While most homeowners are vigilant about regularly wiping down surfaces, disinfecting bathrooms, dusting furniture and mopping floors, there are many nooks and crannies that don’t receive as much attention. That’s why April is the perfect month to do an annual overhaul on your home.
Below is a spring cleaning checklist to help you knock it out:
Living Room
- Wash curtains and throw pillows.
- Take rugs outside and beat them.
- Vacuum and spot clean sofas.
- Dust lampshades.
- Wipe down the television and all other electronics.
Kitchen
- Organize and clean cabinets.
- Sort pantry and discard items past their due date
- Go through your refrigerator. Take everything out, wipe down shelves and throw out anything that has expired.
- Clean refrigerator coils. Cut off power to the refrigerator and remove the grill plate. Vacuum the coils with the extendable attachment.
Bedrooms
- Dust and wipe down furniture. Oil wooden pieces, especially antiques.
- Freshen the bed. Wash the duvet or comforter, the mattress pad and the pillows to remove mold and bacteria.
- Rotate the mattress and sprinkle baking soda on it. Vacuum the baking soda up after 10 minutes. Move the bed and sweep underneath.
- Clean out your dresser. Take out all of the clothing and sort through it. Wipe down the drawers and replace your clothes. Donate anything you haven’t worn in the past year.
- Tend to the closet. Remove everything and clean the floor and shelves. Replace clothing and set aside clothes for donation.
Bathrooms
- Launder all soft materials, such as bath mats, shower curtains and window coverings.
- Wipe down vents and fans.
- Remove all items from under the sink or linen cabinet and clean the shelves. Throw away old makeup or hair products. Donate ratty or too-thin towels to a local animal shelter.
- Use bleach on the tub and toilet to get them bright white.
Basement and Garage
- Defrost the deep freezer. Unplug it and remove all items. Once the ice has melted, wipe down the sides with baking soda and warm water.
- Organize stored items into two piles. Store stuff you’ll need in the next six months, such as clothes and decorations on one side. Put items that may be there for years on the other.