cleaning

Keeping Cleaning Schedule Charts

household

It is very easy to get busy and neglect certain chores or forget when the last cleaning was done. To solve this issue and hopefully get the home back in tip top shape, I have posted a few cleaning charts. Here is what I’ve come up with…

My new HE washing machine needs to have a tub cycle run about once a month to prevent any mold, etc.. from forming. So, I have made a simple chart using Excel that I fill in the date each month when I have completed the tub cycle. The chart is tacked (using poster putty) to the inside door of my cabinet above the machine.

My vaccum cleaner is supposed to have the filters cleaned monthly. I know for a fact that it is not a good thing to let the filters go uncleaned. Again, I made an Excel chart for this and posted it on the wall in the closet where the vaccum is stored.

I saw in one of Martha Stewart’s books where she pins a chart on her mattress to tell when to rotate and/or flip the mattress. Great idea! I am not going to remember when I do this. So I made an Excel chart showing the dates the mattress needing looking after and pinned it to the mattress.

Yesterday, I cleaned the exhaust fan above the kitchen stove. Yuck! I think this needs to be done a little more frequently in order to prevent such a big cleaning job. Looks like another chart needs to be made!

I have also implemented this chart to help my son tackle his room chores. I made a chart that he needs to fill-in weekly for the cleaning of his room, his windows, and his bedding. This is tacked to the back of his door. I am not so sure he is as excited about this chart as I am though.

Cleaning schedule charts are a great way to keep oneself accountable for maintenance on household appliances and for routine cleaning. Charts can be made for anything needed to be maintained or cleaned around the house. Happy Cleaning!

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How to Clean a Toaster

Cooking

Making toast is messier than one might think. I guess the action of popping the toast out of the toaster helps shed a few crumbs. Over time the crumbs can build up.

Toasters can be cleaned by emptying the little crumb tray at the bottom of the toaster. However, not all the crumbs are kind enough to make their way onto the crumb tray. Some like to stay stuck to the bottom of the toaster. Turning the toaster upside down and giving it a good shake will dislodge a few more of these crumbs, however, the really stubborn ones hang on for dear life. What to do? It is a narrow space and a long tool is required.

First off, unplug the toaster. Next, wrap a paper towel around a pencil or kabob stick and secure with a rubber band. Now this little cleaning tool can be used to reach down to the bottom of the toaster and dislodge those stubborn crumbs who could not be shook out.

Place pencil in folded paper towel
Wrap the pencil in paper towel and secure with a rubber band
DIY Cleaning Tool
Using the tool to clean inside the toaster

The outside of the toaster can be shinned up as well with a little white vinegar. For the metal parts, use a little cream of tartar and water made into a paste and use a non-abrasive scrubber to buff out any residue. Voila! The toaster is as good as new!

All shined up!