Hints for Tackling Tough Household Chores

(StatePoint) A long to-do list can seem daunting. But it doesn’t have to. A few strategies can help you be more productive and get tough household chores tackled in record time.

Organize As You Go
The longer you leave certain organizational chores to build up, the more overwhelming they can be to complete. A few key organizational systems can help you stay on top of things.

For example, try getting yourself in the habit of sorting mail as soon as you walk through the door. It’s satisfying to check off an item on your to-do list and this is low hanging fruit. Streamline mail received by signing up for paperless electronic banking and removing your name from unwanted mailing lists.

Reduce clutter by spending just five minutes each evening before bed putting things back where they belong. A shoe rack by the foyer, a big bin for kids’ toys — simple solutions such as these can help you consolidate mess and make the entire home feel cleaner.

Simplify Laundry
Did you know that different stains require different cleaning agents? For example, milk and grass stains require enzyme cleaners, while ink or wine stains require peroxides. Of course, clothes need brighteners and detergents to come out looking their best.

Many laundry boosters don’t contain all of these stain fighters. You can save time — and extend the life of your clothes — by choosing a cleaner that can tackle multiple types of stains. For example, Biz has more stain fighters than other brands, while also brightening clothes.

Stained clothing should be pre-treated with a tough, multi-faceted solution. Rub in pre-treatment gently and wait three to five minutes. Don’t allow it to dry on the fabric. While it’s working its magic, multitask — fold laundry, iron a garment or complete another simple chore. If a garment needs a longer treatment, add the solution to water and soak it in a bucket. Then wash as usual.

Use a stain fighter as an additive in loads of laundry to brighten garments and take care of tougher stains. Independent, third party tests prove that Biz works 80 percent better than detergent alone. More stain-fighting tips can be found at bizstainfighter.com.

Cooking and Clean-Up
It’s takeout time…again. If you’re ordering that pizza pie for the third time this week, consider why. Is it because the thought of cooking and cleaning sounds too tiring at the end of a long day?

Save energy by preparing one large meal at the beginning of the week that can be eaten as leftovers for a few days. Soups and stews age well as the spices really infuse the dish. Also, you can get creative. For example, if you roast a chicken on day one, shred it and use it in tacos on day two and in a chicken salad on day three.

A watched pot never boils. So while the pasta cooks or the cake bakes, use the time wisely. Unload the dishwasher to make way for new items. Set the table. Answer an email.

Don’t let chores get you down. Apply time-saving strategies to make these necessary tasks a cinch.