again. You can also try using a liquid dish detergent.

Removing a Jelly Stain

What kid hasn’t gotten a jelly stain on themselves or the tablecloth? Heck, I still slop when eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich.

First, if necessary, scoop up any excess jelly then flush the stain with cool water. In a squeeze bottle (I buy 16-ounce squeeze bottles just for uses like this) combine two cups water, two teaspoons white vinegar, and a half teaspoon oxygenated laundry detergent and give just a little shake to mix ingredients.

Put something like a dish towel under the stain and soak the stained area with the mixture, let the solution sit on the stain for at least 15 – 20 minutes. Repeat if necessary then wash in cold water.

Soaking Stained Clothing

Sometimes a good soaking is all that is necessary to remove certain stains. For some stains, it may not remove 100 percent of the stain but soaking is a good place to start prior to using a stain removal treatment. Always use cold or cool water. Hot water can further set the stain in.

This method can work on blood stains, coffee or tea stains, can help with a wine stain, mustard, etc. Thoroughly rinse the stain then soak the stain in a cold-water bath for at least 30 minutes. If the item is heavily soiled try soaking for 60 minutes.

It may also help by adding a product such as 20 Mule Team Borax or OxiClean. Read the instructions for use.

These are just some of the ways you can remove stains from clothing, so before you think the impossible and toss the clothes out, think again and give a stain removal treatment a try.

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How to Make Your Own Homemade Spray Laundry StarchHouse Cleaning Tips

Making your own products is so rewarding, don’t you think? It’s fun, easy, saves you money and it doesn’t contain a bunch of chemicals.

Starch will stiffen fabric and after ironing, it makes nice crisp lines giving you a more professional, clean look. Perfect for when you need that extra wow factor at work or looking your best when you’re enjoying a night out. It also makes the holiday tablecloth and napkins look great.

Making your own laundry starch works just as good as the kind you used to buy in the store.

Here’s how you make it:

Spray Starch Recipe

• 2 cups cold water
• 1 tablespoon organic cornstarch
• 1 spray bottle

Preparation:

This is so incredibly easy, really!

I have a collection of old Ball jars, so this is what I use to mix the ingredients. I find shaking the ingredients up works much better (and creates a little less mess) than using a bowl to mix the ingredients.

Whichever method you use, just be sure to completely mix the ingredients so there are no cornstarch lumps left when you’re done.

When you finished shaking it up, pour your newly made spray laundry starch in a spray bottle and label it.

Options:

If you want to add a little fragrance, say some cinnamon for the Christmas tablecloth, mix in a few drops of essential oil, depending on the essential oil you use, you may want to add a few more drops to the mix, just don’t go overboard and don’t use essential oils if you’ll be ironing whites as it could discolor the item.

Now you’re ready to use the starch you’ve just made, allow it to soak into the fabric a bit first then iron and when it comes time to wash, it will easily wash off.

This should store just fine in the laundry room for two to three weeks or you can leave it in the refrigerator. Be sure to shake it well before using.

What Happens if a Residue is Left Behind on my Ironed Items?

If you notice a white residue left behind on linens or clothing items, you may need to clean the iron. Over time starch and minerals from water can leave a residue on the iron. Be sure to clean the surface of the iron to help keep everything you iron looking their best.

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Getting Life OrganizedHouse Cleaning Tips

 

Using Planners to Help Get Organized

 

It is easy to feel overwhelmed with so much going on, such as work, kid’s schedules, connecting with friends and family, etc. Organization has helped countless people get control of the chaos in their lives.
One of the ways you can get organized and control the disarray in your life is by using a planner. A planner can help overcome forgetfulness (which happens when you’re busy every day), and help you get on the road to an organized life.

Using a Paper Planner

 

Day planners have been around for years; there are many styles and types to use, and many accessories that can be used with them - you just have to find the right one that works for you.
That being said, planners can be expensive. If you don’t want to pay for something that you could easily make yourself, go find a regular 3-ring binder, add a few dividers and zippered pouches to create your own. Depending on your needs, binder sizes for this type of thing are typically 8 to 12 inches in height.

Here are some sections your binder should have:

• Calendar including daily, weekly and monthly – there are many places you can print these for free and if you own a Word program, you may be able to get a template that you can customize and print. Otherwise, you can easily find some free blank calendars online. Calendars are great for keeping track of appointments, class plays, after school activities, birthdays, anniversaries, chore lists and so on.
• Important phone numbers and addresses like schools, doctors, family members, etc. I know we have our smart phones connected to the hip, but if your phone dies, are you going to remember these numbers?
•  Emergency information, including any medication family members are taking, allergies, who to contact, etc.
• Shopping lists, including meal plans. With a busy lifestyle, these are great to have on hand, especially for any last-minute trips to the grocery store. No guess work and a great meal for the family.
• To-do list that includes the personal projects you want to accomplish, fitness and other goals you want to meet, gifts or cards that need to be purchased, and plenty of extra pages to write down whatever may pop in your head that isn’t currently in your planner.
•  It’s nice to also have a list of bills noting the payment amount, date they need to be paid and think about keeping a few envelopes with your cash spending money (these are great for budgeting) and allowances for the kids.
• Cleaning schedules and checklists and chores. If you don’t use the calendar for chores and cleaning, there are many checklists you can download and print free. Take a look at the cleaning checklists we have on House Cleaning Central, they are free to download.
• Zippered pockets for pens, clips, coupons and other loose items you don’t want to lose. I like clear/transparent so I can see what’s in there.

