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SALT LAKE CITY -- Most people would rather do anything but clean their houses. But as chores pile up, ignorance is no longer bliss and everyone must eventually face the mountain of messes that have accumulated while they've attended to more enjoyable things.
Here are a few shortcuts that can make the job more manageable:
Let time be your friend
Don't use elbow-grease when time can do the work. Instead of scrubbing, let the cleaning paste or solution sit for a while.
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To clean or not to clean: Get the dirt on killing germs
Millions of them are massacred every single day and most people are thrilled about it. No one calls the authorities and no one sheds a tear. That is because the victims are bacteria.Make the rounds from room to room and apply cleaning products to sinks, tubs, showers and toilets. Then, while the concoctions sit and break down grime, do the mirrors and counter tops, sweep the floors, and shake out rugs. When you're done, the rest will be ready to wipe clean.
For dried-on grime in microwaves and stove tops, put a small towel in boiling water and then lay on stain. The heat and steam will loosen it right up.
Think disposable
The kitchen can be the most germ-laden rooms in the house. Throw out wet sponges and use paper towels or cheap washrags instead. Use inexpensive deli gloves when switching between food items during preparation. The gloves can save time and some washing wear on the skin.
Use a sealable plastic bag to mix pancake and muffin batter. Snip off the corner for easy dispensing. In doing so it’s one less bowl to wash.
Enlist some help
People hire others to babysit their kids, so why not to clean their house? Teenagers are always looking for ways to earn a little extra money at a job that’s flexible.
One of the drawbacks here is that young people need a little more supervision. Try writing down step-by-step instructions for taking care of a particular area, including what supplies to use, so they know what is expected. Don’t expect things to be perfect, but let them know that their work will be reviewed.
Prevention is worth a pound of cleaning
Maybe the Japanese have the right idea by removing shoes before entering a house. For those too sheepish to ask this of their guests, they can at least make it a rule for immediate family members.
Banning indoor smoking, pets, wood-burning fires, candles and air-freshening sprays will go a long way to reducing air pollution inside the home. Don’t store gasoline, fuel, solvents or paints inside your house, either.
Think clean when you go to decorate. Shorter-pile carpet and leather furniture will trap less dirt. Consider covering pillows and mattresses in mite-proof covers that can be washed in hot water. For rooms that are rarely used, think “English Manor” and cover furniture and knick-knack shelves in sheets.
Multi-task
Heloise of "Good Housekeeping" magazine lives by the motto that she multi-tasks while she mini-tasks. To do a little cleaning here and there throughout the day, keep tote bags or baskets in each room so you can quickly and easily put things away. Try folding laundry or sorting through bills while watching TV.
When cleaning the bathroom, shake the floor rugs into the tub before cleaning it instead of taking them outside. Ehow.com suggests cleaning your shower right after using it, because the grime will already be loosened up by the heat and steam. A squeegee also comes in handy for glass showers.
Dishwashers aren’t just for dishes. Wash a batch of toothbrushes, plastic toys and bath toys. Remember to avoid the heat cycle for heat-sensitive items.
To lighten the load when cleaning, use all-surface cleaners that do windows, counter tops, sinks, etc. Vinegar is a great multi-tasking alternative to expensive, chemical cleaners. Mix a half-n-half water/white vinegar concoction in a bottle and use it on sinks, mirrors, toilets, etc. It disinfects, brightens and shines, and time isn't wasted switching back and forth between different cleaners.
Let it go!
Dirt and dust tend to get a bad-rap for causing everything from asthma to the flu. But the truth is, dirt doesn’t make you sick -- germs make you sick.
A study by the Medical College of Wisconsin found that children who grow up on farms actually suffer less from asthma and wheezing than their city-bred peers. Why? Apparently, early exposure to the dust and microbes found on farms desensitizes the immune system so their bodies can tolerate their environment better.
What better excuse for ignoring those top shelves and ledges.
Kim has written for magazines like LDSLiving, the Washington Family, Back Home, Parents & Kids, and Natural Life. She has two novels with Covenant Communications. Visit her at www.kcgrant.com.
