It is time for...Fall Cleaning

I love fall cleaning almost more then spring cleaning. I think it is because I just love that chill that starts hitting the air. Nesting kicks into high gear for me.....cleaning, cooking, and doing crafts and decorating in prep for the holidays. So this weekend, I have been making lists,  going over things to make sure I have supplies on hand and mapping out my schedule.

Fall Cleaning Lists - Download and Print:

Kitchen
Dining Room
Closets and Laundry Room
Living Room, Family Room and Office
Bedroom
Bathroom
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside
Smaller General List


How-to's:
Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan
Cleaning the Kitchen Trash Can
Tips for Vacuum Care
Cleaning Your Computer
How-to Wash Pillows
Cleaning the Toaster
Cleaning the Microwave
How to Clean Your Dishwasher


General Information:
5 Decorating Mantras to Live By
10 Simple Things to Make You Happier at Home
10 Habits for a Well-Run Home
100 Reason to Get Rid of It - this link has all sorts of resources for items you want to get rid of

Cleaning Your Ceiling Fan

About a month ago I posted a tip on dusting the ceiling fan, but today I am going to actually write about cleaning the ceiling fan that uses the same technique with the pillowcase, but takes it one step further when the blades are really needing to be cleaned not just dusted.

When you have blades that are dusty and just holding on to dirt, it can send all that flying when you turn on the blades.  That means allergies can be kicked up and as if we don't have enough allergens in a normal house and seasonal living.

I like to actually clean not just dust the ceiling fan during my seasonal cleaning. And soon I will be throwing myself into my fall cleaning routine so thought I would share how I clean the ceiling fan during my seasonal cleaning.

Supplies:
Old Pillowcase
Extra cleaning cloth such as a microfiber cloth
Spray bottle with water and vinegar
Ladder
Optional: Drop cloth


1. If you want for extra protection, place down drop clothes over furniture and under the area of the ceiling fan.  I often don't do this often, because I use the nifty pillow case trick, but also I start my cleaning a room by cleaning the ceiling fan so any dust and dirt that falls from it will be cleaned up during the rest of my normal cleaning.

2. Take a spray bottle and fill it with warm water and 1/4 cup of distilled white vinegar. Spray the inside of the of the pillowcase with the mixture.

3. Standing on a ladder, slip the pillowcase over a blade and pull it back and forth to clean the blade.

4. You will notice dirt on the inside of the pillowcase as you take it off and move to the next blade. Spritz a clean part of the pillowcase and slip it over the blade and pull it back and forth like you did on the first blade. Continue doing this with each blade.

5. Take your cleaning cloth and clean the light fixture, base of the fan and any residual dirt and grime on the blades.

6. Take the pillowcase outside and shake out the dust and dirt and then launder.

If you have a ceiling fan that is very high, I don't recommend climbing on a ladder to clean it. If it is over 12 feet from the ground, I would get an actual ceiling fan duster from your local hardware store. They even have extensions to buy if you need to to go even longer.

Spring Cleaning

It is Spring Cleaning time and I am sick as in actually not feeling good. I mean sicker then I have been in 10 or more years. It is driving me crazy as I really was all ready to tackle my Spring Cleaning lists. We have a very special someone coming to visit us in April so I wanted all my Spring Cleaning to be done and things to be organized and refreshed in the house.  I have been sick a lot this year already, so has put me behind schedule in my normal cleaning routines. I haven't been able to clean like I usually do on a daily basis so things add up.  I mean simple things that are just part of my routine like filing are stacked so they are falling over into a bigger mess. I usually shred things 2 to 4 times a year and I haven't at all since last Spring. So I am behind and it is driving me crazy (luckily this last year didn't have that much shredding so the pile isn't completely out of control).  I am hoping today that I can get some filing done because at least it doesn't require a lot of moving around which has been creating coughing attacks.

But in the mean time while I heal and get healthy,  I am sharing with you some Spring cleaning lists, how-to guides, and just some general tips and tricks to maybe help you in your Spring Cleaning.

