Spring-clean for a fresh start

May 17, 2017

With spring in full gear, now is the time to spruce up your home and clear out unwanted clutter. Open up your windows, and air out your house after those long months of winter. As you clean and declutter your closets and catchall spaces, here are some cleaning and donating tips to keep in mind.

Start by making a list of every room and area in your home. (Save plenty of space to jot down individual steps needed to spiff up each room.) Clean one room from top to bottom, and then move to the next. If you try to tackle only a few tasks in every room at the same time, chances are you will end up feeling overwhelmed and might not be as likely to finish. So make a list of your rooms and areas (i.e., entryways, hall closets, etc.) and every cleaning and organizing activity you want to accomplish in each place. Then estimate the length of time each will take, and make a plan to tackle each one. If you use a planner or calendar, mark the cleaning tasks directly on those days, just like any other appointment or important activity.

Is a donation basket on your list? Start collecting items you no longer use or clothing that no longer fits to donate to charitable organizations. You’ll feel good about clearing the clutter and paying it forward to someone in need. If you’re not sure where to donate items, check out donation ideas on Page 13.

Cleaning checklist

Here are a few must-clean activities. Are these on your list? Tell us your favorite cleaning tips on social media @GleanerLife or email forum@gleanerlife.org.

Kitchen

  • Wipe down all surfaces, including cabinets. To clean cabinets, mix one part vegetable oil with two parts baking soda, then scrub with a soft-bristled toothbrush. Then wipe the mixture off with a wet towel, followed by a dry towel.1 
  • Clean your ceiling fan blades using a pillowcase. One at a time, slide blades into the pillowcase and wipe. All of the dust will stay inside the pillowcase. When you’re done, take the pillowcase outside and shake it out before washing it.2
  • Clean your dishwasher by sprinkling baking soda on the bottom and edges and then running it on its hottest setting.
  • If your oven has a self-clean option, use it. An easy way to clean your microwave is to place one cup of water and a chopped lemon in a microwave-safe bowl and run on high for several minutes. Afterward, wipe clean with a towel.
  • Do you have a garbage disposal? Make ice cubes with half vinegar, half water and grind them to clean and deodorize.3

Living room

  • Clean drapes and blinds with the arm attachment on your vacuum.
  • Spot-clean carpet stains. Place ¼ cup of white vinegar and 1 tablespoon of Dawn dish soap in a spray bottle and fill with water. Spray mixture onto spot, and let stand for 5-10 minutes before dabbing away the stain.
  • Wipe down walls using a damp towel or rag.
  • Dust surfaces and artwork — a fun task to give your children.
  • Remove cushions from couch and chairs and vacuum.

Bathrooms

  • Run your shower curtain liner through the gentle cycle in the washing machine and hang it back up to air-dry.
  • Scrub tub, shower and sink. For tough tub stains, try a scouring powder made of 1 cup baking soda, ½ cup salt, ½ cup washing soda and 5 drops of lemon essential oil (for scent). Mix until blended, then apply to a damp tub and scrub with a cleaning brush.4
  • Wipe mirror. For a natural clean, use 50/50 water and vinegar in a spray bottle.
  • Disinfect toilet. For an easy clean, drop two Alka Seltzer tablets in the toilet. After they dissolve, go over the toilet with a brush.
  • Mop floor.

Master bedroom

  • Wipe down walls, floorboards, furniture and ceiling fan (see quick tip in kitchen checklist).
  • Clean windows and window tracks. Use the same 50/50 water and vinegar mix used on the bathroom mirror.
  • Wash all bed linens and pillows, and rotate mattress.
  • Clean window treatments.
  • Organize closet (don’t forget to collect unwanted clothing to donate).

Children’s room

As you work through your children’s room, follow this method for efficient work: examine and toss/save/donate. With that in mind, tackle the following areas:

  • Shelves
  • Under bed
  • Closet

After these items are checked off, follow the same checklist as the master bedroom.

Laundry room

  • Clean washing machine by running vinegar through a wash cycle to sanitize and clear soap scum.
  • Wipe the interior of the dryer and empty lint track.
  • Wipe down sink, outside of washing machine and dryer, and countertops.
  • Don’t forget the iron. Clean mineral deposits with a mix of baking soda and water, and wipe your iron.5

Want to see checklists for the basement, entryway, hall closet and garage? Read the full article at www.gleanerlife.org/springclean, and follow us @gleanerlife, where we’ll share some tips in April.

Basement

Divide the basement into manageable sections, and clean one section at a time. As you work through each one, keep a donation tote and a trash can handy. For items you plan to keep, wipe down or dust.

  • Wash light fixtures.
  • Vacuum carpet and vents.
  • Wipe down walls, doors and baseboards.
  • Dust decorations, lampshades and furniture.

Entryway

  • Put away shoes, boots, jackets and winter accessories that are no longer needed.
  • Take rug outside and shake out excess dirt.
  • Vacuum rug and clean surrounding floor.
  • Wipe down door and dust wreath or other decoration.
  • Dust bench or entryway table and decorations.

Hall closets

  • Remove items and place in three piles: keep, donate, toss.
  • After closet is empty, vacuum and wipe down walls, shelves and door.
  • Hang up coats, and return items to their appropriate shelves.

Garage

Pick a day when the weather is nice so you can use your driveway. Start by removing everything from the garage and placing items into three piles: keep, donate, toss.

  • Using a broom, sweep the ceiling, walls and garage floor.
  • Wipe down shelving units.
  • Return items you plan to keep to their respective shelves and areas.

Donating checklist

As you get your home organized and clean, don’t forget about the ways you can bless others with your unwanted goods. Those who donate to Goodwill Industries helped employ 312,000 people in 2015.6 At popular donation centers like Goodwill and the Salvation Army, low-income consumers can purchase clothing and home goods for their families at a fraction of the cost of new. The revenue gained through these organizations often goes back into the community to fund programs and services.

As you go through each room, keep a donation box or tote handy. Once you’re done, sort through the box and make a plan to donate.

While taking all of your donations to one organization is convenient, consider which organizations might need items the most. Do you have blankets and towels you no longer use? Check with your local homeless shelters and animal shelters. Looking to unload clothing your children have outgrown? Consider donating to a local organization, such as Foster Closet, that supports foster children. If you have small appliances or gently used furniture, Habitat for Humanity accepts these items to stock Habitat ReStores, where the money raised helps local families find affordable housing. Have a bigger item like a vehicle? The Salvation Army will accept your gift and use it to help individuals in its Adult Rehabilitation Centers. Learn more at www.salvationarmyusa.org.

 

1 www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2013/03/2-ingredient-homemade-kitchen-cabinet-gunk-remover.html

2 www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2011/11/clean-your-ceiling-fan-in-seconds.html

3 www.rd.com/home/cleaning-organizing/9-quick-kitchen-cleaning-secrets

4 wellnessmama.com/1348/scouring-powder

5 www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/cleaning/laundry/laundry-room-cleaning-checklist

6 www.goodwill.org/about-us

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