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The North End

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February is a month that many of us would like to see end before it even begins. It is often gray, snowy, and cold, and it can feel like spring will never arrive. Let’s make this month be a countdown to spring by refreshing our indoor living so that when the time is right, our homes will be clean and fresh for the rest of the year!

A quick check list of to-do items will make this job easier. As tasks get accomplished, there is real satisfaction in checking them off. Give yourself one task a week and, by the end of the month, areas that often get neglected will be clean and ready for spring.

1. This first one is easy: make sure that you are replacing the furnace filter on a regular basis. It is best to spend a little more on a high-quality air filter. Although these can cost a little more, keeping the air quality in your home free of mold, pollen, and other microscopic particles from can be worth it. While you’re at it, use a dusting cloth to give a quick wipe-down of the filter plate and around the inside of the furnace case.

2. It’s also time to focus some attention on the kitchen. We’ve had a long season of indoor cooking, which can lead to an accumulation of grease and grime throughout kitchen spaces. Far a start, it’s time to clean the range hood and fan. Think about using a citrus-based cleaner that will make short work of the grease without the use of toxic or harsh chemicals.

3. Staying in the kitchen, remember to clean and de-grease the outside of your cabinets. The citrus-based cleaner is perfect to use on the surfaces of your cabinets. It’s safe and will not harm the finishes. While you’re at it, remember to wipe down the inside of the microwave. That’s one that is easy to put off until “tomorrow”! You’ll be happy with your fresh smelling microwave.

4. It may be time to clean that oven. This is certainly a task that we all can put off. The easiest (but harshest) way to clean the oven is to use a commercial oven cleaner, following the instructions on the package. For a greener option, sprinkle the bottom of the oven with baking soda, spritz with water, let it sit overnight, then scrub it clean. Be careful to follow the instructions for your particular oven. There are many new range/oven models that have special cleaning instructions. Make sure that you pay attention to these notes. After a winter of delicious indoor cooking, it always feels good to get your oven clean and tidy and ready for a little less use as we crank up our grills for some outdoor grilling.

5. Finally, use one of these weekends to pare down your closets. We all use our closets to put things away that we may (or may not!) use or want. Take a minute to do some sorting and remember someone’s trash is another person’s treasure. Donate to your local charity shop.

Nobody wants to spend hours and hours cleaning their home. This can lead to discouragement and make it easy to let things slide. Thinking about a deep clean of your home can be overwhelming. By dedicating one weekend a month to a different cleaning task, you can be finished by the time February is over and spring is on the way. You will feel so happy to know that you have a nice clean space!

Carol Relf
208.761.2652
crelf@atova.com

Atova, Inc.
607 E. State
Eagle, ID 83616
Phone: 208-939-5151
Fax: 208-939-5152
Email: info@IdahoRealEstate.com

In Idaho things are different. People are friendly, the streets are safe and life just seems to move a little bit slower. If you already live in the Boise area please stop by and say hello. We would enjoy hearing from you and we would enjoy being of service! If you don't yet live in Idaho, what are you waiting for? Now just might be the right time to make the move. We are professional and trustworthy real estate agents servicing the greater Boise Idaho area and beyond. Whether you are interested in new homes in the city, a cabin by the lake or a maintenance free downtown Boise condo, our agents are standing by to serve you. Call us today and let us know what we can do to help!