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Quick Clean Any Room in the House

Do you dread cleaning day? Make quick work of home cleaning with our quick tips on cleaning any room in the house.
Here's How:
  1. Gather everything you'll need for cleaning into the target room. Include the vacuum and attachments, dust rags, furniture polish and glass cleaner.
  2. Clear the room of clutter. Get rid of anything that doesn't belong there, including dishes, mail, toys (depending on the room), sports equipment, and old newspapers.
  3. Choose a starting point. Spray a soft dust cloth liberally with furniture polish and dust and polish every wood surface, going around the room from start to finish. If the surfaces are particularly dusty or dirty, you might have to use several cloths. But keep these dusting rags for furniture polish only.
  4. Now, go around the room again with glass cleaner and a clean, dust-free rag. Clean all the hard surfaces--mirrors, picture glass, light bulbs, window sills and blinds, tops of doors and door frames, door moldings, drapery rods, hanging art and collectibles. Spray the glass cleaner carefully. For large objects, spray directly on the object. For smaller pieces, spray the glass cleaner on the rag.
  5. Next, straighten everything that is left in the room. Organize magazines and books, straighten lampshades, and rearrange the collectibles. By now, everything should be clean and in its right place.
  6. Insert the edging wand attachment to the vacuum and clean corners, floor edges around the baseboards, tops of tall bookshelves, and ceiling corners.
  7. Use the vacuum brush attachment to clean upholstered pieces such as chairs, sofas, bed headboards, valances and drapery panels.
  8. You're almost finished! Clean the floor, using a vacuum if you have carpet or mop if you have hard floors. Start in the corner farthest from the door and work your way out the door.
  9. Take one last look to make sure you didn't miss anything. Done!

Tips:

  1. Collect all the cleaning products in a carrying tote which you can carry from room to room.
  2. Don't try to organize drawers and closets this time. The point is to get things straightened up and clean. Save the bigger tasks for another time.
  3. Have plenty of clean cloths or rags. When they get dirty, use a fresh one.
  4. Do not wash dirty rags with other clothes. The cleaning chemicals can damage clothing or even leave spots.

What You Need

  • Dust Rags
  • Wood Furniture Polish
  • Glass Cleaner
  • Vacuum with Attachments
  • Mop for Hard Flooring
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Dyson DC14 All Floors Vacuum



Suction Performance:

This Dyson Model DC14 All Floors has some great features with the Root Cyclone™ technology topping the list.
 This performance feature ensures vacuum suction remains constant, room after room, and the suction is channeled right to the edge of the cleaner head. Edge cleaning whiskers also help to pull dust into the airflow. 
All Floors - How it Adapts to Varying Floor Types:
Turning the brush control dial from carpet to floor ensures the brushbar stops and thus protects your wood, ceramic, vinyl and hard floors or delicate carpets, while maintaining the same great cleaning performance.
 The Dyson DC14 All Floors also automatically adjusts to different carpet levels.

Design & Style Features:

  • Telescope Reach™ extends wand to 17 feet for cleaning stairs
  • Upright design for ease of operation
  • Parts and accessories easily disassemble and click back in place
  • The Clear Bin™ enables monitoring of dust bin and easily removes for emptying
  • Convenient ergonomically designed carry handle
  • Design colors make it easy to locate buttons and controls
  • Small footprint for storing
  • Lightweight at 18.56 lbs
  • Durable construction
  • On-board tools for handy access

Filtration & Benefits for Allergy Sufferers:

This vacuum has the British Allergy Foundation's seal of approval for allergy sufferers.
It has a washable pre-motor filter that removes down to 0.1 micron particles; a post-motor electrostatic filter that traps carbon emissions from the motor and never needs replacing; and a Lifetime HEPA filter to remove allergens before expelling cleaner air back into the room. 
In fact the air returned to the room has up to 150 times less bacteria and mold than the air we breathe.

