Home Management

Archive for January 28th, 2011

This may also double as a mini laundry room, where underwear and the occasional shirt may be hand washed, or where nappies may be put to soak. Although the room may appear to be clean, regular attention is necessary to destroy germs. Standard equipment varies, but normally there will be a bath, wash basin, W.C. and some kind of cupboard. More luxurious additions may be a hand-shower attachment or separate shower, with cubicle, a bidet, a wash basin installed in a vanitory unit, a heated towel rail. W.C.s may have a high or low level water storage tank and may be installed in a separate room together with a small hand basin. All bathrooms should have a waste bin preferably of plastic or some wipeable surface, with a plastic bin liner. This deals safely with the problem of what to do with soap wrappers, old razor blades, ends of soap, empty shampoo bottles and lavatory rolls and the like. It is also quite useful to keep the linen bin in the bathroom. Encourage the family to throw their discarded clothes into this before bathing instead of on the floor of the bathroom.

Bathroom Routine

Clean mirrors, glass shelves and windows regularly to remove soap splashes, hair spray and toothpaste. Hair spray can be removed with surgical spirit.

The bath – this may be vitreous enameled cast iron, fiber glass or acrylic. If you are considering buying a new bath, remember that acrylic baths are cheaper than cast iron but damage more easily. Avoid harsh cleaners on baths as these will scratch. Cream cleansers are more effective and cause less damage than abrasive powder, and can be used on chrome taps, grab rails and other fittings as well as the bath. If a bath has been badly neglected, fill it with hand hot water, add a biological detergent, and leave this to soak for several hours; when this solution is rinsed away it will remove all the tide marks and other surface grime very satisfactorily.

When choosing equipment for washing clothes from the very wide range available, there are a number of points to consider:
Space: What is available? Will the machine fit under a working surface? Will one appliance stack on top of another?

Cost: How much can you afford to pay? Do you want to pay outright or by a hire purchase arrangement?

Size: How many members in your family? Do you have a large wash every week or several times a week?

Time: How much can you give to the job? Here, the choice between single, twin tub and automatic would be important.

Before buying Inspect various models in each type and compare prices, finishes, etc. Many shops offer good discounts on electrical goods. Enquire about after sales servicing and owners club schemes they will save you money

Washing Machines
There are three main types which include single tubs, twin tubs and automatic machines.

Single tubs washing machines are semi automatic and they are e the cheapest. These compact machines remove the bulk of the water, but do not get clothes dry. Twin tubs are also semi automatic. Combine wash tub and spin drier. They can be quite expensive and do not take large loads or very bulky items. Automatic machines come in two types like top loading with central paddle and horizontal drum automatic which can be front or top loading. Both types carry out all the washing processes.

Drying Equipment

Wringers – Hand operated or electrical. Do not get clothes dry enough for ironing.
Spin driers – can extract 80 percent of water from clothes. Their loads must be distributed evenly.
Tumble driers – Before use, consider the time and the heat required for drying and the movement of clothes – do not overload. Wipe them out and remove fluff from filter after use.