Homekeepers Domestic Help

15/02/2016

Speed Cleaning Tips from Homekeepers Domestic Help

Paid cleaning help can be a
wonderful short-cut to a clean
and organized home--if the
household budget can stand
the cost.

But what do you do if the Prize Patrol bypassed
your door this year?

Take a speed-cleaning lesson from the pros!

Paid cleaning services are masters of the art of
speedy, efficient cleaning. Watch Homekeepers Domestic Help at work: they don't waste time, cut
corners or dawdle over the job--and they know
how to clean fast, clean right.

To speed cleaning chores in your organized home,
take a tip from their copybook. Try these tips fromHomekeepers Domestic Helps.

Schedule Cleaning as A Job

Homekeepers Domestic Help schedule every job, right
down to the minute. Nobody hires a cleaning
service that promises to arrive "some Saturday
when nothing else is happening." Take a tip from
the pros, and set up a regular weekly cleaning
schedule.

There's nothing like the feeling of a completely
clean home—but you won't get it by cleaning in
fits and starts! The pros don't quit until the job is
done, and neither should you. Schedule the job
and stick to it to get the work done in record time.

Dress for Success

Homekeepers Domestic Help dress for the job in
comfortable, washable clothing designed for
work.

Check out their supportive shoes and kneepads.
Goggles and gloves protect against chemicals,
while a cleaning apron keeps tools and supplies at
their fingertips.

Clean catch-as-catch can and clothing tends to
catch it! End the era of bleach-stained sweatshirts
and dripping nightgowns. Set aside a "cleaning
uniform", and wear it, right down to shoes, gloves
and eye protection.

Invest In Proper Tools

Homekeepers Domestic Help don't use gadgets. You'll
never find them toting specialized, one-use tools,
or gee-whiz gimcracks hawked on some television
infomercial.

Forget flimsy supermarket cheapies, and invest in
sturdy, well-made cleaning tools. Replace the
rackety sponge mop with a terry-covered Magic
Mop or Sh-mop for easy, efficient floor cleaning.
White terry cleaning cloths (find them in the auto
parts section as "detailing towels") are durable
enough to stand up to walls, counters and floors,
and are easy to launder in hot water and bleach.

Pick It Up

Homekeepers Domestic Help come to clean: counters,
furniture, appliances and floors. They can't do the
job if each horizontal surface in the home is
covered with papers, toys, dirty dishes and just
plain clutter.

Pretend that you've hired a high-priced cleaning
crew. You wouldn't make them sweep the clutter
to one side to do their job! Give yourself the same
head start you give professional cleaners: pick up
before you clean. Without the distraction caused
by out-of-place items, cleaning chores will fly.

Tote Your Tools

Watch an average home manager clean the
bathroom. Ooops! Forgot the powdered cleanser,
so down the stairs you go. The toilet brush? It's in
the kids' bathroom down the hall. Run to the
laundry room for more cleaning towels, to the
kitchen for a box of tissues. Where's the vacuum?
Did the teenager take the squeegee to wash the
car?

Homekeepers Domestic Help
cleaners tote
their tools
with them--
all their
tools.
Look in the
cleaner's
tote tray: all
tools,
cleansers,
brushes and
rags needed
to finish the job are right there.

Vacuum, mop and mini-vac wait in the doorway.
A plastic bag for trash is tucked into a pocket, next
to the waving feather duster.
That's why the pro has finished the entire
bathroom before our amateur makes it back up
the stairs with the powdered cleanser.

Simplify Supplies

There's a reason Homekeepers Domestic Help can tote all the products they need in one

tray: they've simplified cleaning products. Relying
on a few multi-purpose solutions cuts time and
clutter in the cleaning tote. Professional cleaners

carry: light-duty evaporating cleaner (glass cleaner or
multi-surface cleaner)

heavy-duty degreasing cleaner

tile cleaner

powdered abrasive cleanser

That's it! No soap scum remover, no special
counter spray, no single-use products designed to
clean only blinds or fans or walls. The pros know
that these four simple products can handle any
ordinary cleaning chore.

