Nothing says clean like gleaming surfaces, but with an active family, it can be hard to keep your floors, countertops, tabletops — all the surfaces in your home — looking their best. Use our handy guide to clean multiple surfaces quickly and easily.
First, Unclutter Your Space The fewer things you have sitting out, whether for display or utility, the easier it will be to keep surfaces clean. So be judicious in what you allow on top of buffets, end tables, coffee tables and countertops. Keep display items such as photo collections and knickknacks to a minimum, and if there's a collection you simply must display, consider buying a glass-fronted case for it. In the kitchen, keep out only what you use several times per day. Remember: A lack of clutter gives the look of clean.
Next, Gather Your Supplies In a plastic carrying caddy, stow everything you'll need to tackle the job. Here are the basics:
Cleaning cloths. You'll want two types: heavy-duty paper towels such as Bounty® for tougher cleaning jobs, like the kitchen, and a soft chamois cloth for more delicate surfaces, like wood.
Swiffer Dusters® for lampshades, the tops of pictures and mirrors and knickknacks.
Surface cleaners that do double — or triple — duty, such as Mr. Clean® Antibacterial Multi-Surface Spray, to minimize what you have to carry around. It cleans greasy surfaces in the kitchen, cleans glass on windows and pictures, and sanitizes countertops.
Specialty surface cleaners, such as wood polish, and a basin, tub and tile cleaner.
Now, Develop a Simple Cleaning Plan Based on the layout of your house, make a plan that will move you efficiently from room to room, cleaning surfaces in each space as you go. You'll want to make a pass through the more heavily trafficked rooms in your house — kitchen, family room, hallways and bathrooms — twice a week to maintain that freshly cleaned appearance. Remember, you're simply surface cleaning, so concentrate on removing fingerprints, smudges, stray crayon marks, water marks and anything else that mars the surfaces.
Tip: Clock yourself! Then try to beat your time next time you clean. The more quickly you can get the job done, the more likely you will be to stick with the routine. Did you know? Bounce® dryer sheets are perfect for cleaning your television screen. They remove dust and static, and leave behind a fresh scent. Finally, Take Special Care With Special Surfaces Certain surfaces in your home require caution when applying cleaning products, namely materials such as marble, granite, ceramic tile, wood and laminate flooring. Here's a brief guide to care for these surfaces:
Marble. Because marble is porous and easily stained, immediately wipe up any spills with a soft, water-dampened cloth to prevent stains. Occasionally wash marble with lukewarm water and a soft cloth, and dry immediately. Depending on the amount of soil on the surface, you may clean it using a mild dishwashing solution diluted in water, and then rinse and dry immediately.
Granite. Granite is very popular for floors, countertops and vanities because of its hard, durable surface. Like marble, granite should be cleaned with lukewarm water only, or a commercial granite cleaner, to protect the surface luster.
Ceramic tile. This beautiful, durable material is used for everything from countertops to floors to shower stalls. Ceramic tile can be cleaned with nearly any commercial cleaner without adverse effects. To be safe, check the product label before using.
Hardwood.The Swiffer® WetJet® Wood Floor Cleaner (in Inviting Home Scent™) effectively cleans hardwood floors and scents your home at the same time. You may also use a neutral pH wood cleaner and water, or a manufacturer-recommended product, to keep your hardwood surfaces looking lustrous.
Laminate flooring. Because the surface of this product is so compact, the manufacturer says a regular light sweeping or dusting, combined with an occasional damp mopping, should be all this flooring needs to look its best. Soaps and detergents are not recommended, as they may leave a film.
Have more questions about maintaining the beauty of your floors? Ask the experts at Swiffer.
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