• Dust first and vacuum second. Any bits of dust and dirt will fall to the floor where they will be collected in the vacuum cleaner.
• The best dust cloth is a damp, clean, microfibre cloth. To dampen, hold the cloth by a corner and lightly mist with clean water from a spray bottle. The cloth should be just damp enough to pick up dust without leaving moisture streaks on the furniture. This is the best way to deliver a clean, safe and green way of cleaning.
• When dusting wall units follow this procedure: first lift and dust each object, then dust the shelf both underneath and behind. Start from the top of the unit and move down to the bottom.
• Never dust a warm or hot light bulb with a damp cloth, as the bulb will shatter.
• Dampen a clean, soft paintbrush to remove dust from louvered doors, telephone and keyboard keys, carved furniture, etc.
• Venetian blinds can be maintained with minimum effort. Close the slants, dust, close the slants the opposite way and dust again.
• Wipe wood surfaces with the grain to avoid streaks.

• Use a toothbrush to clean hard to reach areas around the soap holder, taps and drain.
• Add a fabric softener sheet to the wastebasket to avoid odours.
• Foggy mirrors can be easily remedied by rubbing a small amount of glycerin onto the surface.
• A small window squeegee used on the tile walls after each shower will slow the formation of water spots on the surface.
• To unclog shower heads, remove and soak the head in boiling water and vinegar.
• It will be much easier and less time consuming to clean the bathroom if it is done on a regular basis. Then you will be maintaining the room instead of letting mildew and soap scum build up over time.

To clean a picture, wipe the top of the frame first, down the sides and across the bottom. Always spray glass cleaner on your cloth and never directly on the glass to prevent seepage under the glass that could damage the picture.

• A dry clean microfibre cloth will polish chrome to an eye-catching gleam.
• To remove and clean finger prints from stainless steel appliances, add a small amount of baby oil to clean, soft microfibre cloth and wipe the surface in the direction of the grain.

• Change the vacuum bag as recommended by the manufacturer to maintain maximum suction.
• If your vacuum has poor suction it might be the result of a blocked hose. To check for a blockage, disconnect the hose and then drop a penny down the hose. If the penny falls out, your hose is likely not the problem.
• A small hand vacuum with a beater bar is useful for vacuuming upholstery and carpeted stair steps.
• Look underneath the furniture before vacuuming so the vacuum does not pick up small items such as toys, jewellery, coins, etc.

• Appliances that hang under cabinets save both space and time, as cleaning under them is no longer an issue.
• To soften splatters inside the microwave, fill a cup with water and microwave on high for a few minutes. The steam will loosen any baked on food so you can easily wipe it clean.
• Allow burner rings from the hob to soak in a sink full of hot, soapy water. This will loosen the dirt and make them easier to clean.
• Spray oven racks in a plastic rubbish bag for easier cleaning.
• Dish cloths and sponges can be incubators for germs. Launder dish cloths regularly, and microwave damp sponges in the microwave on high for several minutes to kill bacteria.

• Sweep or vacuum floors first to collect crumbs and dirt before damp mopping. Start washing the floor in the farthest corner of the room and work your way towards the door.
• Use a cloth on the end of a mop handle to reach the narrow space between appliances.
• A plastic hair brush or hair pick will straighten the fringe on area carpets. Comb the carpet fringe in a direction away from the centre of the carpet.
• Vacuum or sweep the bathroom floor to collect any loose hair, dust and dirt prior to washing the floor. Remove mats, wastebaskets and any other items sitting on the floor that may get in the way.
• Ensure that the correct vacuum attachment is used for the specific floor surface you are cleaning.
• To reduce the risk of slip and fall accidents, place anti-slip backing under rugs.
• Place a mat inside and outside each entrance to your home to reduce the dirt that is brought in on shoes and boots.
• Protect your floors and furniture by preventing surface damage. Never set wet cloths, bottles, buckets, or damp mops on furniture, hardwood floors, carpet or marble.
• Look underneath the furniture before vacuuming so the vacuum does not pick up small items such as toys, jewellery, coins, etc.

Streaks on windows are unsightly and tricky to eliminate. When cleaning windows, wipe one side of the glass horizontally and the other side vertically. This way, when polishing out streaks, it will be easy to determine which side they are on.