Never would have guessed that I would be enjoying spring cleaning, but I am! Also, never would have guessed spring cleaning would make me so sore. Oh my gosh! Sat down tonight and as soon as I did I felt every muscle I used today! It was fine as I was cleaning, but the moment I sat down, every muscle revolted. Still nice to know that the reason I am aching is because I have been accomplishing a lot. Thus far, however, you wouldn’t know as everything I have cleaned, except the garage, has been either a cupboard or a closet. I am employing what I will call the “TOP to BOTTOM, INSIDE OUT” cleaning method. Why? Because I do not want to have to redo something once I have already gone to the effort of cleaning it once.
What is TOP to BOTTOM, INSIDE OUT CLEANING?
It is exactly what is says. No matter what space you are cleaning you start at the top and work your way down, you start on the inside and work your way out. For example, when cleaning the kitchen, I would do so in the following order;
- ceiling – sweep with rag tied to the broom or a gentle bristled broom
- dust/wash ceiling light fixtures
- dust/wash walls – used a Swiffer Sweeper to dust walls
- door frames – after washing rub with dryer sheet to repel dust
- oil door hinges
- cupboard tops – lay wax paper/paper towel down to make clean-up easier next time
- upper cupboards inside, top shelf down
- drawers inside – line with shelf liner to make next clean-up easier
- lower cupboards inside, top shelf down
- closet ceiling – sweep as above
- closet walls use a Swiffer Sweeper to dust walls
- closet shelves, top shelf down
- freezer (if upright – top shelf down)
- refrigerator, top shelf down
- garbage compactor – put in a new stick-on deodorizer
- dishwasher place vinegar in cup on top shelf then run through full cycle
- range – burner plates – place in Ziploc bag with ammonia & let stand 12 hours, rinse
- range top for stubborn burnt on food – use ammonia & cover with cling wrap let stand overnight if possible otherwise as long as possible
- oven baking soda & vinegar works well or commercial oven cleaner as desired
- wash cupboard door & drawer faces then oil wood doors to prevent drying & cracking
- fridge, range, dishwasher, compactor faces
- back splash – use bleach solution to disinfect
- counter tops – use bleach solution to disinfect
- sinks – scour with an SOS pad/barkeeper’s friend then use bleach solution to disinfect
- baseboards – wash with soapy water or spray cleaner, when dry rub with dryer sheet to help repel dust
- floor – don’t forget to pull out your fridge, range & garbage compactor to clean the floor in behind them too. (Vacuum/wipe fridge condenser coils while back there too! This will reduce energy costs!)(Wash walls and cupboards that are covered by these items too!
Hope this helps!