Spring Cleaning the Natural Way – Make spring cleaning a snap
Spring has sprung, or so my calendar says. But as I type this it’s snowing/raining. And with spring it’s time to evict all the winter cooties, send them packing so get out the mops, brooms, sponges, and dust cloths. I actually start planning my spring cleaning at least a week in advance.
#1. Make a list of all the items you want to clean. Mine includes:
– taking down all the curtains and either washing them or taking them to the dry cleaners.
- scrubbing all the walls (we heat with wood so this is big job).
- beating the large area rugs (yes, right from your grandma’s day – dog, wood heat, sloppy northern winter = nasty rugs in the spring)
- shampoo carpets.
- etc.
My list includes all the things that would not be done in my standard weekly or monthly cleaning. I also do a summer cleaning that includes windows and screens because it’s just too cold here to include that at this time of year. Once you have made your list – keep for the next year to come. You can add notes as you work through this year – supplies that worked or didn’t work. The cost of cleaning, ect.
#2. Gather all the supplies needed. Purchase those not on hand or use the natural alternatives listed below. I prefer the homemade to the store because my house smells clean at the end not like a chemical factory, but if scrubbing bubbles is your thing, skip down to step #3.
- degreaser – full strength white vinegar directly on a damp sponge. Apply directly on a damp sponge and it cut through the grease easily. (Compare Spic and Span at about $.075 an ounce to store brand white vinegar at a little more than $.03 an ounce.)
* And you will surely use less vinegar, which will lower your cost even further.
-Windows and Glass Surfaces – In a medium-sized spray bottle, mix 1/2 cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of isopropyl alcohol. Fill the rest of the bottle with water. You can add more alcohol to cut down on drying time. (Compare Windex ounce for ounce, and you will be spending $1.47 for about 16 ounces of Windex rather than $.34 for our mixture.) Now it truth – my windows/glass (I have French doors separating my rooms inside) are streaked with this but it does cut the smoke/dust build up. And I’ve never had any luck with the newspaper thing. I end up with soggy paper, my sister however swears by this. So that would be further savings.
- Carpets – Sprinkle cornstarch on rugs and carpets, wait about 15-30 minutes. Then hang on the line or vacuum. (Woolite Oxy Deep costs $.19 per ounce compared to cornstarch, which costs about $.12 an ounce.)
Fireplace/wood stove – To get rid of the soot and grime that comes with using the fireplace/wood stove all winter, take an art gum eraser and start erasing. Vacuum up crumbs from the eraser.
#3. Pick a day or days. Then divide chores between family members. Another secret here….I do spring cleaning by myself. I have hubby carry the rugs out for me but besides that, I have found it runs smoother if I do it myself. My hubby does all his spring yard work/clean up on this day. So if I need a strong back and bugling muscles ~ I call the neighbor guy ~ no kidding, he’s handy but out of my way.
Here is a link to an article in Womans Day that includes printable checklist. They do a week countdown.
http://www.womansday.com/Articles/Topic/spring_cleaning.html
Do you have any spring cleaning tips you would to share? What things make it on your cleaning list?
