var CR_Questions = new Object(); var max_q = 0; var multi_bin = new Array(); multi_bin[5] = true; multi_bin[6] = true; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "Do you clean your home weekly or at least monthly?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "Yes"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Spring cleaning for people who clean monthly or weekly"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "• You've made spring-cleaning a lot easier on yourself. If a home is cleaned regularly throughout the year, flat surfaces remain cleaner, according to Tom Stewart, president of the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International, and owner of Castle Keepers, a cleaning service in Charleston, South Carolina. The purpose of a once-a-year spring cleaning, he said, is to give a deep clean to the surfaces that are not maintained regularly, like the areas above cabinets and the tops of drapes and blinds. This means you won't have to spend a lot of time or effort on the surfaces you maintain with your normal cleaning.

• To get ready for the task of spring-cleaning, you'll need to suit up with a few handy tools and accessories. Debbie Sardone, president-elect of the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International, suggests wearing a cleaning apron with pockets and keeping a toothbrush and little plastic bags handy for scrubbing hard to reach places and containing bits of trash, respectively. Keep your cleaning supplies in the pockets of the apron -- the less time you spend fetching glass cleaner and scrubs, the more efficient your spring-cleaning will be. Other useful cleaning supplies include microfiber towels, a hand scrub brush and dusters with telescoping poles.

• Stewart also offers this tip: Clean a room in a clockwise manner, from top to bottom and left to right. This way it will be easier to keep track of what you have and have not cleaned."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "

Plan to deep clean surfaces you don’t normally clean

Gather supplies: Apron with pockets, toothbrush, plastic bags, microfiber towels, hand scrubber, dusters

Clean in a clockwise direction: top to bottom, left to right"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "No"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Spring-cleaning for those who don’t clean often"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "• Get ready for some hard work! According to Debbie Sardone, owner of Buckets & Bows Maidservice in Lewisville, Texas, maintenance cleaning (or periodic cleaning you do regularly around the house like dusting and vacuuming) keeps a large amount of dirt from becoming attached to the surfaces in your home. Without maintenance cleaning, a once-a-year overhaul like spring-cleaning can take long hours and a lot more elbow grease to de-grime highly trafficked surfaces like countertops and floors. She said most cleaning services perform a \"spring cleaning\" or a \"deep cleaning\" to clean out-of-reach spots like the areas above cabinets, doorframes and the tops of drapes and blinds.

• You may want to get some help for your spring-cleaning tasks. Home cleaning companies can charge from $200 to $450 and up for a detailed once-a-year cleaning, depending on how large your home is. Certified house inspectors, heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractors, pest control specialists and licensed electricians can help you tackle important spring maintenance tasks.

• When hiring a cleaning service, Castle Keepers owner Tom Stewart suggests checking the company to make sure they have workers' compensation and insurance. Also, watch out for companies who quote you a price based on your address; professional services will work to get an understanding of your cleaning needs and will base their price on that as well as how much space you need cleaned."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Plan for a long hours of extra effort

Consider hiring help

Look for insurance, communication from a house cleaning company"; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "Is your house overwhelmed by clutter?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "Yes"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Spring-cleaning with clutter"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "• Clearing clutter is not the same as cleaning, said Debbie Sardone, owner of Buckets & Bows Maidservice. She suggests giving yourself enough time to do both tasks as you gear up for spring-cleaning. \"People get overwhelmed by doing both, so they do neither,\" she said. If picking up clutter as well as deep cleaning and maintaining your home is too much of a chore for you, Sardone suggests de-cluttering before hiring services or contractors to help you with the rest of your tasks."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "

De-clutter before deep cleaning"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "No"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Spring-cleaning without clutter"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "• Clearing clutter can add hours to your spring-cleaning plan, so it's convenient that you don't have that extra hindrance. You're ready to move on to the deep clean."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Begin the deep clean"; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "What's your type of residence?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "A stand-alone house"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Stand-alone house maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "There are many important home maintenance tasks to perform once winter is over. A home inspector can help you assess the condition of your home and suggest contractors who can help you make fixes -- or you can do it yourself.

• Roof:

• Check that the shingles are intact and well-secured. Replace any missing shingles, or those that have become misshapen or broken.

• Check the flashing around all structures, vents and pipes protruding from the roof, as well as in all roof corners for any breach in the seals. Flashing can be caulked if necessary.

