Week 6 Declutter Challenge

Week 6 Deep cleaning the house room by room

Clean from top to bottom.

• Start with ceiling fans. If your fans have caked on dust - you’ll need a rag to get the buildup off. Soap and water is the most convenient way to do it.

• Light globes. You can do it one of 2 ways

-Take them down and clean them in soapy water

-Wipe them off with a wet rag

• Change air filters if needed - mark today on the calendar, so you’ll know the last day you change them

• Blinds and window sill- dust and then wipe with a wet cloth any buildup or spills on the blinds.

• Dust furniture - If it has been a while, I recommend a wood care cleaner.

• Dust figurines - If it has been a while I would recommend:

- soak ceramics/plastic/glass in the bathtub with hot water

- cloth items wipe down with a lint roller

- candles or anything with electronics or batteries wipe with a damp cloth

When in doubt, wipe it down with a damp cloth

• Curtains - follow cleaning instructions

If they are Dry Clean Only, you can use a vacuum attachment to get the dust off of them

• Picture frames - use a feather duster or dust cloth to clean the frame and Windex if there is a spot on the glass

• Bedding - wash sheets and blankets you use at night. If your comforter is too thick for the washer machine, you might have to take it to the dry cleaners. I love duvet covers. Then you only have to wash them and not the whole comforter

• Wood frames and doors - Old English. This bad boy is awesome. It takes away scratches and gives the wood a great shine.

• Baseboards

• Vacuum

• Mop

Extra items in Kitchen / Bathrooms

• Stainless steel - microfiber cloth and stainless steel cleaner

• Glass - glass cleaner

• White or black panels on appliances - soap and water

• The stove top stuck on stuff will need soft scrub

• Counters - soap and water

Print off a copy of this page.

As you go through each room, mark it off / then the next room X and so forth.

Day 1 All Bedrooms 30-45 mins

Go through the list above and give a good cleaning to all the items listed

NOTE: If your kids are old enough to do this, let them! Make life a little easier for yourself.

Day 2 Bathrooms 1 hour

Go through the list above and give a good cleaning to all the items listed

Toilet - Bleach or disinfectant spray

Shower - Use what is safe for your shower. Tile showers I recommend CLR

When finished seal it with a grout sealer. This will help protect it from mold.

Shower doors - soap scum build-up - use soft scrub, rinse, then use Windex and microfiber cloth

Most tubs can take anything (except porcelain tubs - use a nonharsh chemical- soap and water and Magic Erase is what I would recommend)

Day 3 Kitchen/ Dining room 1 hour

Go through the list above and give a good cleaning to all the items listed

Counters/ cabinets - use soap and water.

Appliances

• Fridge - wipe inside walls and shelves with soap and water

• Stove - self-clean or oven cleaner (rubbing alcohol will take away the residue)

NOTE: This has a slight odor and may prefer to be gone during this process.

Line the bottom tray with foil to make clean-up easier.

• Coffee maker - run a pot of water with 2 tbs vinegar. Then run the pot and filter holder through the dishwasher.

• Dishwasher- ¼ sup baking soda, ¼ cup vinegar run through a cycle.

Stove top grates and knobs can go through the dishwasher.

NOTE: you can wash those items when doing a deep clean of the dishwasher

After you run the dishwasher- clean out the filters and water spray arms. You might need a toothpick for the holes. Also, fill the jet-dry compartment with a rinse agent.

• Wipe down the backsplash- we tend to neglect this area.

• Toaster- toaster oven Remove all crumbs.

NOTE: Lining the tray with foil will make it easier to clean up

• Microwave - Wash plate with soap and water

To make things easier, spray the inside of the microwave with Windex or a Lysol cleaner. Wait a couple of minutes and it will wipe away clean.

• Air fryer- check your owner's manual. You should be able to wash the basket in the dishwasher.

Main unit - use soap and water. If you need a cleaning sponge, always go blue (it won’t scratch). Use a little Bar Keepers friend for the hard to get spots.

• Floors - use a toothbrush in the corner areas or areas with buildup.

I would use a professional it will be well worth your investment.

DIY grout; use a toothbrush to clean areas that need a little TLC. Use grout sealer when it is 100% done. It will protect your floors for at least 3 months. It also makes it easier to get the grime out of the grout.

Day 4 Living room/laundry room 30 minutes

Go through the list above and give a good cleaning to all the items listed

You might want to steam clean your carpets. Again I recommend a professional. They will get most stains out and can have your carpet stretched if needed.

DIY carpet cleaning: I would use a carpet solution over a DIY solution. They are made for this and will give you the best results,

Day 5-7

The rest of the week work on things that are still left to be done and enjoy.

If you want to move things around now is a great time.

Also, look at your wish list. If you have the funds and are still wanting those items to make it more functional now is the time to buy.