Get Motivated

You won't find the pros pausing to follow
television soap operas or check their e-mail.
Amateur cleaners, too, should limit distractions as
they clean. Turn off televisions and let the phone
go to voicemail to stay focused on cleaning up ...
fast.

Use appropriate motivators to energize cleaning
sessions. Play upbeat music for an energy boost.
Bookworms look forward to cleaning when a
book-on-tape plays in the iPod.
Cleaning as a team with friends or family
members can help you stay on task and ease the
boredom of a cleaning session, so buddy up!
Working with a parent is also the best way to
teach a child skills he or she will need for life.

Make Every Movement Count

Homekeepers Domestic Help don't circle a room more
than once. Taking their place before the bathroom
sink, they'll spray and wipe the mirror, scrub the
sink, wipe down counters and polish fixtures
before they move one inch to the right or left.
Don't get physical with your cleaning sessions—
make every movement count. Stand fast and clean
everything in your path before you move on.

Two Hands Are Better Than One

Homekeepers Domestic Help don't work as if one arm is
in a sling, and neither should you. Get in the habit
of using both hands to attack cleaning tasks.
Spray a mirror with one hand, wipe it down with
the other. Scrub counters with two sponges or
cleaning cloths, not just one. Dusting goes twice
as fast when a lambs wool duster in one hand
cleans nooks and crannies while the feather
duster in the other skims flat surfaces.

Think Teamwork

Two people make a bed four times faster than a
single cleaner working alone. Watch the pros at
work. Working in teams, they make short work of
an average home.
Where family circumstances permit, make
cleaning a family affair. Family members are more
reluctant to mess up a clean house when they
have been part of the effort!

Tidy Up for Next Time

At the end? Homekeepers Domestic Help wrap up each
job before they leave. Tools are returned to
storage areas, totes tidied, spray bottles refilled
and soiled cleaning cloths take a trip through
washer and dryer. Goal: to be able to hit the
ground running next time they visit.

Follow their
lead!
At the end of
each
cleaning
session,
return tools
and supplies
to their
storage
places.

Check levels

of cleaning products, noting any needed items on
a shopping list; launder cleaning cloths and stow
away the vacuum cleaner.
The finishing touch? Spritz the newly-cleaned
home with scented room spray ... and enjoy the
squeaky-clean feeling!

Contact Femi to schedule a cleaning date on 081316107939 (whatsapp or call) bbm 28A70F29
Homekeeper Domestic Help channel pin: C00211D77
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11/02/2016

30 Quick and Easy Cleaning Tips

You love a spotless house—but you don't want to spend the
bulk of your time actually cleaning. Well, fret no more. We
talked to seven experts who gave us some of their best methods
to make chores easier, more effective and much less time-
consuming, so you can have a tidy, sparkling home in no time
flat. Even Mom would approve.

In The Kitchen

Circle Your Way Around: Always begin on the right side of
your stove, then move clockwise around the room. The stove is
typically the dirtiest part of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps
you from spreading dirt and grease. (First, soak drip pans and
k***s in warm soapy water. By the time you've worked your
way around, they'll be easier to clean.)

Sanitize the Sink: It's hard to believe, but your dirty kitchen
sink has more bacteria than your toilet seat. Use a product
labeled as an EPA-registered disinfectant, or make your own.
To disinfect, clean your sink with soap and water first, then
spray a mist of vinegar followed by a mist of hydrogen
peroxide, and let air-dry. (Don't mix the vinegar and hydrogen
peroxide together—spray one after the other.) If your sink is
stainless steel, make it sparkle afterward by putting a few drops
of mineral oil on a soft cloth and buffing. This prevents water
buildup, which deters mold and keeps the sink looking clean
longer.

Do Dishwasher Duty:: Once a week, shake baking soda on a
damp sponge and wipe around the machine's edges to remove
stuck-on food or stains. To clean the inside, run an empty cycle
with Dishwasher Magic, a product designed to kill bacteria like
E.coli. "During cold and flu season, add a quarter-cup of bleach
to the regular dish cycle to kill bacteria," says Laura Dellutri.
The dishes will be safe and sanitized after the rinse cycle is
finished.