Spring Cleaning lists...
Living Areas
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Closets and Laundry Room
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside


How-to...
Cleaning the Toaster
Cleaning the Microwave
Cleaning Your Computer
Washing Pillows
Cleaning your Dishwasher
Folding Towels
Folding Fitted Sheets Video and Folding Sheets photos (plus to ways to fold to store them neatly)



Tips...
Overhaulin  - some spring cleaning tips
Spring Cleaning Tips - links to more spring cleaning lists too
100 Reasons to Get Rid of It - a great source for if you are recycling and need places to donate or dispose of items
A Quicker Clean House
5 Ways to Motivate Yourself to Clean
Tackling the Endless To-Do List

Cleaning Your Computer

We are upon that season called "Spring Cleaning" and this would be a good time to clean your computer. Always start with your instruction manuals for cleaning to see if they have specific cleaning directions.




Supplies:
Microfiber clothes
Cotton Swabs and/or Foam Swabs (like clean eye shadow applicators)
Canned Air
Water or Water/Vinegar Solution


* Turn off computer and unplug electrical cords. Take out the battery if it is a laptop.
*  Never spray anything directly on to the computer instead spray the cloth or swab with water or a water/vinegar solution
* Wipe down computer case, speakers, knobs, vents with a slightly damp cloth or use swab over small knobs/buttons or inputs - follow with a dry microfiber cloth.  For stubborn spots, mix a bit of dish soap in with your vinegar/water solution and wipe down again.
* Wipe down the screen with a barely damp microfiber cloth (just water is best for screen). Don't push hard on stubborn spots as it can harm the computer monitor.  Just dampen your cloth again with water and go over it again and again until it is gone.   Do not use any papertowels or tissues on the screen as it can scratch some screens. Do not spray directly on the screen - spray on the cloth and use the dampened cloth on your screen.  Don't use any commercial brand cleaner like Windex or alcohol on your screen as it might react adversely. Just use water or if having a tough spot use water/vinegar solution.
* Turn your keyboard upside down over a wastebasket.  Give a few gentle shakes or taps to the bottom to dislodge debris under the keys. Holding the keyboard upside down over the wastebasket, spray some canned air to shoot between each row of keys.  
* Take a swab dipped in water/vinegar solution and go over the keys, cleaning them. The tops and the outside of them.  You can also just use a slightly damp cloth to go over the tops. 
* Wipe your mouse down with a damp microfiber cloth.  If you have a optical mouse, take a cotton swab with the tip damp with water or vinegar/water solution and run it over the the bottom lens (where it shows red light when turned on).  If you have a trackball, take a damp microfiber cloth and wipe over the balls several times so it has spun all the way around. 

Spring Cleaning

It is now officially SPRING! And that means spring cleaning is here. I honestly think that it is one of my favorite times of the year. I started a little early this year as I knew I was going to have a busy spring. I have been going through closets and dressers. I have piles ready to donate, mend/repair, repurpose and toss. I have had my toothbrush out scrubbing all the grooves of the faucet and cupboard door handles. And it made me feel so good....see I must a masochist?

Once again I thought I would share my spring cleaning lists. I have done just slight updates to the lists. A few little changes/additions.

Spring Cleaning Lists
Living Areas
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Closets and Laundry Room
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside

Spring Forward!

Although I know not all the readers have to reset their clocks for Daylight Savings madness, the time change can serve as a reminder to do some twice a year household maintenance.

Specifically, this is a good time to change the batteries in your smoke detector. Early fire detection can save lives, as I've seen over and over again in my job. Just a few months ago, a 12 year-old boy in my county was awakened by the sound of the smoke detector and alerted his family and they all got out of the house safely.

Some other things you might want to consider doing while resetting your clocks:

* Wash the Windows inside and out
* Change your online passwords
* Change your windshield wipers
* Check batteries in your emergency flashlights
* Clean the baseboards in your house
* Pull out the fridge and dust/vacuum the coils
* Rotate/Flip Mattress


Those are just a few ideas I had. What about you? What things can you add?

