Congratulations! You survived another winter. But before you open the windows and celebrate, you may want to clear out the lingering dust that's been locked inside your home sweet home since November.
Spring cleaning is an annual rite of passage—and while most of us don't necessarily look forward to it, think how much better you're going to feel once you tackle it. If you don’t know where to start, hit these problem areas first.
Cleaning Supplies
Before anything, take stock of your cleaning supplies. Be sure to read up on what products can clean different surfaces safely. For the bathroom: toilet cleaner, tile & grout cleaner for the shower, shower glass and mirrors and something more mild if you have marble or granite countertops. For the kitchen: stainless steel cleaner, countertop disinfectant and proper cleaner for floors depending on whether you have tile, wood or other surfaces.
We're also a fan of microfiber cloths. They work just as well as paper towels—yet you can use them repeatedly. And while you're at it, pick up a microfiber mop. They use nearly 20 times less liquid than a standard cotton mop and allow you to work quickly without dipping and wringing.
Ceiling Fans
Before you flip on your ceiling fan, pull out the ladder and give the blades a thorough clean. We like to start with a vacuum to suck up loose dust bunnies to keep them from falling onto the carpet. Next, we hit stubborn spots with a microfiber cloth.
Walls, Ceilings and Corners
Dust loves to cling to walls. But if you have a microfiber mop, they'll be clean in no time. Just attach a clean, dry microfiber cloth to your mop and get to work. Start at the top of the walls and work your way down. Gently press the head against the wall and pull down. It's as simple as that.
Carpets and Rugs
Once you've cleared the dust from the ceiling fans and walls, tackle the carpets.
Carpets and rugs harbor bacteria and salt, especially after a long winter. If you’re up for it, rent a carpet cleaner for the afternoon. The cost is negligible (usually around $30 to $50 a day), and the process is quick and user-friendly.
Entryways and Mudrooms
Exterior doorways and adjoining rooms are notorious for harboring salt, dust, and dirt. Pull out your shoe organizer, put away your winter coats and boots (you won't need those for a long time!), and give these spaces a reset. While you're at it, hit the baseboards with water and a microfiber cloth.
Windows and Screens
Your windows are the gateway to fresh air and sunshine. There are myriad reasons to protect your fresh-air investment.
Windows harbor dirt, pollen, and hard minerals and without proper cleaning and maintenance, windows may etch, scratch, and even crack. Plus, dirty windows block natural sunlight, reduce energy efficiency, and reduce curb appeal.
If you're overwhelmed at the thought, hire a professional. Men In Kilts techs are trained and insured to do the job quickly and safely. We clean windows and screens using cutting-edge technology—without leaving streaks or residue. We’ll even dust high ledges and fans, clean chandeliers and replace bulbs on fixtures you can’t reach! Call us today at (888) 292-1176 for your free estimate and find out how you can have professionally cleaned windows by Men In Kilts.
And, if the rest of the list also feels daunting, our Threshold Brands partner, MaidPro, will be sure to give you a hand with your other interior housekeeping chores.
