Tag Archives: cleaning routines

The Spring Cleaning Challenge

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March is a funny time of year up here in Canada. (Is it like that in your part of the world too?) We spend most of the month in the weather limbo. Some days it feels like warm weather is just around the corner; other days it feels like winter will never end. No wonder we turn our thoughts to spring and start feeling the urge to clean out our houses. It’s this longing for warmer weather that I think drives our need to perform a spring cleaning ritual every year.

Springtime is a great opportunity to get cleaned and organized for the warmer season ahead. It’s also a great opportunity, however, to start from ground zero and give your home a refresh. For some of you this just might mean going through your basic spring cleaning routine. For others it’s the time to get all those little annoying tasks that always seem to get away from you while you’re cleaning. And for those of you who have trouble sticking to a regular cleaning routine, this might the time of year to put one into action.

A spring cleaning ritual doesn’t even have to be confined to the act of cleaning. Going through your things, organizing and purging are also all great ways to refresh your home.

If you’re feeling listless, bored or stuck then it could be time for a spring clean. During the month of March I’ll be posting some helpful tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to get you and your home cleaned up and feeling restored. (Plus I’ve got a back catalogue of blog posts that you can refer to when you’re embarking on your own projects: I’ve got even more ways to get organized, be more productive, care for your home and manage your lifestyle.)

But for now, my best advice for you is this: take the time to look out the window and daydream about the weather getting warmer. Imagine yourself living comfortably in your clean, organized home. Imagine spending more time on your hobbies and with loved ones instead of constantly trying to catch up on your cleaning. Imagine yourself enjoying the outdoors and leaving your home worry-free, knowing that when you come back to it you’ll feel just as refreshed and relaxed as you did when you left.

This is your spring cleaning motivation. Use it and tag along with me on my journey this month. I hope you’re all in for the ride.

It may seem old-fashioned, but I believe that your home is a reflection of who you are. Having a clean and functional household is one of the best ways to cultivate self-expression and a sense of fun in your spare time. Here’s my best practices on achieving that in your own home, as well as during the holidays and in your personal life.

What are some of your secrets to a clean and organized house? Comment below or send your pictures to keepingbusyb@gmail.com.

It Ain’t Easy Cleaning Green

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“How do you find the time?”

“Doesn’t it cost more?”

“Why would you be bothered?”

These are some of the questions I get asked about my (mostly) eco-friendly cleaning routine. Some people seem surprised that this is important to me which puzzles me, because I can’t understand why taking care of our environment isn’t important to all of us.

Don’t worry- I’m not here as an ecological warrior, but as a blogger obsessed with trying to make her life more efficient and productive. I can tell you with confidence that making my cleaning routine greener has not been a waste of time or effort-if anything, it’s streamlined things even more.

Of course, sticking to a regular cleaning routine helps me avoid crazy deep cleaning sessions that in the long run saves me time and cuts down on the amount of cleaning products I use. That translates into more me-time, and more moolah in my pocket. Researching the best ways to clean has also spared me the extra time and effort I would have normally put into tackling the same spot over and over again.

Cutting down on the number of products that I use around my home has also saved me time, effort and money. You honestly don’t need twelve different cleansers for each individual room. Believe me, your cupboards will thank you too.

Making the switch to more eco-friendly cleaning materials has been pretty painless as well. In fact, I even make some myself. Some people may think making your own cleaning products is a drag, but you’d be surprised as how a few simple ingredients can go a long way. The few extra minutes it takes to mix up some new supplies is a trade-off for the money it saves you, plus it rids your home of nasty-smelling, potentially hazardous chemicals.

I still use paper towels to help out with the really heavy duty messes (keep in mind, I have a dog!) but I love using my reusable cloths and rags for all of my other cleaning needs. My mop heads are reusable as well, so everything gets dumped in the machine for a heavy-duty wash, separate from all of my clothes and nicer household items. They come out fresh and clean without me having to lift a finger (other than pushing some buttons).

But honestly? One of the greenest practices I’ve embraced is learning to live with the dirt a little bit. I always have people and dogs coming in and out of my place so over time I’ve come to accept the fact that it’s fruitless to expect the house to be perfect all of the time. I would end up spending all of my free time cleaning my home instead of enjoying it, and my time with guests would be ruined by my constant cleaning.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t clean your house, but lowering your expectations from hospital-clean to mostly clean saves you time, money, electricity and effort. Dare I say it? It also might make you a little bit happier.

KBwB-BFlower-50What are some of the ways you’ve adopted an eco-friendly approach to your cleaning routine? Let’s care for our houses and environments by sharing our tips with each other in the comment box below. Or email me at keepingbusyb@gmail.com and I may include your thoughts in a future post!

