Join us for the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge in April!
April is around the corner and that means it’s time to start a new challenge here! I debated about a lot of different things, but finally landed on the 31-Day House Cleaning Routine printable to use as a guide.
Yes, April only has 30 days, so we’ll be adjusting it slightly. 🙂
Here’s how it will work:
::Every week day morning at around 9 a.m. EST, I’ll post the daily project for you to tackle. We’ll be following along with this list from FreshandOrganized.com, but I’ll be adjusting it a little and simplifying some of the projects for you that might feel overwhelming or too much to tackle in a day.
::Every evening at 6 p.m. EST, I’ll post a check-in post with pictures of my accomplishments and a linky for you to post links to your blog posts if you’re blogging about the challenge.
::Want to blog about this challenge? If you’re blogging through this challenge with me, be sure to leave your link to your direct post on the daily check-ins. Plus, if you’d like to post your daily posts to the 30-Day House Cleaning Challenge Pinterest Group, just shoot me an email (moneysavingmom @ gmail dot com) and I’ll invite you.
::Want to follow along on Twitter or Instagram? I’ll also be sharing some of my cleaning pictures on my Facebook Page, my Twitter account, and my Instagram account. I’d love to have you do the same or join in the discussion on Twitter and Instagram. Just follow hashtag #Cleanin30 to see what others are tweeting and Instagramming about this challenge!
Note: We will be taking weekends off. You can do the project on the list if you’d like. Or just enjoy the weekend off. It’s up to you!
In April, I’ll also be sharing some homemade cleaning recipe experiments, as well as possibly some posts with tricks and tips for keeping your home more clean and organized (have a guest post idea related to this topic? Submit it here.)
Who’s joining me?
Leave a comment to let us know you’re planning to participate. The more, the merrier!
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321 Comments
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Melissa says:
I’ve just began to think about spring cleaning so this is perfect! I will try my best to join in April’s challenge.
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I know you are all about breaking things into manageable pieces, which I absolutely love. This is so perfect for me! I always feel overwhelmed when I think about spring cleaning.
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I am in!! I think I will blog my progress…a little accountability might help me stay on track! 🙂 I can’t wait to begin!
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Ashlee says:
These are my favorite kinds of posts from you. I’m excited to read about your homemade cleaning stuff.
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Sue says:
I am going to give it a try.. but might have to split some of the chores into more than one 20 mins span.. there is no way I can do all my windows in 20 mins ??? LOL
sue in NJ
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Always looking to improve so sign me up 🙂 Maybe I will even develop a better habit or two.
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Carlye rankin says:
I was just thinking about making a plan. So excited to be joining you in this!
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Heather says:
I’m in! I’ve been trying to do a little each day just to stay caught up and not lose my weekend to routine cleaning, but I don’t feel like I get around to any of the deep cleaning often enough. It’s too easy to put off until later!
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Tara H says:
I’ll be joining. As some other commenters said, I’ve been thinking of doing something so this is perfect.
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Brittany says:
I’ll be joining! Would really like to see more deep cleaning than listed for a spring cleaning (grout, behind fridge&oven, washing curtains and blinds, dusting vents, all baseboards, etc..). Looking forward to the tips and tricks as well as natutal cleaning alternatives!
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If you want to do more deep cleaning, definitely check out my 4 Weeks to a More Organized Home series: https://moneysavingmom.com/2012/05/4-weeks-to-a-more-organized-home-printable-checklist-and-daily-email-reminders.html
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Thank you for using my printable as your guide for this challenge! Looking forward to following along with your posts! 🙂
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Thanks for creating it! I’ll be linking over to your blog/printable every single day in April. 🙂
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I’m thrilled!!
I actually discovered your blog last year and I spent ages reading your story about how you got out of debt, how you got started blogging, etc….really enjoyed reading about your journey!
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I’m sorry, what I meant is how you avoided debt, etc. while your husband was going through law school..fascinating stuff!
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Lisa says:
I think this is a great idea. Hopefully I can join with you and others and get my house clean since I do not have a whole day to dedicate to just cleaning.
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Sara says:
Sounds like a good one to try. I love reading your challenges, but I have never done one. I don’t have a blog, but I’ll try to keep up.
