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.
