- 10 Tips For Keeping Your Home Happy This Month. Some tasks only need to be done once or twice a year. The problem is that we forget to do them once or twice a year. Or else, we tend to save it all for spring cleaning which makes spring cleaning such a daunting chore that it doesn't occur, either.

The best plan is to break annual and seasonal tasks down by month and attack them on a scheduled basis. Nothing gets too backed up and things eventually get done. And without a major life overhaul. I also found that concentrating on one room each month is more rewarding because you can really see results.

Here's the schedule that has worked best for me:

May

1. Al fresco: Clean patio furniture and umbrella.

2. Step on it: Clean doormats - or just buy new ones.

3. Duct calls: Clean ac and/or heating ducts; change filters.

4. Chill: If you have a window unit, make sure the air conditioner is debris free.

5. Sunshine cleaning: Clean the laundry room. Clean the washing machine while youRre at it by running an empty load on hot - with a cup of chlorine bleach.

6. Ducts redux: Clean dryer ducts. Many home fires each year are caused by lint accumulating in dryer ducts.

7. No excuses: Clean the grill so you have no reason not to cook outside.

8. Power play: Power wash the patio and/or deck. Seal the wood, if necessary.

9. Taking sides: Clean the siding of your house with a hose. Wash off cobwebs, dirt, etc.

10. Nitty gritty: Mold or mildew on the walls? Scrub it off with a solution of diluted chlorine bleach, water and laundry detergent.

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Written By Tara Aronson

Tara Aronson is a mom of three, lifestyle expert, and author of "Mrs. Clean Jeans' Housekeeping with Kids" (Rodale) and "Simplify Your Household" (Reader's Digest Publishing). Tara most recently shared her tips for family laundering on "The Rachael Ray Show" (February 4, 2009). Tara's website offers tips and strategies for simplifying family life, including "Motivating Kids to - Gasp! - Clean".

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