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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.
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CLEANING SUPPLIES
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- 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
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EVERYDAY STRAIGHTENING UP
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- 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"
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REGULAR WEEKLY CLEANING
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- 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
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SPRING CLEANING
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- 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
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THE QUICK CLEAN
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- 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
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TIPS FOR REMOVING STAINS
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- 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)
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