Clean – Washing Machine
One day many years ago I washed one of my doona inserts and it came out of my washing machine filthy with black marks all over it. It was then that I realised that the washing machine needed to be regularly cleaned. Cleaning your washing machine will remove the build up from fabric softener and soap and prevent marks and scum appearing on your linens and clothes.
Find details:
- how to clean a top load washing machine
- how to clean a front load washing machine
[wlchecklist name=’CleanDay11′]
Declutter – Linen Cupboard
It so easy to accumulate extra bed sheets or towels, from sales, gifts or just because we have to have it. I’m rather partial to a beautiful quilt and soft towels and do have a good collection. But I need to limit myself as my linen cupboard is only so big and if I was to buy more I wouldn’t have the space. So my rule is, one in one out but also be realistic when I make the purchase (see more below in new habit).
What I keep in my linen cupboard:
- Top shelf – seasonal linens I don’t regulary use ie blankets, winter sheets
- 4th shelf – bed linens and a few cleaning supplies – see full list of bed linens I keep for each bed here
- 3rd shelf – bath towels and pet supplies – I have one extra towel for each family member plus 4 spare towels
- 2nd shelf – beach towels and table cloths
- Bottom Shelf – Cleaning bucket, cat food, a bag of kitty litter and rags
[wlchecklist name=’DeclutterDay11′]
Organise – Linen Cupboard
I usually take 2 minutes to tidy the linen cupboard as I place linens back into the cupboard after being washed as the kids usually prefer the towel at the bottom of the pile which is how it gets messy easy. Today’s task is to tidy it up and organise in a manner that you can easily find something the next time you are looking for it.
I keep a few extra laundry products here and extra mop pads
I use the stackable storage bins from Howards Storage World to store the cat’s litter tray liners, clippers, brush and medication. In the containers underneath I store my ironing water container, refills for the duster and tissue packets. I used to use different containers here, however I needed to utilise this space better and using stackable containers makes it easer to access everything and fit more into the linen closet if needed.
I use Ikea storage boxes in the top of the laundry cupboard, this holds all our seasonal sheets (so in summer I keep the flannel sheets in here, in winter I swap them over and it holds our normal sheets). Then I store any extra quilt covers to the right of the cupboard.
I keep all extra toilet paper, tissues, paper towel on a shelf in the garage. It’s my stock pile shelf where I also keep extra laundry detergent, cereals, bathroom soap etc. I usually purchase two or three of an item we use when I see it on special.
Find video tutorial (ooh these are so old and I am 40kg heavier in all of them, but these will help you) here on how I fold:
- fitted sheets – fast with no fuss
- bath towels – basic, but just shows you how I do it
[wlchecklist name=’OrganiseDay11′]
New Habit – One in one out
Keep buying impulses under control using the one in one out policy. However consider the one that has to go out, is it still usable? If yes then you don’t need to get rid of it and you don’t need to buy a new one. If it wasn’t useable, eg worn or has holes then it can be replaced.
[wlchecklist name=’NewHabitDay11′]
5 Minutes Only – Tidy under your laundry sink
[wlchecklist name=’5minutesonlyDay11′]
DOWNLOAD
Print the daily sheet and checklists to keep for reference while you are completing the above tasks.
- DAY 11 DAILY TASK SHEET – file behind ‘Daily Task’ divider – click to download.
78 comments
I may not get to the linen cupboard today, but the washing machine is on and cleaned before I head off to work. I try to get whatever jobs I can get done each day, no matter how small!
at least it’s a start Lorraine, great work!
Done 🙂 This day has been nice and straightforward for me as I only have one drawer for linen and one drawer for towels. Now to put my feet up!
Ooh yay! Great when there are easier days, enjoy.:)
Loving all of the tips especially the vinegar as fabric softener. How much do you use and do you still pop it in the fabric softener spot?
After cleaning my linen cupboard I’ve realised how many towels, beach towels, hand towels and face washers I have! Won’t have to buy any for quite some time.
I always start out strong in the week as my 5 and 3 year old are at preschool. The rest of the week is a little harder.
Kate i usually put in just a good capful depending how big the load is. Or one good drop.
I’m in the same boat as Denise, and was wondering the same things so am happy to hear all is still available after the 20 days are up..
I have definitely made improvements since starting the challenge. The kitchen bench remains tidy, the pantry is now somewhat organised (thanks to Big w’s 1/2 price sistema containers) . Today I tackled two dumping corners of the house, I’m using and loving the vileda mop system. My washing machine has received it’s first ever clean. I feel I am able to see cleaning the house in a new light. Every accomplishment is satisfying and I am viewing the house clean/ organise as a whole not just unrelated chores. My goal of an organised tranquil home is before me and starting to become a reality. It’s thrilling!!
Thank you Katrina for your encouragement
Ooh Jenny i am so proud of you! You sound like you are on to it and doing an absolutely amazing job! Keep up the great work.:) x
I’m sorry – have cheated today as I bought a proprietary washing machine cleaner at the weekend and have run that through the machine!
time off!!
