Spring Cleaning

Its that time of year again when we get ready to throw open the windows and enjoy the sunshine! However, often when you open the blinds all the sudden you notice the dirt that has accumulated in your home over the winter. Below we talk about some tips and tricks to help you clear away all of that dirt cluttering your home.

• Windows
  1. When cleaning your windows start on an overcast day and start on the shady side of your home, as direct sunlight can lead to streaks
  2. Start by raising the blinds or shades, clean the windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. After the windows are clean lower the blinds or shades and dust with a duster then finish by vacuuming fabric shades or drapes.
• Kitchen Sink
  1. Have a kitchen sink smell that just keeps lingering? Try cleaning your garbage disposal by running some lemon rinds, salt, and ice, follow with cold water to help dispel the smell

• Microwave
  1. Place a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it sit to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge.
• Cutting boards
  1. Think those nasty stains on your cutting board are permanent? Think again! Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells.
  2. For extra tough stains sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
• Oven
  1. Use your device’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime. If your oven doesn’t have one, place a hot, wet cloth on top of burned spots to help soften the gunk. Then scrub with a heavy-duty pad and wipe dry.
• Kitchen Cabinets
  1. Sticky kitchen grime is a mix of dust and grease that builds up over time. Run the exhaust hood over your range every time you cook to keep grease from settling.

• The Junk Drawers
  1. Empty it out and suck up dust with your vacuum’s nozzle. “Toss or relocate any items you no longer need or that don’t belong there,” Forte says. Everything else goes back, but this time in an organized manner. Repurpose pretty plates and bowls to store cords, stamps, and other odds and ends. A nonslip liner will keep them in place.
• The Furniture
  1. Pull your furniture away from the walls and vacuum the backs, behind, and under them.
  2. Then make sure to clean the wall, baseboards, and air vents while you are back there
• Bookshelves
  1. After all of those cozy winter reading sessions, your library (and likely your kid’s too!) is bound to be in need of a cleanup. Take a few minutes to organize your coffee table books, bedside novels, or favorite magazines.
  2. You can alphabetize, coordinate by color, or sort by size. And don’t forget to dust!
• Your Ceilings
  1. Spring cleaning season is all about focusing on the spots you forget about the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings and more.

Believe it or not, it’s time to start thinking about spring cleaning your home. Spring cleaning is important for everyone, particularly if you’re an allergy sufferer. You owe it to yourself and your family to enjoy a clean that’s more than dirt-deep. For help with mold, musty odors, or air duct cleaning give us a call today.