Introduction

The frequency at which a bathroom should be cleaned depends on a number of factors, including the number of people using it, how often it’s used, and whether or not it has a shower or bathtub. Generally, it’s a good idea to clean the bathroom at least once a week to keep it fresh and hygienic.

However, creating a blog with 1000 words on cleaning a bathroom is a bit excessive. A blog post of that length would likely include information on various cleaning techniques, tips for keeping the bathroom organized, and suggestions for keeping it smelling fresh, among other things.

If you’re interested in reading more about cleaning a bathroom, I would recommend checking out some articles or blog posts from reputable sources that specialize in cleaning and home organization. There are many websites, blog and also a video available in internet which cover the topic of cleaning and maintaining a bathroom.

Here are some basic steps for cleaning a bathroom:

• Start by removing any items from the countertops and surfaces, and placing them in a basket or container. This will make it easier to clean and disinfect these areas.

• Next, use a duster or microfiber cloth to remove any cobwebs or dust from the ceiling, walls, and surfaces. This will help to prevent the spread of dust and allergens while you’re cleaning.

• Use a toilet brush to clean the inside of the toilet bowl, making sure to scrub under the rim and around the base. Be sure to use a toilet cleaner specifically formulated to clean and disinfect the toilet bowl.

• Use a scrub brush or sponge and a bathroom cleaner to clean the tub, shower, and sink. Be sure to pay special attention to any areas with soap scum or mildew. You can use a specialized cleaner for these areas, if needed.

• Clean the mirror and any other glass surfaces using a glass cleaner and a clean, lint-free cloth.

• Use a squeegee or a microfiber cloth to remove any water droplets or moisture from the shower walls and door to prevent mildew from forming.

• If you have tile floors, use a mop and a cleaning solution to clean the tile and grout. Pay special attention to the areas around the base of the toilet and shower, as these areas can be particularly dirty.

• Lastly, use a fresh towel or a microfiber cloth to dry any surfaces that you’ve cleaned. This will help to prevent water spots and streaks.

You can also add some other tips like:

• Clean your bathroom exhaust fan, as this can help to prevent mold and mildew from forming.

• Don’t forget to clean the outside of the toilet and the baseboards, as these areas can be easily overlooked but can still collect dust and dirt.

• Use an air freshener or keep a bowl of potpourri in the bathroom to keep it smelling fresh and clean.

• Keep a basket or container in the bathroom to store cleaning supplies so that they’re readily available when you need them.

It is important to remember that a clean bathroom is not only more pleasant to be in, but it can also help to prevent the spread of germs and illness. By cleaning your bathroom regularly and thoroughly, you can help to keep your home and family healthy.

Organizing your kitchen can seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and some simple strategies, you can turn a cluttered and disorganized space into an efficient and functional one. Here are some tips for getting your kitchen organized:

Start by decluttering: Take everything out of your kitchen cabinets and drawers and sort through it. Get rid of anything that is broken, expired, or that you haven’t used in the last year.

Assign a home to everything: Once you’ve decluttered, give everything a designated spot where it belongs. This will make it easy to put things away and keep your kitchen tidy.

Utilize vertical space: Make use of wall-mounted shelves, pot racks, and under-shelf baskets to maximize the space in your kitchen.

Make use of storage solutions: Invest in storage solutions like airtight containers, stackable bins, and storage racks to help keep your kitchen organized.

Use the “one in, one out” rule: For every new item you bring into your kitchen, get rid of one that you no longer need. This will help you keep your kitchen from getting cluttered again.

Schedule regular cleaning and decluttering sessions: Set aside time each week or month to go through your kitchen and declutter, wipe down surfaces, and reorganize. This will help you maintain your kitchen and keep it organized.

Keep frequently used items accessible: Keep the items you use most frequently at the front of your cabinets and drawers, so you can easily find and access them.

Make use of labels: Label the contents of your storage containers and the shelves in your pantry to help you find what you need more quickly.

