Splendid Spring

With Spring in full bloom, here some helpful hints to get you started for Spring cleaning!

Simple Window Washing Solution with Cornstarch

Use about one half gallon of very warm water and add 1/4 cup of cornstarch. Mix until the cornstarch is all dissolved. Clean the windows using a sponge or cloth. If the windows are really dirty, rinse or brush them off first.

You can also use newspapers to dry the windows, you are saving money, it really adds a nice shine and leaves no lint behind. Some newsprint ( the ink) may rub off on your hands, but it really does a nice job and you are using a “green” hint. For a streak free shine, do not wash windows on a sunny day or when the sun shines on the glass, it will cause the cleaning solution to dry to quickly. Also, use up and down strokes on one side, then side to side on the other and you will be able to spot any streaks!

Kitchen Cleaning Hints

Club soda can be used for cleaning kitchen counters. Just pour it on and clean with a soft cloth, rinse with water then wipe dry. Stainless steal can sparkle with baking soda or club soda. Remove stubborn water spots from a stainless sink with a cloth dampened with rubbing alcohol. Vinegar can remove spots on stainless steel. For a sparkling white porcelain sink, place paper towels across the bottom of your sink and saturate with household bleach. Let sit for 8 hour & rinse. Never use bleach in colored sinks.

Heloise Five-Point Plan for Quick Cleaning and Clutter Cleaning

Don’t think that you have to clean out or go through everything all at once! Instead just tackle one area every day or week. Every day you can deal with just five items—FILE, FIX, FORWARD OR “FORGET ABOUT IT!!” Just FIVE minutes to clean out, weed through or dejunk a drawer or shelf.

For example, in the kitchen here’s what you can do:

• Organize a spice rack or toss out old spices!
• Empty the dishwasher and wipe out the inside.
• Quick clean one part of the refrigerator. Wipe the door or handles. Go through the salad dressings.
• Pare down the plastic bags and containers.

Or throw out 5 things:

• Dented or outdated cans
• Ratty disgusting dirty sponges!!
• Broken dishes or pots that you aren’t using
• Dishtowels that need to go into the ragbag. (Buy new ones because they are cheap!)
• Knifes, and cooking utensils. How many plastic spatulas do you use?

Get your children involved in the organizing/de-cluttering process, too. Have them sort out toys, games, etc. If they don’t use it, they should lose it! They can donate their old, unused teddy bears, toys or clothes to children who do need them.

Make certain that you have plenty of storage solutions—bins, boxes, stackable cubes, bookshelves and more. Make it easier for your children and adults to become organized.

For more hints and helpful advice, click here.