by Liz Hartford

Created on: February 19, 2010   Last Updated: March 13, 2010

February is over and it is time to get out the cleaning supplies and get going with the spring cleaning of 2010.  Whether, your cleaning in the 1950’s or today most of the cleaning tools are very similar, the same tools but with different uses.  I am a former very high paid housekeeper and to get the job done right for both my clients and myself these are the tools I have used for 20 years and still use today.

1.  The bagless vacuum cleaner with attachments.  I like this because it takes the place of the expensive cleaners used today and saves me money and time.  I blinds, ceilings, walls baseboards’ carpet, all fabric including my beds, and yes even on my hardwood floor.  This eliminates the dust out in the air and landing somewhere else.  I use the vacuum in each and every room in my home and it does make a world of difference.  I want to add one more thing I use the vacuum for and that is on my couch and love seat.  I take all the pillows off and clean it good also I tend to find money in my couch and that is always a bonus..  I have children so sometimes in there you never know what you will find. 

2.  Bucket of Mr. Clean and hot water.  I know this sounds very basic but Mr. Clean is my best friend.  I grab a cleaning towel and I clean the walls, door knobs and any little furry paw printsor child hand prints I find in my home.  This is also good if you have a lot of dust on window ledges because one swipe with the Mr. Clean and they smell and looking good.  If you have older kids and they still make finger prints enlist them to help you; one or two times of doing that, they won't be touching the walls at all.

3.  Lemon oil is my next tool.  I consider lemon oil a tool because I have a lot of wood in my home and lemon oil does the trick.  Every piece of wood furniture in my home gets a good oil from top to bottom, this helps cleans the wood and keeps it looking beautiful.  Lemon oil gives your furniture a nice protective layer to protect your furniture. It also helps protect the wood from drying out.  Lemon oil also brings out the beautiful natural look of the wood.

4.  Window cleaning tool is my next most favorite tool.  I remember when I did windows by hang without the tool and the tool makes it much easier and looks just as great.  I love to look out my windows and see the beautiful trees and flowers outside and for them to be clean with no streaks.  I have a solution I use made of vinegar, hot water and just a hint of baking soda.  I use the soft window cleaner tool (purchased at Home Depot) to clean the outside windows and then straight side to make them clean and streak free.  This tool makes life so much easier, attached to a broom handle and you have a very large span of window you can cover.

5.  Old tooth brush is my last tool I use for spring cleaning.  I know it sounds silly but I use old tooth brushes to clean the tile floor in my bathrooms and kitchens.  I didn't include either of the spaces in the spring cleaning because they are always kept clean and organized.  However, the floors are white tile floors and they must be scrubbed good and spring and winters cleaning are the best times to do it. 

I hope my tips will help you with your spring cleaning.

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