Included Accessories:

  • Crevice tool
  • Stair tool
  • Brush tool

Cleaning Reach Capacity:

The hose has a 17 ft length, allows easy cleaning of stairs, and the cord is 35.4 ft long for a maximum cleaning reach of 52.4 ft.
Benefits of a Clear Bin:
You can see how well the cleaning is going as dust accumulates in the clear bin, and there are no bags to buy and replace. The bin empties easily with a trigger switch, and you can tell when the maximum dust level has been reached in the clear bin.
Dimensions:
Height: 44.86"
Width: 14"
Depth: 13.38"
Weight: 18.56 lbs
Other Information:
The Dyson DC14 All Floors has a 2 Year Limited Warranty and SSP of $429.99
Optional Available Accessories:
  • Low reach floor tool for cleaning under low furniture and hard to reach places. Adjustable for carpets and bare floors.
  • Mini turbine head is a must for power cleaning of stairs, car and upholstery. Attaches to hose or wand.
  • Soft dusting brush with soft bristles to gently dust delicate surfaces like computer monitors.
  • Mattress Tool to remove dust and dirt from mattresses and upholstery.
  • Stiff bristle brush removes ground-in stubborn dirt - not for use on delicate flooring, rugs or carpets.
  • Flexi crevice tool for awkward areas.
  • Zorb carpet maintenance powder - absorbs dirt and freshens the room.
  • Zorb groomer - works with Zorb carpet powder deep into your carpet.
  • Dyzolv spot cleaner to remove stubborn spots and spills.
  • Dyson cleaning kit which includes Zorb pack, Zorb groomer and Dyzolv spot cleaner.
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10 Forgotten Cleaning Chores

The basics might be easy. You manage to get the obvious dirt removed from your home. But how are you doing on these hidden cleaning chores?

1. Under the Washer and Dryer


When we replaced our washing machine and dryer, I was shocked by the amount of stuff that had accumulated underneath the machines. I had neglected that area, focusing on the parts of the floor that could be seen. Honestly, depending on the amount of use your washing area receives, you'll only need to move the washing machine and dryer 2-3 times a year unless an obvious spill happens. Get help to move these items, since this is frequently a two person job. Be careful not to damage the floor by moving the machines improperly. Remove anything that has fallen behind and underneath the machines. Sweep and mop the floor before replacing the machines. Doing this every 4-5 months will keep the floor from being ruined and alert you to any leaking or spill issues.


2. Under and On Top of the Refrigerator


We remember to clean it out, because the smell and stickiness alerts us whenever we open the doors to the refrigerator. But what about on top and underneath that same refrigerator? The top of the refrigerator accumulates dust that won't be easily visible unless you are very tall. Behind and underneath the refrigerator can accumulate the same dust and food residue that is normally found on the kitchen floor. All it takes is a quick wiped down to clean the top. To clean underneath and behind, you may need help to move the refrigerator without damaging yourself or your floor. Once the refrigerator is moved, sweep and mop. Finally, replace the refrigerator. Repeat these steps every 3 months or as needed.

3. Baseboards and Molding


Our baseboards and molding add decorative touches to our homes. But when was the last time you looked closely at them? Our baseboards and molding accumulate dirt and dust that can easily go overlooked. Over long periods of time that dirt can actually discolor and damage the finish and/or paint on the baseboards and molding. Dusting these areas a few times a year will be enough to keep them clean.

4. Ceiling Fans


We rely on the ceiling fans in our home to help keep us cool. The more you have the ceiling fan going, the less likely you are to notice a buildup of dust and dirt. Ceiling fans are notorious for attracting thick layers of dust. My favorite way to clean a ceiling fan is to use a brush attachment on a vacuum cleaner wand. I'm able to dust the ceiling fan and have the vacuum suck up all the dirt. Depending on the season, ceiling fans should be cleaned monthly or ever few months.

5. Inside the Dishwasher


We put dirty dishes in the dishwasher and expect them to come out clean. But what do we do when our dishwasher needs a good cleaning. Ignoring it is definitely not the answer. Taking the time to clean out the dishwasher isn't time consuming as long as no glass has been broken inside. I like to run my dishwasher without any dishes on high. I add a 1/2 cup of baking soda and a few tablespoons of coarse salt to the empty load of dishes. There are also commercially available products to clean the dishwasher.

6. Inside the Washing Machine


If you have clean clothes, thank a washing machine. Or, better yet, let's make sure our washing machines get a little attention. Front loader washing machines get a bad reputation as being smelly, but there are easy ways to prevent that from happening. Keep the washing machine door open in between loads to allow the drum to fully dry. Every few days, wipe out the rubber seal. Hair, debris, and dirt tend to collect here. If you wipe it out at least once a week, it will not begin to smell. There are washing machine cleaners you can buy. For me, running the washing machine on a hot load with no clothes in it is usually sufficient. Sometimes I'll add vinegar to help clean it out even more.

