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Cleaning 101

Let the experts from Real Simple do the dirty work for you -- we've compiled a list of all our favorite cleaning shortcuts, tricks, and must-know tips for the bathroom, kitchen, and living room.

To clean ceiling-fan blades without spilling dust onto the floor, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then grip the case and pull it away, keeping the dirt contained.

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Tip #3

To clean ceiling-fan blades without spilling dust onto the floor, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then grip the case and pull it away, keeping the dirt contained.

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Let gravity work for you. Dust from top to bottom, and save the vacuuming for last. If you dust at the end of your cleaning routine, dirt particles will linger in the air and eventually land back on your surfaces. To stretch out time between dustings, first wipe surfaces using a damp cloth or a microfiber cloth, then vacuum to help remove any remaining dirt.

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Before you wash a wall, consider what it’s covered with. Avoid washing flat emulsion paint, which can be damaged by water (try a dry-cleaning sponge instead). But for gloss paint, mix 20 ounces of water and one tablespoon of dishwashing liquid in a spray bottle. Mist the solution on a wall section, wiping drips with a cloth. Let sit for five minutes, then rinse with a sponge dipped in lukewarm water and wrung out well.

3 of 11 To clean ceiling-fan blades without spilling dust onto the floor, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then grip the case and pull it away, keeping the dirt contained.

To clean ceiling-fan blades without spilling dust onto the floor, slide an old pillowcase over each blade, then grip the case and pull it away, keeping the dirt contained.

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