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Spring cleaning
Plan Ahead
Before jumping in gather tools, cleaning supplies, buckets, trash bags, boxes, and a few friends to help out. Wear something old so good clothes won’t get stained, or bleached.
Decide how much time it will take to clean based on the size of your home and how many family members will pitch in.
Tool Time
A week before you plan to start your spring cleaning marathon, review what supplies you have on hand.
Supplies needed:
- Ammonia for wiping away grease
- Foaming cleaners for bathtubs
- Squeegees to make quick work of window washing
- Buckets for mixing concentrated cleaners
- Cleaners made for washing cars and trucks
- Oven cleaner
- Floor cleaners for wood and linoleum
- Stiff-bristled large brooms to sweep away winter dirt
- Angled soft-bristle brooms for indoor use
- Sponges and scrubbing brushes for general use
- Lambs wool and ostrich feather dusters to clean in hard-to-reach places
- Laundry detergent booster
- Static free cleaner for electronics
- Oil soaps for wood cabinets
- Cleaners formulated for artificial plants
- Oxygenizing cleaner to remove spots and stains without bleaching fabrics, upholstery or carpets
- Other brushes for specific uses: toilet bowl brush, refrigerator coil brush
- Ladder for reading ceiling fans, tall bookcases and to wash windows
Purchase versatile concentrated cleaners when possible. Benefits include being able to dilute cleaner to different strengths depending on the cleaning job involved. They also cost less per use and require less packing making them environmentally- friendly.
Brushes and brooms that are made for a specific purpose make the job easier. Toilet bowl brushes scrub under the rim with less effort. Cleaning refrigerator coils is as easy as an afterthought when you use a soft brush made for just that job.
A lamb’s wool duster with extended pole makes it easy to sweep walls and ceilings for cobwebs and dust. The static in the wool works like a magnet to attract dust with little effort on your part. Rags, sponges, gloves that protect your hands from the effects of cleaners, mops, and brooms can be stored in one place until you need them. A small laundry basket or extra bucket can be used to carry supplies from room to room. Create one bucket of supplies for bedrooms, living rooms, dining areas, and one bucket of supplies for bathrooms and the kitchen.
Don’t forget cleaning supplies for outdoor decks, window washing and the car. A ladder (and someone to hold it steady) is required for window washing. A soft chamois and cleaner specifically formulated for washing cars makes the finish cleaner and shinier.
Make washing windows easier by purchasing two sizes of squeegees - a small one for multi-paned windows and a large one for sliding glass doors. Use the squeegee to dry the window for the quickest, streak-free finish.
Take it from the top to the bottom
Clean one room at a time from top to bottom before moving on. Decide whether curtains and rugs go to the cleaners or get tossed in the washer with a laundry booster.
Always start at the top. Sweep for cobwebs and wash ceilings and light fixtures first with a lambs wool duster. Light fixtures that are dirty or greasy, as they are likely to be if located near the stove, need to be removed and washed in warm soapy water.
Move down the walls, dusting pictures and decorations. The rest of the room can be best tackled by starting at the door and moving around the room. Pick up objects, dust, clean, remove spots, vacuum.
Bring a box and a bag into the room. Your goal is to find a storage place for everything. Books go back in the bookcase, pictures back on the mantel. Loose papers need to be filed, tossed, or shredded. Spring cleaning is also the perfect time to weed out all the objects that are cluttering up your home. The box is for objects you plan to donate, give to friends, or sell at a yard sale. The garbage bag is for everything else you don’t want anymore that cannot be recycled.
Spring may have sprung, but remember spring cleaning is for all seasons.
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Author Vincent Platania represents the Fuller Brush Company.
Fuller Brush has been in business since 1906, and offers safe, environmentally friendly products for keeping your home and your body clean.
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How to Clean Small Appliances
It's tough to find a kitchen these days that doesn't make use of at least a few small appliances. Things like toasters, microwave ovens, blenders, and coffee makers are almost as standard as stoves and refrigerators. These appliances are certainly time savers, but don't forget that they need regular cleaning just like the larger ones do.
