Cleaning Tips

Kitchen

Clear all clutter and dirty dishes out of the room. Next, get to work on dusting the ceilings and corners of the perimeter of the kitchen. Dust and Windex all pictures and wall knick-knacks, if you have a ceiling fan in the kitchen don’t forget to wipe that down and try to wash all light fixtures so they are given time to dry.

Takedown and remove all curtains, draperies, and/or blinds to properly clean individually. Wash windows and sills inside (and out if possible).

Now when it comes to your oven and refrigerator be sure to unplug both first. Afterward, apply the oven cleaner where needed and start wiping down the fridge while the cleaner sets. Afterward, clean the oven according to directions and wipe clean. Once done with that, you can start sorting through and throwing out all expired foods. As your throwing, those out proceed to take out the rest of your items too, place on the counter, and pull out the shelves and drawers of your refrigerator to wash down in the sink. When you are done with that you can unplug all other kitchen appliances and Windex them all. Don’t forget to clean your microwave and the turntable that is on the inside. If you have any stubborn stains in your microwave, try boiling a cup of water in there. This should loosen up the stains and make it easier to remove.

Re-organize all cabinets and polish up with Murphy’s Oil Soap. For your dishwasher, add baking soda or vinegar to the inside and run it empty. For your sink do the same if you have a garbage disposal, with the pouring of the baking soda down the drain. Wipe down all countertops and backsplashes. And last but not least, sweep and mop all the floors. We know spring cleaning the kitchen is tedious, but it's worth it!

Bathroom

Get rid of all trash and laundry that you may have. Next start dusting the ceilings and corners, don’t forget the corners in the ceiling of your shower. Windex the photos and wall hangings and vents and fans. The Windex will not harm any of the ventilation surfaces or grates. Takedown all curtains and blinds to also individually wash later (and don’t forget your shower curtain!). Wipe down all light fixtures and such.

When cleaning showers, turn on the faucet and pour hot water, then spray soap scum remover and let soak for a couple of minutes and go over with a sponge. Rinse with water. Scrub the inside of your toilet with Lysol Toilet cleaner or Comet. The nooks and crannies on the outside of the toilet also need to be wiped down. Wash down the insides of your sinks, counters, and fixtures on the sinks. After all, that is done, just like the kitchen sweep and mop the floors. And if you want to be a little festive for the spring cleaning season, maybe get some "springy" scented soaps and potpourris.

Living Areas

For spring cleaning in the main room where you and your family spend most of your time together, you should start by dusting the ceilings and corners to remove all cobwebs. Again, Windex all photos and other hangings on the walls. Remove the curtains, blinds, or draperies to wash if you have any and wipe down the ceiling fan. Don’t forget to wash any windows you have.

Now, to clean your furniture remove all cushions and vacuum in and around all couches and chairs. Dust all lamps and/or knick-knacks you have placed around.

When cleaning electronics, unplug them first. Wipe the electronics down with a damp but NOT soaking wet towel. If you have bookshelves, remove all the books and dust them and also the bookshelves off.

Dust off all side tables or coffee tables and the entertainment center that your electronics are on.

Vacuum and spot clean your carpets and doormats if necessary.

Bedroom

Again, start by dusting the walls, ceilings, and corners in your room. Wipe down your ceiling fan and any portraits or wall hangings you may have. Wash downlight fixtures or lamps. Takedown your draperies, curtains, or blinds to individually wash, just like all other rooms. 

Don’t forget to wash all your bedding, If your dressers or nightstands are wood use a wood polish to clean with. If not, use a wet cloth to just wipe them down. Vacuum and spot clean all carpets and sweep and mop all hardwood flooring. Clean your closets and dressers out too. This will give you more storage space for the future when you need it.

Dining Room

Dust all ceilings and corners and walls. Windex all photos or wall knick-knacks. The curtains/draperies and blinds must be taken down for washing later on. Wipe down the ceiling fan and wash all windows. Now, if your dining set is wood, use a wood polish to clean with. If not, just a plain wet rag with a little bit of multi-purpose cleaner. 

Vacuum and also spot clean any carpeting, sweep and mop the floors.

Cleaning Doors and Baseboards

To clean your baseboards you should start by vacuuming the baseboards themselves and along the bottom of the baseboard where it touches your flooring.

You can use your own type of cleaner by pouring 1 cup of white vinegar into a bucket of hot water (5 cups). Dip in your sponge or rag and wipe down all the baseboards and let them air dry.

For your doors, you have to remember the hinges and doorknobs too. Start by going over your doorframe and hinges and door itself with a feather duster to remove any loose dust. If you have a wooden door then wipe it down with a small amount of Murphy's Oil Soap, be sure to clean the door in the direction of the grain, never wipe against it. To painted doors just spray on some all-purpose cleaner and wipe down with a sponge. Dry off any excess cleaner with a dry rag. You can also use the all-purpose cleaner to polish up the hinges and the doorknobs.