feels like home » Clean Up

Ways To Eliminate Clutter.

admin — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:54:45 +0000

I always make it a point to declutter every few months. Clutter can build up so easily thus the need to do a regular organization in the house. I came across these helpful tips to make cleaning up easier.

1. Add Drawer Dividers
2. Turn Hangers Around
3. Keep Cleaning Supplies Under the Sink
4. Use a Pocket Basket
5. Keep a Shopping List in Your Pantry
6. Open Mail Over the Recycle Bin
7. Eliminate Junk Mail
8. Use Color-Coded Rags
9. Label & Organize Cords

Read more: http://organizing.yourway.net/9-easy-ways-to-eliminate-clutter/.

Spring Cleaning Tips.

admin — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 06:57:04 +0000

1. Initiate monthly purges.
2. When in doubt, throw it out.
3. Focus on one room / area at a time.
4. Find a system that work for you — there is more than one right way.
5. File your papers.
6. Make a place for clothes that needs to be fixed.
7. Go through one box, shelve, drawer, bin, cabinet at a time.
8. Don’t let your emotions win.
9. Make your bed — every day!
10. Do a few minutes every night before bed or every morning before work.
11. Tackle your junk drawer.
12. Make to-do lists every day.
13. Get your family involved.
14. Keep a basket in your car for car clutter.
15. Barter with a friend.
16. Use organizing containers you already have.
17. Create a place for all your tax papers.
18. Don’t let junk mail come into your home home.
19. Deep clean one room each week.
20. Clean out your wallet and purse.
21. Utilize your freezer.
22. Vow not to procrastinate!

{http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2011/03/11/22-tips-to-get-organized-for-spring/}

Non-Toxic Cleaners You Can Make at Home.

admin — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 02:20:07 +0000

I am a fan of such cleaners. In fact we have been using vinegar in cleaning some parts and items in the house.

Keeping vinegar, Castile soap, baking soda, and essential oils on hand will enable you to make just about every cleaner you need.

Simple Recipes to Clean the Whole House
Floors
My favorite floor cleaner is made by adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of Castile soap and 10 drops of lemon essential oil to a large container. Fill with 1 gallon of hot water and stir to mix. If the floor is greasy, add up to 1/8 cup of vinegar.

Walls
The above floor cleaner will work well on walls too. If you wish to disinfect walls (or door knobs, crib rails, and so on), mix equal parts vinegar and water. Add 5 to 10 drops of essential oil, per 16 oz of mixture, if desired.

Mirrors
Mirrors can be cleaned well with water and a microfiber cloth. If you are looking for more shine (and germ killing power), combine 1 ½ cups of water with ½ cup of vinegar in a spray bottle and shake to mix. Add 5 to 10 drops of orange or lemon essential oil for extra cleaning power and added fragrance.

Counter tops
I often keep leftover floor cleaner in a spray bottle and use it on the counter tops. It works very well.

If this is not available I will make some disinfecting spray with lavender and peppermint essential oil and water. Adding two tablespoons of Castile soap to this mix will help loosen dirt or grime if necessary.

Toilets
Pouring a little straight or scented vinegar into the toilet bowl is a great way to clean and deodorize. For regular toilet seat wipe downs, keep some vinegar in a spray bottle. (Because it’s non-toxic and safe to use, why not give kids the job of swishing and swiping each day!)

Sprinkling baking soda into the bowl and scrubbing with a sturdy toilet brush is another good way to keep the toilet clean and fresh.

Bath and shower
The best way to keep the shower clean is to regularly spray the walls with vinegar, this helps prevent soap and scum from building up. Using a squeegee to remove excess water (a few times each week) is also very effective, especially on glass doors.

For a thorough cleaning, it is easy to make your own soft soap cleaner with baking soda and Castile soap.

Source: http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2011/03/non-toxic-cleaners-you-can-make-at-home.html

10 Things That Should NOT Be In Your Closet.

admin — Tue, 22 Feb 2011 14:07:05 +0000

1. Anything you don’t LOVE:
2. Anything you don’t need:
3. Anything that’s too small:
4. Anything that’s too big:
5. Anything you have multiples of:
6. Anything that doesn’t fit your lifestyle:
7. Anything that doesn’t “go” with your other items:
8. Any empty hangers:
9. Anything that’s not yours:
10. Anything that you can’t wear:

So is it time for another closet cleanup again. I’m guessing yes.
Read more: http://www.simpleorganizedliving.com/2011/02/07/10-things-that-shouldnt-be-in-your-closet/.

