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
All done.
woohoo! Good job
I always make sure anything that goes into the linen cupboard is totally dry, so what is that musty smell? is it because the cupboard stays shut for long periods of time? Too many things in the cupboard? Is it coming from the cavity inside the ceiling? I don’t keep food in there. I do keep picnic plates,cups,bowls in there, and party paraphernalia also.
that is a real mystery for you Anna, I have been thinking about this for you, I would like to suggest to fill a little mason jar with baking soda and a few drops of your favorite essential oil. The baking powder is known for it’s deodorizing and neutralizing properties and should help to clear any smells. Please let me know how this goes for you.
I’m loving that the linen cupboard is still surprising me in a positive way every time I go there
Thank you so much Kat, very much appreciated!
🙂
I had no idea my washing machine was quite so “festy” please excuse the colloquialism but I was taken by surprise
It’s those little things that get forgotten, happy to remind you 🙂
Yay – Washing machine done … hmmm that was a little surprising :p
just finished cleaning the rest of the house now for the linen closet! Just loving this challenge Kat – thankyou for putting this all together. I love being able to print out all my sheets and mark them as I go, certainly gives you a sense of achievement and a proud moment. A little buggered but half way through the challenge now and already feel so much lighter and just that little bit more stress free – looking forward to the school holidays, I know I will have so much more time and energy for the kids, hope you’re having a lovely day 🙂
I love ticking boxes too!! I love hearing your feedback on how your feeling and your right, instead of worrying about the house you can be spending time with your kiddies and enjoying special precious moments with them, love it!
I have just completed Day 11 as I had my Bub on the afternoon of the 22nd so wasn’t really feeling up to any extra tasks for The Monday. But have kept the rest of the house clean with my checklists. My mum came to stay to help and was bored because our house was so clean and organised so thankyou Kat xx on to Day 12 while kids are all entertained/asleep!
Hi Kody, congratulations on the birth of your bub, that’s wonderful that you have managed to maintain your space and I hope that your mum wasn’t too bored and enjoyed spending time with you.
What a day! I have cleaned out my linen cupboard for the first time in five years! It was a mess! My daughters have big cupboard in their rooms, so i also cleaned out their linen sections. i have halved my linen collection and still have more than 4 sheet sets per bed. I will cull again in about a year if sheets have not been used. I feel so pleased with what I have achieved and will sitting down with a glass of wine later tonight when the kids go to bed! Thanks so much Kat for this great motivational series! Helen xo
Wowsers Helen, ou have been on a mission, I love it, hope you are enjoying looking at your amazing efforts 😉
I’m a bit of a neat freak when it comes to my linen cupboard, so I could skip this step (yay!). And with hubby working with grease, my front loader is cleaned often. I find vinegar excellent! I’ve never had a problem with smell or mould with my washing machine and I’ve had it for about 5 years. We live in a very humid climate (North Qld). I just leave the detergent drawer and machine door open after EVERY wash and leave it open until I need to use it again. Now, I’m going back to clean my oven 🙂
this is really good to know Ness, especially in northern QLD where is it very warm.
Today’s tasks done! I found a filter in the washing machine that I didn’t know existed and it is now clean! 😀
Hubby and I did the linen cupboard together only a couple of weeks ago so there wasn’t really anything left to do there. So I have made a start on some of the tasks for the rest of the week! Hoping I finish the challenge before bub arrives! 🙂
When does Bub arrive Rebecca, do you want me to unlock next week for you so you can get a head start?
I’m 38 weeks – so any day! If you could unlock next week for me that would be wonderful! Thank you! This challenge has been so helpful in getting my house ready for a new baby! 🙂
Just unlocked them for you Rebecca, but take it easy, rest and relax before Bub arrives, enjoy some sleep ins!!
Done, this was an easier task today as I had already done the linen cupboard just the other week.
Gotta love those easy days 🙂