Bedroom Spring Cleaning Tips and a Checklist
When you think about spring cleaning you probably imagine the big jobs. You think about cleaning the kitchen. Maybe you visualize the closets or your basement. Perhaps the garage is on your list. Most people don’t think about their bedroom. However, you spend a lot of time in your bedroom. A clean bedroom means better sleep. It means a cleaner home. And the good news is, it’s one of the easier rooms to spring clean.
Here’s a quick checklist and some expert tips to help you get started.
* Clean ceiling fan.
* Using your vacuum cleaner extension, vacuum corners of the room from the ceiling down.
* Dust all furniture.
* Dust lamps and bulbs. Be careful to not get cleaner on light bulbs. It’ll make them burn out more quickly.
* Use a soft cloth and furniture polish on all bedroom furniture.
* Remove curtains and wash according to instructions. If you have blinds or shutters, dust/wash with a damp cloth
* Vacuum floor. If you have a steam cleaner, steam clean the carpets.
* If you have hardwood or tile flooring, sweep then mop the floors.
* Change your linens. Spring is the perfect time to put on lighter linens. Replace the flannel with a light weight cotton. Change the bedspread to a lighter, more spring like color or texture.
* Flip your mattress. Vacuum your mattress.
* Clean under your bed. Move it and vacuum underneath it too.
* Clean your windows and mirrors.
* Open your windows and clean the tracks.
* Using your vacuum cleaner attachment, vacuum heating vents/radiators.
* With a clean damp cloth and a bucket of soapy water, wash any marks off of your walls.
* Clean out your drawers/closet. Using the four container method clean out your closet. This is a quick process if you do it twice a year. The four container method is as follows: Keep, sell, donate, trash. If you haven’t worn something in a year or more it needs to go.
* Dust your shoes if they’re not tucked away in storage containers.
Tips
1. Group like tasks. For example, when you’re dusting, dust everything. When vacuuming, vacuum everything from ceiling to floor.
2. Clean your closet last.
3. Make it fun. Listen to music. Open the curtains and/or windows to let the light and fresh air in. Reward yourself for a job well done.
4. Set a time limit. Give yourself an hour to accomplish your bedroom spring cleaning.
5. Gather your tools and cleaners in advance. This saves you time.
Your bedroom is a great place to start your spring cleaning. It doesn’t take long. It’s fairly easy and you’ll feel like you’ve accomplished something. It’ll help you get in the cleaning mood and ready to tackle the rest of your home.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips and a Checklist
There’s so much to clean in a bathroom that spring cleaning might seem like a big job. It’s true that there is a lot to clean for such a small space. However, with a few tips and a handy checklist you can spring clean your bathroom in just a few minutes.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Checklist
* Dust the knickknacks, art and ceiling corners
* Dust/vacuum heating and exhaust vents
* Remove shower curtains, towels, bath mats, and draperies. Launder according to directions.
* Scrub the shower, tub, toilet, and sinks. Don’t forget to wash the outside of the toilet.
* Clean the shower door if you have one.
* Clean the mirrors and windows.
* Empty the medicine cabinets and under sink cabinets. Wipe down the inside. Organize items. Throw away anything that is expired.
* Sweep and mop the bathroom floor. Vacuum if it is carpeted
* Clean the trash can inside and out.
* Wash the walls.
Bathroom Spring Cleaning Tips:
These expert tips will help you clean your bathroom quickly and easily. Heck, it might even be fun!
#1 Use green cleaners. Because bathrooms are enclosed spaces you’re more vulnerable to the fumes from traditional cleaners. Using green cleaners, and turning on the ventilation fan, will help reduce irritation. It’s also better for the environment.
#2 Make it fun by playing music. It helps pass the time and the acoustics in your bathroom will make you sound great if you choose to sing along!
#3 Group similar tasks. For example, if you have the mirror cleaner out clean the glass shower door and windows at the same time. If you’re cleaning the sink then clean the tub too. They use the same cleanser and cleaning tools.
