| Some tasks only need to be done once or twice a | | | | 4. Chill: If you have a window unit, make sure the air |
| year. The problem is that we forget to do them once | | | | conditioner is debris free. |
| or twice a year. Or else, we tend to save it all for | | | | 5. Sunshine cleaning: Clean the laundry room. Clean the |
| spring cleaning which makes spring cleaning such a | | | | washing machine while youRre at it by running an |
| daunting chore that it doesn't occur, either. | | | | empty load on hot - with a cup of chlorine bleach. |
| The best plan is to break annual and seasonal tasks | | | | 6. Ducts redux: Clean dryer ducts. Many home fires |
| down by month and attack them on a scheduled basis. | | | | each year are caused by lint accumulating in dryer |
| Nothing gets too backed up and things eventually get | | | | ducts. |
| done. And without a major life overhaul. I also found | | | | 7. No excuses: Clean the grill so you have no reason |
| that concentrating on one room each month is more | | | | not to cook outside. |
| rewarding because you can really see results. | | | | 8. Power play: Power wash the patio and/or deck. |
| Here's the schedule that has worked best for me: | | | | Seal the wood, if necessary. |
| May | | | | 9. Taking sides: Clean the siding of your house with a |
| 1. Al fresco: Clean patio furniture and umbrella. | | | | hose. Wash off cobwebs, dirt, etc. |
| 2. Step on it: Clean doormats - or just buy new ones. | | | | 10. Nitty gritty: Mold or mildew on the walls? Scrub it off |
| 3. Duct calls: Clean ac and/or heating ducts; change | | | | with a solution of diluted chlorine bleach, water and |
| filters. | | | | laundry detergent. |