Spring Pantry Cleaning

It's time to do some Spring cleaning in the pantry.  I've gotten to the point where my hall cabinet tends to throw things at me as soon as I open the door.  And I'm not quite sure what I have stacked on the floor next to the suitcases, so it's organization time.

Everything will be removed and expiration dates checked.  If it has expired it gets tossed, but short dated items (expires in a month or less) can be donated to the free clinic for immediate use.  If you have more of an item than your family can use before expiration, donate that too.

When the shelves are clear wipe them down, then place your favorite  brand of boric acid tablets (I like Harris Famous roach tablets) at the rear of the shelves.  This should help control ants and other buggies.

Time to organize.  Like items together and longest time before expiration to the rear.  When you add new items place shift everything forward and place them in the back.  It's tempting to throw things on the shelf when unloading in a hurry, but that's how this whole mess began.

This isn't a fun task, but play some music or listen to a book on CD while working.  Think of how nice it will be to be able to find something in a jiffy and your family will have less of a tendency to grumble when you come home from the store after stocking up.

God bless,
Pam

Damp Dust During Pollen Season

Dusting with a feather duster, Swiffer or a dry rag may work during normal times, but if you have allergies the best way to get rid of dust is by damp dusting.  Dry dusting only causes dust and pollen to become airborne and then, to be breathed in or to resettle somewhere else.

Microfiber Cloth

Grab your cleaning cloth (I prefer microfiber) and a bottle filled with water.  I sometimes add a few drops of essential oil to the water to make the work a bit more pleasant.  A little aromatherapy while working can't be a bad thing.

Generic Spray Bottle

Do not spray water onto the furniture!  Instead, spray a very light mist of water onto all the surfaces of your cloth.  Then squeeze the cloth to distribute the water throughout.  The cloth should only feel slightly damp, not wet.

Wipe your furniture down without shaking out the rag.  When the rag is completely dirty just get a clean one.  The idea is to trap the pollen and dust, then wash it down the drain in your washing machine.

I use the damp dusting method most of the time.  I only wax or oil my furniture about four times a year.  By damp dusting I avoid a build up of cleaning products which can actually harm the finish on wood furniture plus I cut down on allergens in the house.

God bless,
Pam