Tabla de contenidos para Spring Cleaning en Spring Cleaning

IN THE 1800s, kerosene lamps and coal-fired furnaces left the interior of homes coated in a layer of soot and grime. Once residents could put away wintertime heating sources, a thorough interior refresh followed. Spring cleaning marked the end of winter and a chance to start fresh. Even today, spring cleaning feels good—and it’s good for you! Removing dust and mold helps prevent allergies. Cleaning ducts and fireplaces and removing clutter lowers the risk of fire. Cleaning filters extends the life of appliances. Safety measures prevent household accidents. Organization techniques can save money. Most importantly, cleaning has a ton of health benefits. Cleaning can be great exercise: an hour of cleaning is equivalent to an hour at the gym. It can also reduce anxiety because, as you clean, your brain…

Just as in the pantry, clear out all the dishes, bowls, cups and storage containers from your kitchen cabinet. Use the vacuum and your favorite all-purpose kitchen cleaner to wipe down the shelves, and replace shelf liners if necessary. Decide if it’s time to upgrade your dishes and kitchenware. Remove any dishes that have chips. If you have glass doors on your cabinets or open shelving, your choice of dishware is important. Less is more, as overcrowding can make these shelves look cluttered. Hide unattractive (but still useful) kitchen tools behind solid doors. Follow the same steps for the kitchen drawers by removing all the items and wiping clean the interior. Use cutlery trays to keep silverware and other tools separated. Small dividers inside drawers keep small items organized, removing…

ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load DAILY □ Declutter countertops □ Wipe down surfaces WEEKLY □ Clean mirrors □ Scrub toilets □ Mop floors □ Wash towels MONTHLY □ Unclog drains □ Scrub bathtubs □ Wash shower curtains □ Throw bath mats in the wash…

Influencer to Watch: @mrs.ds.cleaning This blogger gives advice on how to keep the bathroom smelling beautiful and clean: “1. A few drops of essential oil on some cotton wool and place in your trashcan liner. 2. Add a few drops of essential oil to the inner cardboard tube of your toilet roll. 3. After you’ve used your toilet brush, place the brush between the seat and the porcelain, spray with antibacterial spray … leave to dry. 4. Pour some toilet cleaner in the bottom of your toilet brush holder to keep it fresh and clean. 5. Add a few drops of essential oil to your sink drain.” She recommends eucalyptus essential oil because it’s also a natural disinfectant. Most bathroom germs start in the toilet, and they can easily spread…

ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load DAILY □ Declutter □ Fold blankets and arrange pillows WEEKLY □ Vacuum □ Dust MONTHLY □ Clean couches □ Wash windows…

ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load □ Mudroom: Entryways and mudrooms get a lot of extra traffic during fall, winter and spring months. They truly live up to the “mud” in their name. Daily sweeping of the floor and decluttering of jackets, hats and gloves can keep this space from spiraling out of control. At least once a month, take inventory of what’s hanging in the mudroom and remove any items that have migrated there unnecessarily. □ Laundry Room: At minimum, empty the lint trap after every use of the dryer. Wipe down counters and cabinets with disinfecting spray once a week. Sweep and mop the floor as needed. □ Basement: These rooms can look and feel like a dungeon, particularly in an unfinished basement. Don’t let it fill up…

No matter where you keep your pet food, water bowls, leashes and toys, it’s important that your pets’ belongings stay clean and tidy. Helps kids and other family members take responsibility for pet care by having a designated location for every item. Follow these steps at least a few times a year to keep pet areas clean and functional: onfoodmedicine treats and anything else your animal might ingest. Vacuumandtacklestainswith a dog-safe cleaning solution, such as Nature’s Miracle Deep Cleaning Carpet Shampoo. If the bed has a cover that can be removed, run it through the washing machine on its own cycle. Washorsoakfabriccollars in a sink filled with warm water and dog shampoo. Scrub away any dirt, then rinse and let air-dry. Someofthemostwell-loved toys should find…

