With the spring sunshine now peaking through the windows, it’s easy to see a winter’s worth of dust and grime that has built up on the surfaces around your home. Here are some tips to help freshen up and de-grime your house.
Clean from the top down
Gravity can be an annoyance, especially when cleaning, as dust from high surfaces can land on lower ones you’ve already cleaned. To avoid having to do the job twice, focus on higher surfaces first, cleaning ceiling corners, window and door trim and the tops of bookshelves, before working down to the windows, furniture and floors.
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Go natural
Ditch the expensive chemical cleaners and opt for natural cleaners that are inexpensive and likely already available in your fridge or pantry. A diluted vinegar solution can cut through even the toughest grime, while baking soda has been used as an effective deodorizer for years. Rub half a lemon, cut side down, over cutting boards sprinkled with salt to remove embedded food stains, or combine lemon juice and olive oil and use a microfibre cloth to polish wood furniture.
Remember the forgotten spaces
We’re all accustomed to cleaning furniture, floors and appliances; however, our homes are filled with nooks and crannies that we often overlook but that trap dirt, dust and bacteria. Grab an extendable duster and clean off your fan blades. Wipe down the inside and outside of reusable shopping bags, purses and backpacks. Makeup brushes can be easily cleaned and conditioned with a mixture of two parts dish soap and one part olive oil, while the leaves of indoor plants can be gently cleaned with a dry duster.
Think of all the items you touch on a daily basis – light switches, curtains and blinds, doorknobs, banisters – and give them some attention too!
Don’t forget your electronics
Cell phones, computer keyboards, mice, tablets, TV remotes, video game controllers. Each day we use several electronic devices, all of which can harbour bacteria and dirt. Dust and disinfect these items regularly, particularly during cold and flu season. Compressed air is a great way to loosen debris trapped in keyboard and computer crevices while disinfectant wipes can be used on solid plastic surfaces. Be careful, though – electronics and liquids don’t mix well!
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Make small changes for maximum impact
Maybe you don’t have the time or funds for a major remodel. Maybe the thought of painting a whole room feels too daunting right now. By adding or changing small design elements within a room, you can make it feel like a brand-new space. Grab some new artwork or curtains for a simple and quick transformation. Change out accent pillows and bedding and colours that are more on-trend, or introduce new lamps and accent lighting to help brighten up your home.
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