Ready to tackle this year's big spring clean? By breaking down tasks day-by-day, in a week's time your home will be sparkling top-to-bottom.
1. Conquer your kitchen vertically.
Chances are you’ve been cleaning your kitchen “horizontally” (the counters, that is) on a daily basis. Spring cleaning is the time to tackle the “vertical!” You’ll be surprised at how much cooking grease and grime have made it onto your walls. To get started, remove everything from the walls. If the paint is washable, spray Fantastik® Oxy Power All Purpose Cleaner on the spots on the walls and wipe off with a slightly damp sponge or cloth. To reach high places, lightly apply the cleaner to a damp sponge mop. (If you are not sure about your wall finish, test the cleanser in an inconspicuous place first.) Include mouldings, light-switch plates, doorknobs, backsplashes, etc. as part of your cleaning, and also look behind appliances, like the hand mixer and blender, to clean off goop that may have splashed on the wall. Non-waterproof walls may be dusted or vacuumed. To remove spots from non-washable wallpaper, try a commercial putty cleaner, available at hardware stores. Follow the directions on the package, which usually suggest testing it in an inconspicuous place first.
2. Freshen up bedding.
Start by imagining how cozy it would feel to sink into freshly washed linens. Strip your beds and launder all washables, including sheets, mattress pads, blankets and pillowcases. Pack and store your laundered heavy winter quilts in Ziploc® brand Big Bags (XXL size). Pillows can be freshened up as well but check the label first. Some need to be dry-cleaned; others can be tossed in the dryer and tumble-dried on the air cycle. It’s a good time to vacuum your mattresses and turn them if you have the type that should be turned annually.
3. Deep-clean carpets and rugs.
Now’s a great time to deep-clean carpets (do this at least once a year; more often if you suffer from allergies). Consider renting or buying a deep-cleaning machine (found at hardware or do-it-yourself stores), or hire a professional carpet cleaner. You can launder washable throw rugs (especially entryway rugs and bathroom rugs).
4. Prep those windows for sunshine.
If your storm windows are removable, now’s the time to remove them, but clean them before storing. To reduce streaking when cleaning windows, choose to tackle the job on a cloudy day or in a spot where the sun’s rays aren’t hitting the panes. Remember to rinse your screens and give them a good scrub before installing them. One great way to simplify the process of cleaning the exterior side of your windows is with the NEW Windex® Outdoor All-In-One Glass Cleaning Tool. It has a specially designed cleaning pad with a long and light-weight pole that makes cleaning your windows a lot easier.
5. Rejuvenate draperies and blinds.
I used to take down my blinds to clean, but I save so much time these days by leaving them up and using Pledge® Multi Surface Wipes, which I just wrap around my hand. To reach the top slats, I sometimes have to stand on a secure ladder. I toss washable draperies into the washing machine or just tumble-dry on the air-dry cycle to freshen them.
6. Brush up on your reading.
How long has it been since you actually looked at the books on your bookshelves? Surely there are plenty you don’t plan on reading again. Take all the books off the shelves and fill a box to give away to a local literacy organization, school or library. And take this opportunity to give those bookshelves a good dusting and polishing with Pledge® Multi Surface Duster.
7. Buff your floors.
You may be cleaning your floors every week, but spring is the time to buff and shine them. Whether your floors are wood or ceramic tile, linoleum or sealed flagstone, properly cleaning your floors will extend their durability and beauty. For specific details and to learn more about the right cleaning products for your type of floor, check out SC Johnson’s Clean Home Solution Finder.
