CLEAN Sweep

A ROOM BY ROOM GUIDE TO FRESHENING UP YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

BY KIM BLAKER

THE BASIC FOR EVERY ROOM IN YOUR HOME

• Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.

• Dust ceiling fan blades.

• Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment.

• Remove and wash window coverings and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.

• Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor, and rinse in warm soapy water.

• Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.

• Wipe walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up scuffs and chips with paint.

• Clean switch plates.
  

• Empty cabinets, drawers, and organizers, then wipe them inside and out.

• Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the tracks.

• Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build up.

• Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.

• Unplug electrical cords and wipe with a damp rag to

remove built-up dust.

• Wipe baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.

• Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.

KITCHEN — CONTAMINATION ZONES

• Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.

• Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances.

• Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.

• Wipe the built-up grunge on the top of the gar bage disposal with a rag, add ice and lemon slices, and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.

• Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.

• Wipe the table and chairs from top to bottom.BEDROOM ODDS’ N ENDS

• Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.

• Vacuum under beds using attachments.

• Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers. THE BATHROOM — SCOUR AND DISINFECT
  

• Remove and launder shower curtain and liner, bathmat, toilet cover, and rugs.

• Scour tub and shower from top to bottom, inside and out. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.

• Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.

• Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.

• Remove the toilet seat, and clean the bolts where odors linger.

• Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.

• Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.

• Scrub sink and countertop, including grooves around the drain, faucet, and knobs.

• Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.
  

• CLOSETS — THE ALWAYS FORGOTTEN • Dust shelving, brackets, and rods. • Organize shelves and eliminate unneeded items. • Remove clothing you haven’t worn in two years. • Dust shoe racks and rarely worn shoes. ATTIC AND GARAGE — CLUTTER HAVENS

• Install racks, shelving, and hooks, then organize and eliminate clutter.

• Dust shelving and stored items.

• Store odds and ends in same-size boxes or containers for easy stacking.

• Remove oil, paint, and other stains from concrete with trisodium phosphate. Be sure to follow directions carefully and protect the skin and eyes.

OUTDOORS — DIRT, DIRT EVERYWHERE

• Hose down siding and windows.

• Wash screens with soapy water, then rinse with a hose.

• Scrub doormats with an all-purpose cleaner and a brush, then rinse.

• Spray off patio furniture, then wipe clean.

• Clean light fixtures.

• Remove lint from dryer vent and nests and hives that have formed on or near the house.