30-day Spring Cleaning Checklist

30-day Spring Cleaning Checklist

Original Article Source Credits: the spruce, https://www.thespruce.com

Many people avoid spring cleaning simply because they don’t know where to begin. But the process of decluttering and then cleaning a space is actually pretty easy. Each task is quick; the tough part is getting started.

That’s where this 30-day checklist comes in. This spring cleaning plan outlines a set of tasks to help you declutter and clean every nook and cranny in your home. It will keep you moving from room to room, which goes against traditional advice to work on one room until it’s complete before heading to the next. But with a big project like spring cleaning an entire home, the impulse to quit when you get overwhelmed or bored can be strong. So tackling a few projects each day will ensure that you stay motivated.

What You Need
Before you get started, prepare some boxes. Here’s what you need:

  • Box Category 1: Donate/Consign. Anything you want to donate or consign goes into these boxes. If the items won’t fit into a box (e.g., a couch), then keep a running list of them.
  • Box Category 2: Repair. While you’re decluttering and cleaning, you will come across items that need to be mended or repaired. Place these items in a box until you’re ready to get them fixed. Don’t let repairs sidetrack you until you’re done cleaning.
  • Box Category 3: Put-Away Box. Say you’re cleaning out a drawer in your kitchen and you find a misplaced pair of earrings in it. Don’t stop decluttering that drawer to go put your earrings in their proper place. Instead, add them temporarily to a put-away box. Once you’re done with the drawer, take that box and return everything in it to its rightful storage place.
    It’s also helpful to keep a pen and paper or a digital list nearby during your spring cleaning process. On it you can keep a running list of projects that pop up while you clean that you want to get to eventually, such as organizing old photos. Once you’re done with your spring cleaning, then you can make a plan to tackle those projects.

Day 1: Dust

  • Take a broom to the corners of the ceiling to catch any cobwebs in your kitchen, living room, bedrooms, and bathrooms. Then, sweep or vacuum the floors.
  • Dust the undersides of every chair and table in your home, and then vacuum and mop the floors around them.
  • Clean every mirror in your home, including ones in the bathrooms, bedrooms, and entryway.
  • Dust your books and the knick-knacks on your bookshelves.

Day 2: Take Inventory of Your Clothing

  • If the weather has changed, switch out your seasonal clothing.
  • Wash your winter gloves, hats, and scarves, and pack them up for next year. Take your winter coats to the dry cleaner if necessary.
  • Sort your under-bed storage boxes. Add any applicable items to the donate or mend boxes.
  • Remove odd socks from your sock drawer, and either toss them or use them as cleaning rags.
  • Go through your dresser, and pull out items of clothing you haven’t worn in a year and have no plans to wear again. Put them in your donation box.

Day 3: Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

  • Throw away expired medicines. Look up local regulations on how to properly dispose of medicines.
  • Organize your emergency supplies. Make sure you’re stocked on first aid necessities.
  • Declutter your linen closet. Pull out the old towels and sheets you no longer use, and put them into your donation box.

Day 4: Sort Your Shoes

  • Sort through your shoes. Add any that you want to donate or repair to those respective boxes.
  • Clean the floors of your closets, and get rid of any unused storage solutions.
  • Wash your slippers.

Day 5: Clean Small Appliances

  • Clean your appliances, including their plugs, tops, bottoms, sides, and any accessories that came with them.
  • Deep clean your coffee maker, following manufacturer instructions.
  • Thoroughly clean utensils, such as can openers, that might not be washed on a regular basis.
  • Replace old kitchen sponges and rubber gloves.

Day 6: Clean Your Car

  • Use a vacuum to clean the inside of your car. Declutter while you go. Don’t neglect cleaning the floor mats. Then, wipe down interior surfaces with a cleaning solution and rag.
  • Wash the outside of your car (or bring it to a car wash).

