Summer’s the Time to Declutter
July 7, 2007
Summer is the perfect time to organize your home. Everyone has messy closets, garages and cluttered areas. With a bit of organization, we can control the clutter and make it stop controlling us. Here are a few tips:
- Evaluate.
Go into each room and ask yourself these questions: What is the purpose of this room? Then, evaluate the items in each room and ask the same questions. Look at each closet, cabinet and piece of furniture and decide if it belongs there or not. If not, where does it belong and should anything be brought in to replace it.
- Purge.
Go through each room and take everything out of the closets, drawers, etc. Place everything where you can see it and take an honest look at it. When was the last time you wore that dress. When did you last use that item? If you need it and you’ll use it, put it away - right now. If you haven’t used in in the past year donate it or throw it away.
- Get rid of it.
Get three large bags or boxes for each room. Label them “sell,” “give away,” and “trash.” Now, go through all those things you’ve decided to get rid of and put them in the correct box. Then dispose of them.
- Put them away.
Get help from your family and put everything away in its proper place.
You are now clutter-free. Isn’t it great?
Clean Your Kitchen for Safety
July 6, 2007
The kitchen is the center of the home for most families. It’s the place where everyone gathers, both family and friends. That is one reason why the kitchen should be the first room to think about when it’s time to clean your house. It is also necessary for reasons of food safety. You certainly don’t want pests and bacteria invading your food.
The ideal kitchen should have plenty of cupboards, drawers and a pantry to organize all of the food and utensils that are necessary for food preparation. Unfortunately, we don’t all have that ideal kitchen. So, we must make adjustments. A kitchen crowded with small appliances, pots and pans can be extremely difficult to clean.
Cleaning supplies should all be kept together. I like to keep them in a plastic bin that has a handle so it can be carried from room to room. You might want to have a set of supplies specifically for your kitchen.
Your first step in cleaning the kitchen is to declutter counters and tables. Put those things away or toss them if they’re not needed. Put any dirty dishes that are on the counters in the dishwasher; if you don’t have one, wash them and put them away.
Clean the kitchen sink with a scouring powder and rinse well. Make sure that all dried foods are removed from crevices by using an old toothbrush to clean them out.
Now, look at the exterior of your cupboard doors and drawers. Do they need scrubbed or wiped down? If so, now is the time to do that. The interior should be left for a deep cleaning session. Wipe the cabinets with a soft, damp cloth with a mild dishwashing soap that won’t damage the finish. Also, wipe off the cabinet and drawer pulls.
To clean your countertops, going from area to area, remove all of the items from that area. Then, using an antibacterial detergent, wash all of the surfaces thoroughly. Avoid using abrasive scouring powders or steel wool because they may damage your countertop surface. Wipe off each appliance or item before placing it back on the counter.
Remove everything from your kitchen table. If you use a cloth tablecloth, launder it before putting it back. Scrub your table well and put everything back where it belongs.
Wipe off all major appliances. Your range, microwave, dishwasher and refrigerator should have no dried foods or fingerprints left on it. The old foods could spread bacteria to other foods.
Pick up your kitchen throw rugs and shake them out - outside. If they need cleaned, toss them in the laundry. Sweep the floor well and then damp mop. Sticky food spots may have to be handled by scrubbing with a scrub brush if they are stubborn.
Take your dirty sponges, dish clothes and dish towels and put them in the laundry. Replace them with clean.
Your done! Now, take a good look at your nice clean kitchen and feel oh, so, good about what you have accomplished.