One-A-Day Challenge: Spring Cleaning

Ask me how I got my shower door so clean

How are you doing on your spring cleaning? I've been knocking things off my to-do list, and it's such a handy one that I thought I'd share it.

Just check off one item every day, and in three weeks you'll have thoroughly spring-cleaned your entire house--easy-peasy and I've included cheapskate tips where applicable! I recommend doing them in order; I've organized it as a top-to-bottom list so you won't end up dusting off your ceiling fan right after you vacuum. . .No, I haven't done that, why do you ask? Um, heh. . .

Spring Cleaning Challenge

1. Dust light fixtures and ceiling fans-- Microfiber Cleaning Cloths dampened with vinegar work well.
2. Sweep cobwebs in corners and along the ceiling.
3. Dust all horizontal surfaces—tops of doors, picture frames, shelves, baseboards, counters...
4. Magic Eraser or spot-clean the walls.
5. Wipe down circulating fans, wall, and floor vents with a cloth dampened with vinegar.
6. Get a new  vacuum filter (seriously, when's the last time you did it?)
7. Take everything off the bed and launder, including things you might wash less often like comforters or bedskirts.
8. Sprinkle the mattress with Baking Soda and let sit for at least an hour, then vacuum it all up with the brush attachment. You can do this while your bedclothes are in the wash to save steps!
9. Vacuum all upholstered furniture and vacuum or launder curtains.
10. Take rugs and mats outside and beat with a broom handle.
11. Vacuum the floor REALLY thoroughly before you put the rugs back down.
12. Spot-clean the carpet.
13. Give the kitchen a deep clean, especially the parts you usually skip (drip-pans, anyone?)
14. Check expiration dates in your fridge, pantry, and medicine cabinet, and bring things to the front—or to the garbage!—accordingly.
15. Give the bathroom(s) a deep clean, especially the parts you usually skip. Here's an easy, green method for the shower!
16. Go through your make-up and throw out anything that smells funny or you never use.
17. Wash windows inside and out. A mix of water and vinegar with a microfiber cloth work great!
18. Scrub out all window tracks with soapy water and an old toothbrush.
19. Go through your wardrobe and if there's things you never wear or have worn out either donate them or put them in a rag-bag (for craft projects!)
20. Bring summer clothes to the front and hide winter clothes in the back.
21. If you have a wool coat, bring it to the dry-cleaner's—I know, not cheap, but it's only once a year!
22. Treat any dingy whites to a soak in vinegar or borax . Might be a good time to do the dishcloths, too!
23. Polish and condition wood—anybody know a good green way to do this and nix the orange-glo?

There you have it, 23 steps to a majorly deep-cleaned house.

Shared at: Liz Marie: "Clean It!" Link Party

Tell me, is there anything I missed? What are your favorite spring cleaning rituals?

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