Day 7: Deep Clean Your Fridge and Cabinets

  • Thoroughly clean your fridge and freezer by removing all shelves, racks, and storage containers and washing them in your bathtub. Toss any old food. Wash your ice cube trays. Wipe down the sides of the fridge and freezer. Then, put everything back in. If you’re afraid of food spoiling, use a cooler to keep food cold while you work.
  • Take everything out of your cabinets, and clean all the surfaces before replacing the items.
  • Check the cabinets for any unexpired food you don’t plan to eat that can be donated. Throw out expired or questionable food.

Day 8: Toss Clutter in the Bathroom

  • Declutter and clean your bathroom storage. Take everything out, and clean the backs, sides, and bottoms of the cabinets and drawers.
  • Dispose of any expired bathroom cleaning products.
  • Replace any old, worn toothbrushes and/or razors.
  • Wash or replace your shower curtain liner.

Day 9: Wash Household Linens

  • Wash your couch covers, pillowcases, and other linens used around the house.
  • Launder the drapes in your living room, dining room, and bedrooms. If you can’t wash them on site, bring them to the dry cleaners.
  • Wash your ironing board cover
  • Wash your tea towels and kitchen towels.
  • Toss small rugs, bathroom mats, and bathrobes in the wash.

Day 10: Clean Your Electronics

  • Clean your remote controls.
  • Clean your phones and tablets.
  • Dust the screens of televisions and computers.
  • Clean your keyboards.
  • Sort through your old CDs and VHS tapes for items to donate.

Day 11: Remove Junk

  • Organize your junk drawer to make sure all items in it have a purpose.
  • Tend to your plants. Remove dead leaves, toss old cut flowers, etc.
  • Get rid of worn pet toys.

Day 12: Clean Your Oven

  • Deep clean your oven following manufacturer instructions.
  • Clean your cooktop and ventilation hood.

Day 13: Clean Your Windows

  • Remove your window screens, and vacuum them using the handheld attachment on your vacuum cleaner. Then, soak them in soapy water before rinsing.
  • Use dish soap diluted in water and a microfiber cloth to wipe down your windows. Then, spray on vinegar diluted in water, and wipe the windows with a clean towel to dry them.
  • Dust your windowsills and frames, and touch up any chipped paint around the sills.

Day 14: Toss Old Papers, Magazines, and Newspapers

  • Recycle old magazines, newspapers, and packing materials.
  • Organize old paper or plastic shopping bags that are lying around in one location, so you can reuse them.
  • Shred sensitive documents you don’t need anymore. Scan important papers, and shred the originals if they don’t need to be saved.

Day 15: Wash Your Makeup and Hair Brushes

  • Deep clean your makeup brushes and hair brushes.
  • Toss any liquid makeup over 3 months old and any powdered makeup over a year old.

Day 16: Clean Out Your Plumbing

  • Clean every drain in your home using this method: Pour boiling hot water down the drain, add baking soda, and then add vinegar. Then, cover the drain with a plug for a few minutes. Follow with another pour of boiling water.
  • Schedule a plumber for any leaky or otherwise damaged faucets you can’t fix yourself.

Day 17: Switch Out Seasonal Decor

  • Remove any winter decorations still hanging around, including throw pillows, candle holders, throw blankets, and vases.
  • Switch scented candles, hand soaps, etc. from winter scents to fresh spring ones.
  • If you have a fireplace, thoroughly clean it to remove dirt and debris from winter use.

Day 18: Vacuum Furniture

  • Move the couch and any heavy chairs, and clean and vacuum underneath them.
  • Use the handheld attachment to vacuum the couch and chairs themselves.

Day 19: Clean Your Garage

  • Declutter your garage, and throw out any unneeded items you haven’t touched since last spring.
  • Wash your gardening gloves, and rinse and wipe off the shoes you wear to do yard work.
  • Sweep your porch, patio, or front steps.

Day 20: Clean Out Office Items

  • Go through your desk drawers, and toss broken items, such as dead pens.
  • Collect and keep office items, such as paper clips, all in one place in your home.
  • Take your stash of coins to a coin machine or the bank.