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Laura says:
I need some help figuring out what constitutes “surface cleaning”, “cleaning” and “deep cleaning”. I tend to get in over my head and then burn out quickly – I don’t feel like I have cleaned a room until every surface, every object, every inch of it has been scrubbed and that’s exactly how I get turned off of cleaning all together for weeks at a time sometimes! What would you clean, for example, when you surface clean your living room and kitchen — and what would you save for a “deep cleaning” day instead?
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Grace Short says:
I was swondering if there would be a spring cleaning challenge! I plan on joining you since I liked the last one so much.
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Shannon says:
So excited about this I have been looking for some motivation to get my house ready for Spring and Summer! My kids are so into Sticker charts the print out will make it easier to get them involved.
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April says:
I’m totally in on this! I may even resurrect my blog, which I haven’t touched in forever.
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Wow! Great minds must think alike. I just started a Facebook group yesterday to do a cleaning challenge for the month of April with one of my bloggy friends. We’ve had 34 ladies sign up so far. Can’t wait!
https://www.facebook.com/#!/GetYourApronsOn -
Julie says:
Count me in! I need to get a handle on my Spring Cleaning! Now if this snow would stop falling, I could really get in the mood!
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I’m actually really looking forward to this!! Last time you had a cleaning challenge, I was on bed rest during pregnancy, so now I’m doubly excited for this one! 🙂
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Heather C. says:
Weekends off? That’s the only time I get anything done beyond working 8 hours and taking care of my family of 7! I think I’m going to have to share each Monday about what I dot done the previous week ;o)
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Amanda says:
I am in!! I was just thinking about spring cleaning this morning and that I need to start on it.
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Nicole says:
Oh, me, me, me! Boy do I need some spring cleaning around here! Thanks for doing this!
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Heather says:
I’m in. I really need a jolt in getting my house clean. Hopefully this will be what I need!
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Kira says:
I’m on board! Little nervous about feeling guilt when I don’t rise to the challenge…but I am excited about some motivation!
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Yes, I will be doing this! I’m still not completely unpacked from our move last August, so I desperately need to work on my organization!
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Kristin says:
Definitely doing this! I need some motivation and accountability, so this if perfect. We moved into our new house 2 months ago and I haven’t made a cleaning schedule yet.
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Stephanie says:
Yay, love this! I participated in the spring cleaning last year and it was awesome. I’ve actually already started some spring cleaning, but have a lot more to do. This will give me more motivation!
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Chaney says:
I am on board for sure! Still working on this month’s challenge. I haven’t been especially successful but I am still working on it.
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Michelle says:
I’m sooo excited about this challenge! I sure hope it warms up so I have some motivation. I’ve not done any of the challenges in the past, but my house needs this more than ever!!!
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Sarah says:
I’m looking forward to your homemade cleaning recipes. I’ve been wanting to try more homemade/natural cleaning as I way to cut costs and reduce chemicals in our home.
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darcie says:
Sounds great! I’ve been reading the book “Desperate” that you recommended and this will fall right in line with the housekeeping part of the book. Thank you for doing this! I hope I can keep up with it!
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Christi says:
I will be joining. I look forward to these kind of things…it makes me feel like I am held countable which means the items on the list will get done 🙂
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Sarah says:
Perfect timing! I have been trying to get organized and get everything in order/cleaned up before baby #2 arrives. I’m in!
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Shannon says:
I’m totally in! If the Spring Cleaning Challenge goes anything like this early rising challenge has gone for me, I may very well end up with the cleanest house on the block!
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I will definitely be participating. I have been telling myself (and my husband) for the past month that I HAVE to get myself motivated to clean the house from top to bottom. This April challenge is a perfect opportunity to get busy. Looking forward to the accountability that blogging about it will force me into. I just hope I don’t let myself down!
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Kellie says:
The “who” column in this printable kind of cracks me up. My husband has been working mega-overtime, and my kids are 3 & 1, so not a whole lot of help yet (although my son does like to “help”). It might be fun to fill the whole column up with “MOM!” Haha! 😉
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Jennifer says:
I’m in! Thanks! With a crawling-everywhere baby, I really need to get my house in shape!
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Bobbi says:
I have been off work this week for spring break and didn’t get a whole lot of cleaning done. This will definitely help me get motivated! This looks so much more manageable than my list of 20 million things I wanted to get done this week. I’m in!
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(I’m not Crystal) I had trouble in IE viewing the page she links to (may just be me). So I opened it in Firefox, http://www.freshandorganized.com/2013/02/the-31-day-house-cleaning-routine.html then at the bottom of her picture is a link and you click on that. It opens a viewing page then at the top right there’s a blue button saying “Download”. Then I was able to save it, it’s a pdf file.