Using Technology to Get Organized

 

Technology has changed our world and it can help change your life.

Computers are a great resource to create your own planner. Use your favorite word processing program or spreadsheet program to create your binder sheets, then print and add them to your binder.  This will make it easy to update your lists as information changes. I keep a running list of all my Christmas card addresses in a spreadsheet to use for Christmas and all year long for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries and more.

You’ve heard the expression, “there’s an app for that”, and it seems to be especially true in the world of organization. There are many different list apps, calendar apps, checklists, and even apps to remind you to take any medication or vitamins! So, take a look and try out several to see what specifics you need and the format that you like.

Whether your planner is virtual or hard copy, it won’t work unless you use it. The key is to check your planner daily to see what is coming up and what you need to do.  Make an effort to sit down at least once a week to update your planner.  You can even set a reminder in your planner just for this task!

How to Use Your Planner and Make It Work for You

 

Whether you choose a paper planner or an electronic planner, in order for them to work effectively they need to be looked at and reviewed often. Don’t be scared off by this by thinking “oh crum! – I’ll be spending hours just keeping a planner,” know that the more you get in the habit using a planner, the quicker you’ll find yourself going through it to update it and make changes. It takes time to develop a habit, but once you’ve got it, it comes as naturally as breathing.

Effectively Using Your Planners

 

Each night, maybe after the kids have gone to bed, sit down and spend at least 10 to 15 minutes reviewing the next day’s plans, activities, meals, etc. so you don’t forget anything – this may also help turn off the brain when you lay down for sleep.

Color code the different sections so you can easily go right to what you’re looking for. Color coding can be done by either having colored dividers or using a colored label for each section.

At least once a week go through what you have for the upcoming week. Add, make changes, remove, etc. This is where those extra pages come in handy. If you’ve made miscellaneous notes now is the time to add them. This might only take you 30 minutes to an hour, again this depends on how in depth you get with planning.

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Creative Storage Options using Wire BasketsHouse Cleaning Tips

So often we find ourselves looking for more places to store our things – pantry items, shower products, clothing, cleaning products and more.

Using wire baskets or shower caddies that hang on the back of doors and cabinets is a creative way to remove clutter and make more space.

Storing Gift Wrap and Accessories

I use to keep my gift-wrap and accessories in an organizer in the office closet. As my business grew I needed the space for office supplies and other business-related things so I decided to use the back of the door to store my gift wrap, ribbons, tags, etc.

There are many over the door hanging storage solutions that use sturdy wire baskets where you can store all your gift-wrapping necessities in one place.  This is a particularly good idea if you are limited on space. Think of all your gift wrap, scissors, tape, jars with labels and tags, tissue paper, ribbons and bows, gift bags, etc. all being in one place. How convenient!

Storing Bathroom Supplies

If you have a small bathroom and don’t have a lot of room, think about moving bath towels to hooks on the back of the door and using the towel rack to hang wire baskets for bath items and other bathroom necessities such as a hair dryer and curling iron.

There are baskets with dividers that could hold make up products as well. You could even put a floating shelf over the towel rack for more storage too!

My daughter has a very small guest bath in her home so she had to think outside the box a little. 

She ended up using a wire shower caddy in a corner to hold extra rolls of toilet paper and other items – maybe this can work for you too?

Kitchen Storage

I’m sure this isn’t original to anyone reading this but, if you need more room for pantry storage, use over the door adjustable shelf rods and wire baskets for spices, snacks, dish towels, utensils and so on.

Under the sink, you can hang a storage basket that can hold cutting boards or other similar items you want to keep off the counters.

You can also get yourself a three-tiered hanging wire basket for storing fruit and other daily snacks.

Bedroom Storage Needs

If you have a small bedroom that only accommodates a small dresser and you need more storage options, you can hang over the door baskets for socks, underwear, pajamas, and less bulky items. This can be hung on the back of the closet door or the bedroom door.

Jewelry and Makeup Storage

Not a wire basket but worth mentioning. My daughter just bought the coolest thing - an over the door cabinet with a mirror on the front and room inside for jewelry, makeup, perfumes and more. This unit is very nice and holds quite a bit of stuff.

There are so many different styles and sizes of wire baskets. Take a trip to your local container or hardware store to see what is available.

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Spring Cleaning the Yard and Outside the HouseHouse Cleaning Tips

 Getting the House and Yard Spiffed Up for Spring

In our last post we talked about Spring Cleaning the Inside of the House. Now let's move to the outside of the house and what we can do to spruce up some things that might need a little TLC.

