Spring into cleaning and have house feeling fresh
I'm frequently asked what is spring cleaning and where did the spring cleaning custom come from.
I believe the custom started well before the invention of electricity when homes used candles, fireplaces, kerosene and lamp oil. By spring, every inch of the home was covered with layers of black soot that had to be cleaned up before the next winter season.
Rational or not, spring cleaning is now a tradition that many of us still hold on to. For me, it gives me a chance to clean out the cob webs, bust the build up of dust and wipe away the grime that has settled in my home.
Unfortunately, it's also the time of year when we want to be outside enjoying the fresh air and the last thing on our minds is cleaning our homes. I thought in this week's article I would share with you some basic thoughts about spring cleaning and provide you with a checklist that will help get your organized, thereby reduce the amount of actual time spent spring cleaning.
Before you start, get prepared by mixing up this great all-purpose cleaner:
? 1/2 teaspoon of washing powder
? 2 teaspoons of borax
? 1/2 teaspoon liquid detergent
Place ingredients into a quart spray bottle and fill with hot water and mix thoroughly. Note: When using this mixture, you must shake the bottle frequently to keep it liquid. It works great on bathtubs, sinks, Formica countertops and shower stalls.
After mixing up the solution, put on comfortable clothes, the baggier the better. Take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Buy what you don't have. Get one five-gallon bucket and fill it with your supplies. Bring it with you as you clean each room. The bucket should have rags, paper towels, furniture polish, glass cleaner, all-purpose cleaner and plastic trash bags. Turn the television and phone off. You will finish cleaning sooner without distractions.
Open the windows and let the beautiful sun shine in. The mustiness of winter will blow right out the window. Also by having the windows open, the smell of cleaners will float out the window as well.
During the cleaning process, crank up the radio with some lively music. The adrenaline will start coursing through your veins and you will be dancing through each room as you clean it. Toss out anything that doesn't fit, is broken or you don't use. Items that you have gathered up, either sell them at a yard sale or give them to charity.
Work around the room in one direction. This practice will prevent you from wasting time criss-crossing the room in all different directions. Make sure you wear rubber gloves. I know it's hard gripping things with gloves on. However, it is worth it because they protect your from bacteria, harsh hot water and will help keep your hands from drying out from caustic chemicals.
If you are allergic to any of the above products, please don't use them. Always test fabrics and paints before using any chemical compounds. Please remember to wear rubber gloves to protect your hands and eye protection for your eyes.
If you would like to share a cleaning idea or concept with the reading audience, call Ed Madan at Northwest Environmental Services (255-2266) or send them to the Bonner County Daily Bee, 310 Church St., Sandpoint, ID 83864, Attn: What Would Ed Do?
Copy written by Edmond E. Madan, certified executive housekeeper, mold inspection and remediation contractor, Northwest Environmental Services, specializing in commercial, residential and disaster cleaning.