There are so many cleaning articles out there about when to do this and when to do that, but what about spring cleaning? That is such a great time to do cleaning, decluttering, and sifting. You’ll find things lurking in the corner of your garage you thought you threw out 3 months ago when you cleaned out the garage. So what is a good process to thoroughly clean your house? The following will help give you some tips and tricks for your best spring cleaning.
Your Doormats
Trap more dirt by using two mats, one outside the door and one inside. To refresh, hose off and air-dry mats. Vacuum indoor ones on both sides — going over the back will push trapped dirt out onto the floor where it will be easier to pick up.
Your Windows
Wait for an overcast day and start on the shady side of the house, as direct sun can lead to streaks. “Raise blinds or shades and wash windows with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth,” says Carolyn Forte, Director of the Cleaning Lab at the Good Housekeeping Institute. “Then lower the blinds and vinyl shades and dust with a duster like Swiffer and finish by vacuuming fabric shades and drapes.”
Your Microwave
Enough with the tomato sauce stains — this trick will make cleaning them up easier. Place large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside. Turn the appliance on high for several minutes or until the solution boils and the window is steamy, then let it sit to cool for 15 minutes before opening the door. Remove and wipe out the inside and outside with a sponge.
Your Grocery Bags
Reusable grocery bags cut down on wasteful plastic, but they can get grimy with time. Run your reusable bags through the washer regularly to remove any lingering food bacteria, turning them inside out before you toss them in. Pay attention to the bag’s fabric when selecting a dryer setting.
Your Cutting Boards
If you think that nasty mark is permanent, you’re wrong. Run the cut side of a lemon over the board to remove food stains and smells. Want an extra cleaning oomph? Sprinkle it with salt or baking soda first.
Your Oven
Use your appliance’s self-cleaning function to remove stubborn, baked-on grime. If your oven doesn’t have one, place a hot, wet cloth on top of burned spots to help soften the gunk. Then scrub with a heavy-duty pad and wipe dry.
Your Makeup Brushes
To de-gunk your favorite foundation brush, squeeze a few drops of shampoo or dish liquid into your palm and rub the bristle tips into the soap, then gently work the suds through them. To rinse, hold the brush (bristles down) under warm running water. Gently shake over the sink to remove excess water, and lay the brush down on a paper towel to finish drying.
Your Ceilings
Spring cleaning season is all about focusing on the spots you forget about the rest of the year. Grab an extendable duster and attack ceiling fans, hanging and recessed lights, moldings and more.
Your Mattress
]Spring cleaning is the perfect time to pay attention to the thing under the sheets. Press firmly with your vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean the top and sides. After cleaning, rinse with a damp cloth, bolt dry, and sanitize with a disinfectant spray like Lysol. Steam from a garment steamer or iron will also kill dust mites near the surface. Vacuum afterwards.