#4 Gather your equipment and supplies before you start cleaning. This way you won’t have to take a break to hunt for equipment.
#5 Use a toothbrush to clean the grout in your shower and around your bathroom sink and faucet.
#6 Save cleaning out the cabinets for last. This is a bit more time consuming. Or you can manage this task after you’ve sprayed your bathtub/shower cleanser on. Letting the cleanser sit for a few minutes often make the soap residue easier to scrub off.
#7 Work toward the toilet. If you’re going to be using the same cloth to clean your shower, sink and toilet, save the toilet for last. This way you won’t cross contaminate.
Spring cleaning your bathroom doesn’t have to be tedious. A few smart tips and a handy checklist make sure you don’t miss a thing. Once you’re done, consider rewarding yourself with a long hot shower or bath in your newly cleaned room.
10 Things You Can Do With Baking Soda
There are many items in your kitchen that can be used for multiple purposes. But one that stands out above the rest is baking soda. Yes, that’s right, simple, every day, right out of your pantry baking soda.
Here are ten ways you can use baking soda that goes beyond simply adding it to your favorite baked goods recipe:
• Did you know that you can use baking soda as earth-friendly alternative to unclog your drain? You sure can! It’s simple to do, less expensive than the store bought product, and just as effective.
Here’s what you do: Pour one cup of regular table salt, one cup of baking soda, and half a cup of plain white vinegar down the drain. Leave it alone for 15 minutes and then pour two quarts of boiling water into the sink. Follow this by running the hot water into the sink for at least one minute.
You’ll be amazed how effectively this combination works. The drains will be clean and you won’t have added anything toxic to the drain system.
• Baking soda, when mixed with salt, is also an effective stain remover and scouring powder. Mix one cup of baking powder with one cup of salt. Then use this mixture the same way you would any other scouring powder. Again, an effective mixture that is less harmful to the environment.
• Sprinkle some baking soda on your carpet and let it sit for 10 minutes. When the time is up, vacuum away any stale odors that may have settled in your carpet.
• Add a little baking soda to your dishwasher the next time you’re loading it. The baking soda will give your cleaner an extra boost to get your dishes sparkling clean.
• Make a poultice of baking soda and water then put it on a bee sting. This will ease the pain in no time.
• Adding two teaspoons of baking soda to lukewarm bath water will help ease the pain of chicken pox.
• Have you ever had a small grease fire on the stove when cooking? Sprinkle baking soda on the fire can safely put it out.
• Does your cat’s box smell? Thoroughly clean the litter box, let dry in the sun, and then sprinkle enough baking soda in the bottom to cover. Now add your litter. The baking soda will help absorb the odors.
• Making an equal mixture of baking soda and laundry detergent will stretch your detergent and make your laundry smell fresh.
• And, if your refrigerator has a sour odor, place an open box of baking soda in it to absorb those odors. Don’t forget to change the box once a month to keep your refrigerator odor free.
Baking soda is truly a multi-purpose item. The applications extend way beyond just using it to make your biscuits light and fluffy.
Deep Cleaning – Do It Yourself or Hire a Professional?
Choosing to do the deep cleaning yourself or hire a professional is a privilege that many people have but don’t use. They are scared it’s going to cost too much. Consequently, due to how busy most people are these days, some of the deep cleaning that needs to happen never gets done.
This causes lots of stress on the occupants of the home, because home is supposed to be a comfortable and safe place. If it’s not tidy and clean, it doesn’t always feel that way.
To choose whether to do it yourself or hire someone, ask these questions.
Ask Yourself:
* Do I Have Time? – Try to imagine yourself doing the job. How long do you think it’ll take you? That’s a good indication of whether you’ll have the time to do it. Be realistic, especially if you’ve never done it before.
* How Much Is My Time Worth? – Once you have a good idea of how long it will take you, think about how much your time is worth. Do you think this is a good use of your time, or can you think of better things to do with it?
