Mar 11
25

How to Convert Files

 

I have a mostly paperless office, and there are a number of great tools out there that can help with the process of digitizing your papers.

I recently needed to convert a .pdf file into an image file such as .png or .jpg. I found this great, FREE website which will convert all sorts of files into other commonly used types.

 

Do you need to convert files? Here’s a great FREE file converter…

Zamar.com

 

Here’s just a sampling of the types of files you can convert to and from:

bmp – Windows bitmap

doc – Microsoft Word Document

gif – Compuserve graphics interchange

html – Hypertext Markup Language

jpg – JPEG compliant image

mp3 – Compressed audio file

odt – OpenDocument Text Document

pcx – Paintbrush Bitmap Image

png – Portable Network Graphic

ps – Postscript document

rtf – Rich Text Format

thumbnail – Thumbnail image

tiff – Tagged image file format

txt – Text document

xls – Microsoft Excel Spreadsheet

 

So, the next time you want to change a .pdf into a Word Document, or a photo into a .pdf, check out Zamar.com.

 

Happy Organizing!

Dagny at Organize Life, Inside Out

 

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Mar 11
24

Organize Folders on Your Computer

A reader recently asked me the following question:

 

“Would you share how you organize folders on your computer? I’ve got the scanner ready to go but realize I need to cleanup my files before adding all these new scanned documents to the mess. I wondered if you would share on your blog how your directories are organized on your computer.”

 

It sounds like she was all ready to go paperless but ran into an organization roadblock. Organizing your computer files is similar to building a house. You must build your house by first having a good foundation. You also need a good foundation, or structure, for the files on your computer. It doesn’t make sense to add something new when the foundation is a mess.

Everyone’s computer files are different, but most operating systems have a similar structure. The “My Documents” folder usually contains document folders as well as media folders. The media folders are subdivided into “My Music”, “My Pictures”, and “My Videos.” Media folder organization is fairly simple, so we’ll instead focus on categories you can use for your documents.

We all have documents related to our work, our finances, and our family. Start by creating those three subfolders under “My Documents”. Now, start going through your files, folder by folder and file by file, and move them to the appropriate folder. Don’t worry about making subfolders at the moment unless they are already set up that way. Just get all of your “floating” files without a home into one of the main folders.

Once each file has a home, open your main document folders one at a time and start creating subfolders to further organize them. When creating subfolders, decide if a chronological sorting system is best, such as “2010″, “2009″, etc. In this case you can keep all of your 2010 bank statements together. Here’s an example hierarchy for dividing up the finances folder:

 

Finances:

Personal

2010

  • Bank #1
  • Credit Union
  • Credit Card
  • Taxes
  • Receipts

2009

2008

Business

Accounting and Taxes

2010

  • Profit & Loss
  • Balance Sheet

2009

Etc.

Legal Entity Docs

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Annual Report
  • Meeting Minutes

 

Remember, there’s no wrong way to divide up your folders. Just keep working at it until you have all of your files centrally located under your documents.

Now, when you start scanning papers, photos, and other documents, you should already have the basic folders and directories in place. Add, delete, and move them as needed. Remember to backup your files periodically in case something happens; this is much easier when the files are easy to find.

Congratulations on taking the initiative to go paperless and organize folders on your computer!

 

Next…

 

Get more information on how to Organize Computer Files and Organize Music Files.

 

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Mar 11
9

Simplify the Bathroom, Inside Out

bathroom towels

 

 

You decluttered…

You cleaned…

Now it’s time

to Simplify the Bathroom!

 

 

 

 

“If I want to be alone–some place I can write, I can read,
I can pray, I can cry, I can do whatever I want
–I go to the bathroom.”
–Alicia Keys

 

You can now organize and simplify the bathroom by adding back the things you and your family members love, use often, and are practical or necessary.

Also consider feng shui-ing your bathroom before you start putting things back in it. The location of the bathroom in the home can often affect the flow of energy in the home and the people who live there. Water is often an over-abundant element in the bathroom, so either tame it down with Feng Shui cures or “destructive elements” for water, or utilize other Feng Shui tips and techniques to optimize the flow of energy in your home.