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Kate says:
This comes at perfect time! I will (time permitting) be participating!! So excited.
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As winter is dragging on in Wisconsin…. I am definitely getting the itch to clean the house from roof to floor!
Count me in! -
Mishali says:
I’m in! I think blogging is a must for me so that I can see the progress being made. Super excited for this challenge!
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Sarah Wisner says:
Hi! Thanks for the timely post! We’re expecting baby #2 in June, and this will be perfect for getting the house ready and me in a better routine. ~Especially since we just moved houses last week… 🙂
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Bethany says:
I will be joining! The thought of spring cleaning very briefly entered my mind a few days ago. After a quick deliberation, I decided against it due to the fact that our fourth is due the beginning of May and I feel pretty sick most of the time. However the one project a day really breaks the cleaning down into manageable pieces. My husband is also laid off every April and has been asking me to make a list of projects for him to accomplish while he’s home. I think a couple of these would be perfect to delegate : )
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Love this. I am so in! Hopefully I’ll be able to do some decluttering while I’m at it!
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Bethany F says:
I’ve been feeling a little convicted about this lately, I’m a young wife, no children, and only work 30 hours a week and STILL have a hard time keeping our house clean! I’ve got the cooking thing down pat 😉 but the cleaning part? Not so much. I’m excited about joining this series!
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SarahD says:
I’ll join! Although I’ll be starting a few days late. We are leaving for washington D.C. and returning a few days after the 1st.
But I will surely start on in and catch up once I get home. I think I’ll even blog it. It will give me something to do.
XD
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I’m in! I need some structure to get this house deep cleaned! I’m good at keeping it surface cleaned, just not on keeping up on the nitty gritty, you know? Can’t wait!
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Susan says:
This past January I started following FlyLady for home maintenance, and it is working better than anything I have ever done. At first I thought I’d never get anything actually finished with her “15 minutes at a time approach”, but now that three months have gone by and I’ve cleaned every room in my house three times now (once a month), I realize how well it actually works over time. There’s not a lot to do at one time if you do a little frequently. I used to clean like a crazy woman and then crash and burn, but now I’m just humming along slow and steady, with no need for a big “spring cleaning” project.
Not trying to unsupportive of MSN (I love you Crystal!). Just mentioning something that is working really well for me.
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Count me in! And I’ll post about it on my blog. Do you have a badge we can post to link back to your challenge here?
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jill says:
Count me in too! I am cleaning-challenged and I think this will be good for me. The motivation of knowing others are doing the same thing alongside me is just what I need. Your blog is by far my fav. I find the content and challenges so inspirational and true to life. 🙂
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Phyllis says:
Hi would love to join in for the challenge. I don’t blog, twitter or instagram so not sure how I will let you know how I am doing. Let me know if there is an alternative more low tech lol.
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Katie L says:
This is exactly what I need. I’m 7 months pregnant and have strong cleaning urges but no cleaning energy by the end of the day. A little daily reminder to do a 15 minute declutter + a cleaning task will be great motivation.
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Will definitely be joining you – we have 6m old triplets so keeping our house, besides the necessary areas, clean is a challenge!
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Tara B says:
I am ALL over this! Couldn’t come at a more perfect time … my house is in need of some major help!
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Meredith M says:
Yes!! I’m in the throes of my first trimester with our third, so I’ll do what I can! It’s been hard not being as productive as I like to be, but I try to remember the wonderful reason why.
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Joanna says:
I’m in! I’ve looked over some of those nice “seasonal” cleaning lists and I’ve, uh, NEVER done some of those things. Are there people who really do move their furniture twice a year to get rid of the dust and then move it right back to where it was?
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I am joining you on this 30 day challenge and I am Really looking forward to it!!
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Becky G says:
I’m in! I have my household binder with my cleaning plan that I created following the Flylady, however, I have gotten off my routine. I’m needing a little push & this might just be what I need. 🙂
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Carley says:
I will try my best to do this challenge! I won’t be able to start until April 7th when I return from our vacation. I desperately need to get into a routine! I’m hoping this will help me 🙂
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Angela says:
This is just what I need! I’m feeling overwhelmed right now about cleaning my house, there is so much to do that I flit around and don’t really make progress anywhere. This challenge sounds it will help me to focus and finally get it clean!! 🙂
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Lesley says:
I am spring cleaning this weekend. My wedding is at the end of next month and the week after we are moving into a new house so I need to speed up the process a bit! Good luck to everyone!
