Ladies Listen Up!
Here in New Mexico, the wind is howling and tumble weeds are uh-blowin' which means March Madness is here and with it comes our dreaded spring time weather...oh and for women everywhere- the endless endeavor of spring cleaning. To be completely honest, the picture above sounds about right as I prep for this two-three week task of gutting, donating, dump-running and scrubbing every square inch of my home. If only you could hire someone to do these things for you...So, with the struggles that I know so many of you face, here is a "SMALL" (haha, ya right) list that will get you started. Part I: The Kitchen.
The Kitchen
- Open Windows: Clean windows and wipe window sills. (I typically do the window sills and hire someone to do the actual windows) I tried this once myself, and oh boy the mess I made! I learned to ask for help when needed.
- Dust all light fixtures.
- Wash Blinds and window coverings/curtains. (I have found that filling the bath-tub with Clorox Bleach and placing each set of blinds in them for a couple of hours removes all dirt and grime. Easy Peasy! Simply rinse off, set to dry, rehang.)
- Wash walls, doors and trim. **I absolutely despise washing baseboards, but man do they need it! If necessary, wash and slap a nice fresh coat of white paint on them to brighten everything up. I know that with kiddos in my home, the doors and baseboards need an annual fresh coat of paint.
- Cabinets and Drawers: Pull out everything! Dispose, sell and donate what you can (the extra's and the don't use utensils). Then, wipe down the insides. Replace what you need.
- Wipe down the exteriors. (remember that above your stove needs some major elbow grease to remove grease splotches).
- Clean stove top and oven(s). Check out http://www.newhousenewhomenewlife.com/2015/01/clean-glass-oven-door.html or http://craptastical.com/oven-needed-cleaning/ for an in-depth description on how to do this properly and with the best results.
- Clean out the pantry: remove an expired food, wipe down containers and organize food by type.
- Clean underneath your refrigerator...You will be shocked at what you might find!
- Clean all of your small appliances: Keurig, coffee pot, microwave, mixers, etc.
- Wipe down and disinfect all countertops.
- Clean your kitchen sink. Click here http://www.the-organized-life.com/cleaning-tip-tuesday-cleaning-a-porcelain-sink/ for great tips on how to do this.
- Give your dishwasher a makeover. This link provides some great advice: http://www.ehow.com/how_4798194_clean-inside-dishwasher.html?utm_source=pinterest.com&utm_medium=cpc&utm_content=freestyle&utm_campaign=homecleaning&crlt.pid=camp.JJuqNyVnwN71&pp=0
- Wipe down vent covers.
- Sweep floors. Mop: I use vinegar and hot water. Remember to replace water when it gets a little murky.
- Dust hutches, shelves, artwork, etc.
- Show your kitchen table some love and give it a nice polishing.
Next up, Bedrooms...you know, your kids bottomless pits of clothes, toys, jewelry, food and uh oh...Old bottles? Yikes! Get ready.