 

Now you can start adding back in your bathroom items. The challenge is to find bathroom storage space for each item. It’s easiest to have individual storage containers for each person and also to have shared storage areas such as the medicine cabinet and a small bookshelf.

 

Individual Items:

 

If you have an under-the-sink cabinet or linen closet storage, it may be easiest for each person to have their own storage containers or baskets with their individual items such as make-up, creams, lotions, brushes, combs, razors, hair dryers, etc. When you get ready each day, just take your container with you into the bathroom, and when you’re finished getting ready, make sure all of your items are back in the container and put it away.

This helps simplify the bathroom by keeping excess clutter and electrical cords to a minimum. NOTE: Always let curling irons cool off completely before storing.

 

Shared Items:

  • For shared items like toothpaste or dental floss, these are best kept in a shared storage space such as the medicine cabinet or under the sink. It’s beneficial to store toothbrushes this way so they are not being exposed to microbes in the open air all day.
  • Towel storage: Have enough towels and washcloths so there are always clean ones available for family and guests, but not so many that you are washing a load of towels every day of the week. Have a place for towel storage in the linen closet, in a basket, or on a shelf. Put dirty towels in a designated space until washing time, such as a hamper in the bathroom or in each person’s bedroom. If each person is going to re-use their towel, have a place in their bedroom to hang the towel to dry until the next time.
  • A small bookshelf works well as a multi-purpose piece of furniture in the bathroom. It can hold reading material such as books and magazines, along with some towels, some extra rolls of toilet paper, a container with extra feminine hygiene products, and there may even be some space on top to put some scented candles or potpourri. Place the bookshelf within easy reach of the toilet.
  • Finally, there needs to be storage space in the shower for things like shampoo, conditioner, and soap. There are numerous storage products available out there, so try to choose products that are practical, inexpensive, but built to last.

 

Next…

Linen Closet Organization: The linen closet is also a shared space, but it may be located outside of the bathroom. Get tips on how to use your linen closet storage to it’s full, organized potential.

 

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Mar 11
9

Get A Clean Bathroom, Inside Out

“This house is protected by killer dust bunnies”
–author unknown

 

Why have a clean bathroom? Simple. Because it makes you feel good.

Unfortunately, cleaning the bathroom is often one of the least favorite chores in the home. Usually there is one person who ends up with the chore, and they have their own way of doing the job. Plus, no one really enjoys picking up after other people’s personal business.

One key to having a clean bathroom (and then maintaining it) is to make a list of exactly what needs to be cleaned, how to do it, and how often to do it. Once this is done, there needs to be agreement by all family members regarding who is responsible for doing each part. Go ahead and make your family’s bathroom cleaning list now. (If you need some ideas, see the list below).

 

Tip: Need help keeping each person accountable for their chores? Consider getting a chore chart or responsibility chart to help keep your family on track and communicating.

 

Tip: There are 1,001 commercial cleaning products for the bathroom (which are usually toxic). Learn how to make your own easy natural cleaning recipes.

 

According to Feng Shui tradition, the environment around you is a reflection of your inner self. As you were decluttering your bathroom, did you notice a lot of dust, hair, mold, mildew, and maybe even other things you don’t want to think about? Consider cleaning your bathroom like doing a little “self detox”, as you will notice your body starting to feel better once your room is clean again.

 

Below is an example cleaning list for the bathroom. Remove and add items as necessary for your unique bathroom situation. Complete all of the cleaning items on the list today to start with a blank slate. Then follow the daily, weekly, monthly, and bi-annual list in the future. Make sure each person in the family has their responsibilities, and your clean bathroom will be easily maintained.

 

Example Bathroom Cleaning List

Daily:

  • Spray shower door and walls after showers with Natural Glass/Window Cleaner to prevent mineral build-up.
  • Wipe down sink/counter top as needed with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Change hand towels as needed to prevent transfer of germs.
  • Replace TP, kleenex, and hand soap as needed.