Be mindful of your food storage: Keep an eye on expiration dates, store dry goods in airtight containers and make sure that your fridge and pantry is cleaned regularly.

Be creative: Be open to try new organizational ideas, like repurpose furniture, or use hanging racks or hooks, to keep your kitchen as functional and organized as possible.

By following these simple strategies, you can turn your kitchen into an organized and efficient space that makes cooking and meal prep a breeze. Remember to be persistent and to review and adjust as necessary.

Mold growth in the home can be a serious problem, causing damage to both the structure of the building and the health of its occupants. However, there are several steps that you can take to prevent mold from growing in your home.

Control moisture:

Mold thrives in damp environments, so the first step to preventing mold growth is to control moisture in your home. This can be done by fixing leaks, ensuring proper ventilation in areas prone to moisture, such as bathrooms and kitchens, and using a dehumidifier in areas with high humidity.

Keep the house clean:

Mold spores are present in the air all the time, so it’s important to keep your home clean to prevent mold growth. This means regularly dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces, especially in areas where moisture is present.

Keep your house well-ventilated:

Proper ventilation is essential for preventing mold growth. You should open windows and doors when you’re using the shower, cooking, or doing laundry.

Check for condensation:

Check areas of your home that are prone to condensation, such as windows and doors, and take steps to reduce the amount of condensation present. This may include adding weather-stripping or caulking around windows and doors, or installing a vent fan in the bathroom.

Repair any water damage promptly:

If you do notice any water damage in your home, whether it’s from a leaky pipe or a flooded basement, it’s important to repair it promptly to prevent mold growth.

Be mindful of indoor plants:

While indoor plants can bring a lot of benefits, they also come with the risk of excessive moisture. Be mindful of the location of your indoor plants, and make sure they are not blocking air vents or other sources of ventilation in your home.

Keep an eye on your attic and basement :

Ensure that your attic and basement are well-ventilated and dry. If you notice any signs of moisture, such as water stains or musty odors, address the problem as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing.

Regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system:

Your HVAC system can also be a source of moisture and mold. Regularly inspect and maintain your HVAC system to ensure that it is functioning properly and that there are no mold issues.

Monitor your indoor air quality:

Consider getting an indoor air quality monitor, which can detect mold, humidity, and other potential problems.

Regularly inspect your home for mold:

Even with the above-mentioned prevention steps, it’s a good idea to inspect your home for mold on a regular basis. Look for any discolorations or musty odors that may indicate the presence of mold.

By following these steps, you can greatly reduce the risk of mold growing in your home and keep your family healthy and your home in good condition.

Introduction

A clean space is a reflection of your business and the people who run it. It shows that you take pride in your work and that you are organized, efficient, and professional. A clean office or store can also help create a positive impression for customers, which can lead to increased sales and greater customer loyalty.

There are several steps you can take to create a clean space in your business.

The first step is to create a cleaning schedule. This schedule should include daily tasks, such as cleaning common areas, as well as more in-depth tasks, such as deep cleaning, that should be done on a weekly or monthly basis.

When creating the schedule, make sure that everyone on your staff knows what tasks they are responsible for and when they are supposed to be completed. It’s also important to make sure that everyone has the necessary cleaning supplies, such as brooms, mops, and cleaning solutions, so they can do their jobs effectively.

Another important step in keeping your space clean is to declutter regularly. Cluttered spaces can quickly become chaotic and disorganized, which can make it difficult to keep the area clean. Regularly decluttering can help prevent this from happening. This can include getting rid of old paperwork, broken or outdated equipment, or anything else that is no longer needed or used in your business.

Finally, it is important to establish a “clean as you go” policy. This means that everyone on your staff should be responsible for cleaning up after themselves and keeping their workspaces tidy. This can be as simple as wiping down counters after using them or putting away tools or equipment when they are not in use.

Overall, creating a clean space in your business is essential for creating a positive image and improving efficiency. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your space is always clean and organized, and your business will run more smoothly.

