Getting Started on Spring Cleaning

With all the craziness of both our work schedules the past couple of months, our apartment was starting to get out of control. Piles of junk everywhere. Unfinished projects. Dishes piled in the sink. But there was never enough time in the day to get it all done! Finally, enough was enough and I started making it a priority. I’d fallen off the cleaning wagon and needed to get back on.

About two weeks ago, I started getting up about 30 minutes earlier than normal. With that extra time in the morning I’ve been making an effort to do the little things I’d been ignoring in the rush of everyday life. I’ve been using my Tips on Cleaning in 20 Minutes a Day. Even if it was just 2-3 little things, it started to make a big difference.

Then when I started thinking about it, I realized that I had unknowingly started Spring Cleaning. My biological clock was telling me that it was time to air things out and start the season anew. I didn’t need a calendar or a schedule for my mind and body to know that it was time.

This weekend I’m going to devote Saturday to the big Spring Cleaning Checklist. I got new gloves and sponges for the occasion. It may not be the most exciting way to spend my day off, but I know that I’ll be glad to have it done so that when the nicer weather comes along, we can spend it outside, enjoying it!

Earlier this week, I set up some bags for things to donate, mend and toss out along the way. Every time that I open a cupboard or closet this week, I’ve been doing a quick check of things that may fit into the bags. So far I’ve got half a box of stuff that will be out of this apartment on Monday morning.This has been so helpful in cleaning out our closets in the past.

This year, I’m really focusing on using eco-friendly cleaning products, or better yet making my own cleaning solutions. I’ve had great success using vinegar to clean some of the more stubborn areas of our apartment.

Vinegar was also great for cleaning my pot when I accidentally boiled it dry, and you can clean and season your cast iron pans with a little salt and oil. I’ve also used baking soda for cleaning the stovetop.

Here are a few new DIY eco-friendly household cleaner recipes that I’m going to give a try this weekend:

For a great blog with lots of helpful tips and eco-friendly cleaning product recipes, check out One Good Thing. Jillee has great tips like how to make your own eyeglass cleaner, DIY Swiffer Refills, and cleaning those nasty stove burner pans.

When I’m looking for tips on how to clean appliances, I head over to Ask Anna. She has great tutorials on how to clean between oven glass, how to clean your dishwasher, washing and waxing your vents to prevent dust buildup, and how to remove odours from high efficiency washers.