1. Rotate your mattress.
Before you put on a fresh set of sheets, take a minute to rotate the mattress if you haven’t done so recently. Rotating your mattress every six months will help it wear more evenly and extend its life (and comfort). If you have a mattress that doesn’t have a “right-side-up”, you can also incorporate flipping it into your routine; think “spring: spin, fall: flip”.
While you’re at it, when was the last time you cleaned your mattress?
- Utilize an appropriate stain remover if necessary. We suggest a multi-use stain remover, making sure to follow the directions closely for upholstery and allowing the mattress to dry completely.
- Vacuum the entire mattress. A vacuum with various attachments, such as an upholstery head and a crevice tool is preferred, but you can use any upright vacuum to get the job done.
- Sprinkle a box of baking soda all over the mattress. For best results, leave for at least 24 hours by planning this around an overnight trip. Afterwards, give your mattress another thorough vacuum before making the bed. Good as new!
2. Collect old blankets, sheets, and towels to donate.
If you got a new set of sheets or towels recently, consider donating an old set or two. Homeless shelters and some churches will accept bedding and towels, and animal shelters can usually benefit from towels and blankets. (Before you drop off, call to make sure that they are currently accepting donations.)
You can also upcycle old linens by cutting them to be used as rags!
3. Walkway maintenance
Keep up on your sidewalks and entryways with the right ice melt and shovel. A quick once-over a couple times a week will only cost you a couple of minutes, saving you time in the long run. Having to deal with built up ice and packed snow is not only time consuming, but a safety hazard. Save time (and your behind!) by checking out this article on the best way to tackle snow this winter season.
4. Clean entryway floors.
During the winter months, ice melt, mud, and melting snow can wreak havoc on entryway floors. Pick up and put away any entryway clutter and give the floors a good mopping. Choose the right cleaner for your flooring and get to work! Check out your local Kenyon Noble for a new mop and bucket if you’re in need of an upgrade. We recommend a spin mop and bucket set — allowing you to move from room to room without carrying a dripping wet mop (which is arguably the worst part about mopping).
To keep floors looking their best between cleanings, stash some rags in a basket near the door to wipe up messes.
5. Stock up on freezer meals
As Spring approaches and the days get longer, your calendar is likely to start filling up. Be prepared for long days and take a Sunday afternoon to prepare some slow cooker dump meals. Dump meals save time and money, and are a healthier alternative for busy days when you’d typically opt for takeout. Simply add all the ingredients to a freezer bag, and stick it in the freezer. In the morning, empty the bag into a slow cooker on low and let it cook all day. Voila! A hot meal will be waiting for you and your family after a long day, and you only have to wash one pot after all is said and done (we all love a one pot meal). Is washing one pot too many? Slow cooker liners are disposable, and keep your slow cooker looking brand new.
6. Organize your bookshelves
They say it’s easier to buy books than it is to read them. This usually leaves us with a collection of half-read or never-opened books residing next to well-loved reads. Or maybe your relative enjoys a good bargain and always picks up your favorite author at any book sale they encounter (it’s the thought that counts — love you Grandma!). One way or another, bookshelves usually become a catch-all for books and knick-knacks. Declutter your bookshelves in 4 easy steps:
- Remove everything from the bookshelf
- Dust all the shelves and wipe down with a light spray of furniture polish
- Sort everything into three piles – keep, donate, and recycle/garbage (think books with torn covers, water damage, etc.)
- Replace all your books and trinkets on your nice, clean bookshelf. Bonus points if you add in a plant or two to change things up!
7. Pamper your houseplants
Wintertime can be hard on houseplants. A lack of sunlight and colder-than-usual windowsills can wreak havoc on your plants. They do so much for us — cleaning the air, listening to us complain without interrupting or trying to fix our problems — the least we can do is show them a little love. Prune any dead leaves and deadhead any spent flowers before wiping down each leaf individually to remove dust buildup (yes — plants get dusty too!)
Then, take notice of any plants that have outgrown their pots. Repotting in the winter months can have adverse effects, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start shopping for new pots now! Take this opportunity to find a new pot or planter for your leafy friend and save repotting for a sunny spring day. While you’re at it, don’t forget the potting soil!
8. Refresh your lounging space
Cold, blustery, winter days are ideal for getting cozied up to watch a movie (or three). Improve your lounging experience by vacuuming the entire space (don’t forget the couch!) and clear away any clutter. Next, go through your movie and game collection and set aside some items for donation to your local homeless shelter or library. Gather up your comfiest blankets and add them to a decorative basket for easy access while being visually appealing.
If your movie-watching area is in your basement, check out last week's blog post for ideas on how to refresh that space!
9. Take control of your heating bill
Save on your energy bills and live move comfortably in your home by adding door sweeps or draft stops to your interior and exterior doors. You can also shut doors to unused rooms, move furniture away from heating vents, and close the chimney flue when it’s not in use.
If it's in the budget and you're up for a small project, installing a programmable thermostat can be a great investment. Programming an "away" temperature is an easy, set-it-and-forget-it way to cut back on energy costs.
10. Clean the dryer vent
This might not be the most exciting task, but it's an important one! Clearing any lint buildup from your dryer vent is essential for not only keeping your dryer working properly, but eliminating a potential fire hazard. Using a special dryer vent cleaning kit, you can easily do this in a matter of minutes. Be sure to also clear any snow or ice buildup from the exterior vent that may be preventing the dryer from venting properly, thus creating yet another fire hazard.
While do-it-yourself projects can be fun and fulfilling, there is always a potential for personal injury or property damage. We strongly suggest that any project beyond your abilities be left to licensed professionals such as electricians, plumbers, and carpenters. Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, and we assume no responsibility or liability for the contents of this article.