GOOD HOUSEKEEPING - 1950's STYLE

Does anyone remember the housekeeping books of the 1950's?  I wasn't around then. Not even close to a twinkle in my new born parent's eyes.  Boy, it seems like a long time ago even though it wasn't.  Anyways, back to the books.  I read an article that the housekeeping books of the 1950's commonly recommended a rigorous cleaning regimen for middle-class homes.  The regimen looked something like this:

Dust all woodwork and furniture, including window frames, screens, and blinds, every day; dust the floors with a dust mop daily; vacuum carpets daily; brush all exposed surface on upholstery every day, and do a complete brushing with an upholstery brush or vacuum, getting under pillows and in crevices, one or twice a month; vacuum wood floors once a week; dust walls and ceilings daily or weekly; and rub all furniture long and hard, with the grain, once a week.

YIKES!!  I can understand why there were lower rates of asthma and allergies back then.  There was no dust.  I wonder, is this where our grandparents get the "white glove test" from?  hmmm.  :/

UNEXPECTED HOUSE GUESTS

It happens to the best of us when we're on our way home from a busy day wondering what we're going to make for dinner the phone rings and after answering it we're suddenly in a panic to get home and perform a miracle.  Our foot seems to suddenly press on the gas peddle as we weave in and out of lanes because company is coming over!!  Dinner now is a distant memory.  We are now thinking about what to do with a messy house.

I've gone so far as to keep guests in the living room saying "sorry the toilet broke this morning." But that only worked once.  Here are a few things I've learned to do after panic has set in and I've reached home.

• Place all dirty dishes in the dishwasher or oven.  We're ordering out at this point.
• Wipe off all countertops and cabinets to be free of grease and finger prints.
• Clean the toilet bowl and seat.  Don't forget to flush.
• Use a microfiber towel and glass cleaner and wipe down any glass and/or mirrors.  People always look at themselves; especially, at someone else's house.
• Replace hand and bath towels with fresh ones.  Don't forget to change hand towels in the kitchen.  
• Try to pick up as much as possible and throw into a bedroom, close the door, and post a "DO NOT ENTER SIGN."
• Light many scented candles throughout your home.

One last tip:  don't forget to order dinner.  I hope this helps.  Good luck!!

TIPS ON DISPOSING CLEANING PRODUCTS

So, you're looking to dispose of cleaning products in a safe manner.  Don't want the neighbors to call you out for burying hazardous materials in your backyard?  Well, I'm here to help.  If you no longer need a cleaning product and want to help save your backyard (the environment) the first thing you want to do is read the label for suggested disposal instructions.  In an event that the label has worn off follow the following suggestions:

Pour down the drain.  If a product is water-soluble (meaning you can mix it with water) you can flush it down a toilet or pour it down the kitchen drain with running water.  Several water-soluble cleaning products are: liquid laundry detergents, chlorine bleach, liquid fabric softeners, multipurpose cleaners, glass cleaners, disinfectants, carpet cleaners and floor cleaners.

IMPORTANT:  DO NOT MIX TWO OR MORE CLEANING PRODUCTS!!!  We don't want to find your home on the five o'clock news.  Secondly, if you have a septic tank do not use this method of disposal.  Most septic systems are not capable of treating chemical waste.  

Place it in the trash or recycling bin.  If container is not empty please put in a plastic bag as to not contaminate other garbage.  Several products you may want to throw out are: scouring pads, aerosol cans, remoistened towelettes, and fabric softener sheets.  

Last but not least: Take to waste-disposal facility.  Some products are way to hazardous to dispose of any other way other than in a waste-disposal facility.  Such products include: flammable products, crystal drain openers, dry-cleaning fluid, and polishes & waxes that harden on surfaces.

Hope this helps!  Let me know if you have any questions or need additional information.

THE RIGHT STUFF

I'm curious...what's lurking in your cleaning closet?  You don't have to spend an entire weekend or even an entire day cleaning your home.  If you have the right tools and you know how to use them cleaning can be effortless even enjoyable.  (I see those eyes rolling)  It's true.  Let's take a quick peek at what you have to clean your home with.  

First and for most a good vacuum with attachments is needed in every home.  Doesn't matter if you don't have area rugs or carpeting.  With the use of attachments, you can suck up cob webs and dust bunnies from the ceilings, and clean up food crumbs from under tables and kitchen cabinets.  Make sure your vacuum cleaner is in good working order.  My advice is to make sure its also clean.  You don't want to spread allergens from one room to another after each use.

