Spring Cleaning 101
By Stephanie Raymond
Photo: © Jupiter Images
Start From the Top - When it comes to cleaning, working from top to bottom is the only way to go. Start with your tallest shelf and work your way down until everything in the room has been dusted, washed or wiped. This is the most effective way to clean because any excess dust or grime you don't get on the first round will be waiting for you on lower surfaces. Always start your cleaning routine with a thorough dusting and end by sweeping, mopping or vacuuming your floors.
What Lies Beneath - In the quest for a truly clean, dirt free home you must be prepared to move everything you own. It's amazing how much dirt, dust and dander can accumulate under your couch, behind a hutch or even underneath that pretty flower vase. Just because you can't see the dust, doesn't mean it isn't there. So get moving and make sure you leave no chair, bookshelf or throw pillow unturned.
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Kill the Clutter - Nothing makes a room look messier than a disproportionate amount of clutter. If you truly want to clean house this spring, it's time to get organized. Take a room inventory, get rid of, or give away, anything that you don't use, don't love or doesn't work. This spring make a vow to simplify your life by simplifying your home. Remember simple is always chic.
Closets Count - So, you've followed the first three tips, got rid of your three decade magazine collection, vacuumed the sofa and killed those dust bunnies and now your living room, kitchen and bathroom are spotless, but what about your closets. Just because they're used for storage doesn't mean they don't deserve a good cleaning. So once again, get in there, clean up the clutter, clean from top to bottom and leave no boot or box of old mittens unturned.
Clean Green - Let's face it, most commercial cleaners are composed of nasty, not to mention dangerous and poisonous, chemicals. The truth is that you can effectively clean your house with a few safe and simple ingredients. For example, baking soda is a great all-purpose, non-toxic cleaner. It not only cleans, but also deodorizes, removes stains and works as a good fabric softener. Cornstarch and lemon juice will clean any greasy surface. Lemon juice also works as an alternative to bleach. Salt is a strong abrasive cleaner and toothpaste is a mild one. Vinegar, my favorite all-purpose cleaner, cuts grease, removes stains and when mixed with water will leave all your glass surfaces clean and streak free. |
