A Clearer View of Springtime
Is
the glory of the spring sun dulled by the gray film on your window panes? Then it might be time to gear up for a bit of
old-fashioned spring cleaning. Kids love
to help wash windows.
Start
by taking down the curtains; you'll be surprised at how dusty they are! Wash them by hand if they are delicate and
hang them outside in the fresh spring air.
Most young children can't wait to get their hands in soapy water so take
advantage of that! Next you can clean
the windows together.
Most
homemade window washing solutions contain white vinegar or ammonia. Mix ¼ tsp of liquid detergent (to remove
grease) and 3 tbsp vinegar (or ammonia) with 2 cups of water and pour the
mixture into a spray bottle. Make sure
there's a spray bottle for everyone - you and each child - and set the sprayers
to the widest mist. Spray each window
and wipe dry with a clean cloth. Linen works well, although some people prefer
to use newspaper.
Enjoy
the vibrant views! Once you have cleaned
the windows, you might notice the cobwebs in the corner of the ceiling, the
dust under the bed and lots of other things that you hadn't noticed during the
winter months. Stay calm, however, and
don't be tempted to take it all on immediately.
Try doing one task or one room each week.
Getting
started is the hardest part and the clean windows will be your inspiration to
carry on with the other seasonal cleaning chores. Your children will ask when they can help
again and that will surely spur you on!