Cleaning Windows and Screens

With all the wind, rain and snow, windows and screens take a beating when it comes to dirt and debris. Cleaning these will help all that beautiful sunshine fill any room in the house and brighten the mood.

Cleaning Interior and Exterior Glass

Cleaning Patio Furniture

Take the covers and cushions off your patio furniture and wipe them down or hose them off. Make sure to clean under tables and chairs to get all the cobwebs removed. If you have covers for your furniture, rinse them down with the hose and let them dry before storing.
If your outdoor furniture has been left in the elements you'll probably need to wash them.  You can clean most furniture with a gentle soap and water combination.  A good recipe is:

• 1/3 cup dishwashing liquid
• 1 gallon warm water

Pre-rinse then use a soft bristle brush to remove dirt, bird poop and mildew. Rinse completely.
If there is mold or mildew, add 1/2 cup white vinegar.  Don’t forget about cleaning the cushions and umbrella too. If there are removable covers on the cushions wash as instructed otherwise mix equal parts white vinegar and water, use the soft bristled brush to clean and rinse well when done.

Below are instructions for cleaning Teak Furniture and Wicker Furniture.
Cleaning Teak Furniture
Cleaning Wicker Furniture

Cleaning the BBQ Grill

Your outdoor grill might not have gotten much use over the colder months but if it wasn’t cleaned after the last use, who knows what it looks like inside.

• If you have a charcoal grill, remove any remaining charcoal and rinse with a garden hose and use the recipe above to clean the inside and outside of it.
• If you have a gas grill, remove the grates and scrub with a wire brush and soapy water and carefully clean the burners.
• Make sure the drip pan is clean of grease and do check this quite often throughout the grilling season so no fires happen.

The grill, grates, and burners aren’t the only things to clean, check all parts of the grill and make sure all the screws are tight, tires are good, etc.

Cleaning Gutters and Roof

During the winter months leaves and debris can get blown onto roofs and into the gutters, so it’s a good idea every spring to clean these areas. Remove leaves and check the roof for any moss and other buildup of debris.  If you don’t feel you can safely get on your roof to clean, see if a family member can help or call a professional handyman.

Make Sure the Driveway, Walkways, Patios and Deck are Cleaned

Take a walk around your house with an old broom and get rid of any cobwebs you might run into.

Depending on where you live either sweeping or pressure washing the driveway, walkways, entryway, patio and deck will spiff these areas up. If there is any mildew on these areas, pressure washing will help remove it and keep anyone from slipping and falling.

Read the instructions for the proper tip and proper way to use the pressure washer so it doesn’t damage wood or cause a chunk of concrete to break loose.

Cleaning the Garage

Don’t forget to take a look at the garage, it can often be one of the messiest places of the house with boxes piling up, garbage that needs to go to the dump, things that need to be donated and the piles of stuff you’ve stocked up on from a big box store.

In order to clean it properly, you may have to organize first. You’ll have to move the car out and if you don’t have a shed, the lawn mower, bikes, etc.

Decide what you need the space for, will it be for the car, kid’s toys, lawn mower, maybe have a little room for a workbench? Then start going through your things in the garage, throw out the junk, donate items, and clean the floors.

When it’s time to put back what stays in the garage, look for new and different ways to store what you have left.  There are some great shelves, hooks, and cabinets made for garage storage. Find what will work best for you.

Cleaning the Yard

The yard is an ongoing project each spring and summer, but there are a couple of things you can do to clean it up.

1. Take a good look around the yard and remove all the dead limbs, trash and stuff that may have blown in with the winter winds.
2. Your lawn is also starting to wake up and it will need feeding to strengthen roots. Check with your local home improvement store and see what is right for you and the area you live in. 
3. Plan your spring planting and clean the gardens by weeding and removing plants that didn't survive the winter. Do you need to mulch? When you've finished cleaning your gardens and those fall bulbs start blooming, your gardens will look great for their arrival.

Have fun doing your Spring Cleaning!



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Spring Cleaning Inside Your HouseHouse Cleaning Tips

Ready, Set - Time to Clean

Every year as the days get brighter and the birds come back singing, we are ready to shed our winter coats and shed the dirt and grime that has collected in our homes over the last few months.

Things you Should Have on Hand

Some of the things you’ll want to have handy are:

• Cleaning supplies – of course!
• Cleaning rags and soft clothes for polishing
• Vacuum and hard surface floor cleaners
• Dusters
• Gloves
• Garbage bags and boxes

You might need to consider the possibility of renting a carpet cleaner or calling a professional.

Declutter and Remove the Unwanted Stuff

Because spring cleaning is a good time to remove clutter and discard items that are no longer used we need to do a few things before we actually start to clean, after being cooped up all winter; we need to prepare for this marathon cleaning.

1. Start by going through all rooms and toss the broken items. Look for the things you haven’t used for a while and you can live without. Put these in boxes or bags, maybe a box for donations, garage sale and one to pass things on to someone who might enjoy or need the item, it will be a win-win situation. Oh – and get the kiddoes involved.
2. Gather and take out the trash so you don’t have to deal with it as you are cleaning.

