Spring Cleaning: Top 10 Most Missed Areas
As April quickly approaches most of us are starting to think about all the wonderful things that Spring brings. The beautiful weather, the blooming plants, and the variety of exciting outdoor activities top the list. However, there is one thing that comes along with springtime that many of us wish we could avoid. Spring is the designated season of cleaning. The time to confront the messes and disorganization that lurks around every corner of your home. Regardless of the cleanliness of your home there are certain areas that most of us miss when cleaning and what better time to address them than during the season of clean!
We have put together a list of the top ten areas that people miss when cleaning their home and the easiest ways to clean those areas. How many on this list have you missed?
1. The Shower Head: We all clean the shower, but not the shower head. If you have an easy to remove shower head, you can detach it and place it in a bowl of vinegar overnight. The vinegar will help to clean the inside and dissolve mineral deposit build ups. After a night of soaking, scrub the shower head with an old toothbrush, rinse it, and reattach. If the shower head cannot be removed then you can rubber band a Ziploc bag full of vinegar around it overnight, then scrub and rinse.
2. The Air Vents and Exhaust Fans: Every room in the home has an air vent and most bathrooms have an exhaust fan, but we never think to clean them. These vents can be cleaned with a couple of different methods. You can use a small vacuum to remove dust and then wipe it clean. You can wrap a washcloth around a knife and use that to wipe out each opening in the vent. Finally, you can unscrew the vents, wash them in the sink, and then reattach.
3. The Baseboards: Baseboards are a quick and easy to clean, plus they stay clean for a long time. Start by running a soft bristle brush or even a paint brush across the tops of the baseboards to removes dust. Then take a damp cloth and wipe off the remaining dust and gunk. Use a wet Q-tip to get into the corners of the wall near your doors.
4. The Blinds: Start by vacuuming the blinds with a soft brush attachment by going across the slats, rather than up and down. Then follow behind with a lamb’s wool duster and remove any gunk or grease spots with a damp rag.
5. The Light Switches and Doorknobs: These are things that we touch on a daily basis and it leaves them covered with grime and germs. Use a rag with some disinfectant and wipe down all light switches and doorknobs throughout the home.
6. The Trash Cans: It goes without saying that the trash cans in our homes are covered in bacteria, yet we hardly ever take time to clean them. Spray the trash can down with disinfectant cleaner and then scrub with a sponge or brush. Let the cleaner sit for a few minutes after scrubbing, rinse, and dry. This can easily be done in a bathtub or outside with a hose.
7. The Mattress: Yet another thing that goes overlooked. Remove all sheets and mattress covers. While you are cleaning the mattress is a great time to wash the sheets, mattress cover, and comforter. First vacuum the mattress with the upholstery attachment. Then deodorize by sprinkling baking soda all over the mattress and scrubbing it in with a soft bristle brush. If you want to add a scent, try adding lavender essential oil to the baking soda. Finally, vacuum the baking soda off, flip and repeat if possible.
8. The Kitchen Cabinets: These get dusty on top and grimy near the handles. Start on the top and dust/wipe them down. Then using a disinfectant cleaner wipe down the front of the cabinets and if you really want a deep clean open them up and wipe down the inside of the door too. Then spray and clean the hardware. If you have gunk built up near the knobs you can use an old toothbrush or sponge to scrub it off.
9. The Refrigerator and Other Appliances: Take on all the large appliances in your home such as, the fridge, stove, washer, and dryer. Start at the top and wipe down each appliance with a disinfectant cleaner. Then move the appliance out and clean the floor underneath as well as the back of the appliance. This is especially important with the refrigerator, as the coils on the back need to be vacuumed regularly.
10. The Light Fixtures: The cleaning process for these can vary greatly depending on the style. If the fixture is a dome light, remove the glass piece and wash it in the sink or even dishwasher, dry, and reattach. If the fixture is a chandelier style, then a good wipe down and dusting is best.
Bonus Tip: Despite its name, your dishwasher does not have to be used only for dishes. You can put toys, pet dishes, toothbrush holders, etc. in the dishwasher to clean and disinfect them. The possibilities are endless, so keep your eyes open as you are spring cleaning for items that can be easily cleaned and disinfected with this method.
Here at ServiceMaster by Bailey we are dreading Spring Cleaning just as much as anybody. This is the time of year when we clean out desks, cabinets, and our warehouse. We know how you feel, but we also know the wonderful feeling of having a clean and organized home. These extra tips will help make your space that much cleaner and healthier for you and your family. Don’t forget that we can help you with spring cleaning with professional carpet and upholstery cleaning! Call today for a free quote! 770.720.9533
