11 Smart Things To Add To Your Spring Cleaning Routine

It’s almost that time of the year to plan your annual deep-cleaning day. While it’s always important to flip your mattress, scrub your windows, and clear out those gutters, there are other parts of the house that may also need some extra TLC.

1. Start With Your Broom
   

   
   It’ll be ten times more effective if you remove all the buildup from past floor cleanups. Try to remove as many dust bunnies from the bristles as possible, then grab a bucket and fill it with warm water. Add liquid soap and swish your broom around in it.
   
   If there are still dust bunnies clinging on after it dries, use the nozzle of your vacuum to zap them away.

2. Kitchen Cabinets
   

   
   Added grime may not be noticeable at first, but your kitchen cabinets do suffer from buildup over time, especially if they’re situated over the cooking range.
   
   Try to find a cleaner specifically formulated for cabinets, as it will help cut through dirt while protecting the wood.

3. Stainless Steel
   

   
   Since stainless steel is naturally shiny and usually looks cleaner than anything else in the house, we sometimes forget to maintain it.
   
   Try lightly misting it with a wax-based aerosol spray, but make sure not to use too much, as it can make the surface appear grimy.

4. Dishwasher
   

   
   While most of us know how important it is to clean our dishwashers regularly, it’s an easy chore to forget about. Your spring cleaning day is the perfect opportunity to make sure it gets done.
   
   For an effective deep clean, remove any bits of food or buildup from the bottom, then run a cycle with a specialty dishwasher cleanser.
   
   For a DIY job, you can fill a bowl with vinegar and place it on the top rack. Run the dishwasher through a hot-water cycle, then remove the bowl and scatter some baking soda along the bottom of the washer before running another short hot-water cycle.

5. Washing Machine
   

   
   This is another often-forgot cleaning appliance. Since it can also experience grimy buildup over time, we suggest cleansing with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Run the machine with hot water, then add the cleaning agents and let them sit for an hour.
   
   Restart your machine, let the water drain, and dry.

6. Your Walls
   

   
   Indoor paint also needs to be spot-cleaned every now and then. For noticeable marks, try using a damp cloth or a sponge. If that doesn’t work, add a tiny amount of dishwashing liquid to a pot of water and dip your sponge in it.
   
   The worst stains may require squirting liquid soap directly on the rag and wiping the surface gently. Rinse with plain water.

7. Bookshelves
   

   
   These can sometimes house the most dust in your home. Take out all of your books and give the bookshelf a good wipedown with a damp cloth.
   
   Depending on how long it’s been since you last dusted, you may need to dust the books, too. Rearrange them on the shelf by placing some vertically and stacking others horizontally to create an interesting, artistic pattern.

8. Lampshades
   

   
   These tend to be a magnet for dust, dander and pet hair. Running a lint roller lightly over the surface of the lampshades will do wonders for removing most of it.

9. Patio Furniture
   

   
   After a long winter, your patio furniture probably need the most TLC. Remove any cushions, then wipe down the outdoor chairs and tables with a mixture of warm water and a small amount of dish detergent. Gently wash off with plain water.
   
   You can also spot treat your cushions with a fabric cleaner.

10. Shower Heads
    

    
    These are often overlooked, but extremely important to maintain if you want to truly get clean when you shower. Pour an ample amount of white vinegar into a plastic bag large enough to fully submerge the shower head. Tie it in place and let it soak overnight.
    
    In the morning, remove it and turn the shower on to rinse.

11. Sliding Shower Door Tracks
    

    
    Try to wipe away as much grime as you can with a sponge or a cloth, then spray the tracks with an all-purpose cleaner. Let the liquid sit for a few minutes while you grab a flat-head screwdriver and cover it with a thick cloth.
    
    Press it into the crevices along each side of the track to remove any excess grime.

Adding these appliances, furniture and other home elements to your spring cleaning list will make your living spaces feel even more refreshed after the big day, and you’ll be able to sit back and relax in a spotless home.