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How to Get Your Home at Sendera Barton Creek Ready for Houseguests

August 18, 2016 by

The next time you host guests in your home, prepare in advance by setting a game plan well ahead of time. These smart and stress-free tips will show you exactly how to get your home ready for houseguests, even if you don’t exactly have a separate guest wing to work with.

  1. Create a designated space. Everyone likes to have a feeling of privacy and a place to decompress, which you can easily create for your guests even if you don’t have a closed-off guestroom. Simply give them free run of a living room or den, or create your own guest quarters by investing in a room divider.
  2. Test out the bed. Since you don’t normally sleep in the guest bed (or air mattress, or sofa…), it’s always smart to test it out first to ensure its comfort. If it’s not up to snuff, add a foam mattress topper, more blankets, or other affordable improvements.
  3. Create an overnight kit. Stock a small caddy with shower supplies, water bottles, pain relievers, and snack bars, as well as anything else that your guests might ask for.
  4. Change the linens. Be sure to put clean, fresh-smelling sheets on the bed and provide enough clean towels for all of your guests.
  5. Feel out their schedules. Once they arrive, work around their schedules to prevent stepping on any toes.

Make Your Overnight Guests Feel at Home [Southern Living]
Hosting Overnight Guests [Life Your Way]
Real Life Advice: Hosting Guests Without a Guestroom [Apartment Therapy]
Getting Ready for Overnight Guests [Real Simple]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

How to Get the Most Mileage Out of Your Vacuum Cleaner

September 17, 2015 by

Your vacuum cleaner is one of the most expensive tools in your home’s cleaning arsenal, which is why it's important to keep up with its maintenance. Whether your vacuum is brand new or a decade old, here are a few tips to help you get the most mileage out of your vacuum cleaner.

  1. Check the bag frequently. One of the easiest and most straightforward ways to keep your vacuum in top condition is by replacing the bag as soon as it is full. You won’t know if it’s full unless you check it, however, so be sure to open it up every couple of weeks.
  2. Clean the brush. This often-overlooked part of the vacuum is essential for its performance, so be sure to remove it and clean it as well. Take scissors to any hairs that are wrapped around it, and remove fuzz with your fingers.
  3. Lubricate any spinning parts. The wheels and the bearings in your vacuum take a lot of pressure with every use, so keep them spinning smoothly by adding a common lubricant every few months.
  4. Check the belt. Many vacuum problems stem from a worn-out belt, so check yours frequently. If it is stretched out or broken, you can easily replace it with a brand new version.

How to Maintain a Vacuum Cleaner [WikiHow]
How To Maintain Your Vacuum Cleaner [Housekeeping Channel]
Vacuum Cleaner Maintenance: How to Clean a Vacuum [Cleanipedia]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , , ,

4 Tips for Speed Cleaning the Bathroom

December 4, 2014 by

Let's face it: Cleaning the bathroom is a dirty job, but somebody's got to do it! These simple tips will help you to speed clean your bathroom quickly and effectively, even if you only have a few minutes.

  1. Invest in the right tools. Things like sponges and buckets are much more trouble than they’re worth when it comes to speed cleaning the bathroom. Stock up on pre-soaked cleaning wipes to clean surfaces, and then toss them out when you’re done. Microfiber cloths clean glass mirrors without forming streaks, and a sturdy toilet brush is always a great investment.
  2. Start with the toilet. The toilet is likely the dirtiest thing in your bathroom, so tackle it first. Pour one cup of bleach inside, brush the sides with a toilet brush, and then let it sit while you move on to the next task. At the conclusion of your cleaning routine, flush the bleach down the toilet and you’re good to go!
  3. Clean surfaces. Using a separate cleansing wipe, wipe your sink, faucets, and bathtub or shower. Separate wipes help to avoid cross-contamination between surfaces.
  4. Tidy up. If you don’t have time to wash all of your damp bath towels, simply straighten them on their racks. Be sure to replace the hand towel, however, as this is used much more frequently.

Speed Cleaning: Tips to De-Scum Your Bathroom [Good Housekeeping]
How to Speed Clean Your Bathroom [CNN]
Simplify the Season: Speed Clean Your Bathroom [Clean Mama]
Speed Cleaning Tips from Professional Cleaners [Organized Home]

Filed Under: Miscellaneous Tagged With: , ,

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