There’s just nothing like a annual deep cleaning of your home when spring time rolls around each year. Some people prefer to hire a professional cleaning service, while others prefer the DIY route. Whether you start in the attic and end in the basement, or start outside and work your way inside, it’s important to have a checklist established to keep you focused and on track. In addition to your normal cleaning routine, our ultimate spring cleaning checklist has some helpful tips on basic techniques that will help you refresh your home this year.
Shampoo Carpet and Rugs
Your carpet and rugs can hold POUNDS of dirt and harmful bacteria deep in their threads. So what is the best way to clean them? First, identify the material. This is a very important step, as different materials require unique cleaning methods and materials. Use a rotary shampoo machine and a hot-water extraction machine clean to clean your synthetic rugs and carpets that have waterproof backings. Rugs without backings, including Orientals, will require the help of a professional cleaning service.
Dust & Remove Cobwebs
When it comes to cleaning your home, it’s best to start at the ceiling down. Use the extension hose on your vacuum to remove those pesky cobwebs and dust from your fans and ceilings first. Next move on to dusting your furniture and other items like picture frames, fireplace mantels, etc. Now all of the remaining dust and debris can be vacuumed or swept off of your floors. This will save you time and the headache of having to re-dust your space.
Ensure Fire Safety
Although your home won’t spontaneously combust, obstructed electrical sources, flammable objects, and other hazards could put a home at risk for a flaming end. Minimize clutter and maintain a an evacuation plan with open escape routes. Discard of unnecessary paper materials such as newspapers, old mail, catalogs, and anything else that is no longer needed. Smoke alarms should be installed in each room and tested to be sure they are working correctly. Now is also a great time to replace the batteries in any existing alarms.
Disinfect Your Kitchen
Make your own cleaning solution by mixing 1 tablespoon of bleach to every 1 gallon of water, then pour some of the mixture in a spray bottle. Spray your kitchen surfaces thoroughly with the mixture and allow to air dry. Bleach will kill most household germs. Clean your fridge by wiping up any spills with a paper towel, dishwashing liquid and water. Paper towels are the best choice because you can completely remove the germs from your home. If you do use a rag, wash them immediately in the hottest water possible.
Scrub Down Your Bathroom
Start by spraying countertops, walls, cabinets, and tile with all-purpose cleaner and turn on the hot water in the shower until steam builds (about five minutes). Turn off the water, shut the door, and let the steam and the cleaner mix for 20 minutes while you throw plastic shower curtains and liners into the washing machine with your regular detergent. If you have shower doors, create a cleaning paste by adding a few drops of white vinegar to 1 cup of baking soda; apply the paste to the door, then wipe down with a clean cloth. Clean your toilet by pouring 1 cup of baking soda into the bowl. Let sit for a few minutes; brush and flush.
Freshen Up Your Bed
For some, the bed is the most important piece of furniture in the home. Start by stripping all the comforter, sheets and pillow cases, mattress cover, and bed skirt and follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to wash them properly. Check the shape of your mattress and use these instructions to remove stains and get your mattress looking new. Vacuum the top and sides of the mattress and then flip and rotate it. Vacuum the top again before putting your now clean linens and pillows back.