Ready for the next set of twice-a-year cleaning chores? We are plugging away at those things that need to get done every six months or so. We’ve been in the kitchen and then outside.
Here is our list so far:
- Clean the oven
- Clean the stove hood and exhaust fan
- Clean out the freezer
- Wash all of the plastic furniture and outdoor toys
- Wash down sidewalks, walkways and driveways.
Let’s head back inside now to do something that I have been wanting to get to get to for a long time. Ready?
Dust the books and shelves.
In my house, books are constantly overrunning the shelves. This is true for both adult books and children’s books. It seems I can resist a good book, especially when I find it at a bargain price. Needless to say, the shelves are getting kind of messy. If you don’t have that problem, I bow to you. However, you’ll still need to get the dust rag or duster out at least twice a year for those books and shelves. Books benefit from being dust and dirt free. They stay in better shape and are less likely to get damaged by grime or mold when they are maintained. Look for a future article with tips on cleaning your books.
Dust the minutia.
Do you remember that old joke of PT Barnum’s? Wanting to hurry customers along in his museum, he posted a sign, “This way to the Great Egress.” People were intrigued and headed toward the promised attraction, only to realize that an egress is simply an exit. When I say dust the minutia, the small stuff, I simply mean that we need to get all of those small places that we don’t normally think about or haven’t gotten to, such as the tops of doors, ceiling fan blades, behind the television, high shelves, picture frames, etc. But you can tell everyone not to bother you because your dealing with the minutia.
Vacuum the heat registers, cold air returns and bathroom exhaust fans.
It is amazing how much dust can collect in these areas in six months, Getting all of that dust out will improve the function of the devices behind these vents and create cleaner indoor air.
Vacuum behind and under heavy furniture.
We have hard floors, so I usually move whatever furniture I can when I vacuum, but there are some items that are too heavy to move on a weekly basis. You would think that something large against the floor or wall wouldn’t get dust in those places, would you. Well, guess what? They do! I remember when we moved. In spite of my cleaning the house to a shine for our showings, there was a couple of pounds of dust left behind when the large furniture was moved out.
We are almost done with our lists! All that are left now are the annual chores.
Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, technology in the Computing Blog, and creating a home in the Home Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here.
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