General Cleaning

This applies to all rooms: dusting, vacuuming, clean lighting, fixtures, and switches, cleaning sinks, counters, etc.

Now Let’s Get to the Actual Cleaning

Get your cleaning supplies and tools together, put them in a caddy so you can carry them with you as you tackle different areas of the house.

Cleaning the Living Room, Dining Room, Formal Rooms, Office

1. Cleaning the windows is one of the best things I like to tackle for spring cleaning. Let the sunshine in, right. (Cleaning windows applies to all rooms in the house.) Also, clean whatever is covering your windows; drapes, shades, or blinds and don’t forget to wipe down the window frames and tracks.
2. Take a look at your bookshelves, switch it up and rearrange your books while giving them and the shelves a good dusting and polishing if necessary.  If you have knick-knacks on your shelves, move them around, or maybe swap with ones in a different room.
3. If you have area rugs, wash those that can be washed and dust the ones that can’t be washed. Dusting a rug is vacuuming. If possible, move the rug to a clean hard surfaced floor so you can vacuum the back and get the embedded dirt out. After vacuuming the back flip the rug on a clean surface and vacuum the top.  If you have a really nice rug and are concerned about damaging it, call in the professionals.
4. Move the furniture and vacuum (furniture as well), polish the furniture, dust the base boards, remove cobwebs, clean and dust fixtures and clean any wood floors.

Something else you may want to check is the heater and AC filters. The following article will walk you through the steps to get this done if you want to do it yourself.

Cleaning Air Filters

Spring Cleaning the Kitchen

Besides your regular cleaning there are a few more things that can be done to spiff up the kitchen.

1. Stainless steel appliances always seem to have smudges and streaks.  Never use abrasive cleaning products and make sure to clean in the direction of the grain.  Most grime will come off with just water and a good microfiber cloth.
2. Your coffee pot is a necessary tool that gets used daily, but when was the last time you cleaned it?  You can put the carafe and other removable parts in the dishwasher, but use a vinegar/water mixture (2 parts water to 1 part vinegar) to clean the inside of the coffee maker.  Simply pour the mixture into the water well and turn on the brew cycle until all the water/vinegar mix is gone.  Then run another full cycle of plain water to remove any lingering vinegar residue.
3. Defrosting your freezer isn’t nearly as tough as it used to be, but we still need to do this once or twice a year.  Take everything out of the freezer, throwing out anything that you can’t identify or that looks like it’s more ice than food.  Use warm water to wipe down the shelves, drawers and sides and put what you’re keeping back in the freezer.
4. This is also a good time to go through the pantry, toss old foods, clean shelves, and put the remainder back in a nice organized way.

Bedrooms and Closets

Your bedroom is supposed to be a relaxing sanctuary, so take a look around and remove any items that don’t give you a feeling of peace.  After you’ve gotten rid of the clutter, you can focus on some areas that might not normally get attention.

1. Clean your headboard.  If your headboard is wood, dust it with a rag and your favorite wood cleaner, if it is made of fabric; use your vacuum attachments to vacuum the dust and hair away.
2. Cleaning your mattress a few times a year will help prolong its lifespan.  Remove all bedding, vacuum the mattress, including the sides, then flip it over and vacuum again. If you are concerned about mattress odors, sprinkle some baking soda onto the mattress and let it sit awhile before you vacuum.
3. Don’t forget about your winter clothing, as it gets warmer outside, you are probably using your winter coat less often.  Take it to the drycleaner along with any sweaters you may have. Now when you store them, they are clean and ready for next year. Wash and pack away other cold weather clothing you won’t need and start unpacking your warm weather clothes.

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Preparing for the Winter SeasonHouse Cleaning Tips

Winter is coming and generally wherever you live the days will be colder and the nights longer. Here are a few home tasks to make sure you are ready for the cold and dark no matter the weather outside.

Furnace Check-up

Once a year you should get your furnace checked to make sure it is running efficiently. In addition, vacuum your heating vents inside the house to remove dust that has settled on them during the summer month.

Adjusting thermostat settings should be changed as well. Change them based on your routine, set it to turn on ½ hour before you get up in the morning, lower it while everyone is out of the and then when everyone is sleeping you can lower the thermostat a bit, this type of activity can help save on your energy usage.

Chimney Cleaning

Every fall we should get the chimney inspected; this will insure that your chimney is safe from any blockages that could cause your fireplace not to function properly. Another good thing to do is to clean out the fireplace even if you have a gas fireplace. You want to have a warm, clean and cozy place to sit when the wind starts blowing outside.

Snow Blower Maintenance

If you live in a place that gets lots of snow, you know how handy your snow blower is, so make sure your snow removal machines are ready to go. Check the manual on how you should properly get your snow blower readied and if you are not comfortable doing the tasks, find a certified maintenance provider in your area.

Checking the Pipes

Walk around the house: in the attic, garage, outside and make sure if there are any exposed pipes, they are well insulated and cover the outdoor faucets.

On colder than average nights, leave a trickle of water running in the bathroom and kitchen sinks. Running water can’t freeze.

