SIMPLE CLEANING WISDOM 450 EASY SHORTCUTS FOR A FRESH & TIDY HOME EDITED BY CAROLYN FORTÉ HEARST BOOKS and GOOD HOUSEKEEPING are registered trademarks and the distinctive Hearst Books logo is a trademark of Hearst Communications, Inc. © 2018 Hearst Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (including electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without prior written permission from the publisher. ISBN 978-1-61837249-9 Hearst Communications, Inc. has made every effort to ensure that all information in this publication is accurate. However, due to differing conditions, tools, and individual skills, Hearst Communications, Inc. cannot be responsible for any injuries, losses, and/or damages that may result from the use of any information in this publication. For information about custom editions, special sales, and premium and corporate purchases, please contact Sterling Special Sales at 800-805-5489 or [email protected]. sterlingpublishing.com goodhousekeeping.com Cover design by Scott Russo Interior design by Susan Welt For photo credits, see page 194 CONTENTS INTRODUCTION CHAPTER 1 CLEANING BASICS CHAPTER 2 THE KITCHEN CHAPTER 3 LAUNDRY & CLOTHING CARE CHAPTER 4 BEDROOMS, FAMILY ROOMS & HOME OFFICES CHAPTER 5 THE BATHROOM CHAPTER 6 The GARAGE & OUTDOOR SPACES CHAPTER 7 STAIN RESCUE PHOTO CREDITS INTRODUCTION LET’S GET CLEANING! Most of us have a love-hate relationship with “keeping house.” I know I do. I love a clean home and the feeling of calm it brings my family, but I hate the dusting, mopping, scrubbing, and wiping needed to get it that way. Yes, there are those who really do enjoy cleaning, but if you’re like me, it’s just one more responsibility in an already packed day and something I try to accomplish as quickly as possible. Well, that’s about to change. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, an enthusiast or a procrastinator, you’re in luck. Good Housekeeping Simple Cleaning Wisdom is jam-packed with Good Housekeeping Institute Lab–tested products and speedy, smart tricks and tips to help you clean faster, declutter more easily, tackle trouble spots, simplify big jobs, and accomplish more in less time. And who doesn’t want (and need) more free time? In some chapters, you’ll find a checklist of what chores to do when and the go-to cleaning products and tools Good Housekeeping recommends for every household. We also dive deep, devoting entire chapters to the kitchen, living spaces, bathroom, laundry and clothing care, and more. You’ll find advice about how to keep your appliances working their best; how to zap dust, germs, and other allergens; how to make your bathroom sparkle when guests are at the door; and even how to wash special-care items, like pillows and comFortérs. As you read along, keep an eye out for recurring features, like GH Lab–tested products that carry the trusted Good Housekeeping Seal, common mistakes to avoid, and the ultraspeedy 1-Minute Tips. Because a home should look as good on the outside as it does on the inside, you’ll also find shortcuts for cleaning the deck, patio, garage, gutters, windows, and even the car. Clean, organized, guest-ready outdoor areas make a home feel larger and boost its value and curb appeal. Not a bad payoff for a little extra effort! Cleaning your home is really about caring for your home. And caring for your home is really about caring for your family. Good Housekeeping has a long tradition of caring for American homes and families, and every hint tucked into these pages was put there to help you take better care of your family. And if you look at it that way, what’s not to love about cleaning? Please enjoy! —Carolyn Forté Director of Home Appliances, Cleaning Products, and Textiles Labs Good Housekeeping A LITTLE GOES A LONG WAY Spend five or 10 minutes daily doing simple tasks like sorting mail, picking up clutter, and wiping down appliances, countertops, and shower walls. You’ll delay (or maybe even eliminate) the need for deep-cleanings and make them easier to do if and when the time comes. chapter 1 CLEANING BASICS “I make no secret of the fact that I would rather lie on a sofa than sweep beneath it.” —Shirley Congran, novelist Keeping a clean, healthy home is one of the most important ways to care for your family, and it’s easier to do than it might seem. In the pages that follow, we’ll recommend the best tools and products to use, when it’s time to do what tasks, and even ways to clean up after messy kids and pets. And we’ve sprinkled in lots of smart shortcuts to help you get a clean, tidy home with time to spare. Let’s get started! PRO CLEANER HABITS YOU SHOULD TOTALLY STEAL For professional housekeepers, time is money. Put that same approach to work in your home. KEEP SUPPLIES HANDY Stock a cleaning caddy with essentials, like rubber gloves, paper towels, a small brush, and your favorite cleaners, to save time and stay organized. Try individual caddies with tools for the kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms, and living areas, stashing them in each room and safely out of children’s reach.