Not Your Usual Suspects
During the month of April I ran a series on social media using #covidcleanout in which I posted a different area to focus on cleaning, decluttering, or organizing each weekday. They were not meant as a challenge but prompts for those who were looking to get some things done and just couldn't figure out where to work next.
Instead of a month of prompts, I decided to do a list for you of things that you might not think to do or things that don't get done very often. I divided them into categories for you. To clean, to repair, to change, and miscellaneous.
To Clean
trash cans - Bag up the trash and get right on in there. Sometimes a good garden hose can do the trick and sometimes you need to scrub it.
gutters - I did mine six weeks ago and they need cleaning out again already.
pots/pans - A little Bar Keeper's Friend or something similar helps to shine up most pots and pans. Be sure to read all instructions for safety.
vacuum - If you have any hair in your home you'll want to clean it out of your vacuum head. Grab a screw driver and some scissors because you might need to do some disassembling.
furniture - Vacuum, shampoo, spot clean.
walls & cabinets - A simple damp wipe will do most times.
ceiling fans - Whether you use a pillow case, a duster, or a vacuum, now is a great time to clean your ceiling fan blades and lights. While you're at it, switch the direction for the summer.
oven - A lemon half and some baking soda make a quick and easy cleaner for an oven.
dishwasher - Get those crevices where gunk can build up.
washer and dryer - More crevices, get in there and clean them out.
your email - Create filters, unsubscribe, and delete, delete, delete.
To Repair
rug pulls - A needle and thread are going to be your best friend. Thread those pulls back into the rug if you can. Cut only if you can't figure out a better way.
jewelry - Untangle knots with the help of a sewing needle, find a video to help you repair what you can DIY, and take the rest to the jeweler for professional help especially on those prized pieces.
clothes, throw pillows, bags, furniture, stuffed animals - replace buttons, tie up loose threads, repair holes, replace accessories and zippers
shoes - Re-glue soles, replace broken or worn out shoe laces, give a good shine, and take the others to the cobbler that you aren't able to do on your own.
To Change
rekey your lockbox - It might be time to update that code for your lockbox. Make it memorable and give the new code to people who need it.
switch fan direction for summer - Counterclockwise for summer, pushing air down.
air filters, water filters, vacuum filters, any filters - Be sure to check on your not-often-changed filters to see if it's time to change them.
smoke detector batteries - It's a good idea to check these once a month and change them once or twice a year. A good time to do that is when we change the clocks. Go ahead and give your detectors a check.
Miscellaneous
trim and repot plants - Making sure to check the specific plants you are caring for, give them the proper care for this time of year.
tighten screws in door handles, drawer pulls, and face plates - Believe it or not, those screws that were perfectly tight when you installed them can loosen with use. Grab a screw driver and tighten them up.
level oven - I've lived at my home for years with an uneven oven. I think I tried to level it at one point but I couldn't get it to work. So this might just be me. ;)
secure drawer liners and inserts - Drawer liners that do not have an adhesive can bunch up causing more frustration that they are worth. Be sure to secure them so that they can provide maximum protection and beauty.
shred - Plug up that shredder and go to town!
make a tax guide for 2020 based on 2019 tax filing - The IRS gave us an extension this year. Take some of that time to make a list of things that you need to keep up with for your 2020 taxes so that you aren't scrambling next March to gather all your documents.
touch up paint - Grab your touch up paint and touch up!
What are some unusual things that you did with your free time during the pandemic?*
*I fully recognize that there were plenty of people who have the same amount of time or less time during the pandemic. Also, time does not equal capacity.