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State program encourages continued water saving habits

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For many Californians, spring represents a time of new beginnings. The tradition of spring cleaning gives residents the chance to renew their homes and reach areas that aren’t regularly touched. However, it is important to implement drought-friendly ways to deep clean homes.

“California is in a severe drought. January and February were the driest we’ve experienced in 100 years and it’s imperative that we practice water conversation daily as we look to spring and summer,” said Maurice Chaney, a spokesperson for California’s Save Our Water program. “Spring cleaning is the perfect opportunity to discover new methods to deep clean while doing your part to save our state’s water. The habits you develop now can become part of your lifestyle to help us get out of this drought.”

Water is essential for cleaning, but can be wasted if not used effectively. The Save Our Water program is providing six tips to consider as you deep clean this spring.

1. Waiting for the water to heat up? Use a bucket to catch running water that isn’t at the desired temperature to repurpose later while cleaning other areas of the home. This will help avoid excessive waste.

2. Pay close attention to the amount of water being used to dilute cleaning solutions when washing surface areas such as countertops and floors. The ratio of water to solution is important to properly clean and not be wasteful.

3. Vacuum ledges, windowsills, baseboards and door frames and dust ceiling fans, blinds, and areas above cabinets, as opposed to wiping them down with water.

4. Skip pre-rinsing dirty dishes and fill the sink with a few inches of soapy water to soak them, instead of washing them with running water. If available, use a dishwasher and run full loads only.

5. When cleaning bathrooms, place a drop of food coloring in the toilet tank to easily identify if you have a leak. If any color shows up in the bowl after 10 minutes, there is a leak- possibly from a worn toilet flapper or fill valve.

6. Spring cleaning the car too? Be sure to use a bucket and sponge or invest in products that allow washing the car without using water.

Applying these drought friendly spring-cleaning tips and checking for household leaks year-round can go a long way in having a positive impact on California’s water supply.

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