Spring into a Clean Home!
Punxsutawney Phil predicted six more weeks of winter, but you can still start your spring cleaning early. Say goodbye to those dreary winter days and rejuvenate your home and mind with a fresh spring bloom, and clean. By dividing the cleaning by room, chore or outside to inside, or vice versa, the process will seem less daunting and more realistic, and hopefully even a little cathartic.
To spring into a clean state of mind, restock old reliables such as baking soda, vinegar, dishwashing detergent and an all-purpose cleaner. Additionally, prep your cleaners. Replace overworked sponges. Remove dust bunnies from your broom head by washing in warm, soapy water. In your vacuum replace the bag, clean the dust cup, replace, or wash the filters and cut threads caught in the brush. Consider investing in a microfiber mop- the head is machine washable!
Almost as important, store away seasonal items and clutter, including decorations and bulky apparel. Stained or damaged clothes, expired makeup, medicines and other products should be rehomed to the garbage. Rather than continuing to clutter the “junk” drawer, vacuum any dust and move unnecessary items. Reorganize items with dividers and use a non-slip liner to hold it all in place.
Cabinet cream, granite polish and solvent-free degreaser will become your new trusted sidekicks in the kitchen as they eliminate dirt and moisturize the wood, restore shine and repel stains, and fight stubborn surface grime, respectively. For sparkling stainless steel, combine dish detergent and hot water and follow the grain while rubbing. Then rinse with hot water and dry immediately. Deep clean your fridge’s removable bins and shelves by washing them in warm, soapy water. Utilize the “self-clean” feature on your oven, or simply scrub it with baking powder using a hot wet cloth. For a fresh sink, lemon rind a piece through your garbage disposal then run cold water. Wipe down the microwave and dust-collecting objects like door and drawer handles.
Broadcast those spring rays by cleaning your windows with glass cleaner then dusting blinds/shades. Clean windows on a shady day as sunshine causes streaks. Dust all shelving and knick-knacks too before vacuuming behind and under furniture and cushions. The more dust you vacuum, the less dirt that sinks deeper into carpet fibers and the less of a chance that you have a dingy, stinky carpet. Beyond vacuuming, you can also utilize an at-home self-steam cleaner. To remove carpet stains, combine water and vinegar and for odors, sprinkle baking soda. Lastly, for just 15 minutes toss drapes, curtains and throw pillows into the dryer on the “air-only” cycle. Vacuum under, around, and behind the dryer as well.
In the bathroom reseal grout lines with a grout sealer- scrub it with a small stiff brush. Using hot water, baking soda and vinegar, your drain can be cleaned. Vinyl or plastic shower curtains are safe in the wash on the gentle cycle. Throughout the year, spray curtains with a bleach-containing all-purpose cleaner to keep it clean.
Since pillows and comforters are seldom washed throughout the year (2-3 times max) you’ll want to clean these first. Refer to the label for proper cleaning instructions. Do not overlook your mattress either. Press firmly with your vacuum's crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After vacuuming, sanitize your mattress with a disinfectant spray.
One of the easiest hacks that will help you year-round is an outdoor and indoor mat as this will collect more dirt. Do not underestimate the power of cleaning ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings and other forgettable and or hard to reach areas with an extendable duster.
To prepare for the sunny days outside, squirt dish detergent in a bowl of warm water and then use it to wipe down your outdoor furniture. Spray with water then let air dry.
When in doubt, you can never dust, vacuum, or, wipe down any surface enough.
