Spring cleaning is a daunting undertaking, but it’s important to keep our homes clean, hygienic, and organized. While many of us focus on the prominent areas like floors, countertops, and furniture, we tend to overlook several commonly neglected spots. From the ceiling corners to the refrigerator coils, these areas accumulate dust, dirt, and grime over time if not cleaned regularly.
Include the Ceiling in Spring Cleaning
Ceilings harbor a significant amount of dust and dirt and are not easily accessible. To effectively clean the ceiling, use a ladder to remove cobwebs and debris in the corners and along the edges. Next, use a long-handled duster or a vacuum cleaner with an extended attachment to clean the surface of the ceiling. Wipe down light fixtures and ceiling fan blades. If necessary, use a mild cleaning solution and a damp cloth to spot clean stubborn stains or marks on the ceiling. After cleaning the ceilings, you’ll be surprised how much bigger and more light-filled your home looks.
Give the Walls a Much-Needed Cleaning
Rooms with clean walls look brighter and newer, so include the walls in spring cleaning. First, dust the walls with a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove cobwebs, dust, and dirt. Next, use a damp sponge or cloth to clean the baseboards and crown molding, paying extra attention to corners or crevices where dust accumulates.
Remember to wash the windows and window sills; these areas also collect dust and dirt.
If there are any scuff marks or stains on the walls, use a magic eraser or a mild cleaning solution to spot-clean them.
Refrigerator Coils and Drip Pan
Cleaning the refrigerator coils and the drip pan is an essential but often overlooked task for maintaining a clean and efficient fridge. To begin, unplug the refrigerator and locate the coils at the back or bottom of the appliance. Use a brush or a vacuum cleaner with a narrow attachment to gently remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the coils.
Next, locate the drip pan, usually found at the bottom of the refrigerator, and remove it for cleaning. Wash the drip pan with soap and warm water, and dry it thoroughly before replacing it. Once the coils and drip pan are clean, plug the refrigerator back in and check that it’s running correctly. Cleaning the coils and drip pan regularly can help extend the lifespan of your refrigerator and keep it running efficiently.
Spring Cleaning for the Dishwasher
To ensure your dishwasher runs efficiently and the dishes come out clean, clean the filter and spray arms. To begin, remove the dishwasher’s bottom rack and locate the filter, usually underneath. Remove the filter and rinse it under running water to remove debris or food particles.
After cleaning the filter, remove the spray arms by twisting them counterclockwise and pulling them out of the dishwasher. Use a toothpick or a thin wire to remove clogs or debris from the spray arm holes. Rinse the spray arms thoroughly under running water to remove the remaining debris. Finally, reassemble the spray arms and filter and run a cycle with a dishwasher cleaner to clean the appliance. These simple steps help your dishwasher run more efficiently and thoroughly clean your dishes.
Window Treatments
Curtains, blinds, and shades accumulate dust, so include them in your spring cleaning regimen. First, remove dust or debris from the window treatments using a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment or a duster. Next, follow the appropriate cleaning instructions depending on the type of window treatment.
For curtains, check the care label and either machine wash or hand wash them as directed.
Remove blinds and soak them in the bathtub to dislodge stubborn grime, or wipe them individually with a microfiber cloth.
Use a soft cloth or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove dust or debris from shades.
After cleaning, allow the window treatments to dry completely before rehanging them. With these tips, you can keep your window treatments fresh and clean for spring.
Overlooked Spots in the Bathroom
Commonly neglected spots in the bathroom include exhaust fans, toilets, and grout. Cleaning them is an essential part of spring cleaning to ensure a hygienic bathroom.
To begin, turn off the power to the exhaust fan and remove the cover to clean it with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth.
For the toilet, use a toilet bowl cleaner and a toilet brush to scrub the bowl thoroughly, and clean the outside of the toilet as well.
To clean the grout and caulk, make a paste of baking soda and water, apply it to the grout or caulk, and let it sit for 10-15 minutes before scrubbing with a brush or a sponge. Rinse thoroughly with water and dry with a towel.
By incorporating these often-forgotten spots into our spring cleaning routine, we can create a more comfortable and healthy living environment for ourselves and our families. So tackle these spots during your next spring cleaning session for a thorough clean.