DIY Network

Cleaning the New House Cleaning the New House From "Talking Dirty With the Queen of Clean" episode DQOC-109

When the sold sign goes up, it's time to make dozens of decisions about your new home. Even if the structure is rock solid and has fabulous potential, there's bound to be something you want to change. A good cleaning is an excellent start for the transformation of a new home.

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Clean one room at a time.

• Inspect walls for damage and marks before washing. Baking soda on a damp cloth acts as a mild abrasive and removes all sorts of marks.

• For washing walls, make a cleaning solution of 1 gallon hot water, 1/2 cup ammonia, 1/4 cup white vinegar and 1/4 cup washing soda. Keep a separate bucket of water on hand for easy rinsing, and use a natural sponge for cleaning; the uneven surface deep-cleans all the nooks and crannies.

• Cut an old towel into strips. Wrap the strips around your wrists and secure with rubber bands (figure A). The strips will keep water from running down your arms when you're cleaning with your arms over your head.

• Wash the walls from the bottom up. Drips are easier to remove from a clean wall and won't leave marks like they do on a dirty wall. Use a circular motion as you wash, then rinse the walls with clear water.

• If cobwebs are in the way, wrap on old towel around a broom and use it to remove them. The long broom handle will let you reach high into room corners to collect the webs.

• Remove light bulbs from light fixtures before cleaning the fixture (figure B). Cleaning with a solution of 2 parts hot water to1 part rubbing alcohol will remove the dirt buildup and leave the glass like new.

• Porcelain tubs can be cleaned by sprinkling a little alum powder on a soft, damp cloth (figure C). Squeeze lemon juice on the alum powder and rub over the tub finish. It may take a few treatments, but this is a great solution for a dingy tub.

• Clean cultured marble by sprinkling a little baking soda on the surface and cleaning with a damp sponge. Rinse, then buff with a soft cloth.

• Brewed tea is an excellent cleaner for all types of wood, since tannic acid is a basic ingredient in wood stains. Use it to clean woodwork paneling and wood floors (figure D). Keep the cloth damp, not wet, and change it when it becomes dirty.

• You can make your own dustcloths one of two ways: Pour 2 cups hot water in a bowl, then add about 2 tablespoons turpentine and a generous squirt of liquid dish soap. Stir with a stick or new paint stirrer. Drop in lint-free cloths and leave in the mixture 8 hours to overnight. Using rubber gloves, ring out the cloths and allow them to air-dry. Store in a covered container.

  Alternatively, mix 1 cup lemon juice with 2 cups warm water. Stir and soak the cloths as before, then wring out and air-dry. Store in a covered container.

  < B>Tip: Use leftover vinyl flooring to line the shelves of the linen closet for a clean and sturdy surface.
  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Moving Day
  	Moving Awkwardly Shaped Items
  	Cleaning the New House
  	Increasing the Market Value of Your Home