Spring Into Clean
As the temperatures start to rise, it’s time to get out vacuum and duster. Whether your house is on the market, or you are just looking for a fresh look, spring cleaning is not only an effective stress reliever, but a great way to show some love to your home. Additionally, avoid those spring allergens with proactive cleaning. Because when it gets even warmer outside, the last place you want to be is behind a vacuum!
Time to Wake Up:
Hop on out of bed and commit an afternoon to a deep cleaning of all of your bedding and blankets around the house. After reading the manufacturer’s label, toss your pillows and comforters in the washing machine for an extra restful sleep. If your blankets, comforters and pillows are not most compatible with the rigors of the washing machine, hang them up outside on a clothesline for the day.
Now, onto the mattress… We are all guilty of indulging in a bag of chips in bed causing an unintentional avalanche of crumbs. Don’t be afraid to routinely take that vacuum to it! If you see any unwanted stains, invest in an upholstery shampoo, or as the manufacturing specialists may refer to it – “dry suds.” Use the start of a new season as the opportunity to give your mattress a flip to avoid any additional wear and wallows.
Washing Your Washer:
Ever heard the phrase, “dress for the job you want?” Well, maybe consider smelling like the job you want too. It’s a fact – washing machines can get dirty too. Disinfect your machine with distilled white vinegar and baking soda to make sure it’s performing at its peak. After running the machine with hot water mixed with your vinegar and baking soda, let the water drain and dry it out. You’ll be thanking yourself that you did (and your clothes will too)!
What’s Cooking:
Often times, your kitchen is the focal point of your home; however, it can also be subject to more messes than other areas. Starting with the refrigerator, mix a combination of salt and soda water to tackle those harsher stains and to leave the space smelling extra fresh. You can use another simple mixture of baking soda and water (1/2 cup of baking soda and two gallons of water) as a homemade cleaner for your tiled surfaces. Use a sponge mop on your tiled surfaces and grout substances.
Lime is best in a summertime drink, but that’s not the kind of lime you may find building up around your faucet. Start by laying paper towels around the faucet and soak them with vinegar. As the vinegar acts as a catalyst for breaking up the lime deposits, you will find it becomes easier and easier to remove after an hour or so.
Under the Rug:
You walk on it all day, you spill on it all day and it’s always got your back…or feet. First off, start with a clean bag or filter when you begin your vacuuming. If you are looking for a more heavy duty option, consider renting a steam cleaner from your local grocery store or home care center. Regardless, make sure you tackle the vacuuming portion before and after intensive cleaning.
Most importantly, you want to make sure your carpet dries properly before placing furniture back in its respective position. Mold and mildew have a tendency to form when carpet surfaces are not aired out correctly. For that reason, open the windows or turn on your dehumidifier!
While a deep clean is encouraged every four or five years, make sure not to “over clean” your rug, as this could lead to increased wear and tear.
Tackle Your Closet:
We all know that it’s hard to get rid of clothes, even when we haven’t worn them in two or ten years. The most critical rule to follow before indulging in a closet cleanse is the “one year rule.” If you have not worn the article of clothing in a year, there is a good chance you probably won’t be wearing it again anytime soon. That being said, it’s time to let it go. Once you’ve prioritized the items you want to keep and the items you want to give away, invest in some organization strategies from store such as Target or Bed, Bath & Beyond. Storage containers, slim hangers and shoe compartments can change your life!
Now that you have your unwanted items out of your closet, organize them into three boxes – trash, donate and sell. It can be easier letting go of your items if you know they’re going to someone that will wear them!
30 Days of Cleaning:
You may be a planner, and thanks to Good Housekeeping, you can stay on track with this 30-day guide of spring cleaning.
Good luck and happy cleaning!