Keeping a
Tidy House Made Easy
The
key to achieving any goal is consistency. This rings true in reaching a tidy
home as well. Sticking to a regular cleaning schedule by using checklist can help you stay on top of those tasks and keep you from
spending long amounts of time cleaning. Try blocking out time once a month for
these cleaning tasks to keep your home looking its very best.
Replace Filters
Choosing
to inspect the air filters in your heating and cooling system and the batteries
in your smoke detector each month on the 1st of the month is a good
way to remember. Taking time to inspect the air filter every 30 days and
changing it every 30 or 60 days optimizes your system’s efficiency. Signing up
for an air filter service to mail your filters to your home each month take
out the guess work and increase the chances you will remember.
Deep Cleaning Stove
To
clean your cooled stove/cooktop you will want to remove your drip pans first
and start the process by soaking them in warm, soapy water. Use a sponge and
all-purpose cleaner or homemade solution and clean the surface. Wipe with a
paper towel. For those more stubborn spots, treat with a gentle abrasive
cleanser like Bar Keepers Friend or a natural alternative like baking soda paste.
Dry the surface with a paper towel and replace drip pans.
Cleaning Curtains and Blinds
A
handheld vacuum, set on a low suction with a soft brush attachment is the
perfect tool to keep those curtains looking as fresh as the day you hung them.
A quick tip for cleaning blinds : dawn rubber gloves and top with cotton
gloves. Mix 1 teaspoon of ammonia with 1 quart of water. Dip your hands into
the solution, pinch each blind in between your fore finger and thumb. Run your
fingers along the top and your thumb underneath each slot to clear off dust.
Mirrors
Taking
time to polish the mirrors in your home once a month will have you seeing clearer!
Soft, lint-free rags and glass cleaner will remove soiled or streaked areas. To
remove dust from delicate mirror surfaces and frames, a feather duster makes quick work!
Vacuum Upholstered Furniture
Take
time once a month to dig out those attachments to deep clean your upholstered
furniture. Pulling out the cushions on the sofa and giving the chairs a run
down with the upholstery brush will brighten up your furniture with minimal
effort.
Kitchen Cabinets
If
you use your kitchen, you will have drips, drops and drizzles that get into
those crevasses, making your whole kitchen look grimy over time. Pull those
filters off the vent hood and soak them in the sink with vinegar, dawn and hot
water while you give your cabinets a good scrub down. Using a grease-cutting
soap like Dawn will get your kitchen looking tip top again!
Inside the Refrigerator
Starting fresh each month with a clean refrigerator will cut down on the waste and allow you to see exactly what’s for dinner! Start by removing all of jarred condiments and random things in your door, throwing out what is expired and combining multiples of the same product. Throw away an expired food on the shelves – go ahead and toss that styro-foam container with little Johnny’s left over burger from last night. We both know no one is going to eat that thing. Give your shelves a nice wipe down, sanitizing your drip pan and taking time to wipe each compartment. Wash the shelves in your sink with a mild dish soap and warm water, rinsing and drying them before replacing them in the fridge. Finally, use a cloth with warm water to wash the door seals and the skirting around the bottom. Now you can easily see what’s on the menu with out pushing that huge half-empty jar of pickles out of the way.
Add these tips to your calendar and take a little time each month to tackle those areas you normally don't think about. A little work towards each of these areas each month can help you stay on top of cleaning and will make it that much easier to have a fresh home.