Cleaning out the Pantry

Although this may not seem like part of the winter cleaning checklist, it has saved me from having to drive to the store when there is snow on the ground.

The pantry can get over cluttered with food which means there’s bound to be expired foods on the shelf. Get ready for the change of seasons by clearing out the old food then think about stocking it with hot cocoa, teas, and warm soups, ingredients for making waffles and cookies, and so on.

In addition if you don’t yet have an emergency supply box of freeze dried foods, batteries and other basic survival items, maybe it’s something to think about just in case there is a power outage.

Be Ready for Festive Holiday Parties

If you have festive events that require some clothing you don’t generally wear every day, make sure they are in good shape and check to see if they need to be taken to the cleaners. You might also want to take your holiday tablecloths and napkins at the same time.

References:

Preparing for Cold Winter Nights
Winter Cleaning Checklist

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Cleaning Dirty Fireplace BricksHouse Cleaning Tips

How to Clean Fireplace Bricks Inside the House

I love having a fire in the fireplace on a chilly night; it’s so cozy and relaxing as you’re snuggled up in a blanket watching a good show or reading a good book.

I also love the look of a brick fireplace, it just adds to the ambiance and comfort but they do need to be maintained if you want to keep them nice looking and free of sooty buildup.

If you still have a wood burning fireplace and can burn wood with little restrictions, consider yourself lucky as some cities are not allowing wood burning devices in new construction due to air pollution.

If you want to know more about burning wise, at the end of this post is a link to the EPA frequently asked questions?

Now onward to cleaning those dirty fireplace bricks.

A Little About Soot? 

Soot is black powder from incomplete burning of wood, coal, or other organic/natural material.

It doesn’t take much burning to cause soot to form and it can be hard to clean if not cleaned occasionally as the black carbon ash easily stains brick.

Bricks 

Bricks are made of clay then baked in a kiln to make them strong and durable and they can be sealed or unsealed. Typically the bricks inside the fireplace are unsealed and will be harder to clean as soot and grime will penetrate more easily.

Cleaning Supplies 

Here is a list of the supplies you’ll need when cleaning your brick fireplace.
• Nylon bristle brush
• Sponge
• Paint brush
• Green scrubby
• Spray bottle
• Cleaning rags
• Vacuum cleaner or broom
• Drop cloth
• Rubber gloves
• Kneeling Mat
• Goggles

Where to Begin? 

If you are actively burning fires, wait at least a full day before cleaning. When you’re ready, lay your drop cloth down, use a broom (be sure to clean this thoroughly later) to loosen dirt then use a shop-vac and vacuum the brick to remove some of the loose soot, cobwebs and dirt. I would also consider using a bag in the shop vac.

Another thing to consider is wearing an old pair of clothes as you are more than likely going to get splattered with dirty soot and other messy particles of dirt and debris.

Now it’s time to don the gloves and goggles!

Cleaning Methods 

It will require a bit of work to clean the soot from the bricks. If the brick happens to be painted, try cleaning a few bricks in an out of the way spot to make sure it doesn’t lift the paint.

For all cleaning methods listed, have a separate spray bottle or bowl of plain water to completely rinse the surface after using a cleaning solution.

Using Dawn Dishwashing Detergent 

I use Dawn for a lot of dirty jobs where I don’t need strong chemicals, it’s a great degreaser. Using Dawn dish soap is one of the less aggressive cleaning methods for your brick and will work well on brick that does not have decades of buildup on them.

You can either use a spray bottle or just dip the brush directly in the solution. If you opt to just dip, make sure you have plenty of cloths covering the floor as water will get sloshed around.

Mix 1/2 cup dish detergent to 4 cups hot water and start cleaning; working in small sections. Rinse well with plain water when finished.

Using Borax and Dawn Dishwashing Detergent 

Borax is a natural disinfectant and will help increase the cleaning power of detergents. Borax is odorless and alkaline which gives it its cleaning power. Borax produces a small amount of hydrogen peroxide when mixed with water so it acts a little bit like an oxy type cleaner.

Mix together 2 Tablespoons Borax and 1 Tablespoon dishwashing liquid with 4 cups hot water. Hot water is necessary to dissolve the Borax.

I would mix this in a bowl until the Borax is dissolved then transfer to a spray bottle so you can shake it periodically.

Spray a section of brick with the cleaning solution and scrub the bricks. If you run into a hard spot to clean, use a bit more pressure or use a stiffer brush. Rinse with clean water after cleaning.

These are just a couple of methods you can use to clean the fireplace brick in your home. For more brick cleaning methods, click HERE.

And here is the link to the EPAs FAQs:
http://ift.tt/2cMAwGe

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How to Reduce the Odors Associated with Raising Your Own RodentsHouse Cleaning Tips

Tips for Reducing Ammonia Odor When Raising your Own Mice and Rats 

We were asked the question on how to remove strong ammonia smells associated with raising rodents and the answer got quite long that I decided to do a post.

