As a follow-up to my last month’s blog of cleaning tips in general, here are the room-by-room cleaning tips I promised for your big Springtime Cleaning Over-Haul!

Room by Room Cleaning Tips:

Kitchen
∙Dust refrigerator coils with the crevice attachment on your vacuum cleaner–don’t forget to turn off power at the circuit breaker or fuse box
∙Defrost the freezer–turn off power, empty contents, wipe interior with a solution of 2 tbsp baking soda per 1 qt hot water

Living Room
∙Swap heavy drapes, rugs, and throws for lightweight ones

Bedrooms
∙Rotate bed and change blankets–flip your mattress and replace cool-weather bedding with warm-weather bedding
∙Clean pillows–most pillows can be machine washed, which rids them of mold, bacteria, and odors

Bathrooms
∙Update first-aid kit–include a list of emergency phone numbers
∙Discard expired cosmetics and beauty products

Closets
∙Replace cool-weather clothing with warm-weather items
∙Wash or dry-clean garments before storing them for the summer months
∙Donate apparel you no longer use to someone who would use them

Home Office
∙Organize files–review insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories
∙Clean computers and other office equipment–use a solution of 1 drop mild dish-washing liquid per 1 qt of water–use a lint-free cloth to dry items

Utility Spaces
∙Clean attic and basement–give away or discard unwanted items–divide the rest into 2 zones: 1 for things you’ll need in the next 6 months and 1 for objects that may be unused for years
∙Protect items in the basement by using concrete blocks to keep them off the ground–make sure your washer & dryer are on elevated pedestals to prevent electrical shock during potential winter flooding

Outdoor Spaces
∙Clean porch ceilings, walls, rails and steps
∙Scrub decks, patios, driveways, and walkways
∙Wash outdoor furniture
∙Check light fixtures and refresh with light bulbs as needed

Hopefully these tips will make your annual Spring Cleaning go a little smoother!

Lisa Doughty
Office Coordinator