Introduction

The primary function of a home is to provide a comfortable and safe living environment for its inhabitants. When a home is used primarily as a storage space, it can become cluttered and overwhelming, making it difficult to move around and even harder to relax and enjoy the space. Additionally, a home that is filled with clutter can negatively impact one’s mental and physical health.

• One way to use your home as a living space instead of a storage space is to declutter regularly.

This can be done by going through your belongings and getting rid of items that you no longer need or use. This could include clothes that no longer fit, old paperwork, or broken items. Donating or selling these items can not only free up space in your home but also be beneficial for others.

• Another tip for creating a living space instead of a storage space is to be mindful when purchasing new items.

Ask yourself if you really need an item or if it’s just something you want. Try to avoid impulse buying, and consider the space you have available in your home.

• You also can maximize the space that you have by organizing your possessions.

Use shelves, drawers, and other storage options to keep your items neatly in their place, and consider items like furniture with hidden storage compartments. This can help to create the illusion of more space and also makes it much easier to keep everything tidy.

Finally, try to create different areas for different activities within your home. This could include a reading nook, a workspace, or a TV area. This allows you to better use the space that you have and makes it easier to relax and enjoy your home.

In summary, using your home as a living space instead of a storage space is important for both the physical and mental well-being of its inhabitants. Regularly decluttering, being mindful when purchasing new items, maximizing space through organization and creating different areas for different activities are all ways to achieve this goal.

• Another way to use your home as a living space instead of a storage space is to create a minimalist aesthetic.

This means that you should aim to have a simple and uncluttered design throughout your home, with only a few key pieces of furniture and décor that are both functional and beautiful. This approach can help to create a sense of calm and tranquility in your home, which is essential for a comfortable and relaxing living space.

• Another way to make your home more of a living space and less of a storage space is to incorporate plants.

Not only do plants help to purify the air, but they can also bring a sense of life and energy to your home. Indoor plants are a great way to incorporate a touch of nature into your living space and they also help to create a natural and inviting atmosphere.

• Lighting is also an important aspect of creating a living space.

Natural light is best, but if this is not possible, the use of various lighting sources can help to create different moods and ambiences in your home. Consider using floor lamps and table lamps to create a warm and inviting atmosphere, or overhead lighting to create a bright and functional workspace.

Creating a living space also means to be thoughtful of the colors you use. Color has a powerful impact on our emotions and can affect our moods, so it’s important to choose colors that are relaxing and calming. Opt for soft, muted colors like pastels, or cool colors like blue, green, or gray that are known for their soothing effects.

In addition, consider the overall layout of your home when trying to make it a living space. An open-plan layout is an ideal way to create a spacious and airy feeling in your home, as it allows light to flow freely throughout the space. This type of layout also makes it easier to connect different areas of your home, such as the kitchen, living room, and dining room, which is perfect for socializing and entertaining.

In conclusion, creating a home that is a living space instead of a storage space is essential for our overall well-being and happiness. To achieve this, consider decluttering regularly, being mindful when purchasing new items, maximizing space through organization, creating different areas for different activities, incorporating a minimalist aesthetic, adding plants, paying attention to lighting, color scheme and overall layout of the home. These tips can help you to create a comfortable, relaxing, and inviting home that you will love to spend time in.

Baking soda is one of those ingredients that most of us have in our pantry, but we’re not really sure what to do with it. We know it’s great for baking, but what else can it be used for?

As it turns out, baking soda has a lot of different uses, both in the kitchen and out. Here are some of the surprising ways you can use baking soda:

Make a natural cleaning solution.

Baking soda is a great natural cleaning agent. Just mix equal parts baking soda and water to create a paste, and use it to scrub away dirt and grime.

Unclog your drains.

If you’ve got a clogged drain, try pouring a cup of baking soda down it, followed by a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes, then flush with hot water.

Freshen up your laundry.

Add a cup of baking soda to your laundry load to help eliminate odors. You can also sprinkle some baking soda in your shoes to help absorb any unwanted smells.

Get rid of garden pests.

