Thanks to the folks at Home Depot for sharing these great pointers for saving time when spring cleaning!
Make your home shine with the right products and
minimal effort
Americans spend nearly 70 hours cleaning their homes’
interior each year, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor
Statistics. Innovative new products and cleaning tips will reduce time spent
cleaning and allow you to focus on enjoying the season with family and friends.
Set the Stage for a Deep Clean
Decluttering is an important first step to
spring cleaning. Storage containers are an affordable solution for organizing and
putting away items that you want to keep but don’t use frequently. Consider
installing a shelving unit in your closet to create added space for items you
do not use on a daily basis.
During warmer months outdoor spaces can be just
as functional as indoor rooms, so don’t forget these areas when you start
cleaning. Selecting trash bags that are able to handle heavy loads of garbage
without breaking or spilling can save money and time.
Prep Your
Home’s Exterior
Slough off the dirt and grime left over from winter and start the
season fresh by giving spaces outside the home a deep clean.
Stains on concrete are not only unsightly, they can also weaken the
surface of your driveway. Luckily, many outdoor stains can be removed by
applying a multi-surface cleaner specifically designed to remove stains from
your patio, driveway and sidewalks.
Pressure washing is ideal for outdoor jobs, such as spraying down siding on your home’s
exterior walls or cleaning dirt from a deck, because it uses less water than a
garden hose and still gets the job done quickly. New innovations in pressure
washers make them portable and able to run on gas or electricity, facilitating
ease of movement when cleaning large surfaces.
Throughout the year outdoor furniture
collects dirt and grime, masking the beauty of the backyard space that serves
as the perfect environment for BBQs, pool parties and festive gatherings. Give
dingy patio chair cushions new life by cleaning them with a soft bristle brush
or sponge and a cleaning solution made of one gallon water mixed with ¾ cup of
a powerful cleaner. Add a tablespoon of laundry detergent to reinvigorate the
colors in the fabric. Leave the cleaning solution on for five to 10 minutes
before rinsing off.
Cleaning Hard-to-Reach Spaces
For those hard-to-reach spaces,
try a powerful all-purpose cleaner – perfect for making every inch of your
refrigerator sparkle. Look for a brand with a non-toxic formula to clean deep
without having to worry about contamination.
Additionally, you can custom-dilute for almost any type of surface
cleaning, such as floors and walls, pots and pans or large appliances.
Cleaning the dryer vent doesn’t
need to be limited to the lint filter screen. The small particles that get
through will eventually build up inside the dryer and block the vent ducting
that runs to the outside of your house. Use a vacuum with a hose attachment to
clean out all remaining lint.
After vacuuming away built-up
dirt from the dryer, you can re-use your Simple Green Cleaner to clean the
entire appliance.
Fighting Indoor Allergies
Spring should be enjoyed, not marked by allergies. Basic upkeep around
the house with easy-to-use products can help you make the most of the season.
For everyday clean-up, try using a multi-surface
cleaning solution with a cloth or paper towel. Just a dab of a safe and powerful formula is all
you need to clean and sanitize kitchens, bathrooms and other frequently used
areas of the home.
And for perennial allergy sufferers, an indoor HVAC System
can help. The HVAC has a filtration system built into it that, if maintained
regularly, can help protect against pesky allergens. Below are two simple ways
to maintain your HVAC system and help improve the air quality in your home all
season long:
·
Change your air filter regularly: Changing the
air filter will prevent build-up of allergy-causing particles that can enter
the home. Make sure to check your specific manufacturer’s recommendations for
the best possible results.
·
Assess your air quality needs: Are there pets in
the home or multiple allergy sufferers? Take a good look at your surroundings
so that you can choose the air filter that is perfect for your home.
