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Busy home-owners know how time-consuming it can be to clean your residence from top to bottom. Whether you live in an efficiency apartment or a multi-room mansion, house cleaning requires time and effort that many of us would rather spend doing other things.


When you're in a hurry, not feeling well, or expecting company, here are a few hints to get your home looking neat and tidy without heavy duty scrubbing or clean-up:


1. Put away the largest items. Vacuum sweepers that are left sitting in the middle of the living room or to one side in a bedroom should be pushed into a closet or stored in the utility or laundry room. Cartons, large toys, exercise equipment, and extra furniture can take up a lot of space, especially if you live in a small unit or compact house. Store these items out of viewing so that the space they occupied can be opened up. Your home will look more spacious and clean automatically, since a cramped room appears untidy and perhaps messy. If you have no storage space for such things, consider purchasing a portable utility closet and a moveable trunk or storage bin that can be taken from room to room as needed.


2. Pick up excess clutter. Have the kids put their toys away in their bedroom closets or in a toy box that sits to one side. Next, tell the children to put away their unworn clothing, such as extra pairs of shoes, discarded socks, and jackets left out of the closet. These tasks will help them build character as well as help you get the house in neat condition. While they do their chores, walk through each main room and pick up unnecessary things, such as old newspapers and magazines, unread books, household supplies, or other items that can be stored elsewhere. Out of sight, out of mind.


3. Place dirty dishes in the dishwasher. Clear the table and counters of all used tableware and wipe these areas clear of crumbs and spills. Set dirty cooking pans in the sink to soak, or bring them to a slight boil on the stove to loosen cooked-on debris, then carefully pour out the hot water in the sink and scrub these for putting away. Store all food in proper containers, whether it be in the freezer, refrigerator, or cupboards. Now your kitchen and dining room should appear orderly since you have cleared the clutter.


4. Make the beds in the bedrooms. Pick up clothes and throw them in the laundry hamper or put them away if they are clean or can be worn again. Place knitting baskets, reading material, crafts, and computer supplies (such as disks, paper, etc.) in nearby storage cupboards. Clear the dressers of extra items, such as loose change, receipts, jewelry, and notes. Close the closet doors and remove laundry baskets or household supplies to clear the area.


5. Get rid of unneeded furniture. If your living room looks crowded with that footstool, move it to the basement. Take the extra rocking chair to the family room or one of the bedrooms. Remove excess end tables so that there is plenty of space to move around. Trim back large plants or move some to another room. (Don't forget the patio in good weather!) Pick up anything lying on the floor that can be put elsewhere. A neat floor can make the whole room look larger and tidier.


In a matter of minutes your home can assume that look of careful attention and orderly living that means so much to home-owner and guests alike. Plan a few thoughtful tasks in advance, and with the kids' help, your home will be fit for a visit from royalty.

When homeowners clean the house, they often forget to take care of the ceiling. This vital part of any dwelling should be cleaned at least once a year. Start in the living room and go through the entire house, cleaning room to room. The most challenging ceiling area to care for is in the kitchen; because of the stove you will find grease spots and spatters on the ceiling. Each room might have a different paint on the ceiling, from flat paint to gloss paint. You will have to take this into account when planning your cleaning materials.


The living room is often painted with gloss or enamel. About once a week you should dust it so there is no cobwebs and dust clinging there. This will make the annual cleaning a little easier. When you are ready for the big cleaning, get a ladder or two and put a plank between them on the first or second step. If you don't have a ladder, you can use chairs, but be careful they don’t tip with you or cleaning supplies on them. Then vacuum the air vents up there, removing them if you want to reach into the ducts. Replace the vents before washing the ceiling. Now you will need two buckets and a sponge. In the first bucket, mix all-purpose cleaner and water. The second bucket is for your sponge to squeeze out the dirty water in as you rinse between each section.


Dip the sponge a third of the way in the water. Why? This is because you don't want water running down your arm and along the wall. Start with the edges and work your way to the middle of the ceiling. Go over the area you are working on twice Make sure you squeeze the dirty water out of your sponge every few minutes or you will leave streaks. Before you move to another area, get some clean rags and dry off the area you have just cleaned before moving your ladder or chair. After you are done with the entire ceiling, look it over and see if there are any parts where you still might see grease or nicotine stains. If so, use a heavy duty cleaner. You will need to use fresh rinse water so it doesn't streak.


