Damp Dust During Pollen Season

Dusting with a feather duster, Swiffer or a dry rag may work during normal times, but if you have allergies the best way to get rid of dust is by damp dusting.  Dry dusting only causes dust and pollen to become airborne and then, to be breathed in or to resettle somewhere else.

Microfiber Cloth

Grab your cleaning cloth (I prefer microfiber) and a bottle filled with water.  I sometimes add a few drops of essential oil to the water to make the work a bit more pleasant.  A little aromatherapy while working can't be a bad thing.

Generic Spray Bottle

Do not spray water onto the furniture!  Instead, spray a very light mist of water onto all the surfaces of your cloth.  Then squeeze the cloth to distribute the water throughout.  The cloth should only feel slightly damp, not wet.

Wipe your furniture down without shaking out the rag.  When the rag is completely dirty just get a clean one.  The idea is to trap the pollen and dust, then wash it down the drain in your washing machine.

I use the damp dusting method most of the time.  I only wax or oil my furniture about four times a year.  By damp dusting I avoid a build up of cleaning products which can actually harm the finish on wood furniture plus I cut down on allergens in the house.

God bless,
Pam

Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

While searching for "green" cleaning ideas for my home I came upon some very positive reviews of microfiber cleaning cloths.  I had always used cotton cloths made from old T-shirts because they could be washed and reused.  I asked myself what could be the difference between microfiber and cotton cloths?

I found a pack of three microfiber cloths for less than $3 at my local Publix.  Strangely enough they weren't in the cleaning supplies sections, but were located with auto supplies.  For that price I could afford to try them out.

All of the rave reviews were true!  These things are amazing.  There is something about the fiber that makes it a very efficient cleaner.  They remind me of the Mr. Clean sponges in their ability to remove grime, but the cloths wash up nicely in the washing machine.

If you or someone in your family can't tolerate chemical cleaners, you need these cloths.  With just water they will clean everything.  The real test for me was when I was able to clean and shine my bathroom mirror with just a dampened cloth.  No streaks!

They come in many different versions.  I have a knobby one for dusting, but the plain ones work for every type of cleaning.  I have difficulty leaning over to clean my tub because of my arthritis, so I spray a little cleaner, step into the tub and use my feet to scrub with a microfiber cloth.  Since they require little pressure to work this odd method of cleaning the tub works well.

Different Textures Are Available

I think you would be happy with these cleaning cloths.  They are inexpensive, washable and should reduce the amount of cleaner needed to clean your house.  Very frugal!

God bless,
Pam

The Twelve Week Plan: Clean and Purge

The summer heat is so hard for me to bear here in Florida that I concentrate on indoor activities for these twelve weeks. It is time for my yearly, really serious, clean and purge.

My favorite tool during my C & P is my little vacuum cleaner with the long hose and many attachments. It makes cleaning the cabinet shelves, baseboards, window sills and behind furniture relatively easy compared to having to bend and dust.

Next is a bucket of water filled with Murphy's Oil Soap and water, plus a micro fiber cloth. I just go through the house wiping down surfaces after I have vacuumed up the dust and dirt.

Just a quick memory: I used to have a home economist friend that always said that dirt is just dust that got wet. Better to deal with it while it is dry. Remember home economics? I wonder what replaced it? Probably takeout and debt.

Throw any washable fabrics into the machine, dry and iron. I have really been moving toward machine washable curtains, slipcovers and pillows in my advanced middle aged years. No more worrying about spills or every day wear and tear for me. I feel the same way about clothing fabrics these days.

Books will be replaced on the shelves in an orderly, or at least sane, fashion. All food storage items will be scrutinized for expiration dates and thrown away if they don't pass muster. Newer dated items to the back of the shelves. Get in the habit of placing newly purchased items to the back when you bring them home from the store. Boric acid tablets are put along the back of the shelves to keep insects at bay.

Purging should have been mentioned first. Before all of the cleaning starts, I walk through the house with two garbage bags; one for trash and one for donations. Be realistic when purging, if you didn't use it in the last six months do you really need it?

I make this process sound easy, but you can do it without much strain if you break the work up. Do one area each day for a half hour. Work your way around the house gradually. I, of course, will have my reluctant, almost eleven year old helping me. Isn't it funny how when they want to help they are too small to do much and when they are big enough to be a real help they don't want to?

Oh, one more thing, start high and work your way down. No reason to make more work for yourself.

God bless,
Pam