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House Cleaning Blog

12 Spring Cleaning Tips for Around the House

  Anka Ninnemann  |    Mar 1, 2021 3:48:11 PM

12 Spring Cleaning Tips for Around the House

Every year as we transition from the drab chilly Winter weather into warmer Spring days, instinctively, we want to freshen up around the house. Seeing the sunshine and flowers blooming is the inspiration many of us need to get motivated for spring cleaning. We have some excellent tips for cleaning around the house. The best thing? Most of the tasks can be completed in minutes and will leave you feeling mighty accomplished! Check out these 12 spring cleaning tips for around the house. 

  1. Organize Your Cleaning Supplies
    Whether you store them under the sink, in a laundry room, or pantry often our cleaning supplies include old products or many bottles with mere a sprinkle or a spritz let in them. NEVER combine cleaning products. While it may seem tempting to mix a little to get a lot, don't. Mixing chemicals can create caustic and harmful vapors. It's best to take what little is left and evaluate whether you can use it, or if it is time to discard it, try to use it up right away. 
  2. Freshen Up Stinky Shoes
    Are your kid's athletic shoes leaving a foul odor in your front hall? Do you sense something funky coming from your favorite pair of sneakers? Good news! There is hope. Sprinkle some baking powder directly into the odiferous shoes and let them sit 24 hours. When the time is up, simply sprinkle out the powder. Voila! Fresh shoes! 
  3. Disinfect Your Knife Block
    It sits on the counter unassumingly, which is why it's understandable that you might not think to disinfect your knife block. Once a year it is a good idea to thoroughly clean it by first removing the knives and lightly scrubbing the surface with warm soapy water to remove residue. Then submerge the empty block in a sink filled with one gallon of warm water and one tablespoon of household bleach. After about 2 minutes remove from the mixture and place on a towel to air dry completely before filling again with knives.
  4. Wipe Down Your Cell Phone and Remotes
    Studies have shown that our phones and TV remotes are covered in germs. These items can harbor bacteria for days! For your phone, remove the case and use a disinfecting wipe to wipe your phone, then the case. let air dry before reassembling. Cleaning your remotes is similar, wipe them down using a disinfecting wipe. Some techie folks even go so far as to purchase UV lights devices that destroy 99.9% of bacteria and germs. 
  5. Launder Your Pet's Bed
    Your pet's bedding is a source for dust-mites and dander, two common allergens. During the Spring (and Fall) when allergies are at their worst it is an excellent idea to wash your pet's bed. If machine washable lauder on the highest setting possible. If not? Spray with pet-friendly disinfecting spray and sit outside in the bright sun for a few hours. Do not use Lysol or other phenol-based disinfectants as they are toxic to pests. Make sure it is dry before your pet uses it again. 
  6. Disinfect Your Trash Can
    Admit it, the kitchen trash can get pretty gross. Apart from wiping down the outside surface, it is a good idea to sanitize the entire can throughout the year. Once empty, place in the tub and give it a good spray, getting in all the nooks and crannies, with an anti-bacterial cleaner. Pay close attention to any hinges or foot pedestal. Let sit a few minutes then wipe, rinse, and dry completely. 
  7. Throw Pillows in the Dryer
    Throw pillows on your couch or bed may not be machine washable. So how do you freshen them up and remove allergens like dust-mites? Pop them in the dryer on high heat for about 30 minutes to kill dust mites. Use a fabric dyer sheet for added spring-like scent. 
  8. Clean Your Washer/Dryer
    Remove mineral build-up in your washer by running 2 cups of white vinegar through a full hot water cycle, sans clothes or detergent. You may need to repeat it if this is the first time in years, or your washer is particularly dirty. Cleaning the dryer vent and hoses not only helps your dryer run efficiently it prevents fires! There are DIY tools available at hardware stores, or you may consider hiring a service. 
  9. Freshen Up Your Mattress
    Completely strip your bedding including the skirting. Treat any stains using these tips. Then sprinkle with baking soda and let sit at least 30 minutes to a few hours. Vacuum them rotate the mattress 180 degrees. 
  10. Wash/Change Shower Curtains
    If you have a cloth and a PVC shower curtain, the springtime is ideal to freshen them up. Remove both curtains and discard the plastic liner. Wash the fabric curtain with a towel or two for extra agitation. Use only a small bit of laundry detergent, and wash according to the manufacturer's suggestion. Dry on low heat. Expert tip: hang while slightly damp so that any wrinkles fall out. 
  11. De-Crumb the Toaster/Toaster Oven
    Excess crumbs in your toaster are not only an eyesore but a fire hazard. It is not enough to wipe the outside surface and shake the crumbs into the trash. You must pull out the crumb tray and wash it. MAKE SURE THE APPLIANCE IS UNPLUGGED. Never use oven cleaner inside a toaster oven. Simply wipe the tray with spray water and a cloth. Consider using a toothbrush for small crevices. 
  12. Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet
    Check the expiration dates for outdated medicines and ointments. Consult your local police or fire station for proper disposal procedures. Check sunscreens and personal care products, they also expire over time.

Contact You've Got MAIDS of Annapolis to learn more about our exclusive 52-point Spring Clean. Let us do the deep cleaning so you can focus on these 12 spring cleaning tips around the house. It's a great day when you've got MAIDS!