Hmm – not so much, still a bit gunky so will be using your techniques too. 🙂
Help – my machine still stinks! Can I use bicarb and vinegar in it?
Hi Julie, what is making it smell, yes I use bicarb and vinegar in mine, you could run it on a soak cycle with the vinegar so it can lose up any caked on dirt.
I don’t know what is making it smell! I have cleaned the drawer, checked the filter, run vinegar through as a softener and by chucking it in the drum. Did a boil wash with bio powder rather than my liquid non-bio, have cleaned all the seals as well. It seems if I don’t use it every day the drum gets smelly – no idea why! We leave the door open too.Tried an internet remedy last night – a dishwasher tablet in the drum on a 60c cycle….we’ll see.
What a mystery for you. Does it have a rubber lining, mould could be lingering in or around the lining? Sounds like whereever the smell is coming from water maynot be getting to it as the smell should go away for at least just a little period. What about checking behind the machine, might be a little critter there?
We wondered last night if it is a drain back up smell making it’s way back to the drum as this has only happened since we resited the washing machine having installed a cloakroom – now everything goes through a hugely expensive macerator. Made an adjustment to the hose etc this morning and will flush bleach through the drain system from the front of the house later. The smell def seems to be from tbe drum rather than the rubber seal – it’s a complete mystery at the moment!
Finally – bleach seems to have done the trick!
Fantastic Julie.:)
Well, I have got off to an absolutely terrible start with this challenge and haven’t been able to follow along as I had planned to so far, so I am going to basically restart it over again from the beginning rather than jumping back in half way through. As such, I just wanted to check if ALL of this wonderful content will still be available for me to access after the 4 week challenge is finished so I can still work through it all in my own time? Or am I going to have to make sure I have everything printed off beforehand? I already have most of the task lists printed off, but find the extra details you put in for each task and all the links etc.. to be very helpful to read through also, and love the inspirational comments you include at the start of each day. Thanks 🙂
Hi Denise, that is perfectly ok. Everything will stay as is, you are a lifetime member so the site will still be available for you to view at your own pace/time.:)
Im in the same boat as you Denise. I did all my pre challenge tasks over the weekend and have got the first 5 days worth of printables done and on my clip board ready to go. I really need to get my office cleaned out and sorted but I will wait and see if that is in one of the days lol. Theres a whole lot of mess in there lol..
Will that also be the case for me ? Will I still be able to view all of the material after the 4 weeks has finished?
Hi Kaylene, Absolutely you have lifetime access to the challenge so you can go back and redo or complete tasks that suit you. And don’t worry about the office it won’t go overlooked.:) There is a day set aside for it.
Just read today’s list. Firstly I love love love the chandelier in your laundry!!!
Secondly, I just wanted to check – you keep one set of sheets on each bed, and 3 spare sets in the linen cupboard for each bed (2 cotton, 1 flannelette). Is this right? Or is the 3 sets for each bed including the one already on the bed, so you then only keep 2 spare sets each in the linen cupboard?
Thirdly, in your top loader washing machine cleaning advice you said to use 1 cup vinegar in a hot empty full wash. But a few times I have seen bicarbonate mentioned. So do we add bicarbonate as well or just use vinegar?
Hi Darra, I just have two sets of sheets for each bed. The ones on the bed and a spare set in the linen cupboard. And with cleaning my washing machine i just use the vinegar, it works a treat.:)
Woohoo – I’ve finally managed to get a whole day’s tasks done on the day! Each day I’ve managed some of the list’s tasks but today I’ve finished it all! I’ve got a real sense of accomplishment as I go to bed – dishes done, benches clear, linen cupboard looking fresh and tidy and under the laundry sink freshened up. Roll on tomorrow
Fantastic Catherine!! You are on to it!.:) Keep up with your wonderful work!
Well I have looked at my sheet cupboard and although it is fairly tidy I have learnt some tips from your blogs and postings. Thanks Kat 🙂 I have ordered a couple of Space Bags to store my blankets in, and there are now cube ones that stack on top of each other. I also liked your sheet folding video, it makes sense to keep the whole kit together, something I will be doing from now. Someone shared a post that they are more organised at work, I am finding that too because my house is becoming very organised and easy to maintain once organised. Thanks so much for everyone’s contributions, especially you Kat for being so creative and a great instructor!! 🙂
Susanne
Awe thank you so much Susanne!! Each and everyone of you are doing an amazing job and i am so impressed by you all. Keep up the amazing job you are doing Susanne.:)
A little worried about the fact that I’ve been using fabric softener for so long. I have, however, been using the bleach method to clean my machine for some time so I know it’s clean. My question is: will the bicarb and vinegar in the hot wash be enough to dissolve the built up gunk of fabric softener? My son Jett has started getting a rash so I’ve started using sensitive washing powder and after reading everyone’s comments…want to stop the softener too.
Megan, I would suggest getting your hose in first just to help loosen the gunk up first and then use the bicarb and vinegar rinse.