28 Household Uses For Salt.

admin — Thu, 30 Dec 2010 14:31:12 +0000

* Eliminate sticky residue from an iron: Not that many of us are ironing anymore, but when it’s time to do it, we like the job to be as smooth and as pleasant as possible. Run a dry hot iron over plain paper sprinkled with salt.
* Clean your drain: Pour 1/2 cup salt down the drain with one quart of hot water once a week to keep your drains running smoothly.
* Remove dirt from vegetables: Rinse them in salt water.
* Chill champagne or white wine: Stick your warm bottle in a bowl of ice. Layer ice and salt up the bottle. Pour in cold water. Wait 10 minutes and voila!
* Get rid of ants: Sprinkle salt in areas where you have ants and watch them flee.
* Clean pots of stuck on food: Fill your pot with water and add salt. Bring to a boil and continue boiling for 20 minutes. Remove pan from heat and cool.
* Keep your flowers fresh: Add a pinch of salt to fresh-cut flowers to help them last a little longer.
* Get the garlic and onion smells off your hands: Rub your hands with lemon juice and salt, rinse and wash with soap.
* Get rid of wine stain on a tablecloth: Blot the wine and sprinkle it with a thick layer of salt. Let dry and rinse with cold water.
* Mildew be gone: Mix lemon juice with salt to remove mildew from damp clothes and towels.
* Stain away: Remove stains from old tea and coffee cups by rubbing with salt moistened with water. Add lemon juice to remove rust stains. Also works on porcelain sinks.
* Clean your cutting board: Pour salt on your cutting board and rub lightly with a damp cloth before washing in warm, soapy water.
* Soothe a sore throat: Gargle with 1/2 cup warm water and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
* Unstuff a stuffy nose: Stir 1/2 teaspoon of salt into a 1/4 cup of warm water and sniff it up your nose (use your finger to bring drops of water up to your nose one by one), then blow.
* Fill up the holes your walls: 1 tablespoon of salt plus 1 tablespoon of corn starch plus 2 teaspoons of water makes a thick paste that can be used to patch up the holes in your walls.
* Wash your water bottle: Rinse your reusable water bottle with hot water and salt.
* Salt glow: Mix equal parts oil and salt and scrub your scruffy parts, paying special attention to your knees and elbows.
* Fleas away: Wash your dog in salt water to keep him free of fleas.
* Soften your skin: Pour a generous amount of salt into your bath water to smooth your skin.
* Sore feet: Add equal amounts of salt and baking soda to a basin of warm water for a soothing foot soak.
* Clean up spills: Eggs on the floor? Overflow in the oven? Sprinkle on some salt and clean up the mess quickly and easily.
* Purge the poison ivy: We’ve heard that three pounds of salt plus one gallon of soapy water equals a mixture that’s lethal to this summer scourge.
* Kill the grass in the cracks: Pour salt in the cracks of your path or sidewalk, followed by hot water to kill those stray bits of grass.
* Keep your windows frost-free: Wash them with salt water and they’ll stay clear all winter.
* Whiter ivories: A mixture of lemon juice and salt will keep your piano keys sparkling.
* Keep your line clothes from freezing: Add salt to the final rinse to prevent your clothes from freezing.
* Remove white spots on wooden tables: Whether caused by heat or water, eliminate white spots by rubbing them with a mixture of salt and oil. Let stand for an hour and then wipe off.
* Make your sponges last longer: Soak them in salt water.

Source: http://www.re-nest.com/re-nest/creative-reuse/-126697.

101 Things That Can Easily Be Reduced In Your Home.

admin — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 12:19:01 +0000

If you are like who is on a cleaning/decluttering mode, in preparation of the New Year, this list from BecomingMinimalist.com can be your guide in decluttering.

1. Glassware
2. Cookbooks
3. Kitchen gadgets
4. Kitchen appliances
5. Pots / pans
6. Mixing bowls
7. Tupperware
8. Water pitchers
9. Magazines
10. Newspapers
11. Books
12. Over-the-counter medicine
13. Make-up
14. Barretts / hair clips / ponytail holders
15. Cleaning supplies
16. Personal beauty appliances (hair dryer/curlers, electric razors)
17. Bottles of shampoo/conditioner
18. Photos
19. Photography supplies
20. Sewing supplies
21. Craft supplies
22. Scrap-booking supplies
23. CD’s
24. DVD’s
25. Decorative items
26. Candles
27. Figurines
28. Crystal
29. Vases
30. Audio/visual components
31. Audio/visual cables
32. Computer equipment
33. MP3 players
34. Furniture
35. Video game systems
36. Vdeo games
37. Video game accessories
38. Shirts / shorts
39. Pants
40. Coats
41. Dresses
42. Hats
43. Clothes hangers
44. Shoes
45. Winter gear
46. Jewelry
47. Purses
48. Coins
49. Pillows
50. Towels
51. Linen sets
52. Candle Holders
53. Televisions
54. Items on your bulletin board
55. Magnets
56. Artwork
57. Mirrors
58. Home office supplies
59. Pens/pencils
60. Old batteries
61. Tools
62. Hardware
63. Rolls of duct tape
64. Coolers
65. Manuals
66. Phone books
67. Coupons
68. Sporting good supplies
69. Sports memorabilia
70. Aluminum cans
71. Glass bottles
72. Automobile fluids
73. Automobiles
74. Scrap pieces of lumber
75. Brooms
76. Rakes
77. Shovels
78. Garden tools
79. Plant containers
80. Empty cardboard boxes
81. Board games
82. Puzzles
83. Decks of cards
84. Unused wedding gifts
85. Baby clothes
86. Baby supplies
87. Old schoolbooks/papers
88. Army men
89. Bath toys
90. Toy balls
91. Toy cars/trucks
92. Toy musical instruments
93. Stuffed animals
94. Plastic toys
95. Childrens’ old school papers
96. Suitcases
97. Soda
98. Alcohol
99. Processed foods
100. Christmas / seasonal decorations
101. Cable channels

Non-Toxic Green Cleaning.

admin — Sun, 29 Aug 2010 16:08:45 +0000

And frugal, too.