Love Your Oven: Keep the heart of your kitchen clean by
lining the bottom with a nonstick ovenliner. It can be wiped
with a paper towel, put in the dishwasher, and reused over and
over.

Disinfect the Disposal: To get rid of odors, drop in a cut-up
lemon, some salt and a few ice cubes. The lemon deodorizes,
and the ice and salt clean away residue. Or try Disposer Care
( DisposerCare.com), which is specifically designed for the job.

Crumple Paper Towels…Forever: Use microfiber cloths
instead. When wet, they sanitize and clean floors, counters,
glass and tile, and eliminate the need for other cleaning
products. They're reusable (machine-wash, hang to dry) and
cost about $5 for a two-pack.

Clean as You Go: Linda Cobb suggests filling your sink with
hot soapy water as you start dinner. "Place used dishes and
pans in the filled sink so they'll be soaking while you eat," she
says. Also, wipe up any spills immediately—don't give sauces,
oils or spices a chance to sit around.

Zap the Sponge: We all know that sponges can be a breeding
ground for bacteria. Disinfect yours every night by squeezing
it out and microwaving it on high for a minute. When it's
shredded and smelly, replace it.

Bathroom Boosters

Make Doors Shine: Rubbing a teaspoon of lemon oil on glass
shower doors twice a month causes water to bead up and roll
off. Or, try Rain-X Original Glass Treatment, a car-care product
made to keep rainwater off your windshield. Use it twice a
year.

Get a Cleaner Liner: Mold and mildew attacking your shower
curtain liner? Throw it in the wash with a few towels, which
will help scrub it clean, then hang it back up to dry.

Tame the Toilet: Drop a teaspoon of Tang Drink Mix in the
bowl. The citric acid acts like a scrubber…and it's nontoxic, in
case the dog takes a sip. Let it sit for a few minutes, then swish
and flush. And if you cringe at the idea of getting splashed by
toilet water (ugh!), Donna Smallin suggests pushing the toilet
brush in and out of the trap before you begin. This lowers the
water level, allowing you to safely swish away.

Corral Strays: Keep drains free of hair and clogs by using a
product like Drano or Liquid-Plumr to make sure potential
clogs are gone, then pour boiling water down drains once a
week to keep problem-free. Get rid of those annoying stray
hairs on the floor by sweeping them up with a damp wad of
toilet paper every morning.

Use Bedtime as Clean Time: While the kids are washing up at
night, wipe down the tub, toilet and mirrors, and toss out
clutter. When they're finished, quickly wipe down the sink and
floor. Bathroom done.

Sweeping Solutions

Cleaning should always be done top to bottom. That way, any
crumbs or dust that fall to the floor while you're working get
picked up last. And believe it or not, there's a right way to
sweep.

Pick the Right Broom: For indoors, choose one with finer
bristles to pick up smaller dirt particles. For outdoors, go for
stronger, stiffer bristles, which work better to clear porous
surfaces.

Get Swept Away: To sweep, hold the broom like a canoe
paddle, with one hand on top of the handle and the other
toward the middle. Push your hands in opposite directions to
get the most out of every sweeping stroke. Sweep from the
outside in so that you don't miss any spots, and move the dirt to
the center of the room, where it will be easy to pick up.

Super Storage: Store brooms with the handle down. It makes
them easier to find and protects the bristles.
Banish Dust Bunnies: Pickthe proper dustpan. Minimize that
annoying line of dust by choosing a dustpan with a rubber
edge.

Bedroom Secrets

Start with the Bed: If your bed is made, your bedroom looks
neat, says Marla Cilley. When you wake up, pull the covers up
to your chin, then scissor-kick your way out of bed so it'll be
half made. Finish the job before you walk away.

Address Your Drawers: Most women have drawers full of
clothes they don't wear, and their dresser tops then become
repositories for things they can't store. Get rid of things you
haven't worn in a year and vow to put away your clean laundry
each week.

