Despite being a PC…the show must go on! And today, after all, is Friday…even though at my home it feels eerily like a Monday.
So…what’s up for grabs during this round of Freebie Friday? None other than the book Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Home. And here’s the best part: five copies are up for grabs!
So let me tell you a little bit about this book, because it really is a gem. First, here’s what the publisher has to say about the book:
When Thelma Meyer tells it to you, she tells it straight: Clean the kitchen daily! Don’t waste anything (not even the water leftover from those potatoes you just boiled)! Always work hard!
Now for the first time, Thelma’s sage advice is being made available in this revolutionary cleaning guide chock full of practical tips and secrets based on the premise that life is hectic and messy. With shortcuts and tips for cleaning the kitchen, bathroom, bedroom and living room, MRS. MEYER’S CLEAN HOME contains unexpected advice such as:
- Never use vinegar and water on wood floors. One part dish soap and four parts water is the only way to truly get them clean. And remember to buff with a terrycloth towel.
- Always clean out the fridge before grocery shopping. Serve the kids “Musko” (“must go”) for dinner, using the items that were fast approaching expiration.
- Wash windows on a cloudy day to avoid the nasty streaking that happens when the sun’s out and glass dry too fast.
And here’s my two cents. Thelma raised 9 kids! Nine. Kids. I always think there’s a lot to learn from the Mom of a big family. And Thelma doesn’t disappoint. Some of my favorite things about this book includes the cute graphics, like those shown above and the cleaning schedule of what to clean when, including daily, weekly, monthly and seasonal checklist. Oh, and that’s the other thing…there are all sorts of nifty lists, charts and quick tips. Plus, there’s great tidbits of wisdom like this: “…when you stay on top of things it’s so much easier in the long run.” So true…I remind myself that every time I scrub the shower!
So…that’s what’s up for grabs! Pretty fun, wouldn’t you say? And entering to win is super easy. Simply leave a comment including your name and a favorite cleaning tip. What do you do that saves you time or sanity when it comes to keeping that home of yours clean? I can’t wait to hear all your great ideas!
I’ll keep the comments open until Sunday (May 17, 2009) at 9 PM central, and all FIVE winners will be announced on Monday (barring any further explosions of personal computers, of course.) Good luck and have a great weekend!
Oh, and thanks to Hachette Book Group for this great giveaway!
Sweet giveway! Sounds very fun and useful. Also, wanted to let you know that one of your organized & inspired books is up at ebay. I already have one but I know that some people are looking for a copy still. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=280343723018
Put a cup of vinegar in your dishwasher and then run it empty to clean it.
– Ashley
ooooohhhhh – I like that. . .
Hillary
I love Mrs. Meyer’s products! I hadn’t been able to find them near me and then surprise – I found some at Marshall’s (or maybe it was T.J. Maxx). Anyway, this is probably a no brainer, but I found keeping a stash of cleaning supplies under every sink in the house really helps. Then I don’t have to drag out my tote of supplies. Sometimes that first step towards a project is the hardest and with the things I need at hand, I have no excuse! Thanks for the chance to win. =)
Get your partner to pitch in…that’s my favorite cleaning tip
I just learned a few months ago to clean my windows with newspaper – really helps keep the streaks down. I think everyone knew this but me. 🙂
I would love this book. My cleaning tip is that I try and have a place for everything so that I can easily put things away (and the others in the house too!). Thanks!
One thing to do is put your garbage bags in the bottom of the trash can and when you empty your next bag is right there. Another is once you declutter have a place for everything and put it back once you’re done using it. It makes cleaning so much easier and faster since picking up is already done. Thanks for a chance to win! I’ll have to come back and read the comments for some great tips. 🙂
Oh my!!! I have been eyeing this book (and hinting to the hubby) for a LONG time! I would die to have this book!
My favorite cleaning tip came from my husbands grandmother: Clean dried egg off patterned tableware with a slice of lemon!
It works every time!
Oooohhhh…. this sounds like a wonderful book. I have tile countertops and just this week tried Purple Power spray to clean the grout and it worked like a dream. It’s biodegradable and works fast! Hope this helps someone that has problem grout like I do.
Thanks for a chance to win the book. *Ü*
I keep shower/tile cleaner in the shower and spray it on every few days. It keeps the shower clean without having to ever scrub it!
This book is right up my alley! The best tip I’ve got is one you already know: vinegar and water cleans almost anything! Cheap, environmental. AND vinegar helps to repel pets from urinating on an area!
My favorite cleaning tip was to use newspaper to clean mirrors instead of paper towels. Doesn’t streak.
What a fabulous giveaway! And just in time for spring cleaning (maybe end-of-spring cleaning).
While cleaning I like to practice the “don’t go it alone” method. Whenever I leave a room or walk through a room I make sure I pick up something doesn’t belong and take it with me. For instance, if I am going into the kitchen I will look around for any dishes or trash and take it with me. If I am headed to the bedroom I will take any clothes, shoes, backpacks, etc. with me. This makes cleaning easier and faster.
Another tip I have is to only touch something once. If you use the last of the cereal make sure you only touch it once. Throw away the bag and take the box to the recycle instead of leaving the box on the counter in a “wait till I go that way pile” Or when I get a can of soda I will rinse it out, crush it an recycle it all at one time. This really cuts down on the cleaning I have to do later.
I love Caldrea products (www.caldrea.com) And, my favorite cleaning tip is window wash with vinegar and water.
So true about staying on top of things! We have had our house up for sale, so every day I wipe down the sinks & mirrors…it is much better than trying to do it weekly after it gets grungy!
One thing we do when we don’t really want to clean is to set a timer for 20 mins. and go on a cleaning binge. You’d be suprised at how much two people can get done in 20 minutes! Most times we’re motivated enough to keep working!
My favorite tip is to fill the sink with soapy water while making a meal – then the dishes are ready to load in the dishwasher without any scrubbing right after we eat.
I keep dryer sheets in the bottom of my kitchen trash can, the back of my fridge, and in my linen closet just to keep it smelling extra fresh.
For cleaning the bathrooms, I spray the shower down, clean everything else top to bottom, then go back and finish the shower and tub. The cleanser has had time to do all the “grunt” work by then so I don’t have to!
~J
Not sure if this is a tip, but I love my swiffer cloths for hardwood floors and my swiffer duster! I use microfiber cloths to clean just about everything- no chemicals needed, just add water.