Tuesday, May 10, 2011

Spring Cleaning



I tend to put off my spring cleaning until Pierce is finished with his school year.  I have always done it this way and Pierce knows that he is expected to be "on call" that week.  My reasoning behind this is that I have an extra pair of hands should I need help (and I always do).

Pierce wasn't always so willing to offer assistance - until I pointed out that if I am cleaning the house that he lives in from top to bottom, from the inside out in an effort to make it a clean and comfortable place for him and his friends -then the very least he can do is carry the boxes for Goodwill to the car and help me move the dressers so I can clean behind them.

I tackle one room a day (if possible).  I always enter the room with 2 large trash bags - one for actual trash and the other for things to go to charity. I start upstairs and work my way down.  Closets are emptied first, and clothing scrutinized.  Anything that hasn't been worn in a year is removed. 

I then begin at the doorway and work my way around the room, left to right and top to bottom.  The order goes something like this: Walls are washed, bed linens (including pillows) are laundered, mattresses flipped, furniture dusted and polished, glassware/trinkets carried downstairs and washed, dried and replaced, baseboards wiped down with a wet cloth, mirrors cleaned, and floors are cleaned (shampooed or mopped).

I like to make my own cleaning products using essential oils for their aromatic and antiseptic qualities.  It is much cheaper (and healthier) to make my own and I don't get headaches from all the competing chemical scents.  In the spring and summer, I prefer to use a lavender and rosemary blend. 

Scrubbing commences tomorrow!

1 comment:

Lisa said...

I would wish you good luck, but you know what you're doin' - you don't need it!