Back-to-Basics: General Cleaning. Back-to-Basics: Spring Cleaning & Organization

Back-to-Basics: General Cleaning Back-to-Basics: Spring Cleaning & Organization *Start at top & work down *Clean light fixtures *Dust everything i...
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Back-to-Basics:

General Cleaning

Back-to-Basics:

Spring Cleaning & Organization *Start

at top & work down *Clean light fixtures *Dust everything in sight. *Windows and window coverings *Cupboards (kitchen)/Furniture (other rooms) *Tidy up papers, magazines, clothing, books, toys etc. *Mop floors/Vacuum last

nt Assista n, Staff Anderso n, FCS Agent

Ideas to help clean and organize on a tight budget of both time and money.

Marie arringto unty Jana D ion - Utah Co 0 s n te t, L60 USU Ex r Stree te n e C st 100 Ea o, UT 84606 Pr ov 1-8479 801-85

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USU is an affirmative action/equal opportunity institution.

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

General Cleaning

Quick Cleaning: Bedroom

1. Grab your supplies: basket/box or bag; vacuum cleaner/broom/mop; a hamper, trash container. 2. Grab all dirty clothing and put it in a hamper. 3. Grab all clean clothes and refold or re-hang. 4. Grab all trash and put it in the trashcan. 5. Make the bed. 6. Pick up all the misplace items on the floor, bed, desk, etc. and put them in a box/bag/basket. Don’t put them away yet. 7. Straighten surfaces. 8. Sweep/mop/vacuum. 9. Put away your supplies. 10. Put away the misplaced items.

Household Cleaning Equipment: • • • • • • • •

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Spray bottle(s) Cleaning cloth(s) Duster Mats (indoor and outdoor) Sponge mop Dust mop Sponges Squeegee

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

General Cleaning

General Cleaning

Household Cleaning Products: • • • • • • • • • •

Lemons or lemon juice Borax Vinegar Baking and Washing Soda Toothpaste Table salt Rubbing alcohol Hydrogen peroxide Club soda Cornstarch 4

Cleaning can be easier if you follow a cleaning plan and use effective cleaning techniques. *Start today — don’t procrastinate! *Make a convenient place for everything. *Clean one room and one area at a time. *Learn to throw it or give it away. *Clean from top to bottom. *Do the hardest chore first. *Play upbeat music while cleaning. *Clean as you go. *Use odd moments to do odd jobs. *Put things in order before going to bed or before leaving for the day. *Keep cleaning supplies in a bucket or carry-all and in a convenient place. *Get the family to help! 2

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Quick Cleaning: Kitchen

General Cleaning

1. Grab need supplies: trash container, basket, dish soap, cleaners, dishrag or sponge, scrubber for stuck on food, broom/mop/vacuum. 2. Run a sink of hot, soapy water. 3. Scrape off all the dishes into trash or garbage disposal. 4. Place dishes that need to soak into the water. 5. While dishes soak, clear out any trash from floor, countertops, etc. and take out the trash. 6. Gather misplace items that don’t belong in the kitchen; and put in a basket to put away later. 7. Put away any left out kitchen items. 8. Load the dishwasher or wash by hand. 9. Wash down countertops, appliances and sink. 10. Sweep/mop/vacuum.

Thirty-Second Chores If you only have a half a minute to spare, try one of these quick chores! • Empty the trash in the bathroom. • Dust the TV screen. • Make a bed. • Clean a mirror. • Wipe down an appliance. • Change the towels in a bathroom or the kitchen. • Clean a toilet. • Dust air/heat vents. • Put away 1-2 misplaced items. 8

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Quick Cleaning: Bathroom

Spring Clean: Living Areas

1. Grab supplies: basket/box/bag; broom/mop/vacuum; hamper; trash container; glass cleaner; toilet cleaner; disinfectant cleaner. 2. Grab all dirty clothing and put in the hamper. 3. Grab and throw out all trash. 4. Pickup all misplaced items that do not belong in the bathroom. 5. Put away all bathroom items in their proper place. 6. Use a disinfectant/cleanser and wipe down the tub and sink. 7. Clean toilet inside and out. 8. Wipe down mirror. 9. Sweep/Mop/Vacuum. 10. Put away cleaning supplies. 9

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning Windows

General Cleaning

Heavy Duty Window Cleaner 1/2 cup household ammonia 2 quarts warm water 1 teaspoon dishwasher detergent Mix all ingredients. Pour into container and label. To use, spray or sponge cleaner on surface and wipe off.