REVERSE SPRING CLEANING Although spring is a good time to tackle outdoor chores, you’ll be better off if you prepared for winter ahead of time. Winter is a time of hibernating in nature, so set yourself up for spring success by following these recommendations before the first snow hits: □ Cut grass short before the first snow falls so that mice and other animals don’t burrow during the winter. □ Cut back tree branches so heavy snow doesn’t cause damage. □ Clean and store lawn mowers, weed whackers and other tools inside, or cover them with a tarp to protect against winter weather. Before storing, drain the fuel so gas doesn’t sit dormant for too long. □ Check sealant on doors and windows to prevent water damage and heat loss.…

As the yard awakes from its winter slumber, even homeowners without a green thumb should give landscaping a spring refresh. First, clean up winter residue, removing leaves, pine needles and dead annuals. Pick up pinecones, which can take years to fully decompose. Rake the lawn to fight against fungus growth, thatch and decomposing items left over from the fall. Prune perennials, shrubs and trees. Finally, add fertilizer to grass about three weeks after the first signs of green emerge. Once the ground has thawed and dried out, get your garden ready by preparing flower beds for planting. Remove any dead plants, stems or leaves from the area, which could cause fungus to spread. Prune plants, pull weeds and remove old mulch left over from last year. Finally, check the structure…

GREEN CLEAN: Dispose of chemicals properly The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) cautions against exposure to hazardous household chemicals, such as paints, cleaners, oils, batteries and pesticides. Improper disposal, such as pouring down the drain or throwing out with the trash, can pollute the environment and contaminate septic tanks or wastewater treatment systems. Here are six tips for proper care of chemicals: Keep hazardous materials in their original containers and never remove labels. Never add other products to a partly empty container. The chemicals could react, ignite, or explode. Make sure containers are sealed properly so you avoid breathing in toxic fumes. Protect the chemicals from extreme temperatures by storing them away from furnaces and radiators. Use a lockable storage cabinet so kids don’t accidentally use something they shouldn’t. Get rid of…

ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load DAILY □ Washing your hands is the best defense in the kitchen to prevent food poisoning, especially when handling raw meats or before preparing dinner □ Wash cutting boards, dishes, utensils and countertops with hot soapy water □ Spray countertops and range top with disinfectant □ Sweep the floor WEEKLY □ Mop the floor □ Scrub the sink □ Clean out the refrigerator □ Wash towels and dishcloths MONTHLY □ Wipe down the cabinet drawers and doors with hot soapy water □ Clean the oven □ Sanitize the trash can and recycling bins…

Good quality pots and pans can improve performance in the kitchen. But over time, these critical cooking tools can grow dingy. Whether there’s burned residue from an overcooked entrée or caked-on sauce spillover, a deep clean is essential. From stainless steel to nonstick to cast iron, know how to refresh your pots and pans. Stainless steel is a popular option in the kitchen because it’s durable, heats quickly and retains heat well. Over time, however, tough stains and burned-on food require extra attention. The best way to tackle these messes is to add baking soda and a small amount of water to the pot. Bring to a boil until most of the water has evaporated. Once cool, scrub the residue using a sponge and hot, soapy water. If water stains…

Keep your appliances and kitchen tools clean and in good shape. Regular maintenance will not only help them last longer, but also make some tools safer and make food taste better. Coffee Pots and Teapots Stains may appear over time on these everyday tools thanks to the residue coffee and tea leave behind. To remove them, add 1 cup crushed ice, 1 tablespoon water, and 4 teaspoons rock salt to the pot. Swish it around and then wash as usual. If, in addition to stains, your pot has any lingering coffee or tea odor, add a tablespoon of baking soda to the solution. Microwave Splatter and baked-on residue can make a microwave dirty and smelly. To make splatter easier to remove, fill a mug with water and lemon juice. Heat…

ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load DAILY □ Make the beds each morning □ Pick up clothes from the floor WEEKLY □ Wash the sheets □ Sweep and vacuum □ Do laundry MONTHLY □ Organize the linen closet □ Wash curtains and dust blinds □ Dust surfaces…

Mattresses and bedding should be deep cleaned at least once a year. This cleaning will promote better sleep, plus remove the buildup of dust and allergens. It’s important to get rid of dust mites, microscopic bugs that eat dead skin cells and thrive in warm, humid environments. According to the American Lung Association, dust mites live in four out of five homes in the United States, in mattresses, bedding, upholstered furniture, drapes and pillows. People who have asthma or are allergic to dust and dust mites may struggle with a runny nose, sneezing and breathing problems. By regularly cleaning your bedding, you can say goodbye to allergy-inducing debris. Tip Sleep experts recommend getting new mattresses every six to eight years. Early spring is the best time to clean the mattress…