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Angela says:
This is exactly what I needed! Been THINKING about spring cleaning, but so overwhelmed with where to start, I couldn’t get past the thinking stage. This makes it so.easy and obtainable.
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I’m in! And super excited about it! Blogging about it will be great accountability!
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Mary says:
I have fibro and my husband has recently been injured at work. I struggle to clean everything on my good days. I think that this will be great for us.
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Cleaning my house is just about my least favorite thing to do, but I do want to provide an inviting home environment for my family so I am excited to join in and take advantage of the accountability and motivation this challenge provides. Here’s to a cleaner home!
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melissa says:
I want to join too! I can’t get the link for the list to work for me…it brings up a page, but shows only the background….anyone have suggestions?
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danielle says:
this oughta be fun — since I work graveyards.. I wonder when I can get this in?? hmmm (typically, my hubby has been taking on all the housework because of my sleep schedule)
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SherrD says:
I think I will join in on this. I need to start spring cleaning anyway and this will be more fun. Imagine fun and cleaning in the same sentence…lol
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Jennifer says:
I’m in! I love all of your helpful tips for every aspect of life. I’m eager to learn some new cleaning tricks to simplify my routine.
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Rebekah Williams says:
Yay!! Things have gotten dirty around here since your spring cleaning challenge last year! (But of course I’m still on survival mode after having a baby.. 😉
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I’m so excited for this! Looking forward to this series. I’ve already blogged about joining in. This pregnant lady likes the idea of just doing a little bit every day. 🙂
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kara says:
i cannot get the list to even load on freshandorganized.com…the page will show up then it refreshes itself + then it goes to just the background, no text at all. i’ve tried it on a couple different computers…any suggestions? thanks!
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Gretchen says:
I’ll be joining you! I have three little boys at home and my husband and I both work full time. I need something to keep me on track! Thanks so much for all of your help. I love reading your tips and other money saving ideas.
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Pam says:
I have clicked on the printable and it shows up on the page for just a second, kinda bumps around, and then disappears altogether! Is there a problem there or is it on my end?
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Christy says:
Yeah. I laughed at the Early To Rise Challenge. I keep seeing people post pictures of their alarm clocks on fb and Pinterest and their times are often an hour or more after I get up M-F!! So, this is a challenge I can participate in! 🙂
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Sonja says:
I’m in! I have to get a better routine than the one I have. I am so overwhelmed with all the cleaning every day. The main living area in my home looks great, but please don’t ever go into my bedroom or bathroom!
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Janice Hawkins says:
I have just got off from a 3 year spin with health issues. First Colon cancer – then back surgery for spinal stenocis, then hip replacement from a broken hip done from a fall, then just this Feb. right knee replacement….consequently my house has been neglected so I am in with you! I can do this – 1 day at a time!
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I will be participating! I’m getting my readers hyped up too! PLEASE make a day where I have to go threw my kids toys!!
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Michelle says:
I would like to participate!
I’m having trouble printing the sheet though. I click the link and after a moment or two, the screen just goes blank. Any advice?? -
Emily says:
I can’t guarantee I’ll do it every day between working full-time and my daughter’s softball practice and games but I’ll do my best!
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Jimi-Carol says:
I would like to give it a go. My house is in great need of cleaning but working 3 jobs and going to college makes it so difficult to find time. Maybe breaking it up into smaller parts will help
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Rhoda says:
Planning to participate! Spring cleaning, here I come. Hoping I’m not biting off more than I can chew in addition to my fitness challenge starting tomorrow as well!!
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Lora C says:
I am joining you!!! I started following Flylady earlier this year and got off track. Hopefully this challenge will get me back on track!!!
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Laura says:
As much as I dislike cleaning I do like & enjoy a nice clean house! Not looking forward to the bedrooms but I will definitely be joining in on this months challenge.
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Nina says:
I am so excited to join this challenge, I have a blog I’m trying to start. However, I have no clue how to do anything like linking and stuff.
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Shannon says:
I am gonna try this, it always seems so overwhelming!! So maybe this will make it easier
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Amy says:
I will be! I have a 1 1/2 year old and a 2 1/2 year old so I will be doing my best! Any cleaning is better than one!
