My favorite appliance is my double oven. Not because of the convection cooking option, or the built-in temperature probe, or even because there are two of them. No, it’s my favorite because it’s self-cleaning. Cherry cobbler spills over, and burns on like charcoal, and all you do is push a button. In the morning you wipe out a little white ash and you’re done. It’s a miracle!
It’s also an idea that could catch on. In the past I’ve eagerly anticipated the delivery of new appliances, but within a week was sadly wondering where the shiny glow went. You used to be able to count on the washing machine, at least, taking care of its interior, but even the new front-loading washers have to be cleaned or they stink of mildew. Nasty! Self-cleaning could help in lots of areas: When the girls were small I used to wish I had a big floor drain in the kitchen so I could simply hose down the room—maybe the babies, too—after the pureed peas hit the walls. And don’t get me started on soap-scummy shower walls. Thank God and “As Seen on TV” for microfiber cloths.
Someone after my own heart invented the little floor-cleaning robots, Scooba and Roomba. Do they work? Would it be worth it to hock my diamond and buy them, or would they ultimately be as disappointing as the automatic sprayer that promised chubby, rubber-gloved ladies to descend on the bathroom each time we exited?
What’s your favorite cleaning aid? (Mine is my friend Chris who used to clean my house faster than I could do the kitchen. She gave up scrubbing other people’s toilets a few years back; can’t imagine why.) What’s your grand, affordable idea/discovery for streamlining housecleaning? Share, please! I can hear the tiny screams of the dust settling even now. Or is that me?
It’s also an idea that could catch on. In the past I’ve eagerly anticipated the delivery of new appliances, but within a week was sadly wondering where the shiny glow went. You used to be able to count on the washing machine, at least, taking care of its interior, but even the new front-loading washers have to be cleaned or they stink of mildew. Nasty! Self-cleaning could help in lots of areas: When the girls were small I used to wish I had a big floor drain in the kitchen so I could simply hose down the room—maybe the babies, too—after the pureed peas hit the walls. And don’t get me started on soap-scummy shower walls. Thank God and “As Seen on TV” for microfiber cloths.
Someone after my own heart invented the little floor-cleaning robots, Scooba and Roomba. Do they work? Would it be worth it to hock my diamond and buy them, or would they ultimately be as disappointing as the automatic sprayer that promised chubby, rubber-gloved ladies to descend on the bathroom each time we exited?
What’s your favorite cleaning aid? (Mine is my friend Chris who used to clean my house faster than I could do the kitchen. She gave up scrubbing other people’s toilets a few years back; can’t imagine why.) What’s your grand, affordable idea/discovery for streamlining housecleaning? Share, please! I can hear the tiny screams of the dust settling even now. Or is that me?
You make me laugh! - "Hosing down babies..."
ReplyDeleteI hate cleaning with a scorching passion. And I am so slow at it, it literally takes me three days to clean my house. I'm afraid I'm no help here, though, as my solution was to hire a team to come in every other week and do it for me. Like ninja cleaners, they slip in... Whoosh,whoosh,whoosh! ...and they're gone again. Everything is shiny, clean, and sanitized. If I had to, I would hock any of my wordly possessions to pay them to keep coming.
ReplyDeleteI've learned that if I leave the top open on my washing machine until it air dries it doesn't get mildew. Don't know if it would work for a front loader. I suppose my favorite cleaner is the self cleaning oven too. I was getting mildew in my dishwasher until I switched to Palmolive dishwasher soap. I can only get it at Publix, but it keeps the mildew out! One of the hardest places to clean is the water spout in the door of the refrigerator and the inside of the garbage disposal - oh yes, and the little cracks between the different parts of the kitchen faucet - and the WHOLE house! I only wish I were like my friend who actually loves cleaning house!
ReplyDeleteFunny! I, too, hate housecleaning. Luckily, I have a wonderful cleaning lady who says she enjoys cleaning a house, especially my house. While I feel guilty taking advantage of someone who obviously needs meds/counselling/intervention, I soothe my conscience by paying her very well and picking up all tabletop items to make cleaning easier.
ReplyDeleteYep, I hate cleaning the house, too. But I hate a messy house worse, so I do my best to keep things clean as I go. It does get away from me, though. My favorite new "tool" is Clorox wipes. Whip one out, wipe down the counter, sink, toilet, etc., flush and it's done. And for Delia who hates cleaning the garbage disposal, drop in some ice cubes and let it eat them up. It cleans as it disposes.
ReplyDeleteValerie!!!! Since I used to clean your house, I think it's time for you to clean mine!!!!!! Just come when ever-it maybe a little further now than it was back then--but I will give you car allowance!!!!!! My house never is completely cleaned at one time!!! Since I am working full time -I seem not to have enough time to do it like I used to!!!
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