Over time, the bathtub and shower attract mildew, mold, soap scum and other buildup. This can make the bathroom look and feel dirty. To fight mold or mildew, use the cleaning solution of your choice. A homemade mixture using hydrogen peroxide and water can also be used. Spray it on the affected area and let it sit for 10 minutes. Use a scrub brush to remove it and wipe clean with a paper towel. Grout can also be a tough surface to keep clean, especially in humid environments like the bathroom. Overtime, it discolors because it’s made of porous materials, making it prone to stains. While there are many ways to clean grout, be sure to choose a solution that doesn’t break down the grout and erode it over time.…

Furniture receives a lot of wear and tear, and every so often, your living room couches and chairs need a refresh. If you have pets or kids, this task may need to happen more than once a year. To start, remove blankets, pillows and cushions. Check the manufacturer’s label to see if they’re washable. If you’ve removed the tags, you may find cleaning codes under the cushions. Throw removable covers in the wash and let them air dry before returning them to the couch. If the cover doesn’t come off, take the cushions outside and beat the dust out. Brown leather furniture can be cleaned with equal parts vinegar and water. A microfiber cloth applied in a circular motion can remove stuck-on stains. But be sure not to fully soak…

The Washer Cleaning your washing machine at least once a year is good for it and for your clothes. If there are stains on your clothes or they don’t smell fresh enough, it’s time to clean the machine. Bacteria, mold and mildew hide in the washing machine and can contribute to itchy skin, rashes and smelly wardrobes. Tip Add a half cup of vinegar when doing loads of towels or linens to remove odors and add softness. At least once a year, run the empty washing machine through a complete cycle to disinfect it. Set the machine to a hot, long setting. Once the bin fills with water, add half a cup of vinegar. Once that cycle is complete, deep clean the bleach and fabric softener wells by soaking them…

Have you decluttered as much as possible? Consider the functionality of the garage to keep items like skis, tennis rackets and tools from occupying valuable floor space, allowing vehicles to share the space. Use a pegboard with hooks for vertical storage. Add labels so the whole family knows where items belong. Move items to other storage options like a shed or a basement when possible. Meanwhile, a garage makeover is a good time to clean out your toolbox and workbench. Set yourself up for success with organized storage. Make sure there’s a place for everything, including a primary toolbox, a backup toolbox and large tools like handsaws or power tools. Shelves, drawers and pegboards are useful containers for organizing this space. Save yourself hassle later on by keeping your toolboxes…

Make the kitchen sparkle and shine again with a top-to-bottom refresh of appliances, countertops, floors, cabinets, and more. Scrub all surfaces using soap and water. Germs can hide inside dirt and organic material, so follow with a disinfectant spray. This will kill germs, thus lowering the spread of illness. Apply disinfectant to all high-touch surfaces such as door frames, cabinets, appliance handles, light switches and countertops. This is especially important when viruses, such as the flu or COVID-19, are spreading throughout the community. Stay away from all-purpose cleaners that may not be safe to use with food surfaces. Always read the labels to make sure there are no harsh or toxic ingredients that could be harmful if consumed. Cleaning Hack Fruit Flies. These pesky bugs are attracted to ripe fruits…

Depending on the material and condition of your floors, it may be time for an annual deep clean. While there are many specialized mops for cleaning floors, nothing is as good for this purpose as scrubbing on your hands and knees. When you mop every week, an annual deep clean won’t seem as daunting. Hardwood Use a product specifically designed for the finish on your floors. Spray the cleaner on the floors and mop in the direction of the floorboards. This prevents streaking and also picks up dirt that has fallen between the floorboards. Be careful not to use excessive amounts of water as that could damage the floor further. Some stains may prove harder to remove. If there is discoloration caused by oil, use a small amount of dish…

