His Frugal Wife: The Big Clean Out

"And so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be reviled." ~ Titus 2:4-5

Everyone has to start somewhere. I thought maybe, just maybe if I did a public big clean out I might finally reach an end this year! So here I go! Watch me, join me! Cheer me but don't jeer me!

Spring Cleaning in February?

When I walk into someone’s home that is simply “sparkling” clean, I instantly have a love/hate relationship with that person. I love the way their home looks. I am amazed and in awe. I am jealous to the core and yes, I covet their home and their cleaning skills.

I have spent the better part of the last 25 years of my life attempting to get myself organized so that I could have such a home. I have had many a fine example, my mother, sister, grandmothers and friends. I have read books, scoured the internet, made lists and lost lists only to end up back where I started. Well, almost. I have progressed somewhat over years. If you were to stop in unannounced today I would not block your entrance as in days of yore. I would invite you in, somewhat embarrassed, with apologizes for whatever mess awaited you in the next room.

Once again I am on the hunt, the warpath, the quest for the clean house! No, I am not waiting for Niecey Nash from TLC to show up and embarrass me publicly, thank you anyway, but I know that I can do this with enough patience, commitment, organization and prayer.

The key (so I am told) is to take it one step or room at a time. My house is an old, rambling ranch. We have plenty of rooms with plenty of storage which translate into plenty of stuff. Stuff is just a nice word for junk. Most books, people and sites I’ve seen tell you to start at the back of your house and move forward. In my home that would mean starting in DD #3’s room. I think not. I’m just not ready to tackle that as yet! The first room I’m taking on is my office. It’s a small space with hidden clutter at the front of the house.

My Office

That’s right, I have my own office. Not that I’m sitting in mind you. I’m sitting at the kitchen table snuggled by the woodstove as any smart woman would be. Truth be told, I don’t use my office because I feel out of the household loop when I’m out there and it feels sort of cold and empty. I guess I should work on that.

Before the Attack

A mess of wires that will await my darling hubby

So, according to the experts here’s what you do to get started with your spring/deep cleaning!

Ø Grab paper and pen and make a list of everything you need do in the room – next comes my list

My Challenge List

Ø Clean out desk drawers

Ø Clean out little cabinet

Ø Clean out big cabinet

Ø Get any cobwebs

Ø Wash down walls

Ø Wash down woodwork

Ø Wash door

Ø Wash windows

Ø Clean curtain

Ø Dust picture frames and do dads

Ø Empty trash and clean can

Ø Vacuum and wash floor

Ø Gather your cleaning supplies in a tote so you’re not running back and forth (do they know me?)

My Cleaning Tote

All purpose cleaning spray*

Heavy duty cleaner*

Powdered abrasive cleaner*

Window cleaner*

Reusable clothes

Rubber gloves

Furniture polish*

Trash bags

Room spray*

*see recipe for making your own “green” cleaners below

Homemade Cleaner

All Purpose Cleaner

1/2 cup white vinegar
1 gallon warm water

Mix well and put into labeled sprayer

Spray windows with solution then wipe clean with crumpled newspapers. The newspaper helps prevent streaks and it saves your paper towels!

Avoid cleaning glass when the sun is hot and shining on the window–it will dry too fast and there will be streaks. This, my mother taught me!

Also wash one side of the window in an up and down direction, on the other side scrub side to side. This will help determine which side of the glass has the streaks that need to be polished out.

Several hours later…..there was a lot more junk in those drawers that I ever dreamed possible! After all there were only two drawers, plus the cabinet! I found a paper of Michael’s from Kindergarten, dozens of old 3 ½” floppy discs, assorted receipts, ponytail holders, paperclips and a photo of the kids and me from 1993 when I weighed 300+ lbs. Yikes! There’s one for the fridge! So, a bag of trash later and a lot of elbow grease I managed to get my room clean! I added a white wicker chair that had been residing in the basement, along with a small table, some plants, candles and my desk top computer. DD 3, Caitlin and the dog have already sat down to join me! Now not only do I have a cozy, welcoming office but I also have a little nook to sit in the sunshine and enjoy a cup of coffee and a good book!

Hours Later and I do mean HOURS