KATHY'S HOME & GARDEN TIPS - FALL HOUSE CLEANING
Since the weather has
decided to become more fall like as we usually expect around Chicago, I've decided to do some
major fall cleaning next week.
Window Cleaning
Mix two or three tablespoons of vinegar in a
gallon of cool water - the best cleaner for glass. Use a squeegee to eliminate streaks. Wipe the
squeegee after every pass.
Blind Cleaning
In the summer I take them outside spray
liberally with 409 or Fantastic 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 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.
Walls and Woodwork
Flax soap, sometimes sold as Murphy's, again
is a great gentle cleaner especially on wood.
It can also work well on walls. 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.
Carpets
Between major cleanings a spot cleaning can
do wonders. I spray each spot or traffic area. Scrub each spot with a stiff brush dampened
with clean water. Let dry and vacuum. You'll be surprised at how good it looks!
Ceramic tile, bath fixtures,
kitchen counters, refrigerators
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 deodorizes. One part vinegar to four parts
water will tackle soap scum.
Hope
this gets you started on some fall cleaning!
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
