In line with the new norms, I have eased up on my COVID precautions. I have had both my vaccinations so I'm not likely to be contagious to others. If clients have not had their vaccinations or there are children present who haven't, I continue to wear a mask. Where that isn't the case, I talk to my clients about their preferences. If they wish for us to wear masks while I'm at their house I continue to do so, but if they feel safe not wearing a mask (again, those who've been vaccinated), we don't wear masks.

Two practices I have carried over into this post-pandemic time.First, during the pandemic, I was in the habit of using a different vacuum cleaner bag for each house I clean. I like the hygiene of that and continue to do it. Second, I wear rubber gloves for bathroom cleaning and kitchen cleaning (a different pair in each area). 

It's nice to be a little freer after the year we had!

A little vinegar in water is a tried and true recipe for cleaning wood floors. (You don't want to use too much--about a tablespoon in a quart of water.) But even better is distilled water.

​A few years ago the rage in the cleaning industry was using a fancy dispenser that de-ionized water for cleaning floors. At a training with ARCSI, the national house cleaning industry association, I learned that de-ionized water was tested by the association and found to be the best general floor cleaner available. 

Distilled water, available at any supermarket, is a close cousin to de-ionized water and is as effective. So for the best cleaner, skip the vinegar and use distilled water. That's what I use to clean not only wood but all floors.

Here is a brilliant idea I came across for keeping your shower stall and/or bath tub forever clean. It takes a miniscule amount of work but is worth it, if you are so inclined. It's very simple. Have dedicated towel that you use to wipe down all surfaces--tub, walls, doors, chrome--after each shower or bath. It only takes a minute and will save you ever having to clean your tub or shower!  

This comes from a great source which is full of useful cleaning ideas:
https://outlook.live.com/mail/0/id/AQMkADAwATc3AGZmAGUtODE2Ny1kYTE3LTAwAi0wMAoARgAAA9N%2BaaPP5HZKtwtSu1IXe34HAM6y%2Fs5wvIFDumoLzTQihHAAAAIBDAAAAM6y%2Fs5wvIFDumoLzTQihHAABTiBysIAAAA%3D