SPRING CLEANING (AT LAST!)

SPRING CLEANING (AT LAST!)

     Now that Easter is over we can go back to our regular lives, the festivities and the preparations are over and I can start talking to you about other things. too. This past week or more my blog must have given the impression of a religious blog as I was writing about the Greek Orthodox Easter almost every day but I could not not mention about what it is and means to Greeks or what customs accompany it since this blog is called "the GREEK housewife".

     Well, with Easter over it’s just about that time of the year that I need to concentrate on my much delayed Spring Cleaning. It's still not late to get started though!

So, where do we begin?

1. Make a list: I’m a list person. I always make a list first. It helps me not to exclude (by forgetting or not noticing) anything and erasing each task from the list as I finish it is very rewarding and motivational. I suggest you  walk into each room of your home and write down all the things that need to be cleaned in each room. This will create your own (detailed) spring cleaning checklist that you can photocopy and keep for next year!

* Don't forget this is deep and thorough cleaning of each area of your home. Don't miss any areas we usually neglect or forget, f.e. cleaning light fixtures, cleaning sides and backs of kitchen appliances, washing behind your washer and dryer, door handles, etc.

2. Get the supplies: After you have created your checklist, make a list of all the supplies you will need to begin your spring cleaning such as cleaning supplies, new organization tools, boxes, etc. Don't forget gloves !!! (In my opinion, the most practical gloves are those surgical type that are supposedly for one use only. They fit perfectly and you have a better grip on things)

3.Make a schedule: It is better to spread out all the tasks on the list through the week or weeks and not try to become a super woman. This kind of cleaning does not happen in a few hours or even in a day. Keep in mind how much time each task will take you as you plan your schedule. Take it easy and don't overplan.
4. Music: Find or create a CD with your favorite high energy tunes! Blast the speakers and have fun while cleaning! Why not?!

Small tip:
     The sunny spring weather is perfect for starting with the outside of the house. It is better to start from outdoors and move your way in the house when it comes to cleaning. A clean yard or balcony will keep the indoors clean when you have to go in and out all the time.

Also:
     Get the kids involved and make it a fun and why not an adventure for them. Thus we teach them how to clean and have fun with it at the same time. We can also motivate them (Especially older kids) by offering a small payment (and I stress the word small) if they accomplish their chores. It could be small lesson of  how money is earned in the world - through hard work! Make a list of all the chores you think they can do and how much each chore is going to get paid and let them choose what they are going to do. (picking up, organising and cleaning their rooms is not payable - it is THEIR responsibility.

      Check out more tips here!

P.S. Please share your spring cleaning tips and advice in the comments!