Keep Just the Essentials: Have a "pamper basket" next to your
bed with a book, some moisturizer, your knitting or something
else you like to do in bed, says Cilley. Then keep your clock, a
lamp and a box of tissues on your nightstand. That's it.
Conquer Laundry

Stave Off Static: Since fabric softener and dryer sheets can
strip towels of their absorbency, add ¼ cup white vinegar to the
rinse cycle or throw two (new, clean) tennis balls in your dryer
to get rid of static electricity, soften fabrics and eliminate the
need for dryer sheets.

Switch on the Cold: Most everything can be washed in cold
water (better for your bills and the environment). But use the
hottest water possible for sheets, towels and underwear. Take
special care with undergarments, putting them in the dryer as
soon as possible to stop bacteria growth while they sit damp in
the washer.

Mess-a-Laneous

Time It: If you actually time how long it takes to do certain
chores, you won't mind them as much, says Cilley. Believe it or
not, most chores only take 10 minutes.

Multitask: Sarah Aguirre makes tasks go faster by doing two
things at once. While on the phone, she folds laundry, fluffs
pillows, picks up stray magazines and books, does dishes,
sweeps or dusts.

Know the Hot Spots: Papers, odd toys and other things usually
pile up on the dining room table or kitchen counter. Once
you've got your table cleaned off, file papers or toss them.
"One piece of paper multiplies like rabbits," Cilley says.

Go Corner to Corner: When you're vacuuming, begin in the
farthest corner and work toward the door, using slow, repetitive
front-to-back motions in an overlapping sequence, says Julie
Rosenblum. As you look over the freshly vacuumed floor, you
shouldn't see any footprints.

Velcro Away Clutter: Label the bottom of each electronic
game controller (Xbox, for example), and then Velcro it to the
console, suggests Linda Cobb. You'll never search for them
again.

Make a Lost-and-Found: Every house needs one. Use a cute
vintage lunch box or lidded storage container to stash lost
game pieces, stray screws and buttons, and similar small items.
When you need the item, you'll know where to look first.

Do Quick Rescues: Do a 5-minute sweep through each room,
taking a laundry basket with you. Place in it anything that
doesn't belong in that room, then put away the stuff that does
belong there.

Stop Clutter at the Front Door: Mount a plastic or cloth shoe
rack inside your front entry closet door, and use it to stash all
kinds of living room and family room miscellany—toys, hats,
gloves, magazines. You can even designate one of the pockets
for mail you're not sure whether to save or toss.

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09/02/2016

How to Banish the Stains Your Kids
Always Get

Conquer every mark, spill, and smudge they bring
home.

Art projects, soccer practice, and close-to-home
adventures are all part of being a kid. But after a day
spent playing hard, mom is often greeted with a
bevy of stains to tackle. Here's how to make cleanup
swift and effective.

1. Grass
Fight the marks of an afternoon in the park by
quickly treating the spot with a pre wash stain
remover (we like Shout Advanced Gel) or by rubbing
a stain-fighting detergent with enzymes into the
fabric. Let it sit for at least five minutes, and then
launder in the hottest water safe for the fabric.
Bleach can help, too, if the care tag permits it.

2. Chocolate
Because their favorite flavor of ice cream seems to
be the drippiest, of course. But rubbing in some
detergent or a pre wash stain remover before you
launder should do the trick. Turn to bleach if the
stain is stubborn and its OK to use on the fabric.

3. Juice
Remove the remains of today's lunch by flushing the
colorful blotch with cool water. Then, combine one
tablespoon of white vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon liquid
laundry detergent, with one quart cool water. Soak
for 15 minutes, and if the stain is still there, try
blotting with rubbing alcohol. Launder as usual.

4. Acrylic Paint
Flush the spot with warm water, and then sponge
with a solution of one part dish washing liquid and
one part warm water. Repeat as necessary, and
rinse and launder.

