The Spring Cleaning Your House Actually Needs (Hint: It’s Not Dusting)
Spring cleaning can be such a rewarding experience. However, many tend to reduce spring cleaning to just dusting their household and scrubbing here and there. While dusting can be a great way to kick off your tidying endeavors, it only helps remove surface lint and dust bunnies. Spring cleaning is all about having a seasonal cleanse of your home, which can involve some heavy lifting, maintenance and deep cleaning.
Beyond dusting, ask yourself what chores you haven’t done in a long time when you build your real spring cleaning checklist. Tackling those areas can help make your house tidier than ever. Here are several spring-cleaning maintenance projects you can try in your home.
1. Maintaining Major Appliances
While your appliances and the spaces around them should receive routine cleaning, it’s understandable that life gets a little busy. Nevertheless, spring cleaning can be a great opportunity to finally get around to cleaning and maintaining those heavy-use machines.
Try making a list of appliances you want to fix. A survey found that 56% said they’d be embarrassed to admit the last time they cleaned out their refrigerator, so that’s a contender. You can also include the oven, stovetop, microwave and other kitchen tools where bits of food and dirt might be lingering.
Smoke Detectors Are Also a Key Appliance to Test and Maintain. These Should Be Interconnected and Working Properly. If the Sound Feels Weaker, It May Be Time to Swap Batteries.
2. Degreasing Range Hood Filters
The range hood is a handy tool for controlling the amount of smoke or steam produced by cooking. However, not enough people know that the filter can harbor grease and food particle buildup over time.
Get rid of all the dirt and debris by removing the range hood filter and cleaning it out. A quick soak and scrub can make all the difference in getting it to look and work just like new. Better cooking control means fewer kitchen messes overall.
3. Recaulking Around Tubs and Showers
Caulking can help keep water away from vulnerable areas of your home and prevent damage to the walls and floors. Unfortunately, it can fade over time, and many people forget to reapply it. Some might not even utilize it in the first place.
Start by removing the old caulk for a clean slate. From there, look for a reliable sealant for your bathroom that can help repel water, mold, mildew and more. Try to focus on areas that get the most water spillage, like bathtubs and showers.
4. Deep Cleaning the Mattresses and Couch
If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned your mattress and couch, now’s the time to change that. Try using a fabric-friendly steamer to help remove dust mites from the surface. Afterward, you can vacuum the surface with an upholstery attachment. You could also change up the blankets and pillow covers for more spring-themed colors, like rainbows or pastels.
5. Inspecting Leaks and Cracks
Depending on where you live, your house may have had to bear the brunt of winter weather. Remember to inspect your windows for leaks and check for any foundation cracks that may have occurred during the last couple of months. Even the smallest tears or holes should be repaired to avoid large-scale replacements in the future.
6. Tending to the Gutters
Spring can bring forth some rainy days, and your gutters need to be ready. Unfortunately, they don’t get as much tender loving care, and many of them fail because leaves and debris block the flow. Some can also sag, crack or split due to harsh weather conditions.
It can be quite an eyesore from the outside. Failed gutters can also cause water to overflow, potentially weakening your home’s structural integrity. Try to spot the problems and mitigate them with a bit of maintenance.
Some simple ways to do this are to make sure your gutters are clear of any debris that has built up. The pipes should also guide water away from your home. If you run into other issues, consider a complete replacement.
7. Cleaning the Garage
Give some attention to the garage as well, as it is responsible for storing your vehicle, seasonal items and other belongings. Consider decluttering and donating what you no longer use, just so there are fewer things to sort through. Once everything has been placed into their proper organizers, remember to degrease and wash the floor.
8. Disinfecting and Rearranging Furniture
In addition to dusting furniture, sanitize it with a disinfectant solution. The dining area, coffee tables and side tables can get particularly dirty. Pet furniture, such as litter boxes, should also be disinfected, as they can harbor pet dander and litter.
To take it a step further, consider rearranging the furniture. Spring is about change and rebirth, so create a new flow with what you already have. The results can lead to a more open and appealing layout.
As a general rule, start with the larger pieces, since they tend to define the pathways in your home first. Once you know where to put larger items, like the sofas in the living room or the mattress in the bedroom, tweak the zones with smaller furniture.
Go Big With Spring Cleaning Your Home
Spring cleaning should go beyond dusting and include home maintenance and deep cleaning tasks for a true refresh. Take the suggestions you think would make the biggest difference. With tools, time and determination, you can make your home cleaner than ever.
