We all love a clean house. And your mother always seemed to make cleaning seem effortless. That magical sparkle and crisp, fresh scent evoked all that made her talent special. But now you have a home of your own and want to make your own magic. Here are the items you need to keep in your cleaning arsenal to tackle the tough spots and lighten the workload.
Floor vacuum
Nothing beats a great vacuum for floor care. You want a vacuum that can switch from carpet to hard floor at the flip of a switch. Getting one with attachments to clean sofas and mattresses, drapes, and blinds is a total win. If your vac has a removable dirt canister, all the better since emptying it is a snap.
Hand vacuum
There are some places a large vacuum, even with attachments, just can’t go. In that case, it’s always handy to have a cordless hand vac available. They’re also great for a quick cleanup of crumbs or spilled pet food too.
Brushes
A variety of brushes was your mom’s secret weapon. A specific brush for the toilet goes without saying, but a brush for the shower, and one to scrub dishes, and even one to scour out the sinks makes light of everyday chores.
Rubber gloves
Having vinyl work gloves on hand makes cleaning the really icky stuff simpler. Gloves protect your hands and nails from harsh chemicals, pet feces, and other messes. Also keep on hand a set dedicated to hand washing dishes, pots, and pans.
A good mop
Even though you can sweep or vacuum a hard surface such as wood or tile, sometimes you can’t sweep up the grime that makes it look dull and faded. That’s when you need to pull out the mop. Modern mops with on-board sprayers negate the need for a messy bucket, and one that the scrubbing pad removes to toss in the washer simplifies the cleanup. Some mops even have multiple pads for different floor surfaces so you can scrub a little harder on the tile under the baby’s highchair, but gently wipe up spills from the wood in the living area.
A broom and dustpan
A good broom for indoors and a separate one for out of doors makes cleaning up leaves, sand, and other gritty items a snap. A broom should have stiffer but flexible bristles and a blunt-cut bottom. A slanted edge makes side-sweeping easier, while a straight edge works best if you sweep in front of yourself. Get a matching dustpan that stores right on the broom handle so that they’re always together.
Keeping your house clean doesn't need to be a tough chore if you have the right tools on hand. Your home can always be in show-ready condition with some planning, some effort, and a good cleaning.
Terese Ferrara is a long-time resident of the Bay Area and has been a partner with The Goss Real Estate Group for many years. She and her husband raised their two daughters in San Jose, where she successfully continues to build her real estate career.
After earning a bachelor’s degree from San Jose State University, she went on to teach in the San Jose Unified School District for 9 years. Transitioning to real estate was a logical choice, utilizing her patient demeanor to educate all levels of buyers and sellers. Knowledge and experience demonstrate her vested interest in delivering the highest level of care and professionalism to every client. She consistently strives to exceed her client’s expectations throughout the entire real estate transaction and remains a trusted advisor long after each close.
As a board member on KW Bay Area Estates’ Associate Leadership Council (ALC), she aids in support of culture and professional development strategies for over 180 associates. Terese is also a Director for the Santa Clara County Association of Realtors Foundation, which supports community service initiatives in Silicon Valley.
Terese is the consummate real estate professional dedicated to providing unparalleled service to her clients through ongoing training and education, keeping her on top of the dynamic market and latest real estate trends. Her high-touch approach coupled with honesty and integrity support her commitment to her client’s real estate needs.
