HOUSECLEANING
The key word when it comes to housework is “organization.” Follow a regular schedule that includes daily, weekly and occasional tasks, as well as spring cleaning, and it won’t seem so daunting. It will also save you time and energy in the long run.
FROM TOP to BOTTOM, from BACK to FRONT . . .
Daily
Keep your household orderly so that it is easier to keep clean. These daily household tasks can be accomplished in no time at all.
• Pick up scattered clothing, shoes, toys and papers–you’re well on your way to a tidy home.
• Shake out bedding and air your bedroom thoroughly.
• After brushing your teeth in the morning, rinse out the bathroom sink with water to prevent scum buildup.
• Wash all dishes, cutlery, pots and pans used to prepare and eat meals during the day.
• Wipe down the work surfaces in your kitchen to prevent dirt and germs from taking hold.
Weekly
Make time for these weekly housecleaning chores, and any major spring cleaning will be so much easier than if you had let the work build up.
• Dust, vacuum and mop the floors throughout the house.
• Clean the bathroom thoroughly: Scrub the basins, shower and/or bathtub and toilet; wipe down the tiles in wet areas; and wash the floor.
• Clean the mirrors.
• Wipe out your refrigerator and thoroughly clean the stove and sink.
• Take out garbage regularly and put the bin out every time there’s a trash collection.
• Put out recyclables on collection day.
• Change and wash household linens.
• Sweep the deck, porch or patio.
Dust, vacuum and mop.
A system for cleaning
Before you start, make sure you have all the cleaning materials you require. You won’t need heavy-duty chemicals, even for your annual spring cleaning. A mild, all-purpose cleaner, vinegar, lemon and furniture polish should do the trick.
Set aside adequate time for housecleaning and wear old, comfortable clothing that you don’t mind getting sweaty and dirty. You might also want to wear nonslip shoes and gloves, as well as eye protection, depending on the type of work.
If you want a time-honored system for cleaning, follow these three rules:
• from top to bottom
• from back to front
• clean the same items at the same time (for example, clean all the glass, wash all the surfaces, etc.).
Start by clearing the cobwebs from the ceiling, then polish the wood and glass, dust, clean upholstered surfaces, finishing with the floors. Always work from the back corner of a room towards the door. Right-handed people usually work more effectively from right to left, left-handed people from left to right.
Occasionally
Develop a cleaning schedule to give you an overview of tasks that require less frequent attention. Follow the schedule to be sure that nothing gets overlooked. Include the following:
• Wash windows.
• Wash curtains and blinds.
• Clean doors and door frames.
• Clean upholstered furniture thoroughly.
• Maintain wood furniture.
• Wipe down kitchen cabinets.
• Make sure kitchen appliances are serviced as recommended.
• Clean lamps.
• Clean rugs and carpets.
• Dust walls.
• Take care of all cleaning equipment.
Spring cleaning
Take on just one manageable area every day. For example, on the first day clean the bedroom, the next day do the bathroom, and so on.
• Move the furniture and clean neglected corners.
• Clear out your closet and weed out clothes you haven’t worn in a long time. A good rule of thumb: If you haven’t worn it for a year, get rid of it.
• Check the freezer for out-of-date foods and discard them, then defrost (if necessary) and clean.
• Check stored foods for freshness and throw out any that are past their best.
• Clear out the garage and/or garden sheds, earmarking any reusable items to give to charity or put in a garage sale.
