Spring cleaning. Something about it sounds refreshing. Something
about it also sounds exhausting. The idea of going through your
entire home, cleaning and reorganizing it from top to bottom
can be a long weekend project -- maybe even two weekends worth of
work. You may not want to commit to it considering the weather is
clearing up but with a few more rainy weekends in sight, it might
be worth your while. Instead of just costing you a weekend of work,
spring cleaning could actually save you money by extending the life
of a few household items.
Cash in on Clutter
If you haven't used something since the last time you cleaned,
it might be time to get rid of it. Spring is a great time for yard
sales, and you could actually make a little extra cash off of
some of the items collecting dust on your shelves. Join with your
neighbors to share in the advertising expenses and the work, plus
you'll draw a bigger crowd if you've got more stuff -- and that
means more money! If you prefer to forgo the cash and donate your
spare items, there are a multitude of charities ready and willing
to accept donations. Not only will you be helping others, but you
will also get a tax deduction for your donation.
Here is a list of items you might have lying around the house
that could be useful to someone else:
Musical Instruments - Mr. Holland's Opus
Foundation takes donated instruments and gives them to
underfunded school music programs.
Running Shoes - Recycled
Runners.com gives shoes to those less fortunate and if they are
too worn out, they are recycled into building materials.
Children's Books - Project
Night Night provides books to homeless children.
Business Clothing - Career Gear
distributes business clothing to disadvantaged men who are trying
to re-enter the work force.
Sports Equipment - SportsGift.org
uses donated equipment to create community-based sports programs
for underprivileged kids around the world.
Blankets & Towels - Pets 911 finds
animal shelters near you that need items like towels and
blankets for animal crates.
Mattress - Most retailers now accept old
mattresses because they can be recycled and used for clothing, wood
chips, foam products and scrap metal.
Clean Appliances
Taking a moment to clean appliances such as the refrigerator,
dishwasher and vacuum cleaner can actually extend the life of these
items -- saving you money in unnecessary repair bills in the long
run.
Refrigerator - Remove all the shelves and
drawers. Place them in the bathtub, spray with a sanitizing
solution and scrub with a brush/sponge. With a baking soda and
water solution, wipe down the interior of the fridge including the
rubber gasket around the door. Rinse and dry everything thoroughly.
This simple task will benefit your health by removing any mildew or
mold that has accumulated under drawers or in hard to reach areas.
Vacuum the dust off the coils to maintain the energy efficiency of
the fridge. This will keep more money in your pocket and out of the
hands of the electric company.
Dishwasher - Using a small sponge or brush
dipped in hot soapy water, scrub the sides, top and bottom of your
dishwasher. Remove the bottom rack and take a look at the area
around the drain and the corners by the door. It's likely there are
food particles, broken glass and even hairs clogged in the tray
that catches debris. Remove debris and any dishes from the
dishwasher. Place a cup of white vinegar in the top rack and run a
cycle with the hottest water possible. The vinegar will help wash
away the loose grime as well as sanitize and remove the musty odor.
Sprinkling a cup of baking soda around the bottom of the rack and
running it through a cycle will also help remove any stains.
Regular cleaning will ensure a bacteria free dishwasher and
guarantees fewer issues with the drain and pump.
Vacuum Cleaner - Wipe down the canister inside
and out and replace the filter. Remove the hairs and debris
stuck in the rollers so it doesn't wear out your belts and make
sure the belts are still in place and not cracked. You should also
check the suction tubes for holes and cover them with duct tape.
This could keep your vacuum cleaner cleaning for years to come.
Help keep your wallet plump by dusting the cob webs off the
outdoor furniture and cleaning the smears off the windows because
summer is coming and it's ready to shine through.
Carrie Robertson
Research & Community Education
Chicago Skilled Nursing
Chicago Senior
Living