Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Life

Tag: cleaning

  • Don’t Let Chores Pile Up: Maintain your house in half the time

    Preventive cleaning was once as popular as the hula hoop and Audrey Hepburn, proving a clean house is the most timeless accessory to a happy home.

     

    A house that needs cleaning is an unwelcomed distraction from living life to its fullest. Piles of dirty laundry or chaos in the living room can dull the day’s accomplishments. Clean homes make it easier to find lost items and allow the mind to relax. Below is a list of preventive tasks that can be accomplished daily or weekly to make sure your home always shines.

     

    Preparation

    Keep microfiber cloths, your favorite cleaners and whatever else you need in buckets or decorative baskets in high traffic areas. With these kits readily available, 10 minutes of spot cleaning can make a difference. Select optimal times for you and family members to dedicate to cleaning. It can be once a day, week or month. To make chores a bit more fun, create a playlist or use this time as an opportunity to completely disconnect.

     

    Kitchen

    The kitchen is the heart of the home and one of the most used spaces. Keeping it clean is not impossible when care is given to maintenance. To pass the white glove test, take care of spills and messes as you cook. Rinse pots and pans after use if they cannot be washed right away. Line the stove and oven with tinfoil for quick cleanups. Dust cookbooks and countertop appliances every day just as you do the counters. Additionally, line cabinets with paper to toss out weekly or monthly.

     

    Bedroom

    Your bedroom is a haven for sleep and relaxation. Always make the bed upon waking or shortly afterward. Doing so makes the room look pulled together and starts the day with a sense of accomplishment. Place a hamper where needed and do laundry at least once a week. If cleaning the ceiling fan has gotten away from you, place an old towel directly beneath the fan to keep away dust bunnies. Keep framed art clean by misting a paper towel and wiping the glass rather than directly spraying it to prevent seepage around the edges. Use a lint roller to dust lampshades.

     

    Living room

    Clutter clogs the flow of any room, but it is quite noticeable in the living room. If you have yet to toss out items that do not bring you joy, make it a priority to chuck or donate non-essentials and have a place for everything. Place baskets strategically throughout the room for toys, remotes and whatever else tends to collect. Vacuuming and dusting the living room at least once a week puts an emphasis on picking up stray items. Get into the habit of neatening up at the end of the evening as part of a winding down routine to banish clutter.

     

    Bathroom

    Keeping the bathroom clean requires organization. Having dedicated spots for makeup and grooming tools reduces clutter. Wet wipes under the sink will clean toothpaste and soap splatters on faucets, mirrors and countertops. It is best to leave bar soap in the shower rather than placing it on the sink to avoid messes. Keep a shower cleaner in a caddy nearby for a quick spray of the tile and liner when done bathing. Wipe down the sink after every use. Deep clean the tub and toilet at least once a month to prevent smells and stains.

    Stay on schedule when cleaning your home to always be ready for company and much more. Inspired by the September 1957 issue of Better Homes & Gardens magazine.

  • Inexpensive Ways to Make Your Home Green

    It’s nearly impossible to escape the constant message that we need to take better care of our planet, but many people become overwhelmed with the multitude of ways presented to “go green”. Although it might not seem like it, small actions do benefit the environment, and starting with a minor change is a step in the right direction. Below are some easy and inexpensive ways to make your home green.

    Change Your Eating Habits

    shutterstock_257050711

     

    Small changes in your eating habits can reduce the amount of waste you produce and can also lessen demands on energy consumption.

    • Buy foods in bulk to reduce packaging that eventually makes its way to landfills.
    • Buy locally-sourced meats and vegetables. Supporting local farmers in your community reduces fuel consumption and pollution since food does not have to be transported as far.
    • Drink water from reusable bottles instead of disposable plastic bottles.

     

     

     

     

     

    Reduce Energy Consumption

    It’s easier than you might think to make your home more energy efficient. You can do lots of easy, inexpensive things that will add up to big reductions in energy consumption.

    shutterstock_228439465

    • Keep your refrigerator away from direct sunlight or the stove. Exposure to heat from the sun or your stove makes the fridge’s compressor work overtime.
    • Use the dishwasher. It might be surprising to learn that washing a full load of dishes in the dishwasher is more energy efficient than washing them by hand, especially if you have an Energy Star dishwasher.
    • Change your air filter at least every three months. A clogged filter reduces air flow which causes your heating and air conditioning system to use more energy.
    • Install a programmable thermostat and program it to reduce heating and cooling when you’re away from home.
    • Clean the lint trap to increase your dryer’s efficiency by as much as 30 percent.