Spring cleaning is an important reminder for homeowners and renters alike to make sure your home is safe, healthy, and sparkling clean. With the weather warming up, you’ll soon want to open your windows and feel the fresh air from outside while enjoying your fresh and clean home inside. From allergy relief to seasonal sickness precautions, now is a great time to take things room by room for a deep and diligent clean. Enjoying a healthy home is easier than you think if you follow these helpful tricks. You might even be surprised by what resources you have lying around the house to get a jump on these projects now.
Give Your Kitchen Appliances Some TLC
Some of the most used items in our homes are in the kitchen. The dishwasher, refrigerator, microwave, stove, and oven are all great places to start when it comes to spring cleaning. Because these appliances are so high touch, they’re hot spots for dirt and grime to accumulate.
If your microwave is looking stained, Good Housekeeping suggests mixing 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar in a large microwave-safe bowl. Place it inside the microwave and turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution starts to boil and the window gets steamy. Let it cool for 5 minutes before opening the door and then remove and wipe the inside and outside with a sponge.
While you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget about the sink. Start by throwing a quartered lemon down your garbage disposal to keep those blades sharp and things smelling fresh. A helpful tip from The Pioneer Woman for a deeper clean is to use a toothbrush for those hard-to-reach places. Using an old toothbrush around the drain and the edge of the sink will help you get into those smaller areas that a sponge or towel might miss. Use the sponge to wipe down and remove any trouble spots inside the base of the sink.
Focus on Drains and Plumbing
One of the more dreaded household chores is taking on a clogged drain or sink. To prevent excess build-up or future clogs, use this time for some routine drain maintenance. Mineral deposits easily build up around the shower head over time, so it’s best to clean this area every few months too. Soak the showerhead in vinegar overnight then scrub it with an old toothbrush to fully clean.
For another natural cleaning route, unclog your kitchen and bathroom sink drains by pouring down a cup of baking soda, followed by 1/2 cup of vinegar. Cover the drain and let the mixture sit for about 30 minutes. Then flush with hot water for two to three minutes to keep your drains clear and fresh.
Steam Clean Your Curtains, Pillows, and Fabrics
Check on your curtains, pillows, and other upholstered items in your home and if they can be treated with heat, use a handheld steamer to give them a refresh. The tool’s high temperatures will kill germs and sanitize while removing wrinkles at the same time.
If something needs a more careful clean, send it off to the dry cleaners for a more professional look. Use this maintenance time to also deep clean and wash any carpets or rugs, shower curtains, and other draperies around the house. Don’t forget about your home’s outdoor furniture! Your outdoor spaces are gearing up for their most popular time of year, so make sure that any cushions or furniture outside are also getting a deep clean.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
A home isn’t complete without personalized decor thoughtfully placed around kitchen or bathroom countertops, built-in shelves, or bedroom furniture. Now is the time to clean those small knick-knacks to make sure they aren’t just collecting dust. If able, run them through the dishwasher rather than hand washing each piece. This will ensure a deep clean and allow you to tackle other projects with the saved time.
Another small but necessary task is to clean or swap out your home’s air filters. Depending on the material, air filters should be replaced one to three times a year, so use this cleaning spree as a reminder to check on yours. With summer on its way, you’ll now have fresh air to enjoy inside and outside.
Use this time as a seasonal closet upgrade, too. This is the perfect time to save some space in your rooms or closets by stowing away your winter coats and boots. Replace these items with your spring or summer wardrobe and you’ll feel as if your whole closet got a makeover. While you’re at it, consider donating those items you don’t want or need next season. For help on finding local donation sites, visit our Donation Resource Guide.
These tips are a great reference point for your next spring cleaning project. Tackle your seasonal chores as soon as possible so that you’re left with more time to enjoy the outdoors and all that the Charlotte area has to offer. For a full spring home maintenance list, check out our previous blog.