Got a few minutes? That's all you need to
make fast work of the three dirtiest rooms in the house.
Family Room
5-Minute Cheat
Toss out-of-place items—magazines, sneakers
and video games—into a laundry basket and stash in the closet for the time
being. Run a microfiber duster across coffee and side tables. Straighten and
fluff sofa cushions and pillows.
|
Timely tip
Always attack a room from top to bottom and
right to left until you've gone full circle, says Debra Johnson, training manager
of merry maids.
|
15-Minute Spiff-Up
Give floor and rugs a once-over with a vacuum.
Dust the shelves and the flatscreen. A damp eraser pad takes care of any
noticeable scuffs or fingerprints on walls. Quickly put DVDs and video games
back where they belong.
30-Minute Power Clean
15-Minute Spiff-Up Plus
Ø
Roll back rugs. A dry cloth sweeper picks up
dirt missed by the vacuum.
Ø
Swipe the top of tall furniture and cobwebs in
ceiling corners with a long-armed duster.
Ø
Vacuum sofa and chair cushions with an upholstery
attachment.
Ø
A microfiber cloth and a no-drip cleaner take
care of smeared windows, says Donna Smallin, author of The One-Minute Cleaner.
Kitchen
5-Minute Cheat
Load dirty dishes, pans and glasses into
the dishwasher. Move small appliances and clutter off the counter and into
cupboards. Quickly remove crumbs with a sponge and swab countertops, sink and
island with a disinfecting wipe.
15-Minute Spiff-Up
Sort garbage and recycling into bags and
put outside. Clear surfaces and spritz countertops with a multipurpose cleaner,
then wipe with a damp cloth. Scrub sink with a sponge and cleanser. Polish
fixtures with a microfiber cloth. Vacuum or sweep floor to get rid of most
crumbs and dust.
30-Minute Power Clean
15-Minute Spiff-Up Plus
Ø
Using a combination of tough tools-a microfiber
cloth, a degreasing agent and a scouring pad-work your way around the room,
starting at the stove. Wipe down the outside of all appliances and the
backsplash, paying special attention to grime around cabinet pulls and fridge
handles, says Johnson.
Ø
Tackle the floor with a damp microfiber mop and
spray cleaner. 'Another great option is to use a steam mop," says Smallin.
Bathroom
5-Minute Cheat
Quickly swipe the sink and its fixtures
with a biodegradable wipe. Use a microfiber cloth on the mirror Swish the
toilet with a long-handled brush and flush. Disinfect the toilet seat with
another wipe. Hide stray toiletries and makeup in a drawer. No need to do the
shower or tub: Just pull the curtain or door closed.
15-Minute Spiff-Up
Squirt bowl cleaner around the edge of the
toilet and leave for a few minutes. Spritz the sink, the countertops and around
the tub with an all- purpose spray and swipe with a microfiber cloth. Return to
the toilet, scrubbing stubborn rings and wiping the entire base and seat.
"A wet pumice stone zaps water rings inside the bowl," says Johnson.
Run a handheld vacuum over the floor. Empty trash. Swap clean towels for dirty
ones.
30-Minute Power Clean
15-Minute Spiff-Up Plus
+
Let an all-purpose spray cleaner attack grime in
the shower and tub for a few minutes while you put away toiletries and makeup,
recommends Smallin.
+
A non-scratch scrubber takes care of any scum on
grout and tile and inside the tub and shower. A mold and mildew stain fighter
finishes the job. Rinse with water.
+
Remove dirt and stains by giving the floor a
once¬ over with a vacuum followed by a dampened microfiber mop plus cleaner.
