Free Cleaning Tips

Please note: As with all chemicals, always test clean anything you are cleaning in an inconspicuous spot to prevent damage to the items. Use the procedures below at your own risk.

Mini-blinds: 

You will need: A bathtub, bleach, cloth gloves or old washcloths, old towels, Static-Guard or cheap fabric softener sheets.

Fill bathtub with enough hot water to cover blinds and mix in two cups of regular bleach. Remove the blinds from the windows. This is best done by raising the blind, locking it in position, and removing it from its holder. Lay one blind in the bathtub, open to its full extension with slats either up or down (you will be cleaning both sides). Spread a number of large, old towels on the floor to be used to dry clean blinds. Let the blind soak for at least 5 minutes. Wearing an old pair of cotton gloves, start washing each individual slat with your fingers. Using the gloves allows you to clean both sides of the blind at the same time. If you must use a cloth, you will have to wash each side separately. If the water is really dirty, drain the tub. If not, save the water. In either case, lift the blind clear of the water, turn on your shower, and rinse the blind well. Lay it on a towel, and using another towel, blot dry. If you have a large enough space, you could do a number of blinds before moving on to the next step. When the blind is completely dry, spray it lightly with Static Guard, or bunch up some cheap softener sheets and run them across the slats. This will help eliminate static which will prevent the blinds from attracting dust, dirt, hair, and pollen. Re-hang the blind.

Windows:

Washing windows is one of those tasks that nobody enjoys, but with the right attitude, and correct approach, the task of window washing can reward you with a sparkling clean window. And when your windows are clean, it makes your entire house look cleaner! 
One key thing to remember when washing windows is to use vertical strokes when washing one side of the glass and horizontal strokes when washing the opposite side. This way you will know which side of the glass the streaks are on. use a lint free cloth (if you have one) or paper towel. Always wash the parameter of the window first, getting into all the tight corners. Then, wash the window from the top of the glass and work your way down. This way any drips won't get on the glass you have already done. Don't wash windows in direct sunlight as this will contribute to streaking! If you want the window to really shine (and maybe your a little bored) use a clean blackboard eraser to wipe over a window you just cleaned. For large windows, you are better off using a long-handled squeegee, if you take your time, they won't leave too many streaks. When you are washing windows, be sure to never let cleaner get onto the woodwork... Too many times we see houses with beautiful woodwork around the windows that has been damaged by dripping cleaner. Have you ever had to refinish a window frame? It's not quite as much fun as washing windows!  And yes, we do windows!

Keeping your home clean seems to be one of the world's biggest mysteries! How does one manage such a never-ending task? The key is prevention! Try to put things where they belong right away so as to avoid handling objects twice and doing twice the work. For example, don't pile mail on the table to look at later. Keep an ‘in’ box for bills, etc., and toss the junk mail immediately. When you are about to leave a room, scan the area for things that do not belong in that room. If you see something that belongs in the direction you are heading toward, pick it up and put it away. If you have a dishwasher, put your dirty dishes directly in the dishwasher. Storing them in the sink adds an unnecessary step to doing dishes and food becomes stuck to the plates! When you run the dishwasher try to empty it right away. While cooking, clean as you go. If you are waiting for something to simmer, clean out the bowl you just used. Always straighten the shower curtain to avoid mold. Keep a set of bathroom cleaners in each bathroom ready to use. Having a set ready in each bathroom lessons the time moving about the house gathering supplies for the job that you would rather not do anyway! Also, having cleaners handy in each bathroom makes it easy to ‘wipe up’ when unexpected guests arrive. Here comes the hard part... Teach everyone in your household this trick and you will be amazed how much easier it is to clean your home and keep it clean! Remember "Clutter Is Contagious" Once it begins, it takes on a mind of it's own!