House Cleaning

New survey shows house cleaning has positive romantic effects

Vanja Veric — Wed, 20 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0700

Spending a little extra time sprucing up your space doesn't have to be a drag. In fact, it could even benefit your love life!

How to effectively schedule your house chores

Christina Holt — Thu, 13 Sep 2012 10:49:00 -0700

Schedule your housework to get things done in a timely fashion and to ensure they get done each and every week. You can be a working mom, stay-at-home mom, working professional or bachelor and still stay on top of your chores – without a hassle.

10 Ways to use dryer sheets outside the laundry room

Karen Miner — Wed, 25 Jul 2012 06:20:00 -0700

Dryer sheets are great for keeping your laundry static free, but there are many other ways to use them around the house. Read on to find out how to use dryer sheets outside of the laundry room.

How to keep furniture in good condition with pets at home

Katie Kavulla — Fri, 06 Jan 2012 06:40:00 -0800

Just because you love your pets doesn't mean you want them climbing and clawing all over your furniture. If you cringe every time your St. Bernard curls up in your chaise, try using these tips for keeping their four legs on the floor.

Get a boot tray for your entryway

Katie Kavulla — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 19:00:00 -0800

If you live in a climate where winter means wet and muddy boots tromping in and out of your entryway or mudroom, you need a boot tray! These are slim, typically metal trays that fit boots perfectly, while catching all the yucky mud on their soles and keeping it off of your entryway floors. Check out these five boot trays to get you through winter boot season!

How to avoid fights about housework

Jessica Padykula — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 10:06:00 -0700

According to the recent American Times Use Survey, on an average day, 20 percent of men do housework compared with 51 percent of women, and 40 percent of men do food preparation or cleanup, compared with 68 percent of women. No wonder fighting about chores is so common among couples. Here are some ways to divide the work without driving each other crazy.

Spring cleaning made simple

Jessica Padykula — Wed, 30 Mar 2011 07:06:00 -0700

Spring cleaning is your chance to really make your home sparkle. Everyday cleaning is more about maintenance and ensuring things look good on the surface, rather than going beyond the basics to eliminate the hidden dust, dirt and debris that accumulates over a long winter. Tackling a top-to-bottom cleaning may sound daunting, but the results are well worth the effort. Follow our simple spring cleaning guide for a home even Martha Stewart would approve of.

Understanding the psychology of clutter

Tiernan McKay — Fri, 25 Mar 2011 10:03:00 -0700

If you have committed to getting organized at home this year, following through with your resolution may be good for your health and relationships. A tidy house definitely makes it easier to function as a family and welcome unexpected guests, but it can also help ease emotional and psychological stress.

The party's over: How to get your kids to help with clean-up

Kori Ellis — Thu, 09 Dec 2010 08:17:00 -0800

Your holiday party was a huge success and now comes the hard part -- clean-up. You don't have to do it all yourself. With some clever tips, you can get your kids to help with the clean-up efforts.

Mopping do's and don'ts

Sarah Kelsey — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 19:53:00 -0700

Floors get dirty, fast. Because they’re tread upon by children, guests, pets -- you name it -- they're rife with germs and can stain easily. That’s where proper mopping comes in. Here are a few floor-cleaning do's and don’ts to help you make the most of your time spent mopping.

Surprising ways to add scent to your home

Sarah Kelsey — Sun, 08 Aug 2010 08:14:00 -0700

Sure, you can freshen the scent of your home with candles and potpourri, but there are so many other unique ways to brighten up the smell of your space. Read on for a few scent-sational suggestions.

It's spring cleaning time! Get the kids involved

Cyndi Mathews — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 13:11:00 -0800

Our house is destroyed during spring cleaning. The closets are emptied, under the beds are cleared, and all the "junk" drawers are removed and dumped. When it's complete, our house smells better and feels ready to open up to the warm weather and sunny days ahead.

5 Time-saving cleaning rules

Kathleen Rellihan — Fri, 29 Aug 2008 12:00:00 -0700

Follow our five time-saving cleaning rules to have a neat and organized home that even your mother-in-law will love! With the hustle and bustle of everyday life, sometimes housecleaning goes on the backburner -- until you get caught with unexpected guests and a dirty house. To reduce stress and keep your home in order, follow these simple cleaning and organizing tips.