44°
Windows
It is time to open the windows to let all that fresh spring air in…and then clean them. To avoid streaks use a lint free cloth or squeegee. You can pick up a window cleaner at the store or make your own solution with just 2 cups of hot water, ¼ cup of white vinegar and ½ teaspoon of dish detergent. Also make sure to wash the window screens, so you have a crystal clear view of the sunny spring days to come.
Dusting
Let’s get rid of all those dust bunnies. The best tool for this job is a microfiber cloth; it will grab the dust and not leave any lint behind. A great addition to a microfiber cloth is a multipurpose spray to get those surfaces gleaming again.
Vacuuming
For all those dust bunnies that might have escaped your microfiber cloth, it’s time to break out the vacuum. Before you get started make sure to check your vacuum bag. Your vacuum can be used for so much more than just your floors. You can use a vacuum to clean your upholstered furniture, draperies, ceiling fans and walls (yes your walls get dusty). So, get that vacuum out with all those crazy looking attachments and get to work.
Floors
Your floors see so much traffic; the winter months are the worst with the snow, sleet and salt. Most homes have more than one type of flooring. For carpets, hit those stains first with a spot cleaner, dab don’t rub. Once the spots are cleaned you can vacuum. You probably sweep and vacuum the wood floors but for spring cleaning take out the mop with some mild detergent mixed with water to get that wood shiny like new. Mopping with a mild detergent and water will also do the trick for tile and vinyl flooring. For grout, using this solution and scrubbing with a non-abrasive cloth will help get them white again.
Kitchen
Your kitchen has seen a lot of cooking and baking over the holidays, show it some love and get it tip top shape. Aside from cleaning the floors, walls and windows you are going to want to give the cabinets, refrigerator and oven a good cleaning. Take time to clean out the cabinets of items you no longer use or want. Then clean the outside of the cabinets; a great solution is water and dish soap. To clean your oven take out all the racks first to scrub in the sink, then create a paste from baking soda and water and coat the inside of the oven. Let sit overnight, and then wipe down the inside of the oven. You can spray some vinegar on the inside to collect any left-over residue from the solution, it will make it foam and then you can easily wipe it all up. For your refrigerator you will want to unplug it first so you can clean under the kick plate and vacuum the refrigerator coils. Clean out all the food so you can give the shelves and drawers a good scrub. Once done put everything back in and turn it on.
Mattress
Get your bed fresh for spring just like the rest of your home. The first step is to wash all your bedding. The easiest way to clean your pillows is to put them in the wash using warm water on a gentle cycle and then tumble dry (do not put foam pillows in the wash). On to the mattress; all you need is a box of baking soda, a great smelling essential oil and your vacuum. Put 20 drops of the essential oil in the baking soda box, close and shake it up. Sprinkle baking soda over the mattress and then rub it into the mattress and let sit for an hour. Then vacuum it all up.
Now you are ready to go chase butterflies and enjoy your spring!
