Spring Cleaning Check List

1. Saturday beautification project
   Schedule it in advance so the whole crew knows about and doesn't plan anything for that day. Make a sign and put it on your refrigerator.  Don't forget to delegate jobs - this way everyone knows what is expected of them, knows what to do and can't poop out by saying they have nothing to do!
   
   
2. The House Itself
   Pay particular attention to the gutters, paint job and potential areas where little woodland creatures (like squirrels and other bugs like hornets) can make their homes in your home.
   
   
3. Windows & Treatments
   Remember that windows need cleaning on both sides - inside and out. Take down screens and exam them for any holes that may need repairing . While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Some drapes may need professional cleaning at the cleaners.
   
   
4. Outdoor Furniture:
   It is important to look closely at your furniture, to inspect corroded areas and clean up dirty areas with sponges and scrub brushes.
   TIP:
   Clean non-metal patio furniture with a mixture of white vinegar and water. Use a half cup of vinegar for every gallon of warm water.
   
   
5. Protect that wood!
   The best time to protect wood is in the spring before that summer heat and the rains get a chance to penetrate that expensive trim and woodwork on your house. You will need to use that 'ole elbow grease to peeling paint and prime the wood. This will help prevent you from making expensive replacement of rotted wood in years to come.
   
   
6. Seasonal roof maintenance:
   Winter takes a toll on your roof and it seems that everyone gets the same idea at the same time, making roofing contractors hard to find in the summer time. So start early.
   
   
7. Clear away disease causing foliage
   Dead foliage, weeds, and branches that are lying in your beds and lawn can be a haven for landscape disease, so be sure to clear them away.
   
   
8. Spring landscaping projects.
   Before the summer heat hits, spring may be the best time to put in new foliage including trees and shrubs. Your local extension office will have planting recommendations for your area, as well as resources for testing your soil for pH and other important soil nutrients. There are also commercially available kits at your local garden center.
   
   
9. Storage solutions:
   Gather up sporting equipment (swimming goggles, skateboards, tennis rackets etc...) and put them in easy to reach places. Consider using shelving units available at any local hardware store to make you storage more efficient.
   
   
10. A Season of Clothes
    with the changing seasons you'll want to pack away the heavy winter clothes to make room for the lighter spring and summer wear. Before you go through the trouble of storing clothes which you won't want to wear next year, remember the less fortunate and donate them to a local charity. You will be doing them and yourself a favor next winter!
    
    
11. Have a garage sale!
    You might want to ask a few neighbors that are near to you, to join in.  This helps in advertising costs and parking.  Have a little bake sale the kids can run while folks browse. The cash you will get can be put into your other projects or maybe can be used for the after garage sale party!!
    
    
12. Cooling and heating systems.
    Clean and change the air filters every 4 to 6 weeks. Not only are clean filters more efficient for heat and cooling they help prevent allergens from getting into the air. By examining your cooling system early in spring you'll be able to get service folks to your house faster and get the jump on the heat.
    
    
13. Humidifier
    You won't need a humidifier in the summer, but don't just turn it off because it will harbor disease. Check your owner's manual to properly clean out the unit for safe summer storage so that it won't harbor dangerous molds for the next winter season.
    
    
14. Hot water heaters
    need a good flush because sediments can build up and actually destroy the heater. There is a valve on the bottom which you can open to let the sediment drain.
    
    

Fix-It Corner presents...
Planning Your Backyard Garden
I always get excited this time of year.  I think about all the vegetable plants that I want in my garden, I run out to the stores, spend a fortune, get home and then look around and shrug, "Now what?" In my enthusiasm I forget to look at my yard first.  I forget to make a plan, a simple one, but still some kind of plan about where AM I going to put all those veggies. Here are a few tips that I have found very helpful in choosing the right spots of your garden.

Fix-It Corner presents...
Cleaning the House Safely
by Elizabeth Hughes
FREE Natural Cleaning Ideas
These are some great ideas from Elizabeth who says, "I have been feverish lately about getting people to use kid safe and environmentally safe cleaning solutions. Anyway, here are some simple compounds that you can make in your home and other cleaning tips that won't make you run out of the room for air."
Find out more.

Talking Dirty with the Queen of Clean
Life Makeovers
more Cleaning Books
more Household Hints
more Home Improvement
FREE Natural Cleaning Ideas
FREE Fix-It Ideas

more gardening books
FREE Flower Crafts
FREE Garden Ideas

Crafts for Easter
Crafts for St. Patricks Day
Meet the Author - Kathy Ross
FREE Easter Ideas
Easter Books
FREE St. Patrick's Ideas
FREE Spring Ideas

Crafts to Make in the Spring
(Crafts for All Seasons)
by Kathy Ross, Vicky Enright

also see
Kathy Ross interview
Presents twenty-nine easy-to-make craft projects with springtime themes, including cotton swab pussy willows, a robin redbreast door hanging, and an Easter bunny egg holder.