The crocuses are budding and the birds are singing. That can only mean one thing: It's Spring. And time for spring cleaning! The best source for learning how get your home ready for spring is the Clean Team's best seller, Spring Cleaning. But for the cheap-sheet version, here are the eight essential tasks to take you from dark and dusty to sparkly and new this spring.
1. Clean and/or replace filters If your furnace filters aren't removing dust because they are dirty and old, guess where all that dust is going: Right back into your house. When you are busy replacing your filter, make sure you fully dust and vacuum in and around your furnace. Our flexible microfiber duster and ostrich feather dusters are ideal tools to make dusting a cinch - just swipe the area and the microfiber grabs the dust.
2. Wash your windows - and window treatments Now that the sun is shining more brightly, it's a lot harder to ignore the dirt, rain, snow and fingerprints that have wrecked havoc on our window pains all winter long. Make your window cleaning job easier by investing in the proper tools, including our cotton cleaning cloths for a streak-free, lint-free finish.
3. Wash your walls and ceilings This is a big job, but it's a lot easier and less expensive than repainting! Save yourself time and steps by working from the ceiling down, first vacuuming with the brush attachment on your vacuum. Prevent streaking by drying the walls as you go with lint-free cleaning cloths. If your walls feature wood paneling, you will love washing them with our Sh-mop - that long telescoping handle makes reaching to the ceiling a cinch. Don't forget scrub your light switches and outlet covers. These seem to be magnets for grime - and germs.
4. Move it, move it - the furniture that is! You don't need to move the couch, dresser and dining room table every time you clean the floors, but once or twice a year is a definite must. Remember, this is deep cleaning. The Sh-mop is ideal for tackling tile, ceramic and wood or laminate surfaces. (When using your Sh-mop on wood floors, remember the sh-wipe should be just barely damp.) Now is also a great time to consider having your carpets professionally cleaned - or renting a steam cleaner and doing it yourself. If you have wood floors, you may want to look into having them resealed this spring.
5. Vacuum and flip your mattresses Once you finish with your floors, it's time to carry your vacuum into the bedrooms and power clean those mattresses. Suck up any dust - and dust mites - to help prevent allergies and prolong the life of your mattress. Unless you have a new no-flip mattress, this is also an ideal time to flip and rotate your mattress. Do it twice a year, with the clock change, so you don't have to wonder when you last did it. (need Big Vac bags? Order more here!)
6. Wipe down the inside of kitchen cupboards and drawers It's amazing how much dust and food debris can wind up inside those cupboards and drawers - after all, we are (theoretically, at least) storing clean dishes and silverware in them! Nonetheless, spring is a great season for removing everything and thoroughly wiping down the surfaces. Don't neglect your cabinet faces and hardware. If you can find a buddy to help remove the items while you quickly spray, wipe and dry the cabinets, you will be done before you know it! If you're working solo, strap on one of our cleaning aprons - that way all your tools will be right where you need them. No more wasting time climbing up and down the step ladder to get more cleaning spray, paper towel or sponges!
7. Deep clean the deep freeze If you have a manual defrost freezer, this is the perfect time to unplug it and let that ice melt away. Once it's completely defrosted, clean out any crumbs and scrub any food-born stains before returning the contents. You may also want to set in a small dish of baking soda to absorb any lingering odors.
8. Refresh the Refrigerator Once you finish your freezer, it's time to tackle the fridge. Take everything out, toss expired or questionable items, and wash all shelves and drawers with lukewarm, soapy water. While you're at it, don't forget to clean your refrigerator, too. By removing that dust and debris, you are prolonging the life of your fridge and saving yourself some money. A clean coil means a more efficient refrigerator - definitely a bonus. Once these eight tasks are completed, it's time to pour yourself a tall glass of water and enjoy some of that sunshine! Happy Spring!
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