Window Treatments
For starters, launder all curtains and drapes before tackling any window washing. Clean away any cobwebs sitting at the top with a duster and then lift the windows to focus on the dirt that has collected in the tracking. A great tool to get dirt out of those hard-to-clean tracking grooves? "Use a grout brush to quickly loosen dirt, then finish with a microfiber cloth," says Debra Johnson, Merry Maids' home cleaning expert.
On the Stove
Another ventilation spot that's often overlooked when it comes to cleaning: stove hoods. Thankfully, cleaning them is a cinch, says Johnson. Simply remove the filter and soak in a solution of water and vinegar, or place in the dishwasher.
Blind Cleaning
If you have dirty blinds, there's no need to replace them with newer versions. In fact, removing any caked-on dust is a lot easier than you might think. Just place them in a bathtub filled with water and a squirt of dish soap. Move them up and down to work in the suds, says Johnson, and then lay them in the sunlight to dry.
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On the Walls
Yes, there's even dirt hiding on your walls. To do a thorough cleaning, vacuum the walls first (especially if you notice any lurking cobwebs) and then test whatever cleaner you plan to use (a neutral one, like a floor product, works well) on a small portion of the wall to make sure it won't remove the paint. Place a microfiber pad in a solution of water and cleaner. "Then start at the bottom and work your way up to the top to help prevent any drips of water from leaving stains behind," says Johnson.
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Vent Away
Your home's vents are notorious for collecting dust and dirt, especially during the winter, so it's especially important to clean them before switching on the air conditioning. If you'd rather do the job yourself, instead of hiring professionals, just use a vacuum with an extension wand and brush attachment to extract the built-up grime, says Johnson.
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Rug Time
To remove any dirt embedded into rugs or carpets, the best tip is to never scrub or rub, always blot, says Johnson. For dry stains, she suggests whipping up a solution of 1 tbsp dishwashing liquid, 1 tbsp white vinegar and two cups of warm water. Dipping a white cloth into the solution, blot away until the stain disappears.
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Screen Clean
To get your window screens squeaky clean, it's worth taking the time to remove them from your windows for a special cleaning treatment. Lie them down on a flat surface and scrub with a brush and soapy water. Allow them to air dry before reattaching. While waiting for them to dry, wipe down the inside and outside of the window sills.
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Mattress Matters
A mattress collects more dust and dirt over a year than you probably want to know, so make sure to give it extra attention this spring. Johnson suggests vacuuming the mattress and even steam cleaning it, if possible, making sure you rotate and flip it before you're done. Also be sure to clean the wall and baseboards behind the headboard and vacuum under the bed where dust loves to collect.
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Up Top
If you can reach ceiling fans and light fixtures with a ladder, use a damp microfiber cloth to remove dust from the tops and sides. For fans, don't forget to clean the encasing around the motor as well. Also, when it comes to dusting, Johnson suggests starting with the highest points in a room and then working your way down to guarantee you won't spread the dust.
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Patio Perfect
With warmer weather comes far more patio time—finally! Oh, but wait, there's a whole lot more dirt that's appeared since the last time you dined al fresco. Start by using a broom or a wet/dry vacuum to remove debris, says Johnson. With a mixture of warm water and dishwashing detergent, wipe down furniture cushions and place in the sun to dry. Run a vacuum over your patio umbrella and then wash with soapy water. Complete the patio cleanup by washing the furniture frames followed by hosing everything down.
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