Hello Friends and welcome to the blog today.

It’s that time of year friends.  Time to get to those areas in your home ready for the spring season.  In my opinion Spring cleaning never really meant too much in the small condo we lived in because I cleaned all the time, and major things were done for us.  Now since I’ve moved to the townhome, my cleaning is taking on a whole new meaning.

Also many of us are still working and spending the majority of our time at home so areas are getting used more often for different purposes.

Here are 6 basic cleaning tips for around the home!

1. Appliances

We use our washer/dryer, and dishwasher regularly, so it’s always been a good practice (for me) to clean these items at least every 3-4 months.  I also clean out my fridge and freezer (twice a year), by throwing away expired condiments, and any items that have gotten lost on the back shelves.  I also wipe down all the shelves, walls, and side storage.  For this, I use a simple vinegar and water mix with a few drops of cedarwood essential oil.  For those harder rings I’ll use some Dawn powerwash and let it sit for a few minutes.

Dishwasher

For our dishwasher I use the Finish pods, which seem to work well and leave my dishwasher with a fresh scent.  It’s also a good idea to clean around the seal, and check the bottom of the dishwasher for food particles which can be removed with a toothpick.

If your looking for a cheaper option you can sprinkle some baking soda in the bottom of your empty dishwasher and run it on the normal cycle.  I’ve also read that while vinager help odors it can ruin the plastic seals within your dishwaher so it’s best to stay away from that.

Washing Machine

Soap residue and minerals from the water can build up in your machine over time so runing an empty load with hot water and vinegar on the cleaning cycle is a great way clear away that residue.  Cleaning tablets (like Affresh, OxiClean, or Tide) also work well to remove the residue.

For machines that don’t have cleaning cycle let the machine fill with hot water (as if your starting a large load), once it’s full add 2-4 cups of vinegar and let it sit open for an hour.  Once the time is up, let the washer finish the load and it’s done! Don’t forget to wipe the inside drum with a water and vinger mix, as well as the knobs, cups and seal.

Dryer

For the dryer make sure you empty the lint filter which can be rinsed with warm water and air dried in the sun.  It’s also a great idea to clear all the lint from around that filter chamber as well as the inside, doors and seal.  If you can access it, make sure clear the lint from the outside vent, as well as the dust from behind the dryer.

2. Baseboards and Mouldings

Cleaning the baseboards is a tedious task but it’s also very satisfying.  I use a microfiber cloth misted with Awesome spray or my vinegar and water mix.  To keep the dust at bay a little longer you can use a dryer sheet to wipe them down.  I also use a Swifter for my ceiling mouldings as well as all the corners just in case there are any cobwebs hiding.  A broom covered with a cloth works for this too.

3. Air Filter

This (or rather last) was the first time I’ve ever had to change the air filter myself, but it’s always a good practice to keep an eye on it and mark the date.  Create a small date schedule so you can write down the dates that you change it out.

I’ve lived in smaller apartments and condo’s so they’ve always done it for you but now in the house it’s my reponsibility to make sure I change out the filter every season.

4. Window Sills

No one really thinks about them until you open your windows and see all the dirt and debris from the fall and winter.  My steamer is my go-to for this.  The Bissell Hotshot is the best purchase I’ve made and I’m not using a strong cleaner and blowing chemicals back into the house.  After a good steam cleaning and wipe down I put a few drops of peppermint in the corners.

I keep them clean throughout the warmer month by using a water and vinager mix with a few drops of pepperment.

5. Sofa & Cushions

We sit on them every day, and they’re probably the most used piece of furniture that you own so a freshening up is great for the season.  Remove all the cushions and vacuum the seating area as well as in the corners by the arms.  If you can remove your cushion covers give them to freshen them instantly.

If you’re unable to remove the cushion covers then a small cleaner like a Bissel ProHeat does a great job at spot-cleaning and getting your furniture clean and fresh.  And…while you’re cleaning the behind the cushions, now is a great time to move the sofa back and get everything underneath that may have been collected over the months.

6. Rugs

Since we now have carpet everywhere (I prefer hardwood but beggars can’t be choosers), I’ll be cleaning the high-traffic areas as well as the area rug.  It’s a good practice to attend to these areas and spot clean as necessary.  Dirt and debris easily get caught in the fibers of the carpet, and if you’re an allergy sufferer pet dander can also exacerbate the problem, so twice a year is great for a refresh.

To help freshen up your carpet, sprinkle a little baking soda and do a slow vacuum to elimate oders, and freshen your room.  If you’re looking for a small cleaner Hoover has the PowerDash Smart cleaner that works well on light to medium soiled areas.

Vacuum Cleaning Tips Video
Carpet Cleaning Tips Video

I hope this quick list gives you a head start on your Spring refresh, and while cleaning is not everyone’s favorite thing it’s an important step to cut down on germs and keep your family healthy.

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