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Housekeeping

Find cleaning advice from other Mumsnetters on our Housekeeping forum.

Fledglings cocoon, we're Flying in June ... .

828 replies

SansCollier · 30/05/2017 14:49

Welcome to the June 2017 fledgling Fly thread!

Feel free to park your mops and buckets here from the 1st of the month!

This is where we attempt to declutter our homes and follow the 30-step wisdom of Flylady (minus cutesy barftastic language and a surfeit of e-mails) with lots of chat and support and mutual motivation (and Wine of course) along the way.

More info available here, here and here.

As usual we will be following a three-pronged approach - and don't worry - we are all at different stages. (Some of us are still stuck at the decluttering stage after quite a few years Blush):

1 - repeat or start baby steps (again!)

2 - repeat baby steps + do 15 mins a day decluttering in the current zone

or

3 - reinforce babysteps and/or do daily missions

And those of you who have decluttered and are really enthusiastic can throw some detailed cleaning in to the mix as well!

The idea is that we focus on short, ring-fenced, daily bursts of activity (steps and routines) that will help our homes run (more or less!) on "automatic pilot" allowing us to do far more interesting things instead!

This is a very long-running thread so we may appear cliquey but we really aren't! All newcomers, long-termers, lurkers and intermittent returnees welcome!

Helpful pointers: No perfectionism allowed! If it took a while to create the current C.H.A.O.S. (can't have anyone over syndrome) in your home, then it will probably take a while to reverse the situation (you can't clean clutter!). Small steps are the key! And you are never behind: just jump in where you are at!

Any questions, don't hesitate to ask!

Good luck!

OP posts:
YesEinsteinsMumDid · 15/06/2017 23:06

Is anyone else having issues with mn being really slow, not properly loading and just being a complete pain in the ass due to the ads?

Afreshstartplease · 15/06/2017 23:12

Ta Da

Dryer emptied and half away
Second load washed and dried
Third load washed and now in drier
Quick tidy of toys in living room
Bins emptied
Kitchen bin bleached
Breakfast and tea pots washed
Bottles soaking
PRC sorted and half binned
Table clear and cleaned
Hob scrubbed
Two worktops clear and clean

Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 00:32

Evening all. Sorry to be so absent from thread atm. Rl has gone mad. So just posting links and running I'm afraid but big waves to all!

The summary for Friday 16 June is available on the Flylady website under "Today" and via the plan which should update itself automatically on a daily basis.

Baby-step no. 16 for Fri 16 June is [[

We are in Zone 3 this week: The Bathroom and One Extra Room here.

Spend 15 mins decluttering the current zone.

When you have finished decluttering, the detailed cleaning list for Zone 3 (if you are at that stage) is here.

Thursday's mission is: here. Scrub the bathroom sink, taps and counter tops. In the other room; go and do a little more intensive decluttering.

The daily focus for Thursday is running errands.

The monthly habit in June is drinking water.

Daily reminders (which should also update automatically) are here.

Remember everyone: you can't clean or organise clutter - so don't try - just get rid of it! And one of these days, I will try and follow my own advice grin wink

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 00:47

Evening all. Sorry to be so absent from thread atm. Rl has gone mad. So just posting links and running I'm afraid but big waves to all!

The summary for Friday 16 June is available on the Flylady website here under "Today" and via the flight plan which should update itself automatically on a daily basis.

Baby-step no. 16 for Fri 16 June is here. One you can safely ignore if you want about reading testimonials on the Flylady website.

We are in Zone 3 this week: The Bathroom and One Extra Room June 11-17 here.

Spend 15 mins decluttering the current zone.

When you have finished decluttering, the detailed cleaning list for Zone 3 (if you are at that stage) is here.

And may I take a small moment to mutter "woo hoo" and give a slow hand clap to the winged First Fairy who has finally updated the zones (accessed through "Today" on the website) to show June, instead of May, just as we have got half way through the month! I know this shouldn't bother me as much as it does but I lead a sad life Grin. If anyone is interested, here they are!

Friday's mission is: here. Mop the bathroom floor and door a 27 fling boogie in the other room.