Day 21: Sort Your Mugs and Glasses

  • Declutter your mugs and glasses. Donate the ones you no longer want, and wash and put away the rest.
  • Wash reusable water bottles and water-filtering pitchers. Then, change the filters.

Day 22: Organize Bags

  • Organize your bags, including backpacks, briefcases, and suitcases. Declutter the insides, and then clean and store them.
  • Clean out your everyday bag or wallet.
  • Wash and store reusable shopping bags all in one place.

Day 23: Repair Broken or Damaged Clothing

  • Either mend any damaged clothing yourself, or take it to a tailor.
  • Take any shoes or boots that need repairs to a cobbler.

Day 24: Organize Hobby Supplies and Other Collections

  • Organize your hobby supplies. This can include crafting supplies, board games, or sporting equipment.
  • Polish silver jewelry, silverware, and any other items that have become tarnished.

Day 25: Get the Kids Involved in the Cleaning

  • If you have young children, teach them how to clean something in their room, and make that their chore from now on.
  • Go through your books (including kids’ books), and donate ones you don’t want anymore.

Day 26: Dust and Vacuum Some More

  • Dust your blinds, and then vacuum the floor around them.
  • Dust around your stairs, and then vacuum them.
  • Wipe down your baseboards and other molding where dust tends to collect. Then, vacuum the floor near them.

Day 27: Wash the Walls

  • Wash any interior walls that have marks or stains.
  • Touch up chipped or discolored paint.

Day 28: Wash Your Bed Linens

  • Wash your bed linens, including any mattress covers, duvet covers, pillow liners, throw blankets, and throw pillows.
  • If you have a guest room and the bed hasn’t been used in a while, strip the bed down to the mattress and wash all the linens.

Day 29: Sell or Donate Unwanted Items

  • Did you keep a list of items to sell? Now is the day to take your items to the consignment store or to photograph them to sell online.
  • Bring donations to a local charity.

Day 30: Throw It Away

  • Take a trip to the dump to get rid of any large items that are beyond repair.
  • Check your local regulations for how to get rid of other unwanted items, such as old paint.
  • Wash your garbage cans and recycling bins. Either do this outside or in your bathroom, scrubbing your tub afterward.
Should You Be Cleaning, Sanitizing, Or Disinfecting Your Home?

Should You Be Cleaning, Sanitizing, Or Disinfecting Your Home?

Original Article Source Credits:   The Spruce , https://www.thespruce.com/
Cleaning up the house or any living space is a generic term that means different things to different people. Your definition of cleaning up to your child may mean picking up scattered toys. Cleaning up the kitchen can mean just washing the dishes and putting away leftovers.

But there are distinct definitions of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces in homes, schools, and public places. These definitions are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to define the level of microbial contamination left on a surface after treatment.

For a homeowner, the terms will help you read product labels and determine if the products you are using are providing the proper level of sanitation needed if someone in your home is ill, came into contact with someone ill, or has a compromised immune system.

Definition of Cleaning
Cleaning is the process of removing visible debris, dirt, and dust and organizing a space. Cleaning a surface uses soap or detergent and, usually, water to remove soil and germs through chemical (cleaner), mechanical (scrubbing), and thermal (water temperature) action.

Cleaning may not always kill bacteria and germs, but it will remove some of them and aid in lowering the risk of spreading infection.1

Definition of Sanitizing
When a product claims to sanitize a surface, it is promising to reduce the level of germs that could be harmful to your health to meet to public health standards or requirements. Sanitizing reduces, not kills, the number and growth of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.1

Sanitizing is particularly important in food preparation areas where germs and fungi can cause foodborne illnesses.

