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Save time – and sanity – with this pre-holiday advice from the cleaning experts at Merry Maids:
• Prioritize and plan ahead: Right now, time is your friend. Make a list of what needs to be done, who will do it and when it will be done. -
• Clear clutter: If you can't put it away, it's clutter. Divide this extra stuff into three groups: Junk, charity and undecided. Toss the junk, give away the charitable remainders and store the rest out of sight in a box or bag until you decide whether it's really worth keeping. Now there's room for holiday decorations. -
• Know your numbers: How many people are coming? Do you have enough chairs, tables, plates, glasses, etc.? What time are you eating? How long do the turkey and other dishes need to bake? Getting accurate counts in advance aids in planning. Tip: Always be prepared for more. -
• Clean starts at the front door: Keep the dirt outside. Make a habit of taking shoes off at the front door (especially kids). Some 80 percent of dirt comes through that entrance. Put a basket by the door, so kids are reminded and it's easy to do. Another Merry Maids tip: Use only one entry door into your home. Put a sturdy doormat on the outside and another on the inside. That will cut down on dirt, too. -
• Clean top to bottom: Attack every room from the top down, starting with cobwebs or dusty ceiling fans. Dust first, vacuum last. Vacuum from east to west, then again north to south. Scrub, wipe and polish in straight lines instead of circles. -
• Use the clock and the right tools: Give cleaning solutions time to work. Spritz counters, mirrors and surfaces in the bath and kitchen while you scrub the sink, tub and toilet. Then wipe them clean. Cotton diapers are great for most jobs, but some tasks require a specialist. Try a damp sponge to quickly remove pet hair from upholstery and pillows. A dry sponge erases grime from acoustical tiles. Wear cotton gloves and clean mini-blinds by hand. -
• Clean windows and mirrors like a pro: Squeegee the surface with an initial horizontal stroke across the top, then vertical strokes, wiping the blade after each swipe. -
• Create a cleaning carry-all: Store all your basic cleaning supplies in a cleaner's apron or bucket, and carry them with you from task to task. Some of the equipment useful in making the most of your time includes microfiber cloths, all-purpose cleaner, floor-cleaning solution, vacuum attachments, toilet brush and trash bags. -
• Guests arriving soon: Hit the bathrooms, dust and vacuum the room where guests will sleep. Change the sheets and put clean towels out. A fresh flower from your garden in a vase next to the bed says "welcome."
• When needed, get help: Call the experts when you need them. For more tips or advice, click on www.merrymaids.com.
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