5 Weird Items You Aren’t Cleaning But Should Be

It’s the time of year that cleaning is at the forefront of our minds. As if we needed more guilt about the state of our homes and our housekeeping habits. However, with cleaning on my mind I’ve noticed a lot of things I’m not cleaning regularly. If you’re like me here is a list of weird items you aren’t cleaning but should be.

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Green Fans on a Wall, close up of Hello Kitty sleep mask, and a woman sitting in a laundry mat washer with text overlay: 5 Weird Items Your Aren't Cleaning But Should Be

[bctt tweet=”Don’t forget these 5 weird items during your next cleaning session. #cleaningtips” username=”diyadulation”]

Last week I was laying in bed trying to fall asleep. I recently started a night time beauty ritual to try to improve my skin tone. It’s not easy to start routines so I think about it a lot. Suddenly, it dawned on me that I couldn’t tell you the last time I washed my eye mask.

This is something I wear every single night and it is washed once a year at best. Yuck! It led to other items I’m not cleaning like I should and I figure you might be missing them too.

 

Hot Pink Hello Kitty Sleep Mask

Sleep Mask

Since this is the item that spurred it all we’ll start with it. This mask is enveloping part of your face everyday. That means oil, dirt, and sweat are building up on it even if you clean your face before bed.

Think of this like your sheets. Throw it in the wash at least once a week. If you’re worried about going without it for a night purchase a second one. Then you can rotate them out as needed.

Doors

When is the last time you scrubbed your doors? Think of all of those grubby hands grabbing the handles day in and day out. Again, this is a germ magnet.

I recommend wiping the handles with a Clorox wipe daily. Fully scrub the door every other week at a minimum. Don’t forget a quick pass of the frames while you’re at it.

 

White phone sitting on a computer keyboard

Electronics

Before our television hung on the wall, it was low enough the little fingers could (and did) touch it constantly. Couple with that computers, tablets, and phones with touch screens and these things get a lot dirtier than they used to. I remember being able to dust the computer monitor and CRT television and calling it a day.

Now your electronics require more maintenance. Use a cleaner like this with a microfiber cloth for the screens. Then use compressed air for keyboards and speakers.

Bonus Tip:

Pantry Organizers

We use plastic bins to wrangle snacks, breakfast items, and more in our pantry. These need to get washed occasionally as well. These are like your kitchen cabinets. They accrue build up and yuckiness that needs to be washed off.

I love the Dawn infused paper towels for this job. The Dawn busts through the grease and grime making the process quick and easy.

 

Green Fans attached to a wall

Fans

With summer coming up, don’t forget about the fans in your home. They are dust and dirt magnets. In fact, they’re actively sucking any particles lingering in your air. Again, gross.

To clean these, take apart the casing by unscrewing it. Throw the casing in your shower and cover with any foaming cleanser (I like Scrubbing Bubbles). While that sits, wipe down the blades of the fan. Finally, use your shower nozzle to spray off the foaming cleaner on the casings. All them to dry and put them back together.

 

woman sitting in a laundry mat washer with text overlay: 5 Weird Items Your Aren't Cleaning But Should Be

There you have my 5 weird items you aren’t cleaning but should be. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of the spring cleaning, start with these items that you haven’t cleaned in a while (if ever). Better to accomplish something than be paralyzed into inaction.

What other items would you add to this list? I’d love to hear about them in the comments. Don’t worry, there will be no judgments here. Someone who hasn’t thought to wash their sleep mask in a year doesn’t get to judge, amiright?

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Green Fans on a Wall and a woman sitting in a laundry mat washer with text overlay: 5 Weird Items Your Aren't Cleaning But Should Be

 

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9 Easy Projects to Improve Your Curb Appeal

The mailbox by the road hasn’t seen a revamp in decades. Your garden is a terrible combination of overgrown and dead. The porch itself is unremarkable and bare. If this sounds familiar, you’ll love these 9 easy projects to improve your curb appeal.

Collage of Photos of Outdoor Projects with text overlay: 9 Easy Projects to Improve Your Curb Appeal

Confession time: our curb appeal sucks. We are probably one of the ugliest houses on our street. The neighbors have beautifully maintained gardens and even the color of the houses are more attractive. It is well past time to update our curb appeal.

As soon as the weather stops going crazy that is number 1 on my to-do list. To prepare, I’m gathering information and ideas now starting with these 9 easy projects to improve your curb appeal.

 

White wooden window box full of flowers

How to Build a Flower Box Planter (H2O Bungalow)

This box planter is absolutely gorgeous. It’s an easy way to spruce up the look of your home without dropping a ton of cash.

 

White wooden farmhouse shutters

Board and Batten Farmhouse Shutters (Organized and Simplified)

These shutters are another awesome project to improve your home. She used them inside but I think they would look fabulous outside as well. You may need a coat of outdoor sealant on them, but other than that, changes would be minor.

 

Yellow chair flower planter

Vintage Toddler Potty into Flower Potty (Pink Fortitude)

Nothing says budget friendly like re-purposing items you already have. That is exactly what she has done with this adorable planter. Love it!

