Simple Cleaning Tips to Freshen Up Your Home
Now is an excellent time to get rid of dust and grime. While cleaning is never the most glamorous task, it can help to bring freshness into your home as well as create a healthy environment for you and your family. The following tips will help you start off right.
Dust and vacuum corners and crevices from high points to low. Dust falls down, so you want to clean from top to bottom of any room. Vacuum everything, from the floor behind and under the bed, to carpets, lampshades, mattresses, and couch cushions.
Dirt and dust always seem to accumulate on the kitchen, bathroom, and linen closet shelves. Empty shelves and wipe out dust and crumbs from those hard-to-reach corners. Clean the surface thoroughly and line each shelf before putting away dishes, silverware, and towels. If you already use a no-adhesive shelf liner, wash it in the gentle cycle of your washing machine before putting it back on your shelves. Not only does the shelf liner protect against dirt, but it also prevents nicks and scratches on surfaces. (Try Duck® brand Smooth Top® Easy Liner–www.duckproducts.com–which is machine washable, has no adhesive, and is easy to install.)
Take the time to deep clean your tub and shower. It’s easy for mold and mildew to build up in these constantly steamy environments. Remove shampoo and conditioner bottles, as well as soap and any other bath products. Wear gloves and use a good detergent and scrubber to remove all the buildup and grime.
While you are in the bathroom, clean your toilet as well. Use a deep-cleaning toilet bowl cleaner and a bowl brush that incorporates a rim brush for cleaning in all the hard-to-reach and hidden places. (Try the brand Double-Scrubber® bowl brush.)
After a winter’s worth of dirt and grime, your home’s windows may be due for a good cleaning. Clean like the pros, using a window cleaning solution and some crinkled-up newspaper. Besides being easy to find, the newspaper is also affordable.
Defrost the freezer and give it a good cleaning. Get rid of old foods and expired condiments and use a cleaning solution to disinfect the inside of the fridge thoroughly. Don’t forget to clean the outside, too. Many dirty hands have opened the refrigerator.
By taking the time to do a thorough cleaning, all the newness can be felt throughout the house.
Shelf liner is a simple and effective way to protect against dirt and dust.