Springtime is a fresh new season and many of us get motivated to do spring cleaning. So after years of doing spring cleaning I've come across some ideas that can help you clean better and keep you motivated. First thing is to turn that radio on and open all the windows. I think the fresh air really helps to stimulate you and gives you energy while the music can have you bopping along.
A great place to start your spring cleaning is the windows. While doing the windows, take the blinds down and soak each one in ammonia. Ammonia is better for windows, screens and blinds. It will remove grease, smoke and dirt. You can also use a hose to wash your blinds or screens. If your windows are too high and they don't pull up or down I suggest getting the window cleaner that attaches to your garden hose. This stuff is great. I purchased the one made by Wind-ex and I cleaned the siding and windows. You don't have to dry them and it is inexpensive. If the inside is not real dirty, use steel wool that is graded 0000, the finest grade won't scratch. It takes off plaster, paste, crayon, paint and fingerprints. It also polishes them so they are shiny and clean. If you go this route you don't need to wet your windows at all. After you put the screens back in don't forget to vacuum the sills and tracks. Than just wipe clean.
The vacuum is excellent for spring cleaning as long as you have the attachments. The brush on there can be used for books, electronics, vents, furniture and curtains. The floor vents get very dirty and when the furnace or central air kicks on it will blow dust all over your house. If you take the vacuum hose and put it in each vent you can vacuum all the dust and hair. Now take your long attachment and see all the places you can reach.
Ceiling fans and light fixtures are big dust collectors. While dusting them make sure to check to see if your fan is going the right way. Spring forward and reverse for winter. Also, test your smoke detectors. If your house is really dusty and you have a pet, I also suggest getting your ducts cleaned. This should be done before summer.
Here are some other things you can do for spring cleaning. Clean the inside of your appliances. Don't overlook the washing machine, it too needs to be cleaned with a little bleach and hot water. Clean the under part of the lid, agitator and so on. Faucets can be cleaned if you remove the spigots. It will usually screw off and you can rinse or replace. You will see and taste the difference. Shower heads can be cleaned with lime away or CLR. This will increase water pressure.
To remove pet hair use a sticky roller. Clean lampshades with a hose from the sink or shower and a little dish soap. This is also a great time to clean your wood furniture. Take a toothbrush or paint brush and dip in a mixture of wood cleaner and warm water. Not a lot, brush inside crevices in the designs and any indentations that you can't get to with a cloth. Than take a soft cloth with the same wood cleaner and wipe down all furniture. Don't forget to vacuum the inside of drawers and cabinets.
If you are real energetic you can wipe down the walls and woodwork. Cleaning walls and woodwork will brighten up your home and make it smell even better. To clean walls, I would suggest using ammonia or spic and span pine cleaner because these products remove grease and tobacco film that can accumulate on your walls.