It seems many people are now raising their own rodents to feed their hungry little or not so little reptiles as quality feeder mice or rats can be hard to come by and it helps save a little money. I also suppose if you are into raising reptiles you want to know what you are feeding them is a well fed and bred rodent. Seriously!

I’m sure there are plenty of you who know more about keeping and breeding rodents than I do and I’m equally as sure that you know there is always going to be the ammonia smell regardless of what you do, but I do have some suggestions.

You are probably already aware it’s the cage and the rodents creating the smell so taking the time to spend on cleaning them is what will ultimately help the most with the odor.

Make Sure Cages are not Overcrowded 

Make sure the cages are not overcrowded and there is enough bedding. The more mice or rats in a cage the more urine and the more little feet are tromping through the urine. I’m guessing if the cages are large enough there is adequate room to move and more bedding to absorb the urine and the smell.

Plus it’s just more humane to offer these critters a little happiness without infection that can come from overcrowding and a lack of cleanliness.

Can you Potty Train Your Mice, Rats, Other Rodents? 

I know some, maybe even a lot of you, are raising these little creatures for food but I have read some rodents can be potty trained; wouldn’t it be nice to just empty a potty box every day to help cut back on the smell, especially if you have a male in every cage.

Spot Clean in between Regular Cleanings 

I’m sure raising your own food source for your reptiles is time consuming, but if necessary, spot cleaning before regular cleanings to remove large wet spots will go a long way to eliminating odors?

Is One Bedding Better Than Another? 

What kind of bedding are you using? Is one bedding better than another? Try switching to another type to see how that works?

For example, I would think paper shreds would need to be changed more often and will hold on to the odor much more readily than hay or pine and I’ve read that some people think maple bedding stinks.

Cleaning the Tank or Cage 

When you do your regular weekly clean and change the bedding, do you clean the inside of the tank as well? Or at least wipe down the sides of the cage? Not only will this help reduce odor, it will help keep your pets a little healthier. I know this adds time to everything you’re already doing but it will help with the odors.

1. You can use 1 capful of white vinegar to 1 gallon of water for those that may need a deep cleaning, rinse and dry when you’re done washing the cage. 
2. For regular cleanings just use a drop or two of dish soap to a gallon of water. Again wipe down, rinse and dry. 

Make sure the tank is completely dry before putting your rodents back in.

Good Ventilation is Very Important for Odor Removal 

Ventilation is so important at keeping the air circulating out. If there is no ventilation all those strong smells are just getting trapped and hanging in the air and wafting upwards.

If there are windows in the room, keep them open when you can. When the weather is bad and it’s not ideally possible to keep the windows open, look into using purchasing a quality air purifier, a good one that uses a HEPA filter.

Natural Minerals to Absorb Odors 

A great product you can try using is called Zeolite. This is a natural mineral that absorbs odors, not just masking odors. Depending on how bad the odor is you are trying to remove will depend on how much to purchase. If the smell is horrendous, you may want to place these bags around the room, especially around the cages.

If you keep your rodents in the basement of the house, try placing these on the steps leading up as well. Zeolite can help reduce and absorb odors for up to six months.

Zeolite can work at removing odors but depending how strong the smell is, it will take time and you will need to keep up with replacing the Zeolite when needed, which may be more frequent until you get the smell under control.

Zeolite could possibly be used in conjunction with an air purifier as well? 

Washing the Walls of the Room where you Have the Rodents 

If the odor you are trying to remove is a serious bad smell, you should consider washing the walls, it’s possible the odor has permeated them and a good cleaning can help. If the surface of the walls can be washed, start with a vinegar and water wash.

White Vinegar and Water Recipe 

• 1 part White Vinegar 
• 1 part Water 

Mix these together and allow this to sit a few minutes then wash the walls down, rinse and dry. This can be repeated.

If you are still noticing the smell but it’s better, mix the following together for further odor reduction:

Baking Soda and Water Recipe

• 1 cup Baking Soda 
• 10 cups Water 

Make sure you mix the baking soda completely before washing the walls as baking soda is abrasive and you probably don’t want to scrub the paint of the walls. Again wash the walls, let sit a few minutes, rinse with clean water and dry.

Note: Don’t use white vinegar and baking soda together as the two will cancel each other out and you pretty much end up with salty water.

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/2b50Whv How to Reduce the Odors Associated with Raising Your Own RodentsHouse Cleaning Tips

The Dirty Truth about the Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal and DrainHouse Cleaning Tips

 Cleaning the Kitchen Sinks Drain and Disposal

The kitchen sink drain and garbage disposal are loaded with germs, more than most bathrooms. They are brimming with hundreds of thousands of bacteria and pathogens like salmonella, campylobacter and E. coli.

And how often do you actually think about putting a brush inside the disposal to clean it. It’s one of those areas that don’t get the cleaning it needs.

This is a two step process. First we’ll clean the drain then sanitize it.

Cleaning the Inside of the Drain/Disposal 

If you haven’t cleaned the inside of the drain and disposal before, chances are you’re going to see quite a bit of black gunk and stuff. And let me warn you, don’t take the brush out too fast or it will fling gunk on you.

