Our tips today are meant to help you in your housekeeping efforts. Sometimes the best-laid plans go awry due to poor organization. Having your tools and materials handy and organized in a way you can easily understand saves time and alerts you to replenish as necessary.
The first tip is color-coded spray bottles. You will likely find spray bottles with color-coded trigger tops at your local discount store (those pictured came from a dollar store). However, if they are not available consider purchasing some 1-inch vinyl tape in a variety of colors. This should be available at any home improvement store. Wrap a band of tape around the bottle about three-quarters of the distance from the bottom. Try to use colors that relate to the use in your mind. For example, the blue tape might likely be for window/glass cleaner. Green might be for plant food.
Use the bottles to fill up from more economical sized containers of your favorite cleaners or mix your own cleaners in the bottles. A couple of good ones to have on hand are:
Homemade window cleaner – 3 tablespoons vinegar, 3 tablespoons ammonia, few drops of dish detergent, 16-20 oz. water
Homemade disinfectant – 2 teaspoons chlorine bleach, 1/4 teaspoon laundry soap, 16-20 oz warm water
I also like to keep a bottle filled with distilled water for ironing and misting house plants.
Tip two is regarding the use of rags. Rags are a much more efficient way to keep things clean. Not only do you avoid cluttering up landfills with unnecessary waste, but the durability is unmatched. Rags get the job done. You may not have any rags handy right now. If not, consider purchasing some microfiber ones. They are perfect for wiping, dusting, and cleaning dry erase boards… and come in many colors. If you are lucky, you will find ones that match your spray bottles.
Beyond your purchase, you can start making rags by cutting up old t-shirts and old towels. Keep a supply of rags in the places you will use them. Some good places might be under the kitchen sink, in the laundry room, under the bathroom sink, and in the trunk of the car.
savour… a clean house
