The Perfectionist's Illusion (AKA: How To Cut Corners to Create A Clean-Looking Home)

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If you come by our house, you will most likely comment on how neat and tidy it is.  At first glance, you might think I spend my days cleaning.  And, while it may appear that way, believe me when I say that I don't.

I'm going to share with you a perfectionist's set of illusions.

Magic tricks.

Wizardry.

Hocus-pocus.

The tips that follow are quick things you can do to keep your home looking clean without wearing yourself out.

Cleaning Tips to Help Your Home Appear Perfect

1- Keep your floors gleaming.  A shiny floor gives the impression that the entire house is clean, even when it isn't.  But, you don't need to reach for a mop and bucket.  Use this mop along with Shaklee's Basic H2's all purpose formula.  Since the prepared formula remains in the designated bottle, you can whip this little baby out on whim and you'll have your floors shining in minutes (dries fast too!)  You might consider purchasing a second mop for your second floor to make it even easier on yourself.  When in sight, you can grab it to spot clean in no time. 

Tip: This is Rubbermaid's Reveal mop, but any refillable-type mop will do.  Just be sure to purchase the empty ones made for this purpose.  You don't want to be refilling bottles that previously contained chemicals

2-  Take a few minutes to clean all glass/mirrors near you.  After floors, the next thing everyone sees (because they are at eye-level) are windows and mirrors.  If you have a couple of minutes to spare, whip out the Basic H2 Windows/ Glass cleaner formula, and a glass-cleaning cloth and go to town.  Clean each of the interior windows and mirrors you see in the room you are in.  Don't forget your glass hutch.  When you're up to it again, tackle another room.

Tip: Having Shaklee's Basic H2 Window/Mirror formula handy on each floor will allow you to clean without having to run around for your cleaning products.

3- Keep the bathroom looking clean by keeping the sink and toilet spotless.  This is the trick: you don't need to do a deep clean of the entire bathroom every week.  Just be sure the two main facilities are clean.  Have the Basic H2 wipes handy in every bathroom.  Wipe and go.

Tip: Shaklee's Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Wipes can be used, rinsed and used again

4- Always have the bed made.  If you do nothing else to your bedroom, have the bed made-up to make the room look pretty perfect.  That, and keep the piles of clothes hidden away in the closet.

Tip: Purchase an easy-to-wash, easy-to-make-up bedspread

5- Keep the refrigerator fresh by cleaning spills and gunk as they happen.  You don't have to take two hours to clean-out your entire fridge.  Clean up the crumbs from that cheese cake you snuck to during the night before it becomes a sticky mess by morning.  Having Shaklee's Basic H2 all-purpose formula ready in your kitchen will lift such unsightliness before you can gobble up that cake!  It's safe to use around food (as long as you wipe it up).

Tip: While you're cleaning the shelf, clean out one drawer too

6- Have a duster or dusting cloth handy in most rooms.  When you see dust, tackle it immediately.  Having a duster on stand-by at all times allows you to have a great sleight of hand!  Don't do the whole house at once.  Stick to one room at a time - as you see the need.

Tip: Use Shaklee's Super Microfibre General Cleaning Cloth along with a little spray of Basic H2 for a lint-free dusting experience

The important thing about keeping a clean-looking home is that you don't need to be rigid about a schedule.  In fact, cleaning routines or schedules are stifling for this illusionist.  And, for goodness sake, don't save all of the cleaning for one day.  Do little things daily.  The motivation that comes from seeing a clean-looking home will only draw you to clean one more little area that day.  Each of those little areas adds up to the mirage of a perfectly kept home!


What illusions do you perform for a clean-looking home?


Resources for you:

Shaklee's Basic H^2® Organic Super Cleaning Concentrate plus 3 spray bottles (a must-have for natural, odorless cleaning- this one concentrate allows you to create an all-purpose solution, a window/glass solution, and a degreaser solution - link to the shop)
Shaklee's Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Wipes (natural wipes for all-purpose use - link to the shop)
Shaklee's Super Microfibre General Cleaning Cloth (link to the shop)
Shaklee's Super Microfibre Glass Cleaning Cloth

Related articles on this blog:

When the Dust Settles (all about dusting with Shaklee)
A Brighter Outlook (all about cleaning windows with Shaklee) 
How One Cleaner Saves You Money (all about Basic H2)
Wipe That Slate Clean (all about the wipes)  
How Much Do You Spend On Your Cleaners (cost comparison form available at this link)
A Match Made in Heaven: The Marriage of an Eco-Cleaner and a Mop (all about the Rubbermaid mop and Basic H2)