Spring cleaning: the dreaded yearly responsibility is upon us. From dusting baseboards to scrubbing toilets, these tasks are making us want to call our nearest cleaning service to help us tackle all the dust, dirt, and grime that has accumulated over the last year.
Even with a deep spring clean, there are several items that are just forgettable, even for the most diligent spring cleaners among us. We're sharing the top 10 items in your home that are commonly overlooked, and frankly, are overdue for a refresh. Let's bust out those cleaning supplies and get to work!
1. Clean Shower Curtain and Liner
We know that the tub or shower always gets a good scrub, but what about your curtain and liner? If your liner is riddled with mold or hard water stains, maybe it's time to say sayonara. For most fabric shower curtains, it is best to wash on a normal or gentle cycle through your washing machine with your everyday laundry detergent. If your liner is still viable, give it a little extra deep clean by scrubbing it with a disinfectant or white vinegar.
2. Sweep Under Large Appliances
Let's face it, crumbs easily get swept under the oven or refrigerator while we're preparing meals. You might give it a courtesy sweep here and there but are you actually moving the appliances away from the wall? We think you'll be amazed (and maybe grossed out) by the things you'll find. Let's even go as far as taking the Swiffer under there, too. Couldn't hurt, right?
3. Clean and Rotate Your Mattress
Blankets, sheets, and pillowcases all get washed on a regular basis but have you thought about how to clean your mattress? Spot cleaning is a great way to help maintain the look (and smell) of your mattress. Given how often a mattress is used, this shouldn't just be done once a year. If you haven't spot cleaned your mattress since the day you brought it home, you might try using baking soda to help reduce any locked in smells or stains. While we're at it, go ahead and rotate it so that you don't get any unwanted dips and bumps in frequently slept-in spots.
4. Wash or Dry Clean Curtains
Be honest, when was the last time you cleaned your curtains? We're willing to bet it's been a very long time, if ever. You vacuum your carpets and rugs, so why not the curtains, too? Curtains can gather significant amounts of dust over the years that can cause allergy issues. Most curtains can be dusted off with a linen cloth. Others can be washed on a gentle cycle, depending on the weight of the curtain, while others can be taken to the dry cleaners.
5. Dust Lamp Shades
This is an easy one that is often overlooked. A simple swipe with a microfiber cloth is all you need to check this task off your list. If you haven't done this one in a while and the dust is building up, bust out the vacuum and suck up those unwanted dust bunnies.
6. Wipe Down The Inside Of Cabinets and Drawers
This is a messy one. We know that dust, food crumbs, hair, and dander are settled in a layer on the bottom of your cabinets and drawers. This is also the perfect time to declutter any unused items or pieces of trash that may have collected over time such as old pieces of mail, expired or stale snacks, or those sauce packs you kept from that fast food restaurant (you know, just in case). Wipe down the surfaces with a multi-surface cleaning agent and get those areas decluttered.
7. Dust Off Your House Plants
House plants, you say? Yes! Your sleepy succulents need to be dusted off, too. The easiest way to do this is to dampen a cotton cloth with cool water and wipe the leaves clean. Remove any dead leaves while you're at it to keep your plants looking their finest. Take it a step further and give your plants extra fertilizer or nutrients based on its daily care needs.
8. Clean Pet Bedding and Toys
We're pet lovers around here but we aren't a fan of the stinky smell these items leave behind. We may want to cover the scent with some Febreze and call it a day but we all know the smell returns sooner than later. Wash pet bedding regularly in your washing machine on a normal cycle with gentle laundry detergent. The inside-stuffing, if washed, should be air dried so as not to melt any synthetic materials. Soft dog toys can also be put through a machine washing cycle on gentle. Remember not to use cleaning products that have heavy chemicals, such as Lysol, bleach, or fabric softener.
9. Wash Your Washing Machine
Yes, even your washing machine needs to be washed! We know, why clean something when it already has soap and water running through it every time we do a cycle? Seems like it should do the trick, right? Well, you would be surprised to find hidden soap scum and build-up lurking between every nook and cranny. Take out the soap tray and spray with 50/50 bleach and water. Wipe down anywhere that soap can build up. Once everything is wiped clean, add 1 cup of white vinegar to the drum of the machine and fill the soap dispenser with it as well. Run the machine through one cycle. Once finished, wipe down the soap tray and leave the door open to air dry. You will also want to remember to remove the front panel of the machine and remove any lint or other materials that may have gotten stuck.
10. Clean Wood Cutting Boards
Wood cutting boards are fantastic for daily kitchen prep but when not taken care of properly, the pores of the wood become a feeding ground for bacteria to grow rampant. Cleaning with an everyday multi-surface cleaner just won't cut it for this forgotten item. Use a mixture of lemon juice and salt to sanitize the area. Sprinkle salt evenly over the board and use a cut lemon to scrub the surface. Let the lemon juice soak into the wood. After 5 minutes make sure to pat the surface down to dry. To keep your wood board looking brand new, use a mineral oil by brushing it on lightly with a soft towel and over the board's surface. Letting the oil soak in overnight will allow the wood to absorb any moisture it needs. Wipe away any excess oil the next morning.
