Winter is a time for hunkering down and staying cozy, but when you first open your windows to let in that spring sunshine, it may reveal more than a few dust bunnies that have been hibernating inside all season. That’s why all of us tend to go on cleaning binges once the worst of the winter is over, but knowing where to begin when you have a whole house to deep-clean can feel daunting. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide, so you can check off all the tasks that will leave your home brighter, fresher and cleaner.
You’ll breathe a little easier at night after deodorizing your mattress and washing your pillows, and your closet’s got to have room for an influx of chic warm-weather wear. Once your house is sparkling and organized, you’ll be ready to succeed no matter what the new season throws your way.
Kitchen
There are a lot of tasks to be done in the kitchen after a long winter of cooking up splattering stews and bubbling braises. A few big ones? Pull the fridge away from the wall and dust its coils — it will make it run better and help reduce the risk of electrical fires. Then clean the interior of your fridge to make way for fresh spring produce. To freshen up your sink drain, pour a quarter-cup of baking soda down the drain followed by a quarter-cup of vinegar, let it sit for 15 minutes, and then pour a full kettle of boiling water down after it. If you have a garbage disposal, grind up some ice cubes and lemon halves after.
Living Room
In the living room, start from the top and work your way down to the bottom. Clean the ceiling fan, take down and wash the curtains and wash the windows, and dust the TV screen. Clear the fireplace area and vacuum everything. To really get your area rugs clean, vacuum them once on one side, flip them and vacuum again then flip back and vacuum once more.
Dining Room
It's easy to get your dining room ready for spring. Do a thorough clean and then swap out your tablecloth, napkins and placemats to something a little more sunshiny.
Bedroom
Refresh your bedroom as the weather gets warmer by cleaning the ceiling fan and any air-conditioning vents (you'll be using them soon!), washing pretty much everything (curtains, blankets, sheets, pillows and windows), organizing and vacuuming under the bed and flipping your mattress(es). To deodorize your mattress (and rug, if need be), mix 2 cups of baking soda with a few drops of your favorite essential oil. Sprinkle it onto your mattress or carpet, rubbing it in a little, then let it sit for an hour or two. Vacuum up the baking soda, and you can say goodbye to those funky odors and dust mites.
Bathroom
Did you know you're supposed to reseal your grout twice a year? Doing so helps keep out mildew, something to be especially aware of when the weather gets warm and humid. If you do find mildew and mold, scrub it with a specialized cleaner (or lots of bleach). If it seems like the problem goes deeper than surface-level, you might want to call in an expert — mold can be dangerous. To clean your showerhead, fill a bag with vinegar and a drop of dish soap, then use a rubber band to tie it around your shower head, with the head submerged in the vinegar. Leave it on overnight, then scrub away any debris and run your shower on its hottest temperature to remove any lingering mineral deposits and gunk.
Closet
Get ready for sundress season by storing your winter clothes until next year. You should also go through your clothes and set aside any you know you won't wear again so you can donate them.
Entryway
After a season of snow (and the salt that comes with it), rain and mud, your entryway is probably a little worse for wear. Take this time to store any heavy winter outerwear, boots, gloves and hats, sleds and snow shovels in the basement or garage until it gets cold again. Clean up the surfaces in your entryway and you're ready to welcome spring.
Basement
The basement can take a beating after a wet, cold season. Check to make sure there's no water damage. If things seem damp, run fans or a dehumidifier down there for a day or two — reducing moisture will ensure that anything you store in the basement won't grow mold or mildew.
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