Definition of Disinfecting
The act of disinfecting kills microscopic organisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) on surfaces.1 Disinfection is usually achieved by using EPA-approved chemicals that kill the organisms and prevent them from spreading. Items can also be disinfected using UV-C germicidal short wavelength, ultraviolet light that breaks apart the DNA of bacteria and germs leaving them unable to harm or reproduce. This is the same UV-C light technology used in hospital surgical suites to aid in killing superbugs.2

Disinfecting does not necessarily remove visible dirt and debris from a surface and is much more effective if basic cleaning is done first.1

Should You Clean, Sanitize or Disinfect?
Cleaning should be a routine process that occurs on a daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal basis. Basic housekeeping maintains order, reduces the growth of potentially harmful organisms, helps keep pests under control, and protects the investment you’ve made in your home and belongings.

Sanitization is important for health and hygiene and is particularly important on communal surfaces like countertops, doorknobs, light switches, touchpads, and any surface that comes in contact with body fluids. Sanitizing bed linens and undergarments is much more important than sanitizing dress shirts and slacks.

Disinfecting should always be done when someone in the household is ill or if someone has a compromised immune system. Following label instructions and using disinfectants correctly is vital to killing microorganisms. If the product is not used correctly, the process only offers a false sense of security.

Tips for Proper Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting
Do Routine Cleaning
Dr. Michael G. Schmidt, professor of microbiology at the Medical University of South Carolina and chair of the American Society of Microbiology’s Council on Microbial Sciences, says that the best way to protect your family from infectious diseases is to listen to your mother and, “Clean your house.”

Dr. Schmidt explains that after washing our hands, the next best way to protect our family is to wipe down countertops, doorknobs, light switches, and common surfaces with a microfiber cloth dipped in a solution of hot water and an all-purpose cleaner twice per day. “The slight abrasion of the microfiber cloth and the cleaning solution will lift and dilute any microbes that have settled on the surfaces,” says Dr. Schmidt.

Add Sanitation and Disinfecting Products When Someone is Ill
If someone in your home is ill or has a compromised immune system or there is a widespread viral outbreak in the community, add sanitizing or disinfecting products to your regular cleaning routine.

Read Labels and Follow Directions
Almost all sanitizing and disinfecting products, including the ingredients on wipes, must remain on a surface for four to 10 minutes to effectively kill germs and bacteria. You must use a sufficient amount to keep the surface wet for that entire time and then allow the surface to air-dry.

Use Products Safely
Do not mix chemicals when cleaning. Chlorine bleach, an excellent disinfectant, and ammonia, an excellent cleaner, when mixed together produce a toxic gas.3 Always provide adequate ventilation when using any type of cleaning product.

Wear protective eyewear and gloves when using harsh chemicals. And always wash your hands with soap and warm water after handling soiled garments, emptying waste receptacles, and using any cleaning product.

Match the Best Cleaning Product With the Item to be Cleaned
Electronic devices like remotes, game controllers, cellphones, touchpads, and keyboards are some of the germiest items in our home. The warmth of the devices encourages bacteria to go forth and multiply. But these items cannot be cleaned with soap, water, and bleach.

Check the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions and use a disinfectant wipe or alcohol wipe to clean these devices.

10 Home Maintenance Projects You Should Be Doing Every Month

10 Home Maintenance Projects You Should Be Doing Every Month

Original Article Source Credits:   Bob Vila , https://www.bobvila.com/

Focus on Prevention
1/11

Focus on Prevention
Home maintenance can be overwhelming, especially for new homeowners. Rather than waiting for serious issues to arise, however, it’s prudent to make a monthly schedule of simple tasks to tackle—many of which only take a few minutes to complete. Read on for a list of chores that, if completed regularly, will help to avoid bigger problems down the road.

Test Smoke Detectors
2/11

Woman putting batteries in smoke detector
Ensuring that smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly is essential for the safety of your home. Check that batteries are working on both devices and change them if necessary. While focusing on fire safety, make sure that fire extinguishers are in working order and aren’t expired. It’s also a good idea to remind the other members of the household of where they’re located in case of an emergency.