To help stop bacteria I’ll typically clean and sanitize on a Sunday evening after all the dishes have been rinsed and put in the dishwasher. 

I use a long handled scrub brush that I get at the dollar store for this step as it’s inexpensive and I can throw it away when I’m done and I’m not out much.

1. Take your brush and put it in the disposal area and clean all around the sides, bottom and underside of the rubber splash guard. 
2. Carefully lift the brush out through the rubber splash guard (so it doesn’t flick dirty gunk on you) and tap it against the side of the sink to loosen the debris that’s stuck on the brush. 
3. Turn on the cold water and rinse all the debris down the drain and turn the disposal on. 
4. Repeat the above steps until the gunk is pretty much gone. 
5. Now I add a liquid cleanser to the brush and clean the sides, bottom and under the splash guard. You’ll probably want to repeat this step a couple of times. 

When you’ve finished, rinse the sides of the sink and drain with cold water then turn on the disposal for a few seconds then you can move on to sanitizing. 

Sanitizing the Drain and Disposal 

Before plugging the drain make sure you have rinsed the sink. For this step you’ll be using a lot of hot water and liquid bleach.

1. Plug the drain. 
2. Fill the sink, as much as you safely can without it sloshing out, with the hottest water you can. Remember to leave room for the bleach you’ll be adding. 
3. Add in 1/2 cups bleach for every gallon of water your sink holds. My sink holds about 9 1/2 gallons of water so I add in 5 cups bleach. 
4. Swish this around carefully with a utensil; don’t use your hand as the water is Hot! Let this sit in the sink for 5 minutes then let the water drain. The water may still be too hot to put your hand in so use a pair of tongs to unstop the drain. 
5. Don’t rinse the drain after this; let it sit overnight before turning the water on. 

Now that you have cleaned and sanitized the kitchen sink drain and disposal, you've also made it smell better.

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/2ajGqKT The Dirty Truth about the Kitchen Sink Garbage Disposal and DrainHouse Cleaning Tips

What is that Smell Coming from Your Refrigerator?House Cleaning Tips

Don't Let Your Leftovers, Take Over!

There is plenty of leftover food that gets stored in our refrigerators or food items we just never got around to using (or couldn't find) that can cause some really bad smells and that – can be just a bit disturbing.

I don’t know about you but I’ve opened some refrigerators and the smell can just knock my socks off and completely make me lose my appetite.

So if you go poking your head in someone’s refrigerator and it smells a bit putrefied, whether it’s yours or not, it’s time to tell someone that now is a good time to clean the refrigerator. I mean mold, bacteria and mildew growing within the fridge is not a place I want to be grabbing my food from.

If the fridge is stinking, your option is to give it a good cleaning. Completely go through it and toss old foods and condiments. Clean the inside, take out the drawers (clean them out and underneath). Wipe everything dry when you’re done and put only the good stuff back in.

Related Articles:

Refrigerator and Freezer Cleaning Tips

Tips for Keeping Your Refrigerator Smelling Odor Free

These are probably no brainer tips but I’m going to list them anyway.

1. Clean up spills as soon as they happen and adopt a policy where whoever spills, cleans it up, no waiting until Mom gets home. Unless someone really needs your help because a drawer needs to come out.
2. Store your food in covered containers and be sure to put the lid on all the way. If you’re covering a plate of food, make sure the saran wrap covers the dish (which usually means using two pieces of saran wrap). I have also found some stretch to fit food covers that work very nicely. (these pretty much look like a shower cap and they can be reused)
3. Monitor your leftovers. Really only a couple of days should go by before you toss them out and if you’re just not the kind of family that eats leftovers then don’t keep them. I know people that never eat leftovers but hate to waste, so the food gets stored and forgotten about.
4. Monitor the temperature. Most refrigerators are pretty good at keeping a consistent temperature but if yours is being opened and closed all day or if someone doesn’t close the door, it could change the temperature settings and spoil food.
5. Keep an open box of baking soda in the back of the refrigerator to help keep it fresh and replace it every 3 months.

Cleaning the fridge doesn’t have to be a hard task nor a long task but it really should be done at least a couple of times throughout the year, more if you’re a large family.



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How Your Home can look like a Model HomeHouse Cleaning Tips

