01 of 12 YOUR CABINETS
Over time, build-up can collect on kitchen cabinets – especially if you don’t run the exhaust hood over your range while you cook to keep grease from settling. To remove build-up us a “cabinet cream” to cut through the dirt and leave wood moisturized.
02 of 12 YOUR WINDOWS
Instead of just wiping down the inside, make sure you take to the outdoors during spring cleaning season to remove spots and smudges you don’t usually take time to tackle. Pro tip? Wash them on a cloudy day to ensure the sun won’t dry the cleanser before you’re done wiping.
03 of 12 YOUR COUNTERTOPS
The first step to preventing granite stains: Get your countertops sealed a few times as soon as it’s installed. You’ll know it’s sealed properly when water beads and forms droplets on the surface. Then have it sealed again a year later — perhaps during spring cleaning season? After that, you’ll just want to make sure you wipe up accidental spills as soon as they happen.
04 of 12 YOUR DISHWASHER
To make sure this heavy duty appliance gets all the tomato stains off your dishes, you have to clean it too. First, remove any bits of food on the bottom. Then, run a cycle with a specialty cleanser made for your dishwasher about once a month.
05 of 12 YOUR REFRIGERATOR
This means the outside and inside. Pull out all of your fridge’s interior shelving and wash them with warm soapy water. Then wipe down the surfaces that can’t be removed on the inside wish a sponge before putting the shelves back in place.
06 of 12 YOUR WOOD FLOORS
Even though you might think you’re mopping your wood floors every week, this could actually ruin them. Instead, you should only wet clean them once every one to two months and spot-clean as needed.
07 of 12 YOUR OVEN
If you ever start to smell something burning when you turn on your oven, it might be time to give it a deep clean. First, chip off all loose pieces from your range, then spritz burnt on food with ammonia. Sprinkle baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar on the bottom, let it bubble up, then whisk away the grime with a sponge.
08 of 12 YOUR WASHING MACHINE
Don’t wash your clothes in a smelly machine. Instead, disinfect it with distilled white vinegar and baking soda to keep it fresh and high functioning. Run the machine with hot water, then add the cleaning agents, and let it sit 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards, restart your machine, let the water drain and wipe it dry.
09 of 12 YOUR BEDDING
Your pillows and comforter – since you should be cleaning things like pillowcases and sheets every 2 weeks. These fluffy sleeping accessories should be thrown into your washing machine 2 to 3 times per year.
10 of 12 YOUR MATTRESS
The perfect time to pay attention to what’s under your bedding? When your sheets and comforter are being washed too. Use your vacuum’s crevice tool to clean the surface and sides, then spot-clean stains with an upholstery cleaner. Sanitize with a spritz of disinfectant spray afterwards and you’re all set.
11 of 12 YOUR PAINTED WALLS
Maintenance is crucial to keeping a crisp paint job looking fresh. To do this, spot clean your walls with a cloth or sponge and water. If that doesn’t work, dip the rag into water mixed with a little bit of dishwashing liquid, (the milder the better), then make sure you rinse the spot with plain water.
12 of 12 YOUR PATIO FURNITURE
Before outdoor season begins, wipe down your chairs (minus the cushions) and tables with a mixture or warm water and dish detergent. Then hose off the solution and let air dry before enjoying.
Happy cleaning!!