Over the past couple of weeks it’s been quite warm here, leaving many of us to open the windows and venture outdoors. It may not officially be spring yet, however that doesn’t mean you can’t get a head start on some spring cleaning!
So, with the warm weather here a bit early why not take advantage of it? Here are a few spring cleaning tips to help you get started on making your home an even more beautiful place:
Start your spring cleaning by deep cleaning your furniture. Furniture such as couches, chairs, and mattresses start to lose their shape after constant use, plus in the colder months we might skimp on keeping these items clean. Not to mention, many of these items retain dust mites, dead skin cells, and even germs that can cause allergies and sickness. Strip all bedding and take a vacuum to mattresses, then take pillows, cushions, and other upholstered materials outside to bang the dust out of them. Pillows you sleep on can also be washed, just remove the pillowcases! Next, it’s a good idea to vacuum underneath furniture while you’re moving it around. Spaces underneath beds and couches may get forgotten and it’s often where many items end up when they’re missing.
Before you continue don’t forget take everything off your shelves! Books, souvenirs, and knick knacks, often sit for months collecting dust. So, wipe the shelves down and wash or vacuum the items. Don’t forget the stuff inside your kitchen cabinets either. In fact, kitchen cabinets can retain grease build up from cooking, so make sure to wipe them down. Plus, this will give you motivation to finally reorganize all of your tupperware and pans.
It’s also a good time to take items in your home with thick material such as carpets and curtains and bring them outside. Many throw rugs or curtains can’t be machine washed, but you can hang them outside to remove dust and freshen them up. Plus, if your home is completely carpeted, simply open the windows, send the kids outside, and treat your flooring to a nice steam clean. Vacuum beforehand though to remove any trapped dirt!
Also, don’t forget about your appliances, especially ones that make cleaning a whole lot easier like your dishwasher or washing machine. To make them run effectively and last long it’s a good idea to give them a good clean. Add some vinegar and baking soda to your washing machine and let it run on low without clothes to remove odd smells and built up soap. Your dishwasher can also be set on a low setting to remove any grime.
Your refrigerator, microwave, and oven get dirty as well, especially when built up old food is stuck on them. So, give them a once over and discard all old forgotten food in the back of your refrigerator.
Moreover, if you need a break from cleaning or motivation to start, tackle your dresser or closet first. Put away winter jackets and pull out your spring clothing – don’t forget to donate clothes that you no longer wear or need. This goes for other items as well such as, accessories, your children’s toys, and electronics. In fact, an organized closet can help you feel more productive and give you a need to clean the rest of your home. Remember, the little steps you take now towards a cleaner and more spacious house, will create easier cleaning and less stress in the future.
Of course, if you want to enjoy your home long term with peace of mind, a proper homeowner’s insurance policy can protect you from the unthinkable. Plus, at Paradiso Insurance, we’re here to help you in all of your insurance needs. Call us at 860-684-5270 for a free quote today!