Spring Cleaning Part 2.

This morning I was thinking, "why on earth am I posting on spring cleaning?" It's such a boring topic but, hopefully someone may find interest in it.
I am not, by nature, an organized person. I have to work at it. I force myself to make lists and keep track of things or else I find myself in a frenzy. Spring Cleaning is not something I look forward to but, for me is necessary to maintain some sort of sanity. Now, the question is...how do we do it with the kids? That's a good question. Usually, I do most of my cleaning during the kids naptimes but, in this case it takes a little longer so, you need a good chunk of time. Here's something we do. If you have grandparents or close friends or family around you, have one of them watch your kids for a couple of hours while you get a few things done.
There is absolutely no "right" or "wrong" to any type of cleaning you do. You can do as much or as little as you want. Here's what works for me...
I have a little schedule that I try to keep to. I try to avoid cleaning the whole house in one day because it absolutely stresses me out and there's just not time for that. After all, the kids are my top priority, even though sometimes it is tempting to work instead of taking time with the kids. So, for instance I clean the kitchen on Mondays and that's it. I don't try to clean everything else because I know that in a day or two it will all be done. Now, I will vaccuum if I need to and do a few other little things but, I try to stick to what's on the list for that day. So, as far as spring cleaning, I would follow my regular cleaning schedule but do a deeper, more "advanced" cleaning, if you will. :) In the kitchen, I would clean as usual but, add cleaning the baseboards, cleaning out the cupboards and wiping them down, cleaning the pantry, windows, etc...
You don't have to bust out cleaning your whole home in one day, it's tough for me to do it that way. I've tried and failed because that is when I find my kids saying "mommy, play with me" and that's when I realize I'm doing too much. One thing I do sometimes, is give the kids a dust rag or feather duster and let them help dust their rooms. My son has used a wet rag to help me clean baseboards. Getting them involved can be fun and productive.
In the bedrooms, you can clean out closets and drawers, wash walls, organize toys, etc...remember you can do as little or as much as you want and have time and energy for. It's just about freshening your home....NOT PERFECTION. :)
Let me just tell you that I have literally gone for weeks without mopping my floor or dusting so, just know that I in no way keep a perfect home. And In no way am I expecting you to do what I do I'm just giving help and suggestions.
Anyway, I thought it might be fun to give you some recipes for some homemade cleaners that I've actually made and tried...and they work. The plus to making homemade cleaners is that they are economical and safe for the environment and most of the ingredients are right in your cupboard. Here are a couple of my favorites

Glass Cleaner

Mix in a sprayer bottle:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol

1 cup water

1 tablespoon white vinegar

Baking Soda

you can make a paste of water and baking soda

and use for tough sink stains and scrubbing.

You can also sprinkle some on a damp sponge and

scrub with it as well.

This next cleaner I have not tried but want to. It uses tea tree oil which is an antisceptic. I have used tea tree oil before but not like this. You fill a 16 oz. spray bottle with distilled water. Add a couple of Tbsp. of castile soap and 20-30 drops of tea tree oil. Apparently this can be used on hands, toys, anything that needs disinfecting. I'm gonna give it a try.

So...now, what I'd like to do, is pick your brain for some cleaning/organizing ideas. Give me your best ones and I'll post my faves tomorrow. And if only a few of you comment...I'll post them all!