I like a clean home since my daughter is into everything and put it in her mouth quite often. I love Clorox and other disinfecting chemicals but they are harsh smelling. What other products can I use?

I use Pine Sol products only. The trick with using any product is to use the right amount. If you correctly measure the amount the scent will not bowl you over or leave a nasty residue.

I know this question has probably been asked many times before: How can I speed up my slow computer?Do pictures stored on computer slow it down? Does a lot of software programs slow it down? Does running a registry cleaning program help?Is there anything that I can compress? Any quick tips would really help.

1) Uninstall programs that you don’t want.

Many programs run in the "background" of your PC and consequently slow it down when you’re trying to use it. This is a problem that affects many computers and its essential that you remove any of hte programs that are making your PC run slower. To do this, click on START > CONTROL PANEL > ADD / REMOVE PROGRAMS and then uninstall any program you don’t need any more.

2) Remove unwanted files

When there are a lot of files on your PC, your computer does something called "indexing" them at boot. This is basically where your computer takes note of all the files on your PC so it can find the ones you want if you search for them. So lots of files can stop your PC running fast. You need to go through the files you have any burn any pictures to CD and then delete any ones you don’t want by selecting them and pressing SHIFT + DELETE.

3) Clean out the Registry with a registry cleaner

The registry is a database which stores the settings and personalized information for your PC. The registry is a VERY importnat part of your system, but is also most responsible for making it run slower and with a lot of errors. You need to fix this by removing all the damaged and corrupted settings that congregate inside it. You should use a registry cleaner to do this and you can get one from http://www.fastregistryfixes.com/best_registry_cleaner_tools.html

Do you just pick up or do you not clean at all?

Right now I’m between cleaning ladies, mostly for that very reason. I used a local cleaning service, but they did a lousy job and actually stole from me (I know it’s a cliche, but it’s actually true!). While I started looking, my house got all messy again and I cannot get up the energy to get it ready for a cleaning team/person.

You have to have surfaces clear and stuff put away or else many won’t clean that area. They just basically dust, vacuum, disinfect, mop, etc. Most DON’T do laundry, pick up stuff that’s laying about, etc. All that junk is my least favorite part of cleaning. If it’s not pristine, they complain that there is "so much to do," etc.

In truth by the time I have the house "picked up" enough for the cleaners, I probably could just finish the job.

I wish there was a friendly cleaning service that actually did HOUSEKEEPING (picking up) as well. Not everyone likes to clean!!

Thanks for giving me a chance to speak out on this issue.

my neighbor just called me and asked if I would be interested in cleaning her house every other week. I certainly wanna do it, but I am not sure what to charge. Its a 3 bedroom/ 2 bathroom house and she wants all cleaning done like sweeping, mopping, light laundry, etc. Does anyone know the average rate? Or around about what I should ask her to pay me?

Depends on where you are

I charge $ 15.00 an hour

1 bathroom done in detail takes 1 hour
Kitchen takes 1 hour
Vac/sweep/dusting 1 hour
Laundry/misc. 1 hour

Some people take longer but after doing it for years have it all down pat and have a system

Strip beds/washing in
Bathrooms first
Kitchen
Windows
Vac/mats/floors etc
Wash/wax/polish floors last
In between folding/make beds

Average it out to 4-6 hours bi-weekly

tell me people how you get yourself motivated to do a big cleanup/chuckout in your house…music, a list and a timer helps me what about you?

Company’s coming!!! (Kidding!)

Seriously – I break up the job into 15-minute chunks. I set the kitchen timer, and work for 15 minutes in one room. When the timer goes off, I take a 5 minute break, then start again, generally in another room. It’s always surprising how much gets done this way. Also, taking a real break (10 – 15 minutes) after about an hour or so helps, too. I can sit back and admire my handy work!

I would like to spring clean my house and want it to be special. Do you have any tricks to make it fun and easy. BTW i’m 15

That’s nice to help your mom with the big housework… For starters make sure you have the proper cleaning supplies…

I use the following but, you can use what you have.

WINDEX- Great for windows, countertops, mirrors, appliances, and other surfaces…

PLEDGE- Good for wood furniture, stainless steel, and leather or vinyl furniture…

Multi-surface cleaner- like Formula 409 or FANTASTIK good for bathroom, kitchen surfaces..

Dishsoap.. GREAT for dishes and cleaning the inside of the toilet

SOFT SCRUB- good for cleaning the bathroom tub/sink

LYSOL- 4-in-1 or PINESOL- Good to clean the floors.. vinyl, tile or to use in a sprayer for countertops, toilets, appliances etc…

MR. CLEAN MAGIC ERASER- good for tough stains, painted surfaces, and scuff marks.. Just test and don’t scrub too hard..

For wood floors surfaces.. MURPHYS OIL SOAP or just diluted vinegar water.. Don’t over wet…

TOOLS:

Vacuum Cleaner- get extra bags, belts
SHOP VAC- good for all sorts of surfaces

MICROFIBER CLOTHS- GREAT for dusting, with or without cleaner, windows, and spills

MOP- I like the LIBMAN WONDER MOP easy to use, lightweight and no mess wringing.

BROOM/DUSTPAN

———–

HOW-TO TIPS

Work in ONE room at a time.. and start from TOP to BOTTOM

I use my vacuum attachement OR SHOPVAC and get into creveases/corners.. WIPE down furniture with microfiber cloth and then polish or do a 2-for-1 and just use PLEDGE…

I STRIP/WASH bedding and while the bed is stripped I’ll vacuum BOTH sides of the mattress and FLIP them.. If the mattress smell funky. Sprinkle with baking soda and vacuum again…

WIPE down baseboards with a damp cloth…

If need be= have help moving furniture and vacuum under/behind…Replace furniture..

Vacuum the entire room…..

I take 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours per room in my home…. Put on some fun music and have some friends come and help if you get bored….

I also make a cleaning list room by room- and check off what I’ve done it makes it fast and easy….

Don’t forget to clean out your fridge- if you can try and do it BEFORE a big shopping trip so it’s easier… Take out everything and toss anything that’s gone bad…. I SOAK my drawers and racks in the bathtub in HOT soapy water.. RINSE and replace… Put in new box of baking soda…

***Another important TIP…. DO NOT spray picture frames directly with cleaner or water or anything… SPRAY the cloth then wipe down the frames… So the cleaner/water doesn’t get inside the frame and ruin the picture….!

Don’t mix cleaning products.. Like BLEACH/AMMONIA…
GOOD LUCK

So the bible says to honor the sabbath and keep it holy. It says that no one in your house should work. My question is, what constitutes work? Would loading the dishwasher and picking up the living room be work? What about doing a project? What about those weekend remodels?

I just cleaned my house,but I went to church this morning and will go again tonight.