Always unplug the appliance before cleaning it, and never immerse the base of the appliance in water. Avoid spraying cleaning solutions or water directly onto the appliance; instead, spray a soft cloth with the cleaner and scrub the appliance with the cloth. Stainless steel, plastic, and glass products may be cleaned with commercial multipurpose household cleaners. Avoid using ammonia, baking soda, vinegar, bleach, or any acidic cleaners on stainless steel or aluminum, as it will cause a reaction.
Microwave Ovens
Remove the inside plate and spinner if possible, and clean in hot soapy water. Wipe the outside of the microwave just as you would the oven or fridge, without spraying the cleaner directly onto or inside the oven.
If you have stubborn dried food or a bad smell in your oven, you can loosen it up quite easily before cleaning. Simply mix one cup of water with at least two tablespoons of lemon juice in a microwave safe bowl or cup. Heat the water and lemon on high power for two minutes. This creates steam, which loosens the dried food, and the lemon will deodorize the oven. Remove the water and clean the inside of the microwave as usual.
Blenders, Mixers, and Food Processors
Check the manufacturers instructions before putting any parts of your blender, mixer, or food processor in the dishwasher. If the dishwasher proves unsafe for these parts, clean them in hot soapy water, rinse, and allow to air dry. Wash the blades carefully, as they are very sharp.
The base of these appliances can be cleaned with a soft cloth lightly sprayed with household cleaner. Clean the base immediately after use so that any spills won't have time to dry and become difficult to remove. For tough stains or stuck-on bits of food, use a scrub brush to spot-clean the appliance.
Coffee Makers
Minerals can build up inside a coffee maker, causing clogs and leaving a bad taste in your coffee. You can easily remove these scales by running a mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar through the coffee pot. After the vinegar mixture has finished "brewing", run the coffee maker again at least two times to rinse it out.
All of the removable parts of your coffee maker should be cleaned in hot soapy water after every use, or run through the dishwasher if the manufacturer's instructions allow. If your coffee pot has a build up or stains on it, dissolve two denture cleaning tablets inside it in warm water. Allow the dissolved tablets to sit on the water for at least an hour, then rinse thoroughly and clean as usual.
Toasters and Toaster Ovens
Remove the crumb tray from the toaster or toaster oven, and brush off any crumbs. Scrub any burnt pieces off with a damp scrub brush. Clean the tray when necessary in hot soapy water, and allow it to air dry completely before returning it to the appliance. The outside of the toaster or toaster oven can be cleaned the same way you'd clean any other appliance surface. Never use an oven cleaner to clean the inside of a toaster oven.
Garbage Disposals
Garbage disposal units generally require little attention, as they are self-cleaning. Ensure that you flush all of the garbage out of the system after each use, and never grind anything that isn't meant for the disposal. Check your owner's manual if you're unsure about what can go down the disposal.
To kill any unpleasant odors emanating from your garbage disposal, peel a few oranges, limes, lemons, or any citrus fruits and run them through the disposal. The citrus oil will clean and disinfect the garbage disposal and keep things smelling fresh.
Waffle Irons and Indoor Grills
Waffle irons and indoor grills need little maintenance. Simply wipe surfaces clean with a damp cloth after use, but make sure the appliance has been unplugged and allowed to cool before cleaning. For dried on food or other stains, use a damp scrub brush and gently scour the surface of the appliance.
Small appliances don't require a lot of work to keep clean, but you'll notice that they last a lot longer and perform even better when they're free of dust, grime, and dried food. They'll look better, too!
How to Clean the Refrigerator
By Susan M. Keenan ©2006
Maintaining a clean refrigerator is essential to maintaining good health. After all, many of the foods we eat are taken out of the refrigerator with the expectation that they are germ free. Along with the convenience of having edible foods right at our fingertips comes the responsibility of keeping their storage space clean.
Fortunately, deep cleaning of the refrigerator is not a daily chore. In fact, if you keep up with the daily chores associated with the refrigerator, the deep cleaning chores are much simpler and less time consuming. Follow as many of the hints and tips listed below for daily and weekly cleaning. Then, when you get to the annual cleaning tasks, your job won’t be that difficult.