5. Crayons
Try to lift these art class marks before you throw the
clothing in the wash. If the crayon is soft, you might
try freezing it and scraping off what you can.
Otherwise, place the stain between two paper
towels, and press with warm iron. Some of the
crayon should transfer to the paper towels. Repeat
as necessary, with new paper towels, taking care to
not transfer the stain to other spots on the clothing.
Then treat with a stain remover (or rub in a little
dish washing liquid), and launder.

6. Glue
Craft glue should come out pretty easily with a stain
remover and your everyday detergent. If you're
battling heavy-duty adhesive, nail polish remover
with acetone can help, but try a test spot first; it can
melt synthetic fabrics that contain acetate or
triacetate.

7. Mud
When your little one caves in to the lure of the
muddy puddle, pause before you jump into action.
Trying to rub mud away while it's still wet can just
push it deeper into the fabric. Wait for it to dry,
scrape off what you can, treat with a stain remover,
and launder as usual.

8. Markers
Place these stubborn marks face down on a paper
towel, and sponge with rubbing alcohol, transferring
as much of the stain as possible to the towel. Rinse
and launder.

9. Ketchup
They put it on everything, so it's bound to get
everywhere. Rinse with cool water first, and then
sponge with white vinegar. Pre wash stain remover
applied a few minutes before you throw it in the
wash should help remove any excess.

10. Mustard
Dampen stain, then rub in liquid laundry detergent.
Let sit for 5 minutes; rinse. If stain is still visible,
soak garment in hot water and detergent for an
hour. Launder with an enzyme detergent.

TELL US: How do you tackle your kids' biggest
messes?

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09/02/2016

10 Things You're Not Cleaning (But
Should Be)

It's time to stop skipping these germ-filled spots.

Follow these tips from Carolyn Forte, the Good
Housekeeping Research Institute's resident cleaning
expert, to make sure your home is truly clean.

1. Kitchen sponges
Soaking up bacteria is all in a day's work for your
kitchen sponge, so unless you want to "clean" your
dishes with a germy sponge, you need to disinfect or
replace it regularly. To disinfect, soak the sponge in
a mixture of 3/4 cup bleach and one gallon of water.
You can also run it through the dishwasher or zap it
in the microwave to kill germs, but if you use the
microwave method, make sure the sponge is soaked
with water or it could catch fire.

2. Between appliances
There may only be an inch (or less) between your
refrigerator and the countertop, but that crevice can
trap a lot of dirt. Use a long duster or thin vacuum
attachment to clean out all the nooks and crannies.

3. Reusable grocery bags
Cloth grocery bags are great for the environment,
but they're no different than other fabrics in terms
of care. Run your reusable bags through the washer
regularly to remove any lingering food bacteria,
turning them inside out before you toss them in. Pay
attention to the bag's fabric when selecting a dryer
setting.

4. Refrigerator bins and door shelves
You probably wipe down your fridge's interior
shelving already, but don't forget about the rest.
Regularly pop out the door shelves and bins, and
wash in warm, soapy water to get rid of food
bacteria and spillage.

5. On top of things
Out of sight, out of mind? Not so much. We've
warned you about wiping down the top of your
refrigerator, but there are lots of other "tops" that
need cleaning as well. Some common forgotten
spots: the tops of light fixtures, cabinets, and the
mouldings around doors and windows.

6. Ceiling fan
Speaking of being on top of things, just because you
can't see the dust accumulating atop your ceiling fan
blades doesn't mean it's not there. To keep the dirt
from swirling around the air, Forte recommends
using a duster like the Wool Shop's Lambswool
Ceiling Fan Duster.

7. Small electronics
Did you know that your television remote is one of
the dirtiest items in your home? Other small
electronics such as your cell phone and headphones
can also rack up tons of germs. Clean these items
frequently with a disinfecting or alcohol wipe —
make sure to use a cell phone-friendly cleaner.

8. Broom
Yes, you need to clean your cleaners. Brooms are
great for getting rid of pesky dust bunnies, but in the
process they can get trapped in the bristles. Swish
the broom head around in warm, soapy water, or
vacuum with a handheld attachment (then be sure to
clean out the attachment).

