Winter is lingering, which means we can't go outside to do all those things we love to do in spring and summer. We're left inside noticing all of the chores we've been putting off all year while we were outside having fun. Now is the perfect time to tackle those jobs. 
Start by making a list of all the little housekeeping chores that have been nagging you. Completing these projects will give you a satisfying sense of accomplishment that goes a long way toward curing the winter blues.
Here are some suggestions on where to start. Have you looked up at your ceiling fans lately? We all know to flip the little switch that changes the direction the blades turn come winter, but what about that layer of dust fuzz along the edges of the blades? Not to mention the cobwebs among the light sconces. A portable vacuum with long hose and brushattachment will make short work of this task. If you've really let this chore go, you may need to vacuum the ceiling around the fan. Follow this with a wash of the wooden parts in Murphy's Oil Soap. Glass globes may be placed in the dishwasher for easier cleaning. Now the air those blades circulate through your home won't be laden with dust particles.
While you're looking up, how about that beautiful chandelier in the dining room or entry foyer? Is it looking a little dingy? There are several specialized chandelier cleaners on the market that can make this job easy. You'll want to start by laying down a piece of plastic on the floor (perhaps an old shower curtain you've saved for odd jobs) and cover this with newspapers. Turn the chandelier off and make sure it is cool. Spray liberally with the cleaner at an upward angle. This helps prevent the cleaning solution from dripping into the light sockets. Continue spraying until all visible dirt had been rinsed off, dripping on to newspapers below. Enhance your cleaning by wiping dry individual pieces of crystal. Throw away the newspapers, fold up the plastic and enjoy the sparkle and gleam.
The holidays are over, but are there still turkey drippings and sweet potato splatters all over the oven? If you're blessed with a selfcleaning oven, you can use this feature whenever necessary and will only have to wipe out the ash residue afterwards. If however, your oven has a smooth, enamel-based finish (self cleaning ovens have a finish like sandpaper), the job will be tough but manageable.
Wear gloves and be sure that the area is well ventilated. Even oven cleaners that proclaim "no fumes" are hard on the eyes, nose and skin. Spray the interior thoroughly, avoiding the light and heating coils. 
It's a good idea to place newspapers down to protect the floor from any drips. Leave the oven cleaner on with the oven door closed long enough for those smelly chemicals to do most of the work for you. An abrasive green pad will get off any stubborn spots that the cleaner leaves and a utility blade will clean the inside of the window glass nicely.
How does the filter in your oven exhaust unit look? Depending on how much and what you cook, it can become encrusted with grease. It's important to keep it unobstructed or the grease will end up on the oven's walls and ceiling. A clogged filter also puts an increased load on the fan's motor. The dishwasher does a wonderful job here as well as on many other items in your home. Light fixtures from any room, many porcelain knick-knacks, and any removable parts from the can opener, toaster oven or other small appliance can all go in the dishwasher. Just about any item that would not be affected by hot water or detergent can be cleaned in this way. You'll become fond of this under-appreciated appliance once you realize how much of your cleaning it can do for you.
With some of those annoying chores complete, it is amazing how much better your home looks and how much better you feel. You may be so excited that you find yourself tempted to rush outside and find someone to show. Resist the impulse. They may track
in dirt.
Lisa Martin is a master housekeeper with Housekeeping Specialists.
