While I am not certain if it qualifies as a tradition or a ritual, it is a necessity and one from which I find no escape. It is spring cleaning and the time to do it has arrived.
Once the days grow longer and the temperature rises, I spend as many hours a day as possible outdoors, so that is where my cleaning starts.
The task of cleaning wicker furniture is one that may seem intimidating at first glance. But, it is really quite simple. First remove the surface dust with the brush attachment on your vacuum. For those stubborn deposits in the crevasses on the wicker, use a clean paint brush and if you still have some pieces of “fuzz” in those hard to reach places, try removing them with a pair of tweezers. Once the surface dust is removed, wipe down the wicker with oil soap and warm water applied with a soft brush, then gently rinse with a garden hose. Set the wicker in the shade for 2-3 hours on a day with a gentle breeze to dry. Refrain from using it for 2-3 days. This process will not only clean the wicker but it will help to tighten the strands. Caution: remember to use actual ‘wicker” on a covered porch or patio as it will not tolerate exposure to the elements.
With the popularity of anything farm oriented, the old galvanized buckets and tubs that I once kept stored in the garage are being moved to my porches this year to hold plants. Even though made to be used, galvanized steel is relatively soft and will not stand up to steel wool or harsh abrasives. Very warm water and dish soap will remove most surface dirt. Then simply wipe your pieces down with a soft towel and set them in the sun for 2-4 hours. Rust is a desirable element in attaining the farmhouse look, but in moderation. Excessive surface rust can be minimized with very fine sandpaper before washing.
When you are ready to clean your garden statuary, think gentle. Unlike your concrete sidewalks, concrete statues can be very delicate. Save that wire bristle brush for the grill! Loose dirt is easily removed with an old paint brush for large areas and a toothbrush for the hard to reach spots. Give each piece a good bath with warm water and an organic all purpose cleaner and then rinse gently with the garden hose. Do not use harsh chemicals as they may cause your concrete to crack or discolor.
As the flowers bloom each spring I enjoy bringing some of them indoors to enjoy. Through many summers of yard sales I have managed to acquired a group of vintage pressed glass vases that I keep for this express purpose. Being prone to occasional procrastination, I have a bad habit of dumping the water and putting the vases on a shelf in my summer kitchen . . . unwashed. As a result they tend to get a nasty water line. If you have the same issue, this is a quick fix. Fill your vase with very warm water and drop in 1-2 denture cleaning tablets, leave for 10 minutes and rinse. If your vases have clouded from age, pour 1-2 inches of uncooked rice into the vase, fill the remaining space half way with warm water and two drops of dish soap. Cover and shake gently for several minutes.
When it comes to cleaning indoors, the largest chore is my vintage furniture. Over time wood will accumulate a grime that requires deep cleaning. Following the instructions on the bottle, make a mixture of oil soap and water. The trick here is to only moisten the wood, not to soak it, so use a sponge as opposed to a cloth. With the sponge slightly moistened, wash the wood going with the grain, then immediately wipe with a second sponge moistened in clear water and thoroughly dry the piece with a soft, lint-free cloth. As a precaution, test each piece of wood in a small inconspicuous place before doing the entire piece. When completely dry, polish with a light coat of citrus oil.
Until next time…Linda
Linda Kennett is a professional liquidation consultant specializing in down-sizing for seniors and the liquidation of estates and may be reached at 317-258-7835 or lkennett@indy.rr.com