Spring cleaning today really concentrates on the things that you probably don’t do very often. It’s kind of like a New Years resolution that you will actually follow through with. Of course, you may have more work if you don’t consistently take care of the normal cleaning items like dusting and bathrooms but usually spring cleaning is focused on those other things that you just can't seem to ever get done. Here are some spring cleaning items that you will want to put on your list:
Whole House
High ledges/shelves – dust these and other hard to reach areas.
Windows – clean inside and out including spraying down any screens. Don’t forget to clean out the window tracks as well. Also, take the time to launder or dry-clean all window treatments while you are at it.
Blankets/Throws – launder all of these throughout the home, espeically the ones that have been packed or stored all year without any use.
Door/windows – lubricate all door and window hardware.
Kitchen, Pantry, and Utility
Clean behind appliances – pull out all appliances including refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, trash compactors, washer/dryers, etc. You won’t believe what you will find back there, maybe good, maybe not. While you are at it remove the dryer hose and clear it of any built-up lint. These can become fire hazards if not done once in awhile.
Clean inside appliances – clear out the insides of refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, ranges, and microwaves. This is the time to wipe down all those gooey messes and throw away the Christmas leftovers. When you put things back in, organize them back to the way that makes you happy and motivated to keep it that way. For the dishwasher, run an empty load with a cup of vinegar. This helps remove hard water build-up.
Refrigerator coils – dust and wipe down the grills and coils. This is something that is usually overlooked but can save you money in the long run. This allows the fridge to run more efficiently and therefore less often.
Range hood – remove this, soak in soapy water, and remove any grease build-up. This can also become a fire hazard if not kept clean.
Pantry – organize these by clearing out all the expired stuff and throwing away those things you know you will not use. You will be amazed at the amount of extra room.
Bedrooms and Closets
Bedding – with the warmer weather coming, change all bedding to the lighter side.
Closets – clear out clothes closets of items that are never worn. One way to test this is by turning all the hangers around and then coming back 3-4 weeks later to see which items you actually used. Donate the items you don’t have sentimental feelings for or make a Halloween costume.
Summer clothes – swap the winter stuff for the stored summer stuff. Maybe leave out a couple of items for a few cold days that may still occur.
Bathrooms
Medicine/Cosmetics – throw out all expired cosmetics and medications. That color is so 1990s anyway and do they even make Anacin anymore?
Living Areas
Sofas/chairs – clean out the never-never lands of the sitting furniture. As you go, count the amount of money you make and how many writing utensils you add to your collection. Who said cleaning can’t be fun.
Bookshelves – clear out and dust all busy and overworked shelves of knick-knacks and books.
Office
Files – clear out and organize all those papers from last year. Hey, since you are having so much fun why not do your taxes (finish the cleaning first though).
Just remember that the idea of spring cleaning is to open up your home and make it as free of clutter, dirt, and hazards as possible. With our busy lives it is sometimes a challenge to keep up. Have the family help you out, make it into a game, and put on some music to move you through the home. Whatever you do, just get it done and always keep it fun. When you are having fun the task will always be easier for you.
Copper
This beautiful metal is delicate yet resilient. Definitely keep it away from acidic foods (oranges, lemons, tomatoes, etc.) and wipe out after use to keep it looking its best.
Daily Cleaning
Stay clear of using any chemicals on copper, especially acidic products (vinegars, citrus cleaners, etc.). Everyday cleaning can be done with a simple damp towel. A small amount of soap can also be used as long as it is a mild soap. Wipe cleand and dry with a soft cloth.
Repairing Copper Finish
If you do make a mistake on copper, don't fret as it is a pretty resilient metal. It can form its on finish with normal use (air and water) and the more you use it the faster it will repair itself. The finish it forms is called patina and is the darker or brownish color that forms. To repair copper back to its original glossy look and to make the appearance consistent again do the following:
Take wet fine sand paper (500-600 grit)
Apply light pressure and rub the sink in a continuous motion in the same direction while constantly keeping the paper wet (maybe by filling the sink partially with water or other method).
The more you rub the more the patina will come off showing the shine again.
Sand until the sink is the way you like again or the blemish is removed.
If you would like to keep the shiny look for a longer period of time apply a copper wax which delays the formation of patina.
Do this technique about once a year (or every 9 months if the sink is used quite often). This will ensure a gorgeously displayed copper sink until you need to do it again.
Floors
Carpet
Carpet is actually the best option for houses with allergies. Its sole purpose is to absorb dirt from the air. This means that it needs to be vacuumed often to get that trapped dirt out.
Manufacturers recommend vacuuming daily. If you have nothing else to do, go for it. For the rest of us, aim for at least once a week.
If you have doors that lead from the outdoors straight to carpet, make sure to have mats to pull off excess dirt placed inside that doorway.
Have carpets cleaned professionally once a year to keep them looking young and fresh. Go with a professional, not a rented machine, for this. They have different levels of cleaning that they can do depending on your individual needs. Even their most basic level will get your carpets cleaner than a rented shampooer will.
Carpet may be the easiest and fastest floor type to clean on a regular basis but it can show excessive wear and staining very quickly. Here are some tips for removing some common problems:
Coffee stains
First, blot up as much of the spilled liquid as you can. Don’t rub the carpet; just gently press the clean towel all over the spot.
