KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – FALL HOUSE CLEANING

KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – FALL HOUSE CLEANING

Since the weather has decided to become more fall like as we usually expect around Chicago I’ve decided to do some major fall cleaning next week.

Window Cleaning

Mix two or three tablespoons of vinegar in a gallon of cool water – the best cleaner for glass. Use a squeegee to eliminate streaks. Wipe the squeegee after every pass.

Blind Cleaning

In the summer I take them outside spray liberally with 409 or Fantastic and hose them off.If it’s too cold for that wrap a damp cloth around a ruler and secure with rubber bands.

Metal or plastic blinds use 409 with wood blinds use a weak solution of flax soap and water.Use one tablespoon soap in two quarts water. Wet the cloth lightly and run across each blind.

Walls and Woodwork

Flax soap sometimes sold as Murphy’s again is a great gentle cleaner especially on wood.

It can also work well on walls. Always start from the floor and work your way up. This will prevent streaks from forming that are impossible to get rid of. Use a large porous sponge and change water frequently.

Carpets

Between major cleanings a spot cleaning can do wonders. I spray each spot or traffic area. Scrub each spot with a stiff brush dampened with clean water. Let dry and vacuum. You’ll be surprised at how good it looks!

Ceramic tile bath fixtures kitchen counters refrigerators

Baking soda is a gentle scouring agent and it’s also environmentally friendly. Mix with water to form a paste and use to clean virtually any surface in your kitchen and bath. It also deodorizes. One part vinegar to four parts water will tackle soap scum.

Hope this gets you started on some fall cleaning!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO