A Not-so-desperate Housewife's Crash Course In Speed-cleanin

Who wants to stay home and clean for hours when it's beautiful outside? Let's face it, cleaning is a chore many of us would like to avoid.

For eternal procrastinators, guilt about not thoroughly cleaning the house increases considerably when the ghosts of spring-cleaning come knocking on their doors.

The good news is that there are some new cleaning devices that can move your cleaning speed into high gear.

But what about results? Cutting cleaning time doesn't necessarily mean cutting corners. Laura Deluttri, author of "SpeedCleaning 101," offers this advice on how to make your home sparkle in half the time.

* Put on great music and clean to the beat. The faster the beat, the quicker you'll move. You will have more fun and clean faster.

* Give your cleaning closet a makeover. Get rid of your broom and ultra-heavyweight vacuum. Shark's next-generation sweepers, such as the Shark Cordless Intelligent 3 Speed Sweeper, have the ability to pick up messes normal brooms and vacuums can't handle. At just under 5 pounds, this device is rechargeable and works cordless for 60 minutes - a first in the industry.

* Get rid of old-fashioned cleaning habits, especially in your kitchen. Paper towels, for instance, are inefficient because they leave lint behind and are wasteful since you throw them away after each use. Discover what European chefs have known for years. The best way to clean up spills, dry off kitchen tools or wipe down counters is with the ChefTowl. Lightweight, durable and machine washable, this natural fabric can soak up more than 10 times its weight, yet a simple wringing will quickly release all of the liquid it has absorbed.

* Use new high-tech tools. Hand vacs will choke on broken glass, cooked food and metal. Use the Shark Cordless Mini Hand Sweeper to clean up any countertop messes. Unlike a hand vac, it works up to 90 minutes on a single charge and is more compact.

* Start at the top and work your way down. Use extension dusters for the high surfaces.

* Use vacuums that reach behind and underneath your furniture. This will help prevent wear and tear on your body. The cordless sweepers have one of the lowest profiles available.

* Embrace natural cleaning methods and use nontoxic products for a healthier home. Stop drowning your house in toxic cleaning materials. Instead, use lemon oil on porous wood surfaces. Lemon oil will treat the wood and restore the moisture and shine. It also will cover scratches.

Use the Shark Steam Bottle, a nontoxic all-natural cleaner that sanitizes surfaces and loosens dirt with steam heat, to clean your kitchen, bathroom and more. No scrubbing or chemicals are required.

By: Ralph King