* Can I Physically Accomplish the Chore? – Think about the conditions of the job. For example, if the job is cleaning all your carpets, do you have the physical stamina to do it in the time limit you gave yourself?
* Do I Have the Supplies and Tools? – Will you need to rent any special tools, such as a professional carpet cleaner? This cost can add up. Plus, do you even know how to use it properly to do a good job?
* What’s My Budget? – What am I willing to pay someone else to do it if I really don’t want to do it, can’t do it, or don’t have time to do it?
Ask a Cleaning Service:
* What Is Your Experience? – It’s a good idea to find out how long a company or person has been in business. The longer they’ve been doing this business, the better choice they may be, since people tend to enter and leave this space quickly.
* Do You Have Insurance? – For a business that is going to come into your home and clean anything, it’s important to have insurance to cover damage, as well as workman’s comp insurance for their employees in case of injury on the job. Otherwise, your home insurance may have to pay for the damage to property and life.
* What Is Your Employee Screening Process? – Ensure that employees have had background checks. It’s better if they’re bonded. You want to ensure that no one comes into your home that has a criminal background.
* How Do You Train Your Employees? – If someone is experienced, then their employees need to be trained properly on how to clean everything that you want to have cleaned.
* Do You Have a Written Checklist of What Tasks Your Team Will Perform? – This is important so that you can use that checklist to ensure that everything is completed to your satisfaction before the team leaves your home.
* What Type of Control Do I Have Over How They Clean? – Some cleaning companies are very particular about how their teams do the work. For example, one popular cleaning service only allows their workers to fill their bucket with water once, which means spreading around lots of germs in some cases.
* What Is Your Quality Assurance Guarantee? – Some cleaning companies offer a no-questions-asked refund if you’re not satisfied; others will need you to call them immediately so they can send a manager over to check. Don’t be afraid to speak up if you’re not happy.
* Who Provides Supplies and Equipment? – Pick a company that brings their own supplies because that signifies knowledge and experience about which solutions work best for different cleaning problems. It will also be less money for you to lay out.
* How Long Do You Think My Cleaning Project Will Take? – Having an idea of how long it will take will give you a good indication of whether the price is right for you or not. Not only that – if you’ve already assessed how long it may take and you think they’re going to do it too slow or fast, you can discuss the issue.
If you’re willing to give up some measure of control over exactly how things are done, and you can afford it in your budget, then hiring a cleaning service for your deep cleaning projects can free you up to do something else.
Deep Cleaning Checklist for Every Home
Use this handy checklist to make your home sparkling clean quickly and easily. By keeping up these tasks, your home will be company ready all the time.
Kitchen
The kitchen is one of the busiest rooms in the house. It can be hard to keep it clean with so many people using it so many times during the day and into the evening. But these tips can help you get it done without breaking a sweat.
- Countertops – Read factory directions about how to care for your countertops properly, as the cleaner you use depends upon the materials. Clean countertops every time you use them. Make it a habit to wipe down everything and dry it at the same time to bring out the shine.
- Cabinets – At least weekly, wipe down the cabinets on the outside and the inside before putting dishes inside from the dishwasher. Replace shelf liner paper at least yearly. If you use the right type for what’s inside, it’ll last longer. For example, cedar liner where you keep spices, felt for silver, rubber for slippery glass dishes, and cork where you put fragile glassware due to its softness and ability to resist mold.
- Sink – Train your family to put all dirty dishes in the dishwasher and to run when full rather than store them in the sink. This will save lots of time. The other trick to making the sink look great is to wipe it out thoroughly after every use and dry it to bring out the shine and limit mold.
- Refrigerator/Freezer – Wipe down anytime there is a spill, otherwise on a weekly basis (before you buy more groceries) wipe up spills, wipe off sticky bottles, and check the fruit and veggie trays for any spoiled produce. Wipe down the door and handle. Always dry after wiping down any surface inside and out to bring out the shine and prevent mold.