• Look for any protruding nails and make sure they are secured.

• Check the gutters and downspouts. Make sure they are securely fastened to the fascia boards of the roof.

• Take the time to clean the gutters or have them cleaned professionally.

• Use a garden hose to spray water in your gutters to check for leaks at the joints, which can be fixed with gutter caulk.

• Landscaping and drainage:

• Make sure the downspouts direct water from the gutters a minimum of 6 to 8 feet away from the house, according to Pearl River, New York, home inspector Joe Farsetta.

• Check the grading around your house to make sure water drains away from the house. Winter weather may influence drainage in your yard, and you may need to re-grade or install a drain to prevent water from seeping into your house.

• Make sure that trees and bushes close to the house are trimmed. This helps keep water and insects from getting into the house and protects it from falling branches. \"There can be thousands of pounds hanging over your house,\" said National Association of Certified Home Inspectors President Nick Gromicko. Trees that are most dangerous are the ones missing bark, he said. Even though the tree may still be alive, a branch missing bark could be dead and ready to fall.

• Check to make sure the ground and the bottom of any siding or veneer on the house are separated by at least 6 inches of space. Any landscaping soil that reaches into those 6 inches should be removed, to prevent water and insects from entering the house.

• Check the areas around your home for swarming insects. Termites, carpenter ants and carpenter bees are a few of the insects in the United States that chew or eat wood for food or shelter. If you suspect insects are in your home, have a pest control service take a look and treat your home if necessary.

• In the spring, make sure the dryer is vented to the outdoors. Also, make sure the vent pipe is clear of lint: If you have a plastic vent pipe, Colorado home inspector Nick Gromicko suggests switching to aluminum.

"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "Roof:

Check the shingles

Check the flashing

Secure protrusions

Check and clean gutters and downspouts

Landscaping and drainage:

Direct water away from house

Check the grading

Trim foliage

Check for proper wall-to-ground clearance

Look for swarming insects

Check indoors:

Change all HVAC filters

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Check walls for signs of water

Have chimney cleaned

Vent clothes dryer outdoors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "A townhouse or condo"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Townhouse or condo maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "Chances are, your association fees go toward maintenance of the outside of your building. This means your homeowners association fixes any problems with the roof, caulking around windows and doors, paint condition and even some landscaping features. So although you may not have to worry about your home's exterior, there are plenty of interior home maintenance chores that need to be taken care of in the spring:

• Change all heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) filters. This should be done at least once a month.

• Check your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms. Make sure they work and that the batteries are charged. Replace the batteries if necessary.

• Check your walls for signs of water, which could mean a leaky roof.

• If you own a chimney, have it cleaned.

• In the spring, make sure the dryer is vented to the outdoors. Also, make sure the vent pipe is clear of lint: If you have a plastic vent pipe, Colorado home inspector Nick Gromicko suggests switching to aluminum.

"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Change all HVAC filters

Check smoke and carbon monoxide alarms

Check walls for signs of water

Have chimney cleaned

Vent dryer outdoors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][0] = "An apartment"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][2] = "Apartment maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][3] = "Although your building management company is in charge of maintaining the structure of the building and your apartment, there are a few home maintenance tasks to perform that can make a big difference for your safety.

• Check the smoke detectors, said Nick Gromicko, president of the National Association of Certified Home Inspectors. In many circumstances the way out of an apartment building is longer than in a stand-alone house, he said, so having detectors that work and have fresh batteries is important.

• Check the locks on doors and windows and check to make sure windows open easily. If the locks or the windows aren't working, alert the manager.

• Check the ceilings for signs of water. Leaks from apartments above yours can contribute to mold growth. Alert the manager if you see any signs of water staining or active leaks.

"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][4] = "

Check smoke detectors

Check locks on doors and windows

Check ceilings for signs of water"; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "What part of the country do you live in?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "Northwest"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Northwestern home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "• Some Northwesterners put plastic foam blocks in their crawl spaces in the winter to prevent pipes from freezing. Jerry Domagala, a home inspector from Bellingham, Washington, recommends removing the blocks early in the spring -- keeping them year-round creates mold and mildew.

• It's important to test outside faucets in the spring. During Northwestern winters, even frost-free valves can freeze and crack between the faucet and the outside wall, creating water leaks inside the house.

