Bright sunny days and warm weather motivate people to change and improve their lifestyles. One way of doing this is through cleaning and decluttering, as 78% of Americans do. A deep clean prepares your house for the upcoming summer, improves your mood, lets you stay active, and helps you discover minor problems that can later become costly issues. To guarantee an effective spring cleaning, you must clean every nook and cranny of your house. Here is a checklist of places you must clean during spring cleaning.
Closet
Deep cleaning your closet every season is essential. You will find that as months pass, tons of items that you no longer wear take up more space. To declutter your closet, remove all your belongings and sort them into three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Once you have decided what items will remain, systematically organize them in your closet. Also, use this opportunity to put away winter clothing and take out your spring and summer outfits.
It’s best to arrange your clothes systemically in an easy-to-maintain manner. Otherwise, your closet will quickly become a mess. Keep your most used items up front so they are easy to grab. Consider investing in dividers and storage boxes to increase your closet’s size and arrange items according to type. With a well-organized closet, you can quickly plan your outfits in the morning.
Air Conditioner
With rising temperatures, expect to use your air conditioner heavily in the upcoming summers. Your AC has multiple parts, which you must thoroughly clean for it to function efficiently. You should remove debris collected on the base through a vacuum brush for the outdoor condenser and compressor. Then unplug the appliance before washing dirt off its sides and top grilles, and use a garden hose to wash the inner grilles without removing the top ones.
Similarly, you must also remove debris in interior vents and filters using a vacuum brush and replace the return-air vent filter. You must replace the filter every three months and not only in spring. You must also check that the seal around your air conditioner is intact. If not, insects or vining plants can creep into your house in summer, creating gaps that let cool air escape. If the seal is loose, immediately remove it and add new weatherstripping around the unit.
Pool
If you have a pool, spring is the perfect time to clean it so you can then spend hot summer days relaxing in the water. Start by removing your pool cover and wiping off the dirt and grime that will have collected over the winter months. Despite the cover, you will find that dirt and debris still have entered the pool. You must manually clear away the debris of leaves and branches and clean the pool’s filters before turning them on to remove dirt.
Next, you want to pull out all the wintering plugs you had put in and do a chemical open. A chemical open consists of multiple chemicals that clear the bacteria in the water and balance out the pH levels. Invest in a HyClor Pool Testing kit to ensure you add the right chemicals in the right amount. Following is a list of chemicals you must add.
- The pH levels must range between 7.2 and 7.4. To increase the pH, add soda ash and decrease the pH using sodium bisulfate.
- Calcium hardness must be between 150 and 250 ppm, which can be adjusted by adding calcium carbonate. If your water does not have the correct calcium levels, it will be hard on the pool tiles and can ruin them.
- Chlorine must be present from 1 ppm to 3 ppm levels. You can use cyanuric-based tablets to add chlorine to the water.
After you have added the chemicals, give the water time to adjust before you hop in. And throughout summer, ensure you regularly maintain the pool’s chemical levels and filters.
Carpets and Rugs
Carpets and rugs are often overlooked in homes; we usually vacuum them once a week and consider them clean. However, an annual deep clean ensures your rugs and carpet remain pristine and have a long life.
First, use hydrogen peroxide to remove old stains from your carpet and rugs. When your carpet is stain-free, vacuum it multiple times to remove accumulated dust. If you have pets, you will find hair challenging to remove. Create a mixture of one-part fabric softener and three parts water. Spray it throughout your carpet and rugs, and let it dry. Afterward, the pet hair will be easier to remove by vacuum. However, if your rug is labeled safe for washing machines, you can machine wash it for less hassle clean. Be sure to air dry the rug away from direct sunlight, as this can cause fading.
Refrigerator
Your refrigerator likely accumulates leftovers and expired condiments that you must clear regularly. Spring is a great time to declutter, clean, and organize your fridge. First, remove all items, shelves, and drawers from the fridge. Next, you must thoroughly clean the insides of the refrigerator with a solution of baking soda and water. Avoid using store-bought solutions which have strong smells that are hard to remove. Wash the drawers and shelves you removed under the tap using dish soap.
After your refrigerator is all cleaned, you can start organizing it. Consider investing in plastic crates to sort your food items. Place items you regularly use and short expiration dates in the front, such as milk and butter.
You may also use this opportunity to ensure the fridge is maintained correctly. Check the door properly seals with the fridge, and there are no air leaks. Pay attention to any weird noises the fridge might make. If you find something out of sorts, immediately call a professional to fix the problem, or the situation may worsen, and you might need to replace the fridge.
Endnote
People become more positive and determined to improve their lifestyles during summer, and what better way to a new start than thoroughly cleaning your home? Above is a checklist of items that you must clean in springtime. They ensure your house functions efficiently in the warmer season and allow you to take quicker regular cleaning steps to keep it pristine. With a shorter daily cleaning time, you can have more time to relax and enjoy the warmer days.
