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Shorter days and cooler nights mean more time spent indoors. For many Americans, this is the perfect season to take simple steps toward a cleaner and more efficient home.

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According to a recent survey by the Cleaning Institute Organization, 96 percent of people think it’s very important to have a clean home. But with family obligations, busy work schedules and extracurricular activities, we sometimes fall short. Here are some useful tips to help prepare your home for the indoor months ahead, making it a fresher and more enjoyable place to be.

Check the perimeter. Carefully inspect the perimeter of your house. Check window frames and entryways, since you may need to re-caulk and add additional weather strips. Clear gutters and chimneys of debris. Be sure to check for insects when putting away items such as garden hoses, outdoor toys and potted plants.   

Store outdoor furniture. Before you store lawn or patio furniture, scrub each piece thoroughly with Arm & Hammer Baking Soda – this natural cleaning method means that you won’t need to worry about harsh chemicals washing off onto your lawn. Baking soda can also be used to eliminate odors from seat cushions or remove the grease from the grill before the off-season.

Wash and weatherize windows. Clean window panes with a simple solution of vinegar and water, which removes the dirt and grime left behind from winds and rainstorms. Then, place storm windows securely on each frame to help keep your house cozy and warm throughout the colder months.

Remember to deodorize. Even if it’s too cold to open the windows, you’ll want your home to smell fresh and clean. Baking Soda is a great option for neutralizing unpleasant odors – from the refrigerator and freezer to the carpets and furniture. Sprinkle it in sports bags, gym shoes, waste baskets, diaper pails and drains.

Shine your floors. With allergies on the rise, it’s important to pay special attention to the floors – use a product that will clean deep-down to get rid of the pollen and dirt that is frequently tracked into the home. Don’t forget to clean baseboards, corners, stairs, in-between the banister spindles, and other hard-to-reach locations where dust often becomes trapped.

Unpack cold weather wear. You carefully put away all sweaters and winter jackets last spring, but that doesn’t mean they haven’t been in contact with dust mites. Remember to launder clothing before returning it to your closets, and take this opportunity to wash curtains and other fabric coverings. Add one cup of Baking Soda to the wash for an added boost when trying to remove tough dirt and odors.

For more helpful tips on using Baking Soda around the home, visit www.armandhammer.com.

What are your tricks to keeping your house clean?