Mix together equal parts baking soda and flour, and sprinkle it around the base of your plants. This will help deter pests like slugs and ants.

Make a homemade fire extinguisher.

If you’ve got a small fire, you can extinguish it by pouring baking soda on it. Just make sure you have a box or two on hand, as you’ll need a lot of baking soda to put out a bigger fire.

Treat bug bites.

If you’ve been bitten by a mosquito or other insect, make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to the bite. This will help to reduce swelling and itchiness.

Soothe sunburns.

Make a paste of baking soda and water and apply it to sunburned skin. This will help to relieve pain and irritation.

Deodorize your fridge.

If your fridge is starting to smell, place a bowl of baking soda inside. The baking soda will help to absorb any unwanted odors.

Clean your jewelry.

Make a paste of baking soda and water, and use it to clean your gold and silver jewelry. This will help to remove any build-up of dirt and grime.

whiten your teeth.

Mix together a small amount of baking soda and water, and use it to brush your teeth. This will help to remove any stains and whiten your teeth.

If you’re looking for a safe and natural way to clean your cooking tools and surfaces, baking soda can be a great option. It’s gentle enough to use on non-stick surfaces, and can even help to remove stubborn stains.

So, the next time you’re in the kitchen, don’t forget about baking soda. It’s a versatile ingredient that can help you create delicious, flavorful, and healthy dishes.

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Rather than diving into a full deep clean, we more often than not like to do small little cleaning spurts that freshen up our space without taking too much time or effort. It always seems the case that we have so much to do and so little time. There are so many distractions in our daily lives that can leave us in a vicious cycle that sometimes needs a change. Here are just a few easy ways we can freshen up our homes. Whether your living room, kitchen, bedroom, dining room, or laundry room is driving you absolutely nuts, here are some suggestions to freshen up the space;

Discover Storage Solution

No house can have too much storage. It’s much nicer to know that everything has its place and can easily be put away. But sometimes, we can struggle with finding sufficient storage in our homes. There are, however many tricks and tips to increase your storage and not waste any valuable space, including:

• Always choose beds with storage. Whether it’s empty space under the bed or built-in storage, the bed is a great place to store your spare bedding, Christmas decorations, out-of-season clothes, or pretty much anything you would rather be out of sight.

• Keep your baking trays in the oven. This saves valuable cupboard space for other kitchen appliances and food.

• Use the inside of kitchen cupboards. Add hooks to attach cleaning clothes or attach a metal magazine rack to the inside of the door which is perfect for storing tin foil and cling film.

• Use thin shelves to maximize your pantry storage – go for thinner shelves rather than thicker so that you can use the space more efficiently. You can also buy platforms to put inside kitchen cupboards which act as an extra shelf so that you are using all the space available.

• Insert a slimline cabinet into unused bathroom spaces – there are loads of these that easily fit in bathrooms or ensuites. They are the perfect place to store your toiletries and cleaning supplies.

• Buy multifunctional furniture – full-length mirrors can act as jewelry cabinets as well, keeping all of your accessories neat, tidy, and out of the way. Coffee tables can also become display cabinets, magazine racks, or extra storage.

Do Regular Clean Up Around The House

Focus on one room at a time. By using your to-do list, you can break up the jobs into manageable chunks which means you can do a little bit each day in between deeper cleans, rather than one massive clean of the whole home which you end up dreading. Here are some quick ideas on how to clean efficiently and quickly when you are in a rush but need an instant freshen-up. Remember, each room should take about 10- 20 minutes.

KITCHEN

• Do the dishes (by hand or load the dishwasher)
• Declutter
• Clean the counters
• Wipe down appliances (fridge, microwave and oven)
• Clean the floor (start in the corner furthest from the door and work your way out)

LIVING ROOM

• Declutter
• Dust and clean any glass and mirrors
• Vacuum

BEDROOMS

• Declutter (and make the bed)
• Dust
• Vacuum

BATHROOM

• Spray services with cleaner and leave to soak
• Clean the toilet
• Clean the mirror
• Finish wiping down the surfaces
• Clean the floor

Add Colour to your Home

Whenever you think a home needs an uplift, add some brightly colored cushions and a matching throw for an instant makeover. It’s really quick and easy to do, making such a visual impact, whilst saving you time and money on decorating the entire room. Once you get bored of that color, you can simply change it again! Keeping the walls a neutral color means that you can change the color schemes easily.

