Apr 06 2009
SPRING IS FINALLY HERE!
Hey guys and gals, we all know what that means–spring cleaning! It sounds old fashioned but our homes have been closed up for several months collecting dust, smoke, mites, stains, pet hair and general crud of every kind. It’s time to open the windows and let the air out because research says the dirtiest air is inside our houses.
Next, throw your bedspreads, comforters, mattress pads and blankets into the washer (some will only fit in the larger washers at the laundrymat) sprinkle in some Oxi-Clean, run them through the cycles, then hang them outside to dry. Not only will they smell better but you’ll save money on those expensive dryers.
While you’re waiting for your fresh linens to dry, go through your closets, donate the stuff you haven’t worn in a year, buy nice hangers and organize your summer things into categories. Use cedar blocks to store woolens. Moth balls are better used to keep critters away from the foundation of your house because they smell sooo bad.
Last fall, my husband and I went to Lowes, bought a shoe cubby and two waist-high cabinets. Those along with matching wooden hangers purchased at Linens and Things when they were going out of business, helped arrange our closet almost as nicely as any professional could. Our closet looks as good as the day we finished last fall because there’s a quick place to hang and store all our clothes.
My grandmother was outside on a ladder washing her windows when she was 80 years old. Now that’s a hard housekeeping act to follow! But I don’t recommend climbing ladders to do anything. I haven’t tried those new long-handled, window washers but I will soon. If you’ve had good luck with one, please let me know. Last year, I hooked my hose up to a plastic bottle with the washer fluid in it and sprayed two stories of windows around my house. They seemed to work well, although I think that should be done once a month. I’ve read that coffee filters work best on cleaning windows. I’m going to try those on the inside this year.
Once you’ve done these things, you’re house will start to sparkle. Next will come the garage and cellar. Plan a tag sale and sell the stuff you don’t need. Donate the rest to charity and not only will you be ready to enjoy your nice clean home, you’ll be so proud, you’ll want to throw a party.
So, what are your spring cleaning tips?
