Keeping your home sparkling following a professional home cleaning service can be likened to the preservation of a bi-monthly pedicure. Between services, if the callouses are filed, the polish re-touched and lotion applied then the pedicure can be extended and the aesthetics appreciated for a much longer term. The same applies to household cleaning.

Here are some very helpful tips to help extend the life of a home cleaning. The emphasis is on spit and polish to help maintain the shine between full household cleanings:

Shine: That which gives forth a radiant light.

1. Keeping bathroom mirrors free from streak producing condensation marks can be combatted by simply rubbing the surface of the mirror regularly with a dry bar of soap and rubbing it down with a clean dry cloth. This helps prevent mirrors from steaming up in the first place.
2. When the microwave gets a buildup of odour and splashes of food debris place a cup of water with four tablespoons of lemon juice in a microwave safe bowl and heat for five minutes. The condensation can then be removed with a dry cloth leaving a sparkling, fresh smelling surface.
3. Placing two denture tablets (yes!) into a stainless steel sink filled with hot water. Left over night will produce a gleaming sink with no scrubbing. The water should then be used to give a glow to the adjoining draining board.
4. Remove fingerprints from stainless steel appliances by dabbing a bit of baby oil on a paper napkin and rub over surface. The prints will disappear leaving a shining surface.
5. Pen marks on hard surfaces? Apply hairspray (test unseen area first) and the marks will disappear when polished with a clean rag.

Dust Bunnies and the like: The fuzzy things that irritate.

1. If pet fur and dander is invading clothing and furniture simply don a pair of rubber gloves and pass over the surface. Fur will stick to the glove which can then be rolled off into the dust bin where it belongs.
2. Wool carpet dents from furnishings or items left for long periods can be lifted by laying down a tea towel and pressed with a warm iron, lifting the fibres. *only on 100% wool rugs or carpets*.
3. To repel moths, silverfish and a host of other unwanted pests in draws, wardrobes and closets spread whole cloves.
4. If the bottom of the iron is showing signs of rust or dirt then sprinkle household salt on the ironing board and press over it. The iron surface will be soil-free.
5. Essential oils provide a natural air freshener when a few drops are placed near heat blowing outlets releasing wonderful scents each time the warm air is pushed into the house. Think lavender for the bedrooms and perhaps a peppermint oil for the remainder of the house.