As spring approaches, you may be looking forward to nicer weather, all the while dreading those spring cleaning projects that await you.
If it seems overwhelming to get started on the numerous tasks that “spring cleaning” includes, organize them with the list below, prioritizing each chore by what is most important to you.
A deep cleaning a few times each year and a mold inspection from A+ Restoration & Cleaning goes a long way towards helping to prevent mold growth throughout a home.
Spring Cleaning Tips to Stop Mold
Declutter Your Home
Start by cleaning out junky areas. Drawers, closets, kids’ rooms, and underneath the beds collect clutter all year. Spring is a great time to clear out the junk throughout your home. Give away or donate whatever you can, and throw away the rest. Don’t donate items you wouldn’t use yourself.
Store important items that you aren’t ready to get rid of at a storage unit or in your attic/garage if you have space.
Pro Tip: Switch Out Clothing
Rather than keeping all your clothes out all year long, you can keep fewer clothes in your closet and drawers. This has several benefits:
- Choices aren’t so overwhelming
- Protects clothing during the off season
- Reveals items you don’t wear
Heavy-Duty Dusting
Go beyond routine dusting to get those hard- to-reach places:
- ceiling fans
- open shelving
- air vents
- doors and molding
Microfiber cloths are great for this task. A long-handled duster and/or a ladder might also come in handy.
Pro Tip: Clean top to bottom in every room.
Window Treatments
At least once a year, take down curtains and drapes and throw them in the washing machine (read the care instructions to make sure that’s ok!).
Blinds and shades don’t have to be taken down, but you can if it’s easier to clean them well.
A good vacuuming may be all it takes to clean your window treatments. All you need is the right attachment: one that removes and collects dust simultaneously. Don’t forget to clean both sides!
Pro Tip: Don’t use water on wood blinds.
Even a little water can warp wood blinds. A microfiber cloth will clean them. You can dampen the cloth for aluminum or plastic blinds.
Windows
Windows need to be cleaned inside and out occasionally. Invest in a clean bucket and sponge, a few lint-free towels, and the largest squeegee you can fit between your window panes.
A simple solution of 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid to 2 gallons of water is enough to get windows sparkling. If you need to degrease, add ½ cup of ammonia to the water as well.
Pro Tip: Professional window cleaning.
Windows above the first floor can be dangerous to clean. You can avoid this task altogether by having your exterior windows professionally cleaned. It can really be worth the money to have it done right and not put yourself in danger.
Professional Carpet Cleaning
Carpets and rugs get vacuumed throughout the year, but they don’t get the same regular cleaning that your mop-able floors do, so you should definitely include professional carpet cleaning in your yearly spring cleaning.
Steam cleaning loosens dirt, allergens, and stains from carpet fibers. You can rent a steam cleaner affordably, but we advise having this job done by a professional so you don’t leave too much moisture behind in your carpet and rugs. This can lead to mold in your carpet or rugs.
Pro Tip: Professional carpet cleaning can also include upholstery.
Mold Inspection
Speaking of mold, spring is a good time to have a mold inspection done.
To do your own mold inspection, look for signs of mold in areas that are prone to mold. This includes the bathroom, kitchen, garage, attic, basement and crawlspace.
While a basic visual inspection can sometimes be enough, it can also be beneficial to schedule a professional mold inspection and testing from A+ Restoration & Cleaning once a year. We can check areas that you can’t with ease, such as the roof and chimney.
Pro Tip: Use your nose to search for mold.
Mold gives off a noticeable musty odor that is hard to mistake. If you notice this smell in your home, call A+ Restoration & Cleaning so we can locate and remove the mold.
Soft Surfaces
Bedding, pillows and furniture upholstery that can’t be removed need to be cleaned the best way you can. Vacuum upholstered furniture well, removing cushions if possible and getting into the cracks and crevices.
If you need intense cleaning, rent a carpet and rug cleaner with upholstery attachments. Just make sure to get as much of the water out as possible to reduce the risk of mold.
Take off comforters, mattress pads and slipcovers to wash them. You may have to visit a laundromat if your washer doesn’t have a large capacity. Other items, like throw pillow cases and blankets, should be washed as well.
Winter items can be stored once they are clean. Add cedar or lavender sachets to airtight bags or totes when storing these items.
Pro Tip: This is a good time of year to flip your mattresses also, as long as they don’t have a pillow top.
Appliances
All your home appliances could use a quick spruce this time of year, and most of them aren’t that hard to clean.
- Oven – Clean the stovetop, vacuum out the crevices, degrease the exhaust and run your oven’s self-cleaning cycle for the inside.
- Fridge – Take everything out to wash shelves and drawers. Throw out old food. Don’t forget to clean the top and back of the fridge!
- Small appliances – Wipe down and remove crumbs and stuck-on food.
Pro Tip: Run an empty load.
The dishwasher can be run with and washing machine with a quart of bleach (then a second load with a quart of vinegar) to clean them out.
Walls
Washing the walls is not a chore that most of us look forward to because it is time consuming, but it is crucial to get rid of lingering odors, dust and mold.
Pro Tip: This is also a great time to remove scuffs and repair holes or scratches.
You can do touch-up painting throughout the house and repair wall tiles and grout in the bathrooms or kitchen during this chore.
Maintenance for Countertops & Floors
Regardless of what types of countertops and floors you have, there is some maintenance required:
- Tile and grout – Steam clean and reseal tile and grout to prevent mold.
- Wood floors – Sand, stain and seal to restore appearance.
- Laminate floors – Degloss or sand and reseal, fixing scratches with filler and sanding as you go.
- Butcher block – Usually only require oiling. Many people prefer the look of butcher block counters when they start to show wear.
- Granite – Seal granite each year to make it last a lifetime!
Pro Tip: Do you research for the specific flooring or countertops you will be restoring.
By completing this checklist in the spring and being conscious of moisture and humidity in your home, you’ll enjoy a healthier home in the months ahead and reduce the chance of mold growing in your home this season.