Clever Cleaning Tips

There are so many cleaning products on the market; it's hard to know what you really need. But one thing the environment and your budget do not need is endless rolls of paper towels. Grandmother had it right---a basket of washable rags and a brush or two. We've gone grandmother one better with Mr. Clean Reusable Wipes. They're super-absorbent and lint free for jobs liked dusting and cleaning glass. Best of all, they're machine washable. Toss them in the wash rather than the garbage. Mother Earth and your wallet will thank you.

Tip: Speaking of super-absorbent, don't use a fabric softener with towels and wipes in the drier-it coats the fabric with silicone and makes towels less absorbent.

How else can you simplify house cleaning? There are a few things you have in your kitchen right now that do double duty as cleaning products.

The best way to clean and shine stainless steel sinks? Try using a cut lemon to scrub. The acidity cuts through grease and brings out the shine. When you're done, throw the lemon down the garbage disposal---it will get rid of old food odors.

Would you like your house to smell better without smelling like a flower shop? Pour some white vinegar in a small shallow bowl and put it in an inconspicuous place. It's an old realtor trick to get rid of the smell of cigarette and cigar smoke. White vinegar is also one of the nature's great glass cleaners. Try it on your windows.

Your pantry should hold plenty of baking soda, even if you never bake a thing. You can use it the same way you'd use an abrasive cleaning powder and it's much kinder to surfaces and budgets.

While we're on the subject of kindness---don't forget to clean wearing a pair of Mr. Clean household gloves. Spring cleaning may be a war on dirt, but your hands shouldn't feel battle-worn when you're done.

This site has lots of tips for cleaning just about everything.