Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SUNDAY, April 3, 1994 TAG: 9404140123
SECTION: GUIDE TO BETTER HOMWES AND LAWN & GARDEN PAGE: 12 EDITION: NEW RIVER
SOURCE: JOANNE ANDERSON
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Caines explained that "back then" things got a lot dirtier. "There were no sophisticated filtering systems or exhaust fans in the houses. Cotton and wool were the fabrics of the day; coal, wood and oil supplied the heat."
"Huge house fans were put into service on the first warm days of spring," she continued, "and all the dirt and dust in the house from winter was stirred up with the outside dirt the fans drew inside."
Everything NEEDED airing out and washing down and cleaning up. Nowadays, our lives are softer, more filtered, cleaner. Still, there are many tasks that are well worth the time to keep your home and its inhabitants operating smoothly and efficiently.
Here are 57 ideas to get you started on a spring cleaning event.
Turn over and around bed mattresses for even wear.
Stock new batteries for smoke alarms, flashlights, portable radios.
Oil door hinges including the garage.
Rub wood furniture well with lemon or linseed oil.
Clean mini-blinds by hand or soak in bathtub.
Organize rakes, brooms, tools with string in handle and hang up.
Wash screens.
Clean the garage floor.
Check hoses for leaks; find nozzles and sprinklers.
Tighten doorknobs, cupboard knobs, towel holders, light socket covers.
Dust, clean and polish ceiling light fixtures.
Wash car engine at high-pressure car wash.
Schedule a chimney sweep to clean and check chimneys and flues.
Check attic for bugs, leaks, bats, proper ventilation.
Clean cobwebs from outdoor light fixtures.
Paint the mailbox.
Re-pot, prune and take houseplant cuttings.
Clean driveway and borders of debris and stones.
Prune overhanging or loose branches.
Air out bedspreads and comforters, put away electric blankets with controls.
Install an expandable clothesline.
Clean garbage disposal by running ice cubes and lemon rinds through it.
Sharpen the lawn mower and other blades.
Clean the gutters and check all drains.
Assemble car wash kit: pail, big sponge, soap, paper towels, glass cleaner, chamois cloth.
Stock extra spark plugs and outdoor equipment parts.
Rub linseed oil into wood handles on tools.
Clean the dog house.
Sand, prime, paint picnic tables and benches.
Remove couch and chair cushions and vacuum.
Hang an American flag.
Air out tent, count the stakes and pieces of string, coat with waterproof spray.
Dust tops of books in bookcases, or remove and wipe books.
Add a lazy susan in a cupboard.
Remodel a closet or two.
Take wool coats to dry cleaners; pack wool clothes with cedar or moth balls.
Hang pegboard and hooks in a child's room, the garage, the laundry room.
Clean the oven and burners.
Vacuum coils behind the refrigerator.
Wash windows.
Clean the vacuum cleaner and stock up on bags and belts.
Air out area rugs on flat surfaces in the shade.
Sharpen knives and scissors or have them sharpened.
Oil wood cutting boards and knife handles.
Clean tile and re-grout as needed.
Change air exchange filters.
Clean clothes dryer by pushing rag through dryer duct; clean outside vent.
Remove crumbs from the toaster.
Save things for a garage sale.
Wash your house.
Look for mildew in shady areas and wash it off.
Check exterior caulking and replace chipped or missing areas.
Paint your front door.
Hang a welcome sign.
Make some iced tea.
Bake some cookies.
Take a nap.
by CNB