Spring, the way Grandma did
Spring, the way Grandma did
Spring arrived Tuesday March 19th and with that for me, an urge to deep clean, I mean really, really deep clean. Sending some items to the good will store, opening the windows to let in the fresh spring air, scrubbing everything everywhere, changing linens, curtains, decorations….
I did a deep clean summer 2023 while repainting most every room in the house. I deep cleaned in spring 2022. That was the first shock for my children as truck loads of stuff went their way. I am ready to do it again.
Unfortunately, with snow on the ground still and minus temperatures those windows will remain shut and the heavy winter curtains will stay for a little while longer. But in the meantime, I can get to that deep, really deep cleaning.
Spring at grandma’s house always meant cleaning up and cleaning out. I suppose it was a last really good cleaning as the warmer days would bring her outside to tend to animals and the garden. All too quickly that garden would provide wonderful things that would need attention in the kitchen, berries in early summer would keep her busy until an endless harvest come the crisp days of autumn. once the garden was emptied, canning done another good cleaning would happen prior to settling in for the winter months.
In the spring, do you find yourself baking with heirloom recipes to fill the freezer so that come summer there is plenty of home baked goodness to be found with out heating up the kitchen? I aspire to do this but rarely, as of late do I fill the freezer.
When you walk through the mall these March days, or browse online are you drawn to soft, floral patterns? I have found myself dreaming of that vintage wardrobe once again, petticoats trimmed in eyelet, with a matching camisole under a loose comfortable flowing floral dress.
Any time is a great time to stop and smell the roses, but spring is the perfect time to clear the calendar, slow down so that you and your loved ones can enjoy the beauty, goodness and simple things of life, A good deep spring cleaning of house and home. The roads and sidewalks are a mess. I fell twice last week while out with the dog. I look forward to all this melting and drying up. with all that yuck out there we might as well stay inside to clean up and clear out.
Remember me introducing you to a new trend that has been my dreamy way of life with its wonderful name, Grandma Core? Well, here is how I will myself be practising grandma core, naturally going through what I traditionally do every spring in my home, to create the prettiest spring season ever.
While my children were growing up, I thoroughly enjoyed changing things for the seasons and holidays. I found it a wonderful distraction from the endless, repetitive tasks that accompany housekeeping. Decorating, baking and creating fun activities for a holiday, season or celebration has been for me, one of the most fun elements of homemaking. I must add an equally necessary distraction from everything that was horrible at that time. Focus on the positive and watch it grow.
Spring cleaning, this can seem like a boring to-do list. Go through closets, tidy counters, wash windows, oil woodwork, scrub floors… But with the right attitude approach and company, everything can feel light, fun and most rewarding. Put on some energizing music, wear a kerchief, don an apron and get down to business.
Opening windows once the temperatures allow, creates fresh spaces for a home blending indoors and out. I can’t wait for the smell of fresh mowed lawn. That speaks summer just as a wood stove says autumn and winter. For me housecleaning at times can feel like a chore while at other times it is a lot of fun. Now it must be done, some might argue this. Reta… Really do we need to wash walls? But once a deep clean is completed it is most satisfying, so you might as well create little practices so that you do enjoy the deep cleaning process. Finding the right attitude makes all the difference. Ask yourself where is my heart’s attitude.
Growing up we washed wall twice a year. Before Easter and Before Christmas. My dad was a chain smoker so the end result of washing wall was like painting.
For me deep, deep cleaning any time of the year is not about throwing away the majority of my possessions to create the cold scarcity of extreme modern minimalism. For me this year spring cleaning will be about cherishing my most treasured possessions, making room for the meaningful, while cleaning in a way that’s kind and safe to both my home and the planet.
This year also brings the anticipation of everything that has been collected over the years for the tearoom will be moving out. Dining tables, chairs, buffet, china cabinets, teacarts, linens and china will be moved to the new permanent tearoom location
Most of what needs to be decluttered in my home is junk. When deep cleaning I tend to fill the recycle bin with paper and plastic. I have a habit of saving for “one day”. But if that day hasn’t come since the last time I deep cleaned it has to go. This spring the paper shredder will be working overtime as I clean out the Tearoom office. What is of absolute importance to hold onto and what can be recycled. In my kitchen I have been saving plastic containers to use to freeze homemade soup broth. I have more containers than would fit in my freezer. I have more containers than I have bones to make broth. The containers must go.
I hope you don’t make the mistake of throwing out old things just because you’re in spring cleaning mode. I have experienced regret, always the two weeks later. Many of our old things around the house are beautiful and useful. Hold onto that item, ask yourself many questions regarding the item before tossing. I will forever ask myself “Does it bring me joy?”
Last year I thought twice before tossing out old vases and a vintage box of linen napkins. “Can the vase be repurposed, or is it needed for spring flowers?” I asked myself. If it was only one or two vases on the shelf for sure it might be able to be repurposed. But last spring I brought to the second hand store a dozen vases! This year I will also ask “ How many do I really need?”
