101 Ideas: Spring chores

With spring well under way, you are no doubt ready to shake off the winter blues and get your home and garden prepared for summer. Some ideas:

Do the laundry:

Wash sheets and pillowcases in warm water every week, but use cold water for quilts or blankets made of 100 percent cotton to avoid shrinkage. Freshen up duvets by airing outside for an hour or two.

Touch Up Mulch

Winter weather can pack down or even wash away the mulch in your beds. So when the sun comes out, use a metal rake to fluff and level your mulch, then add more where needed. Ideally, you want at least a 2-inch layer, and 3 to 4 inches is even better for Southern gardeners.

Clean the Lights

Dirty bulbs reduce the amount of light given off by up to 20 percent, so dusting them periodically really makes a difference. To add even more brightness, clean lampshades using a lamb's-wool duster, or vacuum with the brush attachment.

Clean the Oven

Run the self-cleaning cycle today and wipe off the door as needed. Remove the plastic knobs to be sure they won't warp in the process. If you have a regular non-self-cleaning oven, use an oven cleaner, a stiff brush and thick gloves. Never use abrasives, and above all, be sure to open a window.

Detail That Car

Winter's muddy feet and road salts wreak havoc on the family car, which is probably also home to stray mittens and who knows what else by now. Besides washing it this week, make time for a thorough clean-out and detailing, including shampooing the floor mats.

Treat Lawn for Weeds

Apply organic herbicide before the weeds have a chance to sprout this spring and do it again six weeks before you plan to reseed any parts of your lawn.