Fall Cleaning

I have these on the blog already but stored in a different place. The other links might not work much longer so please use these. Included in these links is one that is a more whole house general list instead of broken down into detailed room lists.

Download and Print:
Kitchen
Dining Room
Closets and Laundry Room
Living Room, Family Room and Office
Bedroom
Bathroom
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside
Smaller General List

Friday Favorites

Although summer is still upon us, with Labor Day approaching in a few weeks my mind starts drifting to fall. A wonderful season to enjoy but also one with a lot of yard and house clean up and maintenance. Here are some helpful links for just such an occassion.

Real Simple Home Orgainzing
Fall cleaning Checklist. I always find it helpful to make a checklist when I do spring and fall cleaning. Real Simple has gone and made one up already that you may find helpful if you haven't already made your own list.

Closet Tips
5 tips to organizing your closet. I found this to be helpful although a bit basic. I am always looking for better ways to organize a closet and this was a good place to start.

Fall Backyard Cleanup Tips
Fall cleanup for backyards. This site had a lot of helpful information regarding backyard cleanup for the fall season. They provided ten time saving tips on yard maintenance and care.

Gutter Cleaning
A How to Guide to Gutter cleaning. I put this one in here now because although the leaves are still on the trees, in the northeast they will fall soon enough and if you have to do any maintenance to your gutters it is best to accomplish this before the leaves start to fall so that your gutters are functional when fall does come.

Spring Cleaning

Unfortunately I am getting this out late. I apologize for that but it couldn't be helped.

These lists are very similar to the fall cleaning lists but with just a few changes for spring.

When doing spring cleaning, open the windows up to air out the house but also just let the sun in after winter. Think of placing vases of flowers throughout the house just be mindful of household member's allergies.

Spring Cleaning Lists
Living Areas
Dining Room
Kitchen
Bedroom
Bathroom
Closets and Laundry Room
Basement, Attic and Garage
Outside

I also found this link helpful for just getting motivated to start.

Overhaulin'

I love spring cleaning. This process lets me let go of the winter blues and greet the spring with a clean slate. It’s hard work for sure, but deeply satisfying.

Usually when I think of spring cleaning, I think of… well, an overhaul. Scrubbing out the aftermath of winter when we’ve been housebound more than usual, washing window screens and window treatments, cleaning behind all the major appliances, washing the walls and airing out the house. And danae’s compiled some outstanding checklists to help keep that process organized.

But this year… I’m going to ramp up to Spring Cleaning with a few other overhauls.

• De-cluttering the calendar: I prioritize my time and activities to make sure I am using my time effectively, and give myself enough time to recharge. I also build some time into the schedule to get outside and enjoy the breezes and sunshine with a walk or workout. Most importantly, I make sure I get enough sleep on a regular basis- even if I have to schedule it in.
• Spring cleaning the PC: I set aside an afternoon to do a backup, defrag, virus check, security patch updates, organizing my desktop and any loose files that need a home, deleting anything outdated (or uninstalling unused programs). I also remove any RSS feeds or groups that I no longer have time to read, catch up on emails, and make sure my contact list/address book is updated and backed up.
• Checking expirations on cosmetics and medications/vitamins: I do this two, maybe three times a year, primarily because I love makeup and have a terrifying amount of ‘stuff’. Here’s a good rule of thumb for cosmetic expiration dates. I also purge vitamins and supplements as needed, as well as items in my first aid kit and medicine cabinet. I put out the oldest items in front, so I use those up first.
• Freshening up my hair and makeup: I usually make major changes in spring, whether it’s cutting my hair, adding in a few highlights to chase away the darker winter tones, switching to brighter, sheer colors in cosmetics or just wanting something fresh and different. When I switch over to my warmer seasonal clothes, I take a head-to-toe look to see if I’m where I want to be. I also try to take a critical eye to my mirror and make sure I'm not in a rut... (What would they say to me on What Not to Wear?)
  
