Glad I don't have to do this! (photo by Francois Schnell)

My neighbor’s house across the street always looks clean. (Inside, too.) My home seems to suffer by comparison…But one thing I notice immediately is how clean Mary’s windows are. No bird droppings, no oily hand prints, and no dog-nose smudges. And no screens! I think the “no screens” thing is the main reason her windows are so pristine. (I like you in spite of your neat and sparkly house, Mary.)

Windows aren’t my only problem. I tend to let things go for a while, and then I go totally berserk, spinning madly into a cleaning frenzy. My house is approaching the point of no return, so a frenzy is imminent. It’s Do or Die; Now or Never…You get my point. (What would the FlyLady say? You don’t know the FlyLady? Check her out at www.flylady.net. Lots of tips, lists, and encouragement.)

I’m getting a late start today, but the time has come. Watch out dirt, dog hair, dust bunnies, and smudged windows. Your days are numbered. I need a plan–and lots of energy. And this time, I’ll remember the windows.

It’s kind of messy for your hands, but try newspaper instead of a roll of paper towels when cleaning windows and mirrors. It really adds some sparkle! I’ve heard of using vinegar and warm water as a quick, good, homemade solution. I might try that over Windex. We’ll see…What’s your best cleaning solution for glass?

Wish me luck. It’s a jungle in here.