Spring is in the air and with that comes the time for your annual spring clean – a long-held tradition that freshens up your home to welcome warmer and lighter days. Here are some areas to get started on:
Cupboards
Start by packing away winter items such as heavy coats, boots, and blankets. If possible, wash or dry-clean them beforehand. Or at least brush off coats and ensure boots or shoes are dirt-free. You can box up or store them in empty suitcases or bags. Make sure the storage area is clean and dry because damp causes mould and mildew. To keep moths away, pack in a sprig of lavender, moth balls, or chips of fragrant cedar wood.
Carpets, furniture and bed linen
Vacuum your carpets and rugs and then wash them using carpet shampoo. Choose a hot day so that carpets can dry properly. Beat any loose cushions on the couch and scatter cushions to remove dust. Then vacuum the area beneath them. After you dust and polish furniture, shift it out of the way (get someone to help you with heavy items) and also vacuum those areas. In the bedroom, turn or flip mattresses and wash all bedding.
Windows and floors
Clean windows and hard floors with warm water and detergent. Wipe down window sills and blinds, which can attract a lot of dust and dirt. If your curtains are washable, remove them and machine-wash using the gentle cycle.
Bathroom fittings
Most people think the toilet bowl is the biggest source of bacteria in the bathroom. In fact, it’s the showerheads, taps and handles that attract the most germs. Be sure to scrub and clean the bathroom with a disinfectant wash. And don’t forget the toothbrush holder!
Facecloths and towels
If you leave facecloths and towels in the bathroom they stay damp, making them the ideal place for bacteria. Keep them germ-free by washing them often and hanging them out to dry in the sun.
Kitchen sink, sponges and cloths
It’s a fact that the place we use to clean our eating utensils attracts loads of bacteria! The kitchen sink and the area around it is the ideal place for yeast grime to form if it stays wet. Always wash and scrub the sink after you’ve done the dishes, and keep the area dry when not in use.
Another fact is that kitchen sponges and dish cloths hold 75% more germs than the average toilet bowl! So disinfect your sponges and dish cloths regularly with household bleach and replace them as often as you can.
Repair any damage
Replace light bulbs or broken hinges and cupboard handles. Remove scuff marks and touch up paint on doors and walls if necessary.
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Source: www.nsf.org, realsimple.com