• Unconditioning: I’ve found my winter hair conditioners and moisturizers are not always my best choice for spring/summer. Usually, I switch to lighter lotions instead of body butters and often find my conditioner is too heavy in the warmer months.
• Detailing the car: I normally wash my car weekly, and vacuum/wipe down inside twice a month. But in the spring, I do like to spend the time on a deep clean/detail (or dropping it off to get done :) It allows me to really examine the car for any damage (especially if you are in cold climates, where the roads are treated during icy/snow conditions) or other contaminants such as tree sap/bird droppings that might affect the paint. And I can shampoo/condition the interior.
  

Fall Cleaning: Kitchen and Dining Room

KITCHEN
* Dust above cabinets, baseboards, door and door frame
* Dust and vacuum all moderately dirty curtains and window treatments.Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth. Remember to clean window sill and on top of window sill as well as the tracts and screen. Use toothbrush for hard to reach areas
* Take heating vent cover off - scrub heating vent cover and then using vacuum hose vacuum in the shaft and surrounding area.
* Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Dust, wash and dry all walls and baseboards. Dust Wallpapered walls.
* Cupboards and pantry - 1) remove all canned goods and spices - toss expired items. Non-perishables that you don't feel you will use before they expire donate. 2) empty cupboards of dishes, pots and pans. Things that are not needed - give to charity. Things that are broken - throw out. 3) Wipe down the inside and outside of cupboards and pantry - shelves and doors. 4) replace and reorganize - place like items with like items. 5) Holiday baking is coming up so remember to pull items used for that upfront - a special cake pan, cookie cutters, food coloring and such.
* Drawers and counters - 1) empty 2) wipe down inside and outside of drawers and tops of counters 3) replace and reorganize - clipped recipes, coupons, silverware, the "junk" drawer - organize to be useful.
* Wipe and clean all kitchen appliances from coffee maker, microwave, stand mixers, oven and so on - Use a magic eraser on small and large appliances (it makes them look brand new)
* Run dishwasher empty with vinegar - wipe down
* Clean garbage disposal - Sprinkle baking powder down garbage disposal - heat 1 to 2 cups vinegar to boiling and pour into garbage disposal. After fizzing has died down, run hot water while disposal is turned on. Then add some lemons slices and ice cubes (or just frozen lemon slices) and run the garbage disposal.
* Clean out and reorganize fridge and freezer - 1) throw out expired items or left overs that are too old to eat 2) Wipe inside of fridge and freezer 3) put items back in - organizing like items with like items and putting items that are going to expire first front 4) Clean outside of fridge - top, door, handle, back coils and behind front vent
* Clean inside and outside of trash can
* Clean all door handles, cupboard knobs, light switches and phones
* Wipe down table and chairs
* Wash dishes and clean sink
* Sweep and wash floor

DINING ROOM
* Declutter and reorganize - Make piles for charity items, trash and mend/repair - Get out holiday dishes and linens - clean and repair
* Polish silverware
* Dust furniture, baseboards, door and door frame
* Dust and vacuum all moderately dirty curtains and window treatments. Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth. Remember to clean window sill and on top of window sill as well as the tracts and screen. Use toothbrush for hard to reach areas
* Take heating vent cover off - scrub heating vent cover and then using vacuum hose vacuum in the shaft and surrounding area.
* Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Dust, wash and dry all walls. Dust Wallpapered walls.
* Vacuum and spot clean upholstery
* Sweep/Vacuum and wash floors
* Decorate - replace summer table linens with fall/winter warmer colors


Download and Print: Fall Cleaning List - Kitchen and Fall Cleaning List - Dinging Room

