A Clean Slate

Well kiddos, it's that time of the year again.  Time to spring clean!!!
Time to freshen up, clean, toss,, donate, etc..

Years ago, spring cleaning was a big event - it involved pretty much the whole family and it was done in quick time.  Everyone, including children, had a job to do.  Rugs and carpets were taken outside and beaten within an inch of their lives!!!  LOL  Bedding was fluffed and aired out.  Everything was scrubbed squeaky clean and many times paint was added anew.  Clothes were mended and  what couldn't be salvaged was put in the quilt or rag pile.
A clean house in spring was a major accomplishment and when it was all done - there was often a small celebration.

I say keep it simple.  There isn't much that soap and water, vinegar and baking soda can't clean.  Basically we all have what we need right now, to clean, sparkle and refresh just about every service.

•  Plan to go room by room.  I have always found it much easier to get one room done, before going on to the next.  Start at the top and work your way down.
• Disinfect along the way.  Good old white vinegar is great for that.  Clean everything!!!  Door knobs, phones, cabinet handles, remotes, sinks, tub, counters, and toilet.  Put a cup of vinegar in the toilet and let it set for several minutes then scrub!  Don't forget to clean the flapper handle on the toilet as well.
• It may be time for new toothbrushes and changing the batteries in smoke detectors.
• Shine windows, mirrors, and glass on pictures.  1 part vinegar to 1 part water - spray and clean with a soft cloth or newspaper
• Open some windows and get some fresh air in the house (especially in the bathroom and bedrooms).  I like to open the windows in bedroom with the bedding off the bed and let the actual bed breathe for a few hours.  Fresh air in - stale air out!
• Clean kids toys with hot soapy water with a dash of vinegar added.    Those go in their mouths, so they need to be fresh and clean.
• Sprinkle baking soda on rugs and carpets.  Let it set a while - then vacuum.  The baking soda absorbs odors.
• Take down and launder curtains, valances or blinds.  They collect dust and need a freshening up too.
• Remember to clean the refrigerator thoroughly.  Put an open box of baking soda or a cup of coffee grounds in the frig (and freezer) to absorb any new odors.
• Scrub the stove down and the oven.  I use vinegar and baking soda on the top and I spray down oven with water and sprinkle with either baking soda or salt  and scrub.  I have a self cleaning oven - but I don't use that feature any more -(I almost affixiated myself and the cat once).
• Clean all the counter surfaces with vinegar and water.  Keeps insects away as well.  Ants don't like vinegar.
• Get you blankets and comforters, quilts and spreads outside and hang the on the line if possible to air our.  If you can't hang them outside in your neighborhood - hang them in the garage - or hang them over a fence for a while.  Do you have a quilt rack?  Use that and place them outside for a while.  They need fresh air too!!!!!

• Take the grates off the grill and place in hot soapy water over night.  Sprinkle with baking soda the next day and scour clean.
• Mix 1/4 cup baking soda to a quart of hot water and wash down the patio furniture with a soft cloth.  After clean - use a clean damp cloth to wipe down again - so there is no residue
• Mildew or moss on the siding of the house - often on the north.  I use a bucket of hot water and a scrub brush - cover brush with baking soda and scrub.  Rinse with a hose.  A power washer works as well, but I am trying to keep this post about simple and natural ways.
• Don't forget the pets.  If you have no time for a pet bath - sprinkle them with a bit of baking soda and brush it through and out of fur.  Use baking soda in their beds and in litter as well.
• The outside of the house also needs a good cleaning in the spring.  If nothing else, spray it (and porch or patio) down with the hose.    A pretty clean house always looks inviting and homey from the street.  It helps the whole neighborhood look good.
• Don't forget about going out and taking a walk about the neighborhood and pick up trash or debris that is laying around.  It may not be your trash - but it improves your living area.

As you clean think about de-cluttering as well.  If you haven't used something in ages, odds are you don't need it.  It really is true that the less clutter we have in our lives, the better we feel.  I am constantly working on that!!!!  It isn't easy I know.  I am trying to look at de-cluttering differently now.  It's not so much as I "don't need it" as "I can BLESS someone else" with it.  That makes it a bit easier.

Let's all get our clean on!  If we all work on at least one room a day - we will be done and ready to enjoy all the lovely adventures out of doors has to offer.

Keep it simple - use natural ingredients you have on hand and clean, clean, clean!