Tools off the ools o
heTrade
S SHARE THEIR GO-TO GADGETS FOR GETTING THE JOB DONE. FLOORFLOORS “I’m a big fan of Bona for hardwood fl oors,” Klosky says. When cleaning fl oors, “The secret is to
OUR P OUR PROS SHARE THEIR
change out the microfi ber pads often,” Clyde says. Smallin loves the Libman Wonder Mop. “It is a really cool, simple, inexpensive mop, with a microfi ber-strip head and a built-in squeezer.” Also, many pros agree that a steam mop is a good addition to the cleaning tool collection.
MICROFIBER “I can’t live without microfi ber towels!” Novak says. “I use them for absolutely everything, including MICROFIBER
those often-touched items such as doorknobs and light switch plates.” Smallin recommends washable Quickie microfi ber cloths that come in a variety of weaves. However, Smallin warns, “Never use fabric softeners or dryer sheets when you wash them” to avoid picking up lint.
SCRUBBERS Smallin goes old-school when it comes to scrubbing: “Toothbrushes do a great job,” she says. And for scraping, Novak says, “Zero-balance gift cards make perfect gunk scrapers.” Smallin likes the Scrigit Scraper, which is designed as an alternative to scraping with your fi ngernail.
CRUBBER
SOLUTIIONS Grab a squeezed section of lemon slice to shine faucets, Smallin says. Or, according to Novak, dip the cut edge of a lemon half into baking soda for a gentle scrubber and grease cutter. Smallin uses hydrogen peroxide to disinfect. First, clean the surface—“you can’t disinfect a dirty surface,” she says. Then spray a mist onto the surface, and continue to the end. Let it sit for a few minutes; then wipe the surface dry.
OL ONS
ade
NO AK’S SMART SHOR CU
NOVAK’S SMART SHORTCUTS
• The top of a freestanding fridge collects dust and grease. Once clean, cover it with plastic wrap to keep it that way. Replace as needed.
• Use a pillowcase to clean ceiling fan blades. Roll the case back, slide it over the blade, then close it while pulling it back along the blade.
• Use a lint roller to “dust” lampshades.
• Cotton swabs make it easier to clean crevices such as fridge gaskets, behind the faucet and keyboards.
DEEP CLEAN
OUR PROS SUGGEST A FEW SPECIFIC JOBS TO TACKLE AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR: • Clean woodwork such as baseboards, door frames and doors.
• “Pull out all your appliances, and clean behind and under them,” Klosky says.
• Novak suggests cleaning fridge and freezer gaskets.
• “Wipe down cabinet fronts,” Smallin says, “and clean drains and stoppers in the kitchen sink and bathroom.”
SA E TIME & MONE
SAVE TIME & MONEY “Use a lot less product,” Clyde says.
“When people use too much product, not only do they waste it, which increases costs, but they also create more work for themselves during the rinsing process and end up using more water than necessary.” Smallin says following directions
saves scrubbing. “There’s a reason a cleaner says to ‘allow fi ve minutes.’ Let it do the work for you! Move on and do something else. Don’t let the cleaner dry, but do allow the time suggested on the product.”
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