 

Weekly:

  • Wash and dry bathmats.
  • Wash, dry, fold, and put away towels.
  • Clean and Disinfect toothbrushes by soaking for 15 minutes in hydrogen peroxide, rinse, and let air dry.
  • Wash re-usable makeup brushes, sponges, etc. with natural soap and let air dry.
  • Clean/Wipe down mirror with Natural Glass/Window Cleaner.
  • Clean/wipe down sink/counter top with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and Natural Scrubber Paste.
  • Clean and disinfect toilet and seat: Add 1-2 cups of vinegar to the toilet bowel and let it sit for 30 minutes. Sprinkle a little baking soda onto the scrub brush, scour as usual, and flush.
  • Clean/wipe down shower and bathtub walls with Natural Glass/Window Cleaner and Natural Scrubber Paste.
  • Sweep and wipe down/mop floor with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.

 

Monthly:

  • Soak shower head in vinegar and scrub with an old toothbrush to remove mineral buildup (I do this monthly because where I live the water has a high mineral content; do this less often if you don’t have this problem).
  • Wash shower curtain with a cup of vinegar added to the load to remove mineral buildup.
  • Dust the floorboards all the way around the room with a damp towel and a little natural cleaner.

 

Bi-annually:

  • Replace shower/tub chlorine filter (as recommended).
  • Remove items from medicine cabinets and under-sink cabinets, dispose of unnecessary items, and wipe down all shelves and surfaces.
  • Replace shower curtain (as needed).
  • Wash or wipe down window shades/curtains.
  • Vacuum/dust the corners of walls and ceiling to remove cobwebs and dust. Check the inside of the closets too.
  • Vacuum/dust the windowsills. Clean the windows.
  • Inspect screens on window and repair/replace as necessary so you can open the windows for ventilation.

 

Done cleaning? Great!

Take a few moments to catch your breath and take a look around your clean bathroom. Feel a little lighter already?

Take a drink of water and review your intentions for your bathroom again. Your room is now a blank canvas for you to re-create the bathroom in your intentions.

 

Next…

Simplify the Bathroom

 

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Mar 11
9

Clear Bathroom Clutter

 

Ready to clear bathroom clutter once and for all? Getting rid of bathroom clutter makes bathroom time more efficient for everyone in the family.

First you need some Inside-Out techniques and tools, such as The Brain Dump, Emotional Releasing Techniques, and The Power of Intention.

If you haven’t already learned how to Organize Life, Inside Out, click here to start.

 

“I grew up with six brothers.
That’s how I learned to dance – waiting for the bathroom.”
–Bob Hope

 

The bathroom is a small but important space, and it will go through phases of being cluttered and decluttered as people in your home share this space. Each person in your family can learn how to organize clutter by being on “clutter control”. In this way, the bathroom can become and remain the clean, efficient, and even peaceful place it was meant to be.

So, with your intentions for your bathroom in hand, let’s start a tried-and-true method to declutter the bathroom:

 

Ready…

Find a space in another room where you can put all of the items from your bathroom temporarily as you clean, declutter, and simplify.

 

Set…

In this space, put your decluttering containers or boxes: love, donate, sell, trash, recycle, etc.

Each person in the family should also have their own container to put their important and necessary personal care items. This container will enter and exit the bathroom with them, thus avoiding continual build-up of clutter.

 

Go…

  • First, start be removing all items from the tops of the toilet, sink, etc.
  • Remove any non-attached furniture (hampers, tables, shelves, etc.).
  • Remove all items from the medicine cabinet.
  • Remove all items from drawers and cabinets.
  • If there is a linen closet, remove all towels, bedding, and other items from the closet.
  • Remove shower curtains, bath mats, other rugs, and curtains/shades from the windows.
  • Anything left? Remove these items, if possible.

 

Have you cleared out most of the bathroom clutter? Take a short break to drink some water, and review your intentions again.

 

Next…

Cleaning the Bathroom

 

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Mar 11
9

Simplify Your Bedroom, Inside Out

Simplify Your Bedroom, Inside Out

Putting It All Together…

 

Once you simplify your bedroom, the space of your dreams will start to fall into place. You’ve done the dirty work (literally), so now we’ve come to the fun part!