Vinegar
The most frugal and versatile non-toxic cleaner. It is a safe and natural disinfectant that, mixed in a 1/1 ratio with water, can clean everything from floor to ceiling in pretty much any room, including mirrors and window. You should not, however use vinegar on porous natural surfaces like marble or granite.

It’s great at cutting grease. Iit’s especially good at cleaning up bathroom stainless steel fixtures and making them shiny. The vinegar and water mixture is also works as a stain remover on carpets and rugs!

Vinegar is also a great replacement for fabric softener in you laundry.

Baking Soda
Use Baking Soda to clean toilets, Just a few shakes around the bowl and a good scrubbing with a toilet brush

Hydrogen Peroxide
Great for cleaning areas that you want to be disinfected.

The mix of hydrogen peroxide and water also is great at removing certain types of stains on clothing. Dark stains, like blood, blueberries or other berries, or juice, come out easily when you spray them before putting the clothing in the wash.

Read more: http://www.keeperofthehome.org/2010/08/back-to-the-basics-frugal-non-toxic-green-cleaning.html/.

Green Cleaning Caddy.

admin — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:20:52 +0000

We do have a cleaning caddy of sorts. It makes cleaning up a lot easier as we just pick up the basket and everything we need is in there. I stumbled upon this article on putting up a green cleaning caddy. Very helpful as I’m sure we all want to use non-toxic items for the house, especially when we have kids around.

1. The Caddy: Any plastic or metal sectioned caddy will do, just make sure metal edges are finished to avoid rusting – no sense needing to clean-up after the clean-up supplies.

2. Rags: Avoid disposable wipes and sponges by keeping old washcloths or towels or even buying new cheap multipacks of cotton clothes. Cotton won’t scratch and is long-wearing.

3. Rubber Gloves: Any icky tasks become bearable with a protective layer in place.

4. Scrub Brushes: A flat, traditional brush, a smaller rounded brush (for tub and sink corners as well as smaller spaces) and an old toothbrush. A toilet brush can be kept at each toilet.

5. Powdered Cleanser: While there are many non-toxic choices, mine are baking soda (very mild yet effective) or Bon Ami. Bon Ami is made from feldspar, limestone, baking soda and plant-based cleansers – a highly effect, gently cleanser.

6. All Purpose Cleaner: Choose a non-toxic cleaner that can cut through grease and grim. I love original Simple Green in a 50% dilution. Kiss grime goodbye!

7. Liquid Dish Soap: Dishwashing liquid is one of the most versatile cleaners in most houses. You may not keep it in the caddy, but if you store the caddy under the kitchen sink, this essential will be close at hand when you start the cleaning rounds.

8. White Vinegar: White vinegar is as effective at killing bacteria as Clorox, is 100% non-toxic and cuts through hard water stains to shine fixtures, glass and mirrors like nothing else. Keep it straight in a spray bottle. Note: This acid can eat away at many kinds of natural stone and should never be used on marble.

Source: http://www.organizingyourway.net/.

Benefits of Decluterring.

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 15:53:49 +0000

My never-ending task, decluterring. Anyway, find these decluttering benefits from Organizing Your Way.

* The more you practice evaluating the value of things in your life, the less attached you become to stuff in general.

* As you purposefully declutter your home, you’ll realize how much stuff you truly have and start to evaluate future purchases more carefully, which will ultimately save you money as well.

* You’ll spend less time dusting and cleaning.

* You’ll have a better idea of where things are in your home and be able to find them more quickly and easily.

~via http://www.organizingyourway.net/.

10 Questions to Help You Declutter.

admin — Sat, 22 May 2010 14:03:30 +0000

Are you spring cleaning? I am, and I have been decluttering for the longest time. I guess, home organization just never ends. There is always something to fix. Anyway, if you are having a hard time letting go of some items in your home, maybe you will find these set of questions helpful.

1. Is this item something I use regularly?
2. If not, is it something I love?
3. Am I keeping this out of obligation or expectation?
4. Am I holding onto this because I think I should love it?
5. Am I saving this just in case?
6. Do I have multiples of the same thing?
7. Could something else I own do the same job?
8. Am I holding onto a broken item to fix one day?
9. Is this item worth the time I spend cleaning/storing it?
10. Could I use this space for something else?

You can read more at http://www.organizingyourway.net/decluttering/10-questions-to-help-you-declutter.