Archive for April, 2011

Spring Cleaning 101

What Is Spring Cleaning? Spring cleaning refers to the deep-cleaning chores that people may engage in during spring, after the winter months have made many jobs more difficult to do and thus more neglected. Spring cleaning jobs generally include things like washing windows, cleaning appliances, scrubbing floors, and washing sheets and linens (but hopefully you’re doing that year-round), as well as donating clothes, paring down, and putting organization systems in place.

Who Does Spring Cleaning? The obvious answer is that people who want a clean home are those who engage in spring cleaning. More specifically, though, 86% of women and 68% of men (77% of Americans) report regularly engage in spring cleaning, according to The Soap and Detergent Association’s (SDA) 2008 Spring Cleaning Survey. This is up 12% from 2007’s numbers, so it appears that spring cleaning is catching on.

How Does Spring Cleaning Relieve Stress? Spring cleaning creates a less cluttered, less dirty atmosphere, which can impact your stress levels more than you may realize. It can also be a time saver throughout the year, as you’ll have less trouble finding things you need if you’re more organized. See this article for several other ways that cleaning in general can be an excellent stress reliever.

Painless Strategies for Spring Cleaning Spring cleaning’s popularity, however, does not necessarily indicate that it’s a fun part of people’s lives: when asked what they would give up in order to avoid spring cleaning, a significant number of people said they’d pay $100, give up dining out for a month, or forego a weekend trip! If you find yourself dreading spring cleaning, fear not; it can actually be fun and an effective route to stress relief. This piece on clutter and stress can help you better understand the hidden cost of clutter, and make spring cleaning almost painless.

Spring

It’s become one of my favorite times of year: Spring! Time for new buds to sprout and awaken, breezy clothing to arrive in the stores, and homes everywhere to become a little cleaner. And, while Spring cleaning isn’t at the top of most people’s List Of Favorite Things, it’s secretly been near the top of mine this year.

No, I’m plagued with a compulsion for cleanliness–far from it. I had to teach myself as an adult how to be non-slovenly, so I know what it is to have a wonderfully clean house, a super-messy place, and many of the stops in between. And I prefer clean.

I feel less stressed in a clean house. I don’t look around and just think of all the work it would take to declutter (anymore). I feel more like my home is a haven from stress, like aromatherapy and music can now fill the house, along with friends. I can quickly turn my bathroom into a spa, my family room into a home gym, and my bedroom into a great place for meditation. And I can (usually) find what I’m looking for within a matter of minutes.

So this year, I’ve decided that this is the week for Spring cleaning, and I’ve made some headway already. So far, I feel somehow ‘lighter’ in my own home, like the home itself is a little bigger or something. And I’d like you to have the same feeling! I an attempt to help you not miss out on this, I’m bringing you resources for getting motivated to clean, and following through on your plans in as low-stress a manner as possible. Enjoy!

Shortcuts for 10 Household Chores

Dusting

• Try dusting cloth lampshades with a lint roller. It works quickly and effectively without the hassle of a vacuum.
• Slip an old unmatched sock on your hand and dust as you go.

Windows and Mirrors

• Use old newspapers to clean mirrors and windows. You’ll have a great disposable cleaning rag and be recycling at the same time.
• Vinegar is an inexpensive easy cleaner that can be used on windows and mirrors.
• To prevent streaking and extra rubbing, wait for an overcast day to clean your mirrors and windows.

Cleaning Out the Microwave

• Bring a cup of water to boil in the microwave, the steam will help loosen dried on particles making them easily wiped away.

Scrubbing the Toilet

• Put toilet cleaner in the toilet to soak while you wipe down the outside. The inside dirt and stains will be loosened and more easily cleaned.
• Buy a drop-in toilet cleaner dispenser, to increase the time between needed cleanings.

Cleaning Out the Refrigerator.

• Briefly clean out trash and bad food each trash day morning. It only takes a few minutes to dump the stuff, and will clear out space to make cleaning easier.
• Use baking soda to wipe down the inside of the refrigerator. It scrubs and eliminates odors without damaging surfaces.
• Make Cleaning the Refrigerator Easier

Cleaning Out the Oven.

• On nights when you get take out, take a few moments and spray the inside of the oven with oven cleaner. Then after dinner, or the next morning if your stains are tough, you”ll be able to wipe away the dirt and grime easily, without missing the use of your oven.

Filing Paperwork

• Make filing time coincide with a favorite show that you feel guilty for taking time to watch. Most filing can be done with little thinking, and you’ll get to watch your favorite show in the process. Sort the papers into categories based on your file names. Don’t forget to include trash. You’ll be surprised how much of the pile you won’t need to keep.

Laundry

• Make each person responsible for washing, drying, and putting away their own clothing. Write and post some basic instructions in the laundry room. Have a trial period where your trainees assist you with their clothing.
• If you get truly overwhelmed by your laundry, check out a local Laundromat that will wash, dry, and fold your loads for you. These services frequently charge by the pound for laundry and aren’t inexpensive, but may save you time and energy when life starts to overwhelm.

Washing Dishes

• Let the person who is in charge of washing the dishes, get to pick out dessert.
• When you begin cooking, run a sink of hot soapy water, and wash as you go. Food on dishes won’t have a chance to harden, and you’ll be that much ahead when the meal is done.
• Keep a supply of disposable plates, flatware, and cups. On nights when you’re overwhelmed by double-header Little League games on the same night as PTA, you won’t have to worry about dishes.
• Washing dishes can be a great time to have a parent interview with a child you need to reconnect with. The job may not go more quickly, but you’ll be accomplishing a lot more than clean dishes.

Clearing Clutter

• Find a local charity to donate items to prior to a clutter clearing session. Some charities may even be able to pick up your donations at a prearranged time, saving you a trip.
• Label various storage containers before you begin to sort your clutter. A label makes placing items in the right category a much easier task.
• Go through and grab obvious trash as the first step. Once the trash is gone, it makes it easier to see what you want to keep, and just how much stuff you’ll need to get rid of.