Household Hints by Rosemary

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Summer Cleaning

Hot and humid days make housework a tiresome chore and sometimes it's best to do a quick wipe down and then spend the rest of the day staying cool and quiet. Physical activity in the heat is harder as you get older, so a sensible approach to housework is a good idea.

Have a small carry case with soft cloths, glass cleaner, paper towels and a duster prepared that you can carry room to room and you can tuck away in a cupboard to bring out when you need it. Wear an apron with a couple of large pockets for a quick pick up of small items that need to be put away as you go from room to room.

The bathroom scrub down is best done in the morning after everyone has taken their shower and it's cooler.

The kitchen clean up is best done in the evening after supper and again when it's cooler. Don't try to do extensive cleanings, but a wipe down with window cleaner and a soft cloth should be sufficient.
If you have to, a sponge mop on the floors will do; mild soap and water takes care of most dust and track marks.

There are some very good all purpose cleaners on the market now that you can use on furniture, counter tops, ceramic or glass lamps and many other surfaces. Rinse the cloth now and again to make sure it stays clean. Linen lampshades get a quick and easy cleaning by running a lint brush over them.

Do try to keep window and door screens clean with a damp sponge, or a small brush, dust and pollen that has gathered on the screen not only can make an allergy sufferer miserable, but it also blocks the air from freely circulating.

Pick a nice cool job like washing windows on a very hot day; the hose is handy and no one will guess you purposely sprinkled yourself every now and again.

Do an easy cleaning of the microwave by putting a ceramic cup of water with a couple of teaspoons of vinegar in it, run the microwave on medium for a minute, let the cup of water cool and wipe down the inside of the microwave.

Your house will feel cleaner and fresher if you have it smelling nice; potpourri, light air fresheners, a scented candle burning or a couple of drops of scented oil on a light will do the trick.

Don't sweat it, take it easy, summer is the time for relaxing. Slow and easy, take lots of breaks and lots of water, after all, if you can't do it today the dust will wait….until fall if necessary.