Declutter

It’s always good to do a regular decluttering, but usually, it’s something we avoid at all costs. The trick is to be brutal. In terms of clothes, if you haven’t worn something in over a year, you obviously don’t love it that much. Wedding dresses and formal attire are exceptions, but anything else you think you need to keep “just in case” you probably don’t. These things are taking up precious space in your wardrobe and could be used by someone else. Once it’s gone, you are more than likely going to forget you ever owned it. When decluttering your room, think about whether or not you really need it or if it’s just collecting dust. Once you’ve decided, do one of the following:

• Tidy it away. It sounds simple but just putting everything away can make a room look fresher and make you feel better. Instead of folding things in piles in drawers, fold them in rectangles and place them next to each other. This means when you open wardrobes and drawers, you can see all your items at once making things easy to find.

• Donate – There are many charities out there that will take your unwanted clothes, which can really help others. Also, ask around to see if you have friends that want anything.

• Sell – If stuff is just sat that, why not try and make some money from it?

• Throw Away – If none of the other options are suitable, then it’s time to say goodbye and move on.

Add Some Green Plant

Adding plants to your home is a great way to freshen up a room. Whether it’s a large potted plant, a tree, a small succulent, or a cactus, the options are endless. Not only do they add a burst of color, but they also look great and they emit oxygen which can filter and improve the air quality in the room.

Few large kitchen appliances get such frequent use as refrigerators, so it’s crucial to keep them clean. A fridge exterior can help brighten your whole kitchen, while a clean interior looks great, uses space more efficiently, and can help you keep food fresher. These are easy steps on how to clean your fridge inside and out. 

Step1: Take everything out of the refrigerator

In order to properly deep clean a refrigerator, it needs to be totally empty, which means taking everything,  Stash highly perishable foods like milk or raw chicken in a cooler, to avoid spoiling.

Once you’ve taken out the food, remove any detached shelves, drawers, and door inserts.

Step2: Throw out old and spoiled food

As you transfer food from the refrigerator to the cooler or freezer, check for spoiling and throw away anything that’s gone off, or that you simply know you will not use. If your refrigerator is home to a lot of leftovers in food storage containers, this is a good time to review the contents and throw out any food that you know you will not consume. Disposing of leftovers can be an unpleasant task, but donning a pair of rubber household gloves can help to make scooping old food out from storage containers a less disgusting job.

Step3: Wash shelves and drawers

Start by washing the shelves, drawers, and/or door inserts you removed from the refrigerator, which can be done just like you wash dishes, using a sponge and dish soap. If the refrigerator shelves are made of tempered glass, a bit of caution is required when cleaning them. Priyanka Rathore, a communication manager for KitchenAid, says, “It is important not to clean glass shelves or covers with warm water when they are cold. Shelves and covers may break if exposed to sudden temperature changes or impact, such as bumping.”

Step4: Clean the interior of the refrigerator

When it comes to choosing a solution for cleaning the interior of a refrigerator, there are a number of options, and personal choice should certainly play a role. If using a disinfectant like diluted bleach solution makes you feel more comfortable, that is a fine choice. If using bleach in the place where you store your food makes you feel uncomfortable, that is also okay.

There are, however, some products to avoid when cleaning a refrigerator, Rathore says. “Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, or cleaners containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior, and door liners or gaskets.” After scrubbing with a sponge, use a microfiber cloth or paper towels to give the interior of the refrigerator a going-over. Use an old toothbrush to reach tight or oddly-shaped parts and a thin cloth for cleaning the rubber seal around the door.

