Image via Poppytalk
Although I think I’ve got the craft thing down (sorta), my least favorite part is the aftermath and clean up.  My house looks like a bomb went off more than I care to admit. I thought about titling my post: Quick Cleaning Tips {for when you are not busy making a mess}. Might still change it.
Am I alone on this? I’m always looking for new ways to be better at organizing, cleaning and freshening my house up.
In my search for tips, I came across a something over and over again: baking soda. Who knew there were so many uses for a common household ingredient? I was shocked that some of the best ideas are so simple and can freshen up any room.
There are even more baking soda uses on Tip Nut.
Some other tips that I love:
- Adding about a teaspoon of vanilla to paint is reduces or completely eliminates the odor. Perfect for all you home dec bloggers out there….
- From the Inspired Room: “Take your counter spray and spray a little whiff of it on your door frame. Your house will smell divine every time you walk through or open and shut the door.” Isn’t Melissa a genius?
- For a strong odor boil a small amount of vinegar and air the kitchen well. Or burn an orange skin.
My number one thing that motivates me to get cleaning? Blaring my favorite music as loud as I possibly can. Shhh…sometimes I dance and sing while clean…..what? You don’t?
So, tell me friends….what do you do to get motivated to clean? Do you have any tips you can leave me? I’ll love you forever.…
ashley says
I am loving the “I can’t clean my room because…” quote! that is so ME!
And I am sooo loving your blog–can’t believe I was living under a rock and didn’t know about you.
well, now I know, so its ALL over! hehe!
I think you are a pretty special lady, and i am so glad we got to meet!
You have such a strong countenance, and I admire that about you!
xoxo,
ashley
margot says
I’ve worked up a daily cleaning schedule so that I only have to do a little bit each day. I have it in my computer and print it out weekly so I can check off what I’ve done (such a feeling of accomplishment!). The list also helps me do more if I feel like it (like I did this week and I have 2 “free” days now) or if I skip a day (to visit my college buddy or sew all day) I can make it up over the next couple of days. It also helps me delegate when I have the help. Some days are lighter than others. On Mondays I always clean my kitchen (to recover from my family cooking on the weekends), do a quick wipedown of my bathrooms (basically with a premoistened wipe of the toilets and sinks) and lightly vacuum (again all just to recover from the weekend); Tuesdays I clean bedrooms and wash beds; Wednesdays I dust the living room, dining room, family room, and entryway; Thursdays I clean the bathrooms, wash towels, and vacuum the whole house; then I have Friday to complete whatever I didn’t get to or to prepare for the weekend. On a daily basis I pick up in the late afternoon and on my way to bed because I hate waking up to a mess. I’m continuously tweeking my cleaning list to better fit my lifestyle but it’s working for me. The list is somewhat detailed (including wiping down my cabinets, cleaning baseboards, vacuuming lampshades, etc.) but I don’t do all of those things every week – it just reminds me to think about doing those things on a regular basis. I like that I’m not cleaning all day any day – the biggest days are only a couple of hours – and I still have the rest of the day for whatever else.
Mique says
You are so on top of everything- I need you to come get my house in order!
Heather G. says
Oh my gosh, I am OBSESSED with the scent of pine-sol! a couple of years ago I did one of those paid research things, and had to use Four different Pine-Sols and now I’m hooked.
NO tips from me – I hate to clean!! LOL! XO!
margot says
Invite someone to visit. My house has to be clean even for my kids’ friends!
Mique says
Margot- not a bad idea at all. You are right- I won’t let people come over (kids included) if my house is a train wreck. Might have to have weekly visitors. ;)
Hannah @ Peggy Ann Design says
i am the worst housekeeper on earth.
however twitter taught me that putting your orange peels (or lemon) down the sink disposal will make your kitchen smell AMAZING.
Mique says
Ironically my husband taught me that Hannah! He’s even less clean than I am (heaven help us all). But one day he did that and I freaked out. My mom happened to be here and she told me he was right. What the??
Have been shoving orange peels down the drain ever since. ;)