ABS Tubs and Showers

I grew up with porcelain and enamel tubs. They’re kind of the norm, and I never really thought about owning anything different until I moved into my current house, which has tubs and shower surrounds made of ABS. Now that I’ve experienced both and had the chance to form an opinion, it’s this: I much prefer the ABS. First of all, just what is ABS? It’s a heavy-duty plastic that’s lightweight, yet durable. Because it’s so light, it’s really easy to install, and it can last for years on end, if treated properly. Now, why do I prefer it to … Continue reading

Deep-Clean Your Bathroom

Don’t wait for spring to deep-clean your bathrooms. During the winter months, when homes are locked up tight to keep the cold air out, mold and mildew can wreck havoc on your tile, showers, counters and faucets. If your bathroom has a musty smell, then you likely have a mold problem and need to address it right away. Most people wait for telltale black spots before they worry that they have a mold problem. However, mold comes in a variety of colors, including brown and pink. Pink mold is prevalent in grout, showers and even in the toilet if you … Continue reading

Spice Up Your Cleaning Routine

Cleaning and Christmas seem to go hand in hand, at least if you ask the moms I chat with in the lobby of my daughter’s school in the minutes before the dismissal bell rings. You’ve never heard so much commiserating about collective cleaning routines, or lack thereof, or lack of time to implement thereof. A few of us joke about ways to multi-task while we dust, mop and fold laundry. One mom shared a great tip: she places all her long-distance calls to friends or family members while she does the laundry or dishes. By talking on a hands-free device … Continue reading

Master Bath Cleaning

When you have a house full of holiday guests do you allow them to use your master bathroom? I know some people who won’t let anyone use the bathroom connected to their master bedroom. They consider their master bath to be a private sanctuary and prefer their guests do their duty in the other bathrooms. If you don’t have a preference and welcome overnight guests to use your master bath, then you might consider conducting a deep-cleaning before the holidays hit. Start with your bathtub. If you have a jetted tub, clean it by filling it with hot water. Next, … Continue reading

Is Dirty the New Clean?

Filthy is hot… at least according to the New York Times. The fancy schmancy paper is telling busy moms, who struggle to find time to bathe, and others, who simply shun showers and prefer not to wear deodorant, that they are part of a hot, hip and happening new trend. Whatever. So basically, if you are dirty, smelly and unshaven, then you are super cool. Now there’s a concept I want my kids to embrace. Not. The paper claims that more and more people are resisting society’s expectations regarding basic personal hygiene. What’s more, the rancid smelling rebels the paper … Continue reading

When to Clean Showers

Cleaning a shower stall as soon as it is done being used is the best time to eliminate soap scum. In order to spare yourself from needless scouring, begin your cleaning regime while the hot steamy air from the shower is still evident. The steam helps loosen dirt and scum from shower floors and walls and allows you to wipe up grime much easier than if you were to tackle the job hours after the shower was turned off. When cleaning a shower stall, it’s best to start at the top and work your way down. If the steam is … Continue reading

Cleaning Schedules

Most people set aside one day a week to deep clean their home. When I was single I saved my big cleaning projects for Saturday morning. These days my schedule is less predictable, so I pencil in weekly cleanings on a day that I have the least amount of running around to do. I work well with lists, so when it came time to create a comprehensive cleaning schedule I grabbed a notebook and toured my home room by room to determine what tasks needed to be accomplished in each on a weekly basis. I divided my notebook pages into … Continue reading

Showers: More Than Just Hygiene, Says Study

Is a shower part of your daily ritual? Maybe you like one first thing in the morning, to get your brain going. Maybe you like one before bed, so the warm water can help you relax. A new study has shown that showering during the workday can actually help increase productivity! Four businesses took part in an eight week study sponsored by Mira Showers, a shower designer in the United Kingdom. (They’re owned by kitchen and bath powerhouse Kohler, in case you’re curious.) The study included ad executives, restaurant industry workers, architects, and more. Study participants were asked to record … Continue reading

Cleaning Routine? What Routine?

As I look around, I have to stop and think about my cleaning routine. What routine? I really don’t have much of one. Usually, my housework schedule means that I clean whatever needs cleaning the most when I have the most available time. I know that’s a haphazard way to do things, but other methods have failed me. I have a big, busy family and things change from day to day. One day, we might all take our showers in a row as fast as the water heater will allow, while other days, we shower at different intervals. If I … Continue reading

Fun Father’s Day Reads

Forget about the tacky tie, fluorescent golf balls, and the tennis racket-shaped bug zapper.  What Dad really wants this Father’s Day is some quality time with the TV remote, his trusty recliner and a plate of bacon. Of course, what Dad wants for the upcoming holiday and what his enthusiastic young offspring want for him may be vastly different.  Fortunately, the following Father’s Day reads may be the key to compromise.  Kids can cuddle up with Dad on his favorite chair and share quality time reading the delightful holiday-themed page turners… while Mom cooks a pile of pork products for a post-story time … Continue reading