Spring Cleaning Then vs. Spring Cleaning Now
Growing up I was taught that in the spring you went through your home and did a thorough cleaning. Erasing all the dust and stale air that had accumulated over the winter when the house was closed up. It was our routine and one that I took with me as I became an adult and had my own home to take care of.
I would take 2-3 days each spring and go from top to bottom ensuring that I did not miss a thing. Ceilings and walls were dry dusted (scuff marks washed off the walls). Curtains and blinds were taken down and washed, windows scrubbed and screens dusted before hanging the window treatments back up.
Every kitchen cupboard was emptied and wiped down. Same with the refrigerator, and there were always things found at the back of a shelf that made their way to the trash. Made me wonder why they were ever purchased since they did not get used.
Beds were stripped and all the bedding cleaned. Closets emptied and anything no longer of use was given away (or thrown away). Furniture was dusted and wiped down, and all the floors vacuumed, washed and waxed if necessary. The wood floors always looked great after a fresh coat of Butcher's Wax. I'm sure many younger people don't even know what that is.
The amazing thing was I accomplished all of this within 3 days with plenty of energy to spare. A year ago I decided I was going to do that same spring cleaning once again. I started in the kitchen and made it through about 3 cupboards and found I did not have the energy to do more. I was discouraged to say the least and wondered how I had been able to do so much in the past. Seemed like only a few years ago I was able to accomplish whatever I put my mind to. And I guess that is part of what has changed over the years. My home is clean and in order, but the spring cleaning just does not seem so important anymore. Also my body does not seem to have the stamina that it once had, which I have come to accept.
My idea of spring cleaning today is to spend time in the yard clearing out the leaves or working in my flower bed. Somehow that does not seem to be a chore. The fresh air, sunshine and beauty of Mother Nature does far more for my spirit and soul than any amount of house cleaning will ever do. I hope this is the message I give my children about spring cleaning.
I would take 2-3 days each spring and go from top to bottom ensuring that I did not miss a thing. Ceilings and walls were dry dusted (scuff marks washed off the walls). Curtains and blinds were taken down and washed, windows scrubbed and screens dusted before hanging the window treatments back up.
Every kitchen cupboard was emptied and wiped down. Same with the refrigerator, and there were always things found at the back of a shelf that made their way to the trash. Made me wonder why they were ever purchased since they did not get used.
Beds were stripped and all the bedding cleaned. Closets emptied and anything no longer of use was given away (or thrown away). Furniture was dusted and wiped down, and all the floors vacuumed, washed and waxed if necessary. The wood floors always looked great after a fresh coat of Butcher's Wax. I'm sure many younger people don't even know what that is.
The amazing thing was I accomplished all of this within 3 days with plenty of energy to spare. A year ago I decided I was going to do that same spring cleaning once again. I started in the kitchen and made it through about 3 cupboards and found I did not have the energy to do more. I was discouraged to say the least and wondered how I had been able to do so much in the past. Seemed like only a few years ago I was able to accomplish whatever I put my mind to. And I guess that is part of what has changed over the years. My home is clean and in order, but the spring cleaning just does not seem so important anymore. Also my body does not seem to have the stamina that it once had, which I have come to accept.
My idea of spring cleaning today is to spend time in the yard clearing out the leaves or working in my flower bed. Somehow that does not seem to be a chore. The fresh air, sunshine and beauty of Mother Nature does far more for my spirit and soul than any amount of house cleaning will ever do. I hope this is the message I give my children about spring cleaning.
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| Spring Cleaning Then |
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| Spring Cleaning Now |
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