SOYOUWANNA CLEAN YOUR APARTMENT?

3. TARGET SPECIFIC SURFACES

Since you're reading this article, we know you're not exactly Alice from The Brady Bunch. Still, we're sure even an uninformed slacker like you can handle simple tasks like sweeping and vacuuming without our help. Hey, we're not that patronizing.

So we'll skip the moronic tutorials and focus on how to deal with specific surfaces in your home that are relatively easy to clean - yet still not mindless. If you're looking for real cleaning challenges, though, feel free to skip this and go on to the next step.

Wood furniture
Plastic and Formica countertops
Kitchen floors

Wood furniture

Wood furniture is delicate, so it needs a little extra TLC. If you're cleaning a wood dresser, for example, you should first remove all lamps, trinkets and framed pictures (like the one of you and that cardboard cutout of Mr. T). Dust lightly with a soft cloth or feather duster, and then finish off the job by polishing with a soft cloth and wood cleaning polish (the more lemony-smelling the better). Polish helps seal and protect the wood, which helps keep it looking like new.

Plastic and Formica countertops

Plastic and Formica surfaces are more versatile than wood, so they're easier to clean. They're also more likely to be very dirty. For areas that are not very dirty, you can just use plain soap and water and lightly go over the surface until it is shiny. If your countertops are somewhat stained, you should use warm water and a household cleaner like Formula 409. If you have particular stains, create a solution of baking soda and water and use a toothbrush to scrub it out. For the most difficult stains, try bleach - but make sure not to let the bleach remain on your surface for more than 90 seconds. And rinse the area thoroughly with water afterwards.

Kitchen floors

Start out by sweeping the floor to get rid of all crumbs, hairs and other unfortunate debris. Move tables, chairs and other obstacles out of the way if possible. Fill a bucket with hot water and floor cleaner (mix it according to the ratio listed on the back of the bottle). Dip in your mop and wring it out well - if it's too wet your floor will be a sopping, slippery mess. Go over the floor in straight lines, pushing extra hard on stubborn stains or spots. If you're using a rag mop, swirl the head in figure-eight shapes. Remember to rinse and re-wring the mop periodically. When you're done, be sure to let the floor dry before walking on it.