Spring is here, and there is no better time to break out those cleaning supplies and give your home a deep scrub. Spring cleaning is a terrific way to revitalize your home’s interior! The best first step is to declutter all areas and throw away or donate things that you no longer need. Follow these simple spring cleaning ideas that will leave your home sparkling:

Cabinets – Over time, your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can collect buildup from grease, hair products and other residue. While you may not be able to see this buildup, you will certainly be able to tell a difference when it is gone. To safely clean your cabinet doors, use a “cabinet cream” that will remove grime and leave the wood moisturized.

Refrigerator – If you have a stainless steel refrigerator, use a wax-based aerosol spray to make the surface shine. For the interior, remove all shelving and clean with soap and water. Use a sponge or warm cloth to wipe down all interior surfaces that can’t be removed, and then put all shelves back in their place. This will give you a good opportunity to organize the contents of the refrigerator and maybe even discover some things you didn’t know were hiding. A box of baking soda will help neutralize any odors, as well.

Oven – Begin by removing any loose pieces of burnt food that may be stuck to the interior of your oven. For any pieces that cannot be easily removed, try spraying them with ammonia. For the interior surfaces, sprinkle baking soda and add a small amount of vinegar. Then, let the mixture bubble, and remove with a sponge.

Hardwood Floors – While many people mop their hardwood floors weekly, this can actually damage the floors. Every month, try using a wet mop. Dry cleaning methods such as sweeping and using a Swiffer should be utilized weekly. For a deep clean of your hardwoods, use a wood-cleaning product, but make sure to dilute according to the directions.

Carpet – Begin deep cleaning your carpets by vacuuming to remove any dust and dirt particles. Next, you will need to shampoo using a carpet cleaner. These can be rented hourly from most local hardware stores, or you can hire a professional to come in and clean.

Tiled Surfaces – Bathroom floors, showers, kitchen backsplashes and other tiled surfaces can become grimy and accumulate mildew. Tile is best cleaned with a cleaner labeled as “neutral pH.” For grout, use a water and baking soda cleaning solution.

Contributed by Ashley McKenzie-Sharpe  

Phone: 336-748-4599    |    ashleym@fairwaymc.com