Spring cleaning essentials
 

Beijing Weekend

It crawls up nostrils. It nests in hair. It lodges itself between teeth and - ouch! - burrows under contact lenses. And let's not forget the gritty mess that's sure to ensue if someone has the temerity to open a window.

Such is life during a Beijing spring, season of dust in the wind.

Though it is reported that there will be fewer sandstorms in Beijing, it is beyond doubt that your place needs more cleaning attention now than at any time in the year.

Check now to see if everything you need to keep your house clean, safe and running smoothly is at hand.

Garment storage covered rack

The flame-retardant cover will ensure that stored clothing remains dry and dust-free.

Moreover, the hook-and-eye fastening strip running down each side allows easy access to clothes.

Price : Around 148 yuan (US$18)

Fold-away ladder

When folded down, this easy-to-position ladder easily stows away in a closet or alongside a refrigerator. In moments, it unfolds to form a full, double-sided step-ladder perfect for reaching high shelves, hanging outdoor lights, and all hard-to-reach places. Four heavy-gauge, spring-loaded locks ensure stability.

The sturdy unit supports up to 250 pounds, and its lightweight aluminum frame resists rust, dents and scratches for a lifetime of dependable use.

Price: 120 yuan (US$15)

Dust band

Apply the band to the frames of windows and doors so as to fill in gaps, thus keeping dust and noise at bay.
Price: 1.2 yuan each roll (1.5 metres)

Dust Guster

It is no exaggeratation to say that vaccuum cleaners have become an indespensible part of modern houses in Beijing. This lightweight model is definitely a helping hand in dealing with the ubiquitous dirt found, well, everywhere! With three knock-down heads that can reach just about anywhere to harmlessly remove dirt, scuff marks and sticky food stains, this might just be worth the investment.

Price: Around 100 yuan (US$12)

3M's duster cloth

A nonmetallic scouring cloth that is as flexible as a dishcloth is for pots, pans, ovenware, stoves, refrigerators, tile and linoleum. Don't worry, the treated cotton loops won't rust or splinter, but rinses clean.

Price: 12 yuan (US1.5) for a pack of three

Kitchen slippers

Anyone troubled by slippers which leave oily or wet prints on a just-cleaned floor might find these useful.

With a mop-like sole, the slippers help to clean and dry up the kitchen floor while you cook.

Price: 15 yuan (US$1.8)

All the items are available at Carrefour, Ito Yokado, and other major department stores around the city.

Ikea, Beisanhuan Zhonglu, Xicheng District

Carrefour, Beisanhuan Donglu, next to China International Exhibition Centre, Chaoyang District

Ito Yokado, Beisihuan Donglu, Xiaoying, Chaoyang District

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