Fall Cleaning: Outside Your House

* Drain and store garden hoses. Install insulating covers on exterior faucets if needed. Have sprinkler systems blown free of water.
* Garden beds need to be cleaned out of summer dead plants and flowers. Prep beds for winter.
* Clean the deck/patio furniture and then put it away for the fall and winter months.
* Check and clean the gutters.
* Check, repair or replace weather stripping and caulking around windows and doors. Follow manufacturer's recommendations to re-caulk if needed.
* Check if external doors and garage doors close correctly. Install weather-stripping and door thresholds if needed.
* Wash exterior windows
* Air Cooling system - ours needs to be drained and covered for winter
* Touch up exterior paint on house, shutters and door


Download and Print: Fall Cleaning List - Outside

Fall Cleaning: Living Areas

Living Areas include - Family room, living room and home office

* Declutter and reorganize. Make piles to donate or throw out. Go through all movies, books, video games, music and get rid of those don't like or want anymore and reorganize the rest
* Dust and vacuum all moderately dirty curtains and window treatments.Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth. Remember to clean window sill and on top of window sill as well as the tracts and screen. Use toothbrush for hard to reach areas
* Take heating vent cover off - scrub heating vent cover and then using vacuum hose vacuum in the shaft and surrounding area.
* Vacuum dusty cloth lampshades - using a brush attachment.
* Dust all other lamps - Using a solution of water and vinegar to lightly dampen a microfiber cloth
* Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Dust, wash and dry all walls and baseboards. Dust Wallpapered walls.
* Dust tops of doors. door frames, door knob, light switch covers and outlets
* Wipe down phone and remote controls
* Dust all shelves, coffee/end tables, TV/electronic equipment and knickknacks
* Wipe down glass surfaces such as tv screen
* Vaccuum and spot clean upholstery
* Steam Clean Carpet
* Decorate - Change out throw pillows and blankets, candles to warmer scents such as mulled cider and vanilla cookies and other summer decorations for fall and winter decorations.

For Home Office all of the above but also:
* Organize bills, manuals and receipts
* Shred papers that are out-of-date or not needed
* Make sure supplies are stocked
* Clean computer - mouse and keyboard included

Download and Print: Fall Cleaning List - Living Areas

Fall Cleaning: Storage Areas & Laundry Room

I think this is the part of fall cleaning that takes the most time. It is cleaning all storage areas: coat closet, linen closet, misc. closets, basement, attic and/or garage and laundry room.

Closets
* Take everything out of the closet
* Wipe down walls, shelves, pole
* Wipe down door, door frame and door knob
* Declutter and reorganize - Make piles for charity items, trash and mend/repair
* Vacuum or wash floor
* Make sure to get winter and fall items up front - winter coats, gloves, boots and in the linen closet flannel sheets and electric blankets.


Basement/Attic/Garage
* Gather in one area paints, pesticides and all chemicals. If needing to get rid of anything, call city sanitation for how to dispose of those things safely.
* Clean all garden tools and outside tools and store away for the winter months
* Make sure shovel and car window scrapers are easily accessible
* Declutter and reorganize - Make piles for charity items, items to recycle* and trash (* look here to find places to recycle electronic equipment)
* Make labels for storage bins when reorganizing
* Stack storage bins with like - such as all holiday items in one stack, memorabilia in another and so on
* Make sure holiday bins are easily available with the holidays coming up
Dust and vacuum moderately dirty curtains and window treatments - Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth
* Vacuum dusty cloth lampshades - using a brush attachment.
* Dust all other lamps - Using a solution of water and vinegar to very lightly dampen a microfiber cloth
* Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors - change batteries if necessary
* Replace furnace filter and make sure it is working order before it gets too cold
* Make sure flashlights work and other emergency items are working and in place
* Clean the walls - Dust, wash, rinse and then dry painted walls. Wallpaper - dust
* Vacuum and spot-clean upholstered furniture and cushions - if storing make sure covered so keep dust and dirt off them
* Clean all trash cans
* Clean all heat vent covers and vacuum in and around
* Dust - shelves, furniture/appliances, door and doorframe
* Wipe down door knob
* Sweep, vacuum and/or wash floor


