themaToday we are going to clean and care for our small electrical items and appliances. This is a rather simple task but serves and important maintenance and safety purpose. These small gadgets and useful machines assist us in many ways as we cook and clean our home. Keeping them in good order will lengthen the life and use of these items. Be sure to inventory these items and log the serial numbers on your inventory list will help if there is a recall on any of these electronics. Also, in the case of a theft in your home, these items may be traced if sold in a pawn shop. Let’s begin.

The best method for completing this Transformational Organization task is to begin in one room and work your way around the house. Gather some simple cleaning supplies such as soft cloths, an old toothbrush, some window cleaner or other multipurpose cleaner, a piece of fine steel wool and an engraving tool if desired.

Begin in one room and gather all the small appliances there. Basically you are going to look for any item that you plug into the wall. The following list is just a sample of what you will want to look for:

• Air Purifier
• Candle/Wax Warmer
• Electric Clocks
• Electronic Radios, Phone Accessories
• Accent Lighting
• Jewelry Cleaner
• Hair Dryer
• Fans
• Curling Irons
• Iron
• Stereo Equipment
• Media Devices
• Vacuum

Take the soft cloth and moisten it with cleaner. Wipe the entire surface of the electrical item and scrub off any dirt or residue. Then take the cloth and wipe the cord all the way to the plug. Here’s the safety part: as you clean the cord, inspect it carefully for any areas that the covering is frayed or broken. Then check the plug to ensure that it is secure and not damaged. If any item has any broken parts or a damaged cord or plug, take it to be repaired or dispose of it. It is not worth the risk of fire by keeping and using it. Once you have cleaned the items, you can engrave your last name near the serial number. Take a photo of the appliances in each room. Then write down the serial number and the name of the manufacturer as well as the type of appliance. This will be added to your inventory.

Work your way around the house cleaning and inspecting every small electrical device in each room. While most of the small appliances will be kept in your kitchen, ensure you check each room carefully. As the kitchen appliances may take some time to clean and inspect, it is vital that you do so. A report Here’s a link to a home electrical fire prevention fact sheet with gives further suggestions on how to protect your home from faulty appliances.

Moreover, click on this link to the National Fire Prevention Association’s report, Electrical Fires for further information and statistics regarding fires resulting from faulty electrical devices and appliances.

Continue with the same cleaning and inspection procedure until all the electrical appliances/devices in your home are clean, inspected for safety and inventoried. You will feel (and sleep) much better knowing that your appliances are in good working order and safe for your home. What a great feeling it is to have this accomplished.

Time for some self-pampering beauty and health routines!