Winter may be messy, but summer has its own set of #cleaning and tidiness challenges. Some of the most difficult stains to handle result from the grease and oils that spatter from favorite cookout foods such as burgers, steaks and potato salad, says Blueland. Blot stains immediately with a rag or paper towel whenever possible. Then, presoak garments in a 1:1 water and vinegar solution for half an hour. Scrub the area with a soft brush such as an old toothbrush. Use an oxygen bleach laundry product and wash in cold water before hanging to dry — and repeat if necessary. #SummerMesses
Tag: summer season
Dos and Don’ts of a Memorable Summer
There’s no right way or wrong way to do #summer. The warmest season offers opportunity for festive gatherings, home and self-improvement, exploration, education, and relaxation. The Organizing Blog has several checklist items that can make your summer memorable in all of the right ways, however.
Do protect yourself against the sun and #heat. With climate change, extreme heat is becoming more common throughout the year; be alert to your exposure and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Make a habit of wearing SPF30+ sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities or cover up to block harmful UV rays.
Don’t waste too much time indoors. Shady and air-conditioned as your home might be, many social, cultural and sporting events happen only when the weather is sunny and warm. Get off the couch, turn off the TV and take advantage of all that summer has to offer.
Do throw open the windows, #declutter and #deep-clean. Household projects are easier to accomplish when inclement #weather isn’t slowing you down. Freshening the home while getting some fresh air may even be energizing! Summer is a great time to tackle larger home projects, too — especially if you need to hire help.
Don’t feel like you have to accomplish everything at once. Even type A personalities can benefit from a lazy day, a leisurely walk in the park or a picnic. Reward yourself with a favorite indulgence for the progress you make at work and at home.
Do take a trip. It might be a day in the city, a road trip to a national park or a flight to a faraway beach, but any change of scenery makes things more memorable. Pile the family into the car or call up an old friend; you’ll be making new memories in no time.
Don’t overplan. Even if you aren’t the spontaneous type, allowing flexibility usually pays off with unexpected discoveries. Make list of the things you’d like to accomplish this summer at home and on the road with must-dos at the top; everything else is gravy.
Do take pictures. Almost everyone has a camera in their pocket these days, so record some of the summer memories you’re making as you make them. Share them with friends and family and revisit them often to make this summer one of the most memorable ever!
Protect Against Insect Bites
In many regions, outdoor activities such as hiking and camping are accompanied by the annoyance and discomfort of insect bites. Use insect repellents that contain DEET or Picaridin, Banner Health says, and read labels to ensure you apply them correctly. To make yourself less of a target for mosquitoes, biting flies, wasps and other insects, wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing in muted colors, and avoid heavily scented soaps or perfumes. Keep your shoes on when outdoors and consider draping beds in mosquito netting to keep those itchy bites to a minimum. #SummerSafetyTips
It’s Time to Summerize
After a cool and wet spring, warm weather is set to blanket most regions of the country this week. But you’ll want to keep that hot air outside by #summerizing your home, if you haven’t already. Summerizing is just like winterizing, says doityourself, except that some of the appliances are different. Clean the air conditioning units and replace filters. Fix any missing or faulty caulk and weatherstripping. Put a towel underneath doors to prevent cool air form escaping. And finally, make sure that ceiling fans are rotating counterclockwise to direct cooler air downward.
Summer Gardening Starts Now
Are you planning to plant a vegetable or flower garden this summer? The time to start is now! Depending on your location, much of what you’ll want to do at this point in the year involves “hardscaping” — ensuring that your fences, walkways, trellises and beds are ready for the growing season. Then, a general cleanup is in order: Pull weeds, rake up debris that has collected over the winter, remove dead branches, etc. You’ll also want to sharpen and clean your garden tools, Rural Sprout says, and start any vegetable seeds indoors. In a couple of weeks, you’ll be able to prepare your soil.