It seems like there are always little things that need to be done throughout the house that I tend to forget. Those things that are supposed to be done but don’t hamper your day to day life, so You don’t always remember that they should be done.
What Am I talking about? Well, for example:
Changing the air filters
Changing the Batteries on your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors… things like that.
Disposing properly of old medicines
Reviewing and replacing items in a 72 hour emergency kits (don’t forget pet kits)
Defrosting the freezer… (ha, ha, I only do this when I move, and no electricity can keep the frost one the shelves…)
Sealing tile grout or stone and concrete countertops.
This list is getting almost comical. This might as well be the list of things that I don’t EVER do, instead a list of seasonal things. Okay the one thing I remember occasionally to do is change the air filters. Because I can see the grime build up, and it starts to make me a little sick thinking about the dust and yucky microscopic mites in the air that is stuck and not filtering out.
So, I thought it would be really helpful to create a seasonal cleaning checklist for you my friends!
Simple tips before you begin making your plan:
*Think about an activity or event that happens naturally with the season changes, and organize your seasonal cleaning and prep activities around that. For example, in my church we have two yearly conference weekends, the first weekend of October and the first weekend of April, 6 months apart, so I will plan on checking my list that weekend. The first week of January is a natural time to reevaluate things, so for me the only one I will have to think about is July and I will probably tack it on to my 4th of July preparations!
*A few helps to consider, stop buying cheap one month air filters. Instead buy Filtrete’s 3 month filters that will last for long and still work efficiently. Then each season, when you consult your handy dandy list of things to do, you will be reminded to change it and keep your home’s air quality clean (check out these 25 ways to improve your home’s air quality too!)
*Consider the type of filter you are using. In the spring and summer as allergens increase consider using a Filtrete Ultimate Allergen Reduction Filter, MPR 1900, is ideal for allergen defense. Capture up to 93 percent of large airborne particles, helps capture 4X times more microscopic particles, such as smoke, smog, pet dander and particles that can carry bacteria and viruses, than ordinary pleated filters for only approx. $19.99. In the winter months I would consider an odor eliminator, because we are spending a LOT of time cooped up in the house, cooking food… (just saying).
*Create a place for storing partially used smoke detector batteries. Since most likely they will still have some life in them. Use them in alarm clocks, or less life threatening back up items like toys (the kind of toys that you don’t mind that batteries dying quickly in!! ha, ha, you know the kind I am talking about right?)
Seasonal Cleaning Checklist:
*Special Thanks to Filtrete Filters Who sponsored this post. Filtrete Brand from 3M makes an entire line of air filters for your home’s heating and cooling system—there’s one for each family’s needs and lifestyle. They start at just a few dollars, last up to three months and can be purchased at Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Costco and your local hardware store. Find a location near you by visiting FindMyFiltreteFilter.com.
Filtrete Filters are the most trusted brand of furnace filters. They are up to four times better than ordinary pleated filters and are consistently rated #1 by a leading magazine that rates consumer products. Filtrete Filters help create a healthy home and healthier indoor air by capturing airborne dust, allergens, bacteria and viruses.
This is so helpful. We’re about to move from Brisbane, Australia, to a small apartment in NYC. It’s amazing how easy it is to fall behind on cleaning, but we really hope to start afresh and stay ahead in the new place. This check-list will be so totally helpful.
That is a HUGE move! Good luck with everything, I am sure starting over in a new place will be easier to start new habits, since everything is new! I am so glad this will help!
Ahh this reminds me that I need to reseal my grout! Haha, thanks 🙂
Yes, the dreaded grout sealing! Have fun!
Very helpful indeed! I have to do this too!