Check the HVAC System
3/11

Man checking the HVAC System
A home’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning or HVAC system includes a filter that should be checked and potentially replaced on a regular basis. Those with pets or dusty homes may have to be changed more frequently. While some filters are disposable, others can be cleaned and reused. Cleaning or replacing filters frequently will improve air quality in the home and increase the efficacy of the heating system in the colder months.

Maintain Kitchen Appliances
4/11

Cleaning Refridgerator
Cleaning the dishwasher, fridge, and oven should be on every home’s monthly cleaning checklist, but there are also some simple ways to maintain these appliances at the same time. For optimal performance, clean or change filters on the dishwasher and fridge if it has a water dispenser or ice cube maker. It’s also prudent to go through food in the fridge and pantry to toss expired items on a monthly basis.

Restock Essentials
5/11

Toilet Paper, soap, toothbrushes
Running out of toilet paper, bandages, or toothpaste can be an annoyance on a normal day, or a serious issue during a major weather event or other emergency. Keep an inventory of cleaning products, paper towels, personal toiletries, first-aid supplies, batteries and other household essentials and check each month to ensure everything is well stocked.

Check for Leaks
6/11

Checking for leaks
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), leaks in an average American household account for 10,000 gallons of water wasted every year. Do a tour of the home looking for signs of leaks around sinks, showers, bathtubs, and toilets. Even a small amount of water should be cause for concern and warrants further inspection.

Unclog Slow Drains
7/11

Unclog Slow Drains
Prevent serious clogs and backups by clearing out bathroom and kitchen drains monthly. Use a drain cleaning tool (available on Amazon) to remove hair and debris. Then, use a commercially produced drain cleaning product or a homemade drain cleaner to finish the job. If the drain is already clogged, a plunger or plumbing snake may be necessary to clear up the problem.

Clean the Garbage Disposal
8/11

Baking Soda and Vinegar
A kitchen’s garbage disposal can be a breeding ground for bacteria, but luckily there are a number of simple solutions to clean it. Add a combination of ice cubes and bleach into the system, which will both sharpen the blades and kill any lingering bacteria. For a more natural solution, a mixture of vinegar and baking soda will also do the trick. Another popular trick is making vinegar ice cubes by filling a tray with a cup of white vinegar and topping it off with water.

Check Electrical Cords
9/11

Broken electrical cord
A damaged electrical cord should be cause for concern because it can be a potential fire hazard. Examine all cords and wiring in the home monthly to look for cracks, splits, and fraying. It’s also important to ascertain whether household pets or mice have managed to chew through wiring. Any damaged wire should be repaired with electrical tape or replaced completely, depending on the severity of the issue.

Clean the Range Hood Filter
10/11

Range hood filter
A range hood is essential for proper kitchen ventilation, but a dirty filter impedes its performance. Some higher-end models have indicator lights that will turn on when the filter needs to be changed; for most range hoods, however, the filters simply need to be checked to ensure there’s no excessive grease buildup. While some have disposable filters that should be changed approximately once a year, others have reusable filters that can be washed with water and dish soap using a wire brush.

Do a Tour of the Exterior
11/11

Man examining crawl space
No matter the time of year, it’s prudent to ensure that the exterior, as well as the interior of the home, is in good condition. Once a month, do a tour of the yard to check for any potential issues. Look for signs of water damage, cracks in the foundation, and evidence of infestations of bugs or other critters. Take a peek under the deck, check large trees for signs of breakages or rot, and check for loose shingles on the roof.

10 Dangerous Mistakes To Avoid When Spring Cleaning

10 Dangerous Mistakes To Avoid When Spring Cleaning

Original Article Source Credits:   Bob Vila , https://www.bobvila.com/

Spring Cleaning Mishaps
1/13

12 Spring Cleaning Mistakes
Are you ready to shake the cold-weather blues and spruce up your home for the warmer months ahead? Before you overhaul your living space with cleaning projects galore, remember that spring cleaning isn’t as simple as it seems. With today’s powerful cleaning products, and high-tech appliances, there’s a lot of room for error. One simple mistake could damage your home, costing you a world of effort and a stack of cash. Keep these tips in mind before you clean and you’ll dodge disaster and be left with a no-mess, no-stress home.