Decluttering should be at the top of the list for every spring cleaning task, and the bedroom is no different. A cluttered bedroom can affect sleep patterns, which is why cleaning it should be an everyday task. Make sure the bedrooms in your home are set up in a way that allows for easy decluttering. Nightstands can be a magnet for items that don’t have a home. Keep the surface clean by making sure there is plenty of drawer space for miscellaneous items such as flashlights, lip balm, books, TV remotes, a paper and pen. Be careful your nightstand drawer doesn’t turn into a junk drawer: install drawer dividers to allow each item to have a designated place. Purchase a basket or crate that can be a catch-all container for…

One of the most important areas of the shower to deep clean is the drain. Hair, soap residue and skin particles can clog the drain and slow the flow of water. If left untreated, the particles will stick to the walls of the pipes and eventually stop the flow altogether. Hair is the biggest culprit, and clearing it is a task (albeit unpleasant) you can accomplish yourself. Purchase a drain auger, a longer version of a plumber’s snake, which removes buildup easily. However, if your pipes are old or you’re unable to remove the clog after a few tries, call a professional. If the drain isn’t clogged, but you want to do preventive maintenance and eliminate odors, pour a mixture of one-third cup vinegar and one-third cup baking soda down…

Spring cleaning is also a good time of year to purge the medicine closet. Check old prescription bottles and over-the-counter medicines to make sure they haven’t expired. Remove unmarked containers and dispose of any duplicates or nearly empty bottles. Before tossing them in the trash or down the drain, make sure you’re disposing of them properly. Tip Change your storage location for medicines. Because the bathroom has high humidity and is accessible to children and pets, consider relocating medicines to a drier and safer environment such as a linen closet or kitchen cupboard. If you have granite or marble countertops on your bathroom vanity, make sure to seal them at least once a year. Sealing protects the naturally porous stone from absorbing liquids, resulting in stains that can’t be removed.…

Mythbuster DIY cleaners aren’t as good as store-bought cleaners. True! Sometimes. While the green cleaning movement helps create DIY products that are less toxic, for both the environment and the people exposed to them, they’re typically not as powerful as commercial cleaners. Most DIY cleaners will still get the job done. But for cleaning tasks like removing raw chicken juice from countertops, it’s a good idea to reach for commercial cleaning solutions. Be careful of combining different substances, as they could have negative reactions. Here are some combinations to steer clear of: GREEN CLEAN: Silver Polish Boil two to three inches of water in a shallow pan with one teaspoon of salt, one teaspoon of baking soda and a sheet of aluminum foil. Submerge silver in the pan and boil…

Gas fireplaces are an easy and efficient way to heat your home. But over time, the glass door can turn white or foggy due to chemicals in the natural gas. To clean it, turn off the gas valve and open the door. Use a special fireplace glass cleaner, such as Rutland Glass Cleaner, and paper towels. Vacuum out any dust from inside the fireplace. Traditional wood-burning fireplaces require regular deep cleans, both to keep them clean and to prevent fires. Make sure the fire has been out for more than 48 hours before cleaning. To keep ash from falling onto the floor, lay a towel down at the base of the fireplace. Then remove ash from the fireplace using a shovel and bucket, and discard in the trash can. Be…

Did you know? The word garage comes from the French word garer, meaning “to shelter or protect.” ONGOING TASKS to Lighten the Load □ Garage: Don’t wait for spring cleaning to make your garage shine. At least once a month, declutter the space by removing empty boxes, trash or recreation equipment that doesn’t belong there. Sweep the floor at least once a month to make sure there’s no leftover food that will attract mice. □ Vehicles: Keep your car clutter-free by removing food, water bottles and trash each time you come in. At least once a month, or when there’s a long trip on the horizon, check the oil in your car and the air in your tires.…

Depending on how large your house is and how much deferred cleaning you’re facing, it could take anywhere from a few hours to a few weeks to tackle everything on the spring cleaning checklist. Don’t let the daunting task ahead of you keep it from getting done. And once you decide to take the leap, don’t stop there. Spring cleaning can be a helpful restart—but treat it like a New Year’s resolution. For true cleanliness, regular maintenance is required, just like persisting in a healthy diet or going to the gym. Ongoing maintenance tasks can lessen the load once spring rolls around. But there are some tasks that only need to happen once a year. It’s not always easy to convince children of the value of a clean house. If…