As this year 2023 comes to an end, I was trying to decide on a subject for my Blog …..what have I not really touched on ?

 Homekeeping came to me as I was oiling my wooden utensils one day…..how many ,who like me when I was younger, don’t know all the things about keeping a home ? Basic things ,tips and tricks to make it easier etc. because as much as I love a clean organized home I dont want to work overly hard at it ! Who’s with me !!

For me I need clean and organized and the hard truth is, it’s something you have to continually work at ! Some set aside a day to get most of it done …the vacuuming ,dusting ,floor washing etc. Maybe a Saturday if they work all week. Now I’m retired, something gets cleaned everyday and at some point during the week I tackle bigger jobs like floors ,dusting ,tidying the fridge(really hate that!) Once a month or so I deep clean one room ,dust the high up things or whatever I feel like . I’m not one to make a schedule or detailed lists but if that keeps you on track go for it ! There are so many organizational ready made lists and charts online to help you identify what should be tackled and how often,frankly I find many of them overwhelming ! I suggest you make your own after purusing the online ones as we all have different priorities !

Did you know your wooden utensils and wood cutting boards need cleaning and oiling? I did mine a few weeks ago and just love how nice they looked and were so much easier to clean food debris off!

So pretty right ?? Here’s how I do it …some people want you to soak them ,then wash and dry but to me ,wood and water are not friends! Sitting too long in water can make the wood swell and your wood utensils will not last as long ! Now my boards… the one used daily does get icky looking ,stained etc so I will sprinkle on some salt ,a teaspoon or so then cut a lemon in half and use it to scrub all the ick away ! Give it a rinse ,air dry completely before oiling !

My utensils are put away clean so I just get them all out along with my 4 wood cutting boards .You need a clean rag ( used only for this ) or some paper towel. I have a bottle of oil made specifically for wood ,it has lasted years…but not necessary,any food grade oil is fine,olive,canola,grapeseed,etc.

Pour some oil on the board or in the case of utensils pour some on your cloth and just start rubbing it in …go with the grain of the wood ,absorbs better. Do all surfaces ,edges and backs of your boards and when your done lay them out for a bit to really let it get absorbed then put away ! You only need to do this maybe twice a year,or whenever they start to look dried out.

Because I have very few drawers in my Kitchen ,I keep my cooking utensils in crocks and old pitchers by the stove . They also need some TLC regularly….I’m always grossed out by what migrates to the botton of those !!

I love my all natural dish brushes and the bottle brush get alot of use…hot water, a squirt of dish soap and voila, clean and ready for my freshly oiled spoons and spurtles ! Now what about your knives ??

I have a mid priced set that will do me forever as well as some better quality ones that belonged to my Mom. Hers are my favorite,she looked after them and my Dad made sure they were sharp as a razor blade ! I had a knife block for decades but decided I needed the counter space so I bought a magnetic block that attached to my back splash …so much better! Knives are best stored so they arent touching ,keeps the blades sharp and the magnetic block makes it easy to see which one you need at a glance ! Please never ever ever let them soak in a sink of water! After washing try to dry right away as water will discolour the steel eventually. Take good care of them and they will serve you well!

As you may know from previous posts I love to clean with my Enjo system , just using water but sometimes for certain jobs I make my own cleaning product.One of these is a dusting spray ,chemical free and you can use whatever essential oils you prefer. I like to use it because it cleans and leaves a nice luster on wood surfaces ,smell nice and I think repels dust .

super simple…

In a small spray bottle ,6 or 8 ounce, fill half way with water ,filtered is best but not necessary….add a 1/2 tsp dish detergent…2 tsp. Of olive or avocado oil and a few drops of your fav essential oil.

I like ,orange ,lemon, rosemary, peppermint …one or a combo.

It will separate so give it a good shake before spaying you dusting cloth.

Many years ago I bought a book called Simple Country Wisdom,by Susan Waggoner.

She gives you advice on every aspect of homemaking ,the whys and wherefores tips and tricks ! The photography is great as well. One thing she said that resonated with me was that it all starts at the entrance points of your house. I you keep the entry ways clean your house will stay cleaner ! Dirt migrates from outside and can then migrate all over your home !

If nothing else keep the floor swept or vacuumed and try to keep people from wearing their outside shoes in the house. My oldest Daughter has always been strict about this and for good reason ! Shoes are covered in dirt, animal feces, car oil and who knows what else . Have a tray at each door for shoes to be deposited on. sweep out to hall closet as well ,I know here in Canada when the roads are salted and sanded in winter,the anount of dirt coming in on footwear is shocking ! Lol

Another suggestion I’d like to make is after supper do a quick reset of your kitchen!

For me that means on top of loading the dishwasher ,putting leftovers away, I try to wash up anything else that can’t go in the dishwasher ,wipe down counters ,stove etc. Put things away ,get out a fresh dish cloth or hand towel. There is nothing better than starting your day in a clean organized kitchen! If you can wrangle some help even better. I believe that if we teach our children these habits they in turn will be happier when they go out on their own ! Well done ! Now for a cup of tea , and a relaxing evening ahead !🫖

At the end of the day ,keeping our home a calm ,organized and clean space helps with our mental and physical health and teaching the next generation how to do this will make their lives easier. I know when my home is messy ,dusty or whatever I’m anxious and grumpy…you don’t have to love cleaning but the rewards are worth it !

I’m a big believer in decluttering as well. The older I get, I can’t tolerate clutter and lots of stuff. I declutter regularly and I definately feel happier and lighter when Ive spent some time at it . Start small, do it regularly and you will start to see results ! This is a huge subject ,again lots of info on line!

I’d love to hear from you ,any tips you have learned ,questions or just let me know if this post made cleaning easier for you ! There is much more to cover but this post is long enough !! Hope you stuck with me friends !!

As we welcome 2024 I wish you well , may wars end ,the hungry and homeless be fed and housed…lets stay positive and send our light out into the world !

Blessings…Jaye🩷💜