"Cleaning House." No doubt about it ... it's a necessary chore.  But to make this task easier, there is a cleaning product for just about every job you need to tackle.  Which means that often, the biggest question is ... which product for which job?

Not anymore. Here's a guide to choosing the right cleaning product, and then a room-by-room tour that gives cleaning tips and identifies specific surfaces and their cleaning solutions.

Let's take a look at the Three Steps to Choosing the Right Cleaning Product

1. Check Out the Soils and Surfaces

The first thing to consider in any cleaning task is ... what am I trying to get rid of?  Take a look around.  Is there grease on the stove, mildew on the shower door or do you have hard water that leaves mineral deposits on bathroom and kitchen fixtures?  Identifying the dirt you see ^_ or maybe don't see, in the case of germs ^_ is the first step in determining the type of cleaning product you need.

Now look at where the dirt is located.  In other words, what type of surface is soiled?  Today's beautiful surfaces offer many options in home decor, but they also require a bit of thought about how to safely clean them.

2. Consider Your Own Cleaning Needs

Are you a once-a-month, bucket-wielding cleaner who likes to use dilutable powders or liquids to tackle the whole house?  Or do you prefer quick, frequent clean-ups using spray cleaners?  Do you need the heavy-duty strength of a powdered cleanser?  Do you have young children and need to disinfect surfaces regularly?  Taking a moment to think about your lifestyle, cleaning needs and preferences will help you decide among the various product types ... abrasive cleansers, nonabrasive cleaners, disinfectant and other specialty cleaners ... and product forms ... sprays, gels, foams, dilutable powders and liquids.  There's a wide variety of cleaning product options to meet your needs and make your job easier.

3. Read the Label
... On Cleaning Products

Product labels are your best source of information for choosing a cleaner.  Mildew remover ... oven cleaner ... glass cleaner ... the name itself usually says exactly what the product will do.  And if the name doesn't tell you, the back of the label will explain the types of soils the product is formulated to remove and the surfaces it should or shouldn't be used on.  Labels provide just about everything we need to know about a cleaning product and its safe and effective use.  Look for some or all of the following information:

... On Surfaces and Appliances

Fiberglass, no-wax floors, countertop surfaces, ceramic glass cooktops ^_ all have their own characteristics and cleaning requirements.  Most surface and appliance manufacturers give instructions for cleaning their products ... usually on a tag or sticker attached to the product. Or, contact your retailer or the manufacturer for care instructions.  These are your best guides to caring for and cleaning new purchases.