Spring cleaning

If you perked up at the list of green cleaning materials we posted earlier today, but were wondering exactly what to do with them (I'm talking to you, blasianmya), check out this video clip from Threadbanger's Meg Allan. She'll show you the couldn't-be-easier-if-she-came-over-and-did-it-herself steps for making a natural, all-purpose scrub, a glass cleaner, a gentle wood cleaner, and an anti-mold spray. She'll even show you how to improvise a lid for that antique glass jar that's sitting in your cabinet collecting dust, so you can fill it up with a solution for...cleaning dust off other things. Read More »

Much as I like to pretend otherwise, there's more to giving your home a good clean than dusting off that vintage-ceramic-deer collection and scrubbing down the bathroom. This year, before you tackle the superficial tasks, take a look at Erin Doland's (of Unclutterer fame) list of what she calls "systems" upkeep tasks. The idea is, if you keep your major appliances and, well, infrastructure clean and tuned up, they'll operate better, save you money, and even keep you healthier. Some of the projects she suggests you take on: changing the filters in your range hood, clothes dryer, furnace, and air conditioning units; making an appointment to have your home's security system professionally tested; getting your lawn mower serviced and ready for summer; checking dates on fire extinguishers (may we recommend purchasing the Home Hero if yours has expired—or you don't know how to use it?) and replacing batteries in smoke detectors. Read More »

Charlene over on Parenting has some take-charge, whip-the-house-into shape advice on how to get the kids involved in a spring-cleaning toy purge. Well, we adults have to do the same thing with all of the bills and financial statements that come into the house throughout the year and threaten to overtake the most organized home office.

The chirping of the birds and the nearing tax return deadline signal a good time for some financial spring cleaning, too. So here's some advice from around the web on how to declutter financial files, streamline accounts, and organize bill paying so we can enjoy the warm weather to come with a clean heart and on-time payments. I'll do my best to follow it all, too. Scout's honor.
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