(NAPSI)—There’s good news for those who want to get a handle on cleaning their home but don’t know where to start.

The experts from the Institute of Home Science have some practical advice and useful guidelines to help you get your home in tip-top shape. From the laundry room to the kitchen, here’s how to kick- start your cleaning.

The laundry room: This is the room where stains are treated, clothes are folded, and washers and dryers take on all sorts of fabrics. It can be a daunting place, but a little effort goes a long way.

”¢ Organization is key—Make sure to pre-sort your laundry into designated baskets for lights, darks and whites. When you’re ready, your laundry will be too.

”¢ Less is more—Don’t overload the washer or dryer. Clothes will come out cleaner and less wrinkled when given room to move freely.

”¢ Go easy on the suds—If you have a high-efficiency (HE) washer, use only HE detergents in the proper amount to help prevent oversudsing and the buildup of odor-causing residue. With a regular washing machine, remember that concentrated detergents require using smaller amounts.

”¢ Don’t overdry your clothes—Contrary to popular belief, it’s actually a lack of moisture that causes your clothes to shrink.

Next, the kitchen: This room is typically both the busiest and messiest room in a home. So how do you keep it looking spotless?

”¢ Declutter the countertops—Rather than displaying your small kitchen appliances, store them in easy-access cabinets and take out only when needed. Appliance garages have become a popular feature in newer homes to create a streamlined kitchen experience.

”¢ Shield your cookware—To make cleanup a breeze after cooking or baking, line your cookware with tinfoil before placing in the oven. After dinner, just toss out the foil and wipe down any spilled residue.

”¢ Stop prerinsing the dishes—Remember, most dishwashers are designed to sense the amount of soil on the dishes and will run the cycle accordingly. Scrape food items off, but there is no need to rinse.

”¢ When in doubt, throw it out—Start clearing the refrigerator by putting contents on the counter. No idea how long that mustard has been in the fridge? Get rid of it. Use the three “E” rules as your guidelines—if it’s expired, empty or makes you say “ew,” toss it.

With over 100 years of practice, Whirlpool Corporation knows a thing or two about household chores; this practical experience led to the creation of the Whirlpool Institute of Home Science. For more ideas and information, visit the Institute of Home Science on Facebook.

 

On the Net:North American Precis Syndicate, Inc.(NAPSI)

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