Bethany Hardy recently told me that I should start an "Ask Anna" blog where people can ask me anything they want about cleaning, organizing, etc. If I get a big response I will start a whole other blog but here's how it's going to work until then: If you have a question for me you can write it in a comment on any of my postings, or shoot me an email, and I will re-post your question with an answer as an "Ask Anna" posting.Question #1: What is the best way to clean the top of the fan blades?
Answer: The best way to get the top of the fan blades is with a good duster. I highly recommend a wool duster that comes with a telepole. You can buy them at Target or Wal*Mart. The wool dusters are great because they have oils in them that attract the dust and don't let it fly off into the rest of the house. The dusting head, of the one that I have, is at a bit of an angle so it makes it perfect for cleaning the top of hard to reach places like fan blades, plant shelves, the top of cabinets, etc. After I clean each fan I vacuum the duster because it is the quickest, easiest way to trap the dust and dispose of it. I also recommend that you clean your fan blades at least once a month because it won't allow enough time for the dust to build up and it will take you less than a minute to clean each fan!
On the topic of dusting the other thing that I HIGHLY recommend for people that really hate to dust are the Pledge dusting wipes. They are super easy to use and in a matter of minutes you can easily wipe down every surface in your house and your whole house will look sparkling clean.
Question #2: What is the best way to clean those pesky baseboards?
Answer: Well anyone that read confession #2 knows that I hate to clean my baseboards, but if you must here's the best way to do it. I always keep utility clothes on hand (basically they are cheap wash cloths that I bought at Wal*Mart and I use them for EVERYTHING). So start by buying about 5-10 cheap washcloths that will be designated for cleaning purposes only. Then take a bucket, or bowl (depending on how many baseboards you have), and mix about 1/4 cup of bleach and 1 gallon of warm water. Then get down on your hands and knees and scrub away.
Good luck!
I've found that baby wipes work wonders on fan blades, too. It's amazing how resourceful you'll get when you only have a few minutes to clean...
ReplyDeleteThank you Anna, your answers are clear, simple, and detailed!
ReplyDeleteanna-this makes me laugh...but a good direction for you to go in your blog.... if you want to borrow that green cleaning book-miss emily has it right now but you can be next.. the only thing you should know, it's probably going to frustrate you after reading all the bad chemicals in our favorite cleaing productes... but maybe it'll change your way of cleaning to help the earth and yourselves even:) Anyway... your posts are a delight anna!
ReplyDeleteHurry up and read Amy's book so you can direct me on how to clean "green". I have lots of questions....
ReplyDeletehere's my answer to cleaning fan blades. Don't have a ceiling fan. Because I don't...because we live in a cheap apartment...because we can't afford a house...ha ha!
ReplyDeletehow about base boards? ... in our house, they get so dirty ... and how often should I clean our base boards?
ReplyDelete