KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – HINTS FOR FALL CLEANING
KATHY’S HOME & GARDEN TIPS – HINTS FOR FALL CLEANING
Windows can be taken care of with two or three tablespoons of vinegar in a gallon of cool water. Use a squeegee to eliminate streaks. Wipe the squeegee after every pass.
In the summer I take the blinds outside to spray liberally with Formula 409® or Fantastik® 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 Formula 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.
Flax soap sometimes sold as Murphy’s® again is a great gentle cleaner especially on wood. It also works well on walls and woodwork. 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.
Between major cleanings a spot cleaning on carpets can do wonders. I spray each spot or trafficked area with spot carpet cleaner. Scrub each spot with a stiff brush dampened with clean water. Let dry and vacuum. You’ll be surprised at how good it looks!
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 de-odorizes. One part vinegar to four parts water will tackle soap scum.
Take on one room at a time. Before you know it you will have a clean house ready for winter.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