Laundry Room
* Clean the outside of washer and dryer and sink
* Clean the counters, shelving and cabinets. Both inside and outside of cabinets
* Run vinegar through washer to clean your washer
* Wipe the inside walls of the dryer. Use a cloth dampened with dishwashing soap and warm water.
* Check and clean dryer exhaust vent for built-up lint
* Clean behind the washer and dryer. Use a vacuum brush
* Clean buildup from minerals or starch off iron
* Dust door and door frame
* Clean door knob
* Clean all heat vent covers and vacuum in and around
* Dust and vacuum moderately dirty curtains and window treatments - Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth

Download and Print: Fall Cleaning List - Basement, Attic and Garage and Fall Cleaning List - Closets and Laundry Room

Fall Cleaning: Bedroom

* Declutter and reorganize. Make piles to donate or throw out.
* Empty and wash out trash can
* Dust and vacuum all moderately dirty curtains and window treatments.Start by dusting from top to bottom using the upholstery or brush attachment for the vacuum. For blinds take a dampened microfiber cloth to them wiping them top to bottom.
* Very dirty curtains and window treatments - Wash or clean according to labels.
* Wash all windows - Using vinegar and water solution with a microfiber cloth. Remember to clean window sill and on top of window sill as well as the tracts and screen. Use toothbrush for hard to reach areas
* Take heating vent cover off - scrub heating vent cover and then using vacuum hose vacuum in the shaft and surrounding area.
* Vacuum dusty cloth lampshades - using a brush attachment.
* Dust all other lamps - Using a solution of water and vinegar to lightly dampen a microfiber cloth
* Clean ceiling-mounted light fixtures and ceiling fans.
* Dust, wash and dry all walls and baseboards. Dust Wallpapered walls.
* Dust tops of doors. door frames, light switch covers and outlets
* Wash or clean all bedding: mattress pad, pillows, blankets, bed skirt, etc. Wash and put away all lighter summer bedding and wash/air out all winter bedding before making the bed again.
* Vacuum the mattress. Remove mattress and then vacuum the box spring. Flip and rotate mattress when putting it back on the bed. Vacuum it again as it will be the new top.
* Get out the winter and fall clothes. Go through the summer clothes from this year. Things not worn, get rid of it. Prepare three baskets: dry-cleaning, donating, and mending/repair. Pack up summer clothes for storage.
* Remove everything from closet. Dust and vacuum your closet: shelves, corners, walls and floors
* Clean dresser drawers - inside and out. Replace clothing neatly and place summer clothes in appropriate baskets or directly into storage.
* Dust and vacuum under and behind bed, dressers and other furniture in bedroom
* Steam clean carpet

Download and Print: Fall Cleaning List - Bedroom

Fall Cleaning: Bathroom

I started fall cleaning last week and will most likely be done with it tomorrow. I thought I would post a list or two daily this week that I use for fall cleaning. I also will be adding a pdf list at the end if you want to download it and print. Please let me know if it isn't working as this is the first time I have tried to link a pdf from our website. And sometimes our hotlinking protection acts a little wonky.

BATHROOM

* Declutter and reorganize - get rid of all the old tubes of lipstick and make up.
* Wash curtains and bathroom rugs
* Empty and wash out trash can
* Wipe down all cabinets the inside and outside
* Clean light fixtures and change any bulbs that are needed
* Clean windows - remember to clean window sill and on top of window sill as well as the tracts and screen. Use toothbrush for hard to reach areas
* Wipe down the bathroom door, and the top of the bathroom door
* Spray down your shower/tub with cleaner, let sit for a bit and then scrub well. Use a magic eraser or stiff scrub brush and then a tooth brush for tiny areas and grout.
* Clean and disinfect toilet
* Clean a soap dish and toothbrush holder by putting them in the dishwasher
* Replace bar soap or refill liquid soap - replace toothbrushes
* Clean sink and faucet and counter - use tooth brush around the faucet and handles to get close and into grooves
* Clean mirror with a microfiber cloth dampened with a solution of vinegar water
* Wipe down light switches, outlets, towel racks and toilet paper holder. Also any furniture - shelves above toilet
* Dust, wipe down and dry walls and baseboards - Clean walls and baseboards with a dampened microfiber cloth. Use alcohol on build of hairspray. Wallpaper only dust
* Take heating vent cover off - scrub heating vent cover and then using vacuum hose vacuum in the shaft and surrounding area
* Wash floor with a vinegar/water solution
* Put back shower curtain and rugs or change out with seasonal ones
* Put fresh towels out

