The Simple Way to Wash Your Walls

I admit that I can not claim to be much of a role model when it comes to housekeeping.  One of the chores I only tackle when I feel I just absolutely have to it is cleaning the walls.  Because... ugh!  In a busy house with light gray walls - this isn't a good thing.  They start looking pretty dingy before I get around to washing them.  Unfortunately for me - it was time. 

Scrubbing down walls didn't really fit into the image I had of my "Simplified" year.  I mean, it's not exactly a quick and easy job.  It was time to hit up my favorite source for tips and tricks (Pinterest) to see if I can find an simpler way to get it done.  Pinterest didn't let me down!  I saw a few ideas I liked, set my mind to the task ahead and It. Was. On!

The first thing I did was to take the broom and sweep down any cobwebs and dust. 

Next, I fit my Swiffer mop with an old dishcloth that I use for cleaning.  I sprayed a section of wall with my favorite all purpose cleaner.

Then I "mopped" the wall using the Swiffer mop using firm pressure.   I worked in small sections, working from top to bottom. 

After I finished a wall, I took the cleaning cloth and wiped down the bsseboards and light switch. 

And... VOILA!!  Clean walls.  Easy peasy, lemon squeezy! 

Do you clean your walls on a regular basis?   Share your best tips for making the task easier!

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 3

Here we are in week three!  Yes, the post is a few days late.  Such is life, as it is.  We all know things happen.

As far as the challenge - I've had good days.  I've had a few off days.  I wish I could extol you all with tales of how this has made such a huge difference and my hope is sparkling and tidy.  But I'm not going to lie to you like that.  It's maybe not as bad as usual though.  I hope. (?)  And I'm sticking with it.

Here's a list of cleaning ideas for Week 3:

• Dust /clean light fixtures
• Wipe light switches
• Sweep/Vacuum
• Clean under the kitchen sink
• Clean off the top of the fridge
• Wipe down the legs of your dining table and chairs

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference 10 minutes can make.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 2

An entire week of October has already come and gone! At this rate it is going to be a quick month!

How's everyone been doing with the daily cleaning?

I have a confession - I skipped a day or two.  Although I have tried to do a little something each day, even if I don't get the full 15 to 30 minutes in pet day.

Here's the list of suggested tasks for Week 2.

• Clean the kitchen/dining room chairs
• Wash the walls in the hallway or one room
• Clean out the junk drawer
• Clean out from under the couch and chair cushions
• Clean the front door (and any other doors leading to the outside)
• Tidy up the front porch area
• Dust tops of door frames
• Sweep/Vacuum

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference 10 minutes can make.

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge Update

Hello fellow cleaning challengers!  How's everyone been doing this week?

I've had some long neglected tasks get marked off the To Do list this week.  Including finally switching out the mantel decor from summer to autumn, straightening up the foyer and cleaning and decluttering under the bathroom sink.  Yay me!!

I wish I could tell you that I feel as if it has made a huge difference and my house is shiny and spotless.  But that's just not true.  There's still a long day to go.  But every day is a little step closer, so I stick with it.

I'll be posting the list of task ideas and such tomorrow or Saturday.  So, be prepared for that.  In the meantime, tell us a little about how your week has been!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

October Daily Cleaning Challenge: Week 1

Welcome to October!  And thanks for joining us in the October Daily Cleaning Challenge!

If you're new around here, you might be asking yourself what this whole challenge is all about.  So, here's a quick recap!

Each day in October do 15 to 30 minutes of cleaning. Yes - EVERY day.

That's it.  No cleaning schedule or assigned tasks.  Just clean SOMETHING in your home each day.  There is only one "rule":  your 15 to 30 minutes has to be something other than washing dishes or laundry.  Those need done regardless.  And in my case, if anything is getting done its typically going to be one of these two things.  So, I have to pick something I would normally be more likely to avoid.

Here are a few suggestions to get you started this first week of the challenge.  Do a few.  Do them all.  Do something you decide all on your own.  Just Do Something!!

• Clean foyer/entrance area
• Clean out the fridge
• Clean under the bathroom sink
• Vacuum and/or sweep
• Clean off surfaces in bedroom
• Sweep and mop bathroom
• Tidy up living room

And don't forget the two optional challenges:

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference just ten minutes can make!

Ready?  Set your timers!  We can do this!

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups

The Reality of Housekeeping (and a challenge)

I have a confession to make.  I hope you won't judge me too much.  And maybe you'll even be able to relate.  Anyway, here goes:

 I am a terrible housekeeper.

It's true.  Just ask my poor husband.  I am not great about keeping things super tidy around the house.  We're no where near being featured in an episode of Hoarders or anything of that sort.  It's not that bad.  (Which is often how I justify and excuse my laziness)  It's just more that I seem to have a special talent for ignoring the clutter and dust bunnies until it gets to a critical peak where I just can't take it any more.  Then I go on a mad frenzy of cleaning and organizing.

To help improve (and hopefully correct) this reality, I have created a challenge for myself during the month of October. And I am hoping some of you will join me!

During October I am challenging myself - and you! - to do 15 to 30 minutes of cleaning.
Every.  Single.  Day.

That's it.  No cleaning schedule or assigned tasks.  Just clean SOMETHING in your home each day.  There is only one "rule":  your 15 to 30 minutes has to be something other than washing dishes or laundry.  Those need done regardless.  And in my case, if anything is getting done its typically going to be one of these two things.  So, I have to pick something I would normally be more likely to avoid.

Each week I will be posting a list of suggested chores to get done based on what I am going to try to accomplish that week.  You are welcome to follow the list, or just follow your heart based on the needs in your own home.  This post will also be a chance to comment and let us know how you are doing and what you accomplished over the past week.   Yep  - Accountability!

I'm also including two bonus challenges for those of us who are really feeling up to it.

Bonus Challenge #1:  Complete at least one load of laundry per day.  By "complete" I mean washing, folding and putting away.  Because if you are anything like me, that basket of clean cloth clothes may sit around for days before something finally gets done with it.

Bonus Challenge #2:  Get the family involved!  Ask them to help tidy up for 10 minutes.  Set a timer and see how much y'all can get done.  You might be surprised what a difference just ten minutes can make!

So, what do you say?  Are you in?

You can find me connecting at these Blog Hops and Link Ups