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Q: This year my resolution is to do a better job keeping my home clean and organized. Things always get so cluttered once the kids go back to school after the holidays. Do you have tips for how to start the year off on the right foot?
The New Year is a great time to reset your cleaning routines and put some new organizational systems in place. Here are my top five cleaning resolutions:
Make It a Family Project. Assign…
Q. What can we do, as a family, to prepare for the fall season without adding to the clutter in our home?
Before you buy, inventory what you already have. Then think does this make my life better, more enjoyable, more beautiful. If not, leave it at the store. In addition to minimizing clutter in your home, you and your family can do your part to make less impact on the environment by choosing not to buy everything new.
Getting into a home cleaning routine can make maintaining a tidy living space easier.Daily Home Cleaning TasksClean high-touch surfaces and do a quick sweep of high-traffic areas.Do laundry (if needed)Wipe kitchen counters and tables after meals and run the dishwasher.Put away clutter and spot clean.Weekly Home Cleaning TasksVacuum or mop floors in all rooms.Dust surfaces, including shelves and furniture.Clean bathrooms: wipe sinks, counters,…
To declutter, you need to set a clear timeline, identify priorities and goals, choose a decluttering method and make progress by going room by room.Clutter doesn’t just take up space in your home; it can weigh on your mind as well. As possessions accumulate, the task of cleaning and organizing may feel overwhelming. However, tackling clutter can be liberating, refreshing your living environment and benefiting others through donations and more sustainable living.Decluttering…
Q: I’ve done a good job keeping my skin protected from the sun, and my kids protected from mosquitoes. But now I have bug spray and sunscreen on my clothes. What do I do?
While that’s definitely good news for you and your kids, it sounds like the family wardrobe didn’t make out as well. But don’t fear; most commercially available bug sprays and sunscreens do wash out relatively easily. First, pretreat the stains with a prewash stain remover,…
Q. I love my dog, but don’t always love the smell that seems to take over my home. How can I ensure that it’s just my dog that greets guests at the door, and not an odor?
A. The dog days of summer, don't mean that your house has to smell like a dog - or a cat for that matter. You can take these steps to help minimize any smells:
Wash your pet food and water dishes daily
Protect the furniture with a towel or washable…
Q: I've given up buying coffee in the morning in favor of bringing my own in a travel mug. However, the cup sits in my car all day and doesn't get washed until late at night. The inside is a little grungy. How do I get it really clean?
A: There are several ways to remove coffee stains. You may have to experiment to see which one works best on your particular travel mug. Since soaking is easier than scrubbing, try one of these methods first…
Q. Help! I've mixed my kitchen towels with my bathroom cleaning rags. What should I do?
A. Generally, it is best not to mix the bathroom cleaning cloths with those used to clean food preparation surfaces or dishes. Bathroom cleaning cloths could carry a risk of contamination with fecal, skin-borne or other pathogens.
If you have mistakenly used your bathroom cleaning cloth in the kitchen, rewash your dishes and clean the surfaces again and disinfect…
Having guests for the holidays is a great excuse to deep clean your home. Focus first on the bedrooms, bathrooms, and other shared spaces. Here are my top ten tips for preparing your home for guests.Put mats and throw rugs in all entryways. This will help prevent dirt from being tracked into your home.Keep a boot tray near the door for rain or snow soaked footwear.Vacuum carpets, floors and baseboards so you won’t have to count…
Q. The cold weather means I get to wear my favorite scarf. I noticed that it smells a little musty. What is the best way to clean it?
Wash it right – Most people never think to wash their scarves, they’re the bed skirts of fashion. But we wear them next to our skin, so they get oil and perfumes on them which can cause fabric damage. A scarf you wear most days should be washed every couple weeks especially during the cold season. And if you clip of the care label before tying…