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To prepare your home for the warm months ahead, you’ll need to remove all of the dust, debris and other leftovers from the cooler months. Here are some tips by Scott Glenney for interior cleaning:
Organize your Home.
Organization is the key to springing into the season and cleaning rooms. The best place to start is the closet. Look at everything you have and decide what really matters. Throw away or donate items you don’t use or need. When organizing shelving and drawers be sure to wipe down surfaces with a slightly damp rag or microfiber cloth.
Spruce up the Kitchen.
Refrigerator: Get rid of rotten or expired food and wash the inside of your fridge thoroughly. A deep clean will eliminate odors and have your refrigerator looking fresh. Next, focus on the rest of your kitchen. Wipe down your counters, sinks, cooktops and cabinet doors. Don’t forget to check your spice cabinet for expired goods. “Open food sources and crumps are a leading cause of pests, like ants, invading your home. Removing old food and keeping the counter and sink clean will reduce the chance of pests looking for food,” says Scott Glenney
The refrigerator condenser coil builds up dust over time. If there’s too much debris, the coil can overheat and cause the fridge to stop working. Use a brush or vacuum extension to get rid of the easy-to-reach dust and grime. For anything that’s hard to reach, you can slowly pull the fridge away from the wall and vacuum or sweep the rest of the dust
Oven and Microwave: Wipe away large spills and remove any debris that you can with a sponge. Then set your oven to self-clean mode. When it comes to cleaning a microwave, you have a couple options. You can simply scrub away stains and food with a soft sponge and dish soap, or you can set a microwave-safe bowl filled with water, lemon wedges, and a few tablespoons of vinegar inside your microwave. Turn microwave on high for a few minutes so that the solution inside the bowl boils. The steam from the bowl’s mixture will help sanitize and deodorize your microwave. Leave the microwave closed for about 15 minutes so the mixture can cool. Once cooled, remove the bowl and wipe out the inside with a dishcloth or damp sponge.
Deep Clean.
Dust tends to collect over the winter, especially in homes that have forced air heat.
- Hire a professional carpet cleaner to remove any dirt that gets lodged in your carpets that can’t be picked up after vacuuming.
- DIY or hire professionals to clean Upholstery and Draperies
- Wax or reseal other types of flooring, such as hardwood and linoleum. Not only will this help protect your flooring, it will potentially reduce allergens in your home.
- Wash Glass Fixtures. While most fixtures can be cleaned by wiping with a soft microfiber, easy to remove glass fixtures from sconces and fans can be placed in your dishwasher for a deep sanitizing clean. Be sure only glass is going in the dishwasher, avoiding wood and metal.
- Dust ceiling fans, air ducts, and vents. Tackle these projects before you turn on the A/C.
Scott Gleney always recommends keeping a showing house in a clean condition to increase the chances of selling. No one wants to purchase a house that looks filthy.
Swap out and Refresh
One of the quickest ways to refresh your home while spring cleaning is to change your linens. If you hung up heavy, thermal curtains to keep out winter’s chill, switch to lighter weight curtains that will let more sun shine in. Toss your winter curtains in the wash or bring them to the local cleaners before storing them away for the spring and summer.
Spruce up your bedroom by trading in your heavier comforter or quilt for a duvet or bedspread that really screams spring. You can find bedding in spring colors at local stores. Strip and wash all bedding, including your pillows. If you have foam pillows, avoid washing them. Instead, replace your foam pillows every six months to ensure your bedding is properly cleaned. Summer is also a great time to remember to flip or rotate your mattress. Vacuum your mattress using an upholstery attachment.
Now sit back, relax, and enjoy your summer by following these tips by Scott Glenney!