Spring Cleaning Tips
Lifestyle April 24, 20221: Clean the doormats
Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside. To refresh, hose off and air-dry outdoor mats. Vacuum indoor ones on both sides — going over the back will push trapped dirt out onto the floor where it will be easier to pick up.
2: Spray down windows and dust blinds
Wait for an overcast day to clean your windows and start on the shady side of the house (direct sun can lead to streaking). Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth then lower the blinds and vinyl shades and dust with a duster and finish by vacuuming the fabric shades and drapes.
3: Wipe down walls
Keeping your walls free of greasy fingerprints, dust and stains is as easy as wiping them with a damp microfiber cloth. Be sure to start from top to bottom, and bonus points if you wipe the door frames and baseboards too!
4: Freshen up the carpets
Refresh your carpets in between deep cleanings by using a portable carpet cleaner with a rotating brush. To rid your carpet of pet odors, sprinkle baking soda or carpet deodorizer on your carpet. Using a soft brush, work the baking powder into your carpet and let it set for 15 to 30 minutes. Vacuum the baking powder off the carpet with a fresh bag or clean dirt cup.
5: De-stink the kitchen
Got kitchen stink you just can’t kick? Try running a couple of lemon rind slivers through your garbage disposal and follow with cold water to get rid of any unwanted odors.
6: Steam clean the microwave
Clean up those pesky tomato stains once and for all. To clean your microwave, fill a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar and stick it inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it cool for five minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe the inside and outside with a sponge.
7: Wash reusable bags
8: Spruce up granite countertops
Dig out the granite polish to restore shine and help repel stains on your kitchen surfaces. For daily wipe-downs, use a specialized granite cleaner, like GH Seal Star Weiman Granite & Stone Daily Cleaner & Polish. The mild formula cuts grease and removes surface stains without the damaging effects of vinegar or ammonia, and it won’t leave behind a dull film like ordinary dish soap can.
9: Deep clean the fridge
In addition to wiping down your fridge’s interior shelving on a regular basis, give the removable bins and shelves a deep clean every now and again. Pop out the door shelves and bins, and wash in warm, soapy water to get rid of food bacteria and spillage.
10: Machine wash your shower curtain
Stick plastic or vinyl shower curtains along with a few bath towels in your washing machine on the gentle cycle with your favorite laundry detergent. Let it hang dry before showering. To keep the curtain cleaner longer, spritz it a few times each month with a bleach-containing all-purpose cleaner. Then just let the shower rinse it off (before you hop in, of course).
Information and image sourced from: https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/home/cleaning/g3345/spring-cleaning-tips/
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