Spring is an ideal time to tackle some of the cleaning projects that often get overlooked during routine cleaning. Tackling just a couple of these items each week means that by mid spring, your home will feel brighter, smell fresher, and your surroundings will have be given a new lease on life.
Windows: Clean windows inside and out on a cloudy day to ensure that the sun won't dry the cleanser before you're done wiping.
Granite countertops: Reseal them if it’s been a year or longer since the last application. You'll know they are sealed properly when water beads and droplets form on the surface.
Dishwasher: To keep this heavy-duty cleaning appliance working well, remove any bits of food on the bottom, then run a cycle with a specialty cleanser made for your dishwasher.
Refrigerator: Pull out fridge's interior shelves and wash them with warm soapy water. Then wipe down the inside surfaces that can't be removed with a sponge, before putting shelves back in their place.
Wood floors: Rather than mopping them weekly, wet-clean them instead, once every one to two months and spot-clean as needed.
Oven: Chip off loose pieces from your range, then spritz burnt-on food with ammonia. Sprinkle baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar on the bottom, let it bubble up, then wipe away the grime with a sponge.
Tiled Surfaces: Clean bathroom and kitchen tiles with a cleaner that has "neutral pH" on the label. You can also mix baking soda and water for a homemade cleaner: Pour 125 ml baking soda into 8 litres water and mix well. Then apply the liquid with a string mop or sponge mop. For grout, use the same baking soda and water mixture.
Washing Machine: Disinfect with distilled white vinegar and baking soda to keep it fresh and high-functioning. Run the machine with hot water, then add the cleaning agents and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Then, restart your machine, let the water drain, and wipe it dry.
Pillows and comforters: These fluffy sleeping accessories should be thrown into your washing machine ( just read the manufacturer's label first! ) two to three times per year.
Mattress: Use your vacuum's crevice tool to clean the surface and sides, then spot-clean stains with an upholstery cleaner. Sanitize with a spritz of disinfectant spray afterwards.
Painted Walls: Spot clean your walls with a cloth or sponge and water. If that doesn't work, dip the rag or sponge into water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid, the milder the better. If the stain persists, apply a few drops of soap directly onto the wet sponge or cloth you're using. Then, make sure you rinse the wall with plain water.
Source: House Beautiful