Cleaning in Self Isolation

It has now been 2 weeks since we have closed our doors due to the global health crisis. We have been isolating at home, and wondering how to simultaneously make the most of this newly available time at home, and relax with our families as well.

For many, productivity around the house can be a source of anxiety relief; where keeping ourselves busy is a good distraction, it can also alleviate a lot of stress if you have a good plan of action.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I love to cook. Since I have been trying to avoid grocery stores as much as possible, it has been an interesting challenge to go through my pantry and freezer for items I maybe had forgotten I even had! It then became a good idea to try to organize our food products so I knew exactly what we already had, what needed to be eaten, and to even inspire some weeknight meal ideas.

Here are just a few tips on how to deep clean your freezer or fridge:

1. Unplug or shut the off the power to the fridge/freezer 

2. Empty out all food

3. Place all perishable items in a cooler for the time being

4. Throw away anything that may be expired 

5. Remove all shelves and drawers 

6. Make up a solution of PH neutral dish soap, warm water and baking soda 

7. Clean all interior surfaces, rinse and dry well (avoiding any electrical components)

8. Place the cleaned shelves and drawers back inside

9. Turn the power back on 

10. Place and organize all your food 

11. Tip: Label your food with dates and organize in categories. I typically put all my meats together on the lower shelves in the event of a power outage.

Our regular customers will already know that we love The Laundress NY line of cleaning products. We are happy to report that we will be expanding our stock in the weeks to come to accommodate more eco-friendly products for your home. See our online boutique for our current collection!

My personal favourite is the Bleach Alternative, since there are *54 Ways* to use it! Every purchase of the Bleach Alternative always includes a sheet with the instructions to clean just about anything in your home:  

1. Brighten and remove dirt from tennis shoes (rubber, fabric, shoelaces)

2. Lift coffee stains from clothing

3. Remove rich stains

4. Pre-soak soiled items in a bath of hot water

5. Add directly to washing machines to boost colors and brighten whites

6. Remove ring around the collar

7. Remove pit stains

8. Deodorize litter boxes

9. Remove and deodorize pet stains on carpets

10. Whiten and clean walls

11. Clean and remove rust from irons

12. Freshen carpets and carpet padding

13. Renew stained upholstery

14. Freshen and remove stains from curtains and sheers

15. Clean soot from fireplace

Find all 54 tips at thelaundress.com!

This is our very first lifestyle-focused blog, as we are now shifting into more of a journal-style format instead of exclusively a monthly newsletter. Please let us know what you would like to hear from us, and please feel free to reach out with questions related to many lifestyle topics such as cooking, cleaning, gardening, design, and more.

Finally, thank you again to all those who have continued to #shopsmall and #supportlocal during these uncertain times. Your patronage and support mean everything to us, and we will continue to do our best to bring you all you need to continue curating your graceful life.

With much care,

Dorota