Focus of the Week: Spring Cleaning

It’s that time of year again ~ time for spring cleaning. I really enjoy this time of year, getting everything clean and fresh again. There’s a real joy in sunshine pouring through a clean window. It lets me see all the little critters and flowers in the yard…and keep an eye on what’s happening at the neighbor’s house. Just the other day, a dad was teaching his toddler how to hit a softball.

Staying in tune with the Moon can help with all kinds of chores. Here are some spring cleaning tips for this week’s Moon signs.

Think entertainment when the Moon is in Leo on Sunday and Monday. It’s a great time for polishing up the fancy silver and serving pieces used for entertaining. If you have a “rec room,” use Leo to get it in tip top shape. Great for sprucing up the home entertainment areas and any equipment for games you enjoy. If you make it fun, you’re doing it Leo’s way.

Toothpaste as an All Natural Silver Polish

Try a dab of regular white toothpaste to polish your silver to a high shine. There’ll be no harsh chemicals on your silver or your hands.

These earrings were very tarnished and a tiny dab got them sparkling again in a hurry. Here’s a comparison showing what a little toothpaste can do for your silver. The one on the right is almost black with tarnish. The one of the left was a breeze to bring back to a silvery lustre.

If you’re cleaning your jewelry at the sink, be sure to keep something over the drain so your baubles don’t escape. A colander is handy for rinsing under the water spray.

The Moon enters Virgo on Tuesday reminding us that the devil is in the details. Those little nooks and crannies in your desk drawers may be crying out for some attention. Virgo is definitely your best friend when tackling those clearing out jobs. Q-tips aren’t good for cleaning your ears, but they do come in handy for cleaning places our fingers can’t manage like betweens keys and in little crevices. It’s amazing what a toothpick and a Q-tip can accomplish.

If you’re spring cleaning during Libra days, pay attention to the art you have on display. Is it dust free? Is the glass in your photos smudgy and dull? Are there crusty mineral rings in your crystal flower vases? A little vinegar will help clean glass and get rid of the calcium buildup. You can make a scrubbing paste using 1/4 cup baking soda and 1 tablespoon of liquid soap. Add 2 teaspoons of vinegar and mix together. Vinegar is the best cleaner for windows. Not only are you saving the planet, you’re saving dollars!

When the Moon is in Libra, bring the Moon indoors in a romantic way by adding fresh, feminine touches to the boudoir. A vase of flowers on the nightstand or a scented candle can completely change the atmosphere.

Scorpio is tough, no doubt about it. Hard water buildup in toilets and showers can be easily scrubbed away with a soft pumice stone made especially for this purpose. You can find them in your local hardware store and sometimes in the cleaning aisles at the grocery store.

There’s lots more spring cleaning tips planned for April. You can tackle a room at a time while observing the Moon:

• Leo ~ the den or rec room.
• Virgo ~ the home office.
• Libra ~ the bedroom or parlor.
• Scorpio ~ bathrooms and basements.