Speedy Spring Cleaning (NAPSA)—As winter draws to a close, sweet dreams of spring with gloriously blooming gardens, songbirds and sun come into focus. But the reverie is shattered—it’s also time for spring cleaning! Today’s busy lifestyle, where almost everyone works long hours outside the home, doesn’t leave much time for deep cleaning and yet we yearn for that newly cleaned feeling that makes a home feel springtime fresh. Here are a few tips that make it manageable: 1. Break up the job into manageable tasks. Tackle a couple of items each weekend. While it may take a bit longer to finish, you won’t feel overwhelmed or have to sacrifice precious family time. 2. Cut the clutter. Sort through that pile of papers and magazines and donate old clothes to charity. Pack up items that are cluttering the tabletops, shelves and corners. Rooms will seem more spacious and organized. 3. Start at the top. Using a duster with extension pole to reach the ceiling, brush away cobwebs and clean the ceiling fan blades. Wash glass fixtures in warm, soapy water. 4. Windows. Take the sweat out of window cleaning with a tip from the pros—throw away the spray cleaners and paper towels. A high-quality squeegee, such as the Ettore Master™ squeegee, available for less than $10, produces streak-free windowsin half the time. For high windows, opt for an extension pole instead of dangerous ladders. 5. Window Screens. Maximize the benefits of your windowwashing efforts by cleaning the screens. Brush off excess dirt and follow with a good sudsing using a high-quality window scrubber and mild soap. Rinse and let dry before rehanging. 6. Window coverings. For blinds, a cloth dampened with an all-purpose liquid cleaner will do A few hints can help you put some good clean fun into your spring. the job. Wash curtains and rehang them fresh from the dryer to avoid wrinkling. Revive dusty drapes by removing the hooks and tossing them in the dryer on “air only” setting with a damp towel for 1015 minutes. 7. Bedding. Wash and put away flannel sheets, winter comforters and quilts. Bring out the lightweight coverlets and springy floral sheets to bring a bit of nature indoors. 8. Woodwork and Walls. With all-purpose cleaner in hand, spot-clean woodwork and walls in each room, especially doors, doorways and the area around doorknobs and drawers. 9. Carpets. If carpets don’t warrant shampooing, spot-clean heavy traffic areas and otherplaces wheredirt has accumulated. 10. Foliage. Add a touch of spring to your dcor with fresh flowers and plants. For even less maintenance, check out the wide array of high-quality silks available. So don’t be a slave to spring cleaning. Make quick work of it and enjoy the fruits of your labor. For more information about the Ettore line of Master™ squeegees, scrubbers, extension poles, dusters and professional window cleaning solution, visit a hardware store or home center near you or visit their web-
