Spring Cleaning: Tips to Freshen Up Your Home

If Spring’s arrival is giving you an urge to tidy up, it’s probably time to give your home an annual deep Spring cleaning. Just thinking about washing windows, gutters, and vents can be overwhelming, but we can help. In this article, we give you the list of things to clean in your home, the most efficient way to do it, and the best tools for the job. You’ll soon be on your way to a spotless house. 

Every Room

  •  Baseboards, molding, and ceilings
    These are easy to overlook, but once cleaned, make the whole room look immaculate. Wipe down baseboards with a damp cloth or use a clean cotton mop for moldings and ceilings. You can also use the wand attachment of your vacuum.
  • Vents
    To make your HVAC system run smoothly, you must clean your return vents by using a vacuum with a dust attachment. Also, change the filter once a month to make sure the furnace continues to trap dust and allergens effectively.
  • Blinds
    Open your blinds, take a rag or duster and wipe down the top and bottom of each panel. 
  • Fans
    Wipe down your fan blades with a wet cloth or cleaner to remove the dust buildup.
  • Windows
    Washing windows is one of those tasks that can be time-consuming and frustrating, but it is something that you can tackle for yourself. If you want to quickly wash a window or two, you’ll need to mix up a little window and mirror cleaner, spray, and wipe. The views of gardens and trees are even more pleasant to look at with clear and clean windowpanes.
  • Carpets and rugs
    Get dirt or sand out of the carpet using a vacuum and a carpet cleaner. But if you prefer to use better equipment and a thorough cleaning method, delegate the task to the pros such as Fixd Repair’s Home Concierge. A specialist will match you with top professionals in your area to get the job done right! 

Kitchen

  • Garbage disposal
    A well-maintained garbage disposal keeps waste from getting clogged in your pipes, so it must be cleaned once or every two weeks. To clean it, place 1/2 cup of baking soda into the drain, then pour a cup of white vinegar on top. Let sit for 10 minutes before rinsing with hot water while the disposal is running.
  • Refrigerator and microwave
    Disinfect by detaching all removable parts, then soak it in hot, soapy water or run through the dishwasher.
  • Oven
    Either use your oven’s “self-cleaning” feature or scrub with a brush and a paste made from baking soda and vinegar. A portable steamer with a brush attachment also works wonders in cleaning the oven. 
  • Dishwasher
    First, make sure there’s no detergent in your dishwasher to avoid making a mess. Then, fill the dispenser with one cup of vinegar and 1/2 cup of baking soda and run it empty. This will clean up any grime or grease inside the dishwasher.
  • Clean out expired food
    Food accumulates over time and ends up sitting in your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Pull out each item and check the expiration date. Throw away any items that have expired.

Bedroom

  • Bedding
    Remove all bedding and wash with warm water to kill all the germs. Wash your pillows, decorative pillow casings, and duvet cover as well. Follow the instructions on the tags on how to wash. 
  • Mattress
    Once you have stripped the bed, vacuum the mattress. If there are stains, spot treat using a mix of dish soap and water. To absorb any remaining odor and moisture, sprinkle the bed with baking soda and let it sit uncovered for as long as possible. Vacuum up whatever is left, and the mattress will seem like it’s brand-new. Remember to flip it for even wear.

Bathroom  

  • Grout, mold, and mildew removal
    Mold in a bathroom is common because of moisture and steam, so proper ventilation is one of the best ways to avoid it from forming. One great way to remove grout is to spray hydrogen peroxide on the spots. Let it sit for up to an hour and rinse. You can also try using the same process with just straight white vinegar, no rinsing necessary. Consider re-caulking or re-grouting your tub or shower when stains, mildew, or mold issues persist.
  • Toilet
    To remove stains, squirt a small amount of cleaning solution in the inside of the toilet and swish a brush around the bowl. Wipe down the toilet’s exterior – tank, handle, tank edges, lid, and seat. If you haven’t cleaned the back of the toilet in a while, soak the area with an all-purpose cleaner before scrubbing. Finish up by spraying the toilet brush with disinfecting spray.  
  • Shower linens and liners
    No need to throw away your shower liner or curtain due to mildew buildup. Simply place your liner in the washing machine and run the cycle on warm or hot with regular detergent, and 1/2 a cup of baking soda. During the rinse cycle, add 1/2 cup of distilled white vinegar and wallah, your liner is as clean as new.

Laundry

  • Dryer
    If you’ve ever opened your dryer expecting to find dry clothes only to find still-damp clothes instead, you probably need to give it a little cleaning. You can spray the entire exterior with your favorite all-purpose cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth. Remove and clean the lint trap and use a long-handled dryer vent cleaner to get any trapped lint still in the dryer. Finally, use the crevice tool on your vacuum cleaner to clean up any remaining dirt.
  • Washing machine
    Keep molds and mineral deposits at bay by pouring two cups of white vinegar directly into the wash drum. Run the washer on the longest and hottest setting. You can also use the self-cleaning setting if you have it. Remember to leave the machine door open after each use to prevent moisture buildup.

Living Room

  • Upholstery
    Spills are common and can stain your furniture. Run the vacuum over your furniture to remove any dust or crumbs. Mix 1/2 cup of vinegar, 1 cup of warm water, and 1/2 tablespoon of liquid dish soap in a spray bottle. Spot check your furniture and use the cleaning solution as needed.
  • Lampshades
    You may not have noticed, but dust holds onto your lampshades very easily. Use the attachments on your vacuum cleaner and gently vacuum your lampshades.
  • Throw pillows and blankets 
    Follow the instructions on the tags of each item and clean accordingly. If using the washing machine, wash with warm water to kill all germs.

Outdoor

  • Gutters
    Ask someone to assist you as you head out to the roof to clear accumulated debris from your gutter. If you’re not comfortable with doing this, find a home maintenance professional in your area with Fixd Home Concierge.
  • Garage
    Go through your garage and dispose of any unnecessary items by donating them to a local shelter. Wipe down all equipment, sweep, and power wash the floor.
  • Patio and deck
    The best way to clean off your deck or patio is to power wash. You can rent a power washer from your local retail store or call a professional. This will help remove all the dirt and stains that have built up from the past year.
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