Hate Cleaning? These Busy Mom Essentials Make It Easier

I hate cleaning. I start to sweat and become instant mad? My family basically has to leave the house. I had a housecleaner for several years, but after moving to a farm the housekeeping options became slim. So, here I am – instant mad cleaning again J. With the right products, here is how I make it through keeping a clean house with no help.

The usual / daily, weekly or bi-weekly cleaning. Let’s face it – sometimes once per month.

Vaccum – I’ve had canister vacuums, other cord vaccums, and less expensive cordless vacuums, but my life changed for the better once I invested in a Dyson. The suction power is just that good. The lightweight cordless option lets you get by base boards and under furniture in spaces you normally can’t get to. I personally have the Dyson V8. Dyson often has promotions and sales and in my opinion, is worth the investment.

Dusting – you can’t beat the Swiffer dusters baby. They do it all – I’ve cleaned baseboards, yucky fans, and air return register vents covering in dust with ease. If you don’t want to get out the full on rag and wood cleaner, drag the Swiffer duster around for an easy win.

Mopping – I use a few varieties of products depending on the floors.

• Tile – this O-Cedar mop is pretty great and doesn’t leave you with a soppy mess. For a deep clean, I still resort to a bucket full of PineSol and a scrub brush, but for general mopping this does the trick.
• Wood – while I like the Swiffer for dusting, I prefer the Bona Hardwood Floor Premium Spray Mop for hardwoods. The hardwoods just shine after using the cleaning solution and mop. The microfiber cleaning cloths are absorbent and thorough, plus, it’s super easy to refill. If you’re cool like me, you also wear these mop slippers over your socks or shoes to help clean baseboards or eliminate corner cob webs.
• Surface products – I’ve used several granite products and feel this brand has the best shine (plus cleaning power). Weiman Disinfecting Granite Cleaner & Polish Value Pack. The other Weiman products are just as good.
  • Weiman Quarts and Stone Cleaner & Polish
  • Weiman Cooktop and Stove Top Cleaner Kit – yes, I have caught things on fire while cooking which created a horrible mess on my stove top that required a razor to clean up.
  • Weiman Stainless Steel Cleaner Kit – I have kids and a husband, nuff said.
  • Weiman Leather Cleaner & Conditioner Care Kit – before my sweet cat George was declawed, he did a number on my leather furniture. This product really helped salvage the situation.
  • Weiman Cabinet & Wood Clean & Shine Spray – works great and doesn’t leave a weird film on cabinets or wood furniture. Plus, doesn’t have an aggressive or offensive smell.

Dishes

• The ScrubDaddy withstands the rigor of going through the dishwasher each night to disinfect and more importantly, is able to get the burnt on pieces off the sheet pans and casserole dishes.
• I never like to leave my dish soap bottle out on the counter. This Mud Pie Stoneware Soap Sponge Holder is easily refilled with a sponge holder.
• I run most everything through the dishwasher, but whatever needs to be towel dried, or if my counters need wiped down, or a nice absorbent hand towel, Mr. Clean Microfiber Cloth towels are the best way to go. The perfect size and the best to wipe everything down with.

And who can go without a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser? We’ve moved several times over the years and this thing is a life saver to touch up base board and wall smudges, clean doors, clean shoes, clean just about anything and everything. It truly is magical on play table surfaces covered with market and crayon scribbles.