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	Housecleaning Checklist
	By Ramona Creel

Feel free to use this tip sheet / checklist as you tackle your own ""do-it-yourself"" organizing projects. If you would like to REPRINT or DISTRIBUTE this information, please click here for reprinting instructions.

• rubber gloves
• vacuum cleaner and sponge mop
• feather duster and dust cloths
• sponges and paper towels
• toilet brush
• plastic bucket
• furniture polish
• glass cleaner
• all-purpose disinfectant
• bleach

• put things away as soon as you're done to avoid double work
• when leaving a room, scan for things that don't belong there
• pick up anything misplaced and take it with you to put away
• put dirty dishes directly in the dishwasher
• when you run the dishwasher, empty it as soon as done
• while cooking, clean as you go
• while dinner is cooking, clean the bowl you just used
• straighten the shower curtain to avoid mold
• have cleaners in each bathroom for quick "wiping up"

• use a bucket to carry your cleaning supplies from room to room
• dust first (a feather duster is fine unless you have allergies)
• sweep any areas without carpeting
• vacuum the upper levels of the house and work your way down
• clean floors that require mopping
• set aside a few minutes twice a week to run through the bathroom
• keep automatic toilet bowl cleaner in your tank to reduce scrubbing

• wash windows and clean window screens
• wash window coverings and shower curtain
• wash walls, door frames, window sills, and baseboards
• shampoo carpets and wax wood or tile floors
• have furniture cleaned and sprayed with protectant
• clean out closets, cabinets, and other storage areas
• clean under and behind large appliances
• wipe down cabinets, inside and out
• wipe down inside of refrigerator and defrost freezer
• clean the oven, burners, and stovetop

• when guests coming, you don't always have time for a full cleaning
• take a basket through the house picking up clutter
• put the basket out of site, but schedule time to put away later
• clean up any trash and throw it out
• wipe down obvious smears in bathroom
• close the doors to rooms your guests won't see
• wipe the floor down with a damp towel
• pour some cleaner in the toilet and do a quick run with the brush
• vacuum only the high-traffic areas guests will see
• don't worry about moving furniture
• use a dust mop to dust any wooden floors quickly
• wipe up any obvious smudges on furniture, counters, and mirrors
• straighten stacks of magazines and knick knacks on shelves
• straighten couch pillows and slipcovers
• burn some scented candles for an air of cleanliness

• chocolate or coffee (blot with a 50/50 vinegar and water mix)
• blood (sprinkle with meat tenderizer and cool water)
• red wine (blot with club soda then sprinkle with salt)
• grass stains (blot with slightly diluted hydrogen peroxide)
• wax (cover with paper towel, and warm with an iron)
• oily substances (absorb grease with corn starch)
• gum (freeze with an ice cube and break from fabric)
• ink (spray with hairspray then blot; sprinkle with salt while wet)

 

Copyright 2000-2009 Ramona Creel -- you are welcome to reprint any article, but you MUST include this resource box and a link to www.RamonaCreel.com.

Ramona Creel is Professional Organizer, NAPO Golden Circle Member, and the original founder of OnlineOrganizing. A former Social Worker, she has always enjoyed helping people find the resources and solutions they need to improve their lives. Ramona now travels the country as a full-time RVer, sharing her story of simplicity with everyone she meets. She leads by example -- having worked for more than 10 years as a Professional Organizer, and having radically downsized and simplified her own life as a full-time RVer. Ramona now considers herself a "Renaissance Woman" -- bringing all of her passions together into one satisfying career. As a "Virtual Organizer", she can create a customized organizing plan for your home or office. As a "Simplicity and Accountability Coach ", Ramona provides a proven program for making every area of your life a little bit easier -- perfect for those who want to make the time and space to focus on their true priorities. As a Professional Photographer, Ramona captures powerful images of places and people as she travels. And as a freelance writer and blogger, she shares organizing techniques, travel tips, and social commentary with others. You can see all these sides of Ramona -- read her articles, browse through her photographs, and even hire her to help get your life in order -- at www.RamonaCreel.com. You can also follow her on Twitter, check out her  Facebook profile, and subscribe to her blog feeds.

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