Next, in a clean bowl, put a little bit of dish soap and fill with warm water. Using a towel or sponge, lightly saturate the stain with the soapy water. Keep blotting with a clean, white rag. If the stain seems to be disappearing, rinse the area with cool water and blot dry with your clean, white rag.
The stain may be gone at this point, but if you drink darker roasts, you may need to call in nature’s smelly assistant: White vinegar. Mix 1/3 cup vinegar with 2/3 cup water. Repeat the same process you used with the dish soap. Remember to rinse and blot dry.
Go enjoy your next cup of joe!
Hardwood
Sweep, dust, or vacuum the floor daily to prevent the accumulation of dir or grit that can scratch the floor finish.
Weekly wipe the floor with a damp mop or cloth (Moxie Girl likes Bona Hardwood Floor Cleaner). Before trying a new product, test on a small area to make sure it doesn’t leave a film on your floor.
Use a damp cloth to blot spills as soon as they happen. For tough spots, such as oil, paint, markers, lipstick, or ink, use acetone/nail polish remover on a clean white cloth, then wipe with a damp cloth. Always avoid allowing liquids to stand on the floors.
DON’T use any oil based, wax, polish, ammoniated, or abrasive cleaners
DON’T use a wet mop with any liquid cleaning materials. This could cause swelling, warping, and joint-line separation.
Use rugs in entry ways, kitchens, and other high traffic areas.
Once a quarter, use a product like Hope’s Floor Revive to restore gloss, minimize scratches, and protect from stains, spills, and heel marks.
If you have dogs, make sure their nails are trimmed short enough to not scratch the floor and keep a microfiber floor duster handy to clean up drool drips often.
Make sure to put felt pads on the bottom of all your furniture so it won’t scratch if the furniture gets moved.
If the floors have lots of scratches or stains, it is time to call in a professional to sand and refinish the floor. We trust the guys at RNB Flooring for this.
Laminate
Laminate flooring is virtually indestructible. Other than standing water, not much will harm these floors. They are a great option for families with active kids and pets.
Since the floor is made out of melamine, a hard plastic, it is a better option for rooms with high humidity and high traffic.
Care is the same as wood flooring:
Dust or vacuum weekly to avoid the unsightly dust bunnies
Use a microfiber floor duster and spray cleaner (like Bona) to get the spots cleaned up.
Tile
Clean up spills immediately, but if any hard food is on the floors, use a plastic scraper or butter knife to pop the crusty food up.
Vacuum or dust often to avoid the unsightly dust bunnies
If wet-mopped on a weekly basis, only water is needed. Fill a bucket with hot water, dip your mop in, and wring it out until it is just damp. If the floors become streaky, you may need to change the water or wash the mop head.
If there is a greasy buildup on the kitchen floor, use a little dish soap to dissolve the grease.
If the grout is getting dark, it can be easily cleaned, it just takes a little time. Dip a sponge in the water and wet a few lines of grout. Sprinkle a little non or light abrasive cleaner like Comet on to the grout line. Using a grout brush or old tooth brush, scrub the lines, rinse with a damp rag, and wipe with a dry rag. Keep moving until all the dirty lines are clean again.
If you drip water on the grout and it absorbs (rather than beading up), it is time to reseal the grout. This typically needs to be done every 2-3 years to protect the grout from stains.
Natural Stone
The preventative care of these floors can save you hundreds, or even thousands of dollars.
Dust mop or vacuum often to avoid the accumulation of dirt and dust that can show wear on the floors.
Stone floors are porous, so they will absorb the cleaners that are put on them. For this reason, ONLY use hot water or cleaners specifically made for your type of floor when you clean them.
Make sure the stone is sealed to protect it from spills and stains. You can do this yourself with products from Home Depot.
If the floors are starting to look dull and/or chalky, or if something spilled on the floor and caused a stain, it is time to call in the professionals to hone and polish the flooring. We like Stone Touch here locally.
Outside
Patio/Exterior Furniture
Most outdoor furniture is waterproof and durable. Check with the manufacturers literature for maintenance and routine cleaning instructions.
Frames
Steel, plastic, or wrought iron frames can simply be wiped down with a soapy damp towel (depending on their dirtiness of course). Chemicals or other solutions typically aren’t necessary and may even be discouraged for your furniture. From time to time it is a good idea for cushions to be removed and the frames sprayed and brushed down thoroughly. This removes any insects, webs, and dirt that may have nested in the nooks and crannies of the furniture. Some materials like natural woods and wicker are more suitable for covered patios and may have there own unique ways to care for them.
Cushions
Cushions can be cared for just as easily as frames. Most times just wiping down with a damp rag will remove most surface dirt and stains. If there are stubborn spots and/or mildew issues a mixture of a quart of warm water, 1 tsp. borax or bleach, and a 1 tsp. of mild detergent soap can be used (read all labels to verify for your fabrics). Rinsing is the most critical part of cushion cleaning especially if soap was used because soap attracts more dirt and dirt attracts mildew faster. If cushions were saturated while cleaning then remove and stand up on end until damp and ready for reinstallation.
If patio furniture is not in use for a long time it is recommended that the cushions be removed and stored somewhere clean and dry. An alternative would be purchasing patio furniture covers. With this option verify that the covers will survive your particular climate. Don't necassarily trust the manufacturers information. We have witnessed covers literally melting to metal frames which become a mess unto itself.
Keeping your outdoor furniture clean and maintained will improve the life, look, and drastically increase the amount that you want to use it.
Frames
