Quick Tips For Weekend Warriors (NAPSA)—Anytime can be a good time for some heavy-duty cleaning. In a weekend’s time, there are several easy ways to make major improvements to your home, without a lot of elbow greaseor cash outlay. First, get organized and figure out exactly what you want to tackle. Make a checklist before beginning any project and be sure to have the proper products on hand. Also, remember to wear comfortable clothes that you won’t mind getting dirty. Listed below are a few key projects that can make a dramatic difference to the look and feel of your home. Clear The Clutter Makea vow toget rid of clutter for good. Create efficient storage spaces with plastic bins or wicker baskets and use them to separate and put away sporting goods, garden tools, toys, etc. (While you’re at it, separate seldom-used items to give to charity.) In addition, cut down on clutter throughout the year by putting catchall containers such as baskets near entryways for mail, shoes and other items that tend to get tossed onto the floor. For added organization, paint baskets different colors for different items with a durable and decorative spray paint such as Rust-Oleum’s Painter’s Touch. Wash Those Windows Thoroughly wash windowsboth inside and outside with a good cleaning solvent. Take a trip to the local hardware store and invest in a sponge/squeegeeset for quicker and better results. Before reinstalling screens, lightly scrub them with mild soap and water andlet air dry, to remove dust and SW [ dirt that has settled. For any rusting frames, sand and spray with a rust-preventive paint such as Stops Rust. Fabric Care 101 Vacuum any dust off of draperies, remove and let air outside on a clothesline for a few hours. Send dirtier drapes and curtains off to the dry cleaners. Checkall upholstery for spots and stains and remove with a gentle upholstery cleaner. Switch heavy winter fabric covers and throw pillows for lighter-weight fabrics such as cotton and linen. Take the opportunity to bring a little spring into your home with new colors and patterns. A Quick Fix For Floors— With No Sanding Taking a good look at your wood floors can be thestart of a quick and easy makeover with the most dramatic difference. The Varathane Renewal” Wood Floor Restoring System is a simple three-step process that revives lightly damaged floors that are worn, scuffed, and/or have minor scratches in the finish. Varathane Renewalis an extremely easy doit-yourself refinishing system that can be found in hardware and home improvement centers and will not change the original floor color, requires no special equipment, sanding, special ventilation or previous experience.
