Further Reading

We live in such a demanding world. We have to work, work, work, make dinner, and we're expected to clean too? And what with all the chemicals and cleaning gadgets on the market, it's an overwhelming job. But if you really want to learn how to clean anything, here are some basic tools you should have. When you think about it, we've got it easy. Our great-grandmothers kept cleaner houses than we do, and they did without all those "modern conveniences!"

Chemicals - If you keep some of the more basic liquids and chemicals around in your home, you'll be able to clean nearly anything. First, ammonia. Ammonia is a great tool to use in solutions where you want clarity. Ammonia is wonderful stuff when you mix it up with water to clean your glass, stainless steel, and tile or linoleum floors.

Lemon juice is another acidic liquid that you should have on hand for bringing back the shine in dull objects. Bleach is a necessity as well, for removing stains from white items, and for killing mold and mildew.

However, always remember that ammonia and bleach are mortal enemies! Don't ever mix the two, because the fumes from the result will be deadly! Don't do this at home (or anywhere else for that matter)! Next we take a little trip to your spice cabinet for salt and cream of tartar, both of which are quite useful for cleaning challenges. You'll be ready to learn how to clean anything when you have all those essentials on hand.

Large tools - A good broom and dust pan, a dust mop or Swiffer, and probably a vacuum. All three are considered necessities in many households, depending on the types of floors.

A bucket and mop are preferred by many people for their tile and linoleum flooring, as well. For removing the dust from ceiling fan blades and the cobwebs from ceiling corners, a long-handled duster will do the trick.

Small tools - Basically wiping tools such as sponges, wags, and a couple of microfiber clothes. These are considered the staples of cleaning tools. You can make your own rags from worn out men's undershirts and old cloth diapers. But sponges can become breeding grounds for germs, so they should be replaced often. There are two varieties if microfiber cloths.

The first is a nubby, or napped, cloth, used for general household cleaning and dusting. The second kind is meant just for delicate surfaces such as electronic screens. This cloth is very smooth. Many people would also consider rubber gloves a necessity for how to clean anything without developing damaged hands or encountering nasty germs directly!

Visit How to Clean to learn How to Clean Suede to How to Clean Marble and anything else in your home.