Ah, spring: tulips color and bloom, pitchers and catchers report to the dugout, and time to get your home in tip top shape after a long winter. But where do you begin? With these easy tips, the annual spring clean doesn’t have to be a Herculean task.
There’s no better place to start than the kitchen. Be sure to check following:
- Test all the smoke and fire alarms
- Check and replace fire extinguishers
- Clean the ceiling fans as well as the hood of the oven
- Polish the silver
If you have stainless steel appliances, a light mist of wax-based aerosol or a homemade mix will keep them bright and clean. Use solutions gingerly, however, as you don't want the surfaces to be greasy. Don’t use anything harsh or abrasive on the stainless steel refrigerator because it will scratch and ruin the surface. Bleach-based cleaners are a definite no, too.
But what about the rest of the house? It all depends on how meticulous you want to be. It’s important to clean the carpets and care for wood floors and rugs, as these areas see a lot of wear and tear. Other spring cleaning tips include:
- Organize closets and bookshelves
- Clean curtains
- Sort out bathroom and kitchen cabinets
- Clean under furniture
Ambitious homeowners even go so far as to throw a new coat of paint on the walls, turning spring cleaning into a spring makeover.
When it comes to spring cleaning, the exterior of the house is just as important as the interior. Winter weather can wreak havoc on shingles; if the shingles are curled or clawed, they’re susceptible to leaks and will need to be replaced. If your home is made of brick or stucco, check for any crumbling. Outdoor spring cleaning tips include the following:
- Clean gutters
- Replace any rotten siding or trim
- Have the chimney inspected
What’s in the garage? You think the kids’ bikes are in there, a canoe, maybe two, camping gear, tools, , snowboards, skis, and the list goes on and on. Spring is the time to take inventory. But more importantly, it’s time clean, sort, organize, and maintain all the recreational and miscellaneous items in the garage. Get all of your possessions in order. And if your garage has windows, make sure those items are hidden from view so you don’t attract thieves.
Tackle these spring chores and see what a difference it makes!