Before you can rest easy, take a few moments to review your intentions for your bedroom. With those in mind, we’re going to take a back-to-basics approach to simplify your bedroom.

 

“Have nothing in your houses
that you do not know to be useful
or believe to be beautiful.”
–William Morris

 

Simplify Your Bedroom With A Strong Foundation:

 

This includes choosing an appropriate color scheme for your bedroom. According to Feng Shui principles, certain colors and elements can add to or deplete energy from your bedroom.

 

To learn Feng Shui the easy way, purchase Move Your Stuff, Change Your Life.

 

You may change the wall colors or the colors and textures of fabrics and accessories in your bedroom to create better flow of energy. Also think about the positioning of your bed so it is not under a window or in line with energy “vampires” like toilets or doorways. If this isn’t possible, get some Feng Shui tips and remedies to help balance the chi and simplify your bedroom.

 

Now that you’ve created a good foundation, you can evaluate each item and add back what is useful and beautiful to you and/or your partner. You’ve already decluttered and cleaned, but it’s a good idea to evaluate each item once last time to simplify your bedroom.

First of all, take a good look at your bed. Do you love it and know it will last many more happy and comfortable years? Or do you toss and turn all night, possibly waking up in the morning with low back or neck pain? You will spend approximately 1/3 of your life sleeping in your bed, so think about what you are sleeping on.

 

Once you’ve positioned your bed, add some other important furniture elements back into the room:


  • Nightstands – Place two (matching) nightstands on either side of the bed. If you don’t already have a partner sharing your bed, you would probably like to have one. For this reason, it is important to create the environment as if you did have a partner. Having two nightstands will create inviting, open energy and balance in the bedroom.
  • Lamps – Place two (matching) lamps on the nightstands for balance. Light is a form of energy, so it is important to have sufficient ambient lighting. It is also nice to be able to adjust the level of light in the bedroom to possible make it more romantic.
  • Dresser – If you have sufficient closet spaces, oftentimes a dresser is not a necessary piece of furniture in the bedroom. If you do need or really love your dresser, try to position it in a balanced way (i.e. opposite the foot of the bed, facing the bed). Also, remember to be on clutter control as the surface of the dresser is often the landing place for miscellaneous items.
  • A Place to Sit – This is often lacking in bedrooms. It is necessary to have somewhere to sit, whether it is only to relax and read, or whether it is a place to sit and put on your socks in the morning. If you enjoy reading, I recommend having a comfortable chair and foot stool in the room, rather than reading in bed. Other furniture ideas to simplify your bedroom seating include a bench, nesting stools, or a storage chest at the end of the bed.
  • Mirror – Every bedroom needs a full-length mirror for when you’re getting dressed. Mirrors are also important in feng shui, as they can deflect or re-direct the flow of energy in a space. The important thing is to NOT have the mirror directly facing your bed. For example, if you wake up and can see your reflection, you should move the mirror. You don’t want to accidentally be startled or scared right upon waking. If you have a mirror on top of your dresser, either move the dresser so it is not facing the bed or remove the mirror part. A great place to hang a full-length mirror is inside or close to the closet door.
  • Bedding – Make you bed with your comfortable and clean sheets, pillows, and blankets. If you need to store blankets, find a place in the storage chest or closet and add some cedar bricks to avoid a stale smell.
  • Accessories – Now for the finishing touches! Accessories include all of the other items that serve a purpose in your bedroom. They should be necessary items (such as an alarm clock) or be things that create and balance energy by using the our senses.Here are some examples:
    • Sight – color; sources of light; beautiful artwork or framed photos representing your intentions
    • Sound – relaxing music; windchimes
    • Smell – candles and incense
    • Touch – comfortable sheets and bedding; allowing the breeze to pass through the bedroom from time to time

 

This is a good time to consider purchasing a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate air) filter or another good-quality air filtration device to keep the air in your bedroom circulating and to decrease dust, dust mites, bacteria, and viruses. This is especially important if you have pets that share the room with you and may be bringing some “friends” in from outdoors.

 

Time to wake up!

