Most women do not enjoy housecleaning. In fact, most women dread it; and this is true even more so today than in the past since so many women work outside the home, which perhaps explains why cleaning services have become so popular and are doing a booming business.
On the other hand, given the current economic downturn, many people who have previously utilized cleaning services might decide to tackle the task themselves. Yet, if homeowners do decide to clean their own homes, there are steps they can take to make the chore a bit less arduous and time-consuming. For one, they can learn from the professionals they used to hire.
Learn How to Clean from the ProfessionalsA professional can clean a house in a fraction of the time it takes the owner, even if they are both doing the same exact chores. How is this possible? It’s possible because, unlike the owner, the professional is focused on getting the job done thoroughly but in as little time as possible.
Consequently, homeowners should treat housecleaning like a job, one for which they are “on the clock,” and view their homes as belonging to a stranger. That way they will not be tempted to turn on a favorite soap or talk show. Nor will they be inclined to sit down, pour a cup of coffee, and linger over the newspaper. In fact, they shouldn’t even answer the telephone, but let calls go to voicemail.
They should also clear their homes of all distractions. Ask a relative or friend to baby-sit young children. Put pets in pens or the garage or board them at a kennel. In other words, if something will hinder the cleaning process, it should be removed from the house, at least for the day.
Plan a Course of Action for Housecleaning
Professionals have a strategy for cleaning a house, one that involves steps. For example, they might: tackke chores in this order:
- Pick up clutter throughout the entire house
- Put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and turn it on
- Strip and remake all beds with fresh linens
- Put linens in washer
- Clean bathrooms (wipe down surfaces; scrub toilet bowl; clean mirrors; mop floor)
- Put linens in dryer
- Dust entire house (include ceiling fans, lampshades, blinds, baseboards, etc)
- Polish all furniture
- Clean interior glass surfaces (mirrors, tabletops, cabinet fronts, windows)
- Vacuum carpeted floors
- Clean kitchen surfaces and sink, as well as interior of microwave
- Sweep and mop kitchen floor
Be Prepared to Clean a House Right
When professionals enter a room, they carry everything with them they might conceivably need. They do not make numerous trips back and forth in order to retrieve something they discovered they needed only after entering that room. They are prepared. So the owner should also be prepared, and one way to accomplish this is by purchasing a plastic bucket or other handy container and filling it with necessary cleaning products, for example:
- Disinfectant cleanser (suitable for all surfaces)
- Glass cleaner
- Comet, Ajax, or another granular cleanser for hard-to-clean surfaces and removing stains
- Bleach (for removing mold or mildew; however, do not mix bleach with other cleansers since it can create harmful vapors; instead, use immediately before leaving the room)
- Assortment of sponges and rags
- Feather duster
- Furniture polish and/or lemon oil
- Paper towels
- Spray or foam carpet cleaner (for spot removal)
- Aerosol air-freshener (a nice finishing touch)
Thus armed, homeowners will be prepared to clean their homes like a professional and, in the process, save hard-earned money during this economic downturn.
Readers who enjoyed this article might also enjoy "The Dirtiest Places in the Home," which provides tips for making a home virtually germ free.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
