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Stocking a cleaning station in the home
Vacuum cleaner: Every home needs one. The vacuum should be stored in a dry place - it is an electrical appliance. The attachment tools should be stored within reach and kept together for an easy grab. A supply of vacuum bags for appropriate changes and vacuum belts and filters, if applicable, should also be handy. Brooms: I like an angle broom. One small angle broom - labeled for inside use only - can be used to sweep up the kitchen and the bathroom floors prior to any cleaning in those areas. The angle part of the broom will allow you to sweep the edges and corners thoroughly. A second angle broom - labeled for outdoor use - should be a larger/commercial angle broom to be used to sweep the entrance walkway, patio/balcony and the garage floor. This prevents tracking of dirt into the home. Looped string mop: This is my personal preference, always (you will never have loose strings left behind). If your floor is a large area, edges and corners should be cleaned by hand and the rest with the mop. When you have separate floor surfaces, i.e. tile and wood, use a dedicated mop for each. This prevents cross contamination of detergents. Cleaning cloths: Terry cloth towels with sewed edges are durable and great dirt grabbers. The softer cloth baby diapers are great polishing cloths. All cloths should be solid white and laundered after each use. Cleaning bucket: A dedicated cleaning bucket for interior cleaning is a must.Use this bucket for household detergents only. Hold-all cleaning caddy: This protective carrier will hold all of your cleaning products and prevent leakage as you travel around the house. Spills can stain your counters, rugs or floor surfaces. The caddy should be kept clean and organized at all times. Large, heavy duty plastic garbage bags: These will allow you to collect garbage from throughout the house. The kitchen garbage should be your last pickup since it will be the messiest. Keep the roll or box of garbage bags at the cleaning station with the other items for organizational purposes. Bathroom tile scrub brush with handle: This will allow you to scrub clean the wall tiles. Marble bathroom surfaces should be washed down well by hand with a cloth and neutral soap. Toothbrushes: These extended fingers will work wonders around light switches, sink drains and other tight spots. Knee pad: This pad serves as a cushion for your knees when you're tackling low-to-the-ground cleaning tasks. Find one in the gardening section of a store. Extending hi duster: An extending wand duster can reach ceiling corners, wall borders and fans. The dust head should be removable for sanitation purposes. Step stool: This necessity should be lightweight. Ideally, a two-step stool will give a good average reach. Carry the stool in front of you with both hands to avoid bumping into walls, corners or doors. Cleaning detergents: I like these items to be stored inside of a cabinet. Remove the items from your caddy and place them back into a cabinet or on a shelf after use. The exception is if your caddy fits into a cabinet for storage. Safety first: All items should be locked away from children. And remember to use care and follow the labeled instructions for safe use. Rubber gloves: These are a must to protect hands from different deterg ents. There are many sizes and styles to choose from. The efficient way to do housework is to have an organized mindset. To start from the point of your organized cleaning station allows you the prospect of being energized and organized during every aspect of cleaning your home. While being organized, you will discover you can cover more territory.
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