Several of my go to cleaning tools are:

• A broom with a wide angle and dustpan (you can also use the vacuum to "sweep up"),
• A wet mop (microfiber of course),
• A couple of buckets to use in washing floors, windows, walls, etc.,
• A pair of rubber gloves (helps protect your manicure),
• A good sponge,
• A toilet bowl brush, 
• Trash bags, and 
• Lots of microfiber cloths for dusting and cleaning.

This list is by no means exhaustive.  These are a few of what I think is needed in every home.  Ok, let's take a look at what you have in regards to cleaning products.  I'm big on using environmentally friendly cleaning agents.  At work we use concentrated products because we're not storing large volumes of bottles and all you really need is a little product with some water and viola.  

Several of my go to cleaning products are:

• An all-purpose cleaner for floors, walls, and other standard surfaces,
• Disinfectant,
• Degreaser, 
• Dish washing detergent (can't live without this), 
• Oven cleaner,
• Wood cleaner,
• Stone cleaner (for natural stone floors and walls), and
• Stainless Steel cleaner (usually water based).

Again, this is a basic product list.  With these tools and cleaning products you'll be well on your way to an enjoyable cleaning experience.  

A Lesson Learned

Is it possible to gainfully learn something from someone whom you see as unsuccessful? Be it a neighbor, a friend, a co-worker, or member of the family. In life, I have spent the greater part of my adult life listening to people who had great ideas and who inspired me to do better. Yet I viewed many as people who rarely seemed to emanate success in their own lives. For example, I have heard the myriad of “how to have a great relationship” from neighbors who later filed for divorce. Or in business, I have been told that “this is how to market yourself to be successful” from business consultants who were finding it difficult to run their own businesses. So, I ask myself, do I turn a deaf ear when someone offers advice on a subject I know they know little about?

In the past, I have struggled with the notion that I knew more than my neighbor, my friends, and god help me my parents. And yet, in recent years I have come to the standing realization that I have so much to learn from the very same people who I thought otherwise had much to offer. What I thought “I knew” was not at all what I know now.

I am bitterly aware that listening was one of my shortcomings. I didn’t listen close enough to what they were saying because if I did I would have been smart enough to utilize some of those thoughts and ideas into accelerating my personal and professional growth. I would have attended more events, more networking meetings. Been involved in more projects. I would have (albeit reluctantly) taken opportunities that were made available because someone thought it would be good for me.

As a business owner, today I look for and listen attentively to those who can offer any advice no matter how small. I attend after hours networking events even when I’d rather be at home or finishing a project at work. Why? Because that’s where people share their ideas, their opinions, and their triumphs and tribulations. I may learn something valuable that would immediately help my business grow and then I may learn of what not to do because it would hinder the growth of my business. Or I may learn about an idea that may not help me in any way but may help someone I know. What’s ironic is that at times I may even learn something about myself.

A continual goal of mine is to “listen”, even when I feel someone isn’t (at that moment) making any sense. As a kid, I remember sitting around a dinner table with my parents and their friends (always against my better judgment) hearing “the” adults talking business and life. I would think to myself and often times to my dismay out loud that I would be different, I would make my own rules, I’ll do it my way. And as I would vocalize my thoughts, I would hear “it may not mean anything to you now but wait until you’re my age, you’ll see.” All I’d like to say to them is that I remember and I thank you. I am not only hearing you but also listening.

Business is tough and life is tougher. It is up to me to make every opportunity count and to learn something because it may be of value sometime in the future if not now.

Cleaning Ceramic Tile Floors

I have been looking forward to writing this article. Over the years, I’ve received tons of questions on how best to clean ceramic tile floors. Even my aunt and I have had our differences on the best way to clean tile floors. She says vinegar and water and I say soap and water or peroxide cleaner. Who’s right?

Glazed Ceramic & Unglazed Ceramic Tile

Ceramic tiles come to two basic constructions; glazed and unglazed. A glazed tile is when the body of ceramic tile (called bisque) is coated with a glaze. The glaze coating is comprised of liquid colored glass and is fused to the surface of the bisque under very high temperatures. The liquid glass coating is what creates the texture, design and color of a glazed tile and protects the body of the tile from (bisque) staining.

Unglazed tiles have no glazing on the surface and are the real culprits for attracting dirt. The color of the bisque goes all the way through the tile. Unglazed tile is an excellent choice for most heavily trafficked areas because wear is not visible.

The beauty, elegance and durability of ceramic tile; whether glazed or unglazed, has made it a favorite flooring choice. It makes a stunning addition to any home. It also offers a seemingly endless variety of style options with many textures, patterns and sizes to choose from. Best of all, ceramic tile is super easy to clean and maintain.

