Stuck indoors? It’s a great time to tackle these tasks
This week’s column was written by Miki Bass, CEO of the Arkansas Realtors Association.
The bright lights of the holidays are gone, and the gray days of January have set in. It would be easy to grab a bowl of popcorn and a warm blanket and settle in for the season.
But since you are probably stuck inside, now is a great time to tackle those jobs that people don’t really see but know are there. Here are a few tips to get you started.
• Ceiling fans
Slide a pillowcase over each fan blade individually, and use your hands to press the fabric against the top and bottom of the blade; then pull the pillowcase off, bringing all that nasty dust and debris with it.
• Light fixtures and bulbs
Before cleaning, turn off the light fixture. Let the bulbs cool; then spray and wipe the outside of the fixture’s globes with a microfiber cloth and cleaning spray. Wipe the bulbs and extension rods and cables with a dry cloth.
• Baseboards
Mix a bucket of warm water, liquid dish soap and vinegar. Dip a sponge or soft cloth into the mixture, and use it to scrub away scuffs and stains. When you’re done, dry the baseboards with a clean towel; leaving water on them could damage the wood.
• Trash cans
Sprinkle baking soda in the bottom of each household trash can. Allow the soda to sit for 10 minutes to deodorize the can; then spray the inside and outside surfaces with all-purpose cleaner, and wipe with a paper towel.
• Window blinds
Dust accumulates quickly on blinds. To clean metal or plastic blinds, wipe with a damp sock that’s been spritzed with multipurpose cleaner. For wooden blinds, use a cloth dampened with water. For fabric blinds, wipe with a microfiber cloth.
• Bathroom exhaust fans
A burst of canned air will dust these off nicely.
• Stove burners
For each removable electric burner element, place a cup of ammonia in a gallon-size zipclose bag. Add the burners, and allow them to soak overnight. • Stainless-steel sinks
To clean and polish stainless-steel sinks, make a paste of baking soda, cream of tartar and peroxide, and use it to scrub the sinks. Dry with a soft kitchen towel.
• Showerheads
Pour white vinegar into a zip-close sandwich bag; add a shower head, and let it soak overnight.
• Miscellaneous items
Use a disinfecting wipe to clean door knobs, locks, light switches and remote controls.
Tackling these often-neglected tasks will make your house look and feel better. It will also give you a jump start when the time for spring cleaning arrives.
House to House is distributed by the Arkansas Realtors Association. For more information about homeownership in Arkansas, visit www.ArkansasRealtors.com.