Shortcuts for 10 Household Chores

Dusting

• Try dusting cloth lampshades with a lint roller. It works quickly and effectively without the hassle of a vacuum.
• Slip an old unmatched sock on your hand and dust as you go.

Windows and Mirrors

• Use old newspapers to clean mirrors and windows. You’ll have a great disposable cleaning rag and be recycling at the same time.
• Vinegar is an inexpensive easy cleaner that can be used on windows and mirrors.
• To prevent streaking and extra rubbing, wait for an overcast day to clean your mirrors and windows.

Cleaning Out the Microwave

• Bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave, the steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.

Scrubbing the Toilet

• Put toilet cleaner in the toilet to soak while you wipe down the outside. The inside dirt and stains will be loosened and more easily cleaned.
• Buy a drop-in toilet cleaner dispenser, to increase the time between needed cleanings.

Cleaning Out the Refrigerator.

• Briefly clean out trash and bad food each trash day morning. It only takes a few minutes to dump the stuff, and will clear out space to make cleaning easier.
• Use baking soda to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. It scrubs and eliminates odors without damaging surfaces.
• Make Cleaning the Refrigerator Easier

Cleaning Out the Oven.

• On nights when you get take out, take a few moments and spray the inside of the oven with oven cleaner. Then after dinner, or the next morning if your stains are tough, you”ll be able to wipe away the dirt and grime easily, without missing the use of your oven.

Filing Paperwork

• Make filing time coincide with a favorite show that you feel guilty for taking time to watch. Most filing can be done with little thinking, and you’ll get to watch your favorite show in the process. Sort the papers into categories based on your file names. Don’t forget to include trash. You’ll be surprised how much of the pile you won’t need to keep.

Laundry

• Make each person responsible for washing, drying, and putting away their own clothing. Write and post some basic instructions in the laundry room. Have a trial period where your trainees assist you with their clothing.
• If you get truly overwhelmed by your laundry, check out a local Laundromat that will wash, dry, and fold your loads for you. These services frequently charge by the pound for laundry and aren’t inexpensive, but may save you time and energy when life starts to overwhelm.

Washing Dishes

• Let the person who is in charge of washing the dishes, get to pick out dessert.
• When you begin cooking, run a sink of hot soapy water, and wash as you go. Food on dishes won’t have a chance to harden, and you’ll be that much ahead when the meal is done.
• Keep a supply of disposable plates, flatware, and cups. On nights when you’re overwhelmed by double-header Little League games on the same night as PTA, you won’t have to worry about dishes.
• Washing dishes can be a great time to have a parent interview with a child you need to reconnect with. The job may not go more quickly, but you’ll be accomplishing a lot more than clean dishes.

Clearing Clutter

• Find a local charity to donate items to prior to a clutter clearing session. Some charities may even be able to pick up your donations at a prearranged time, saving you a trip.
• Label various storage containers before you begin to sort your clutter. A label makes placing items in the right category a much easier task.
• Go through and grab obvious trash as the first step. Once the trash is gone, it makes it easier to see what you want to keep, and just how much stuff you’ll need to get rid of.