Time to Shine
2/13

Cleaning Hardwood Floors
After surviving winter’s dry indoor air, your wood floors might be in need of some rehab. Before you reach for any old product to clean or restore your floor, make sure you’re using one that works for your material and finish. While wax may work great on a floor that’s already wax-coated, it can diminish the shine or smoothness of laminate, varnished, or polyurethane-finished wood. Always consult a product’s instructions and be sure it matches your floor type before using it.

Super Sudsy
3/13

using too much detergent
As springtime rolls around, it’s natural to feel the urge to go on a laundry spree, but an overzealous approach can do more harm than good. Using too much laundry detergent is actually worse than not using enough; a heavy-handed dose of soap can make clothes stiff and dingy. All that extra soap can also attract bacteria, leaving linens with an unpleasant odor. Instead, use the amount that the detergent label specifies (or even less, since modern washers are more efficient than many of their predecessors).

Shrinking Slipcovers
4/13

Cleaning Slipcovers
Slipcovers can be a fantastic, low-maintenance option to keep couches and chairs looking fresh and up-to-date, but washing them on the wrong laundry setting can ruin them altogether, causing you to invest in a replacement set. Never wash slipcovers in warm or hot water unless their tags specifically instruct you to do so; instead, opt for cold water to keep them from shrinking.

High and Dry
5/13

Use Water-Resistant Tubs
If you’re looking for a way to store all those books you read this winter, steer clear of cardboard boxes. In the event of a flood, leak or condensation issue, your books will quickly warp, smell, and mold if kept in containers that are essentially made of paper themselves. Instead, opt for water-resistant storage bins to keep your reading collection safe. Follow the same rules for putting away your winter clothes.

Crystal Clear
6/13

Wash Windows with Microfiber Cloth
Few things are more frustrating than spending your time and energy trying to make your windows gleam, only to stand back and see streaks. Avoid this common problem by using a lint-free microfiber cloth and either a store-bought, streak-free cleaning solution or one part white vinegar mixed with one part water. For truly grimy windows, try straight vinegar.

Perfect Plexiglass
7/13

Cleaning Plexiglass
While plexiglass is a wonderful and safe alternative to glass—particularly when used in windows and bathroom enclosures—its durability runs parallel to its sensitivity. Never clean plexiglass with a dry cloth; rather, use a moist cloth (and a light touch) to prevent minor scratches.

Breathing Room
8/13

Let Wet-Vac Carpets Dry
Having your carpets professionally cleaned—or renting a high-powered wet vac and doing it yourself—is a key part of keeping a clean home. But if you don’t allow the carpet enough time to dry before putting furnishings back into place, you run the risk of developing a mold (and odor) problem of epic proportions. Allow enough breathing room for carpets to dry completely before replacing a room’s contents. The proper dry time could be a few hours or a day, depending on the air flow in the room and the thickness of the carpet pile.

Top to Bottom

9/13
Clean from Top to Bottom
When most people start their spring cleaning regimen, things like floors, windows, and ceilings take precedence over everything else. But if these spots aren’t cleaned in the right order, your cleaning routine can allow copious amounts of dust and other allergens to accumulate. For a deeper clean, start by dusting the light fixtures and corners of the ceiling, then do the windowsills and trim, and finally the baseboards and the floors. In the end, you’ve tackled a lot of dirt with very little effort.

Bug Off
10/13

Springtime Pruning
Springtime doesn’t just yield blooms; it also brings bugs and infections, some of which could damage your trees. If you prune your trees and shrubs in advance of the growing season, consider coating the freshly-cut edges of vulnerable trees like birch, elm, and oak in pruning wax to seal the wounds, preventing bugs, bacteria, and fungi from destroying them later on.

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