Friday, March 6, 2020 / by Jessica Peterson
Preparing for Spring Cleaning
WASH YOUR WINDOWS.
Be sure to pick a cloudy day to wash windows. If the day is too sunny, your window solution will dry too fast leaving streaks.
SCRUB DOWN OVERLOOKED SURFACES.
You may overlook these surfaces on a daily basis, but once a year, give your baseboards, door frames, and walls a good scrub.
DUST LIGHT FIXTURES.
Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust fixtures and bulbs you can reach. For ceiling fans, skip the ladder and use an extendable duster. To clean grimy bulbs, lightly dampen your cloth with vinegar.
REMEMBER GUTTER MAINTENANCE.
When you consider that your roof's drainage system diverts thousands of gallons of water a year from your house's exterior and foundation walls, you can see why it merits a semi-annual inspection. Clean and repair gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains begin and late in autumn after leaves have fallen.
DEEP-CLEAN YOUR HOME'S CARPETS.
To maintain a new carpet's warranty, you may need to have it cleaned professionally every 12-18 months. You can do it yourself by renting a deep cleanser or buying a professional-style model designed for home use.
CLEAN UNDER FURNITURE & APPLIANCE.
Grab a partner and move your sofa and chairs, roll up area rugs, then vacuum the floors. Move your kitchen appliances away from the wall as much as you can.
GIVE YOUR HOME A SAFETY INSPECTION.
Spring is the perfect opportunity to check the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If you don't own a fire extinguisher purchase one. Learn how to use it and keep it in your kitchen.
GET YOUR HOME ORGANIZED.
Pick up and eliminate clutter in each room before you start cleaning. Equip yourself with a few designated containers when you are picking up in each room: a box for garage sale items, another for items to donate, and a garbage bag for items to toss. Put away the things you are keeping in their rightful places and rooms.