Mom’s Advice: Clean-up and Supplies

We recently discussed how to make a bed and take care of clothes. Now we’re going to cover basic cleaning tips and supplies needed.

Clean up your mess!

fam2We all grew up in different houses, and so, we all have different concepts of what cleaning is. Some may think even a smidgen of dust is dirty, while others don’t even notice if there’s a layer on every surface. Whatever your preference––or ability to tolerate––it’s nice to have shortcuts for cleaning. Not only will you need to do the general, regular cleaning, there will also be times when certain things will need special attention.

Dirty microwave–– Place a microwave-safe dish of water in the microwave with a lemon slice and bring it to a boil. Once the inside is steamy, open and wipe out the inside with a damp cloth.

Glass Coffeepot–– Combine a mixture of 1 part vinegar to 2 parts water and pour it in your water reservoir. Turn the coffee maker on and let it run completely through. Turn your coffee maker off and allow it to cool for 15 minutes. Pour the vinegar and water mixture down the drain. (You may need to repeat if your coffee maker has not been cleaned in a while.) Rinse the pot out thoroughly with warm water. Then, fill the water reservoir again with clean water and turn the coffee maker on to start the rinsing process. Repeat this rinse one more time to ensure that all the vinegar mixture has been removed.

Garbage Disposal––Smelly disposal? Slice up a lemon into quarters and grind it up in your garbage disposal to freshen the scent and clean the drain.

Don’t do that!

  • Do not add bleach to a load of laundry after the clothes are already in the tub. Add bleach while the water is running, before clothes are added, so that it can be diluted.
  • Do not add dryer sheets to a load of towels. This affects the absorbency of them.
  • Do not mix bleach and ammonia or toilet cleaner. The fumes this creates can be toxic.
  • Don’t allow dirty dishes to set in the sink or on counters for days on end – at the very least, put them in a sink full of hot, soapy water so the grime doesn’t become stuck or covered with bugs.

The shopping list

There are a few things you’ll need when leaving home that will make your housekeeping experience easier.

The tools:

  • fam3Indoor broom
  • Outdoor broom (if you have a deck/patio or garage)
  • Dust pan and brush
  • Wet mop (if you have an area that is not carpeted)
  • Cleaning bucket
  • Vacuum cleaner
  • Dusting cloths (microfiber are great, but an old shirt or sock works and is cheap!)
  • Sponges
  • Scrubbing brush with nylon bristles (for cleaning showers, etc.)
  • Toilet brush
  • Cleaning caddy (makes it easier to carry supplies from room to room)
  • Rubber gloves (to protect your skin from chemicals)

The products:

  • All-purpose cleaner (see our article about organic cleaning supplies)
  • Glass/mirror cleaner
  • Nonabrasive scouring powder (such as Ajax or Comet)
  • Oven cleaner (or you can use your self-cleaning oven if you have one)
  • Furniture polish
  • Toilet cleaner
  • Disinfectant (such as Lysol)

As exhausting as housekeeping may seem, it is doable if you make a routine. Some people choose one room or task to do each day, breaking up the burden of cleaning and keeping house. Others schedule one day a week for “cleaning day,” allowing them to relax concerning housekeeping the other days. Whichever you decide, if you ever have any questions, I’m sure your mom would love to receive a call from you!

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.” Proverbs 31:27

By Lisa Grimenstein

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