Disinfectant Cleaner 1/4 cup chlorine bleach 1/2 cup powder detergent (no ammonia) 1 quart warm water Mix ingredients; sponge cleaner on surface to be cleaned. Wipe off with soft cloth or paper towels. Drain Pipe Cleaner 1/2 pound washing soda 2 cups boiling water Combine ingredients; flush pipe and then rinse. 13

1. Do a quick clean-up except for the floors. 2. Dust down the ceiling and corners of walls. 3. Don’t forget heat/air vents, doorknobs, doors and switch plates. 4. Dust and clean all art and photographs along the wall. 5. Dust and clean the ceiling fan. 6. Take down draperies, curtains, and blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the manufacturer’s directions. 7. Dust and clean out the couches and chairs. 8. Dust and clean all accent lamps and knickknacks. 9. Remove and dust books from bookshelves. 10. Dust accent tables, television and entertainment center. 11. Clean the carpets and rugs. 12. Clean the doormats inside and outside the doorways.

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Everyday Window Cleaner 2 tablespoons vinegar 1 quart warm water Mix ingredients; pour into container and label. To use, spray or sponge on cleaner on surface and wipe off. A squeegee, noncolored crumpled newspapers or paper towels work well.

• • • • •

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

General Cleaning

Quick Cleaning: Living Areas

*Guidelines for homemade cleaners* Never mix chlorine bleach, or products containing chlorine, with ammonia or any other cleaner! Mix solutions in well-vented area. Store cleaning products out of reach of children. Label containers carefully. Only mix a month’s worth, some chemicals may lose their effectiveness over time.

1. Grab supplies: Dust rag, basket/bog/box for misplaced items, vacuum/dust mop/broom. 2. Put all items that do not belong in the living room in a container. 1. Dust lamps and/or light fixtures. 2. Tackle the couch/chairs. Brush off cushions, fluff & arrange pillows, etc. 1. Dust coffee, end tables and/or entertainment center. 2. Neatly arrange magazines, books, etc. 3. Find and convenient place all TV/stereo/DVD remotes. 4. Vacuum or sweep floor. 5. Put away cleaning supplies and equipment. 6. Put away misplaced items that do not belong in the living room.

General Household Cleaner 1 tablespoon ammonia 1 tablespoon liquid detergent 2 cups water Mix and use for general household cleaning. May be put in a spray bottle. 12

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning Windows No-wipe Window Washing 2-3 tablespoons laundry or dishwasher detergent 1 tablespoon liquid dishwasher wetting agent (i.e. Jet Dry) 1 gallon warm water (approximately) Brush or sponge on window; immediately hose off. Water will sheet off, no drying necessary. (*Be sure windows are closed!) Window Screens 2 tablespoons liquid dishwashing soap 1/4 cup ammonia 2 tablespoons borax 1 gallon water Mix ingredients. Soak screens with wet sponge and then dip the sponge in the cleaning solution and suds up the screens. Place a rag on the ground and tap the window screen on the rag to get the soapy dirty water off. Rinse well and let dry before placing back on the window. 16

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Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning Walls/Surfaces Heavy-Duty Cleaner (Painted Surfaces Only!) 1 gallon hot water 1 cup ammonia 1/2 cup vinegar 1/4 cup washing soda Combine all ingredients; wash small area at a time (wear rubber gloves). Wipe each washed area with a second cloth that has been dipped in warm water and wrung out. Everyday Cleaner (Painted Surfaces Only) Mix liquid detergent and enough warm water to make light suds. Dust painted surfaces thoroughly before washing. Wash with a soft cloth dipped in suds and rung out. Rinse well; dry with soft cloth. 14

