Spring has sprung! This spring cleaning season is the perfect time to whip out your cleaning supplies for the annual spring clean of your ceiling fans, kitchen cabinets, windows, and more. Get a head start on this daunting task by buying all the necessary cleaning products you may need before the stores run low on supplies! These tips and tricks are perfect for seniors living in a house by themselves or at Foxtail Assisted Living.
Spring Cleaning Checklist for the Store
Good housekeeping comes with good cleaning supplies and products. A simple spring cleaning list includes:
- A good vacuum (with a crevice tool)
- A Swiffer Sweeper
- Clorox wipes
- Broom
- Disinfecting spray
- Duster
If you don’t have the above products, its the perfect time to get shopping!
Although vacuuming is usually done on a regular basis, getting in between the couch cushions is a perfect task for spring cleaning. Speaking of the couch, grab a cloth and scrub those stains away!
While the carpet in each room gets cleaned by using the vacuum, make sure to wipe down hard surface floors with a Swiffer Sweeper. It’s important to use a broom and dustpan first to remove dust and get rid of crumbs from the floor that will be harder for the Swiffer Sweeper to pick up!
Clorox wipes and disinfecting spray are surface cleaning essentials. Make sure to not only clean the large items such as countertops, shelves, window screens, and walls but also the smallest of items such as the computer mouse and television remote. Nothing is better than a deep clean of your entire house after a long winter to start off spring!
How to Hack Spring Cleaning
Cleaning is no easy task– especially when it comes to stains, tight spaces, and hard-to-reach places. Solely using warm water and a cloth doesn’t always cut it. Depending on the problem, hiring a professional or replacing an item might be your first thought. However, why go through the hassle of that when you can fix it yourself.
Wood Furniture Stains
Spotting a stain on your wood furniture does not always mean it’s time for a replacement. You may be tempted to use hot and soapy water to clean the stain, but that can be more damaging than helpful. Depending on the type of stain you’re dealing with, you’ll have to use a different technique to fix it.
Water stain
Combine equal parts water and baking soda to make a paste. Rub it on the water stain in circular motions until the stain disappears. Afterward, wipe dry with a clean cloth.
Heat stain
Combine non-gel toothpaste and baking soda to create a paste. Rub onto the heat-damaged surface until it feels warm. Then wipe clean with a damp cloth and dry it right away.
Dark stain
Dip a brush into bleach and lightly brush over the dark spot. Let the bleach sit on the dark spot for a couple of hours before wiping it off with a damp sponge. Apply vinegar to neutralize the bleach before restaining the wood. Make sure to wear rubber gloves as you perform this technique as a safety precaution!
Carpet Stains
Spilling your morning coffee is almost worse than having it stain your carpet. To clean up this stain, make this simple mixture:
- 2 tbsp hydrogen peroxide
- 1 tbsp dish soap
Apply on the stain and let sit for just a few seconds. Then rub the stain with water until it goes away!
Aside from human error, having pets that bring in dirt can be the reason you may want to switch from carpet to hardwood floors. However, if your carpet gets dirty, don’t fret– follow these steps:
- Allow it to fully dry before attempting to remove the stain
- Combine mild dishwashing liquid, water, and white vinegar to make a solution
- Let the solution sit for 10 minutes
- Use a paper towel to scrub it away
Cleaning up the Kitchen
The kitchen has many components to wash that are easy to forget. This room of the house can take some extra time to clean. Make sure you have a scrub sponge handy when wiping off all the kitchen surfaces such as the countertop, table, stovetop, oven, dishwasher, and the fridge’s interior shelving.
First on the to-do list is opening up a window or screen door to let in some fresh air. Next, soap and water or hydrogen peroxide can do the trick in cleaning countertops.
For the stove, make a solution with 1 part vinegar, 2 parts baking soda, and a few drops of dish soap. After applying it on the stove, let the soapy mixture sit for 20 minutes before wiping it off!
At least a half a cup of baking soda and a half a cup water will make a perfect paste to clean the oven. After making the paste and scrubbing it in the oven, make sure to let it sit for a few hours before you rinse it off. This paste will cover your over, so adjust the recipe accordingly.
The dishwasher doesn’t clean itself. However, it’s not that difficult. Simply fill a dishwasher-safe bowl with one cup of white vinegar and place it on the bottom of the empty dishwasher. Run your dishwasher on a hot water cycle, and the vinegar will get to work.
Although there are a lot of moving parts in the kitchen, not every part is as difficult as it seems. Most can be cleaned with soap, water, and some elbow grease!
Spring Cleaning Wrap-up
After cleaning your house front to back, the last thing on the spring cleaning checklist is heading into the laundry room to wash all your laundry for the week.
Once your pillows are fluffed, sheets are washed, clothes are clean, and everything in between is taken care of, it’s time to take a break. Add relaxing in your clean room to the end of your spring cleaning list because you deserve it. Remember! Rest is productive!
Here at Foxtail Assisted Living, our amenities are clean year-round! We have an amazing staff that wipes down every countertop, sink, and surface daily to ensure that seniors get the best experience while being a resident with us. Safety and comfort are our top priority!
