June 08, 2026
Greetings!
Keeping a home clean doesn't have to mean working harder, it often just means working smarter. This week I'm sharing a few simple cleaning tricks that can save time, reduce waste, and make everyday chores a little bit easier.
From getting better results from your dishwasher to safely picking up broken glass and making sure your cleaning tools are actually helping instead of hurting, these quick tips can make a world of difference.
Let's get thrifty!
Kris
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Skip The Rinse Before Loading The Dishwasher
Stop rinsing your dishes before putting them in the dishwasher. You will save water and your time, and you will end up with cleaner dishes. Dishwasher detergent powders, liquids, and tablets contain enzymes and other ingredients that are meant to attach themselves to food particles to dissolve the mess and then allow the spray action of the water to flush them away.
When you rinse your dirty dishes, the detergent is wasted because it can't cling to anything. However, it is still important to scrape away large amounts of food before loading dishes into the dishwasher.
Pick up Broken Glass with Ease
When glass breaks, practice safety first. Put on your shoes and keep everyone (including your pets) away until the glass is gone. Use kitchen tongs to pick up the large shards. Sweep up as much as you can that's still on the floor or carpet. Then use a piece of fresh bread, a sliced potato, several layers of wet paper towels, or a lint roller to get the final tiny shards up.
Clean Your Cleaning Tools
To get the cleaning results you want, always use clean tools. A dirty mop does not absorb dirt well and leaves residue on the floor, and a vacuum that is filled with dust can't clean well. Dusters filled with grit can leave scratches on surfaces. Clean supplies afer every use so they are ready to go when you are.
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