- Stove Top – The best course of action when it comes to the stove top is to clean it thoroughly after every use, including drying it with a soft dry towel. Each type of stove requires a different type of cleaning fluid and material, so check with your manufacturer. If you wipe it down every time you use it no matter the type of stove you have, it will always remain clean and like new.
- Oven – Every time something is spilled, wipe it up immediately. Monthly or as often your manufacturer suggests, clean the oven completely according to their directions and using the recommended cleaning solutions. If you have a self-cleaning oven, you can use it to clean your iron skillets too by placing them upside down on one of the racks.
- Microwave – Teach everyone to cover food before reheating or cooking in the microwave. Then, wipe it out after each use with a damp sponge with a solution of equal parts vinegar and water. If you get it while it’s still wet, nothing will ever stick. If you do have stuck-on food, put a microwave-safe bowl of water inside and microwave it for a couple minutes to allow steam to cover the microwave. Wipe down with a dry paper towel.
- Light Fixtures – Monthly, the same time you change your air conditioner filter and put bleach in your air conditioner drain (only when recommended by the manufacturer), take the time to dust the outside of any light fixtures you have in your kitchen. A great way to do it is to wear dusting gloves. That way you can simply wipe them down with both hands. This is very handy if you do it on a ladder.
- Miscellaneous Appliances – Everyone has random appliances: pressure cookers, food processors, and so forth. The best way to deal with these is to wipe them down with a wet cloth every time you use them using a vinegar and water solution, along with drying them completely with a dry soft towel or paper towel. But, if they tend to collect dust because you only use them a few times a year, consider storing them inside of a plastic container to keep them dust free.
- Furniture – If you have a hutch and other furniture in the kitchen or dining room, ensure that you include these in your weekly chores. Simply use the right cleaner according to the materials and wipe down fully each week. If you have a huge kitchen, you can break it up and just do one part each day.
- Baseboards – On a weekly basis, when you give your floors a good scrubbing, also clean the baseboards. You can simply wipe with a wet cloth or sponge using the vinegar and water solution, then dry.
- Floor – Your kitchen gets lots of action, so you probably need to sweep it daily each time you clean off the counters after cooking. You may also need to mop up spills as they occur. But weekly, prepare to do a deep clean on the floor according to the manufacturer’s directions. Most times you can’t go wrong with a vinegar and water solution.
Bathrooms
It’s not hard to keep your bathrooms clean if you delegate when your kids start getting older. In fact, your bathroom can stay company ready most of the time if you follow this checklist and the tips included.
- Walls and Doors – Due to the steam that happens in the bathroom, it’s important to wash the walls at least weekly. This will help cut down on mold and other grime. All you need is a damp cloth and a 50/50 vinegar and water solution. If any marks have appeared, you can use a magic eraser. Pay close attention to the corners, door knobs, and handles.
- Art and Décor – Most people have some décor in the bathroom. Due to the damp environment, first make sure you put the right type of art in that room, covered in glass. That way you can wipe it down easily. On a weekly basis, simply wipe down all the art with a damp cloth or dry cloth if needed.
- Tub, Shower and Tile – Ever wonder how hotels keep the mold out of the tile grout? The answer is that they clean it and dry it often. You can help this process by training your family to dry the tiles down after their shower or bath. Then monthly it should be deep cleaned, using the right solution for your type of tile.
- Towel Racks – When you’re wiping down the art and décor, you may as well also wipe down the towel racks, toilet paper holder, and paper towel racks if you have them. If you do it weekly, you’re not going to have to work hard to get the scum off. A simple damp cloth followed by a dry cloth will work.
- Toilet Bowl – While all teenage and adult family members should be taught to clean the toilet bowl after use when necessary, give it a deep scrub at least weekly. Turn off the water, use the right type of cleaner for your type of bowl and scrub using your hands, rubber gloves, and a sponge – ensuring you get under the rim. Clean the outside of the toilet as well, remembering to use a dry cloth to dry up.
