Gloria, an expert housekeeper serving an exclusive California clientele, explains that she enjoys handling the cleaning of her own home despite cleaning as a profession. “I like things done my way,” she shares. “I’ve gained a lot of knowledge as a domestic cleaning specialist, and I developed my own methods, cleaning shortcuts, and general tips to make my job easier.” Here, she shares five of her best tips with us:
1) Take care of yourself – To avoid direct chemical exposure, wear rubber gloves when working with harsh detergents. Gloves can also protect against exposure to chemicals and/or prolonged exposure to water that can rob your hands of natural protective oils.
2) Be safe – When cleaning, work in well-ventilated areas and avoid mixing chemicals that negatively react when combined. A few examples of what not to mix include ammonia & bleach, vinegar & bleach, and dish detergent (some contain ammonia) & bleach. Note: Bleach is highly toxic when mixed with most products.
3) When possible, DIY – Make your own kitchen drain cleaner using baking soda and water. Sprinkle some baking soda into the drain (about ½ cup). Then, follow with an equal amount of white vinegar to help dislodge blockages. If possible, cover the drain and let the solution sit for 30 mins. Then, flush with hot water.
4) Save the elbow grease – Instead of wasting time scrubbing, soak things and let products do some of the work for you. Here are two examples: Soak your vent hood filter in a mix of hot water and Borax to make it clean & shiny. For non-self-cleaning ovens, remove racks and follow directions on the oven cleaner spray can. Let the product sit and do its thing. When time is up, wipe it clean. You will be surprised at how easily grease is removed and how sparkly the oven can be with little to no scrubbing.
5) Prioritize chores –Keep a checklist of all the tasks that need to be done around the house. Some jobs are best done daily, such as cleansing kitchen countertops, taking out the trash, and quick cleaning of bathrooms. Others can be done every few days, such as dusting and vacuuming. Then, there are weekly jobs, such as changing bed sheets and wiping down the fridge. “Maintaining a list gives me a clear idea of my daily expectations, and I can squeeze those jobs into my busy work schedule. It also helps me decide what needs to be done first.”
Gloria adds a bonus, “Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks to other family household members, because cleaning is a breeze when families work as a team.”