Household 'chore' energy saving tips.....

[KellyG999]

I have a big stash of microfiber cloths too! I constantly use them to wipe up then wash them all together in hot water.

I find that I NEED cleaning products, but I but organic/toxin free so I get a nice light clean without breathing in the chemicals in regular store bought cleaners.

As a side note, the same is true for personal care products. I NEED good shampoo, conditioner, body wash, face cream. So I buy organic - no parabens or phlthalates. Why the FDA continues to allow those cancer causing chemicals out there is beyond me. I especially wonder about people who use those spray airfreshners that continually pump garbage into your lungs. Yikes. Hope I didn't offend anyone, but I truly believe that stuff is dangerous, to us as well as children, elderly, etc.

I have a Dyson "animal" vacuum, no bags just a quick empty of the container, plus hepa filters. LOVE IT.

KellyG 

[AnaGamble]

I have a Dyson "animal" vacuum, no bags just a quick empty of the container, plus hepa filters. LOVE IT.

That's the type of vacuum I dream of having in the house, the current one seems to just throw all the dust up in the air again.

[KellyG999]

Ana - I have two big dogs and a cat. Without a good vacuum, we'd literally drown in pet hair!!!

Lucky I love those pets!

[Carolina]

Amen to Joe!

Do one thing, then stop.

I do as little as possible.  My husband starts the vacuuming which is my most hated task.

I have a lamb's wool duster (not for the allergic of course) and can occasionally dust a dresser or whatever without moving anything.

I put everything on the bathroom counters into a plastic box, clean the counters and the mirrors, then wipe
off stuff as I put it back.  Oh, I use the vacuum hose to clean the counter before I wash it, to pick up the pieces of stuff that seem to 'appear' in our house,

I use that Tilex shower cleaner when I shower.

I LIKE to wash clothes, and run the dishwasher, so that's no problem.

When we remodel the kitchen soon, the dishwasher will be raised about 6 inches or so off the floor.  It will make loading and unload sooo much easier.  This is the first house I've been able to move the dishwasher this way.  Can't wait.

I make lists, being a bit organized helps.

I've also learned that somethings that are put off, wind up not even having to be DONE!  yay

I have rule:  if it can't be washed and dried in the drier, or washed in the dishwasher, it isn't right for my house.  If it has to be ironed, forget about it.

My husband folds and puts his own underwear away.  And I hang everything on hangers right out of the dryer.

No special magic secrets.

Hugs

Elaine

[Cricket]

I empty the dishwasher by sitting on a chair and put dishes on the counter, then I can stand to put them away.

I have a Romba vacum and that helps, then every few months my daughter comes and vacuums.

[AnaGamble]

Ana - I have two big dogs and a cat. Without a good vacuum, we'd literally drown in pet hair!!!

Lucky I love those pets!

Don't envy that cleaning KellyG999.
Grew up with a St Bernard and a Norwegian Forrest cat, we used to use a rubber scraper before vacuuming to not fill the whole bag with just fur. 
I do NOT miss that, got only a dog atm crossbreed between Whippet and German Shepherd.
He's got all the pretty facial makeup, tail and ears of a German Shepherd but with a typical tan Whippet colour on rest of body and with white stomach.
He can bring a smile to my face no matter what sort of day I'm having.

[soycoffee]

This saves a lot of cleaning in the kitchen, but won't fit every liestyle (or diet).

I use *only* a microwave for cooking, with glass utensils. I microwave-bake fish on a glass plate, with a coating of dill. From the top setting of ten, I dial it down to 7.

I microwave-bake chicken on a glass plate, with a coating of Mrs Dash Chicken Grilling Blend Salt-free (tm) on one side, and a dusting of Bell's Turkey Seasoning (tm) on the other.  Also dial this down to 7. Cooking time is quite short, depending on the cut of chicken -- I get either chicken tenders or Purdue Perfect Portions. Similar cuts without skin or great thickness would work. A culinary-student visitor pronounced it excellent! (Oh, if you need salt, add it individually after cooking.)

Soycoffee

[bloodless]

Use cabinets. They hide a world of stuff. I spot mop with my feet often. Just a damp cloth thrown on the floor and I shuffle. Sounds funny, but if you do it often, you don't have to mop the floor as often. I find that very painful.

[Mrs.Crary]

A bar stool has been my lifesaver. Perfect height for cooking and tidying the kitchen, doing bathroom counters & mirrors, loading & changing the wash, cutting and pressing fabric (we're plain & I make most of mine & my girls' skirts and dresses).

Unfortunately,  I had to leave my barstool and Roomba behind in my last move (long story), so I need to replace them both. Great lifesavers though!

- Mrs. Crary

[YYC_ Mommy]

I too have an iRobot vaccum and I love it! It is almost like having my own private maid:) It is a job that often end up causing me great pain and discomfort but with the iRobot I just push a button and it does the rest.

Now if only I could find an iRobot that will clean out my fridge as I detest that job.