EXTRAS
* Think of ways to reorganize using things around the house. A pretty little jar for q-tips, a candy dish with a cover for cotton balls
* Create baskets for each family member to put their hair products, blow dryers and curling irons so they are responsible for putting things away into their basket after using.

Download and Print Fall Cleaning List - Bathroom

Friday Favorites

Corn Bread Salad - It looks so yummy!

Fall Check List - I am trying to gear up for fall cleaning this check list is a good start.

The Butler's Bureau - I am linking to the site map because I find the website kind of confusing on finding things but it does have some good information.

Spring Pad It - I just started using it last week and I am really liking it. I am not sure I can even do it justice on explaining it. It is one stop place for list making, planning, budgeting and organization. It will send you reminders via emails. It allows you to send to friends or publish on social networking sites. I think it might have a phone application but not sure as I don't have a cell phone.

Leaves Wall Art - changing the decor in each seasons is something I like doing. And this project would be a good one for changing things up.

Friday Favorites

Ginger Orange Brownies with Ganache Topping - Okay ginger? orange? and ganache topping? Yum! The brownies use oat flour which is just running oats through the food processor.

Saving in Style - this is to go along with the next link. Just a cute little craft to help organize coupons.

15 days of Couponing - she is up to 13 days. But some good advice for those who want to start using coupons. Or even some new tips for those of us that already do.

Spring Decorating, Projects and Ideas all around the House - For me with spring cleaning comes changing things up around the house. Changing out warm fall/wintery scented candles to more light and fruity scented candles - pillows from dark colors to a lighter shades - just making things more light and ready for spring and summer. About.com gives quite a few links to change things up.

Living ETC Gallery - I just enjoy looking through the pictures to get ideas for decorating, to put on the wish list for future house and to find alternative ways to deal with problem areas.

Spring Cleaning

It is that time of year when I am starting my spring cleaning. I use my Home Comforts: The Art Science of Keeping a House by Cheryl Mendelson as my main resource for spring cleaning.

Things I like to do during spring cleaning is look where things are cluttered. And try to figure out why things gather there and how I can keep it more organized. Does it need a bin? Can I move some stuff to another place so that it isn't so cluttered? That kind of stuff.

I also go through things that I don't use to donate, sell, throw or things that need repair I try to do during this time also.

Things I try to remember to do - that are seasonal things for me:
Bedroom - flip mattress, change out bedding for warmer season coming on

Bathrooms - go through medicine cabinets to throw out stuff expired or should haven't kept in the first place

Overall house - change out pictures, centerpiece for table, pillows on couches, candles from warm scents to cool scents (like I have lots of pumpkin, vanilla and cinnamon right now and I will change to fruity and linen scents.) Just making things more springy & light instead of heavy and warm. When organizing, I use labels for everything. We have a label maker but sometimes labels aren't suitable for the container so then I use clips with a little piece of cardstock

Outside - preparing flower beds/garden to plant, maybe a deck need painting, windows washed, screens repaired, washing patio furniture off...things of that nature

Some resources:
Spring Cleaning Printable Checklists

Complete Spring Cleaning Resource

Spring Cleaning Chore List - with a printable list

Five Tips for Spring Cleaning with Kids

Martha Stewart's Spring Cleaning Tips

3 Page Printable Resource from Martha Stewart on Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning Tips and Helpful Hints

18 Spring Cleaning Ideas