While the Phoenix area rarely ever has super-cold weather, we lovers of the triple-digit temperatures do relish the opportunity to once again open up windows and doors as spring returns. And with spring comes spring cleaning, that once-a-year time when you can do a thorough cleaning of your home. Tackle your 2021 task with 5 tips to keep your home clean and inviting.
Tip 1: Dust Off
It doesn’t matter if your home has been closed up all winter or if you’ve let in the cool breezes; dust still accumulates. And dust can exacerbate seasonal allergies. Nip those issues in the bud with some good spring cleaning dusting!
When dusting, it’s good practice to start high and work your way down. That way, the dust falls as you wipe it, ending up on the floor where it can be vacuumed away. In fact, you can use your vacuum to dust, in a matter of speaking. Martha Stewart even suggests vacuuming ceilings and walls once a month, moving from top to bottom.
Try a tube sock for ceiling fan blades, rather than a duster. That will take off the big fuzzes. Follow up with a quick spray of three parts water to one part vinegar, wiped up with a microfiber cloth.
Remember that dust also settles on upholstery, so pull out your trusty vacuum to clean up all of that soft-sided furniture, in addition to your regular dusting.
Tip 2: Kitchen Cleanup
We spend a lot of time in our kitchens, so it’s no wonder they get quite dirty. Spring cleaning is a great time to really get in there and clean your kitchen.
- Empty your fridge. Check all expiration dates, remove and wash shelves and drawers, and even defrost the freezer. Remember to replace filters as needed.
- Clean up the pantry. Again, check expiration dates. Take this opportunity to organize as you clean. Wipe down all shelves and put things back in a way that makes sense for you. Good Housekeeping has some clever ideas for optimizing your pantry space, should you need some inspiration.
- Clear the cabinets. Can you even remember the last time you cleaned your cabinets and drawers? Empty them out, wipe them down, and put things back. Bonus points for washing all of the things you move.
- Most of us have self-cleaning stoves, so before you go to bed one night, turn that on. Also, put a cleaning tab in the dishwasher the next time you run it to keep it smelling fresh.
Tip 3: Focus on the Floors
Even if you are diligent about vacuuming your floors weekly, you probably aren’t quite as on top of the mopping or shampooing the carpets. Luckily, you can do both of these things yourself.
Mopping is as easy as having a mop and a bucket. For corners, you’ll want an oversized sponge, which will get in there much better than your mop. Use soapy water to get rid of the grime. Be sure to rinse the floors as well.
If you don’t own a carpet cleaner, rent one from the local grocery store. Concerned about those harsh carpet-cleaning chemicals? Try water and a bit of soap (just a bit!). That will do your spring cleaning just as well as anything you can buy commercially—and without the crunchy carpets!
Tip 4: Give Your Bathrooms a Bath!
For those bathrooms that still have shower curtains, spring cleaning is the time to clean them! Remove the curtains and throw them in the washing machine on the gentle cycle. Hang to dry before using them again.
For glass-enclosed showers, use your vinegar/water mix and give them a good clean to remove hard-water stains. Scrub down mirrors (including the tops), light fixtures, countertops, and all fixtures. And as you did in the kitchen, clean out cabinets, wipe them down, and reorganize as you put everything back in its place.
Tip 5: Call Carnation Home Cleaning
No doubt about it: spring cleaning is a lot of work. If you’re the kind of person who likes pushing up your sleeves and getting in there, awesome! However, if you’re like most people, you probably have other things you’d rather be doing.
That’s where Carnation Home Cleaning comes in.
We’ll do your regular cleaning to keep your home looking and feeling inviting. Plus, we can help with your spring cleaning as well. And all you’ll have to do is push a few buttons on your phone.
Contact us now for your free estimate!
