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It seems almost instinctive to want to
clean out your home with the changing of the seasons. This is
especially true of Spring. Spring always signals a time of renewal
and most of us appreciate the freshness of a home that has been
cleaned from top to bottom with "earth friendly" cleaning agents.
Unfortunately, most of us don't have
the time to scrub every surface the way Grandma did. In times past,
people heated with coal or wood which left everything covered with a
sooty film. In the spring, furniture would be placed on the lawn,
scrubbed down and possibly given a fresh coat of paint. Then, the
inside would be tackled. In warmer climes, there would still be the
residue of candles or kerosene lanterns that would need to be kept
at bay.
Even with cleaner heat and electric
lighting it still feels natural to keep the tradition going. So,
where do we start? You'll need to come up with a game plan. You
probably won't get through the process in a single day. However, if
you break it up into smaller bits of time and enlist the help of
everyone in the household, the task becomes more manageable. Create
a master list, so everyone will know the plan. You'll need to
have the right tools on hand, including a good mop, vacuum, large
sponges, dust pan and broom, an extended duster for cobwebs and hard
to reach places plus a step ladder and paper towels. And don't
forget the household gloves. Dust and sweep before you clean. It
makes the job easier.
First, keep in mind that using
non-toxic cleaners is better for your health and better for the
environment. Vinegar is a time tested favorite and does a fine job
on a number of surfaces, including windows and mirrors. To make your
own solution, mix two cups water with a quarter cup white distilled
vinegar and about a half teaspoon of liquid soap in a spray bottle.
Don't forget to add a label so you won't be trying to figure out
what it is later.
A natural solution for getting rid of
musty, moldy odors is to mix two cups of water with two teaspoons of
tea tree oil. You get this at most natural food stores. Just spray
on the surface and let it do its work. The tea tree smell will
dissipate after a couple of days and leave everything fresh. Citrus
cleaners work very well, also. You can purchase a commercially
prepared product or make your own by mixing two cups of water with
twenty drops of citrus seed extract in a spray bottle.
Your furniture will shine when you
polish it with a flannel cloth (a cloth diaper works great) dipped
in a solution of a quarter cup of vinegar with a few drops of real
lemon oil. And straight vinegar works great for cleaning cutting
boards or any surface you wish to disinfect without chemicals.
Baking soda is a non-abrasive cleanser
for countertops, ovens, sinks and even fiberglass. It's a great
freshener for carpets. Just sprinkle on, wait an hour or even
overnight and vacuum. And if the drain is clogged, add one cup of
baking soda and a cup of vinegar. Then pour a quart of boiling water
down the drain. That's usually enough to clear out the grime.
Wash walls from the bottom up to avoid
streaking. Fullers earth and cornstarch usually work magic on greasy
spots and an art gum eraser will take away most crayon and pencil
marks. Place small knick knacks in the dishwasher. If you are afraid
they might get dislodged from their assigned space, wrap them in
netting.
While you're at it, take this
opportunity to get rid of the clutter. Items you no longer use or
need can be donated to a worthy charity. Your home will look better
and you'll get a tax write-off in the process.
Copyright 2003
PropertySource Network |
