Hints from Heloise

Dear Readers: When you’re at your getaway home, cabin in the woods or place at the beach, river or lake, you want to enjoy your downtime as much as possible. However, household cleaning still needs to be done. Darn it. Here are a few hints to help keep things tidy without taking too much time:

“Start with choosing one thing a day in the kitchen area, which is usually the center of activity. Clean a stove top, straighten one cabinet or refrigerator shelf (be sure to check expiration dates) or clean out just five things from any drawer.

“Vacuum, mop or sweep only the high-traffic areas. Put on an attachment and vacuum a bookcase, lampshade, tabletop or even picture frames.

“Keep a roll of paper towels in bathrooms for quick cleanups. Line the trash can with a plastic bag, newspaper or a brown grocery bag to keep it clean. Use your bath towel or a squeegee to wipe down the shower walls and door after each shower.– Heloise