The daily focus for Friday is decluttering purses, cars, handbags etc. Plus it is date night.

The monthly habit in June is drinking water.

Daily reminders (which should also update automatically) are here.

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 00:49

Sorry, pls ignore the first of the two posts there. Had no inkling I posted that!

OP posts:
Rosabellajames · 16/06/2017 07:06

Morning!! Any advice on removing soap scum & limescale? My tiles are gloss so I don't want anything too harsh, my shower screen and shower is suffering from this too, poor things haven't been looked after properly since dd2 came along.

Cagliostro · 16/06/2017 07:17

Rosa I'm sorry your friend was mean (it is mean IMHO even if said in jest) Thanks

Stilllivinginazoo · 16/06/2017 07:24

Vinegar/lemon juice mix bicarb to a paste and left to soak(think heard that in these here parts once)

Kits came back spaced out and away with fairies.vet said use mix drugs incl ketamin as anaesthesia so they were like drunk stoned toddlers staggering and collapsing in buster collars!!very proud they both weave litter tray and did a wee within 10mins be home)
Yest they new a lot and we sneak out bathroom+back don't like sit in small spaces on hard floors any length time and luxuriated on dd2 bed.I was wear a maxi dress and they lay all over me like the folds were little hammocks purring. Super cute and very relaxing!!
Vet warned us might trigger previous problems.I got up to be told kits had poo in collars-carbonelles bum has exploded in tray and they were both wear it on collars and had traipse some over floor,round pedistool on sink(sigh)

Tadas
Sanitise kits and bathroom
Sort litter splat tray

Back vets fir check up today. I've not given usual morning wet meat and there are load complaints drifting downstairs.....

Stilllivinginazoo · 16/06/2017 07:26

cag I ment add the weigh in I do of "waste/junk food" at our community cafe can be shocking.when we first start it was crates and crates of stuff,esp bread.its slowed a little as supermarkets aren't overstocking quite as bad but Xmas and easter we were drowning again.where we live I don't think anyone likes to buy swede/grapefruit we had a LOT of both to try and utilise.....

YesEinsteinsMumDid · 16/06/2017 08:57

Actually Rosa I was going to suggest cheap coke- as it works fabulous on limescale in toilets (but it is a corrosive acid) but it needs leaving for a few hours. SO perhaps use lemon juice not vinegar as it works better and smells less. The lemon juice bicarb paste brought my cooker top to a brilliant shine with minimal effort the other day.
The bleach/bicarb paste which is great for whitening and cleaning grout is likely to be a bit too strong for delicate tiles so I would avoid that.
*Note!!!!!!- lemon juice/bicarb is a chemical reaction for delicate tiles/surfaces you might want to do a test in a discrete corner to check it will be ok!!

Cagliostro · 16/06/2017 09:37

Mmmm grapefruit! You can keep yer swede though unless it's disguised in veggie mash :o

Off to sports club then may go swimming later. I am shattered but need to keep moving!

Cagliostro · 16/06/2017 09:37

Should add the sports club is for the kids I will just be sitting and chatting with other mums :o it's just the walking there etc

TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 16/06/2017 09:37

Hello all, as I've said I am also keen to improve our diets, planning to really look into this for September once DD2 starts school.

Had shouty morning mainly because I didn't get up in time - was up late sewing on gymnastics badge and a school summer dress so at least those things can be put away so count as decluttering. Also got sucked into MN this morning so overall not very good and no morning routine done Sad.

Waiting for parenting class so just doing a bit of revision for a work course which I have next week. Sitting in coffee shop (guilt free as no point going home and coming back and am supposedly using the time to revise) and eavesdropping on other parents realising we all have similar frustrations and struggles Grin.

To do:-
Parenting class
Revision
Pick up DD2
Panic tidy house
Dishwasher
Laundry
Strip beds - must do
Pick up DD1
Quick tea
Swimming for DD1.

Best go! Big wing flaps for all and thanks for links SC. Woohoo for updated Flylady website Smile.

