photo by AlishaV

The first tip serves as a reminder that you don’t have to buy a jet-spray mop. It’s a simple way to maintain a clean floor without a mop and bucket. Be sure to have good ventilation when using ammonia. A 50/50 mix of vinegar and water works well, too.

SPRAY AND MOP: To make mopping easier, I fill a spray bottle with hot water and ammonia, and spray all around the perimeter of the room, going a little heavier where my stove is because of all the cooking grease in that spot. I wait a couple of minutes to give it time to work, and then go back and mop starting in the first sprayed area and just work my way around until the whole floor is done. I never get that dirty buildup in the corners that I used to always battle. To me, what makes a floor look clean is when the corners look good. — Theresa, Florida

NO DUSTY MESS: When cleaning, use your vacuum with the upholstery brush to do your curtains and blinds. It’s quick and easy. To do the curtains, work from top to bottom. To do the blinds, close them flat. Run the brush from top to bottom, then turn the blinds the other way and vacuum the other side. — Patty A., Utah

CLEAN AS YOU GO: I have a thin pot scrubber that lives under my bathroom bar of soap. When I wash my hands, I run my soapy hands around the sink and the counter and then scrub lightly and rinse. The mirrors are wiped down with a chamois after I have a steamy shower. This works for chrome and glass doors, etc. I try to find ways like this to do it throughout my home. — Judie D., New Hampshire

BRUSH AWAY DUST: For dusting any knickknacks, use a large “powder brush.” Get one with lots of bristles. I learned this from my cousin who cleaned houses. It won’t damage them and gets in all the crevices. — F.F., Washington

CLEANING WITH A PUMICE STONE: I can’t believe what a difference these make. The owners before us left 25 years’ worth of stains on the tubs and sinks. I tried scrubbing, bleaching and vinegar baths, and none got out the stains. I got two pumice sticks. First, I tackled the toilets. Very nice, mineral rings gone.
Then I tried our bathroom sink. Wow! I was able to scrub out ground-in stains from years and years ago. The color change is surprising. They don’t scratch porcelain but are not recommended for shiny metal or plastics. No additional cleaner needed. — Jora, New Mexico

DETER ANTS: For years, I fought the ants every time the weather warmed. I started cleaning my kitchen with white vinegar, and no longer have a problem with ants. It also cuts grease on my stove. I use vinegar for everything, and I love knowing it is inexpensive and safe. — Joy B., Tennessee

SHOWER-CLEANING MAINTENANCE: Buy or make a bath puff. Those soft little puffs for applying body wash are ideal. Take cheap shampoo or liquid dish detergent that is kind to your hands. When in the shower or tub, take a dab of the shampoo or detergent, and, at the end of your bath or shower, just run it over the wet walls and tub. It peels the soap scum off beautifully. — Margery, Canada

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