A Few Tips for a Tidy Kitchen

We don’t always have time to scour every inch of the kitchen. Still, we tend to feel better if it looks and feels tidy until we have a chance to tackle deep cleaning. Avoiding messes in the first place is the first step toward a cleaner kitchen, so it’s better to clean as you go. If you can get into the habit of washing out mixing bowls, cleaning utensils, and wiping down surfaces as you go about cooking, you’ll have less to worry about after each meal. It helps to keep a bowl of soapy water and a clean dishtowel … Continue reading

How Do You Fold Towels?

Are you particular when it comes to folding towels? Do you do halves, thirds, squares, or just roll them up? Maybe your mom had a special method and she taught it to you. My mom does, but I don’t really do it the same as she does. I do use the tri-fold thing on bath towels, and I fold hand towels the same way as my mom, but I do bath sheets, beach towels, and washcloths differently. Sometimes, I like to roll the towels. I like the way they look, so I usually do it if company is coming. I … Continue reading

Top Five Tips for Fresh, Clean Towels

You probably find yourself washing towels frequently, and if you have a large family, it might be every day. While washing towels is not too complicated, there are still some issues that need attention, as noted below. Towels and other linens can be a haven for bacteria and mildew. 1. Remove towels and other linens from the washing machine as soon as possible. Allowing laundry to sit for even short periods of time in warm or humid conditions can quickly lead to mildew. While you might not see or even smell it, mildew spores can grow rapidly. 2. If it … Continue reading

Organizing Your Linen Closet

Years ago I was visiting a friend at her rented beach home. While she packed a picnic lunch I gathered other essentials we would need for our day in the sun. I headed to the linen closet to retrieve some beach towels, pulled the door open and was instantly hit with an avalanche of towels, sheets, and rugs. I still smile when I remember the scene. My friend later revealed that instead of opening the closet door all the way, she would open it a crack, shove clean items in, and immediately slam it shut, thereby avoiding the jack-in-the-box release … Continue reading

Small Children; Big Helpers

Since every member of the family needs to feel like he or she is an indispensable part of the family unit, each person should help keep the family functioning smoothly. This is accomplished by caring for each other and by taking an active role in maintaining the home. Small children seem to sense this more than anyone else does. They want to help, to be included, and it’s not just because they are learning new skills or receiving praise. Sure, they feel a sense of “big kid” accomplishment, and they enjoy the compliments. However, they are very perceptive and realize … Continue reading