New Year’s tends to make people nostalgic… even about things like cleaning. Old school icons of clean like feather dusters and strong chemicals are a thing of the past. We now have an arsenal of newer, better ways to get the job done.
Old way: Scattering dust with a feather duster.
New way: Microfiber dusters actually capture the dust, pet dander, mites and other miniscule, unpleasant things that collect on your surfaces. They come in various sizes to get any job done: from ceiling fans to blinds to air vents and you can just toss them in the washing machine to clean them.
Old way: The more toxic the chemical, the cleaner the results.
New way: There are now hundreds of all-natural and organic products that are safer to use, healthier for your family and better for the environment. What’s more, they work. And they’re affordable. Even simple things that every household already has (like baking soda and vinegar) can tackle some of the toughest cleaning jobs with flawless results.
Old way: Lots and lots of elbow grease.
New way: Steam cleaners can clean grout and shower tiles, get baked on grease off of ovens, clean blinds… they even do windows! They are easy to use, chemical free and produce outstanding results.
Old way: Sponges and rags
New way: Microfiber cloths trap dirt, bacteria and debris in their fibers, rather than spreading them around. They are washable and can last for years. Plus, you can use them on everything – including the kitchen sink. We recommend having them in different colors: one for each job in your home.
Old way: Drudgery
New way: Forget those ‘50s-era images of women toiling on their hands and knees. Even though statistics show that women still do significantly more housework than men, today the emphasis is less on domestic and more on goddess. Cleaning supplies and gear have gotten slicker, lighter and easier to use. It even looks more stylish.
These tips are brought to you by our advertiser, Merry Maids of Prince William, Fauquier & Culpeper Counties. You can reach them at 703-584-4086 or visit www.merrymaids.com/8/woodbridge-4404 or www.facebook.com/MerryMaidsNorthernPiedmont.