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning Carpets

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning the Bathroom Carpet Spot Remover 4 cups warm water 1/2 cup vinegar 2-3 tablespoons baking soda Add the vinegar and baking soda to the warm water in a large bowl. Stir slightly and allow it to fizz and foam. Dip a scrub brush into the mixture and scrub those spots in your carpet away. Let dry and then vacuum. Remove Pet Urine on Carpets 4 tablespoons vinegar 2 cups hydrogen peroxide 2 tablespoons liquid dish soap 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons baking soda Mix in 1-quart bottle. Add water to complete the quart-about 2 cups. Spray on spot to neutralize (for odor control) and clean. Follow-up with 17 plain water. Towel dry.

Shower Head Cleaner 2 cups white vinegar 2 cups warm water Pour vinegar and warm water into the bowl. Remove shower head and let soak in the solution several hours or overnight. After soaking, rinse the shower head to remove any clinging deposits, scrubbing lightly with a cloth or scrubber, if necessary. Replace the shower head.

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning the Kitchen

Organizational Plan

Overnight Oven Cleaner 1/2 cup ammonia 2 tablespoons mild dish soap 2 quarts hot water Pour ammonia into cup and place in oven. Close oven door & leave overnight. The next day, remove the ammonia. Mix dishwashing liquid and water in the water. Use a scrubber to wash out loosened grease and grime. Rinse with clear water.

Focus on one room or area at a time. Ask yourself these questions and write the answers down on paper. • What is the purpose of this room or area? • What is needed in or near the room to serve that purpose? • What can be removed from the room? • What problems do I see in the room? • What organizational tools might solve those problems? • What is my budget? • What kind of a timeline is necessary to organize the room? • What is my plan of action? • What room do I focus on next?

*Eliminate odor in microwave: Fill a microwave-safe cup with a cup of water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice and place in microwave. Heat to boiling. Turn off the microwave and leave the solution in the oven for 5 minutes. Wipe clean. *Can openers: Spray the cutter assembly with rubbing alcohol (70% isopropyl) & wipe dry. Dip a toothbrush in a paste of 2 tablespoons baking soda and 1 teaspoon water and use it to dislodge gunk. 21

*To clean a non-removable shower head, wrap it in a small towel or washcloth soaked in a solution of half-vinegar and half water. Tie a plastic bag around the wrapped shower head to keep it moist. After several hours, remove the bag and wrapping and wipe away the softened mineral deposits and dirt. *Polish chrome fixtures with plain vinegar. Moisten a cloth or sponge with vinegar and polish the chrome with no need for rinsing.

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Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Cleaning The Bathroom

Cleaning the Bathroom

Tub Stains Fill a small, shallow cup with cream of tartar and add hydrogen peroxide drop by drop until you have a thick paste. Apply to the stain and let it dry. When the dried paste is removed so is the stain!

*To make your toilet bowl sparkle, use chlorine bleach, which cleans and disinfects a toilet bowl quickly and easily. Pour 1/2 cup bleach into the bowl. Brush the inside of the bowl thoroughly, let sit for 10 minutes, and flush to rinse. Don’t use this method if your water contains iron.