Daily Cleaning Tasks
Wipe up any spills, wet or dry, immediately. Allowing it to sit until later typically leads to a bigger mess.
Never put anything into the refrigerator that you know no one is going to eat. Throw it away.
Wipe the outside of jars and containers that typically experience dripping before placing them back into the refrigerator. For example, such items as pancake syrup, ketchup, jelly jars, honey, and barbecue sauce often end up with a drip or two on them.
Avoid placing open containers, dishes, or bowls in the refrigerator. These will create a bigger mess if they are accidentally knocked over.
Place an open box of baking soda in the back of the refrigerator to combat odors.
Weekly or Monthly Cleaning Tasks
Many of these tasks can be performed on a monthly schedule, especially if your life is filled with other responsibilities. Do the best that you can without avoiding these tasks completely.
Wash the top of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean cloth to dry it fully.
Go on a scavenger hunt for spoiled or outdated foods, including condiments. Dispose of them properly.
Wipe down each shelf with hot, soapy water or a baking soda solution. To make the baking soda solution, use 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of hot water. Baking soda helps to neutralize odors, so if the refrigerator has a strong odor, use the baking soda solution. Remove non-perishables to a clean countertop or table temporarily. Perishables should be placed in a cooler temporarily with an ice pack. Using a clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth, wash each shelf down completely. Using a clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth and clean water, wipe each shelf to rinse it clear of any cleaning residue. Use a dry, clean cloth to dry the shelves thoroughly.
If you have time, repeat the above step for the sides, tops, and floor of the refrigerator.
If you have time, wash any bins with hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
Replace everything to its proper place.
Annual Cleaning Tasks
Remove all spoiled and outdated foods, including condiments. Dispose of them properly.
Completely empty the refrigerator. Remove non-perishables to a clean countertop or table temporarily. Perishables should be placed in a cooler temporarily with an ice pack. Also, remove any shelves or bins that can be removed easily.
Carefully remove the refrigerator from its location by pulling it straight out. Wash the floor where the refrigerator was located. Allow it to dry before returning the refrigerator to its location.
At least once a year, vacuum the coils of your refrigerator if they are accessible. This step will help to maintain proper functioning of your refrigerator.
Wash the sides of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean cloth to dry them fully. You can also use an all-purpose cleaner and paper towels or cleaning rags to clean the outside of the refrigerator, especially if it is very dirty.
Wash the top of the refrigerator with hot, soapy water and a clean cloth or sponge. Use paper toweling or a clean cloth to dry it fully. You might need to use an all-purpose cleaner and paper towels or cleaning rags to clean the outside of the refrigerator, depending on how frequently you cleaned it throughout the year.
After you allow them to reach room temperature, wash all of the parts that you have removed in hot, soapy water. Wash any bins (produce, snack trays, and meat) with hot, soapy water and dry them thoroughly.
Wipe down each shelf with hot, soapy water or a baking soda solution. To make the baking soda solution, use 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 quart of hot water. Using a clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth, wash each shelf down completely. Using a clean sponge or soft, cleaning cloth and clean water, wipe each shelf to rinse it clear of any cleaning residue. Use a dry, clean cloth to dry the shelves thoroughly.
Repeat the above step for the sides, tops, and floor of the refrigerator.
If your refrigerator has an external, accessible drip pan, remove it for cleaning. Wash it thoroughly with hot, soapy water. Dry it thoroughly.
Handy Tips and Reminders
Wear rubber household cleaning gloves to protect your hands.
When cleaning the refrigerator, begin at the top and continue downward.
Wipe the outside of all containers, especially the bottoms, before returning them to the refrigerator.
Never use cleaning products that contain liquid chlorine bleach on the interior of the refrigerator since it can damage the gaskets, seals, and linings.
Replace the open box of baking soda on a regular basis. This will depend on the amount of use the refrigerator gets as well as the passage of time.
