The arrival of May means summer is right around the corner. So this month, we’re focusing on Spring Cleaning! We all have our cleaning routines, and spring is traditionally the time of year when we do deep cleans. We’re giving you a reminder list of 16 things that often get overlooked to kick off the month.
Doorknobs & Handles
The pandemic has reminded us to regularly clean high-touch surfaces like doorknobs and handles. Sanitizing these high-contact surfaces decreases the spread of germs and should be implemented into your daily or weekly routine.
Light Switches
Just like doorknobs, light switches are high-touch areas, and you might be forgetting to clean them. For a deep clean, use a Q-tip to get in the small crevices that can accumulate dirt.
Light Fixtures
When cleaning light fixtures, do it with the light turned off. You don’t want to get burnt. Dust and wipe with a wet cloth to get your fixtures sparkling clean.
Walls & Backsplash
The backsplash in your kitchen probably gets pretty dirty. During spring cleaning, remove any barriers to access the whole wall and spray it clean. For your walls, focus on the corners where the ceiling meets the wall – those are good spots for cobwebs to hide.
Drying Rack
If you use a drying rack, make sure to clean it occasionally, as water can build up on the rack and drain bin/tray.
Faucets and Showerheads
Faucets and showerheads are other places that accumulate water build-up and deposits. In addition, they are prone to rust if not used regularly. Use a natural abrasive like baking soda to remove limescale and hard water deposits.
Picture Frames
Picture frames provide a good home for dust. Don’t forget to dust the tops of the frames and gently clean the front surface.
Appliances
If you’re not regularly cleaning your appliances, now is a good time to do so. There are a plethora of products and natural cleaner recipes out there. For easy use, we recommend Affresh brand products. They have tablet cleaners for dishwashers, disposals, and washing machines widely available at many retailers. For homemade and natural cleaners, vinegar and baking soda most often does the trick. An important step in spring cleaning is to move your appliances to get all the dirt and dust underneath and behind them.
Stoves, ovens, microwaves, and refrigerators are often at the top of mind. But certain appliances are sometimes ignored, so don’t forget to periodically clean your laundry machines, dishwasher, disposal, and coffee maker.
Floorboards & Vents
When you vacuum, make sure to get the floorboards and vents. As part of spring cleaning, wipe and polish them to remove spills and buildup.
Furniture
Check with your couch’s care instructions to see if it can be vacuumed or professionally cleaned. Pull off the cushions and get in between the seams and crevices. Couches can get pretty dirty, especially if you eat on them. Just like with the appliances, move all of the big furniture to clean the areas normally inaccessible.
Cabinets
A useful tip for cabinets is to line them so that spills or messes aren’t ruining the interior. As part of your spring cleaning, remove cabinet contents to clean the inside. When you’re done with the inside, be sure to clean the surface, as it can get dirty from spills and grease.
Toys
It might be impossible to clean all of the toys in your house. Try to clean the ones that get the most use. Bigger ones can be wipes down and use microwaveable sanitizing bags for small parts. Also, check the bath toys. Those are notorious for mold buildup. If there are any air holes, we suggest tossing them to avoid mold exposure.
Windows
Depending on the size of your house and window locations, you might want to consider hiring a professional. But if you’re dedicating some time to spring cleaning, remember to include the inside and outside of windows. It might seem like a bit of a hassle, but it’s a good idea to clean the screens at least once a year as well.
Windowsills
While cleaning the windows, you’ll likely notice how dirty the windowsills and tracks are. They tend to build up with bugs, dust, and grime.
Shower Curtains
This is your reminder to wash or replace your shower curtain. While you’re at it, wipe down the curtain rod or install a new one if it’s all rusted. Also, it’s a good practice to replace your liner every few months. Those things are in constant contact with water and get yucky over time. The good news is they’re cheap to replace.
Furnace Filters and Air Purifiers
A general rule of thumb is to change your furnace filter every 90 days. Check your filter if you haven’t done so recently and replace it if it looks dirty. If you own an air purifier, make sure to check the filter on that as well. Those things can’t purify the air if the filter is dirty.
Everyone’s list will be different depending on personal cleaning preferences, like frequency and routine. Something one person cleans weekly might be what another only does about once a month. We’re sure many things can be added to this list, but hopefully, we reminded you of at least one or two things you often forget to clean.
