Room-by-room cleaning checklist

2. Clean all surfaces (countertops and backsplash) with a mild all-purpose kitchen cleaner. Be sure that the cleaner is appropriate for the type of surface you're cleaning. Wipe down all handles, hinges, light switches and light fixtures with a damp cloth.

3. Using a scouring pad and a mild dishwashing detergent, scrub sink to remove stains. Use an old toothbrush to gently clean around faucet edges. Buff the sink and faucets with a dry cloth. To keep drains clog-free, flush with boiling water.

4. Wipe exterior doors of all kitchen cabinets with a damp cloth and soapy water. Dry completely to prevent water streaking or damage. If cabinets are made of wood, clean with a cleanser made for natural materials. Line cabinet and drawer interiors with a cork liner -- the surface is clean and cushiony to protect silverware and glassware. Organize cupboards in a manner that best suits your needs, keeping often-used items easily accessible.

5. Sweep the floors to remove hair, dust and dirt. Then, using a cleaner specific to your type of flooring, give the floors a good scrub that'll lift stains and make the surface shine.

Tip: Want to make your stainless steel sink sparkle? In Haley's Cleaning Hints (Georgetown Publications, 2000), authors Graham and Rosemary Haley suggest "all you really need is some baking soda. Sprinkle a little on a wet cloth or sponge and wipe the sink with it. Buff with a paper towel afterwards."

Bathroom
Tools: squeegee, glass cleaner, paper towels, all-purpose cleaner, sponge or lint-free rag, trash bag, wire brush, old toothbrush, mop, broom, rubber gloves, pumice stone

Tasks
1. Using an all-purpose cleaner and a wet sponge, work from top to bottom and scrub tiles and tub. To remove built-up dirt and grime, let cleaner sit for five minutes before scrubbing. Clean grout with an old toothbrush. Scrub/squeegee, rinse and dry shower doors. If you've got a shower curtain, clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions and, if needed, replace the old liner with a new one. When finished, wipe all wet surfaces (tub, doors, shower curtain, walls, faucets) with a dry rag to prevent mildew.

2. Wearing rubber gloves, lift toilet seat and flush to wet the inside of the bowl. Fill the toilet with a liquid toilet cleaner and let sit for a few minutes. Using a toilet brush, scrub the inside of the bowl (pay extra attention to the area under the rim and the water line). If there's a water ring that cannot be removed with your toilet brush, scrub with a damp pumice stone. Clean the seat (both top and bottom), rim, base, lid and tank with disinfectant. Dry completely before using.

3. Clean cabinets with a damp cloth and wipe mirrors with paper towels and a glass cleaner. Spot-clean walls with a damp rag and give light switches, light fixtures and doorknobs a good wipe. Clean out medicine cabinet and throw out expired or unused cosmetics and drugs.

4. Sweep the floors to remove dust and hair. Then mop floors with warm water and an all-purpose cleaner (or cleaner that is best suited to the type of flooring in your bathroom). For small bathrooms, it may be easiest to clean floors on your hands and knees with a damp rag and cleaner. Get to all those nooks and crannies behind the counter and toilet.

Tip: When working in a small space with household cleaners, always make sure you've got good ventilation. Open the bathroom door and open the windows, or turn on the fan to keep the air circulating while you clean.

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