Let me start out by saying that I am the least likely person to be writing this blog. Housework and I don’t get along. At all. Having said that, I’m all for finding the quickest and easiest methods for doing things around the house. So, I’ve gone to the experts to connect you with tips for spring cleaning ten things that we tend to ignore.
- Pillows: Sure, we wash our sheets, but pillows? Apparently, that’s a thing. Who knew? This link will take you to thorough directions, complete with before and after photos that almost made me want to wash all mine immediately!
- Plastic shower curtains: Yes, you can wash these too! You don’t have to run out and buy a new one every time yours gets a bit moldy. (Or, you can do what I do and buy the fabric liners that can be washed and dried with your towels – so easy!).
- Laptops: Are you ready for this? Your computer keyboard has more germs than a toilet seat! That’s just disgusting (and, I can’t stop thinking about it as I type this). There are loads of sites with instructions and some of them seemed questionable (glass cleaner and paper towels?). This one seemed like the most reputable.
- Mattresses: We spend a lot of time in our beds. So, it just makes sense that we should keep them clean (have you ever seen a microscopic view of a mattress? Yuck!). I loved this link on wikihow. It’s not only thorough, it has visual aids!
- Washing Machines: Wait. Shouldn’t washing machines clean themselves? Again, there are many methods out there. I liked this one because no bleach was used.
- Light Fixtures: We don’t really need a link for this one. Just make sure the lights are off and don’t spray cleaner or water on hot lightbulbs (trust me). Remove any glass “shades” and carefully wash and dry them with mild dish soap. Make sure they’re dry before putting them back up. Also, be careful if you’re using a ladder (trust me again!).
- Doors: You know the decorative strips of wood or beveled edges on doors? They get filthy. I dropped something the other day and when I bent down to retrieve it, I noticed that my bottom kitchen cabinet doors needed some serious attention. And, don’t forget to wipe down your doorknobs!
- Toaster: We use our toaster pretty much every day. The burnt smell emanating from it this week reminded us that we hadn’t cleaned the crumb drawer out since … well, never.
- Towels: Are your towels feeling “crusty” and not as absorbent as they once were? Apparently, it’s because of a build-up of detergent and fabric softener. Almost every site I visited suggested this easy method for towel renewal.
- Grills: While you’re doing your spring cleaning, don’t neglect your outdoor appliances. Almost burning her house down with a greasy grill was what gave Kristina the idea for this blog in the first place! And, my husband once burnt off his eyebrows and arm hair because of a plugged propane grill (I have pictures!).
So, there you have it: easy tips for spring cleaning the things we tend to forget about. What would you add to this list? Do you have any tips to share, or before and after pictures of things you’ve cleaned? We’d love to see them. Meanwhile, can someone send a professional cleaner my way? Thanks!
