Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Living Well with the Carrie Connection

This is spring cleaning time  that time of the year that means winter is put up and summer is taken out. It's a time of year that calls for a cool look. That can be achieved by removing the clutter.

The Soap and Detergent Association says that if you are looking for ways to reduce the amount of time spent cleaning, just remember that clutter attracts dust. To make every room as clutter-free as possible, work one room at a time.

Begin by removing everything from the closet, dresser, shelves and beneath the sofa or bed. Separate items into distinct piles, such as clothes, shoes, toys, books, etc. Donate or sell anything that is no longer needed.

Next, reorganize storage areas so that similar items are together. For example keep school supplies near the desk or table where children do their homework, videos beside he VCR and toys in the play area. Be sure children's things are in places that are easy for them to reach.

Wherever possible store items inside drawers, closets, covered boxes or plastic containers so dust won't collect on them. Label the containers so everyone knows where things belong. Review the clutter plan with all family members, especially children, and remind them that controlling clutter may help reduce asthma attacks. Work with them to develop the habit of putting one thing back before getting something else out.

When cleaning a room, work from the cleanest area to the dirtiest. With the bathroom do the mirror first, then the sink, toilet, tub/shower and finally, the floor. In the kitchen clean the sink and counter top, range and stove top, oven and then the floor. Vacuum floors before washing to remove any loose dirt. Store cleaning supplies in the room where you use them so you don't have to go from room to room to find them.

Dirty kitchen towels, dish cloths and sponges can harbor millions of bacteria that can be spread to the surfaces they touch. For cleaning kitchen surfaces use a clean paper towel, sponge or cloth. Launder kitchen towels, sponges and cloths frequently in hot water using detergent and liquid bleach.

The following tips will help you turn tough tasks into 15-minute touch-ups!

Clean as you go. Wipe up spills as they happen.

Discard empty containers.

Return cooking items to their places as soon as you are through with them.

Make cleanups a family affair  enlist the help of all family members.

Keep clean sponges handy, and wipe the bathroom sink, shower walls and vanity after each use.

Thoroughly rinse out the kitchen sink after preparing meals. This will help keep food from sticking and leaving unsightly marks.

CHICKEN AND EGG

COOKING CONTEST

It's time to pull out those prize recipes and get ready for our annual cooking contest on June 2.

Contact the Chamber of Commerce at 887-2101 for more information.