With ceilings that have flat paint, like bedrooms and hallways, vacuum the vents first. Then take a dry sponge and fold it in half to swipe it across the surface area. Do the same for matte finish ceilings. If you prefer, buy long handles that you can hook your sponge on for less physical climbing and stretching.


With all the airborne grease in the kitchen, and if your ceiling is gloss, semi-gloss or enamel, you will need to use a heavy duty cleaner. Rinse off the soapy residue and dry it the same way you would for a ceiling that has a gloss or enamel finish. Then after you are done, clean up where the ladder was sitting, or mop any water splashes from your bucket.


The next time guests look around your house in admiration, you needn’t cringe when their glance lingers on the ceiling. In fact, you can rest assured that they will find nothing but a freshly cleaned paint finish there.

Nothing adds warmth and elegance to a home like hardwood floors. While they look lovely, they do require a little bit of maintenance. This shouldn’t dissuade you from investing in a wood floor, however. Unlike carpet, wood floors don’t need to be replaced every few years, and in fact, with proper attention, they will last as long as (if not longer than) your home.


There are many different types of wood finishes. Always be sure to follow instructions for caring for your particular type of wood floor or finish. What follows are general maintenance tips for all kinds of wooden floors and finishes.


Always install floor mats at entrances and exits to rooms with wooden floors, especially if they’re high traffic areas. Be sure to clean under these mats often. Dirt and sand are abrasive to wood and will scratch and dull the surface. Make sure all shoes are be thoroughly wiped on a mat, or take shoes off before entering a room with a wooden floor. It’s for this reason that a wood floor should be swept regularly. It’s actually recommended that wood floors be dusted or swept every day to keep away any abrasive dirt or grit. Since this isn’t possible for today’s busy homeowners, once-a-week should be enough to keep your floor in good condition.


It’s a good idea to place protective coverings under the legs of your furniture so they won’t scratch the wood. You can buy rubber casters or use felt or plastic. Your local furniture store or hardware emporium is sure to have recommendations.


When moving furniture around, always lift. Never drag furniture on a wood floor, as scratches can be left behind. High heels and cleats can also cause damage to a wood floor. If you’ll be wearing this type of shoe, do try to tread lightly. If the pads on your heels are starting to wear away, it’s a good idea to remove your shoe before entering the room. It’s also a good idea to keep pets’ claws clipped so they don’t scratch the floor every time they walk through the room.


Never use a wet mop on a wood floor since standing water will dull your finish, cause water marks, warping and other damage and discoloration. Use only a slightly damp mop on a wooden floor. Oil soaps will cause a build up on the surface of your floor. If you must use soap when damp mopping, use a neutral pH cleaner specifically formulated for a wood floor. A little vinegar in the water will also help your floors shine and will remove anything that can dull the finish.


If your kitchen has a wood floor, it’s a good idea to lay mats in front of the areas housing the sink, stove, dishwasher and refrigerator to protect the wood from spills and moisture. Wipe up food, water or any other spilled items immediately to prevent staining or other damage.


Once or twice a year, it’s a good idea to clean your floor with a professional wood cleaning material. To find the material best suited for your type of finish, contact the manufacturer. If you go it alone, you can void any warranty you may have on your floor.


The following products should never be used on a wood floor as they will cause damage or dull the finish: ammonia, dust cleaners (such as those touted to clean wood furniture) and other common household floor cleaning products.


A humidifier should be used in homes with dry heat to maintain the moisture in the wood and minimize the cracks between the boards.


It’s not a good idea to use wax on certain finishes. Also, if you wax the floor too often, it can cause a buildup and dull the shine. If you’ll be rewaxing the floor, buff first. Before waxing, however, it’s a good idea to check with the manufacturer to be sure waxing won’t damage your particular finish.


Sunlight can cause a wood floor to fade. It’s a good idea to hang drapes, or at least sheer curtains, in rooms letting in direct sunlight. Once the sun shines directly onto another area of the house, you can open your curtains again.


Do not place heaters directly onto wood floors. The heat can cause the wood to dry out. Also, if the heater is turned up too high, it can burn the floor.


Having a wood floor adds beauty and class to any home. While it does require a bit of maintenance, it doesn’t require much of your time. Consider any upkeep as protecting your investment, which, with luck, will last a very long time.