Rosabellajames · 16/06/2017 09:47

Lovely, thankyou. Ive got vinegar and bicarb so I'll try that combination today on the shower screen and pop lemon juice on the shopping list which will be kinder to the nostrils!

cag It did make me feel crappy, but tonight I will make the 'achievement' list for this week so I can stay positive, otherwise I'll down about it , then give up.

ta da
currently drinking a hot coffee, a minute of blissful peace
make beds
s&s
did the kids challenge with them (return 10 things back to the rightful place) so 30 things have been put away - I am starting to see the tops of cupboard in the playroom haha
kids are at school
wash out on the line

to do
mop bathroom floor
clean bath and have another go at shower screen (15 min task)
another wash
15 mins clothes away
15 mins ironing
declutter purse & car
work

Stilllivinginazoo · 16/06/2017 11:34

Me again.
Dp didn't turn up take us vets for kits post op check.I Angry.rebook tom.means 45 min walk each way two cat carriers trailing zoolets.sigh
Tadas
Fed Zoolets and pack ups
School run n pick up milk
Lots texts try get hold dp(darstardly,not darling today)
S+s bathroom
Wash on
Sweep liv room
Wash up
Tidy DVD cabinet (Zoolets incapable put back in cases it seems)
Wash in dryer

Head off to help friend shortly.she's moving tomorrow (nice story-got evicted as landlord decide sell up(hasn't he renting higher price)with autistic son and she has mh probs.been living temp accommodation 6months.finally been nominated housing association place 6mins away from me.got keys yesterday)so we are going in to give place the once over.quite looking forward do some clutter free cleaning I sound like major saddo with lack if a life.oh wait. That's trueGrin

I picking up zoolets a bit early today as school fayre so they lob them out 20mins early...I will hopefully get best part 3hours so mood I in with dp I can blitz and empty house in that time
Bags packed with favourite cleaning items I ready to go((hoiks up marigolds))

Stilllivinginazoo · 16/06/2017 11:37

PS cag I think its not just people not keen swede by itself its bloody hard work prep it if ain't got decent knives!!
Zoolets quite like swede chips (cept lil zoo who don't eat chips full stop)

Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:12

What ho 'me darlin's ...how is everyone?

Cag/Zoo I can't buy a swede for love nor money here. (They feed them to cattle.) Dh on the other hand loves them mashed with lots of butter and black pepper & salt. Many UK visitors to our home bring swedes with them through the Eurotunnel. I am not entirely sure it is legal mind you!

Gosh you sound very determined with your hoiked Marigolds Zoo and congrats on fab list already achieved! And you don't sound like major saddo in the slightest thats me ... more like the fab-est of fab friends Smile. And love the image of kittens having post op recovery snooze time in your maxi dress Grin. Exploding poo not so good though!

Rosa are you mashin' me duck? Brew Grin [Thinks nostalgic thoughts of the old country Grin] Very impressed by you including the kids Flying challenges in to your routines. Hope the white vinegar/lemon juice/bicarb combos work on your tiles!! There was a thread on here recently about bathroom sink cleaning and someone recommended Vanish laundry powder. Haven't tried it myself though! Oh yes and finally, very good strategy to ignore all friends comments on focus on the week's Flying achievements!

Rosa/Toostressy I have already recommended Annabel Karmel's "After School Meal Planner" on this thread a while back. Also, the Mumsnet cook book (Top Bananas or something?) is not at all bad. The chapter on cooking for children in Nigella's "How to Eat" is one I return to quite a bit too. Also, funnily enough, the books I bought for dd when she started to learn to cook such as "The Dorling Kindersley Children's Quick and Easy Cook Book" and the "DK Children's Step-By-Step Cook Book" have all turned out to be a source of good, nutritious and simple meals. An added bonus if the dc help a bit with the cooking too! (Best way to get them to eat a wide range of things I reckon.) Having said all of that, I agree with the fledgling who said that there is nowt wrong with beans or scrambled eggs on toast every so often, esp if dc are having hot lunches.

Great list there also Toostressy Star and hope parenting class goes well! And I certainly hope visit to coffee shop is guilt free considering all that you do on a daily basis!!

