Spring cleaning

And oldie and goodie…

Spring Cleaning Pandemic Style (or for a deep clean, any spring)

Spring cleaning is synonymous with decluttering and organizing your home. Its origins go back to the days when hones were coal heated and the windows and doors were sealed shut trapping the soot in the house. Spring was time to open the windows and clean out the soot. Harkening back to olden times is more in line today for spring cleaning in the pandemic. “Spring Cleaning started as a way to clean away Winter’s mess. In those days, homes were heated by fires, and doors were kept shut tight to keep the warm air in. This, of course, led to soot and grime accumulating during the cold months. These days, with modern heated homes, this kind of cleaning isn’t necessary anymore. So, why is Spring Cleaning still important?“ —The Cleaning Authority

So, here are some tips to clean your appliances and surfaces. Don’t forget it is still a good time to declutter or switch from a fall/winter to spring closet, something my mother did in the later years of owning the house I grow up in.

Dishwasher:

Fill a measuring cup with 1 C. vinegar and place on an upper shelf in the machine. Then run a full cycle.

Washing machine:

Fill the detergent slot with 2 C. vinegar or if you slot is small like mine, fill the drum. Run it on the cycle you usually do. Then place ½ C. baking soda in the drum on run a cycle with hot water.

Dryer:

Wipe down the drum with a cloth with dish soap. Then run a cycle with a dry towel in it to clean it.

Microwave:

In a microwave safe dish place 1 C. vinegar. Microwave for 5-10 minutes (time depends on the power of your oven). Then wipe down the interior. For an extra clean, make sure to clean the front of your oven too.

“Cleaning your kitchen appliances on a regular basis will ensure that they are completely free of dirt, germs and any grime that may cause malfunctions. In this article, we will go over the common problems with kitchen appliances and why and how to keep your appliances in tip-top shape. Keep in mind that seeking a professional for assistance for detailed cleaning or repair for your equipment is always the best solution.” — Wilshire Refrigeration

Bathroom tile , bathtub and counters (not stone):

Mix ½ C. vinegar and ¼ C. baking soda and use to scrub tiles tub and counters.

Fabrics (like upholstered furniture):

Take a rag and soak in warm water, then ring it out. Place 1 tsp, of dish soap on the rag and wipe down fabric. Repeat as necessary to clean the whole surface. This works for leather too.

Blinds:

Place the blinds in an open position. Using a duster or microfiber cloth and wipe down from top to bottom. Any dust that falls, gets “swept” up as you go down the blind. (I can’t wait to do this to my wood blinds.)

Curtains:

If they can be removed run them on a delicate-cycles in your washing machine. For non removeable curtains or fabric shades, “Spot-clean shades. Before you treat any splotches on Roman, pleated, and other non-washable fabric shades, they'll need a dusting. Your vacuum does this best, but you can use a lint roller for smooth shades or a soft brush or even the vacuum's brush attachment for pleated ones. Lower the shade and whisk away debris on both sides, from the top down.” — Carolyn Forte, Good Housekeeping Institute

Some smaller items to consider cleaning/disinfecting

Kitchen sponge:

1. Microwave

The microwave was one of the next most effective, zapping 99.9% of germs. Do this by putting the sponge in the microwave, saturating it in water (we used 1/4 cup for scrub sponges and 1/2 cup for cellulose), then heating it on high for one minute (scrub) or two minutes (cellulose).

2. Dishwasher

The dishwasher also killed 99.9% of germs. To use, add your sponge to a regular dishwasher load, using the "heated dry" setting.

3. Vinegar

This method eliminated 99.6% of bacteria. All you have to do is soak your sponge in full-strength vinegar for five minutes, then rinse.

Personally, I soak my sponge in vinegar and microwave on high for 90 seconds and then let it dry completely. Keep in mind, well worn sponges should be changed every 2-weeks and moderate use every 4-weeks.

Bed Sheets:

Sheets should be changed every week or at most every other week. According to Good Housekeeping, sheet sets should be changed every two years.

Toothbrush:

According to the ADA you should replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head for electric ones every 3-4 months or sooner if the bristles are frayed.

Area Rugs:

They should be cleaned every 12-18 months at the very least. They should be cleaned more frequently if they are in a high traffic area. I clean the one next to my bed once a month since everyone who comes into my room walk on it. I use store bought rug cleaner that requires setting time and then being vacuumed. Otherwise, consider having the rugs professionally cleaned.

And when you’re done, reward yourself by burning a scented candle. Pick a scent you like. I like lavender because the scent is calming and it won’t set off my allergies. “Burning candles can be beneficial to your health. Part of living a healthy lifestyle is self-care and taking care of your mind: lighting candles can provide the perfect atmosphere to induce calm and a sense of well-being. If you ever feel enveloped by fear or feel anxious, burning candles can help with anxiety.”  —Lit Up Candle Co.