Day 11

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′]

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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′]

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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′]

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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′]

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5 Minutes Only – Tidy under your laundry sink

[wlchecklist name=’5minutesonlyDay11′]

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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.

Please share your progress in the comments below