Funny how the male of the species has a totally different attitude to this. I used to work with all females and remember being completely shocked when I first worked with a group of blokes (mainly) at our office. It's not that they don't work hard because they do, it's just that the pace is slightly different and they don't think twice about taking a decent coffee or lunch break. It would never cross their mind to feel guilty about it. And forget popping to the shops at lunch time to buy that night's ingredients for tea or God forbid noticing before they left home that the dw tablets need replenishing and making a mental note to pick them up!

Cag well done for continuing to move in June! A few small changes here and there can make all the difference! And community cafe sounds fab! I hate food waste!

Afreshstart Star Star for Thursday's mega-list!! Amazing lot done in just two hours!!

Oh no Mermaids re: forensic tooth search!! Grin

Foxes oh dear, from my limited experience, I remember that having a bad night's sleep once your baby's sleep patterns have improved almost hits harder than having a broken night when you are in the thick of broken nights ifyswim. Hope you can catch up with a bit of much needed r & r this weekend. Flowers

Cotswold hope your dd starting to feel a bit better and speaking as one who suffers mahoosively from motivations "ishews" I have found on my worst CBA days that motivation is (counter-intuitively) all backwards ie it comes after doing something, not beforehand, ifyswim, however small that "thing" may be!!

Einstein wow to "heaven on a plate" comment Star. I get the impression that Mumsnet Towers are doing a lot of intensive site maintenance atm, given the way the mobile app works, then doesn't work, then works again. Also the wretched pop up ads are slowing everything down I think. Great Thurs list there too btw!

Humongous wing flaps to Honu Bluepheasant Mercury Mumontherun Whoknows and everyone else I have missed!

OP posts:
Cagliostro · 16/06/2017 15:15

Shock Swede smuggling?! :o

Didn't get swimming in the end as no time but I did walk to the park AND back! Which is something I haven't managed for ages!

Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:17

Forgot to wave to Grey Purpledaisies DisorderedAllsorts CowParsleyNettle too!

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:18

Yeah, tis very hard core Wink Grin

Yay for lovely walk Cag!!

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:23

Oh yes, as for Flying here, I haven't done any Confused In the midst of exam and renovation madness; not helped by dh extended trip. Didn't even manage to tidy up for cleaner who (thank heavens) turned up this morning (I never quite know if she will turn up or not but she is so good when she does that I don't ever complain because I am so desperately glad to have her). Anyway, at least ground floor has been hoovered and kitchen back to reasonable standard of order cleanliness! Just starting to do a bit of washing now ... .

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:26

Rosa let us know if your chicken qualifies as a special "Mumsnet chicken" ie one that keeps offering up a multitude of legs and breasts without reference to basic chicken anatomy and forms the basis of at least five meals stretching over a week Wink including at least one roast, a casserole, a salad, a risotto, a soup, a broth, a stock etc etc etc Grin

OP posts:
Sanscollier · 16/06/2017 15:35

Cag oh yes, and not forgetting the substantial black market in mixed spice, especially around Christmas and Easter time Wink

OP posts:
YesEinsteinsMumDid · 16/06/2017 15:54

ta da
Banking errand in town 45 mins away
2 hours moving stuff about in my room
Deal with unforeseen emergency
put bins in to soak
gather more stuff for the charity shop
sort through the pile of shoes in the porch

To do
Pick up a hot plate to use
put school uniform on to wash
ironing
sock pile of doom
Find addresses for sending over due cards Blush
Stuff

TooStressyForMyOwnGood · 16/06/2017 19:49

SC Grin at Mumsnet chicken. Yes, thank you, have not got round to looking at Annabel Karmel yet Blush but it is on the to do list. My friend showed me there is an app which I will investigate as the local library doesn't have the book. Will look into any other suggestions too.

Einstein, hope all ok with unexpected emergency.

Ta da:-
Parenting class really useful to bounce ideas around - don't feel as if have learnt anything yet but we have some homework to try and I have ordered the parenting book to go with the course.
DD1 swimming and took both girls to the park
Some laundry - not enough but at least some

To do:-
Check if DD1 asleep
Tea
Unpack bags etc
Before bed routine
Try to get into school uniform website as have somehow managed to lock myself out Hmm.
Show stuff from parenting class to DH
Decluttering