House Tips for Spring
As we give a warm welcome to spring, it's time to get our houses in order with these useful house tips. From inside out, spring is a great time to do the heavy lifting, open the windows and make sure to tackle all those hidden spots you've been avoiding all winter long. Whether you decide to do this in one day or take it one room at a time, you'll definitely be glad you did it.
Start by cleaning your windows, gutters and your outside mats. A great idea when cleaning your windows is to wait for an overcast day and start on the shady side of the house, as direct sun can lead to streaks. Another tip is to have an outside mat and another one inside to effectively trap dust and dirt and keep your floors cleaner for longer.
In the kitchen, your appliances will definitely need some tender loving care, not to mention the sinks, countertops and chopping board. A great way to get rid of the smell on these is to make use of lemons. To clean your microwave, place a large microwave-safe bowl with 1 cup of water and a chopped-up lemon, lime, or orange or several tablespoons of vinegar inside, heat it until the water boils, wait for it to cool, then wipe clean with a damp cloth or sponge. Wipe down the inside of your fridge with a water and soap solution, and don't forget to do the same with the shelves. You can also defrost your freezer, give it a good clean, and turn it back on again.
To tackle bathroom stains and build-up, spray it with a good bathroom cleaner and let it sit for a good 5 minutes, scrub/brush it off and wipe clean with a damp cloth. You can also wash your shower curtains in the washing machine, just add a few towels with it, let it dry, and then you can hang it back up. To freshen drains and help keep them free-flowing, mix half a cup of baking soda with a quarter cup table salt. Pour the mixture down the drain, followed by 1 cup heated vinegar. It will foam and bubble. Let it stand for 15 minutes, and follow by running hot tap water for at least 15 to 30 seconds.
Move furniture away from the walls and clean around it and behind it, and take some time to reorganize items you place on your wall unit/plasma stand and coffee table, dusting off any dirt and dust as you go along.
When it comes to your bedroom, you only need to clean items like your duvet and pillow inners twice or three times a year, just be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications before you pop them in the washing machine. Don't forget to steam your mattress while you're at it, and leave the bed unmade for a couple of hours to help get rid of dust mites.
Your phone and other electronics, like your TV remote and computer mouse, should also not be left out of the party, give them a clean with an alcoholic wipe to kill germs. It may sound like a lot of work, but it's definitely worth it to have your house looking clean and smelling fresh this spring.