End the Chore War

MISSION, KS--(Marketwire - Feb 1, 2012) - (Family Features) When it comes to household chores, men and women don't always see eye to eye.

In fact, the second annual Scrubbing Bubbles Dirty Work Index survey found that 58 percent of women say it's their job to clean, and a quarter (25 percent) of all women feel as if they are the cleaning leader in their homes.

In addition, more than half of women confided that they want more help around the house from their partner or spouse, but 38 percent don't trust them to meet their standards of cleanliness.

Today's families often have hectic schedules, making it even more important to approach household chores as a team. That's why Scrubbing Bubbles has partnered with John Gray, best-selling author of "Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus." Together, they will help couples engage in a healthy discussion to help resolve the age-old household chore debate.

How couples deal with household chores either strengthens the partnership or creates a divide. Gray offers this advice for creating the best atmosphere at home:

• Define the roles. It's important to identify all the household chores and discuss who will have ownership of each.
• Discuss expectations. Since the survey showed that women don't trust men to meet their standards of clean, Gray recommends that women actually show men how they want the house cleaned and that couples discuss what clean means to each of them.
• Look for time-saving cleaning tools. Stock your home with cleaning products that are easy to use and efficient. For example, use Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner and Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner. These products make the tough tasks easier so anyone in the family can help clean.
• Remember to say thank you. Whether or not the bathroom shines the way you want, don't forget to say thank you for the effort.

One simple tool you can use to minimize friction over chores? A checklist. For each room of the house, write down what tasks need to be completed and review it with your clean team so everyone knows exactly what's expected. These sample checklists for bathroom chores can help you get started.

Join in the chore wars conversation, get more cleaning tips from John Gray, and take a cleaning personality quiz at www.facebook.com/scrubbingbubbles.

She Says/He Says
The second annual Dirty Work Index survey found that when it comes to cleaning, women think they play the primary role. In fact:

• Nearly 60 percent of women say "it's my job" to clean.
• 57 percent of women say they want help more frequently from their partner or spouse.
• 75 percent say they are a better household cleaner.

Men have a different take on things:

• Nearly half of all men surveyed (45 percent) consider it their job to clean.
• 49 percent position their role as being "a member of the cleaning team" versus the one in charge.
• 34 percent of men say they are a better household cleaner than their partner/spouse.

Heavy-Duty Checklist

• Clean bathtub and shower. Scrubbing Bubbles Automatic Shower Cleaner focuses on parts of the shower where dirt and grime tend to build up most. The sprayer spins 360-degrees to cover the entire shower and cleans where soap scum, mold and mildew stains collect. Start with a clean shower and the Automatic Shower Cleaner cleans your shower in just days, keeping it clean for up to 30 days.
• Clean and disinfect the sink. Wipe the sink, faucets and vanity top with biodegradable antibacterial bathroom wipes. Scrub the drain with a toothbrush. Scrape any buildup between the sink and the counter with the edge of an old credit card.
• Make mirrors and windows sparkle. Spray with cleaner and buff surface with a soft cloth.
• Clean and disinfect toilet. Wipe down outside of toilet and scrub the inside with Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Toilet Cleaner -- maintain a clean toilet by using the Scrubbing Bubbles One-Step toilet bowl cleaner daily.
• Empty the waste basket. Dispose of all trash. Before replacing the trash bag, wipe it out with antibacterial wipes.
• Clean the floors. Sweep or vacuum the floors to get rid of all large particles and then mop.

Light-Duty Checklist

• Let in some fresh air. Open the door or a window to air out the room and reduce humidity.
• Check the toilet paper supply. Don't get caught with an empty roll.
• Feed the hamper. Toss dirty clothes and towels into a hamper and hang fresh towels.
• Clean the soft goods. Launder curtains, rugs and cloth shower curtains according to the care instructions. After washing a cloth shower curtain, hang it immediately and let it air-dry to prevent wrinkles.
• Restock supplies. In addition to refilling your cleaning supplies, check your stash of light bulbs, cotton balls and guest towels. Organize and store these items in sturdy containers.

A His and Her Cleaning Toolbox
Having the right tools for the job makes any chore more efficient and more effective. When it's chore time, make sure you have a cleaning caddy stocked up with these supplies:

• Microfiber cloths They won't leave lint behind on clean mirrors and windows.
• Rubber gloves To protect your hands while you clean.
• Antibacterial products Clean and disinfect at the same time with products such as Scrubbing Bubbles Antibacterial wipes.

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