Here’s Your Spring Summer Cleaning and Maintenance Checklist.I don’t know about you but this year has been sort of wonky weather-wise. Winter felt like an episode of Game of Thrones (“winter is coming, winter is coming”) And Spring….well I don’t think we’ve had a “proper” spring. Where I am its FREEZING right now. It’s June!!!! But I say that to say that I feel sort of behind on my to do list of items around the house. I kind-a sort-a missed the boat on spring cleaning….BUTTT to heck with it. Cleaning and struggling to maintain order is a year round process…well for me. I’m sure for you guys it’s totally different (totally rolling my eyes right now). But I thought I’d share a few things I do, maybe even a few things I should do .
Scrub Those Windows – Both sides. I know a lot of work. But
get a sturdy ladder and store bought cleaner or some DIY cleaner you can make
it yourself (one cup alcohol, one cup water, and one cup white vinegar) and a
cloth. No need for abrasive cleaners or high pressure spray washer. If you do,
be warned you might scratch the glass or crack the caulking. If you had a harsh
winter and your screens were in place, you should clean them with a mild
detergent. Remove your screens to wash, and lay down on a dry surface to air
dry. You should never power wash your screens.
get a sturdy ladder and store bought cleaner or some DIY cleaner you can make
it yourself (one cup alcohol, one cup water, and one cup white vinegar) and a
cloth. No need for abrasive cleaners or high pressure spray washer. If you do,
be warned you might scratch the glass or crack the caulking. If you had a harsh
winter and your screens were in place, you should clean them with a mild
detergent. Remove your screens to wash, and lay down on a dry surface to air
dry. You should never power wash your screens.
Drapes and Blinds – Drapes should be machine washed or dry cleaned. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the blinds and clean wood trim and windowsill.
Carpets – You can rent a carpet cleaner to scrub your carpets of all the dirt and allergens from the foot traffic over the winter.
Grease & Grim (kitchen, bathroom) – Grease may have collected on cabinets, backsplashes, and walls. Warm water and detergent should take care of this. Some people forget about the bathroom but the bathroom can
get a bit grimy due to built up soap deposits with the combination of heat and humidity. There is also mold & mildew. This is where bleach goes a long way. Spray a mixture of bleach and water on the walls and allow it to sit before wiping it down. Also check for worn or missing grout because this is a sign of water damage that should be repaired.
get a bit grimy due to built up soap deposits with the combination of heat and humidity. There is also mold & mildew. This is where bleach goes a long way. Spray a mixture of bleach and water on the walls and allow it to sit before wiping it down. Also check for worn or missing grout because this is a sign of water damage that should be repaired.
Air Condition Unit – Make sure it works for the warmer season ahead. Replace the filter (please note the filter should be replaced monthly
for optimal use). For window and portable units, ensure the drain pans are clean and are doing their job sufficiently by draining. Dust may have collected on the unit vents. This can be cleaned using a vacuum hose. It is always prudent to have your system serviced annually to by a professional to reduce the possibility of coming home on a 100-degree day and there’s no air condition.
for optimal use). For window and portable units, ensure the drain pans are clean and are doing their job sufficiently by draining. Dust may have collected on the unit vents. This can be cleaned using a vacuum hose. It is always prudent to have your system serviced annually to by a professional to reduce the possibility of coming home on a 100-degree day and there’s no air condition.
The Basement – Oh no! Basements can be scary, particularly if it’s unfinished and dark. Dampness and insects can dwell in areas of the basement. And if you’re rarely in your basement you may be unaware of it. Dampness equals humidity and poor ventilation. The solution is
often as simple as a dehumidifier. However, finding the source of the dampness is crucial. There could be a whole host of reasons as to what’s causing moisture to get into your basement from a problem with your gutters to unleveled grounds around the basement foundation. Either way this is something that should be inspected by a professional. If the moisture isn’t addressed, it could lead to mold and or foundation deficiencies.
often as simple as a dehumidifier. However, finding the source of the dampness is crucial. There could be a whole host of reasons as to what’s causing moisture to get into your basement from a problem with your gutters to unleveled grounds around the basement foundation. Either way this is something that should be inspected by a professional. If the moisture isn’t addressed, it could lead to mold and or foundation deficiencies.
Plumbing Leaks – Are any of your faucets dripping? Have you noticed an uptick in your water bill? Now is a good time to check for leaky pipes and faucets. Look for any wetness around the pipes in the kitchen and bathroom. If the faucet is dripping the solution could be as simple as replacing or adding a washer and O-ring.
Furniture – Take the cushions outside and give them a proper beating (just kidding) a gentle tap will remove dust. If you notice stains check the label on how to remove stains based upon the upholstery used in the furniture. You can also vacuum the furniture and mattresses to remove dust and dead skin.
Dusting – Dust the tops of ceiling fans and window casings. You don’t have to use dusting sprays. Things like baby wipes and fabric sheets and fabric softeners are all that’s needed to get the job done. Vacuum the dust you find on the floors. Dust your books and shelves. Give the books and other tchotchkes a good dusting with a feather duster or Swiffer duster. You can use it or the vacuum crevice tool for tight corners.
Fire safety – In case you forgot to change those batteries in the carbon monoxide and smoke detectors when time sprang forward at the beginning of spring you should probably do so now. Test them to make they are working properly. Please note you should test your smoke detectors monthly.
Dryer – I don’t know if you know it, but even if you clean your dryer vent after every use, there may still be lint that clings with in the lint area of the dryer and within the vents. It’s good to detach the dryer hose and using a vacuum cleaner suck out the lint with in the vent. Also clear the lint form the exterior portion of the dryer vent on the side of the home. Failing to properly clean dryer vents pose a fire risk.
Closets – Finally if you haven’t already done this, it’s time to switch out those cool weather clothes for spring/summer gear. If you’re in an area where the weather is crazy unpredictable, like I am, hold back a light sweater or two. Wash the items before storing them. You can donate the clothes you won’t wear to your local charity. The donation is tax deductible.
OK… Breathe a sigh of relief and relax. Time to get outdoors.
It’s Summer Babe!
Thanks for the cleaning checklist! It contains everything I need to clean and maintain wight now. Just would like to mention that is extremely important to clean the AC, because all the bacteria and dust at the end we breath it!
Thank you Meghan, You are absolutely right. Cleaning the air ducts and changing the filter is essential and potentially harmful if not maintained.