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–.*.–.*.–.*.– The Unclutter Project –.*.–.*.–.*.–
Prepping the Home for ‘Eid
- spend 15 minutes at a time decluttering
- make your intentions to please Allah
- set a timer for 15 minutes or use this Online-Stopwatch (click on Count Down)
- toss trash items into a plastic grocery store bag or trash bag
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–.*.–.*.–.*.– Clean The Kitchen –.*.–.*.–.*.–
Is your kitchen ready for ‘Eid? If not, start now so that you won’t have to be stressed about it later on. Here are some tips to help you get going.
1- Touch up the spice drawer. You’ve probably really been using those spices during Ramadhan. Give those bottles and jars a quick arranging.
2- Clean out those cabinets and cupboards. Wipe down the inside of cabinets using a damp cloth. I have included a recipe for a non-toxic disinfecting kitchen cleaner that you can make at home. You will find the recipe at the end of this post, Insha’Allah.
3- Quickly Inventory your dry goods.
Are you out of something you will need for ‘Eid? Do a quick assessment of what you have and what needs to be re-stocked.
4- Check Labels.
Part of staying organized is labeling items in your kitchen. Make sure that containers have labels matching their contents.
5- How do you use your kitchen?
When you get organized, think about how you use items in your kitchen. Place items that you frequently use on lower shelves. Items that you seldom use can be stored up higher.
6- Clean out and organize your refrigerator and freezer.
Throw out any expired and out-dated products. Move products with an upcoming expiration date to the front of the refrigerator/freezer. Take an inventory of what is in your freezer.
7- Make a shopping list.
Jot down things you predict you will be out of as ‘Eid draws near. As you do your usual shopping, be on the lookout for items on the list which may be on sale.
8- Clean and disinfect as you go.
It’s a lot easier to wipe down the inside of cabinets when you are organizing. Use a dry cloth to remove any dry items that have spilled. Then wipe the shelves with a damp cloth. Use the recipe below to make your own cleaning solution.
9- Set a time schedule.
Of course, this can be a lot of cleaning and organizing. So make a schedule. Don’t try to do it all in one day. Do one side of the kitchen one day. Then do the other side on a different day. Or make a schedule focusing on cabinets and drawers on one day, and the refrigerator the next day.
Hopefully, these tips will help. If you start now, you will have plenty of time to get your kitchen in tip top shape. Not only that, but you will be able to take your mind off the kitchen and on to more important things like feeding a fasting person or someone in need.
Natural Kitchen Cleaner Recipe
spray bottle (empty of course)
2 cups hot tap water
1/2 tsp liquid soap (or liquid dish soap)
2 Tbs vinegar
1 tsp. borax*
5-10 drops an essential oil such as lemon or lavender (optional)
Add all ingredients except the hot water to an empty spray bottle. Then fill with hot tap water. Put the lid on. Shake until borax is dissolved.
If you don’t have essential oils, try using Dr. Bronner’s liquid soap in lavender, eucalyptus, peppermint, or citrus instead of dish soap. Or use the Lavender liquid soap from Palmolive or any other brand.
To use, adjust the nozzle to spray a mist. Spray surface, let sit 2-5 minutes, then wipe down.
*Borax is a natural mineral made of water, oxygen, sodium and boron. It is toxic if consumed orally, so keep it away from children and pets. Borax has antiseptic, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. You will find it at Target, Wal-Mart, and grocery stores.
You can also use borax on the laundry– add 1/3 to 1/2 cup per load after adding laundry soap. Wash as usual.
And if you purchased a bottle of lavender essential oil, put a dab or two behind your ears. It smells great and putting in behind the ears gets rid of headaches. Women who are pregnant or nursing should follow precautions.
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