Unlike cleaning your appliances, deep cleaning your home doesn't have to be a monthly event. In fact, most experts say you only need a deep cleaning of your home once or twice a year. While spring cleaning is a traditional deep cleansing ritual, the timing doesn't matter as much as the habit. Spring is one of the most popular times to do a thorough cleaning of the entire house.
However, cleaning your house once a year is not enough if you want to keep it fresh. As we mentioned, certain parts of the house need more frequent cleaning. Whether you prefer to go from the attic to the basement or start outside and go inside, create a realistic schedule and focus on one task at a time. You'll need several days for more complicated projects, such as cleaning floors and organizing closets, but in due course, you'll check everything off your list and have a clean, shiny house at the end of it.
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clean your baseboards. Although often overlooked, clean baseboards give your home the perfect finishing touch, says Leanne Stapf, chief operating officer of The Cleaning Authority. The sockets can be easily cleaned with a vacuum with a bristle brush and a hose attachment to remove dust, then clean them with a damp microfiber cloth and a multi-purpose cleaner. No matter how hard you try to avoid it, dust accumulates in every room of the house.
When dusting, work from the top of the room downwards, vacuuming the dust that settles on the floor. This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans and window frames. Don't forget to dust off your books and shelves as well. Take everything off the shelves and brush it (along with the books) with a feather duster.
Use the dust brush or crevice tool in a vacuum to reach tight spots. Clean the spines of leather-bound books with a clean, soft cloth. Check all floors with a vacuum to remove crumbs and loose dirt. It's common to track bacteria and dirt from shoes all over the carpet, Stapf says.
Not only can dirt buildup break down carpet fibers, but it can also harbor contaminants that can make you sick. Although you probably already mop floors regularly, it's a task that you should also add to your spring cleaning checklist. Floors are one of the most exposed areas in our homes, so it's crucial to mop them frequently to keep the house clean, says Diane Amos, a spokeswoman for Pine Sol. Over time, our walls and ceilings accumulate with unwanted marks.
To clean them, start by using a vacuum to remove dust. Then, combat persistent surface dirt, especially common in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to make sure it doesn't damage the surface). Take the cushions out and tap them gently with your hand to remove dust. If there are stains, check the parts for care labels.
Use the upholstery tools and crevices of a vacuum cleaner to clean under seat cushions. Curtains, curtains, and blinds should also be taken care of. While we may not interact directly with them, curtains can collect dust and odors from around the house and need to be cleaned, Stapf says. Give curtains a little more love every season, but look at their material before putting them in the washing machine.
Some may need to be sent to the dry cleaner. Lamps are a center for dust. Your ceiling fan is a good starting point, just make sure to turn off the bulb and let it cool down before cleaning it, Amos says. When it comes to your lamps, make sure to unplug them, as it gives them time to cool down before starting the cleaning process.
Change the batteries in the smoke detectors (this must be done twice a year) and make sure the units are dust-free. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher and review escape plans. Think about how much time you'll save and how refreshing it will be to live in a house that's been thoroughly cleaned to perfection. Too many people have too little time to thoroughly clean their house and, anyway, many are unsure how often to clean a house thoroughly.
Enjoy your family and friends even more by leaving deep cleaning in the hands of the detail-oriented professionals at Bliss Maid Services. Before you start your spring cleaning journey, you'll want to make sure you have all the tools you need to complete all of the tasks on your list. .