 

A few notes on alarm clocks. If you can wake up at the same time every morning to natural light or roosters crowing, that’s great. But, if you are like most people, you need a little reminder in the form of an alarm clock.

The best anti-snooze button is placing your alarm clock out of reach (such as on top of the dresser), forcing you to get out of bed to turn off the sound. And, try to choose a sound that will wake you up but not jolt you awake. Who wants to start their day in a state of panic or fear? Now there are alarm clocks that can ease you awake with nature sounds or that can play some of your favorite relaxing songs from your mp3 player.

 

Next…

What about all of those clothes? Before you start stuffing them back into the closet, check out these articles:

How to Organize Closets

Closet Design

 

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Mar 11
9

Have a Clean Bedroom and Rest Easy

 

 

“Please don’t feed the dust bunnies.”
–author unknown

 

A truly clean bedroom is rare, and it can often be one of the dirtiest rooms in the home. It usually doesn’t get a thorough cleaning like the more “public” areas of the home such as the kitchen and living room.

We spend around 8 or more hours in the bedroom each day, so it’s important to have a clean bedroom. In this way we can breath easier, rest easier, and truly enjoy our space.

According to Feng Shui tradition, the environment around you is a reflection of your inner self. As you were decluttering your bedroom, did you notice a lot of dirt, dust, and maybe even other things you don’t want to think about? Consider cleaning your bedroom like doing a little “self detox,” as you will notice your body starting to feel better once you have a clean bedroom and a clean house.

If you’re going to clean, do it the natural way! Learn how to make your own easy natural cleaning recipes.

Then, work your way through the following cleaning list, or make your own list for your unique bedroom.

 

Example Bedroom Cleaning List

 

  • Clean the floors: Dust the floorboards all the way around the room with a damp towel and a little natural cleaner.If you have carpeting, thoroughly vacuum around the edges of the room with an attachment and then the rest of the carpet normally.

    If you have wood floors, sweep and then mop and polish with natural cleaning products.

    If you can’t remove the bed from the room, have someone else hold up the mattress while you vacuum, sweep, or mop underneath.

  • Vacuum/dust the corners of walls and ceiling to remove cobwebs and dust. Check the inside of the closets too.
  • Vacuum/dust the windowsills. Clean the windows.
  • Inspect screens on window and repair/replace as necessary so you can open the windows for ventilation.
  • Now go out to the space which is holding the furniture for your bedroom. Wipe down the bedframe, end tables, lamps, and other items down with natural cleaner or polish.
  • Wash and dry or dryclean all window treatments, sheets, and comforters. Also, take a good look at your pillows and determine if this is a good time to replace them or to wash them if they are machine washable.
  • Think about how many extra blankets and pillows you REALLY need for guests.Honestly, how many guests have spent the night in the last year at the same time? Remember, unless you absolutely love or need them, donate or sell extra bedding to free up storage space.

 

Done cleaning? Great!

 

Now take a few moments to catch your breath and take a look around your bedroom. Feel a little lighter already? Review your bedroom intentions again and get a drink of water.

Your room is now a blank canvas for you to re-create the bedroom you have always wanted.

 

Next…

Simplify the Bedroom

 

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Mar 11
9

Declutter Your Bedroom

Declutter Your Bedroom With Intentions
and Rest Easy in Your Space

 

To declutter your bedroom, the work starts on the inside.

 

“Eliminate physical clutter. More importantly,
eliminate spiritual clutter.”
–D.H. Mondfleur

 

If you want your bedroom to become the peaceful, restful, enjoyable place it was meant to be, your first need some Inside-Out techniques and tools, such as The Brain Dump, Emotional Releasing Techniques, and The Power of Intention.

If you haven’t already learned how to Organize Life, Inside Out, click here to start.

 

When your space has a purpose and you have a purpose in your space, it is easy to determine what basic necessities should share that space with you. Everything else is “clutter”!

 

You should have the intentions you wrote down for your bedroom with you. Keep them close by as your work through the following tried-and-true method to declutter your bedroom:

 

Ready…

Find a space in another room where you can put items from your bedroom temporarily as you declutter, clean, and simplify.

