Spring Cleaning Challenge Update # 2

Lavender and lavender scented products that I use.

Real Me at Meaningful Days is hosting a Spring Cleaning Challenge that I am participating in. Wednesday is our Check in day to let everyone know how our spring cleaning is coming along. Last week I cleaned my living room. Monday I started cleaning our master bedroom. I have managed to follow my list and it has actually been very helpful in keeping me focused on each task. Being blessed with beautiful weather has also been helpful because I was able to raise the windows and let fresh air in and hang my pillows outside in the sun. I put the pillows in the dryer on fluff air after they hung outside all day hoping to get rid of any pollen that was on them. The fresh sheets I put on the bed had been washed in organic (all natural that I buy at Sams) lavender detergent, line dried, sprayed with lavender water and ironed. I buy my lavender water at T J Maxx. My sheets are kept in a drawer that has several sachets of lavender in it. I grow my own lavender and dry it each year and make sachets that I use for all the drawers in my dressers and under my bathroom sinks where I store my towels. I also place them in my linen closet where I keep my quilts and blankets and before I put the pillowcases on my pillows, I drop a small one down into the corner of it. At night I squeeze the sachet inside my pillowcase a few times to release its scent. You might say I love the scent of lavender. Today I plan to get the night stands and all the drawers in the dresser and chest of drawers cleaned out. I should get finished with this room Thursday as planned. I have photos that I hope to add this afternoon.

March 9-12, 2009

Master Bedroom
Monday
Clean ceiling, corners, top of doorway for cobwebs.
Dust and clean ceiling light and bulbs.
Take down everything on walls. clean it and set aside
Wash walls and baseboards.
Tuesday

Clean Blinds
Clean windows, mirrors, and window sills.
Put bed pillows in dryer on fluff air and hang outside in sun if weather is nice
Place curtains in dryer on fluff air
Wash all bedding.
Turn mattress
Make bed
Wednesday
Clean out night stands, dresser, and chest drawers.
Dust dolls in curio cabinet.
Thursday

Vacuum chaise lounge
Dust and clean all accent lamps and knickknacks.
Dust and polish all wooden furniture; headboard, dressers, chests, nightstands, and cabinets.
Take area rug outside beat with broom to remove dust. If nice day place in sun for few hours.
Clean under bed
Sweep and mop hardwood floor (vinegar& water)

What routine maintenance does a mattress need?

1. Every six months, flip your mattress over.
To provide even wear, flip the mattress so that the top is now on the bottom, and turn it so that the foot of the mattress is now at the head. Depending on the size of your mattress, this can easily be a two person job.
2.Cover the mattress, to protect it and extend time between cleanings
Consider purchasing a mattress cover to protect the surface of your mattress. Choose a washable cover that is easy to remove and replace on your mattress. Some covers are even designed to reduce dust mite allergies, and reduce the need to vacuum your mattress.
3. Remove dust from the mattress surface.
Dust, dander, and dust mites build up in your mattress. Even those of us without allergies can begin to notice dust and dirt in our mattress. Vacuum your mattress using the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner. If someone does have allergies in your home, you may need to vacuum more frequently and/or purchase mattress covers.
4. If the mattress surface becomes dirty or soiled, use an upholstery shampoo.
Following the directions exactly, use an upholstery shampoo to clean dirt and soil from your mattress surface. Or, mix a mild detergent with water until suds form. Apply the dry suds only to the soiled area using a sponge. Wipe the area with a sponge that has had warm water wrung from it. Allow the area to dry thoroughly.

Tips:
Do not allow the interior padding of the mattress to get wet.
If it's warm outside, you can dry a mattress quickly outside. You can also use a fan blowing across the mattress surface to insure that it dries quickly.

Thank you for stopping by.