Spring is almost here, so it’s time to review your checklist and stock up on cleaning supplies. Here are some ideas to freshen up a musty house and bring in the new season.
Kitchen
- Clean your cabinets, especially the outside, to remove grease and grime.
- Wipe down your countertops, sink, and faucet.
- Clean your refrigerator, inside and out, including all surfaces and shelves. Check expiration dates on condiments and other items that may have been forgotten.
- Wipe out the inside of your microwave and wash the turntable.
- Remove any food particles from the bottom of your dishwasher, and clear the filter and spray arm of any residue. Run an empty cycle on super soaker with a specialty cleaner.
- And don’t forget the oven...break off and remove any loose burnt pieces of food and clean thoroughly with a specialty cleaner.
Bathroom
- Clean your cabinets to remove dirt and grime.
- Wipe down your countertops, sink, and faucet.
- Change out, or clean, your shower curtain.
- Remove soap scum in the shower and tub with a specialty cleaner.
- Scrub the toilet bowl and rim with a disinfecting cleaner; wipe down the seat and lid.
Bedding
- Check your bedding and see if it needs to be washed or aired out. If it just smells musty, hang it outside for a day to let it air out.
Windows & Coverings
- Try using old carpet scraps to clean window screens.
- Clean the inside and outside of your windows.
- If your drapes need a cleaning, check the fabric care label first. If they just need freshening up, try air fluffing them in the dryer.
Vents
- Vacuum loose dust out of your HVAC vents, then clean off any stuck on residue with a damp cloth. Wipe the vents down with a microfiber cloth and a little car wax to help prevent dust from building up.
Flooring & Baseboards
- Hire a professional to clean your carpet.
- Sweep and vacuum tile floors.
- Use recommended specialty cleaners for your specific type of floor, whether its hardwood, tile, or carpet. Each type needs a little different TLC.
- Use a whisk broom or a vacuum brush attachment to remove loose dust from your baseboards. Wipe them clean with warm water, liquid dish soap, and vinegar, and then dry with a clean cloth. Go over them with a dryer sheet to help prevent dust from sticking to them.