 

Set…

In this space, place your decluttering containers or boxes: love, donate, sell, trash/recycle.

 

Go…

  • First, start be taking out as much of the furniture as possible and put it in the other room temporarily. If your bed is too large or cumbersome to move physically, then at least remove all of the bedding.
  • Remove all items off the tops of nightstands, tables, and shelves.
  • Remove all items from drawers and boxes.
  • Remove all clothes, accessories, and other items from the closet.
  • Remove curtains or window treatments from the windows.
  • This is a good time to flip and rotate your mattress to keep it from sinking down in the most used spots.

 

This is also a good time to replace a mattress that isn’t “supporting” you or your intentions (maybe you want to sleep comfortably)? We spend approximately one-third of our lives sleeping, so having a good mattress is important. My personal favorite is the Sleep Number bed.

 

Have you managed to remove some of that bedroom clutter? Now take a short break to drink some water and review your intentions again.

 

Next…

Cleaning Your Bedroom

 

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Mar 11
9

Simplify Your Kitchen, Inside Out

 

Your kitchen needs to be practical and have purpose. We’re going to learn how to simplify your kitchen, inside out!

One of the biggest obstacles I run up against when helping people to simplify any space in the home is that they exist in “someday mode.” That means, “oh, I’ll use that someday,” or “somebody might be able to use that someday.”

I’m here to tell you–”someday” will probably never come. And if it does, you can almost always rent or borrow what you need.

Unless you are a gourmet chef, you probably don’t need all of those gadgets and gizmos in your kitchen. Many of them were meant to make food preparation and cooking easier, but instead have created more headaches.

In the time it takes to put together and clean that super-duper, 15-piece, do-it-all food processor, you could have easily cleaned and chopped the veggies you needed by hand, faster, with less pieces to clean up!

I’ve spent lots of time in the kitchens of friends all over the world. They only have what they really need in their kitchens, and they aren’t afraid to put in a little work to cook. In fact, it’s not even like work for them, as they often visit and re-connect with family or friends while they’re preparing meals.

Following their example, I simplified my kitchen by removing the clutter and unnecessary items.

 

Here’s a list of kitchen items that we own and find indispensable:

 

For cleaning, I simplified by making my own Natural Cleaning Kit.

 

The above list is just an example for simplifying the kitchen. Now I believe that a back-to-basics approach to simplify your kitchen is in order.

 

Ready?

 

What were your intentions for this space? When you consider putting an item back into the kitchen, ask yourself if it will serve your intentions and purpose for the kitchen.

 

As you touch an item, consider the following:

  • How many plates, cups, bowls, and silverware settings do you REALLY need? Unless you host 12-person dinner parties often or own a catering company, 6 or maybe 8 settings should be plenty. Remember, you can always rent what you don’t have in case you decide to have 6 couples over for a get together.
  • Consider purchasing inexpensive but classy white place settings. This will simplify your kitchen because white never goes out of style and can be paired with any style of decor. Use colorful accessories to brighten up the dining room table and kitchen.
  • When was the last time that you used that bread maker, pasta maker, juicer, etc.? If you haven’t used it in the past 12 months, it’s time to let it go to a better home. If you decide to keep large, infrequently-used items like a turkey roaster, store it in a high cupboard or low cabinet you don’t use often.
  • Remember the days when we would just borrow a cup of sugar from the neighbor if we needed it? Consider borrowing or renting items you don’t use often but may need such as linens, place settings, silverware, roasters, etc.
  • Another back-to-basics idea: If you are truly eating healthy, you don’t need a lot of appliances taking up precious space in your kitchen. A healthy diet comprised mostly of fresh fruits and vegetables, lean meat and wild game, nuts and seeds, legumes, and whole grains doesn’t require lots of pots and pans and gadgets.
  • As old appliances break or wear out and you’re considering purchasing a new one, try to find something that has multi-purpose functions to cut down on the number of appliances your own. For example, find a blender that is also a juicer, or a vegetable steamer that can cook rice at the same time.

 

Do you have some of your own tips and ideas to simplify your kitchen? Share them with others below!