 

Industrial metal orb hanging planter

DIY Hanging Orb Planter (Dazzle While Frazzled)

Need an easy hanging planter to add pops of floral to your porch? This is the perfect project for the job.

 

Styled interior room with white-washed brick accent wall

Faux Brick Wall (Not Just a Housewife)

Again, this is an indoor project but could work well to update your outdoor brick as well. Our brick is this awful yellowy color that I hate so this is a great solution to change it up (without spending a month painting individual bricks).

 

Pastel wooden door mat

DIY Wood Doormat (H2O Bungalow)

A new doormat is a super easy refresh to make your entrance more welcoming. This bright and colorful one is durable and oh so pretty.

 

Before photo of lattice on a deck

How to Stain Wood or Lattice the Easy Way (Rain on a Tin Roof)

If your front porch has a lattice covering on the bottom you can easily update it with this project from Rain on a Tin Roof. This would be an easy way to instantly bump up your curb appeal in a few hours time.

 

Burlap garden flag with a pineapple on it

No-Sew Pineapple Garden Flag (Two Purple Couches)

Don’t forget to dress up that garden after you get it situated. This adorable no-sew flag is a fantastic way to add a pop of color!

 

Black solar lighted address post

Solar Lighted Address Post (Intelligent Domestications)

This is the project I am most excited about. It is incredibly easy but adds an elegant and practical touch to your curb appeal.

 

Collage of Photos of Outdoor Projects with text overlay: 9 Easy Projects to Improve Your Curb Appeal

Get inspired to tackle your own home improvement with these 9 easy projects to improve your curb appeal. Don’t forget to put your projects in the monthly budget if you need to purchase supplies. Going further into debt for aesthetics is not a good idea.

Now let’s get this party started! Link up your awesome posts at the Merry Monday link party below. Don’t forget to check out what your hosts have been up to lately. See you down there!

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Collage of Photos of Outdoor Projects with text overlay: 9 Easy Projects to Improve Your Curb Appeal

Easy Ways to Let Kids Be Creative Independently

These easy ways to let kids be creative independently are a hands-off way to let kids have fun and learn important skills. Check them out below and give it a try this weekend!

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Collage of Kids Crafts with text overlay: Easy Ways to Let Kids Be Creative Independently

 

[bctt tweet=”These easy ways to let kids be #creative #independently allow you to tackle your to-do list while keeping kiddos entertained and learning.” username=”diyadulation”]

As a stay-at-home mom (SAHM) you often feel the need to be everything when it comes to your kids. You try to play the role of maid, cook, event coordinator, educator, and confidant. To some extent, that’s true. On the other hand not everything has to be as hands-on as you think.

Earlier this week I shared that Monday was my uncle’s funeral. Most of last week was spent helping my mom prepare the arrangements because he didn’t have a family of his own.

Not only did that put me a little behind on work, it also put me in a weird head space that has made normal tasks more difficult. This made me a lot less available to my kiddos lately.

Luckily I have activities in place that require little effort on my part but that still let my kids have fun and create. In fact, I now have a fun new jewelry set that my 5 year old made me this week.

She is super proud of her creations and I love that I got some stuff done albeit at a slower pace than normal.

Don’t get sucked into believing you have to be 100% available to your kids 100% of the time simply because you’re a SAHM. These easy ways to let your kids be creative are a great way to find time for the additional priorities in your life.

 

Kid Made Colorful Beaded Jewelry Set

Making Jewelry

This requires a little bit of work on your part but not much. Set up the string and beads then let your little ones create to their heart’s content.

This is perfect for encouraging fine motor skills improvement and also pattern creation. Save money with a kit like this one so you always have the supplies on hand.

Tips:

 

Box of Action Plates Art Kit

Rubbing Art Set

Remember those fashion plates sets you had when you were little? Guess what! Not only do they still make them but you can also find more varieties now.

We have the fashion one and the super hero one. The kiddos love playing with these and I love that it teaches them how to recognize order and space.

Tips:

 

Painted Wrapping Paper on a Dining Table

Make Wrapping Paper

Do you have chores to do in the kitchen? This is the perfect creative activity to keep your kids close but occupied.

Cover your dining room or kitchen table with kid’s craft paper by taping pieces of the roll to the table. Then give the kids finger paints and let them go nuts.

This craft is two-fold. It keeps kids entertained and provides you with unique gift wrap for friends and family down the road.

Update: Get the full tutorial for this craft here!

Tips:

 

Collage of Kids Crafts with text overlay: Easy Ways to Let Kids Be Creative Independently

These easy ways to let kids be creative independently allow you to tackle your to-do list while keeping kiddos entertained. Remember not to get caught up in the myth that you have to be everything all of the time as a SAHM. Your needs still need to be met. You still have tasks you need to get done. In case no one else has told you, let me be the first to say that’s okay. Being a SAHM doesn’t mean being “on” 100% of the time. It is about finding the balance that works for you and your family.

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Collage of Kids Crafts with text overlay: Easy Ways to Let Kids Be Creative Independently

 

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