Many homeowners have a spring cleaning ritual they follow. However, there are some areas of the home that are commonly overlooked during spring cleaning. These four spring cleaning tips explain how to take care of frequently missed areas.
Spring Cleaning Tips for the Washing Machine
The washing machine is often forgotten when it’s time for spring cleaning. Start by wiping the outside with a damp cloth. For cleaning the inside of your machine, you can usually find the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions online. If the manufacturer’s instructions aren’t available, the right spring cleaning tips for your washing machine depend on whether it’s a top loader or front loader.
A top-loading washer should be filled with hot water. Next, add one quart of vinegar or bleach. Allow the washer to agitate for one minute, open it for an hour. Then close the washer to finish the cycle. Run a second hot water cycle with a cup of baking soda. Once that cycle is complete, wipe the drum clean.
On front-loading washers, you should begin by wiping the gasket clean with a damp microfiber cloth. To clean the drum, set the machine to fill with hot water. Put two cups of white distilled vinegar into the detergent compartment. Run a complete wash cycle. Next, put a half-cup of baking soda into the drum. Run another hot water cycle at the highest water level. After the cycle is finished, wipe the inside of the drum.
Take Care of Your Mattress
Regularly cleaning your mattress extends its life and gives you a healthier place to sleep. First, remove and launder all bedding. Thoroughly vacuum the mattress with an upholstery attachment. Spot clean any stains with an upholstery cleaner.
If the mattress needs to be deodorized, sprinkle a box of baking soda over the surface and let it sit for at least two hours. Vacuum the mattress to remove the baking soda. After cleaning, add a mattress cover to reduce the amount of effort needed next time you clean your mattress.
Spring Cleaning Tips for Inside Cabinets
As part of your spring cleaning, don’t forget to clean the inside of your cabinets. Remove anything that is stored in the cabinets. Spray a solution that is equal parts white vinegar and water inside of the cabinet. Allow the solution to sit for a couple of minutes before wiping clean.
Next, wipe the surfaces again with a new cloth that’s damp with plain water. While you wait for your cabinets to dry and before you re-stock them, take a few minutes to toss out items stored in the cabinets that are expired or that you no longer need.
Trash Cans
Gloves aren’t necessary to perform all spring cleaning tasks, but you may want to wear gloves to clean your trash cans. After taking out the trash, remove any large pieces of garbage that remain. Take the trash cans outside and hose them down. Next scrub them with soap and water. A long-handled brush makes the job easier, but a sponge or rag will do. Rinse with the hose and then let the trash cans air dry in the sun or dry them by hand.
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