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| The New York Optimist March 2009 |
Ellie Robyns: Bring Spring!
Top 10 Cleaning Countdown to Spring:
10) Collect your Area Rugs and take them outside for a good shake. Air them on a clothesline or railing for several hours.
Spray with lavender linen spray for a refreshing quick clean and relaxing scent. Your pets will love the scent also because I
assume they LOVE to sleep on these rugs!
9) Free your Fabrics. Wash the pillows, coverings and mattress pads in very hot water. The only type of pillows which
are NOT machine washable are foam pillows. Take on a second load with your shower curtain and bath mat- using a gentle
cycle and a natural bleach made of vinegar and baking soda.
8)In the Bathroom, replace your toothbrush every three months and do the same with your loofah if you use one. Also
throw out old and expired cold medicines from your cabinet.
7) A Quick Fridge and Freezer Clear-Out will cleanse your dwelling of any old and moldy food items while making
room for delicious spring fare such as pies and jams. Also, for your next few meals consider eating up and frozen soups
and stews.
6) Toss old kitchen sponges and replace them with clean, colorful ones. WIlliam Sonoma carries lovely scented dish
liquids, in scents such as apple, lavender and lemon.
5) Speaking of Lemons...fresh lemons smell so clean so try this: Cut one in half put the pieces in a microwave safe bowl
and cover with water. Cook on high for two minutes. The lemon steam will soften hardened food inside the oven while
emitting a crisp lemon scent. You can also grate the fruit in the garbage disposal if you have one, to eliminate musty odors
and greasy gunk.
4) Change from Tablecloths to Placemats and arrange a vase of fresh flowers in the middle of the table. The mats are
easier to keep clean AND if your table looks set, it is a less likely landing pad for clutter!
3) Take Plastic Garbage Cans Outside for a quick hosing and turn upside down to dry. Sprinkle the bottoms with baking
soda to keep cans odor free.
2) A Tree does grow in Brooklyn- or at least a few potted plants! While it is still too chilly for planting, you can pick
up some pansies or herb plants and transfer them into spring colored pots. Or you can be even "greener" and buy the same
plants which also come in their own biodegradable pots. Sold at Lowe's they are inexpensive and are great for cleaning your
indoor air or adding the fresh herbs to your favorite culinary dishes.
1) Clean your Computer Screen. Jeez, I can hardly see mine right now, as I type this article!!! I better practice what I
preach and clean my screen with a lightly dampened micro fiber cloth. Clean or replace your mouse pad while you are at it
and replace it with a brightly colored pad. Load a fun and spring-like wallpaper onto your computer screen.
Happy Spring Cleaning!!
Top 10 Cleaning Countdown to Spring:
10) Collect your Area Rugs and take them outside for a good shake. Air them on a clothesline or railing for several hours.
Spray with lavender linen spray for a refreshing quick clean and relaxing scent. Your pets will love the scent also because I
assume they LOVE to sleep on these rugs!
9) Free your Fabrics. Wash the pillows, coverings and mattress pads in very hot water. The only type of pillows which
are NOT machine washable are foam pillows. Take on a second load with your shower curtain and bath mat- using a gentle
cycle and a natural bleach made of vinegar and baking soda.
8)In the Bathroom, replace your toothbrush every three months and do the same with your loofah if you use one. Also
throw out old and expired cold medicines from your cabinet.
7) A Quick Fridge and Freezer Clear-Out will cleanse your dwelling of any old and moldy food items while making
room for delicious spring fare such as pies and jams. Also, for your next few meals consider eating up and frozen soups
and stews.
6) Toss old kitchen sponges and replace them with clean, colorful ones. WIlliam Sonoma carries lovely scented dish
liquids, in scents such as apple, lavender and lemon.
5) Speaking of Lemons...fresh lemons smell so clean so try this: Cut one in half put the pieces in a microwave safe bowl
and cover with water. Cook on high for two minutes. The lemon steam will soften hardened food inside the oven while
emitting a crisp lemon scent. You can also grate the fruit in the garbage disposal if you have one, to eliminate musty odors
and greasy gunk.
4) Change from Tablecloths to Placemats and arrange a vase of fresh flowers in the middle of the table. The mats are
easier to keep clean AND if your table looks set, it is a less likely landing pad for clutter!
3) Take Plastic Garbage Cans Outside for a quick hosing and turn upside down to dry. Sprinkle the bottoms with baking
soda to keep cans odor free.
2) A Tree does grow in Brooklyn- or at least a few potted plants! While it is still too chilly for planting, you can pick
up some pansies or herb plants and transfer them into spring colored pots. Or you can be even "greener" and buy the same
plants which also come in their own biodegradable pots. Sold at Lowe's they are inexpensive and are great for cleaning your
indoor air or adding the fresh herbs to your favorite culinary dishes.
1) Clean your Computer Screen. Jeez, I can hardly see mine right now, as I type this article!!! I better practice what I
preach and clean my screen with a lightly dampened micro fiber cloth. Clean or replace your mouse pad while you are at it
and replace it with a brightly colored pad. Load a fun and spring-like wallpaper onto your computer screen.
Happy Spring Cleaning!!
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