Spending time indoors during the winter months can create clutter and mess around the house. Now it’s time to get ready for spring, one room at a time, and here are some tips and tricks to make spring cleaning simple.
Living Room
- Window blinds collect dust and dust mites all winter. To clean plastic blinds, add Greased Lightning to tub water. Remove blinds and let them soak in the tub. Clean them with a well-bristled brush. Let them dry completely before putting them back up.
- Remove fabric window coverings and clean as needed. Use a feather duster around window frames to remove cobwebs and dust.
- Freshen carpet by sprinkling baking soda on it, letting it sit for 30 minutes, and then vacuuming.
- Use an adhesive lint roller to get the dust off of fabric lampshades.
- Try a new furniture arrangement to freshen up the look of the room. When you need to move heavy pieces of furniture across uncarpeted floors, fold two clean towels and put one under each end of the furniture piece, then slide it across the floor.
Kitchen
- Clean out the refrigerator and freezer, making sure to get rid of all expired products and old leftovers. Remove shelving and drawers, and wipe them down using mild soapy water.
- Tackle your oven, inside and out. If your oven is self-cleaning, set it in the self-cleaning mode. Consult your owner’s manual for an estimated cleaning time. If your oven is not a self-cleaning appliance, use a cleaning solution to wipe away baked on grease and grime. Remember to make sure the oven is cool before applying the solution.
- Don’t forget to clean your dishwasher, too. Remove trapped food particles from the bottom and around any moving parts. Pour a cup of vinegar into the empty dishwasher and run it to clean the inside.
Bedrooms
- Launder bed linens you normally don’t, such as dust ruffles, bedspreads and pillow shams.
- Move furniture around so you can vacuum everywhere and get rid of any dust bunnies that might have accumulated.
- Empty out your closets to vacuum and dust inside. Then, before putting clothes back, sort through them and get rid of those items that no longer fit or that you don’t wear anymore.
- Clean blinds, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Wipe smudges off of light switch covers and door frames, too.
Bathroom
- Wipe down and disinfect all fixtures, including lighting fixtures. Carefully remove glass fixtures and clean with warm, soapy water. Let them dry thoroughly before replacing them.
- Sort through products and discard or recycle old bottles and containers. Get rid of excess clutter in your bathroom cabinets.
- Use Greased Lightning to remove grease, grime, mildew stains and soap scum from your bathroom surfaces, including tubs, sinks, toilets, counters and baseboards.
