Simple Tips For a Cleaner, More Efficient Home

• With Spring just around the corner, it’s the perfect time for those who want to get a jump start on cleaning (not just straightening up, but actually cleaning),  but don’t quite know where to start. The experts from the Institute of Home Science have some practical advice and useful guidelines to help you get your home in tip-top shape. From the laundry room to the kitchen, here’s  a quick list on how to kick-start your cleaning.
• The laundry room:  This room sees quite a bit of action in most homes. It’s the place where stains are treated, clothes are folded, and washers and dryers take on the battle of keeping all sorts of fabrics looking their very best. From the smallest, to the largest of families, this room can be a daunting place, but a little effort can go a long way.
• • Organization is key – Make sure to pre-sort your laundry into designated baskets for lights, darks and whites. When you’re ready, your laundry will be too.
  • Less is more – Don’t overload the washer or dryer. Clothes will come out cleaner and less wrinkled when given room to move freely.
  • Go easy on the suds – If you have a high efficiency (HE) washer, use only HE detergents in the proper amount to help prevent over-sudsing and the buildup of odor causing residue. With a regular washing machine, remember that concentrated detergents require using smaller amount.
  •  Don’t over-dry your clothes. It’s actually a lack of moisture that causes your clothes to shrink (which in turn makes people, especially Mama’s annoyed!)
  • Be sure to remember to clean out the lint trap of your dryer after every use, and be sure to have your dryer vent professionally cleaned every 2 to 3 years. This will ensure that your  dryer is working at it’s very best AND protect against a potential fire hazard.

Next the kitchen:  This room is typically both the busiest and messiest room in a home. Often filled with laughter, sweet conversations and 3 or more meals a day, every square inch of this place is covered with hand prints, tasty ingredients and a plethora of dirty dishes!

• De-clutter the countertops – Rather than displaying your small kitchen appliances, store them in easy access cabinets and take out only when needed.
• Shield your cookware – To make cleanup a breeze after cooking or baking, line your cookware with tin foil before placing in the oven. Just toss out the foil and wipe down any spilled residue.
• Stop pre-rinsing the dishes–Remember, most dishwashers are designed to sense the amount of soil on the dishes and will run the cycle accordingly. Scrape food off, but there is no need to rinse.
• When in doubt, throw it out – Start clearing the refrigerator by putting contents on the counter. No idea how long that mustard has been in the fridge? Get rid of it.
• Be sure to clean your oven regularly. By keeping the grime in check, your chances of a kitchen fire decrease, and you have the “freeing” feeling of being able to open your oven door in front of company without the fear of any “judgement” (especially from your mother in law!)

When deciding what to get rid of, use the three “E” rule as your guideline – if it’s Expired, Empty or makes you say “Ew,” toss it.

Keep these tips in mind and implement them over the next few weeks, and soon you will begin to see a huge difference. From de-cluttering to deep cleaning, you’re on your way to a cleaner, more organized home . . . which makes for easier upkeep and peace of mind.  To make an appointment for  carpet cleaning or air duct cleaning  contact us here, or call our office @ 410-838-7330. . . And Remember, Duraclean is ALWAYS ready to get the job done!