9. Hats, scarves, mittens
Like any other piece of clothing, outerwear picks up
dead skin and bacteria. Regularly run your hats,
scarves, and cotton mittens through the washer. For
leather gloves, wipe down with a leather cleaning
wipe.

10. Gym bag
You wouldn't consider not washing your clothes
after a tough workout, so don't forget about the bag
that transports them. If your tote is machine-
washable, toss it in the laundry frequently. For a bag
that doesn't fit in a machine or can't be washed,
wipe it down inside and out with a damp cloth and
sprinkle in some baking soda to help absorb odors.

TELL US: What do you always forget to clean?
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08/02/2016

14 Hidden Germ Spots Around the House

Don't forget to scrub these sneaky places where filth
likes to hibernate.

Underside of Rugs
To remove dust and dirt that's gone deep down into
the rug, simply flip it over and vacuum the
underside.

Purse
Spot clean fabric bags with a gentle detergent
solution like Woolite and flip the purse inside out to
wipe down the inner lining. On finished leather
purses, use a leather conditioning cleaner — I love
Guardsman Leather Wipes. And, if you place your
purse on the floor in a restaurant or even worse, in
the ladies' room, never put it on your kitchen table
or countertop.

Reusable Grocery Bag
You're toting home fresh food in these handy
helpers — certainly you want them to be fresh, too.
Your cleaning tactics should vary depending on
whether you have plastic, canvas, or nylon bags.

Blinds
The material they're made of — metal, wood, or
fabric — determines how you dust them. For metal
blinds, wipe with a sock lightly dampened with water
or multi-purpose cleaner. For wood blinds follow the
same procedure using only a little tap water. Do not
overwet the wood and be sure to buff dry right away.
For fabric blinds, go over the blinds with a dry
microfiber cloth.

Top of Fridge
It's true what they say: "Out of sight, out of mind".
This definitely applies to the top of the refrigerator.
Don't forget to wipe it down when you do the sides
and handles.

Kitchen Sponge
Soaking up bacteria is all in a day's work for your
kitchen sponge. To disinfect, soak the sponge in a
mixture of 3/4 cup bleach and one gallon of water.
You can also run it through the dishwasher or zap it
in the microwave to kill germs, but if you use the
microwave method, make sure the sponge is soaked
with water or it could catch fire.

Credit Cards
These everyday essentials get handled by lots of
people, and germs can lurk in the crevices around
the numbers. Give debit and credit cards a quick
cleaning with an alcohol wipe and let them air dry
before placing them back in your wallet.

Vacuum Cleaner Brushes & Attachments
You clean out the dust container or replace the bag
routinely but when was the last time you cleaned the
vacuum upholstery tool or brush roll? Check your
manual for the how-to. Using scissors, cut off any
carpet fibers or hair entangled around the brush.

Broom
Yes, you need to clean your cleaners. Brooms are
great for getting rid of pesky dust bunnies, but in the
process, they can get trapped in the bristles. Swish
the broom head around in warm, soapy water, or
vacuum with a handheld attachment (then be sure to
clean out the attachment).

Kitchen Trash Can
Clean your can or the plastic liner in your utility
room sink, the shower, or outside. (Be sure to
disinfect the sink and shower afterwards).
Thoroughly spray the trash can with a cleaner that
contains bleach and let it stand for 10 minutes. Rinse
and wipe clean. Before adding a new garbage bag,
be sure the can is completely dry.

08/02/2016

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08/02/2016

The Best Way to Clean the Kitchen
Sink

Try this strategy for sending stains, grime, and
germs down the drain.

Get Rid of Gunk
Just about everything that happens in the kitchen —
cooking, cleaning, kids' craft projects, and more —
involves the sink, so it gets stained easily. Splotches
show up most obviously on light porcelain or solid
resin surfaces, but even stainless steel is
susceptible. The speediest way to remove marks
from these surfaces: Use an eraser-type sponge like
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser. (Extra-stubborn spots may
need a spritz of an all-purpose cleaner with bleach,
and more "erasing.") Then rinse.

