The tools I use around the house for cleaning have not changed tremendously over the past 40 years. Scrub brushes are the constants. What I use with the scrub brush has changed more than the tool itself; I’m all for the ‘greener’ cleaners like soda and vinegar - always relying on the brush to get the cleaner to the scum on the shower base or the worn-in dirt from heavy traffic areas of the carpet. My favorite brush is one that has a handle that allows a comfortable grip and keeps my hand well above the fray of dirt and cleaner.
I have another brush with a long handle made out of recycled plastic that I use for scrubbing vegetables or getting the larger clumps of food off dishes going into the dishwasher. The brush itself goes through the dishwasher cycle as well.
I remember using steel wool and soap-filled pads in the past but I don’t seem to need them as much these days. We do our grilling on a gas grill and burn off the mess rather than scrubbing it off. Soaking and the dishwasher handles most of the other kitchen messes.
I’ve tried various kinds of mops for non-carpeted floors. I have an old sponge mop which I haven’t used in years. It’s been so long that the sponge is probably rotten. The bucket sees more action than the old mop. The Swiffer is my current choice although I do not like the idea of creating trash with the pads. On the plus side, I find that I don’t need to mop all that frequently since we take our shoes off at the door if they are messy.
And what about brooms? I found one that has a dust pan attached in my basement that I don’t remember having. Did my daughter leave it here when she moved cross country? I tend to use a vacuum cleaner - and this series of posts is steering clear of electronic tools - rather than a broom. The brooms we use are relegated to outdoor jobs like sweeping leaves from the garage or deck.
One of my goals in 2013 is to develop more discipline when it comes to ‘stuff’. I am posting monthly document my progress on this year long project. It is not quite the forcing function that moving would provide but (hopefully) will be enough of a reminder to keep focused.
