We live in such a demanding world. We have to work, work, work, make dinner, and we're expected to clean too? And what with all the chemicals and cleaning gadgets on the market, it's an overwhelming job. But if you really want to learn how to clean anything, here are some basic tools you should have. We're lucky: Our great-grandmothers didn't have any of this newfangled stuff, and their houses were usually cleaner than our own!



Chemicals - You'll be able to clean just about anything if you just keep some basic liquid cleansers and chemicals around. First, ammonia. Ammonia is a great tool to use in solutions where you want clarity. If you want to mop floors, wipe stainless steel, and sine up glass and windows, ammonia is wonderful mixed in wonder.

To polish up some dull items and get them shining again, you'll want lemon juice. This acidic liquid is good for the job. Bleach is a necessity as well, for removing stains from white items, and for killing mold and mildew.

However, always remember that ammonia and bleach are mortal enemies! The fumes created by mixing these two chemicals are deadly! Don't do this at home (or anywhere else for that matter)! To tackle the really challenging cleaning jobs, use cream of tartar and salt. You probably already have them stocked in your spice cabinet. With these items on hand, you'll be prepared for how to clean anything.

Large tools - A good broom and dust pan, a dust mop or Swiffer, and probably a vacuum. Depending on the kind of flooring you have, all three of these tools are considered necessities for many households.

You may prefer the mop and bucket like many other people if you have linoleum or tiled flooring. Got dusty ceiling fan blades and cobwebs hanging in the corners of your ceiling? You'll want a long-handled duster for these jobs.

Small tools - Basically wiping tools such as sponges, wags, and a couple of microfiber clothes. These are considered the staples of cleaning tools. You can make your own rags from worn out men's undershirts and old cloth diapers. Sponges should be replaced on a regular basis, as they can hold germs. Microfiber cloths come in two varieties.

Nubby or napped, the first kind of cloth is mostly used for dust and general household cleaning. The second is smooth, meant for delicate surfaces like electronic screens.