Maybe it’s because our parents made us clean our rooms as punishment. Or because cleaning is one of the great unfulfilling tasks of life-as soon as it’s done, it’s time to do it again.
Whatever the reason, more of us care less than ever if we can see our face in the dinner dishes. And, if a recent survey is accurate, we’re making peace with our dust bunnies because we just don’t have the time or desire to pass the white-glove test.
A recent survey of 500 adults conducted by the Issue and Answers Network, Inc. for Black & Decker found:
– That 43 percent of women and 21 percent of men are doing less housework than five years ago.
– That 84 percent of women and 80 percent of men agree they can tolerate a certain amount of dust in their homes.
– That 35 percent of both sexes agree they only worry about having a clean house when they are expecting guests.
If you indeed see your cleaning habits in the survey, your house is in no shape for guests.
But how do you make it look good without wearing yourself out? And, even more important, how do you keep it clean enough for guests with the least effort?
One of the best-known cleaning experts is Don Aslett of Pocatello, Idaho. He has written 16 books and produced two videos on cleaning. You see his face on TV talk shows and his name in magazines. A veteran with 35 years in the cleaning business, he has hired 44,000 people to clean in 17 states.
So what does the real “Mr. Clean” say about getting ready for guests? His rules are simple: Start early. Get help. And don’t let things go.
Cut the clutter
By learning to prevent housework and by using professional cleaning methods, Aslett estimates you can cut housework by as much as 75 percent.
Before you pick up a broom, Aslett advises that you “de-junk” your house. Junk, he said, makes every job harder and makes cleaning take forever.
“Forty percent of all housework is caused by clutter,” he said. “Tell your family you are going to clean. Tell them to get rid of their stuff. Basically, if you toss out the junk you don’t need, there isn’t as much to clean and it’s easier to find what you need.”
But don’t reach for one of those handy organizing systems that pack rats love. He nicknames them junk bunkers.
“The law of pack ratting says you will fill everything to its limit,” Aslett said. “Organizers just encourage you to get more junk. It’s just neater and deeper than it was before.”
Begin at the front
Once you have hauled the old clothes, books and no longer useful items to used book stores, consignment shops and charity, it’s time to find the sources of dirt.
The best place to start is at the front door. He estimates that proper matting can save the average household about 200 hours of housework yearly and save $100 in cleaning supplies.
Aslett practices what he preaches. He went 10 years without shampooing his carpets. The reason: He prevents the bulk of dirt from coming into the house with commercial carpet mats placed inside and outside each entrance.
His best bets for inside: olefin or nylon carpets with no skid rubber or vinyl backing. You’ll find them at janitorial supply houses. Expect to pay about $35 for a 3-by-5-foot mat of the least expensive variety. You can easily spend nearly $125 for a 4-by-6-foot textured mat.
Instead of those fancy decorator coco or coir mats for the outside, Aslett said an artificial grass-type or rough-textured non-perforated mat is best for removing sand and dirt from your feet and lasts longer.
Other preventative measures include cleaning and/or replacing air-conditioning filters regularly and making sure all windows and doors are caulked properly.
You can deal with carpet dirt by making sure your vacuum cleaner works well. You need two vacuums-a hand-held vac to pick up crumbs and dust balls quickly and a large vacuum with a beater brush that rapidly beats, combs and vibrates the carpet to remove dirt. Vacuum traffic areas once or twice a week; the rest of the room can be done twice a month.
Other work savers
Some other suggestions:
– You’ll never have to labor in the bathroom again if you use the never-let-it-get-dirty professional approach. Cleaning less than 5 minutes daily prevents soap scum, dirt and mineral deposits from building up and hardening. Clean the mirrors, sink and counter tops. Hang a 14-inch plastic squeegee in the shower and make sure everyone wipes shower walls and doors before they leave.
– Clean windows like the pros. Use a drop or two of dishwashing detergent in a gallon of water. Use a professional brass or stainless steel squeegee, about $10 at a janitorial supply store. Make sure the rubber blade extends 1/8-inch beyond the frame at both ends. Never wash in bright sunlight; the solution dries too fast and streaks the glass.
– Remember first impressions. Make sure the front door is free of grime and fingerprints and the doorknob isn’t sticky. Everything around the door should be painted and in good repair.
– Keep an extra set of mats for entrances and extra throw rugs for bathrooms so you can change them if last-minute guests are expected.
– Refuse to be the janitor for the family’s messes. Give everyone chores and make them stick to them. If they are old enough to mess up, they are old enough to clean up.
“One of the biggest mistakes we make is when guests ask if they can help-99 percent of the time we say no,” Aslett said. “When someone asks if they can help, let them do it. The spray bottle fits everyone’s hands. I don’t care who the guest is-President Clinton, Ted Koppel or the editor of People magazine. Leave a little maid basket with supplies in the guest bedroom. And let them help.”
