Spring Cleaning Checklist

Let the sun in. Make any room look brighter with clean blinds and windows. Mix a solution of one part white vinegar to eight parts water, plus a drop or two of liquid dishwashing liquid. Spray on and wipe with newspaper to avoid streaks. Washing on a cloudy day also reduces streaking. 

Sniff out smells. Check the drip tray underneath your refrigerator and wash out any standing water from defrosting. Remove inside odors by washing the insaide of the fridge with a baking soda and water solution. Boil lemon juice in your microwave and add it to your dishwasher to eliminate bad smells. Also, put the lemon rings down the disposal. add activated charcoal in the fridge to keep odors at bay.

Make your bed better. Vacuum mattresses and box springs, and then rotate and flip over. Do the same for removable furniture cushions. This is also a great time to wash or dry-clean the dust ruffle and mattress pad.

Clean those coils. Improve energy efficiency by vacuuming grates, coils, and condensers in your furnace, stove, and refrigerator(either underneath or in back). if a vacuum won’t reach, try a rag tied to a yardstick.

Wash the walls. Grease, smoke, and dust can adhere to walls and make even the best decorating look dingy. Wash walls using a general-purpose cleaner with hot water. Start at the top of the wall to avoid drips and in a corner so that you wash one wall at a time. Rinse the mop head frequently in clean water. Don’t press too hard, because flat latex paint won’t absorb much water.

Also, consider completing the following: 

1)     Check all decks, patios, porches, stairs and railings for loose members and deterioration.

2)     Check plumbing shut-off valves. Ensure that they turn off and on freely.

3)     Service kitchen disposal by grinding several cups of ice cubes.

4)     Check vents, louvers and chimneys for bird nests and squirrels.

5)     Check lawn sprinker systems for leaky valves and exposed lines.

6)     Inspect exterior siding for mildew. Scrub off as necessary.

7)     Check septic system drain field for flooding.

8)     Have air conditioning unit serviced for summer. Make sure compressor is free from dirt and debris before turning on the unit. Do not leave plastic covers on compressor while using.

 

Weekly:

1)    Furniture Dust all hard surfaces.

2)    Floors Vacuum or mop. 

3)    Kitchen sink Scrub and disinfect. 

4)    Appliances Wipe down surfaces. 

5)    Shower Clean and scrub down. 

6)    Counters Wipe down and disinfect. 

7)    Bathtub Clean and scrub down. 

8)    Toilet Scrub and disinfect. 

9)    Sheets Change and launder.