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Phillis says:
I will give it a shot. After looking over the list I think 20 minutes on some projects is really optimistic but as flylady says, ” A job done imperfectly still blesses the family. ” 🙂
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Kim says:
ok..ok… I hate house cleaning but I will give it a go cuz my house desperately needs help.
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Kerry says:
I’m in!! I’ve been looking for a way to get my house clean & organized that doesn’t seem so overwhelming. This seems simple enough & being part of the “group” will help keep me on track. Thanks!!
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Beth says:
I’m in but I have a question Do you do these on top of what you already do each day? IE. I vacuum and sweep every day if not a couple times a day.
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Dahlee Johansen says:
I just saw this but I’m in. I really need some support and help in cleaning and organizing the mess that’s taking over our apartment. 🙂
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I’m in but I have a question Do you do these on top of what you already do each day? IE. I vacuum and sweep every day if not a couple times a day.
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Arantxa Vázquez says:
My mom told me last night that she want me too clean the living room, so I found this and the first day is tha living room 😀 So I’ll tell her that we should follow this challenge cuz’ our house is a really MESS because of the vacations, so I’m gonna start and when she come home I will surprise her!
Sorry if my english is not good at all but I’m from México c:
This is really cool 😀 -
Shauna VW says:
I am in, although I am a night owl so I can’t always promise I’ll have it done by 6 pm when everyone else starts posting pictures, but it will be done by midnight! 🙂
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Portia B. says:
I just started Spring Cleaning and I’m 6 months pregnant so the task seems daunting. This is just what I need, thanks!
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lisa says:
Going to do it too……but with the 3 year old tornado right behind me no one will be able to tell. LOL! at least I will know that I did it. Maybe some pictures as proof to show the hubby!
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I am in! I am blogging about it at http://www.lindalmartin.com, and am planning to post a list of 30 additional things that I am going to be doing this month to help spruce up around the house!
Thanks so much for another great challenge, Crystal! I love and appreciate you and your blog so much!
~Linda
http://www.lindalmartin.com
http://www.ernestmartinjr.com -
Alicia says:
We are participating in this, Crystal! My girls are doing it with me, too. It makes spring cleaning fun.
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So I finally decided to do this on Day 2, it will be tough but I am committing. 🙂
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Marguerite says:
I saw your picture of Saline solution. I read once in an Alexandra Stoddard book that you should always “decant” your mouthwash. I thought it was funny at the time. But I bought two decanters for @ $12 on Amazon. They do make a difference in how the countertop looks. Alexandra says too that there should always be someting yellow in a room and ceilings should not be painted white. Check her books out.
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Rene Genau says:
I’m going to give this a shot but I might need to rewind to the top of the list when May 1st rolls around. Thanks for the list and the inspiration!
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Cheri Weit says:
love a cleaning challenge. But also love some notice. Thanks for posting so far in advance. Can’t wait.
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Could always use some guidance when it comes to organizing & cleaning. Nice to have a list for BOTH! Will definitely follow. Thanks
Ashley 
Angela 
Rebecca 
Kim M 
Sharon 
Melissa Bell 
Amy 
Lacey 
Jacquie 
Amanda 
Carolen 
Diana 
Amy 
Marcia Smith 
Sandy J 
Janet Hayward 
Bev 
Qaadira 
Abbi 
Tara 
Amy 
Cathy P 
Tammy 
Michelle 
Kisha Adams 
Susan 
BJM 
Amy 
Lori Fields 
Keli 
Abby King 
Angie 
angie 
Jacquie 
asmith 
Emily 
Heather 
Meredith 
Sandra Ziniti 
Linda 
Marilyn Spence 
Crystal 
Shelley 
Tara 
Lee 
Tracy 
Michelle W 
Kristine 
Shavine 
Dorothy 
Mindi 
Sandra 
Melissa 
Camille 
Corrie 
Beth 
Laura 
Shannon 
Brenda 
Trish 
Jackie 
Kara R 
Angela Reeder 
Trisha 
lisa 
Kim 
cindy 
Cheri 
Audra 
Shelly 
Lezelle 
Monica 
Barrie petersen 
Jean 
Tracy 
Tracy 
Napua 
Kari McClain 
JaAnna 
Lori M 
Angie T 
sara 
Melinda 
Sheila 
Julieta 
Tammy 
Crystal J 
nayeli 
Necia 
Amy 
Stella 
Linda 
Emily 
Cynthia 
Aimee 
Rachel 
Rachel 
nkaleni 
Maria D 
Corrine 
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