Clearing Closet Clutter Part 1

August 23, 2011 by 6 Comments

Clearing Closet Clutter

 

I have to admit, this Clearing Closet Clutter series is partly for you and partly for me.  I hate to declutter!  There, I said it.  Decluttering involves decision after decision and that can be mentally exhausting for an indecisive person.

Should I keep it?  Should I donate it or throw it away?  Would someone else want it?  What if I need it someday?  Should I take it to consignment? Could someone I know use this? Should I save it for them?  Would it offend them if I offered it to them???

We make these decisions for ever item we find.  Tiring to say the least!  What adds to the fatigue is that we usually set aside an entire day (good old spring cleaning) for this task.  As a result of these decisions made in rapid secession and the hours spent on end organizing and tossing it’s no wonder we get burnt out.  OR we may even anticipate this agonizing event and continue to procrastinate until clothes fall on our head each time we open the closet door.

The result? More clutter. More and more clutter.  And, whether you recognize it or not clutter = stress.  It’s true, I don’t always like to admit it but I know it’s true.  For me closet clutter is the HARDEST clutter to get under control.  Any other area is manageable but with the closet it’s so simple to shut the door and put it out of site and out of mind.  So here I am, open and honest with you, ready to start a ten part series on Clearing Closet Clutter.  I’ll be sharing pictures, my short comings, as well as personal triumphs.

Since this is the first part of the series we’ll start with an easy task!

My first idea is to leave a bag or box in the bottom of your closet where you can toss items you want to get rid of.  As you are scanning the closet for something to wear and you find an old sweater two sizes too small, drop it in the box.  An old tie from the 70’s you’ll never wear again?  Drop it in.  You get the idea.  {My family also keeps a box in the garage for old electronics, appliances, books, etc.}  Whenever your box is full you can have a yard sale to earn a little extra money or drop it off at a local charity.  If you decide to donate and you have kids don’t pass up the opportunity to take your kids with you to let them see charity in action.

Check back next Tuesday for part two of Clearing Closet Clutter…

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Free Simple Green Cleaner Sample

April 13, 2011 by 1 Comment

simple green

When you sign up for the Green Cleaners email newsletter you’ll get a free 6-oz. sample of the Simple Green All-Purpose Cleaner.

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Reduce Allergens With Filtrete

April 11, 2011 by Leave a Comment

Since I struggle with allergies I’m always trying to find ways to reduce allergens in my home.  Not to mention that I’m extra paranoid with a new baby coming.  Here’ are some of the things I do to reduce allergens:

  • Wash bed linens weekly
  1. Hypo-allergenic pillow cases may help block out dust mites from getting in your pillows.  Some doctors also recommend vacuuming your mattress weekly.
  • Vacuum, vacuum, and vacuum again
  1. Vacuum floors, vents, and furniture regularly.  I love our Dyson DC25 Animal and I put it to good use.
  • Wipe down sinks often
  1. The water that pools around a sink can create mold so it’s best to keep it dry.
  • Replace filters every 3 months

    • 3M Filtrete air filter

  1. Airborne particles in your home may include:
  • Household dust
  • Pollen & mold spores
  • Pet dander
  • Dust mite debris
  • Smoke & smog particles
  • Particles that can carry bacteria, viruses & odors

Dr. Alanna Levine, Fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (FAAP), recommends following the ABC’s  to help maintain a healthy home environment.

A is for Avoid: Whenever possible, avoid irritants that often trigger allergies (such as products made of feathers).

B is for Balance: Maintain a consistent balance in the home to help minimize allergens. Keep the windows shut and use central air conditioning during high pollen seasons to help protect children from pollen particles that trees, grasses and weeds release into the air.  Wash stuffed toys weekly in hot water at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit.

C is for Change: Change items that are easy to neglect but are important for maintaining a healthier home, such as leaky faucets, pipes and other high moisture areas that are common places for mold growth.

Check out 3M’s Clear Advantage Program on the Filtrete website where you’ll find additional healthy living tips, money saving offers, filter change reminders, and more via a seasonal e-newsletter.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Filtrete and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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How often should I clean this?

December 15, 2010 by 2 Comments

How Often Should I Clean This

Do you ever wonder how often you should clean something?  I sure have!  I researched the items I wondered most about and I’m here to share them with you.  I hope you’ll enjoy this list.  If there is anything you would like to add to just leave me a message in the comments section.

Wash bath towels twice a week.

Loofahs should be washed once a week either in 1) the washing machine, 2) the dishwasher, or 3) two parts water to one part vinegar.  Once the loofah has been washed it’s important to dry it with either a hair dryer or in your clothes dryer.

Cell phones should be cleaned daily.  Researchers say that there are more germs on the average cell phone than on a public toilet seat.  Cell phones are close to your eyes, your mouth, and 30% of viruses can transfer in your body from your fingers.  Swipe your phone daily with an antibacterial wipe.

Wash your powder make up brushes four or five times a week in hot water with a dab of baby shampoo, rinse thoroughly, and lay flat to dry.  I recommend washing them AT LEAST once a week (Saturdays are my brush cleaning day of choice).  If you have a brush you use for liquid foundation wash it daily after use, following the instructions above.

Drip filter coffee makers should be cleaned monthly to remove hard water deposits, leftover coffee oils, and other impurities.  Follow these steps for a clean coffee maker:

  • – Put a filter into the filter basket as you normally would, pour an entire jar of white vinegar into the pour spot where you usually pour the water and turn the coffee maker “on.”
  • – Once all the vinegar drops down into the coffee pot, discard it down your sink drain (it will deodorize your sink!).
  • – Run two full pots of water through to make sure you flush out all traces of vinegar.
  • – Wash the coffee carafe (glass container) inside and out with hot soapy water.
  • – If you have stains or burned coffee spots on the carafe, pour some table salt on them and let them stand for at least an hour or overnight.
  • – Check the coffee equipment to see if the smell of vinegar persists and if it does, run more water through the coffee maker.

Clean your humidifier every week to prevent mold and bacteria growth.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean your specific brand and model.

You should vacuum once or twice a week.  For best results, slowly move the vacuum over the carpet several times.

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