Spring cleaning is an annual tradition for many Americans, who take advantage of the warmer weather to freshen up their homes before the summer months. This often includes decluttering, tidying up build-up areas, and scrubbing often missed places. In addition to the obvious areas like floors and shelves, there are 10 spots that are often overlooked, such as refrigerator and dryer vents, dishwasher filters, mattresses, curtains, toys, door knobs, light switches, handles, furniture, and drains.
When spring cleaning the refrigerator, it’s important to clean the vents, both the one at the bottom and the smaller one at the back or side, as they tend to collect dust. The inside of the refrigerator should not be ignored either and should be thoroughly wiped down, including removing and cleaning drawers and shelves. Cleaning dryer vents is also crucial, as lint can accumulate in the vent tubes. Using a dryer vent cleaning brush attached to a drill can effectively remove the lint and residue stuck in the tubes.
In addition to cleaning the refrigerator and dryer vents, it’s important to clean the dishwasher filter, mattresses, curtains, toys, door knobs, light switches, handles, furniture, and drains. Mattresses can be cleaned with hydrogen peroxide, while curtains can be vacuumed or soaked in soapy water. Toys can be cleaned in a mesh laundry bag with dish soap and water, and video game controllers can be wiped down with a rubbing alcohol-water mixture. Light fixtures should be cleaned regularly, and drains can be cleaned with baking soda, vinegar, and water.
When cleaning furniture, it’s important to check the label for cleaning codes and use proper products for the material. Vacuuming underneath furniture is also essential, as is vacuuming light fixtures. Cleaning drains can be done with baking soda, vinegar, and water. Throughout the cleaning process, it’s important to pay attention to smaller details like doorknobs, light switches, and handles, which can be easily overlooked but should be regularly wiped down with a disinfectant wipe.
Overall, spring cleaning is an opportunity to freshen up the home and tackle tasks that are often overlooked in daily cleaning routines. Taking the time to thoroughly clean areas like vents, filters, mattresses, curtains, toys, light fixtures, and drains can help improve the overall cleanliness and hygiene of the home. By following expert tips and incorporating these tasks into a spring cleaning routine, homeowners can ensure that their homes are sparkling clean and ready for the summer months.
