I actually don't usually "spring clean." When something is so dirty it is driving me crazy, I just clean it.
Generally I do okay at keeping up with general cleaning and upkeep. I'm usually not too ashamed if a friend stops in unexpectedly. (That is if she is also a mom, who understands toys on the floor and dishes in the sink. And if she doesn't look for the unfolded laundry shoved into the bedroom.)
But right now there are a lot of corners of my house that need some deep cleaning. And I'm hoping to spend the next two weeks doing something about it.
I thought of sharing some before and after photos - just to encourage me - and maybe you - that there is hope. But it is really hard to show smears on the windows and the mold growing on the bathroom ceiling. Even things that are truly dirty may not show up through a lens.
But a few areas are so cluttered and out of order that it doesn't take an imagination to see the mess.
So in case you ever thought my house is perfect. Here is proof.
And this is the mudroom (such a tiny room it is hard to photograph)
And the garage.
Hopefully the next week or two will see an improvement in all these areas - as well as the windows and the bathroom ceiling that I didn't attempt to photograph.
I plan to blog a little this week about spring cleaning, though it may be some reruns of old posts so that I'm not distracted from the cleaning.
Want to join me? What area of your house could use some attention this week? Let's encourage each other.
You go girl! Then come to my casa and help me, okay? Happy Spring!
ReplyDeleteAlice
How do you plan to get the mold off the ceiling?? I have some mold on our bathroom ceiling -- I've been procrastinating because I'm not exactly sure how to proceed. I've found recipes online to get the mold off -- but scrub brush? sponge? rag? breathing filter? haz mat attire?
ReplyDeleteCongrats on being done! We have 25 days to go....I'm hoping to double up some days.
It seems to be coming up with just good old elbow grease. But if you have any good hints - let me know.
DeleteGina
My bathroom is not vented and very low ceiling, so it molded. I scrubbed with bleach cleaner, and repainted with mold proof paint I got at True Value. So far, so good.
DeleteOur bathrooms are small too - with no window - which I think is making the mold issues worse.
DeleteThanks for your hints.
Gina
We had some mold in our basement. Scrubbing with a brush and full strength white vinegar took care of it.
DeleteWe started a big spring-clean a few weeks ago and part of it has included putting up two bookcases. I think we may to get another soon...!
ReplyDeleteThe last couple of weeks have been extremely busy so it's rather fallen by the wayside. Like you, there's so much to do! We have mould in a couple of places and stuff is piled here, there and everywhere, so it's hard to know where to begin. We're trying to do it one room at a time. Gideon works full time and though I'm trying to find a job, being physically disabled (wheelchair user, fatigue issues) and autistic make it rather difficult. I'm trying to improve my homemaker skills whilst also job-hunting (we need the money and I want to work) but as of this time last week I also have a wedding to plan - Gideon finally proposed last Monday night!!!
Every morning I ask God for the motivation to get some of it done, whether it's a lot or only a little, and I thank Him afterwards for giving me whatever He has given. It can be frustrating when I don't get much done, but I have to remember that even if it's only a little, it's still something.
God bless,
Katherine (UK)
Thanks for your reminder to give my plans and expectations to the Lord.
DeleteAnd bookshelves - I'll try not to be jealous!
Gina
In this household we believe that there is no such thing as too many books, just not enough bookshelves. My mother is less convinced...!
DeleteI now have an additional incentive to get things done - Gideon proposed last Monday (20th)! We're looking at this November for the wedding, probably in my local church (he's agnostic; a Catholic wedding is non-negotiable for me and he's OK with that!)
- Katherine
Hi,Gina! I only recently discovered your blog and I am enjoying it alot!! My spring cleaning "must" is my upstairs. The area which I use for sewing is a mess with disorganized chaos. I hope to get to that this week,so I can work on my sewing without feeling guilty. Also,I have been washing walls and curtains when our northern PA weather permits me to open windows. Happy cleaning!!
ReplyDeleteBarb-
DeleteI keep waiting for a nice day to wash windows too. It looks like the next two days might be the warmest we've had for a while - so maybe I'll hit that project tomorrow.
Gina
Living in a small house, I am having clutter problems. Now a mouse or mice came in, as many mice are in our area for some reason, with everyone complaining. So I need to shift everything, clean things so will be joining you in the fight to reorganize, downsize and tidy up for spring. This will be the first warmer week we have had in a long time, too.
ReplyDeleteI'm seeing mouse evidence too. And just caught one under my kitchen sink. Yuck!
DeleteGina
On my list for this week is the garage, whew! And tear off border in the guest room so I can paint the new closet, and hopefully organize!
ReplyDeleteI like the little box dollhouse that your children probably made... We have the same things around here!
I have just recently walked my grandaughter (age 10, 11 in June) through a huge clean up project. She had a guinea pig for a pet in my spare room, who recently went on to Guinea Pig Heaven. That room became full of wood chip bedding (drug all over my house!) pet playpens, carry all's, guinea food including hay and pellets, just tons of stuff. My girl wanted to cry at the thought of diving in and cleaning. Grandma to the rescue: 1. Take EVERYTHING OUT OF THE ROOM. 2. Let's bag the food and clean the cage thoroughly. 3. Lets take turns, you sweep/I collect, I sweep/ you collect. Hey starting to look good! 4. Vacuum, put guinea cage and stuff in the garage for now (which ALSO needs plenty of clean-up, but that's another day....sigh). 5. She is wanting a sewing machine for her birthday...hmmmm ...lets make a clean, cheerful, fun sewing room...just in case she gets one!
ReplyDeleteGreat example of encouraging a young person to do a good job! Good training for the future!
DeleteGina
I also enjoy your blog. And I love cleaning and organizing. Something I have found to be very very helpful in our house is simply LESS. Less things mean less clutter, & less clean up. And one of the biggest blessings is that we are learning new levels of contentment. Children really are happier with less toys, and I am learning to have a few decor items I really like, instead of a collage of items that have no sentimental value or that are being stored on my shelves, simply because I just " can't get rid of them.
ReplyDeleteHappy cleaning!
You are so right! Contentment and de-cluttering are both key in keeping a home organized.
DeleteGina
It must be spring... we're doing some major cleaning here as well. We picked up the book called Clutters Last Stand... it's been so helpful! We've been donating lots to charity as well.
ReplyDelete