• The Northwest has carpenter ant problems, so it's important to keep branches and mulch away from the house so the ants can't get in as easily.

• The Northwest has microclimates, which means winter in the eastern part of the region is different from winter in the western region. During those months, the west is mostly wet and the east has drier weather. Still, the entire region doesn't get much sun. Domagala said this means Northwesterners need to be vigilant in the spring treating mold, mildew and looking for rot.

• Radon gas is prevalent in the Northwest, so do a home test in the spring."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "

Remove foam from crawl spaces

Test outside faucets

Take precautions against carpenter ants

Treat any mold, mildew or rot

Test for radon"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "West"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Western home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "• Colorado home inspector Nick Gromicko said decks need special attention in the spring. Snow in some Western states can put so much weight on second-story decks that they collapse, he said. Check that the deck joists are firmly attached to the house, and that all fastening hardware is tightened.

• In the Western deserts, air conditioners are working most of the year. Mesa, Arizona, home inspector Cheryl Belanger suggests having an heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) contractor fully inspect the air conditioning system after winter. She also suggests turning off the pilot light in the heating system, if possible, because furnaces won't be turned on again till winter.

• Check the caulking around tubs and sinks. It dries out quickly in arid environments.

• In the spring, desert dwellers should also check that attic insulation isn't covering any air vents. As the weather warms up, blocked airflow in the attic can wear out roof tiles and shingles.

• Westerners need to clean and fix sunscreens in the spring, especially those that face south and west.

• Check the sprinkler system for any leaky valves; otherwise, grass might not survive."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Check deck joints and wood condition

Have HVAC inspected

Check caulking

Clear attic vents

Clean and fix sunscreens

Check sprinkler system"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][0] = "Great Plains"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][2] = "Great Plains home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][3] = "• Windy weather can be a big problem in the Great Plains states. Some of the region is in \"tornado alley,\" where twisters strike in February, March and April. Residents should make sure that all shingles and downspouts are secure when spring rolls around.

• Winters in the Great Plains are unpredictable, said Dan Bowers, a Kansas City, Missouri, home inspector. Snow can hit the west near Colorado and ice storms can hit the south near Oklahoma. Both cause water damage, so Bowers said be sure to check basements for signs of cracks."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][4] = "

Secure the roof

Check for basement cracks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][0] = "Midwest"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][2] = "Midwestern home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][3] = "• The Midwest, like parts of the Great Plains, is prone to tornados, hail and windstorms, said St. Louis, Missouri, home inspector Jim Bushart. Roofs especially need to be checked for damage, because insurance companies won't always replace them if spring wind damages them.

• There are a lot of very old houses in the Midwest, said Bushart. Basements in 100-year-old homes may not have electrical outlets up to code. It's a good idea to have a licensed electrician upgrade basement outlets so they'll trip the circuit if any water in the basement gets near them, he said.

• Test sump pumps throughout the spring to make sure they are pumping water away from the house.

• The \"Alberta clipper\" and lake effect can dump a lot of snow in the Midwest, especially in the states surrounding the Great Lakes. It's important to check the attic in the spring to see if the underside of the roof, the rafters or the deck show any signs of staining or darkening, said Skokie, Illinois, home inspector Will Decker. A roof will generally leak in the attic a full two years before the leak reaches the rest of the house, he said. Fixing the problem early can avoid rotting and mildew problems."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][4] = "

Check for any roof damage

Update old wiring

Test sump pumps

Check for attic leaks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][0] = "Northeast"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][2] = "Northeastern home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][3] = "• Wood-eating insects are also a problem in the Northeast. Pearl River, New York, home inspector Joe Forsetta suggests having a licensed pest-control company service your house as soon as the forsythias start to bloom.

• Make sure to move any stored firewood at least 15 feet from the house in the spring, since insects can live in the wood and could easily get into the house.

• Animals are also abundant in the Northeast. Forsetta suggest sealing any exterior openings in the house that are a dime's size or larger, to keep vermin from getting in and nesting.

• Chemicals in melting ice and snow can damage houses, inside and out. Usually the first rain after winter will wash away the salt on the outside of a house, said Forsetta, but some could have been dragged inside over the winter. Wash the rugs and floors in your entryway to make sure the salt does not ruin the finish on your floor.

