Spring is fast approaching, and with it comes high hopes for fresh beginnings and clean homes. Spring cleaning can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Not only does it protect your important investment and standard of living, but it also boosts pride in home ownership and can even be a source of stress relief. Get a jump on Spring cleaning this year with these easy steps.
From the Windows
Avoid the maddening cycle of endlessly wiping at smears and fibers left behind by paper towels and glass cleaner by opting for rubber-edged squeegees instead. This useful tool comes in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit any sized window pane. Dilute some dish soap in a bucket of warm water and dip a sponge in. Wet the window pane, rubbing at dirt and grit where needed, and then squeegee the excess water away. Use a cloth to tidy up the edges and sills.
Dampen a washcloth with some warm soapy water and wipe down aluminum blinds. Dry with a cloth to prevent rust. Better yet, update them with wooden shutters or blinds for a fresh look in the home. To clean, dab a few drops of wood cleaner on a dry cloth and wipe the dust away. Be sure to vacuum or steam curtains once a year to reduce allergens in the home!
For the Floors
Your floors endure more wear and tear than any other surface in your home. Take time to install or replace surface protectors on the bottoms of furniture to prevent scratches and marks each spring. Dust and dirt can grind carpet fibers down and leave stains and scratches in wood or tile flooring.
It’s important to shampoo carpets at least once a year to keep them clean, beautiful and durable. As you shampoo around furniture, place the legs of tables, chairs and sofas back down on wax paper to keep them from getting wet as the carpet dries. Drying can take a day or more, so open a window and turn ceiling fans on low to speed the process. Contact a professional cleaning company if you have specialty rugs or carpets.
Wood floors should be cleaned using a gentle wood cleaner and dampened cloth. Never mop or apply excess water to wood, as it can damage or discolor the grain.
For Everything in Between
Clean out your refrigerator of any old or expired foods. Dilute two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart of warm water to wash the interior shelving, drawers and siding. If there is significant build-up anywhere, soak it first to soften it and then use a toothbrush to scrub it away. Experts recommend cleaning the condenser coils to maintain the longevity of your refrigerator’s cooling system as well.
Remove couch cushions and thoroughly vacuum inside couches, overstuffed chairs and other fabric furniture prone to collecting dust. Dust wooden furniture with a wood treatment that does triple-duty as a cleaner, conditioner and sealant.
Cleaning out closets and donating unused clothing and shoes will not only materially enrich others, it will also spiritually enrich you.
Spring cleaning is a snap when you have a plan, and it protects the value of your home should you ever choose to sell it. The professional team of Realtors at Beacham & Company are a trusted source of knowledge when it comes to luxury homes for sale in Atlanta. Let us guide you in your search to buy or list your home.
Image Courtesy of: Creative Commons