Step5: Treat stubborn spills and stains with these tricks

To remove a stubborn, stuck-on mess, wet a sponge or rag with very hot water, wring it out and press it on the spill just as you would a compress, repeating as needed and being careful not to burn yourself with the hot water. The heat and moisture will reconstitute the dried-on mess, making it pliable and easy to wipe up.

Step6: Clean the exterior

The exterior of plastic refrigerators can be cleaned in the same way as the interior, using a microfiber cloth or sponge with a mild cleaning solution. Stainless steel refrigerators can be wiped clean using a microfiber cloth; very dirty exteriors may require a stainless steel cleaner, though typically one is not needed. If fingerprints and smudges often show up on your stainless steel appliances, a wax-based cleaner can help to prevent them. Regardless of material, don’t overlook the top of the refrigerator when cleaning its exterior as it is likely very dirty.

Fridge Cleaning Hacks

• Wipe up spills and stains as soon as they happen since, the longer they sit, the harder they’ll be to remove. 

• Make sure containers are clean going into the fridge. A jam jar or ketchup bottle with residue on the outside will make your fridge sticky. 

• When thawing items such as frozen meat, place them on a rimmed plate or baking sheet to control spills or leakage.

• Soak cotton balls in vanilla extract and leave them in the fridge for a few hours to provide a pleasant aroma. 

• Clean the refrigerator door seal with a toothbrush and a mixture of bleach and warm water. Wipe with a dry cloth.

• Try scrubbing tough stains with a mildly abrasive toothpaste.

• Place a crumpled piece of brown paper in the fruit and vegetable drawer to absorb odors over time.

• Don’t overfill your refrigerator. Fridges cool more efficiently if air has room to circulate, and it’ll be harder to see or clean up stains if it’s overcrowded.

The following are some of the spring cleaning tasks that you have to cross off your checklist;

1. Bedding

You wash your sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers regularly, but your pillows, comforters, and blankets need a refresh too. Read care instructions, but most can be washed in the washer (with care) and even dried in your machine as well.

2. Curtains

Window dressings lend a softness to your indoor space but they’re also huge dust magnets. Cleaning them gets so much dust out of the house and away from your breathing zone. Remove curtains from rods and take them to be cleaned or launder them yourself if you can. In some instances, vacuuming and/or steaming them while they’re still hanging is preferable.

3. Ceiling fans

A big part of spring cleaning is removing dust from rarely dusted areas. Your ceiling fans are about to get switched on again to combat warmer temperatures (or you’ll rotate the way they’re spinning). Stave off an avalanche of dust by cleaning your ceiling fans now. 

4. Doors

If you look closely, you might be surprised at how dirty your doors are. Cleaning them gives a spic-and-span feeling to the whole house. Start by dusting the top of the door frame. Next, grab a damp microfiber cloth, some all-purpose spray, a rag, or a Magic Eraser and wipe down both sides of every interior door, paying special attention to the bottom portion and the space near the knobs. Don’t forget to wipe the doorknobs as well.

5. Cabinets

Cabinet door fronts rarely get cleaned, but with hands touching them frequently, they definitely need it! Start with kitchen cabinets and use a cleaning solution that cuts through grease. Don’t forget to check and address other cabinet doors as well, in storage areas, playrooms, or your office space, and give their fronts a wipe down.

6. Windows Cleaning

Cleaning windows might be the quintessential spring cleaning activity. But it isn’t the easiest household chore. Doing all the windows in the house at once means you can enjoy the rest of the year without that nagging feeling that you really should clean your windows. A cloudy day is best for window washing so that your glass isn’t left with spots or streaks. Clean the dirtiest parts of your window first (read: tracks and sills), then get screens clean, if you have them. Last, wash your window panes, inside and out, and enjoy the crystal clear view.

7. Washer and dryer

Maintaining your laundry appliances keeps them functioning their best, smelling clean, can save you from costly repairs, and is also a safety issue. In addition to running a cleaning cycle in your washer and cleaning the lint out of the lint catcher slot, wipe down the outsides of your units.

