Fall Clean Up

[cheapdiva]

I've been MIA lately . . . traveling and family issues but wanted to check in. While cleaning my house yesterday - friend coming Wednesday evening and leaving Thursday, 3 others arrive on Saturday - and taking care of the summer dust, I thought about all of you.

I'm not a big spring cleaner but really go at it in the fall. I think because our home will be closed up for the next 7 months (if we're lucky it will be just 7). I moved the stove away from the wall - gross!!! Scrubbed the kitchen floor on my hands and knees (you should have seen the dirt on the knees of my jeans - agghhh!!) and took the vac attachment and went into every nook and cranny getting the dust bunnies.

So how about it . . . are you a spring or fall or both heavy cleaner?

[Lisa S]

I'm a little obsessed with cleaning. I super-clean right before the kids go back to school in the fall, right before Christmas and in the spring. I'd like to be a little more organized about how I do things though. I'm going to try to follow Martha Stewart's Gentle Reminders every month. Maybe if I spread out the work, I wouldn't have so much to do at once.

My husband just pulled our fridge out from the wall yesterday because it wasn't working right. I couldn't believe all the dust bunnies back there! I need to remember to get back there a little more regularly. Appliances are so expensive ~ it's worth taking the extra time to take care of them.

[Lynzee]

I have always done my major cleanings in the spring and fall but decided to try a different approach this year. Whenever I was in a "cleaning mood", I would just pick a room at random and clean anything that didn't move out of my way. Gradually, I made it through the entire house and didn't feel like I'd exhausted myself in the process.

[RoseMary]

I am starting to use Lynzee's approach to cleaning. My back is to the point that it won't take so much cleaning at once!

[Evelyn]

I try to do it year round....but it is hard to work full time and keep the house clean!!!! I have lowered my standards. My windows need cleaning. I have never figured out a sure-fire, get your windows sparkly clean solution. Do any of you have a favorite window cleaning recipe???? Evelyn

[Lynzee]

I use vinegar, hot water and a squeegie (sp?) on my windows, then I wipe them down with large coffee filters or newspaper for a streak free shine. It is a chore that I hate, so I include the windows on days when I pick a room to clean and that makes it much more tolerable. The down side is that all of my windows are never clean at once but, hey...that's what curtains are for. Isn't it? :confused:

[Lisa S]

My windows are never clean at once ~ except for the two times I hired window cleaners! :D

I use soap and water and scrub the windows with a rag. Then I use a squeegie. I recently read a tip that said wash the windows on one side using horizontal swipes and the other using vertical swipes. If you have streaks, you can tell which side they're on.

[Lisa S]

I've water sealed and painted the walls and floors in the basement laundry room. Today is decorating day!

[gigiG]

Decorating day! Pics:D;) Lisa!

[Lynzee]

I always say I'm going to do that, Lisa, but I always forget and end up going sideways on both sides of the window.

I'm with Gigi--pictures of the new basement would be great!! :D

Today I chose the bathroom--just finished scrubbing all of the little hand prints off the walls and I'm trying to get motivated to start on the floor. So why am I here posting? :rolleyes:

:D

[Lisa S]

I have so many things to do today, I can't see straight ~ but here I am too!

I wish you all lived closer. I need to go to Goodwill and Target. Who wants to come?

[gigiG]

Goodwill & Target- Yep- I'd be there! Have fun!:D

[Chyna]

I've been known to run outside as it is raining and squeegeeing the windows. I figure Mother Nature has to be better at it then me for cleaning solutions. :() Or I'm cheap and lazy. :o

[Lisa S]

:D:D:DI totally scored at Goodwill today!!! I got a computer table (nice wood, not veneer) and a leather Parson's chair ~ both brand new in the box for a little over $40!!! I'm so excited. They look great in the basement. I'm just taking a quick dinner break and then I'm back to work. Pictures soon.

[zuzus_garden]

Wow - great find! So, what about the before and during and just-before-the-after pics? We can't wait!
Zu

[Lisa S]

Soon, soon. I've still got a lot of work to do before it's done. I'm moving the big freezer and will need to paint the floor where it stood and do some touch up paint and a little more decorating. I was looking with a critical eye yesterday and thought: It still looks like an ugly basement. It's clean. It's dry. The furniture looks great. Think vintage 'Pig with Lipstick'.

[Lynzee]

Wow, Lisa! They sound great! And I love the price! Can't wait to see the pictures! :D