money
Raking it in. Sometimes, spring cleaning just isn’t enough. Bulging closets and overflowing shelves could mean it’s time for a garage or yard sale. Weiman Products, a maker of household cleaning supplies, offers these tips to help ensure a successful and profitable garage sale.
Clothing should first be washed or dry-cleaned. Clothes are also easier to look through when displayed on hangers.
Scratched wood furniture should be treated with a wax crayon or shoe polish paste that matches the color of the wood. Apply it to the scratch, then buff the area with a clean, soft cloth.
Plastic toys should be washed with hot soapy water and a sponge. To clean stuffed animals, put them inside a pillowcase, tie a knot at the top, and run them through the washing machine.
Leather purses or wallets require high-quality leather cleaner and conditioner that is rich in natural oils. Be sure to test the product first on a small area of the item. Avoid using cleaning fluid, shoe cream, saddle soap and mink oil, all of which can damage leather.
time
Spa-smelling sink.
Citrus fruit peels are great for deodorizing garbage disposals and kitchen sinks, according to the plumbing and drain-cleaning company Mr. Rooter. Follow these steps to help clear the air:
Place a cupful of ice cubes and the citrus peels — oranges, lemons or limes — in the disposal.
Turn on the cold water and the disposal for 15 to 30 seconds.
Then turn off the disposal and continue to rinse with cold water for 15 more seconds.
space
Messy home office? Colorado professional organizer Sally Allen and the National Association of Professional Organizers have these ideas for ridding your residential work space of excess clutter.
Keep only the supplies you need on a daily basis on your desktop.
Create a paper flow system for your incoming documents.
Use your inbox only for items that haven’t yet been reviewed.
Avoid looking at documents and placing them back on the desk. Make a decision about each one and follow through with it.
Create a filing system for your electronic documents that mirrors the one you have for paper. Sort, file and purge electronic information regularly.
Keep the most recent papers in the front of your files. Whenever you open them, current information should be on top.