*Baking soda and a sponge will remove regular soap scum and soil. Cleaning Acrylic & Fiberglass Bath Fixtures *Do not use abrasives on non-porcelain fixtures. *To remove mold & mildew: Make a paste of baking soda and cool water & spread over entire surface. Allow to sit for a few minutes then rinse with warm water. *To remove hard-water scale deposits: Sponge with white vinegar until deposits disappear. Rinse with cold water. *Faucet cleaner: 4 teaspoons table salt & 1/2 cup vinegar. Dissolve salt in vinegar right in the measuring cup. With sponge or soft cloth, wash faucets and handles. Rinse thoroughly and polish dry with a clean cloth. 20

Tile Cleaner Use on tile and grout to remove and retard mildew. 2 cups chlorine bleach 2 cups water Wearing rubber gloves, pour bleach and water into the spray bottle. Spray on tile an scrub off with a sponge or brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water. 18

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

De-Junk

Cleaning the Kitchen

*Formica Countertops: Most stains can be removed by squeezing a fresh lemon over the stain. Let it soak for about 1/2 hour, then sprinkle some baking soda over the lemon juice. Scrub it with a terry cloth rag, rinse, and wipe dry.

Ask yourself these questions? • When was the last time we used this? • Do we really “need” it? • Is it finished? When will it be finished? • Does it work? • Do we really like it? • Do we have the room? • Could someone else sue this item? • What is the real value of this item? • Is it irreplaceable? 24

*Stainless Steel Sinks: To remove water spots, us white vinegar or rubbing alcohol as a cleaner, then to put the shine back in the sink, rub it with a rag soaked with club soda or lemon oil and wipe the sink dry. *Clogged Drains: To unclog drains of grease or soap residue, pour 1/2 cup salt, 1/2 cup baking soda, and 1/2 vinegar down the drain. Follow this with 2 quarts or more of boiling water. *Garbage Disposal: Put 1/2 cup vinegar or lemon juice in an ice-cube tray and freeze. Grind the vinegar/lemon juice cubes down the disposal once a week. The ice cubes sharpen the blades and the vinegar cleans and freshens the disposal. 22

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Box Method

Kitchen Clutter

Kitchen Tools & Appliances: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

Give away or sell Put away Sentimental Needs work Undecided Trash

*Do I frequently use it? *Do I have too many of these? *Is it easy to use, clean and store? *Does it even work? *Is it easy to store?

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*Does it make the task easier & quicker?

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Organize the Bathroom

Organize the Desk & Financial Records

1. How much of the stuff in your bathroom do you actually use and use regularly. 2. Store excess stuff “off-site.” 3. Have a place for everything. 4. Get the family to help keep it organized?!

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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 31

Organize: pens, clips, scissors, tape, envelopes, stamps, etc. Have a place to put receipts. Post a family calendar. Set up a system for incoming/outgoing bills. Have a personal folder for each person in household. Obtain a filing cabinet and fireproof safe.

Back-to-Basics:

Back-to-Basics:

Organize the Bedroom

Principles of Storage

1. Take everything out of the bedroom that doesn’t belong there! 2. Open the closets and drawers and scan the bedroom to see if you have too much stuff and need to get rid of some. 3. Clean off all horizontal surfaces (e.g. floor, bed, chairs, bedside table, etc.). 4. Create systems and routines that suit your life and your lifestyle and help you stay clutter-free and organized.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Store items near point of first use Make things convenient to obtain Fit/build storage for the items to be stored Discard seldom used items Use space fully and efficiently Plan for personal storage Keep storage options flexible.

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References

Back-to-Basics:

Organize the Laundry

Internet Sources: http://msucares.com http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/home-garden/news/december2006 http://www.ehow.com http://co.mason.wa.us/forms/Env_Health/back_to_basics.pdf http://housekepping.about.com

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

“Housecleaning On A Shoestring.” USU Extension. Eugenia Chapman & Jill C. Major. Clean Your House & Everything In IT. New York: Putnam Publishing Group, 1991. Rodale’s Book of Practical Formulas. Emmaus, Pennsylvania: Rodale Press, 1991. “Back-to-Basics Cleaning.” Nicole Sforza.

A place to collect dirty items. A way to sort, fold, and hang items. A box/bin for “lost” items — from pockets. A box/bin for unmatched socks. A place for supplies such as detergents, fabric softener, etc. An iron and ironing board. A system for returning items to owner. A garbage can.

“To Organize or Not to Organize.” Teresa C. Hunsaker. USU Extension, Weber County. 32

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