OMGeee it’s the weekend and we made it! We are almost at the end of our 10 Day Declutter Challenge! Today’s focus is Window sills, baseboards, and blinds!
Today is a little tricky because you really need to do a quick clean-up before you tackle the tasks of the day. So let’s start here:
1. Clear Surfaces
Walk around and pick up things on the floor and on countertops. Only work on one room at a time and use our tried and true method of bringing a bin with you to place items that are in a room but actually live somewhere else. It is more time-efficient to put those things back at one time versus running all over to put one thing back at a time.
2. Wipe surfaces
From top to bottom, wipe down bathroom counters, the kitchen counter, and other hard surfaces like desks and side tables. Use a clean rag for each room.
Window sills and blinds should be wiped off before the baseboards because the dust we are going to remove from them may fall and collect on the baseboards. We do NOT want to do double work!
3. Dust Blinds
4. Clean Window Sills
I found this really easy way to clean window sills from Merry Maids. (This method will work for baseboards and other trim as well)
- First, wipe the windowsills with a dry microfiber cloth to remove any dust. If you still have residue left, you can move on to the following steps.
- In a spray bottle, mix a few drops of dishwashing liquid with warm water.
- Spritz a microfiber cloth with your solution until it’s dampened. Note: It’s especially important to apply your cleaner to the cloth — and not the windowsills themselves — if you have wooden window frames. Oversaturating wood can damage the finish or paint. Worse yet, too much liquid could cause the wood to warp.
- Gently wipe the windowsill and the frame. For heavier smudges, apply a little bit of pressure with your fingertips.
- Wipe your windowsills down with a dry microfiber cloth. (If you have time—clean the inside of your windows with some window cleaner before wiping down with a dry microfiber cloth.)
5. Vacuum
6. Mop where necessary
This isn’t going to be a wet-mop-all-the-hard-floors kind of morning. For today’s purpose, a quick spray mopping will do.
7. Baseboards
Follow the same steps for windowsills (step 4) plus:
Use a cotton swab is just the right size for those hard-to-reach spots. Dip your swab in your cleaner, then push and twist it in the corners and other spaces to remove dirt.
Rub down your baseboards with a fresh dryer sheet. This last step will create a barrier that repels dust and dirt and keeps your baseboards looking beautiful longer.
These quick cleaning hacks for baseboards, chair rails, molding, and other trim were too good to not share:
1. Mr. Clean Magic Eraser
These versatile and hardworking cleaning sponges can clean many things around the house, and they may be the easiest way to clean baseboards regularly. All you need is a handful of Magic Erasers and a bucket of warm water. If you’re working on painted baseboards, add dish soap. If you have stained wood baseboards, add distilled white vinegar. Dip your eraser into the bucket, wring it out, and wipe down the baseboards.
2. Brooms and Brushes
Sweeping dust and dirt from your baseboards with a broom is easy, and it keeps you from having to bend down or squat. Sweep the dust from your baseboards and then sweep or vacuum the floor beneath. For more detailed dusting, you can use a new paintbrush on baseboards and other trim.
3. Vacuum Cleaner
A handheld vacuum cleaner you can extend down to your baseboards is convenient and quick, but a regular vacuum cleaner with brush and wand attachments will pick up more dirt and dust. Start with your vacuum’s brush attachment and work from the top of the baseboards down. Get into nooks and crannies with your vacuum wand attachment.
4. Baby Wipes
Baby wipes are not only one of the greatest baby care inventions ever, they are also a quick and easy way to clean up. When you need to clean up in a hurry, disposable wipes may be the solution. While there are more eco-friendly alternatives, in a pinch you can use these disposable wipes on baseboards, picture frames, and more.
5. Dryer Sheets
Fabric softener sheets smell great and easily lift dirt, dust, and pet hair from your baseboards. They also leave behind a dust repelling layer to protect your baseboards from further buildup. This easy baseboard cleaning method is a good option for regular cleaning maintenance, especially if you have pets.
How are you doing with the challenge? No worries if you cannot do it every day or even if this week is not a good fit for your schedule. Cleaning out 1 drawer is a win! If you have time, use this weekend to catch up on some of the tasks from the week.
Remember…
OUR GOAL IS PEACE.
How to participate in the challenge:
1. Join the Seasonal Decor Chics Facebook group.
2. Be sure you are subscribed to my blog posts
3. Share photos and encouragement on the Seasonal Decor Chics Facebook group.
4. Challenge runs 3/25-4/3 (no worries if this timeline does not work for you–blog posts and videos will all be linked on the 10 Day Declutter Challenge Page.
5. Have Fun!
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