1. We do need to flip our mattresses from time to time but there’s no sense in struggling with a heavy mattress to clean your bed skirt or dust ruffle if you don’t have to. Look for styles that have elastic around the edges instead of those that cover the box spring and get covered up by the mattress. You can slip it off easily without heavy lifting, wash, dry, press if necessary, and put it back in place without breaking a sweat. If you can’t find a bed skirt that you like in that style, make one or add elastic to your existing dust ruffle.
2. This next tip may seem more labor intensive at the outset, but it will save you time and energy overall. Instead of simply sweeping the kitchen floor before mopping, pull out the vacuum cleaner and really clean the floor. You won’t be stopping and stooping to pick up tiny particles of debris while you’re mopping or scrubbing the floor. It will also help ensure that you floor is cleaner and better maintained, which will make it look better and last longer.
3. After cleaning your cabinets thoroughly, apply a light coat of furniture polish. It will act as a shield to help keep grime from building up, making the next cleaning easier. It will also help keep grease and odors in the kitchen from being absorbed into wooden cabinets.
4. Rinse your tub after each use and spray on a special daily shower product. If you prefer natural cleaning products instead of commercial cleaning solutions, mix vinegar and water in a spray bottle and apply a light mist.
*Adding a few drops of Tea Tree Oil to the vinegar and water solution helps kill germs and gives a natural scent (try it on a small spot before using on the entire tub or shower and be aware that some people have allergic reactions to Tea Tree Oil).