Page 32 - Robeson Living Spring 2021

By Jessie Jones, Extension FCS Agent

Spring has officially sprung…evident by the allergy-inducing through and get rid of items you no longer use (e.g., clothes,
layer of pollen on everything! With the warmer temperatures cookware, dishes, linens, etc.). These items can be donated to a
and longer days, many are preparing gardens and working to local goodwill store or donation center if still in good, useable
clean up their yards. Now is also the perfect time for some condition.
much-needed indoor spring cleaning, so throw open your win-
dow and ditch the winter blues! One important thing to remember is that you cannot tackle all
of this at once; plan to clean over the course of couple of days
A deep cleaning of your home will allow you to get rid of all or weekends. Pace yourself, and involve family and children in
the dirt and dust that as built up over the winter months. Follow tasks that are age appropriate.
these easy tips to make spring cleaning a breeze:
We all know cleaning products can be expensive. To help save
1. Plan to thoroughly clean each room in your home and money, consider making your own cleaning products with sim-
consider starting in the bedrooms or bathrooms. ple recipes using many items you already have in your home.
2. Start by laundering sheets, towels, linens, and curtains
and vacuuming surfaces such as mattresses, pillows, bed skirts, Here are a few recipes:
and other upholstery items (e.g., chairs and couches). All-Purpose Cleaner
3. Be sure to dust surfaces using a clean, soft microfiber • 3 tablespoon white vinegar
cloth. • ½ teaspoon washing soda
4. Vacuum rugs, under furniture, around appliances, • ½ teaspoon vegetable oil-based liquid soap
and any other “hard to reach places” you may avoid in sur- • 2 cups hot water
face cleanings throughout the year. If possible, pull appliances
away from the walls for easier cleaning, especially the sides of Mix ingredients in spray bottle or bucket. Apply and wipe
stoves and refrigerators where dust and grease can build up. clean.
5. Wash all floors and walls, especially in bathrooms and
kitchens, using an all-purpose floor cleaner. Using a damp mop Drain Cleaner
instead of a broom will help. For slow drains, use this drain cleaner once a week to keep
6. Don’t forget about closets and storage areas. Be sure drains fresh and clog-free.
to launder any winter items (e.g., coats, blankets, clothes, etc.) • ½ cup baking soda
you plan to store to avoid attracting unwanted pests during • 1 cup white vinegar
storage. • 1 gallon boiling water
7. Visit your medicine cabinets and dispose of medicines
out of date or no longer used safely. The FDA has directions Pour baking soda down drain/disposal, followed by vinegar.
for safe medicine disposal. You can also visit local drugstores Allow the mixture to foam for several minutes before flushing
for medical disposal kiosks in many locations. the drain with boiling water.
8. Spring cleaning is also a great opportunity to go

Page 32 Robeson Living ~ Spring 2021