Living In Your Staged Home: Clean, clean again

There are a lot of awesome cleaning products on the market. Many come with their own, disposable applicators (mop pads, cleaning wipes). This really bothered me because, while I loved the convenience of the product, I hated (a) spending money just to throw the applicator away, (b) thinking about what all those tossed applicators were doing in the landfills.

One day, in the local all-a-dollar store, I found a packet of 20 white cotton wash cloths. These border on being paper-thin, but are very strong. I bought two packs. Then, I got a bucket, a bottle of generic cleaner, furniture polish, and a bottle of white vinegar. I carry the wash cloths, the generic cleaners, and a few specialized cleaners (for special products like granite) in the bucket. Tied to the bucket handle, I have the drawstrings that close a plastic bag.

When I clean house, I use the wash cloths and the cleaners. When a wash cloth gets dirty, or when the specific purpose (like furniture polishing) is complete, the cloths go in the plastic bag. When I am through cleaning, I transport the plastic bag to the laundry where the wash cloths are washed.

When I mop, the wash cloths fit on the solid surface, flat 'mop' I use. Too cool.

In this way, I reuse the cloths, my garbage load is reduced, I save money, and the landfill rests in peace.

Almost three years, two houses, and the original packs of cloths are still going strong. Oh sure, a little stained, worn in spots...yep, in another year or so I will have to go find another pack.

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There is a theory, held by some stagers, that cleaning products should be hidden. That we do not want to remind buyers that they are going to have to clean the house.

I do not agree with that theory.

I think a clean house in combination with the products used to do the cleaning, sends a message to potential buyers that the owners care for the house. This makes the house more trustworthy, a good thing, emotionally.

I do tell my clients that, because cleaning products can be toxic or cause bad reactions when touched, all such products should be stored out of reach of children. Buyers visiting a house may bring their children. We do not want those children exploring and playing with chemicals. We do not want parents worrying about whether their children are safe in the house - this is altogether the wrong emotional message.

So, use 'em frequently (even if you have a weekly cleaning service, you may need to clean between visits), and store 'em high!

Happy Tuesday!