10 cleaning tips and shortcuts

10 cleaning tips and shortcuts

Looking for a shortcut to help you clean your home in no time? Homemakers readers share their best tips for speeding up chores and keeping their homes spotless.
Updated:
2009-09-18 12:16
Published:
2009-07-31 00:00
By 
Homemakers.com and readers like you

"Skate" your way to cleaner floors

Streak-free windows
I make up two small pails (usually using 4 L ice cream containers). One has warm water and a bit of dishwasher detergent. The other has water and vinegar, about 1/4 to 1/2 cup vinegar. I use either a j-cloth or an old terry towel for washing the window. I use a separate towel for the rinse, ringing it out and then just wiping the window. Most times you do not even need to use a dry towel afterward; the water and vinegar solution cleans and puts a shine on the window without any streaks. I find this quick, effective and eco-friendly.
"Skate" your way to cleaner floors
Carol WysockiSparkling floors and fun!
When we built our bungalow a few years ago, I wanted the kitchen floor to be white ceramic tile. What was I thinking? This floor needs to be mopped every day, as it shows the tiniest speck of dirt! Finally, I devised a system that saves labour, and cleans the floor between moppings.

After sweeping the floor, I take two old hand towels and wring them out in some water mixed with a little vinegar, and place them side-by-side on the kitchen floor. Then, with my shoes still on for safety, I "skate" around the floor, catching every mark that I see. Since the floor isn't very wet, it dries quickly, and looks as if it's just been thoroughly washed.

It's not dangerous, as long as you don't go too fast. I'm 77 and haven't fallen yet!
Dorothy MacDonald, Niagara Falls, Ont.

A handy duster
My tip is reusing used Bounce/fabric softener sheets for dusting.
Judi Gosbee
Murray River, P.E.I.

Dusting has always been my least favourite and most time-consuming cleaning job; that was, until I started using long- and short-handled Swiffers.

The long-handled Swiffer makes dusting high and low places quick and easy. Instead of having to climb up on a chair or stool, I can dust all ceiling areas, pictures, ceiling fans, and walls while standing on the floor. The long-handle Swiffer also works great under furniture and to get into hard-to-reach areas.
Debora M., Dundas, Ont.

Find more happy home tips in the My Home section of Life & Times.

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
-Room-by-room cleaning checklist
-Eco-friendly cleaning products
-24 tips for a healthier home

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