Spring is great for many reasons. You get to wear lighter clothing, the sun is out for longer periods of time, and you don't have to worry about the snow. But spring also means it's time to deep clean almost everything in the house.
Sure, you try and keep up with cleaning in the winter, but it's just not the same. There's something about really scrubbing down the house at the start of spring that makes you feel accomplished.
But while you might think you have everything covered, there are some places in the house you may not think to touch. Lucky for you, we've got the inside scoop on how to clean those grungy spots.
1. Toilet Siphons
You may clean your toilet every week, but how often are you cleaning the toilet siphon, that little part where the water comes out to refill the bowl? When your toilet siphons get dirty, it can cause the whole toilet to get dirty more frequently. They can be harder to clean because they're hard to reach, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.
- Locate the siphon jets and clean off the holes with an old toothbrush
- Use a coat hanger to push through any dirt or gunk that may be lodged
- Close off the water supply to that toilet using the shut-off valve and flush the toilet to drain the water from the tank
- Using duct tape, cover the holes under the rim of the toilet
- Pour one gallon of white vinegar into the toilet tank and flush
- Let this sit overnight and in the morning, remove the tape
- Brush away any debris with the toothbrush
Doing this every once in a while will ensure that you don't get a dirty toilet with build up! If you are looking for someone to do it for you, this side of the rockies, top rated house cleaning services Denver is who you are looking for.
2. Brooms
Weird to think you have to clean something that is meant to clean, but it makes sense. Your broom collects dirt and dust every time you use it. There are a few different ways to clean your broom.
- Using disinfecting wipes, wipe down the bristles of your broom to kill any bacteria.
- You can also vacuum the broom to get rid of dust, pet hair, and any other particles stuck in it.
- In a solution of water and dish soap, soak the broom for one hour and let it dry. You can also use this method for the dust pan!
3. Reusable Grocery Bags
Think about it: your food is being put in these bags that you rarely if ever wash! The bags are stored in the trunk of your car, the floor of the closet, or anywhere else they can be stashed away. So why don't we wash them?
It's so simple to do! Just toss them into the washing machine like you would any piece of clothing. If you have grocery bags that are insulated, they can't be washed in the machine, so just use a disinfecting wipe on the inside of the bag to kill any bacteria.
4. Pillows
Have you ever taken your pillowcase off, only to find that it's gone complete yellow? Me too. These stains are caused by your sweat every night, and they can be pretty tough to get rid of. However, there is a way to do it if you have a top-loading washing machine.
You'll Need:
- 1 cup of laundry detergent
- 1 cup powdered dishwasher detergent
- 1 cup bleach
- 1/2 cup Borax
How To:
- Let the washing machine fill up 1/3 of the way with hot water
- Add in all the materials and let them dissolve
- Put two pillows in the washing machine and let them go through two rinse cycles
- To dry, either leave them out in the sun or put them in the dryer with tennis balls so they don't lose their puff
If you do not have a top-loading washing machine, you can fill a basin with warm water and add in a gentle detergent. Squeeze the pillow multiple times to allow the detergent to work into the stains. Rinse it under cold water and then squeeze out the remaining liquid. Let the pillow sit in the sun to totally dry.
5. Cloth Couches
Stain are inevitable, but that shouldn't mean that you have to use harsh chemicals to clean your furniture. If you have a stain on your cloth couch, or just want to give it a good clean, there's a simple way to do so.
You'll Need:
- baking soda
- cleaning cloths
- vacuum with brush attachment
How To:
- Vacuum the couch to remove any surface dirt and dust
- Sprinkle baking soda on the area you want to clean and let it sit for 20 minutes
- Vacuum up the baking soda
The baking soda will absorb the stain and any other dirt that has worked its way into your couch fabric!
6. Glass Cooktop
I know that personally, I've let more than my fair share of things boil over on the stove. It can leave a mark on my burners, and I hate having to use harsh chemicals to get rid of it. Luckily, there's an easy way to fix this.
Using regular baking soda, cover the affected area and let it sit for a few minutes. While you wait, soak a rag in warm water with some dish soap. Ring the cloth out over the baking soda, then lay it flat on top of the affected area. Let this sit for 20 minutes. Pull the cloth back and scrub the affected area. Using a paper towel, wipe off the baking soda and you'll have a clear cooktop!
7. Electric Stove Burners
A similar method can be used for electric burners, as well. Take the burner off the stove and wipe it down with a grease-fighting dish soap. In a small bowl, combine baking soda and water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the entire burner and let it sit for 20 minutes. Wipe the burner off with a dry sponge and rinse.
8. Patio Furniture
When it's finally time to bring your patio furniture out of storage, odds are you'll want to clean it before inviting anyone over for a BBQ. There are a few different ways you can use vinegar to make sure your patio furniture is presentable. You can keep vinegar in a spray bottle and use it to scrub down any mildew stains you see. You can also use one of these two methods:
- Use 1 cup of ammonia, 1/2 cup of white vinegar, and 1/4 cup of baking soda mixed with 1 gallon of water to get rid of mildew from wooden furniture. Scrub the affected areas with the mixture using a toothbrush.
- Mix 2 cups of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of dish soap in a bucket of hot water. Use a soft brush to put the mixture on plastic patio furniture to deodorize and prevent mildew from growing.
9. Tile Grout
You can mop your floors as much as you want, but there will still be a build up of grime in your tile grout. Don't worry, though! That can be fixed. Using baking soda, cover the grout that needs to be whitened. Then, use a spray bottle filled with vinegar and cover the baking soda. Let this sit for about a minute and then use a hand brush to scrub the grout. Just like new!