- Sink, Faucets and Countertop – These will need to be cleaned daily due to the use of toothpaste and other products such as hairspray. Teach each person to clean up after themselves, including drying up the sink, faucets, and counters with a clean dry cloth. Only use manufacturer-approved cleaning supplies so you don’t damage anything.
- Shower Head – To clean your shower head, unscrew it and put it in a bowl to soak with a solution of baking soda, vinegar, and water or a store-bought cleaner designed for the material yours is made from. It’s usually okay to scrub with an old soft toothbrush too. This should be done every six months, or if the water is not coming out due to hard water deposits.
- Drains – Clean at least monthly. Depending on what type of septic system you have, you’ll need to use the right method. But, when appropriate you’ll want to rid drains of hair and other junk, either using a snake or by using Drano. You can also use a solution of baking soda and vinegar to help clean drains and make them run clearly.
- Shower Doors – If you have glass shower doors, they can seem hard to keep clean. Hard water deposits can turn the doors yellow and cloudy. But, if you make it a habit to dry the doors down after every shower, you can avoid that problem altogether. Otherwise, use a product designed for cleaning glass doors and a squeegee monthly.
- Shower Curtains – First, ensure that you have a shower curtain liner. When you have a good liner, it will protect the shower curtain. Replace the liner once a year, or try washing the liner in the washing machine with bleach monthly. You can hang it while wet, then use a hand towel to dry it off. Teach your family to keep the curtain and liner fully stretched out after their shower to avoid water collecting in wrinkles, causing mold build-up.
- Mirrors – Anytime something is splattered on the mirror, take a few seconds and a paper towel to wipe it off. You don’t need fancy cleaners for mirrors. Seriously; all you need is vinegar, together with paper towels or an old newspaper. Clean mirrors fully on a weekly basis.
- Countertop Items – Soap dishes, toothpaste tubes, perfume, hairspray, and shaving cream are often things that are out and ready to use or inside the cabinet. If you keep them put away, they’ll get less dust and dirt on them. But for things left out, be sure to wipe them down with a clean damp cloth at least weekly to avoid build-up of grime.
- Floors and Baseboards – On a weekly basis, sweep, scrub, mop and dry the floors and baseboards. Remember to use the right cleaners based on your type of floor so that you don’t ruin it. You’re almost always safe simply using a cloth soaked with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, and a soft cloth to dry.
- Rugs – Each week when you deep clean the floor, throw the rugs into the washing machine. All number of things get on bathroom rugs, so washing them more often is best.
Bedrooms
Keeping your bedroom clean is important to ensure that you get a good night’s sleep each night. Sleeping with dust and clutter isn’t conducive to being well rested. Thankfully, it’s not hard to do with these tips.
* Bed Linens – Weekly change of bed linens will help ensure a good night’s sleep, because the sheets will feel nicer and everything will be fresh. All you need is two sets and then you can alternate weekly. Other than that, make it a habit to make your bed every single day within minutes of getting up.
* Furniture – Dust furniture in the bedroom at least weekly, the same time you change the bed linens. Keeping dust low in the bedroom will help you sleep better, without having any issues with allergies.
* Doors, Floors and Baseboards – Clean your doors and floors at least weekly. You can probably clean the baseboards monthly for the bedroom, since the floor doesn’t have as much foot traffic.
* Rugs – Monthly, take any area rugs out of the bedroom and shake them out, or wash them if you can.
* Art and Mirrors – Monthly, dust all art and mirrors in your bedroom to keep them dust free. If you notice dust building up faster, you might consider checking your air conditioner filter.
* Fans – If you have a ceiling fan in your bedroom, this needs to be dusted fully at least monthly to cut down on cobwebs and other dust bunnies.
* Windows – Monthly, wipe down all windows and window ledges.
* Closets – Each season, go through your closet to reorganize and put away things that were for the last season. Often, you’ll find things you didn’t even use that you can donate and give away as well.
Laundry Room
Whether you have a laundry closet or a room, there are some regular maintenance issues to contend with. Follow these tips to keep everything ship shape.