Do not place removable refrigerator parts in the dishwasher unless the manufacturer’s booklet for the refrigerator indicates that they are dishwasher safe.
To remove dried on food easily, use a cloth soaked in hot, soapy water or the baking soda solution. Place it on the area and allow it to sit for several minutes to soften the food. Then, try again to remove it.
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Spring Cleaning 101: Tips & Techniques
By J. A. Young
Spring cleaning is a seasonal rite of passage many of us enjoy and others of us grudgingly endure. To make the most of this great effort, cleaners should employ the proper cleaning techniques to do the job effectively and safely for the items in question. This frequently involves using the right cleaning solution. The following text advises how to clean a myriad of household items from books, baseboards, mirrors, floors, walls, and so forth.
Having the tools of the trade is the first part of your cleaning journey. Rubber gloves, dust masks, goggles, comfortable shoes should accompany a battery of brooms, mops, buckets, various brushes, rags, sponges, dusters, a chamois and a vacuum cleaner (with attachments). You will also need to consult your pantry (or grocery or hardware store) for a many items needed to make cleaning solutions. Household commercial cleaners may also be used, but there are many traditional mixtures that can effectively (and organically) do the job. When stocking your supply pantry with natural cleaners, choose baking soda, lemons, vinegar and salt.
Before getting started, it’s a good idea (sometimes the simplest notions are overlooked) to begin at the top and work downward. It’s a sad day when you scrub the floor of grime only to watch stars of dust float downward from the ceiling fan. Also, it may be helpful to perform a dry run of cleaning—that is, wipe away dust and grime before you apply wet methods. This will eliminate extra muck from the task.
Cleaning the ceiling and walls can be accomplished with two buckets, a mop, a couple sponges and a drop cloth. Fill one bucket with cleaner (mild dish soap will also work fine) and water and the other bucket with clean water for rinsing. You’ll need the drop cloth for furniture when washing the ceiling (the mop tackles this fine). Use the mop or sponges for the walls.
To clean brass fixtures or items make a paste of salt and vinegar (using equal parts). Rubbing a fine layer over the surface will prevent tarnish. Copper may be similarly cleaned. Chrome should be wiped down with vinegar and baking soda on a damp cloth. Club soda also cleans up chrome nicely.
To get rid of mildew on tile, use a mixture of water and ammonia. To clean grimy tile, scrub with a solution of scouring powder and water.
Cleaning electronic equipment can be accomplished by dampening a washcloth with isopropyl alcohol and rubbing dust and grime from the surface. Never pour any agent on the devices themselves.
To clean the inside of the microwave fill a microwavable bowl with water and a pile of lemon slices. Heat on high for about two minutes. Afterwards, wipe the interior clean.
A combination of baking powder and water may be used to clean stainless steel. Use a chamois to buff each item after cleaning.
For cleaning varnished wood furniture, consider using some cooled black tea dabbed on a soft cloth (a drop of furniture cream will also do the trick.) Various furniture oils available at the grocery store are suitable for furniture polishing.
Most all-purpose cleaners diluted in water are suitable for cleaning vinyl. This will do for hardwood floors as well only take care not to disperse water too liberally. You can also clean wood floors with a half cup of apple cider diluted in water.
Dusting is best accomplished with a damp cloth or cheesecloth so that you pick up dust rather than displace it. From tabletops to books, dusting often a weekly chore. Consider toothbrushes or paint brushes remove grime from cracks and crevices.
Equal parts baking soda and white vinegar flushed with water will freshen all your drains. To clean a stainless steel sink, vinegar is an ideal cleaner. To remove stains in the sink, rub vigorously with a slice of lemon.}
Dish soap and warm water cleans countertops and refrigerators. Use your vacuum cleaner attachment to clean the refrigerator coils. Warm sudsy water will also help you tackle the stovetop. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to clean the oven.
To clean your coffee maker, brew a pot of white vinegar (sans coffee). Then brew several pots of plain water to flush out the system.
Major cleaning routines can usually be accomplished over a weekend. Consider setting aside some time this spring to give your home the cleaning overhaul it needs!
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