The approach of spring has got me in the mood to chat about all things housecleaning all week long. If you’re feeling the same way, may I suggest this post, this post, this post, and this post for more ideas on how to refresh your home in time for the new season. If you’re feeling ambitious, click here or here on ways to get your household more organized.

 

Spring Cleaning for Superstars

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If you’re reading this, I bet you like spring cleaning. I suspect that you’re interested in productivity and organizing just as much as I am, and if I’m right you’re here not because you don’t know how to clean, organize or be productive. You’re here because you want to do better.

Well, eager beavers: this one’s for you. There’s all sorts of weird and wonderful household tasks that often get neglected until they become a problem. A spring cleaning (or any seasonal cleaning routine for that matter) offers the opportunity to catch up on all those nasty little loose ends that we somehow miss.

You get a gold star if you’ve done any of the following:

  • Use a barely-damp microfiber cloth to wipe down light bulbs in ceiling or wall fixtures, and on your table and floor lamps. Keep your bulbs dust-free can actually improve the quality of light in your home.
  • Everyone’s favorite blue-and-yellow furniture store recommends tightening any screws and making adjustments to furniture once a year to prolong the life of your pieces and ensure your safety.
  • Toilet tanks need loving too: just strap on some gloves, grab a cloth or a sponge and give the inside a quick wipe to check for rust, mildew or calcium deposits. (All no-nos.)
  • Check electrical cords for dirt, grit, dust and any potential frays and tears. Just make sure everything’s unplugged before wiping extra-dirty cords down with a barely damp cloth (rubbing alcohol swabs or wipes are also good for particularly grimy areas).
  • Coffee grinders need a little bit of extra attention to keep things in tip-top shape. Pamper yours by cleaning the coffee grit out of the grinding mechanism, and off of any blades. (Again, please check that you’ve unplugged everything first.)
  • I always feel extra good about a spring clean if I’ve vacuumed and scrubbed the closet floor.
  • Keep shower heads and faucets flowing freely by filling a plastic baggie with white vinegar and using a rubber band to secure the bag around the faucet. Leave to soak and simply remove the baggie when done. Let the hot water run to clear away any residue.
  • Use spring cleaning time as an excuse to go over any home or appliance warranties, insurance policies or manuals to check for recommended service dates, etc.
  • Check batteries and service dates on all smoke/carbon monoxide detectors, alarms and extinguishers.
  • I run the risk of sounding like a Monica here, but when was the last time you cleaned your vacuum cleaner? Or any of your other cleaning appliances or tools for that matter?

If you’ve done any or all of these tasks, then you’re a spring cleaning superstar! And remember, a true spring clean doesn’t stop at your indoor space- it extends to the exterior of your home as well! Use the nice weather as an excuse to address any necessary home maintenance issues and then mosey on over here for some tips on how to get your gardens and patios ready for spring.

I can feel a change in the air already and the days are getting lighter. Oh, I’m sorry, that was just your awesome spring cleaning super power shining like the sun down from the sky!

KBwB-BFlower-50Congratulations! You’re a spring cleaning superstar. If you’re still feeling motivated to get things done, I’ve got more ideas on how to decorate and organize your household here, and more ideas about organizing your life here.

Still feel like you need to brush up on the basics? I’ve got some tips here on how to have the best spring clean ever, and here on how to develop a kick-butt cleaning routine of your own.

Your Guide to a Kick-Butt Cleaning Routine

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My grandma was the queen of cleaning routines and she was really old-school about it, too- Mondays were for washing, Tuesdays are for ironing, etc. You know, kind of like that old song goes.

I’m not so vigilant when it comes to my house-cleaning but you can bet she showed me a thing or two whenever I stayed at her place for the weekend.

Here are some of the things I learned from her on creating your own kick-butt cleaning routine.

She planned it out in advance. Cleaning wasn’t something that was done only when company was coming over, or when it got so bad she couldn’t stand it anymore. Instead, she formed a plan of attack and stuck to it, meaning she still had time to spend with her family and do the things she loved. Oh, and she also was holding down a job at the same time. Did I mention that?

She focused on one thing at a time. I do this version of cleaning sometimes that I like to call “puttering” where I basically float around from room to room completing a small task here or there and never really getting anything accomplished. It feels good, but it’s kind of useless. Again, having a routine keeps you focused and saves you time and trouble.

She focused on up-keep instead of deep-cleaning. Sticking to a plan that focuses on one thing at a time in rotation meant that rooms were tidied more often, and deep-cleaning could be put off until her schedule allowed it.

She kept the house organized. My parents used to job that you could eat off of the floor at my Nana’s house; it was that clean. I tend to agree, but one of the reasons it was easy to maintain such pristine floors was that they were free of clutter. Everything had a place in her house which not only made it easier to find anything you needed; it also made cleaning less of a chore and almost-pleasant?

