Having a clean and tidy home is a high priority for many people, but so is having time for fun and relaxation. Cleaning can take a lot of time, but there are some handy tools that can cut down on how long it takes to get that satisfying clean.
“If you have a plan of attack, and then equip yourself with a few time-saving tools, you really can get your house clean in a lot less time,” says Debra Johnson, training manager at Merry Maids, a nationwide cleaning company.
Here are Debra’s five must-have tools for saving time while getting the house cleaned right.
A 50-foot heavy-duty extension cord. This lets you plug in the vacuum cleaner once, instead of having to lug it around to different outlets.
A sturdy step ladder. Having a 2- or 3-foot step ladder lets you get to those hard to reach areas, such as air vents near the ceiling, light fixtures, and the highest of shelves.
A portable cleaning caddy. This lets you keep most of what you need right at hand. Stock it with all-purpose cleaner, oil soap for wood surfaces, nonabrasive cleanser, microfiber cloths for dusting, paper towels, sponges, latex gloves, and a squeegee for windows, mirrors, and tub and shower doors. You may want to get a caddy for each floor of your home, and stock them with the appropriate cleaning supplies.