How Your Home can look like a Model Home Model homes are staged to look – well - not so lived in. They’re just too perfect. Don’t get me wrong I try and many of us do try to have our homes look like a model home but the reality is we have kids and pets. Now that being said, there are still things we can do to make our homes look like a model home that we can oogle over. Decluttering Rooms One thing you don’t see in the magazine pictures is clutter; everything is placed carefully to showcase the house. That’s where we can start. The more that’s tossed around hither and thither, the messier things look. Pick up rooms, not just you but the kids can be responsible for the areas they play and sleep in. Toss out the old and find easy storage options. Family Memorabilia Family items come with an emotional attachment; if you don’t want something, even if it is an heirloom or an item that holds special memories, ask yourself a few questions: Do you like it? Do you really need to keep it? Can you pass it on to another family member? If you’re like me and have piles of kids projects, take pictures of the big projects and keep some smaller ones to put in a scrapbook or have your kids pick a favorite to put in a frame. Living Areas In living areas, toss old magazines, you can easily find the information online if you need it later. Neatly stack your newest magazines or book you’re currently reading on the coffee table or hide them in an ottoman until you can sit and enjoy them. Minimize your knickknacks and pictures. Rotate a few of your favorites throughout the year or have one feature wall where you display them. Get a cute basket or decorative box to corral the remote and fold any throw blankets before you head up to bed. To make your living space more cozy and inviting, try moving your furniture towards the center of the room. Bedrooms It only takes a few minutes to tidy up your bedroom by putting dirty clothes in the hamper, and putting toys away in the toy box. Make this a part of your kid’s bedtime routine. Only keep what is necessary on your bedside table such as an alarm clock and a table lamp. Decorative baskets can be used to keep your glasses, reading book, remote and other small items you may need regularly. Office If you are fortunate enough to have an office in your home, just keep the essentials on top of the desk. If your kitchen table doubles as your work desk, find a drawer or cabinet nearby that you can keep your office supplies in, ready to stash when it is time for dinner. A file cabinet can fit in a coat closet to keep your important papers filed and organized. Home Entrance Whether you enter through the garage, mud room or straight into your living space, make sure you have space where each member of the household can put their coat, shoes, backpack and work bag. You can get a stand-alone bench with hooks above or create your own storage area with some cubby shelves lined up against the wall. To read the full article, click HERE. (the word here will be a link to the article – I think this is a good article to link back to, which we want to do every now and then, the original article has some good links to other articles.) http://ift.tt/25qw7gD

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/25mR1JT How Your Home can look like a Model HomeHouse Cleaning Tips

How to Get Pet Hair off Your FurnitureHouse Cleaning Tips

Dog or cat, short hair or long, getting pet hair off your furniture is not a fun chore.  There is no reason to reinvent the wheel as there are many products for you to try. You probably have one or more of these already, if not, they can easily be purchased online from a place like Amazon.

Vacuuming

Vacuum the furniture every time you vacuum the floors, just attach the upholstery tool and vacuum the cushions, under the cushions, back, sides and arms. Use the crevice tool to get in the crevices and nooks and even under the couch.

Household Sponge

I‘ve used an ordinary household sponge to lift pet hair from pillows and cushions on my couch. This method actually works quite well either wet or dry, when necessary, just rinse the hair from the sponge.  Make sure your sponge isn’t too wet; a slightly damp sponge is all you need. Store this sponge somewhere where it won’t get used when cleaning the counters.

Damp Rubber Gloves

Similar to the household sponge, a damp rubber glove also works pretty good at picking up pet hair but the main drawback - when the rubber dried (which happens fairly quick) the pet hair starts falling off the glove back onto the furniture I just cleaned.

Petmate Pet Hair Magnet

This tool resembles a squeegee and works in the same way. I simply “squeegeed” my couch and was able to easily grab the piles of hair, no mess, not bad.

This might also be something you can use to remove pet hair from a comforter or clothing items.

Gonzo Pet Hair Lifter

I have a short haired dog and this product didn’t seem to work as well as some of the other things I’ve tried, so I gave it to a friend who has a few long-haired pets, and she really liked it.  Maybe it’s a product better suited for heavy duty jobs or for pets that shed more than my dog does?

I felt there were a few downsides:

1. This would not be the tool for a quick fix; it took time to remove the hair.
2. If it gets dirty while you’re using it – you will need to rinse it and then wait until it is fully dry before using again.

Lint Roller

The lint roller is good to pick up some last remaining bits of pet hair after trying some of these other methods.

I hope you find one of the above products useful to you. Click here for removing pet stains and odors.

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/1NDYEXx How to Get Pet Hair off Your FurnitureHouse Cleaning Tips

Kitchen Storage Ideas for Small SpacesHouse Cleaning Tips

Ideas for Storing Pots and Pans in Small Spaces

If you live in a small space and are limited on kitchen storage, how about looking to your vertical space for additional storage and how you can utilize wall space to store your pots and pans?

If this is something you might be interested in, here are a few ideas, depending on your style, maybe one of these solutions can work for you:

Reclaimed Steel Scaffolding Pipe

These old pipes may be found in a salvage yard and would look great hanging on the wall to store pots and pans that hang from S-hooks.

Old Picket Fencing

If you’ve got a little country charm going on in your house an old piece of reclaimed picket fencing can be used to hang your pots and pans. Look for fun coat and hat hangers to attach to the fencing for pans and accessories.

Pegboard

Pegboard can be found in wood or metal. If industrial is your style, one of these options might work for you. There are accessories for pegboards like hooks and baskets that can be used to hold pots, pans, and cooking utensils.

Are you the creative type? Do you have a small space and have a unique piece to save you space? Let us know.

from Mrs. Clean's House Cleaning Tips http://ift.tt/1Mfm2u1 Kitchen Storage Ideas for Small SpacesHouse Cleaning Tips