MomsBudget

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #27/28 – Garage Weekend Project

Ah, the clutter queen area of the garage is the task this weekend!

• Toss any accumulated junk 
• Check sports equipment and toss anything broken or unusable.
• Sort into areas, such as tools or gardening items. 
• Check for rodent or bug infestations 
• Check for mold/mildew and any areas of dampness. Often times stacking boxes 1″ away form wall instead of against it will really help.
• Sweep or ShopVac floor 
• Do tool maintenance 
• Check for possible water damage problems, and be sure to keep the area clear of anything that could be damaged by water.

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment when you are done!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #26 – Front Entrance Area

Let’s tidy up the front closet, mudroom and hallway area that always makes the front entranceway look cluttered and messy.

• Declutter and put away any stray shoes, coats, mittens, etc. 
• Check and see if all the shoes still fit their owners.  Donate any that are still in good wearable condition that no longer fit.
• Put lesser worn pairs of shoes in bedroom closets instead of the hallway closet.
• Check to make sure all coats still fit, and donate the ones that are in good condition (many towns have a winter coat drive for less fortunate kids)
• Consider using individual hooks or baskets for each family member for organization
• Store out of season items (ie. store sunhats in the winter; store mittens and toques in the summer)

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days.  Comment when you are done!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #25 – Windows

We decided to leave this one for later in the challenge because we knew it was one you all weren’t looking forward to!

• Use your vacuum to clean ledges, sills and window tracks. 
• Wash mildew or gunk from the window tracks
• Wash your windows using a commercial cleaner or make your own Sparkle Spray Window Cleaner:
  http://www.momsbudget.com/cleaners/sparklewindow.html 
• Wipe any remaining smudges or spots with a clean cloth

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days.  Comment when you are done!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #24 – Laundry Room

• Clear clutter from tops of washer and dryer. 
• Use your vacuum to clear the entire lint trap area of any lint that as accumulated outside of the lint trap. 
• Go outside and check the external vent to make sure nothing is blocking it, and that there is not a build up of lint. 
• Check all filters and hoses for signs of aging. Replace or repair any as needed. 
• Mop the floor
• Wash the shelves you keep detergent on, these often have drips and drops of detergent. 
• Check your inventory of detergent and cleaners.
• If you have a front loading washing machine, clean it if neccessary

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days.  Comment when you are done!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #23 – Blinds & Curtains

• Clean venetian blinds. If you don’t have a special cleaner for doing these kinds of blinds, put on a pair of woolen gloves, and use your fingers between the slats to dust them. 
• Clean vertical blinds using the dust brush vacuum attachment.
• Use a damp cloth to spot clean
• Wash any curtains that are washable (ones that match bedding sets can often be washed, simply check the tag for washing instructions)
• Evaluate any cloth drapes to decide whether they are due for cleaning. Shop around for prices for cleaning them.

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment when you are done!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #22- Kid’s Rooms

Ah, another one of those ones you loathe to do! 

• Assist your kids in tidying their room. If you have teenagers, usually the threat of you cleaning up is enough to make them do it themselves! Help teach your kids the best ways to tidy up. 
• Have two cardboard boxes or plastic bags – one bag for outgrown clothes that are good enough for the consignment store or eBay, and another bag for donating. 
• Clean windows, mirrors, door handles. 
• Dust shelves and dressers 
• Plan storage areas if there is not enough space. 
• If you find a lot of old food or half-full glasses, start a rule of no food and water only in the bedrooms, or consequences for doing so (unloading or loading the dishwasher for a week!)

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge? Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment below when you are done with today’s task!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #20/21 - Kitchen Weekend Project

Thought you were just going to get away with cleaning out the pantry? Not so fast

• Sort through everything on countertops and tabletops. Toss if neccessary, put away in proper spot if needed. 
• Spray surfaces with anti-bacterial sanitizer, let sit before wiping down and rinsing. 
• Check cupboards and drawers. Rearrange and restock if needed. Toss any old or outdated items, or items you will no longer use. 
• Wipe down cupboard surfaces, sink, doors, windows ledges and shelves. 
• Replace shelf/drawer lining if needed.
• Vacuum, dry-mop or wash floor.
• Dust baseboards and cupboard fronts and tops. Dust or vaccuum on top of cupboards if not attached at the ceiling. 
• Check cookware for scratches (especially non-stick surface cookware)
• Unplug all appliances you do not use daily and store cords with appliance (ah, those pesky electric skillet type cords!)  Label cords if needed.
• Wipe down stovetop, microwave and toaster oven.
• Clean oven. Soak stove top element liners to clean.

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment below when you are done with today’s task!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #19 – Calendar, Memo Board and More

Organize your life time!

• Rearrange memo boards, removing outdated and rearranging by either date or by who it belongs to. 
• Look at calendar and see what is scheduled over the next month. 
• Make sure everything you have scheduled is on the calendar (such as dr appts, lessons, parties, etc)
• Since school has recently started, go through the school calendar and mark down things such as Pro-D days, vacation days and important events such as parent-teacher interviews and school fairs.
• Declutter fridge door of old birthday invitations and anything else for an event that has already occurred (yes, you would be surprised what still is under a magnet on the fridge door!)

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment below when you are done with today’s task!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #18 - Pantry

Ah yes, the pantry.

• Remove everything.
• Toss outdated items… and don’t forget, stuff that didn’t have a date before might carry one now (did you know Jello now has an expiry date?)
• Toss long ago opened boxes of crackers etc that have gone stale.
• If you have non-perishables that you will not use, that are not outdated, put them in a box for the food bank. 
• Wipe down shelving with disinfectant and replace lining if necessary. 
• Check flour etc for weevils. 
• Restock shelves, keeping like things together.
• Drop off the non-perishables you don’t need at the food bank.

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days. Comment below when you are done with today’s task!

Squeaky Clean Challenge Day #17 - Freezer

Another one of those chores that seldom gets done except for the quick “throw out the expired milk and the funky looking veggies” cleanup.

• Check for any signs the freezer is not working at 100%
  • How to test your freezer to make sure it works correctly
• Sort freezer items. Rearrange items into logical groups (ie. all the ground beef together)
• Take note if you have too much of something, and make a mental note not to buy any for a while.
• Create an inventory list of items you use commonly, such as ground beef or chicken.
• Create an inventory list of completed meals you have ready
  • Freezer Inventory List Worksheet Printable
• Check dates on packages, and move oldest up front for next use.
• Throw out anything frozen that you won’t use.
• Spot-clean any spills.
• Decide a date for defrosting, if neccessary, if you do not have time to do it today.

Brand new to the MomsBudget Squeaky Clean Challenge?  Click here for all the details, plus get the full list of all thirty days.  Comment below when you are done with today’s task!