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Blog: It's good to be back!
 Tips for Spring Cleaning
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This week while doing end of the year taxes I came across two really helpful handouts that I have used forever but have never shared with you all. One is a tip list for several areas of our home, that no matter who we are we have trouble with most of the time. The other is a cleaning schedule of what needs to be done when and how often.
Organizing Your Closet -
Be honest with your wardrobe
We wear 20% of our clothing 80% of the time
Nothing that is not currently wearable
Store nostalgic clothes with memorabilia
Categorize and separate clothing
Types- jackets, shirts, short sleeve shirts, pants, skirts, etc. separate in different parts of the closet to maintain grouping.
Also sub organize those items from light to dark
Get rid of dry cleaner bags, wire hangers
The Kitchen -
Break kitchen down into 5 basic stations
Cleaning
Cooking
Food preparation
Food storage
Serving
Keep a sharpie on top of the fridge to write the date you opened a jar stored inside the door. Especially helpful for baby food.
Creates easier way to spot check for expired food items.
Alphabetize spices in rack to make them easier to locate
Organizing for kids -
Divide child's room and belongings into centers - grooming, rest, play, art, schoolwork, reading, etc.
If you want your kids to hang their clothes up, make sure your child's closet rod is low enough for him/her to reach easily.
Have several small storage areas-baskets, bins, crates are good- around the house for gathering playthings quickly and easily.
Use storage that is adjustable, to grow with your child's needs.
Home Office -
Filing system with broad categories (insurance) and sub categories (auto, life, health) and alphabetized within each category.
Avoid multiple calendars. Use one calendar for reference.
Don't forget to organize your car!!!
Now tips for what to clean and when -
WHAT TO CLEAN EACH WEEK
· Furniture: Dust all hard surfaces.
· Floors: Vacuum or mop.
· Kitchen sink: Scrub and disinfect.
· Appliances: Wipe down surfaces.
· Shower: Clean and scrub down.
· Counters: Wipe down and disinfect.
· Bathtub: Clean and scrub down.
· Toilet : Scrub and disinfect.
· Sheets: Change and launder.
WHAT TO CLEAN EACH MONTH
· Upholstery: Vacuum.
· Stove burner grates: Scrub clean.
· Wastebaskets: Wipe out and disinfect.
· Moldings: Dust.
· Doorknobs: Wipe down and disinfect.
· Kitchen cabinets: Wipe down fronts.
· Ceiling fans: Wipe off and dust.
· Microwave: Clean and deodorize.
WHAT TO CLEAN EVERY 3 TO 6 MONTHS
· Curtains (washable): Launder or hand wash.
· Mattresses: Vacuum every 3 months; flip every 6 months.
· Windows: Wash inside and out.
· Furniture (leather): Clean and condition.
· Stove hood: Clean and degrease.
· Blinds (wooden): Wash.
· Appliances (stainless steel): Polish.
· Drapes: Deep-vacuum.
· Refrigerator: Clean interior.
· Baseboards: Wash or wipe down.
· Coffeemaker: Clean and descale.
WHAT TO CLEAN EVERY 6 TO 12 MONTHS
· Oven: Clean.
· Lamp shades: Wash and clean.
· Fabric shades (washable): Wash.
· Upholstery (washable): Sponge-clean.
· Cabinets: Empty and clean.
· Slipcovers: Wash or dry-clean.
· Tile grout: Scrub.
· Pillows: Launder or dry-clean.
· Condenser coil (refrigerator): Vacuum or dust.
· Comforter: Launder or dry-clean.
· Filter (stove hood): Wash and dry.
WHAT TO CLEAN EVERY YEAR OR SO
· Rugs: Professionally clean.
· Wood floors (polyurethane): Touch up as needed.
· Upholstery (un-washable): Have cleaned every 2 years.
· Walls: Wash.
· Carpeting: Professionally clean.
· Pantry: Clean thoroughly.
· Fabric shades: Professionally clean every 2 years.
· Drapes: Professionally clean every 2 years
Have a great Spring Break!!!!
posted on: 3/18/2010 2:00:00 PM by Melissa Searcy
category: Family
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It's good to be back!
by Melissa Searcy
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About Melissa:
Melissa Searcy is a professional organizer and independent decorator now living in Jasper, AL. Formerly of Montgomery, Melissa owns Lulagrace Interiors where she was a regularly featured guest on morning television and had articles featured in the local newspaper and many local monthly publications. For more information you may visit her at www.lulagrace.com. Melissa is also a member of the Facebook community at Facebook.com/melissa.searcy or on Twitter at Twitter.com/LulagracePO.
Melissa's Website:
www.lulagraceinteriors.blogspot.com
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