Three easy steps in getting the floors looking their best are:

Step One:

It is important to sweep or vacuum regularly to remove loose dirt. Be sure that the vacuum does not have the beater bar attachment on. A beater bar is meant for carpets only and will damage the ceramic floor. Using a vacuum and its attachments are perfect for collecting dirt along edges/corners and in between tiles.

Step Two:

Mop floors. For allergy sufferers and people looking for sustainable methods of cleaning floors you will be happy to hear that the best way to clean ceramic tile is with warm soapy water. Sometimes water alone will do the trick. Liquid dish soap is a mild household detergent and is a non-toxic cleaning product. My favorite is that it’s inexpensive! Another inexpensive household all-purpose cleaner is a combination of vinegar and water. Making sure to change the water often. Too much soap or dirty water will make floors dull or sticky.

Cleaning stains out of grout can test your patience. A simple, inexpensive way to clean grout is with a mixture of peroxide and water. CAUTION: NEVER USE peroxide on colored grout. Peroxide may discolor them like bleach would. Hydrogen peroxide is considered a “safe” bleach. Colored grout can be cleaned with; get this, shaving cream. To avoid any problems, first test in a hidden area, really well hidden.

What type of mop to use? I am partial to microfiber mops. Microfiber picks up and traps dust, dirt, pet hair and grease inside the grooves of the fiber. It is environmentally friendly. It also uses a minimum amount of water on the floor. Microfiber mop pads can also be used on all floor surfaces and are machine washable; helps cut costs down.


Step Three:

After cleaning, rinse floor with clean warm water and wipe dry. Enjoy the beautiful shine.

Helpful tidbits:

- Use walk-off mats to minimize and contain dirt being tracked in at entryways. By using walk-off mats the amount of dirt being tracked in is reduced. Walk-off mats also reduces the wear to the finished surface. Just don’t forget to shake the mats often.
- Do not use steel wool, scouring pads/powders or other abrasives. These products can scratch the finish of the tile.
- Do not use bleach or ammonia based cleaners. These products can discolor the grout if used on a regular bases.
- Do not clean glazed tile with an oil-based cleaner.

In the end, it just so happens, that neither my aunt or myself were wrong in our preferred choice of cleaning ceramic tile. I just hope she doesn’t read that. I’d hate for her to gloat!

If you have any comments or suggestions on cleaning ceramic tile, I would love to hear from you. Send me an email at ldiaz@sweepingdimensions.com.

Moving... Making the Best of It!

Moving season 2010 is coming up fast. Most people move between Memorial Day and Labor Day and it is arguably one of life’s most stressful experiences. It’s a time when we’re buying packing supplies, canceling and setting up utilities such as phone, cable, electricity, and sending out change of address postcards. You know… the one’s with the cute little dog in the picture. We have to manage on packing breakables without breaking anything and staying sane especially when we’re looking for something that’s been packed already.

I have had the unfortunate timing of moving four times in the same year many years ago. I haven’t moved since. This year I want to share a few helpful hints on keeping your move …well moving.

1. Kids are still in school. Use this time to organize yourself.

2. Make a list. Sounds corny but in the end you’ll appreciate having written things down.

3. Call and set up a time with a moving company. This could mean friends and family. Pizza and beer anyone? Food & drinks do wonders to bribe extra sets of hands.

4. Start packing! A budget friendly idea: don’t buy brand new boxes. Head to your local grocery store or business and ask for any boxes they would like to recycle. Many companies receive daily shipments and are often happy to recycle. You’re going to need LOTS of boxes!

5. Do Not! I must repeat, Do Not! Clean wood furniture with an oil based cleaner right before the move. Furniture becomes slippery and if you’re moving it chances are it may fall.

6. Donate to charity. Some things are best given away and you end up feeling better about yourself. We’ve all heard the saying “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” Or woman’s!!

7. If you live within the Chicagoland area, call us to do your move-in, move-out cleaning. We can clean your home fast and efficiently without cutting corners or wasting time. There’s nothing like a completely clean home; especially, when you didn’t do the cleaning.

8. Breath in. Breath out. It will be over soon.

If you must clean your home before or after moving, put together a kit of basic cleaning supplies and microfiber towels. A few things you’re sure to use is an all-purpose cleaner, a degreaser, dishwashing soap, & buckets. Set aside until movers (friend’s & family) have emptied your home (move-out). Do not pack away your vacuum cleaner. You’re going to need it after all is gone. A great time saver: clean inside of appliances and cabinets ahead of time. Some of the most time consuming areas to clean is inside of an oven that hasn’t been cleaned, in say a year, and inside of kitchen and bathroom cabinets.

One request, make it a goal to be a little more environmentally conscious. Recycle when possible. Dispose properly.

I wish you the best of luck throughout your move. If you’re finding yourself in a jam, give us a call. We can help!