Sunday, December 26, 2010

Housekeeping Tips for Year-End Cleaning

Cleaning up the house after holidays is similar to conforming your closet to a new season. There are things that must be cleaned, put away for the next Holiday, and in some cases thrown out. The task is not always easy, but getting through it will make the house look better and more organized.

Here are some tips for the year-end housecleaning.

1. The refrigerator is the most important appliance in any home as it stores food at the right temperature to prevent spoilage. If the refrigerator is well-functioning, it helps the family stretch its food budget and allows bulk purchases of vegetables, fruit and other meats. However, it can only run efficiently if it is cleaned regularly. Cold air cannot flow freely if the refrigerator is overstocked. Leftovers left too long can develop molds and other organisms dangerous to health. Spills should be wiped, jars cleaned, and and dripping stopped and secured. Throw out any expired food items and leftovers that are less than a single serving. Discard half-used cartons of cream, packets of mixes that will never be used and any old restaurant leftovers.

Once per week, re-arrange fruits and vegetables, jars and other containers checking on freshness. Wipe down the racks and shelves regularly with vinegar-moistened kitchen towels. Make sure the air vents are clear and unblocked to maintain constant temperature and proper circulation of cold air.

2. Go through the pantry. This may be a good time to get rid of all those sweets and goodies you bought for those holiday parties. Take them to the office and give them away.

3. The microwave oven can be cleaned by putting a half-full microwave safe bowl with a mixture of half vinegar and half water - then nuke it for 2 minutes. Wipe down the interior with a sponge or rag dipped in the hot vinegar. The vinegar's acetic acid sanitizes and deodorizes the microwave.

4. Clear out the drawers of useless tools and gadgets that may be specialty tools used for that turkey and other prepared foods for the holidays. While you are there, take a look at your utensils and throw away any old ones that have missing parts or need to be replaced.

5. Re-arrange your linen & china closets, putting the holiday place mats and tablecloths, dinnerware and stemware in the back, making it easy to reach the items you will most likely use throughout the year.

6. Go through your clothing closets and take clothes that you typically use for the holidays and re-arrange your things putting those items that you will not be using in the back. Do the same with those heavy winter jackets used on holiday vacations.

7. Review the cleaning products and equipment checking for replacement of those you use most often. Consider getting a new mop or if necessary a new vacuum. If you keep the old vacuum, change the bags and have it cleaned professionally.

8. If you used the fireplace more often, give it a good clean-out. You can get a chimney sweeper to do it or try it yourself. Open up the damper and carefully climb up on your roof taking rods and brushes with you. Remove the chimney cap and run the brush down the chimney using a plunging motion. You can go back in the house and use the short chimney brush to clean the flue. Use a vacuum cleaner or small broom and dustpan to remove the cold ashes. Brush the floor and walls with a stiff dry scrub brush and vacuum up all the remaining dust and debris.

9. The door thresholds may have accumulated a lot of soot from the rains and harsh weather conditions. Clean them out with a vacuum attachment and then wipe them down with a damp cloth.

10. Be sure to get the air ducts cleaned out so that you don't accumulate dust and debris in the house.

Best wishes for a wonderful 2011 in your very clean home!!!

Marta Perrone
http://www.martaperrone.com

1 comment:

Nannies Los Angeles said...

Hi friends...

Nice information! Housekeeping is never-ending process. To maintain a well-kept house, you need to always be on top of the work involved. This is a process that involves good organization, an understanding of how to keep things clean and a good storage system. Thanks a lot.