Chronicles of
Dear Readers,
Well, it’s that time of year again, spring cleaning time. I fear I have waited a bit late to share my suggestions with you. If you have already done your cleaning, maybe you will still find some useful hints.
Step one: declutter. Basic rule on clothing, if you have not worn it in a year or so, ditch it. There are so many folks that could use your old items. Don’t forget the shoes, coats, socks and purses. Salvation Army stores, Goodwill and church thrift locations will be overjoyed by your donations. Be sure your donations are freshly laundered and in good repair. Oh, by the way, check your purses and coat pockets for forgotten cash.
Step two: Clean out those cluttered kitchen cabinets. How many travel mugs does one really need? Coffee cups galore? Don’t waste valuable vertical space with one row of short little coffee mugs with smiley faces and pictures of Snoopy lying on top of his doghouse. Pick out cups that meet your coffee drinker’s needs and use cup hooks or a wire metal rack to make the best use of cabinet space. Place cups near the coffeemaker. This isn’t rocket science, right? Same for those squatty, little spice bottles. I keep mine in a shallow drawer so that I can pull out just what I need, no unused above space.
Step three: Pay very close attention to this one folks. Nonstick cooking utensils are a wonderful invention, but when they become scratched and start flaking off into the dish you are preparing, throw them in the garbage. Do not donate or give to anyone. This is a health hazard and very poisonous. Burned pan bottoms can be cleaned with a mixture of baking soda, vinegar, steel wool and elbow grease. Freshen your dishwasher with a short rinse cycle containing vinegar.
Always remember to clean from top to bottom. Dust before you vacuum and then it all goes in the vac bag to be taken to the garbage can. Use lint free rags or microfiber cloths to avoid hazing and streaking. Bleach is still a great economical disinfectant and stain remover but, never mix it with anything else or they may find your lifeless body in the most immaculately cleaned house on your block. Do remember, cleanliness is next to godliness!
Sincerely,
Scarlett
Please send your questions to Scarlett at: [email protected] or to: Scarlett O’Dara, 902 Elizabeth St., Waycross, GA 31503.