• Check all wooden handrails and decks for signs of splintering or nails that have popped up because of the cold.

• Radon gas is prevalent in the Northeast, so do a home test in the spring. Forsetta suggests complying with real estate transaction guidelines."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][4] = "

Pest inspection

Move firewood away from house

Seal any exterior holes

Wash entryway

Check wooden handrails

Test for radon"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][0] = "Southeast"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][2] = "Southeastern home maintenance tasks"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][3] = "Southerners should be getting ready for hurricane season in the spring. Make sure all downspouts are securely strapped to the house, gutters attached to the fascia boards of the roofline, and all shingles are nailed down.

• Termites are prevalent in the Southeast. Make sure a pest control company services your house in the spring."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][4] = "

Secure the roof

Pest inspection"; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "Which of your rooms need spring-cleaning attention?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "Kitchen"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Kitchen"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "• Wash your cabinets all the way to the top. Dust and greasy grime from a year's worth of cooking can hide at the top of cabinets, so get ready to use some elbow grease.

• Professional cleaner Debbie Sardone suggests putting vases, ceramic statues and other tchochkes in the dishwasher for an easy and effective cleaning. The dishwasher is a great spring-cleaning tool, she said. \"Whatever can go safely in the dishwasher, put it in there,\" she said.

• Stove and oven grills, knobs and grates can be washed in the dishwasher, as well as metal stove exhaust filters and glass microwave trays. If you prefer to wash them in place, spray them with a good de-greaser and let the cleaner soak in for a few minutes. Sardone suggests using a toothbrush to scrub any stubborn grime in hard-to-reach places, and then rinsing the stove components in the sink.

• Cleaning out your refrigerator should be a weekly task, said Sardone, but during a spring cleaning you should take out each shelf, rinse the shelves and drawers at the kitchen sink and scrub all grimy spots in the refrigerator with a toothbrush.

• Sardone recommends using glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the outside of most appliances instead of abrasive cleaners or scrub pads. Plexiglas is the easiest surface in the kitchen to ruin, she said.

• Dust behind the refrigerator.

• Make sure to isolate any towels used to clean the kitchen sink, so as not to contaminate any other areas with bacteria from meat. Tom Stewart, president of the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International, also suggests never using sponges around the kitchen sink."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "

Wash cabinets

Clean ceramics in the dishwasher

Clean knobs, grills and grates

Scrub and rinse the refrigerator

Clean appliances

Dust behind the refrigerator

Isolate sink cleaning equipment"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "Bathroom/powder room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Bathroom/powder room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "• Soap scum on tiles or glass shower doors should be removed with an acid-based soap scum cleaner. Rinse areas well with water after cleaning.

• Mold and mildew can appear pink, orange or black on grout and caulking. Use a bleach-based cleaning product to kill mold and mildew, and attack the mold and mildew after cleaning soap scum. Let the cleaner sit for a while, and then rinse it off with water.

• Shower floors can be cleaned with a scrub brush and a mild abrasive, but should be part of your weekly maintenance cleaning so that you don't spend up to an hour on the job.

• Hair spray buildup can glue dust and dirt to many bathroom surfaces. Sardone recommends using a foaming disinfectant to clean countertops, and surfaces made out of faux marble, fiberglass or porcelain. Toothbrush holders, cups and light globes can be cleaned in the dishwasher.

• Clean mirrors all the way to the top with glass cleaner or a microfiber towel. Also wipe down all light fixtures, ceiling fans and baseboards."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Clean tiles and shower doors

Clean grout and caulking

Clean shower floors

Clean countertops

Clean mirrors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][0] = "Bedroom"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][2] = "Bedroom"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][3] = "• Wash all bed linens.

• Vacuum all mattresses: you can also disinfect any mattresses with a steam-cleaning tool, said Sardone.

• Replace all feather pillows, which accumulate dust, sweat and skin cells."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][4] = "

Wash all bed linens

Vacuum all mattresses

Replace all feather pillows"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][0] = "Living room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][2] = "Living room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][3] = "• Wipe down ceiling fan blades and the motor housing with a good microfiber cloth. Remove all light globes and clean them in the dishwasher.

• Vacuum the tops of curtains with the long extension wand attachment on your vacuum cleaner, as well as all the edges of molding in the room.

• Wash all the doors, doorframes and baseboards.

