CLEAN UP YOUR RELATIONSHIP
CLEANING TIPS FROM THE SOAP AND DETERGENT ASSOCIATION

Cleaning the house is no couple’s favorite activity, but it doesn’t have to be a major source of conflict in relationships, says The Soap and Detergent Association (SDA). A new survey by SDA and Opinion Research Corporation found that differences between men and women in their cleaning habits and skills causes almost half of all couples to argue about housework.

To help couples maintain harmony and keep their homes clean, the SDA offers the following cleaning tips:

KITCHEN

• To help keep insects away, clean up food spills and crumbs, wash dishes as soon as possible and empty the trash daily.
• For cleaning small areas like countertops, try sprays or gels. For larger areas like floors or walls, powders or liquids mixed in a pail of water are more efficient.
• Use a cutting board for preparing meats and poultry, then clean and disinfect the board after each use with an EPA-registered product to prevent the spread of foodborne bacteria.
• Abrasive cleansers provide extra cleaning power for hard-to-remove soils like food particles and grease residue in sinks. Use a non-abrasive cleansers on easily scratched surfaces such as fiberglass.

BATHROOM

• Wipe down shower walls after taking a shower, and keep shower doors and curtains open after use to allow them to air-dry and prevent mildew growth.
• Loosely hang towels and bathmats to air dry after each use, and launder them at least once a week.
• Use a disinfectant or disinfectant (antibacterial) cleaner on tubs and showers to prevent mold and mildew from growing.

LIVING ROOM/DINING ROOM

• Vacuum carpeted areas at least once a week and more often if you have a pet or during allergy season.
• Use a glass cleaner to prevent streaks on glass surfaces.
• Use a soft cloth sprayed with a dusting product to keep dust under control and remove grime that can damage furniture finishes.
• Use mats or small area rugs in front of all entryways to protect flooring, collect dirt, dust, pollen and other allergens brought in from the outside and launder them weekly.

BEDROOM

• Avoid sharing your bedroom with a furry or feathered pet that leaves animal dander behind.
• Launder bedding frequently to remove dust mite allergens and keep linens fresh.
• Keep dust collectors like knick knacks in drawers or closed cabinets.

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