“Could these linen napkins see the light of day at our next family dinner?” I asked. Well, there are almost 30 of us if we are all in the same place at the same time. So no, the napkins can not be used as there are only 8. But, seeing as they are never used, vintage still in the original box, they will go right back into my buffet cabinet drawer. An heirloom treasure. One must be careful when discerning what goes and what stays.
My Grandma Core Approach to Spring Cleaning
When I am deep cleaning, I start with great music, I start at the top and work my way to the bottom. Top of the house, top of the room. I go through each closet, drawer, cupboard and shelf deciding what to keep, what to send away, what to throw away. This sorting is the most time consuming part. bags and boxes labeled clutter the house for a time until they are delivered. Whether they get sent to the second hand store or to another family members house, they sit for a short time only hopefully. otherwise you risk the chance of the items finding their way back in.
Then the scrubbing starts, light fixtures, walls, windows and door frames, baseboards and floors. finally put it all back, well not all that you took out because some was thrown away, or given away. Step back take a look at the finished results of all your hard labours. Time for tea and sweets.
Then repeat in the next room. I usually don a fun apron, put on great motivating music, wear a kerchief then when a room is completed light a candle in that space. Sit back and admire the accomplishment with my cuppa.
I rarely purchase store bought cleaners for home. I do have rules and regulations to follow in the tearoom though. Did you know that lemon, vinegar, and baking soda are simple ingredients that can tackle almost any cleaning task, from brightening whites to making glass sparkle. Mixing up a batch of lemon-scented cleaner or a gentle, baking soda-based scrub makes cleaning a more personal, thoughtful act.
I am allergic to vinegar, so I must be very careful when using it in cleaners. It isn’t an anaphylactic type allergy when I eat something containing vinegar but I certainly do feel like I can’t breath when I get a whiff.
Here’s a list of simple, effective mixes you can try out. I bet Grandma used many of these.
All-Purpose Cleaner: Mix equal parts water and white vinegar in a spray bottle. Works wonders on countertops, windows, and most surfaces. If you’re not a fan of the vinegar smell, add a few drops of your favorite essential oil.
Glass Cleaner: Combine 2 cups water, 1/2 cup white vinegar, and 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol (70% concentration) for streak-free windows and mirrors. Since purchasing microfibre cleaning cloths I don’t use a glass cleaner. The blue cloth is wet, think karate kid, wax on. While the yellow cloth is dry, wax off. With the dog around this days it is even worse than having children at the front and back door.
Scrub for Tough Grime: Make a paste with baking soda and water for a powerful scrub that can tackle bathroom and kitchen grime without scratching surfaces.
Wood Polish: Mix 1 cup olive oil with 1/2 cup lemon juice for a natural, shiny finish on wood furniture. Apply with a soft cloth and buff gently. My favourite orange oil for wood is no longer in production so I will be trying this oil, lemon juice mix for the first time this year.
Carpet Stain Remover: Mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray on stains, let sit for a few minutes, then clean with a brush or cloth.
Drain Cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda down the drain, followed by 1/2 cup vinegar. Cover and let it fizz for a few minutes, then flush with hot water to clear clogs. I often gathered my children around the sink when it was clogged. Baking soda, vinegar followed by boiling water = volcano fun, with purpose. No chemicals, so good for the environment, safe for the house.
Mold and Mildew Remover: Mix 1 part hydrogen peroxide with 2 parts water in a spray bottle. Spray on moldy areas, wait an hour, then rinse or scrub away.
Fabric Softener: Use 1/4 cup of white vinegar in the rinse cycle of your wash to soften clothes naturally. Don’t worry; the vinegar smell will vanish once the clothes are dry. Did you know that fabric softener is just as bad for your clothing fibres as bleach. One of the few things I remember from Apparel Design class at the University.
Lemon Disposal Cleaner: Toss a few lemon peels into your garbage disposal and run it with water for a fresh, clean scent.
Floor Cleaner: For tile or vinyl floors, mix 1 cup vinegar in a gallon of hot water. For wood floors, swap the vinegar for a mild dish soap. The only way to truly wash floors at home is on your hands and knees with a bucket of hot soapy water. Grandma would be proud.
These homemade cleaners are a not only easy and relatively inexpensive to make but they also bring a touch of the good old days back into a cleaning routine. Spending time making these all-natural cleaners, then actually using them is a fantastic way to clean up from winter while it is still here and make time pass while waiting for the warmer, lighter days of spring and summer to come.
Promise me once you are all done the deep spring house cleaning, you will light a seasonally appropriate candle, sit with quiet music that fits your mood and sip a cuppa while enjoying that feeling of satisfaction that comes from a job well done.
As many of you know, I reside in an old turn of the century character home. I have 4 levels to deep clean. Starting at the top, the third floor, my bedroom and a nook for the wee one when she visits. The 2nd floor has three bedrooms and a bathroom, which sadly I will be loosing the original claw foot tub this year. The main floor holds the living room, dining room, foyer and kitchen. while the basement, fully finished, boasts the family room, exercise room, tiny tearoom office, laundry, bathroom and pantry. Very cozy.
I am deep cleaning part time while I am continuing my responsibilities to get this tearoom open in a permanent location later this year .
Happy cleaning to you,
Joanne
