The Ultimate Spring Cleaning Checklist
Spring is the perfect time to clear out unused items and give forgotten
corners a good scrub. However, setting out to clean your entire house can be a
challenging task that requires patience and organization.
To help you reach every nook and cranny, consider this handy checklist from the
experts at Best Pick Reports.
Kitchen
As one of the most used rooms in the home, the kitchen builds up a lot of dirt
and grime. If you cook regularly, your kitchen is ground zero for all sorts of
messes. In addition to wayward crumbs that could attract pests, you have to
contend with bacteria that can cause illness and accumulated grease.
1. Service Major Appliances: Spring is an opportune time to deal with any issues
you may have been putting off, including having major appliances serviced. For
example, if your fridge makes excessive noise or wavers in temperature or your
oven heats unevenly, it's important to have a home services professional take a
look and provide an expert opinion that can save you money in the long run.
2. Clear Out Cabinets: Spring cleaning isn't just about washing - it's also the
perfect time to get rid of things you don't need. In the case of your kitchen,
that means taking a thorough inventory of the cabinets and pantry.
Be sure to check expiration dates on every package. While it may be OK to use
some dry goods a short time past the printed "best by" date, you should get rid
of anything that's more than a year expired. This is also a perfect time to
clear out items you'll never eat, like gifted condiments or candies. You can
donate anything non-perishable that's still within its "best by" date to your
local food bank.
Bathroom
Most people clean their bathrooms regularly since this room can pose serious
bacteria risks. However, your annual deep cleaning is the perfect time to
address issues that aren't visible to the naked eye or have fallen by the
wayside.
1. Clear Pipes: Plumbing professionals recommend you get your pipes checked
regularly to prevent clogs. Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to hire an
expert to tackle slow-moving drains and give your plumbing its annual checkup.
This is especially important if you live in an area that reaches freezing
temperatures, as your pipes may have been affected during the winter.
2. Eliminate Grime: If you have hard water, you may notice a buildup of lime or
mineral deposits in your shower or sink. There are several grime-fighting
products you can pick up at the store to make your metal fixtures shine once
more. For tougher stains, such as those under the toilet bowl lip, you can use
gel or scrub with a pumice stick.
Closets
For many people, the closet is a place to store items you don't quite know what
to do with. In some cases, closet clutter can get so bad you may even forget
things, only to be surprised when they resurface months or years later.
The spirit of spring cleaning may compel you to roll up your sleeves and start
on projects you've been procrastinating tackling. Consider putting closet
reorganization at the top of that list.
1. Sort Clothing: Before you can properly reorganize, you need to see what you
have. Start by separating items into piles:
* Warm weather clothes and accessories
* Cold weather clothes and accessories
* Clothes and accessories you haven't worn for a year or more
To make room in your closet, donate items you no longer wear. If you have more
clutter than you know what to do with, there are professional organizers who can
help you sort items, designate storage areas and label containers. They're also
skilled at nudging clients to be honest about whether it makes sense to keep a
particular article of clothing or not.
2. Store Seasonal Items: When you've let go of possessions you aren't actually
using, you're typically left with two piles. The first is items you can wear in
current weather and the second is items appropriate for a different season.
You can store this season's items in your closet and store winter clothes
somewhere out of the way, such as under the bed, on high closet shelves or in
outdoor storage. If you have the right tools, you can also vacuum seal seasonal
items for additional space.
Forgotten Spaces
Deep cleaning areas of your house you regularly use is great, but you also need
to give some TLC to the spaces you rarely think about.
1. Assess the Attic: If you have an attic space, now is the time to go through
any boxes and determine what you can part with. While you're up there, be on the
lookout for any signs that pests have made your attic their home, such as:
* Destroyed insulation
* Nesting
* Excrement
Be sure to call in a professional if you find any sign of pests.
2. Assess the Basement: Your basement deserves similar treatment. In the
subterranean areas, you'll also want to keep an eye out for water damage.
Basements are at risk of flooding, which can lead to mold and mildew. If you
notice signs of mold, make sure to call a professional for safe removal
Now is the time to get your spring cleaning checked off so you can enjoy the
beautiful weather. If you need a professional for any of these services or
findings from your cleaning, check out bestpickreports.com and fivestarrated.com
for experts in your neighborhood.
Tips for Disinfecting Your House
With bacteria and viruses able to spread easily, it's essential to disinfect
your home to help you and your family stay healthy. While these steps can become
part of your everyday routine, be sure to put some elbow grease into it during
spring cleaning.
Wipe Down Frequently Touched Surfaces
While there's no harm in sanitizing everything in your kitchen, the real threat
is frequently touched surfaces. Make sure to give these common touch points a
thorough wipe down:
* Light switches
* Doorknobs
* Faucet handles
Use Effective Products
Not all household cleaning products are formulated to kill germs. To eliminate
threats of illness, make sure your cleaning supplies contain one of the
following:
* 70% alcohol
* Bleach
* Hydrogen peroxide