Spring is here and with that comes the time for “spring cleaning.” Spring cleaning is a traditional ritual of getting the spring season off to a good start by cleaning, organizing, and decluttering the home. With modern cleaning equipment and more convenient cleaning supplies, you may prefer a regular scheduled cleaning.
UT Extension has developed a list for home cleaning tips to maintain a well-kept home. How often houses need cleaning depends on family size, season, pets, etc. Some cleaning jobs need to be done daily, and some should be done weekly, monthly, or as needed.
Daily cleaning jobs include the following: clean the kitchen, tidy up the living room, clean the sink and tub in the bathroom, replace dirty towels, make beds, put away clothes, and straighten dresser tops.
Weekly jobs include the following: In the kitchen, dispose of leftover foods, clean refrigerator, clean floor, and empty garbage can. In the living area, clean floors and rugs and dust and polish furniture. In the bathroom, wash floor, clean toilet bowl, mirrors, and fixtures, and wipe tile surfaces. In the bedroom, change sheets, clean floor, dust furniture, and empty wastebasket.
Do the following jobs as needed: clean range and oven, cabinets, floors, and windows, wash curtains, and clean woodwork. In the living area, move and clean under furniture, and clean light fixtures and figurines. In the bathroom, clean walls, wash bathmat, bathroom rug, curtains, and light fixtures and clean inside medicine cabinet.
Do these jobs seasonally: clean closets, store holiday decorations, and clean outdoor furniture.
Follow your plan for an easier kept house. A good idea for a neat, stress-free house is to have a place for things and keep in place.
Hawaiian Chicken Salad
4 chicken breasts
3/4 cup grapes, halved
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup pineapple chunks, drained
1 small jar mayonnaise
8 oz sour cream
1 teaspoon curry powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Boil chicken breasts and chop. Add grapes, celery, carrots, pineapple chunks, mayonnaise, sour cream, curry powder, and salt and pepper to taste, and chopped pecans (optional). Mix well and serve. Submitted by Linda Hensley, Beasley’s Bend FCE Club.