8. Closets

Spring is the perfect time to re-evaluate your wardrobe. Declutter clothes, shoes, and accessories that you don’t like, don’t feel good in, need repairs, or that kids have outgrown. While you’re at it, re-organize what’s inside. Sorting by type, length, and/or color will greatly elevate the look of your closet and help you find what you need. Dust anything that needs dusting and give your closet floors a good cleaning.

9. Bookshelves

Dust the very tops of the bookshelves. Dust the tops of your books. Then, take everything off of the shelves (you can do this shelf by shelf so it’s little less overwhelming), dust any decorative items (a dusting mitt is great for this), dust the shelves, and then replace everything. As you’re putting items back, use the opportunity to cull any books or items that no longer speak to you.

10. Underneath appliances

Move appliances such as your dishwasher, oven, and refrigerator away from the wall and clean the floor beneath them. You’ll be disgusted at what’s collected under there and so, so glad to get it out!

11. Shower/tub 

Spring cleaning is the time to deep clean shower tracks, the niche, and the grout and walls of your enclosure. Make glass doors sparkle by removing soap scum, soak the showerhead in a bag filled halfway with white vinegar, and scrub your tub, including jets if you have them.

12. Garbage cans

Gather all the garbage cans throughout the house. Empty any garbage that’s in there. Take them outside and hose them down. Use a Magic Eraser to scrub plastic cans and tackle dirty crevices with a disinfecting wipe or rag and/or cotton swabs. Allow the garbage cans to dry in the sun.

13. Kids’ toys

Spring cleaning is a great time to clean your kids’ toys. Many small items that seem impossible to clean can be easily washed in a mesh laundry bag in the dishwasher. This method is great for things like LEGO and other plastic toys. Use a delicate cycle and skip the heat dry.

14. Wood furniture 

Take care of your wooden furniture and it will take care of you for a long, long time. Make sure you use cleaners designed for wood surfaces, especially if your wood is untreated or unpainted. For spring cleaning, you can also take it a step further and polish your wooden pieces for a protective layer that makes the wood gleam.

15. Drains 

The best time to clean and refresh your drains is long before a problem ever presents itself. It’s important to remember that kitchen drains and bathroom drains suffer from different kinds of buildup, so your cleaning methods should account for this.

16. Carpets and Rugs 

The first step in spring cleaning carpet care is vacuuming every single square inch, including the areas under furniture. Once you do this, roll area rugs back (you can do this in sections rather than removing the entire rug) and vacuum the rug pad and the floor underneath that. You can even vacuum the underside of the rug. Next, spot clean stains. If necessary, use a carpet cleaner to deep clean your area rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting, or schedule a professional to do it when it’s convenient.

17. Plants

Your plants bring you joy, but their leaves are also dust-collecting surfaces (name a surface that isn’t dust-collecting). To rid your homes of excess dust and to help your plants breathe better, too, dust their leaves with a slightly dampened microfiber cloth. Faux plants also need to be dusted.

18. Refrigerator 

Although you probably periodically clean out the fridge, use spring cleaning season to give it a full-blown cleaning, inside and out. Take out each shelf, bin, and drawer that you can remove and wash them (you can put them in the dishwasher!) and wipe the entire interior of the unit as well. Don’t forget to do the same for the freezer. Clean the water dispenser if you have one, and finish by polishing the exterior.

19. Gas Stove and Oven 

Ideally, you wipe up spills in your oven as soon as it’s safe (i.e., cool) enough to do it. But even with a homeowner who’s on top of it, oven interiors become coated with buildup. Cleaning your oven does not require harsh chemicals. Make a clean oven a priority in your spring cleaning routine and your whole kitchen will feel squeaky clean.

20. Small appliances 

Small appliances can get short shrift when it comes to cleaning attention. Clean out your coffee maker with vinegar, get your toaster or toaster oven spic-and-span, make your microwave sparkle, and give your stand mixer and blender a thorough cleaning as well.