 

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Mar 11
9

Get a Clean Kitchen, Inside Out

 

A clean kitchen is about more than being sanitary. It makes you feel good. Presentable. The kitchen makes a house a “home”, so it’s important to know that it’s really clean and to use natural cleaning products.

One key to having a clean kitchen (and then maintaining it) is to make a list of exactly what needs to be cleaned, how to do it, and how often to do it. Once this is done, there needs to be agreement by all family members regarding who is responsible for doing each part. Go ahead and make your family’s kitchen cleaning list now. (If you need some ideas, see the list below).

Tip: There are 1,001 commercial cleaning products for the kitchen (which are usually toxic). If you haven’t already learned about cleaning with baking soda, cleaning with vinegar, and other all natural cleaning products, click here for some great natural cleaning recipes.

 

Ready? With your natural cleaning kit and tools in hand, put on some fun, upbeat music, and let’s get going!

 

Below is a recommended cleaning list for the kitchen. Remove and add items as necessary for your unique kitchen situation. Complete all of the cleaning items on the list today to start with a blank slate and then follow the daily, weekly, monthly, and bi-annual list your made in the future. Make sure each person in the family has their responsibilities, and your clean kitchen will be easily maintained.

 

Tip: Need help keeping each person accountable for their chores? Consider getting a chore chart or responsibility chart to help keep your family on track and communicating.

 

Today’s Kitchen Cleaning Schedule:

 

Clean top to bottom and inside out!

  • Wash or dry clean window treatments.
  • If possible, take down light fixture and wash with natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Vacuum/dust the corners of walls and ceiling to remove cobwebs & dust.
  • Vacuum/dust the windowsills. Wipe down the windows with Natural Glass Cleaner.
  • Wipe down tops, surfaces, and insides of cupboards above counter tops with All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Wipe out inside of all appliances (i.e. microwave, oven, stove top, fridge, dishwasher). For tough spots or food build-up, try applying Natural Scrubber Paste.
  • Wipe off surfaces of all appliances.
  • Wipe down tile or back splash behind counter tops.
  • Wipe down sink/counter tops with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Wipe down surfaces and insides of cabinets below counter tops.
  • Dust the floorboards all the way around the room with a damp towel and a little natural All-Purpose spray.
  • Mop and polish floors (if necessary).
  • Missed anything? Clean it up now.

 

Done cleaning?

Great! Take a few moments to catch your breath and take a look around your clean kitchen. Feel a little lighter already?

Now that you’ve deep cleaned the kitchen and have a plan (with your intentions), you can adopt a new cleaning routine to maintain your clean kitchen.

 

Example Maintenance Kitchen Cleaning Schedule:

 

Daily:

  • Wipe down sink/counter top with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Change hand towels each morning or evening to prevent transfer of germs.
  • Replace paper towels and hand soap as needed.

 

Weekly:

  • Wash and dry cleaning cloths and hand towels.
  • Clean/wipe down sink/counter top and appliances with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and Natural Scrubber Paste.
  • Wipe down tile or back splash behind counter tops.
  • Sweep and wipe down/mop floor with Natural All-Purpose Cleaner.

 

Monthly:

  • Vacuum/dust the windowsills. Wipe down the windows with Natural Glass Cleaner.
  • Remove all food and use All-Purpose cleaner to clean refrigerator.
  • Dust the floorboards all the way around the room with a damp towel and a little natural cleaner.
  • Mop and polish floors.

 

Bi-annually:

  • Remove items from cupboards and cabinets, dispose of unnecessary items, and wipe down all drawers, shelves and surfaces.
  • Wash or dry clean window treatments.
  • If possible, take down light fixture and wash with natural All-Purpose Cleaner.
  • Vacuum/dust the corners of walls and ceiling to remove cobwebs and dust.
  • Vacuum/dust the windowsills. Clean the windows.
  • Inspect screens on window and repair/replace as necessary so you can open the windows for ventilation.

 

Your room is now a blank canvas for you to re-create the kitchen in your intentions.

Take a drink of water, and review your kitchen intentions one more time.

 

Next…

Simplify Your Kitchen.

 

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