7. Inside the Pantry


The tendency with a pantry is to stuff the things we bring home from the store wherever they will fit. Doing so can leave us with hidden items that may go bad before they are rediscovered. Taking a few minutes every 2-3 months to organize the pantry and wipe of shelves will prevent this from happening.

8. Inside the Couches


It is a longstanding joke in our family that every couch we've owned likes to eat our possessions. Because of this, the couches get cleaned out on a fairly regular basis, at the very least, whenever anyone loses anything. But for a lot of homes, the interior of the couch is easy to ignore. Depending on your family type and size, you may not need to clean the couches very often. For a family my size it is necessary ever 1-2 months. We take the cushions off and retrieve any missing items from the crevices. Next the couch and cushions are vacuumed and replaced. It's a simple job, but easy to overlook.

9. Outdoor Trash Cans


Our inside trash cans give us a warning when they need attention. The outside ones receive less concern because of their location. But if you've noticed neighbors purposely crossing to the other side of the street whenever your trash cans are out, you may need to do a little clean up. Cleaning outdoor trash cans can usually be accomplished with a garden hose and a little dish soap. For tough jobs, a scrub brush or even diluted bleach may be necessary. Outdoor trash cans will need more attention in summer than they will in the winter.

10. Inside the Vacuum Cleaner


I'm the official vacuum cleaner emptier. It's not a glamorous job, but I do it nonetheless. Because of my family size and the ages of my children, I usually have to empty the bagless container on my vacuum cleaner every 1-3 days. In additon I do a thorough cleaning of the container every 1-2 months. Doing so keeeps the vacuum cleaner running in tip top shape.

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Homemade Stainless Steel Cleaner

Fed up with fingerprints on your stainless steel appliances? Skip the pricey stainless steel cleaners, and head to your pantry for an easy fix:

 What You Need:
  • White vinegar
  • An empty spray bottle
  • A cleaning cloth

What You Do:

Fill a spray bottle with undiluted white vinegar. Then, spray on all of your stainless steel surfaces, and wipe dry with a soft cleaning cloth. Simple and effective!
Why This Works:
The acetic acid in the vinegar cuts through the oil left behind by fingertips, rather than smearing it around like a lot of other cleaners.
Benefits of Cleaning with Vinegar:
  • inexpensive
  • no harsh chemicals
  • effective sanitizer
  • effective grease cutter
  • non-abrasive

Warnings:

1) Do not reuse empty cleaner bottles. Buy a new bottle to use for your vinegar spray
2) As with any cleaner, you should avoid all contact with the eyes and prolonged contact with the skin
3) Keep out of the reach of children

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Homemade Spray Cleaner Recipe

Here's a recipe for a scented spray cleaner submitted by Jeanne:
INGREDIENTS
1/4 cup of dishwashing soap
1/4 cup of white vinegar
2 tsp of Borax
3 1/2 cups of hot water
Lemon or citrus essential oil (5-6 drops or more)
PREPARATION
Mix and pour into a spray bottle.
Jeanne says: Cleaning chemicals really bother me, so I am always looking for alternatives. I use this in every room of the house, and like to add lemon oil to the solution. It cuts through grease; and since I always have these ingredients around the house, I never run out of cleaner.
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Homemade Glass Cleaner

Make your own glass cleaner, and get beautiful, streak-free windows for less.
What You Need:
  • White vinegar
  • Water
  • A spray bottle

What You Do:

Fill the spray bottle with equal parts vinegar and water. Then, use as you would any other glass cleaner.
Benefits of Using Vinegar as a Glass Cleaner
  • inexpensive
  • no harsh chemicals or fumes
  • effectively removes fingerprints and other window grime
  • doesn't leave streaks

Warnings:

1) Do not reuse empty cleaner bottles. Buy a new bottle for your glass cleaner.
2) Always label the contents of your cleaner bottles.
3) Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

 A Special Warning:
Many glass cleaner recipes found on the web contain ammonia and/or isopropyl alcohol. According to an article in the New York Times, these ingredients are poisionous when swallowed or inhaled in large quantities.
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