[5]Cleaning Your Sanctuary – Tackle & Simplify
by Shannon Ables
Simply Luxurious Life [6]
Spring cleaning feels amazing when it is complete, but the initially getting started isn’t always as exciting. As a way to minimize how much I have to take on when this momentous event arrives each March and April, I am a big believer in cleaning my house every week without fail.
However, as we know, there are a handful of things that must be cleaned, but thankfully only a few times a year. Martha Stewart breaks it all down in great detail in her Housekeeping Handbook [7], but you can also print off the specific list you want here [8] on her blog.
With that said, while I’m meticulous, I also don’t have a house cleaner, so below is the list that works for me.
DAILY
*Make the bed
*Pick up after yourself
*File incoming mail
*Clean as you cook (thank-you-for-coming bowl – a la Rachael Ray!)
WEEKLY
*Launder sheets, towels, bath mats – anything used regularly
*Clean the bathrooms – everything
*Dust – tables, televisions, lamps, etc
*Clean mirrors
*Vacuum and mop floors, vacuum upholstered furniture
*Empty all trash and wipe canister
*recycle old magazines, newsletters, etc
*Go through fridge – take stock and toss if necessary
*Clean all counters, microwave, toaster, sinks, vents, and ovens in kitchen
*Clean hand prints, pet prints from windows and doors
*Add fresh flowers to dining room, coffee tables, bed stands, etc
TWICE A YEAR
*clean all windows — inside & out
*flip mattress
*clean pantry
*clean refrigerator
*clean oven thoroughly
*launder pillows
*wipe baseboards and moldings
YEARLY
*clean the fireplace
I would love to hear how your approach cleaning your home, what works for you, what tips you’d suggest, etc. I’m all ears!
Images: (1) Atlanta Home Magazine [9] (2) Source [10] (3) Decor Pad [11]