She stuck to it. There was no deviating from the plan, and if for some reason she wasn’t able to stick to her routine (like if hell had frozen over, for example) you better believe she was back at it as soon as she was able to make up for the time she lost.

But it was never really about the cleanliness for her (ok, it was a little). I think she derived genuine pleasure from homemaking. Growing up her family didn’t have a lot but their house was always spotless because her mother used to say, “We may be poor but we still have pride.”

My Nana was proud, and deservedly so, of the home she made in her adult life. She and my grandpa worked hard to provide for their son (my dad) with all the things she couldn’t have, and surround themselves with the comforts they needed to make a cosy home. They weren’t materially rich, but they took enormous pride in what they did have, and their house was a testament to all they had achieved.

Instead of thinking of cleaning my apartment as a boring chore, I’m trying to reach within myself and see if there’s a small part of my Nana in there so that I too may clean and derive joy from my home just as she did.

And with a kick-butt cleaning routine, I hope you do as well.

KBwB-BFlower-50

I’m constantly striving to keep things tidy and organized in my personal and professional lives. I’ve collected some of my ideas here, and I’ve got more ideas on how to organize your household here.

There’s always something about that spring air that encourages as to make a fresh start. Click here for how to make this happen in your home, and here for some spring cleaning magic in your favorite outdoor space.

How to Get Your Outdoors Ready for Winter

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It always feels like the official end of summer when the time comes to dismantle the outdoor living space I’ve created on my porch for the season. It’s a bittersweet time; on the one hand, I’m sad to watch the days grow shorter and colder but on the other hand it gives me the opportunity to reflect on how much I’ve enjoyed my time out there this past summer.

Autumn is usually the time when I update my garden notes, paying attention to what worked for me during the growing season and what didn’t. I start brainstorming improvements too so that I can continue to develop these plans over the winter when I’m stuck indoors.

It’s also a good opportunity to do a little research on how to best care for your garden and/or outdoor space over the winter. Don’t limit yourself to just plants. Patio furniture, planters, pots, urns and other outdoor décor and accessories all need to be properly cleaned and stored for the winter as well. You may wish to clean and take inventory of all of your gardening tools at this time of year as well, and make any repairs or replacements accordingly.

Additionally, there are certain house maintenance issues that may require attention. Gutters and eaves should be cleaned and inspected, as should the screens and windows of your house. (Some people have storm windows that should be installed at this time of year as well.)

Getting my outdoors ready for winter is a unique experience for me because I live in an apartment building. Many potted plants will not last the winter; those I can save I bring inside or winterize in their pots. This I do by spreading mulch over the soil, wrapping them with burlap and twine, and stashing them in a sheltered area that will protect them from windy and damp conditions. Plants that find their homes inside often get cut back and repotted in order to stay strong and healthy during the period of hibernation.

In a way, I’m preparing to hibernate as well. Winter is a gloomy time for me (I’m a fresh air and sunshine kind of gal) and I like to get ready for the season indoors as well by giving my house a good clean to clear out all of the dirt and grit that the summer brought in. I usually take a look through my pantry to reorganize and purge unwanted or expired food. All that extra room gives me the opportunity to stock up on ingredients for homemade soups and stews.

You better my quest for cozy doesn’t stop there either. This is the perfect time of year to wash all of your quilts, blankets and pillows in preparation for some serious snuggle time, or at least a lot of hours catching up on Netflix. I do a ton of reading over the winter as well, so fall is the perfect time for me to dust and re-organize my ever-evolving bookshelf (more about that here) and amass my reading material for the season. (I know you wouldn’t expect any less of me.)

Yes, the end of summer is a sad time for summer babies and garden lovers like myself, but for those of you who feel the same way, take heart: there are still other outdoor holiday decorating opportunities coming our way.

KBwB-BFlower-50It feels like yesterday I was just telling you guys about how I get ready for spring. How has all of that time flown by? I want to know how your gardens did over the summer. What do you include as part of your autumn cleaning ritual? Comment below or email your suggestions to keepingbusyb@gmail.com. Pictures of fall colors are definitely encouraged.

Looking for other autumn-type stuff to celebrate the season? Click here to read why fall is still an opportunity to make a fresh start, get advice on how to store your summer shoes, or bake something seasonal here.

 

Spring Cleaning Made Simple

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KBB_cleaning _suppliesGuess who procrastinated on her spring cleaning this year? This lady.

Maybe it’s just because spring got a false start where I live in Toronto, or maybe it’s because I actually don’t really like cleaning (although it helps to rock out with my headphones while I do it) but if I’m really honest with myself I think spring cleaning had become such a monumental task in my mind that I put it off until I was itching to put on my rubber gloves and scrub every last inch of my apartment with a toothbrush.

