Thursday, April 5, 2012

Spring Cleaning!





Now, or very soon, it will be time for SPRING CLEANING!  On our boat, there are 'pink' jobs and 'blue' jobs.  PINK is for girls and BLUE is for boys. 



PINK LIST...

Clean out cupboards:  Check expiration dates on canned goods.
                                    Kill any weird bugs that may have found their way onto your yacht.
                                    
Clean galley and head sink drains:  A combo of baking soda & vinegar, let soak about 20-30 minutes, then pour hot water down the drain.

Check fire extinguisher gages and dates.  Replace or refill as needed.

Change batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Wash pillows and blankets.  Store heavier blankets and quilts.  Space Bags work great for this!

Go through medications and various first aid items.  Throw away expired stuff, restock what you need.

Check and clean canvas.  Repair any rips, busted zippers, or snaps.

Wipe down the interior with whatever you like the smell of.   My mother would use bleach!

"Radio check" on the VHF.

Scrub with mold killer inside cabinets and closets.

Repack ditch bag.

Vacuum mattress.





BLUE LIST...

(  this will be MUCH longer and A LOT more work! )

Engine, engine, engine... Give it love, support, and read poetry to her...

Check the water maker, do a test.

Make sure the hot water tank still works.

Clean sails.  Repair any tears, check for wear.

Check and test ALL batteries.

Make sure the air conditioning is in good working order.  This will make your wife happy!!

Change potable water filters.

Fix what ever has broken in the past 6 months.

Put two or three coats of varnish on.

Check and fill propane tanks. 

Clean the bottom.  Or hire someone to clean the bottom!

Check rigging; standing and running; fix or have an inspection.

Check steering cables for wear.
Double check the date on your life raft.



Okay, I'm sure there's at least 45 things I've missed, but this is a good start!  Good luck!  A clean boat is a happy boat!!!