Tidy up with these spring-cleaning tips
The days are getting longer, and the temperature is slowly starting to creep higher. Spring is officially on its way!
But before you throw open the windows and break out the patio furniture, you can take advantage of these winterto-spring transition days to get a jump-start on your annual spring-cleaning routine.
Read on for chores you can cross off your to-do list now while you’re still cozy indoors. Get some of the dusting and tidying out of the way early, and you’ll free yourself up to enjoy those lovely spring days when they fully arrive.
Clean the dryer vent.
Your clothes dryer has no doubt been working hard the past few months and is likely in need of some attention to continue to run safely and efficiently. If you’ve been a little lax about regularly sweeping or vacuuming around your machine, now is a good time to catch up. (Friendly reminder: Always remove lint from the lint screen before every load!)
In addition to this general upkeep, you should thoroughly clean the dryer vent at least once a year. Lint buildup not only makes your laundry take longer to dry, but it’s also a fire hazard.
To clean out the dryer vent, detach the tubing from the back of the dryer and vacuum it well or use a brush to dislodge any lint stuck inside. Finally, give your lint screen a quick scrub with a soft brush—a clean toothbrush works well — and soapy water, then rinse, air-dry completely and replace.
Dust ceiling fans.
Ceiling fans are notorious dust-collectors and sitting stationary for a few months really gives dirt a chance to settle. Fortunately, giving your fan a quick clean before you turn it on for the season is simple.
One way is to tackle dust with an extendable, microfiber duster. Before you start, put a sheet on the floor or over any furniture beneath the fan to catch wayward dust balls.
If you’re comfortable on a step stool or ladder, try this popular pillowcase hack instead: Place a clean pillowcase over one blade at a time and then carefully slide it off, trapping the dust inside. Use a dry microfiber cloth to wipe dust from other parts of the fan as well as the lightbulbs.
If your fan has glass shades, soak them in warm, soapy water and dry completely before putting them back on.
Deep-clean kitchen cabinets.
Whether your kitchen is the site of impressive culinary feats or mostly a place where you plate some takeout, this hard-working room is a prime place for dust, grease and fingerprints to collect. Since cabinets take up the most real estate, giving them a thorough cleaning will make the whole space feel fresher.
With cabinets, gentle cleaning is best, so skip the abrasive products and use a solution of warm water and dish soap. First, empty your cabinets and drawers and vacuum up crumbs and debris using a crevice attachment. Next, wet a soft cloth with the soap and water solution and wring it out until it is just damp. Wipe down the inside and outside of the cabinets as well as handles or knobs.
Don’t forget to go over frames or trim where grime can accumulate. Follow with a cloth slightly dampened with plain water to rinse and then dry thoroughly with another soft cloth. Use a glass cleaner on any glass cabinet fronts.
Show small appliances some love.
Kitchen appliances work hard on a regular basis and even the smaller ones, such as your toaster and hand mixer, can benefit from a seasonal spruce-up.
To banish dried-on batter, smoothie or sauce from your hand mixer and blender base, rub the exteriors with a damp cloth.
Don’t forget to wipe the cords (unplugged, of course) as well, since they can also be targets for splatters.
To clean your toaster, start by unplugging it and gently shaking it upside down over the trash to dislodge crumbs. Remove the crumb tray and wipe it and the exterior of the toaster down with a damp cloth. Dry the crumb tray completely with another cloth before replacing. Finally, use a clean, damp cloth to wipe down your coffee machine base. Other parts, including the carafe, lid and filter basket, can be washed in warm, soapy water.
Beautify baseboards.
Depending on the size of your home, this may not be the quickest task to tackle, but it is super satisfying, and a chilly day when you’re stuck inside anyway is the best time to get it crossed off your to-do list.
Start by removing dust with your vacuum’s brush attachment. Follow up by wiping down baseboards with a cloth dampened with a warm water-dish soap combo. Dry baseboards with a clean microfiber cloth. Work your way around the room to ensure you don’t miss any spots.
Declutter closets.
Take advantage of a couple of indoor hours to cull the contents of your closet and get it neatened up in time for spring. Pull everything out and purge items you no longer wear and are ready to part with. Put the keepers back into your closet organized by type (all jeans together, all skirts together and so on). For a simple upgrade, use all matching hangers and hang everything facing the same direction.
Finally, bag up any pieces you decide not to keep, but are still in good condition. This way, you’ll be ready to donate to spring clothing drives or to sell online or at a good, old-fashioned garage sale.