Tag Archives: Spring Cleaning

Simple Method of Decluttering

Spring is in the air.  Okay, maybe not yet.  But the fact we’re nearing the month of March certainly has my eyes on the prize of no more snow and green grass. So it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning, for those who partake in this time-honored tradition of cleaning the house.  Specifically, I want to look at the concept of decluttering; because I’ve found that by tackling this first, it makes cleaning so much easier. Here is how I like to approach the clutter monster that tends to overtake my home during the colder months.  My initial focus … Continue reading →

Cleaning Out The Closets

The change of seasons is a good reminder to clean and reorganize your closets. I always rotate clothes with the seasons, this gives me more room in the closet and allows me to see what I’ve really been wearing. First you need to pull everything out of your closet, not all at once, one thing at a time. Ask yourself these questions: 1. How often did I wear this? If the answer is less than twice in six months, it should go in a give a way bag. 2. Do I feel good when I wear this? If it makes … Continue reading →

Spring Cleaning with Toddlers

Spring is here and we are all trying to do our spring cleaning. With toddlers around, it is important that everyone remember to use caution when cleaning. Let’s look at some spring cleaning tips for parents and grandparents with toddlers in the home. Cleaning with Toddlers *Never leave spray bottles of cleaners within a toddler’s reach. They may spray the cleaner into their eyes or even swallow some of the cleaner! It is best to always put the bottle on a high shelf, the top of the refrigerator or some other high place while cleaning. *Do not use strong fragrances … Continue reading →

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture 2

No matter what your outdoor furniture is made out of, it could probably use a bit of cleaning right about now. Personally, we have a mix of different types of furniture, depending on use: oiled wood, painted wood, fabric and even plastic. All of these types require different methods of cleaning. The first steps as outlined in my last post was to do a visual inspection and determine if anything needs repair. Now let’s continue. Take a look and see if there is anything that can be machine washed. Perhaps you have washable slip covers, pillows or even rugs. Shake … Continue reading →

Cleaning Outdoor Furniture

Is your outdoor furniture ready for spring? The weather is getting warmer here, and we have had a few nice days. I have to tell you, though, that it is pretty strange to have a warm spring day where I can wear just a light jacket and yet see snow on the ground. You see, we’ve had a lot of snow: tons and tons of snow. So, while it is melting, it takes a while for those warmer days to whittle down at the many feet of snow and ice that was laying on the ground. Still, I am about … Continue reading →

Cooking & Cleaning & Planning

After a lovely Christmas vacation with family my wife and I are now back at our own place and back to our “normal” lives. My wife started back to work early as she is already back to teaching in the classroom. I have one week before I need to return to work and school. This free time is slightly deceptive because I’ll also be working on planning the course I’ll be teaching next semester. I’ve also started organizing materials for my impending doctoral exams during this week. Some of my time, however, has been spent cooking and cleaning. On the … Continue reading →

Add a Little Nature to Brighten Your Home and Your Mood

When your home is dark and gloomy then chances are that your mood is the same way. Our homes are reflections of ourselves, and then often can determine just how we feel. That is why it is so important to add things to our home that can brighten it up and add to a wonderful sense of comfort and joy. One of the things that can really brighten a home is a commitment to going back to nature. This can be done simply. Treat yourself to some beautiful brightly colored flowers. There has been some research showing that flowers can … Continue reading →

How to Have a Campfire in the Backyard

Having a cozy campfire in the backyard is a great way to have a low-cost and fun activity that can be adapted for kids or adults. Have a campfire as a family activity, or invite the neighbors and friends for a nice social gathering. The first thing you need to do when planning to have a campfire in the backyard is to know what the rules are for open burning and campfires in your town. Some areas allow free open burning of organic material (including wood), while others limit the time of year, time of day, the size of the … Continue reading →

Kitchen Cleaning Tips

For a clean, bacteria-free kitchen without a lot of work, use the following tips. They will ensure that you have a safe, easy to maintain clean in one of the most important rooms of the house. Get them while you can Clean up little messes as they are made. It doesn’t take much more effort to put dishes into the dishwasher as it does to put dishes in the sink. If something spills, wipe it up right away. This will ensure that you don’t have sticky messes or overwhelming dishes that are much harder to deal with later. Clean in … Continue reading →

Spring Home Safety Check List

Just like a person, your home needs regular check ups to ensure that it is healthy, or at least safe for you and your family. Here are some things around your home that you should check in the spring. If you have an air conditioning system, have a professional air conditioning specialist (contractor) inspect your system. This specialist should also be able to clean and maintain your system. You don’t want to have any issues with it when summer comes. Replace the filter in your furnace (if you have one). Inspect your driveway and walkway, and repair any cracks or … Continue reading →