Spring (cleaning) fever
It may be May, but it’s still spring and with the recent dust up with the heavy winds that swept through the valley, there’s still time — and a great need — to do some spring cleaning.
Not only will all your hard work make your home sparkle and help eliminate clutter, it can reduce allergy irritants that are so common this time of year.
Air contaminates can easily float from room to room, so it’s essential to clean rooms from up high to down low, said the experts at Electrolux.
Vents, which act as traps for dust, debris and mold, should be cleaned at least every two months with the vacuum’s dusting brush, while ceiling fan blades can be wiped with an all-purpose cleaner, they recommend.
Additionally, using a vacuum with HEPA filtration can keep 99.97 percent of small particles like dust, pollen and pet dander out of the home.
The experts at Whirlpool, which includes the Maytag, Amana and Gladiator GarageWorks brands, have identified the top five tasks consumers should tackle if they plan to pick up a mop and a dust cloth this spring.
n Tackle high visibility areas first. Look at the home’s entryways, living areas and the garage and then assess storage needs. For example, a coordinated storage system with cabinets, shelves and baskets helps organize home-improvement supplies, sports equipment and seasonal items.
When it comes to cleaning out the garage, the experts from Crawford, a division of the Lehigh Group, recommend making a commitment to get rid of old, worn out and rusty toys and tools. The garage has a tendency to become a dumping ground for all kinds of things and if it hasn’t been used in a year, it’s time to get rid of it.
For the items you’re keeping, it is best to group like items before finding the best storage solution.
n Clean behind furniture and appliances. Vacuuming behind the refrigerator helps improve its efficiency and saves money on utility bills.
n Don’t forget to organize often overlooked parts of the home, like the laundry room. Experts from Whirlpool’s Institute of Fabric Science recommend adding storage bins or shelves to hold your arsenal of detergents, bleach pens and dryer sheets to cut down on clutter. If you have room, reorganize your laundry space with hampers or drying racks and designate areas of the laundry room for particular chores.
n Save on dry cleaning bed spreads, curtains and other large linens by utilizing your dryer’s steam’s cycle. Check your machine’s manual to understand special features and cycles, such as “Custom Refresh” steam cycles to refresh and deodorize throw pillows, comforters and curtains.
n Have a high-efficiency washer? These washers seal more tightly and use less water than traditional top-loading machines. Odor can occur when residue from detergents, lint and soils accumulate in areas of the washer where water cannot easily rinse. Whirlpool’s experts recommend cleaning the washer every 30 days with a product such as the Affresh washer cleaning kit.
When tackling spring cleaning, it’s also a good time to ensure that all your appliances are working properly — although that should be done on a regular basis, said Monica Teague, senior manager of mass brands public relations for Whirlpool Corporation.
“To ensure peak performance, it is best to maintain your appliances every 30 days. Regular maintenance helps appliances last longer, operate more efficiently and is cost-effective in the long run,” she said.
For example, cleaning the lint filter after each load helps maintain proper air circulation and heating. It’s also essential to keep the dryer’s outside exhaust clean as a clogged exhaust lengthens drying time and increases energy use.
Dishwashers can be cleaned inside and out. Affresh also offers a dishwasher and disposal cleaning tablet that removes odors and cleans at the same time.
Stainless steel appliances can be cleaned with stainless steel cleaner and polish, or liquid detergent or all-purpose cleaner then rinsed with clean water and dried with a soft cloth.
Fortunately, all this cleaning doesn’t have to cost a fortune. The experts at CareOne Services Inc., a debt relief company that provides consumers with multiple solutions to complex money issues, says that a few common items found at the local grocery story will make cleaning a budget-friendly breeze.
With super washing soda, borax, distilled white vinegar, mild liquid soap, bar soap, baking soda and lemon you can make common household products from dishwasher detergent to furniture polish.
Homemade cleaners may save you as much as 75 percent of the cost of buying store cleaners, and they can also help you avoid the headache of unnecessary chemicals and strong smells in the home.
“Everyone is looking for ways to be more eco-friendly these days. These products are much less expensive and more green for your home than most premixed cleaning products,” said Jenny Realo, executive vice president of CareOne Services Inc.
Many of these ingredients can be used on their own as well, especially for intensive spring cleaning. Baking soda can be used on carpets (just sprinkle and vacuum 15 minutes later), to cut through grease stains on appliances and clothes, or just to freshen up the refrigerator or trash can. Mix baking soda with water to create a cleaning paste for tiles and counters or with a lemon to treat grime and disinfect your toilet bowls.
And vinegar can be used to remove hard-water spots, added Teague.
Equally important is keeping your safety in mind, especially when trying to reach high places or using multiple cleaning products, according to the Home Safety Council.
It offers the following safety tips:
n If you need to climb to clean something, use a stepladder or ladder. When using a ladder, stand at or below the highest safe standing level. For a stepladder, the safe standing level is the second rung from the top, and for an extension ladder, it’s the fourth rung from the top. Before using, make sure the rungs are dry.
n When cleaning out closets or reorganizing things, always keep stairs, steps, landings and all floors clear.
n Carry loads you can see over, and keep one hand free to hold banisters and railings.
n Remember to put things away so people cannot trip on them. Safely tuck away telephone and electrical cords out of walkways. In homes with children, make sure toys and other items are always safely put away when not in use.
n Follow safety recommendations when using harsh products, such as wearing gloves and masks. Do not mix products together because their contents could react with dangerous results.
n Never use gasoline to clean something and never use or store gasoline in your home, even in tiny quantities. Gasoline vapors can explode with just a spark. If you must keep some, use a special safety container. Store it in an outside shed.