Seeing as that wasn’t a realistic (or desirable) task, I decided to try and make my spring cleaning routine as simple as possible to avoid wasted time and effort and the added stress of having my household turned upside down for a prolonged period of time. Here are some of the things that I discovered:

  • Having a basic cleaning routine in place is key to a simpler, faster spring clean. It’s hard enough to make the time let alone have the energy for longer, more involved projects like scrubbing the grout between the bathroom tiles if you’ve spent most of your time cleaning out the bathtub like you should have done four weeks ago. (Obviously, I’m talking about a friend here and not myself.)
  • Only do the tasks that are important to you. I drove myself crazy scouring blogs and social media for the best, most thorough spring cleaning task lists only to realize that it made more sense to make my own based on the spaces I had to clean. Even after I had developed my to-do lists, I found myself discovering new tasks to add once I had actually started cleaning.
  • Consider breaking those tasks down so it doesn’t start to feel too overwhelming. (I’ve got some advice on how to do that here).
  • Keep the de-cluttering separate. I found that once I started sorting and organizing a drawer or a cupboard, I could kiss my cleaning chores good-bye because the de-cluttering had all of my attention. If something needs organizing in order to be cleaned, the organizing needs to happen first. (It’s like organizing law.)
  • Stick to the rules of cleaning. Work from top to bottom, inside to out, wet to dry and you can’t go wrong- no matter what tasks you have laid out before you.

After being inside all winter it felt good to throw open the windows to let the breeze and the sunshine stream in. And once I had a pared down plan-of-attack, I started to feel a little better about the whole spring-cleaning thing. Who doesn’t get excited about the opportunity for a fresh start?

Certainly not this lady.

KBwB-BFlower-50Were you also a spring-cleaning drama queen this year? Let’s compare notes. Comment below or drop me a line at keepingbusywithb@gmail.com. Want some other tips on how to keep your household in tip-top shape? I’ve got a whole bucket of them here.

Book Review: Cheryl Mendelson on Mastering Homemaking

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I’m a self-proclaimed Martha Stewart fan, and it’s not because I subscribe to the idea that a woman’s place is in the home; nor should women be the sole person responsible for the health and happiness of the entire household. I’ve just always relished the idea of having a clean and comfortable home filled with things that fill me with joy.

There’s a strange satisfaction that comes with cleaning and organizing that comes with completing even the smallest of domestic tasks. It’s a feeling that I always felt existed in opposition to my desire to pay attention to my career. How does a workaholic like me reconcile the urge to be domestic as well? Is it possible to be both?

While Martha Stewart launched a successful business and television career, lawyer Cheryl Mendelson used her passion for all things domestic to launch her writing career with the two volumes of housekeeping hints of biblical proportions. Home Comforts: The Art and Science of Keeping House is a meticulously researched and detailed guide for serious home-keepers who believe in the power of a clean and orderly house.

Note I use the word “home-keeping”, and I use it deliberately: this book is not about how to speed clean your home, or taking domestic shortcuts. Mendelson has amassed an encyclopedia on virtually everything you wanted to know about housekeeping and were afraid to ask. Food storage, linen care, even musical instrument maintenance all make appearances on the veritable laundry list (excuse the pun) of subjects covered by Home Comforts.

This might seem to be a strange subject to write about for someone with a career in law, but Mendelson argues both that her demanding schedule and strong domestic background fuelled her need for keeping an orderly house as an independent adult. Her solutions are practical and yet seem rooted in a more romantic time, where homes were seen as places for families and individuals to flourish and grow instead of storage facilities to keep an increasing amount of meaningless possessions.

A client of mine referred to me this manual for some housekeeping issues that I was having and I was so in love with it that my own copy is being shipped as I type this post. I’m looking forward to creating a new approach to cleaning based on some of her methods. Some people may choose to take or leave her advice if they are happy with their existing routines, but I would recommend reading it anyway. The material is so extensive there’s something there to excite novices and experts alike. For those who think they know everything anyway, they may want to check out her other manual (remember I said she had two?) titled Laundry: The Home Comforts Book of Caring for Clothes and Linens. Three guesses as to what it’s about, and the first two don’t count.

Finally, for all of ye nay-sayers who are reading this and scoffing at the idea of housework as being a vital part of our existence, consider this quotation from Mendelson:

“Housekeeping creates cleanliness, order, regularity, beauty, the conditions for health and safety, and a good place to do and feel all the things you wish and need to do and feel in your home.”

Now that’s one smart lawyer.

KBwB-Flower-50

Psst- wanna see which books have previously graced my bookshelves? Click here. Want even more fun reading recommendations? I’ve got some for you here. Don’t forget to find me on Goodreads so we can snoop each other’s bookshelves and dish about our favourites.