* Washer – Today’s low-energy washers need special care. While the manufacturer does say what to do, often people ignore it until their washer has a weird smell. You can clean it using the products the manufacturer suggests. GE recommends Tide washing machine cleaner for their washers. Otherwise, you can use a cup of bleach, or a cup of vinegar using the clean cycle on hot. It’s important to do this monthly and not wait for a bad smell. Wipe down after every use.
* Dryer – Always clean your lint filter before any use. Monthly, use a special dryer lint trap cleaner tool to get lint that slips through the filter. You can also use your vacuum with the soft brush attachment to clean the screen better, as well as clean the lint trap deeper. Also monthly, using a soft cloth damp with a 50/50 vinegar and water solution, wipe down the drum inside. Allow to fully dry with the door open before next use. Wipe down the surface after every use.
* Floor, Walls and Baseboards – Like the bathroom, things build up faster in the laundry room. You’ll want to clean the floors and baseboard on a weekly basis. It’s not hard; just use a sponge mop or a soft damp cloth to wipe down everything, drying when finished.
* Shelves – Due to the lint flying around, take the time to wipe down the shelves and anything sitting on the shelves or on top of your machines on a weekly basis. Cutting down on lint and dust is essential for helping you keep this room cleaner.
Entryway
You know how the entryway that you love so much can become a claustrophobic experience when everyone’s stuff ends up there? Well, you can stop this with the right plan so that you can bring back your entryway.
* Furniture – If you have furniture in your entryway, try to make it useful furniture so that you can hide stuff. For example, a bench that also has a place to put shoes will help cut down on clutter. Clean the furniture at least monthly, weekly in bad weather.
* Shoes – If you find that you have lots of shoes getting in the way in the entryway, don’t fight it. Instead, get something to put the shoes in so that they’ll be organized. Ask your family to take some of their shoes to their room if it gets too crazy.
* Baskets – A great way to control clutter for a big family in the entryway is to use baskets. Each child has their own, and even the adults can too. That way all their stuff can be tossed in the basket to be distributed to the right room easily.
* Floors and Rugs – Entryways get dirty fast because people come in with their dirty shoes and can even be muddy. Use the right type of rug or floor in the entryway for simple clean-up. This is not the place for a rug that can’t be tossed into the washer. You’ll likely need to clean the entryway each evening before bed, or assign it to someone in the family.
Garage
If you have a garage but can’t use it for your car, you’re in good company. Most people who have garages use them to store more stuff that they don’t use. Consider it a challenge to organize your garage.
Get Proper Storage Tools – The best way to keep any room clean and attractive, including the garage, is to invest in the right type of shelving and storage containers. When you see a need for storage solutions, don’t delay.
* Donate and Toss – Keep a donate bin as well as a toss bin. Whenever you come across something you’ve not used for an entire year, determine if you can donate it or if you need to toss it. It’s much easier keeping things clean if you don’t have extra stuff you don’t use.
* Label Everything – A great way to help yourself and your family put things where they go is to label things in the garage. That way, everything in the garage has a home and a place to be.
* Assess Seasonally – Each season, go through what’s in your garage if it’s out of order, so that you can do better next season with keeping it organized.
* Floors and Surfaces – About every six months, go in your garage and remove everything you can from it. Scrub the floors and the walls, including the garage door. Wipe down all the things you put back into the garage to cut down on dust, cobwebs, and critters that like such things.
Porch
If you have a porch or stoop, this is a place where dirt collects. It comes from people’s shoes, but also the wind can blow things onto your porch where it can get trapped in corners. All you need to do is take a broom and sweep, including the walls and any awning that you have covering the porch. For good wood surfaces, clean them accordingly as well as repair any paint that needs to be fixed.
This checklist will help you keep your entire home tidy and attractive. Home is a haven for you and your family to get away from the noise and dirt of the outside world. With a little help and dedication, you can make it even better easily.