Sanitize Wisely
To sanitize any sink after cleaning, plug the drain
and fill the basin with a gallon of warm water. Swish
in a tablespoon of bleach. Dip in a sponge; wipe
down the faucet and handles. Let sit at least five
minutes. Rinse and allow to air dry.

Make It Easier Next Time
Stash baking soda under the sink, sprinkle it on
stains before they set in, and just wipe and rinse.
Bonus: Baking soda fights drain odors.

To keep a stainless steel sink looking spiffy, take a
few minutes to smooth away scratches, which
harbor stains and bacteria, with a powdered
stainless steel cleanser, like Cameo, and a regular
sponge. While you're at it, help repel grime by
applying a light coating of mineral oil with a rag.

08/02/2016

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08/02/2016

9 Cleaning Mistakes That Really
Slow You Down
Because we'd actually prefer you don't spend your
whole weekend doing laundry.

We're in the business of cleaning well, but we also
want you to get chores out of the way as quickly as
possible. And if you're committing these common
cleaning mistakes, you just might be scrubbing up
sun up to sun down.

1. You don't follow the "top to bottom" rule.
If vacuuming is your least favorite chore, it can be
tempting to get it out of the way first. But if dusting
the top shelf (or cleaning the ceiling fan) is your last
task for the day, dirt will likely fall over your freshly
vacuumed carpeting. And then you have do that
annoying part all over again.

2. You don't sort laundry when it really counts.
Every now and then, you might skip sorting by color
to hurry laundry day along (some moms even find
that doing laundry " by person" saves a ton of sorting
time — especially when all of your kids' clothes are
similar hues and fabrics). But pre-sorting is often
actually a time-saver in the end.
"Don't forget to separate lint givers from lint
catchers, like towels from knits or corduroy," says
Carolyn Forte, director of the Cleaning Lab at the
Good Housekeeping Institute. "If you wash them
together, you'll spend time trying to rid the fuzzy
fabrics of lint."

3. You tackle windows on a sunny day.
The nice, warm sun might actually inhibit your
efforts, since the heat could cause your cleaner to
dry before you can wipe it away. That means streaks
— and then you'll just have to start over.

4. You don't turn off your vacuum's brush roller when you
switch to wood or tile floor.
"If you're vacuuming bare floors with an upright
vacuum, be sure to turn off the rotating brush," says
Forte. "Leave it on, and you'll scatter dust and dirt
instead of picking it all up."

5. You wash dishes at the sink before you put them in the
dishwasher.
Yes, you should scrape any food scraps into the
garbage, but don't bother hand-washing or even
rinsing your dishes before you they go in the
dishwasher. Research shows that it doesn't get your
dishes any cleaner, and our experts agree.
"Prewashing dishes is a waste of time and energy,"
says Forte. "Simply load them in the dishwasher, and
if you aren't running it right away, let the dishwasher
rinse them with a 'rinse only' cycle."

6. You don't let tile cleaner sit for a few minutes before you
start scrubbing.
"Give spray tub and tile cleaners a few minutes to
work before wiping them away, "says Forte. "Letting
them sit helps soften and dissolve soap scum and
stains, so less scrubbing is required." And less
elbow grease means less time (and a not-so-sore
arm the next day).

7. Your family doesn't remove shoes at the door.
The dirt you track in from outside can really build up
over time, so beat it at its own game by going
shoeless inside. And while you're at it, double up on
doormats (one inside and one outside). They grab
dirt before it can reach your new cream carpeting.

8. You use a lint roller to clean up pet hair.
If you're staring down a particularly fur covered
couch, you might instinctively reach for this sticky
paper. But a lint roller, while handy, isn't really up to
heavy-duty jobs. When you need to clear a ton of pet
hair at once, reach for a damp rubber glove instead
to efficiently whisk the fuzz away.

9. You forget that your cleaners need cleaning, too.
"Dirty cloths, mops, and full vacuum cleaner bags
don't pick up or remove dirt," says Forte. "You'll just
be working harder and longer with no results to
show for it. Clean or replace your cleaning tools as
needed."