• Vacuum the edges and corners of wall-to-wall carpeting with the crevice vacuum attachment.

• Vacuum all intake vents, window sills and louvers of blinds.

• Use the flat attachment on a vacuum cleaner to vacuum all upholstered furniture."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][4] = "

Clean ceiling fans

Vacuum near the ceiling

Wash all doors, doorframes and baseboards

Vacuum carpet edges

Vacuum intake vents, window sills and louvers of blinds

Vacuum upholstered furniture"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][0] = "Dining room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][2] = "Dining room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][3] = "• Use a clean cloth or microfiber cloth to wipe down all brass elements, chandelier bulbs and hanging pictures.

• Take the china and silver off shelves and out of cabinet drawers and clean or polish. Many people choose to clean their cutlery before the winter holidays as well."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][4][4] = "

Wipe down ornamental surfaces

Clean and polish china and silver"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][0] = "Home office"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][2] = "Home office"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][3] = "• Vacuum around computers, especially where the air comes into the computer fan.

• Use a microfiber towel to clean the computer screen.

• Vacuum around books and papers on shelves."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][5][4] = "

Vacuum around computers

Clean computer screen

Vacuum around books and papers on shelves"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][6] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][6][0] = "Laundry room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][6][2] = "Laundry room"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][6][3] = "• Wipe down all wooden cabinets with lemon oil.

• Throw out all old cleaning supplies and make sure to clean up any old spilled soap -- it will deteriorate wooden surfaces, said Sardone.

• Pull appliances away from the wall as far as is safely possible. Dust the areas behind washers and dryers with a duster on an extension pole, and retrieve any lost socks or loose change."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][6][4] = "

Wipe down all wooden cabinets with lemon oil

Clean up cleaning supplies, any spills

Dust behind appliances"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][7] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][7][0] = "Attic/basement/garage"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][7][2] = "Attic/basement/garage"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][7][3] = "• Use a shop vacuum instead of your regular house vacuum to clean these areas. Any droppings from critters or bugs can be safely contained this way, and not contaminate the rest of your house through vacuum bags or brushes.

• Vacuum all cobwebs and dead bugs.

• Orange-based products do a great job at cleaning up oil and grease stains, said Association of Residential Cleaning Services International president Tom Stewart."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][7][4] = "

Use a shop vacuum

Vacuum all cobwebs and dead bugs

Clean up oil and grease stains"; max_q++; CR_Questions[max_q] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][0] = "What type of flooring is in your home?"; CR_Questions[max_q][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][0] = "Linoleum"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][2] = "Linoleum floors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][3] = "• If there is any wax on your linoleum floor, you'll have to strip it completely. Although wax can make your floor shiny, it traps dirt in the little dents found in linoleum. If you use wax to shine the floor you'll have to strip it at least two times a year, said Debbie Sardone, president-elect of the Association of Residential Cleaning Services International."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][0][4] = "

Strip wax finishes"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][0] = "Hardwood"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][2] = "Hardwood floors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][3] = "• Generally you should use wood oil soap to clean hardwood floors. The less cleaner you use, the better. However, because many types of wood floors come with manufacturer recommendations for care, check with your builder or building manager first to find out if there are any specific care instructions."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][1][4] = "

Clean with wood oil soap"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][0] = "Ceramic tile"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][2] = "Ceramic tile floors"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][3] = "• Use an all-purpose or glass cleaner to clean ceramic tile. Do not wax any tiles that do not already have a shiny surface -- many tiles are not shiny because they provide a non-slip surface.

• Use an old-fashioned cotton string mop or a microfiber mop to clean tile floors, and use plenty of hot water"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][2][4] = "

Clean with all-purpose or glass cleaner

Mop with hot water"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3] = new Array(); CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][0] = "Carpet"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][2] = "Carpet"; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][3] = "• Professional cleaner Debbie Sardone said an upright vacuum cleaner works best on wall-to-wall carpeting. Canister vacuum cleaners tend to ding furniture, she said, but are better than uprights at dusting hard floors.

• Large area rugs are usually quite heavy, and are best left to professionals for cleaning. Smaller area rugs can be rolled up and taken outside for a good shake, and may even be washed in the washing machine once a month."; CR_Questions[max_q][1][3][4] = "

Use an upright vacuum cleaner

Clean area rugs";