Spring Cleaning for the INSIDE of your Home

Spring Cleaning for the INSIDE of your Home

I want to help you make SMART REAL ESTATE DECISIONS even when you are not getting ready to sell!  Taking time each month and each season to give your largest investment some TLC is the best way to accomplish this.  Read on to know what projects to focus on during the spring season.

Both the inside and outside of your home could use a good once-over to make it look its best and keep it well-maintained. That’s why “spring cleaning” should be at the top of your to-do list for the weeks ahead.

You want to fully enjoy your home and yard once some gorgeous days come our way, so take the time to schedule some must-do tasks earlier in the season so you can cross them off your list.

Remember that the time you spend on regular maintenance will help preserve the value of your home and will help prevent everyday “wear and tear” from turning into costly damage.

The warmer weather can make it a perfect time for some DIY projects. However, seek out an expert for those more difficult clean-up or repair needs. 

Here is a handy list of springtime tasks – some for early spring and some later on in the season — that every homeowner should know about:

Keeping It Cool

The heat will be here before you know it! Get your AC up and running properly so you can keep your home cool.

• Central AC Unit. Get your central AC unit serviced now by HVAC professional. A yearly tune-up will keep it running. Keep this unit, which is located outside, clean and free of leaves and debris. Trim any shrubs away from the unit since it needs circulation space.

Time to Sparkle and Shine

Let the sunshine in and clean your home from top to bottom. Tackle a few of these tasks each cleaning period so you don’t overwhelm yourself. Remember to always follow your manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for any items.

• Windows. You want to see clearly the first blooms of spring so wash windows, wipe down sills, and clean screens by vacuuming first and then rinsing with a hose outside. Some of you may want to wait until the yellow pollen season is over to do this or you may need to repeat again.
• Floors. Wash and polish those hardwood floors after the beating they got from winter boots and wet paws.
• Carpets. Hire a professional to clean your carpets thoroughly. This is a good idea if you have pets.
• Tile. Clean yucky tile grout to make your bathrooms and kitchens shine. If you have ceramic tile, the grout can start to look dirty and stained. An old toothbrush and some vinegar and baking soda are a good start. You can reseal the grout or stain it with new color too. For tiles, give then a deeper clean than usual and reseal if needed.
• Countertops. You wanted those granite counters when you bought your home. Now’s a good time clean and reseal them if necessary.
• Electronics. Wipe down all of your electronic devices from TV and computer screens, printers, keyboards , etc. Use LCD or microfiber cloths to rub away fingerprints and dust.  Look for an electronic recycle center or place to bring your unused cell phones, printers, monitors etc. 
• Vents. Have you ever cleaned your bathroom vents? Take off the cover, clean it with soap and water. Vacuum any dust in nooks and crannies too. Plus, have your HVAC ducts professionally cleaned now that winter is over.
• Chimney/Fireplace. Clean up ashes after your last fire of the season and close the damper to prevent rainwater, animals, and drafts to enter your home.
• Washer/Dryer. Run the cleaning cycle with bleach if you have an HD washer to cut down on mold and mildew smells. Don’t forget to regularly vacuum out lint from the dryer vent and hose to avoid a fire. And get your dryer vent hose professionally cleaned too since build-up could cause a fire.
• Kitchen.  Actually use your oven’s handy self-cleaning feature to remove food drips and spills after all the holiday cooking the last few months. Go through your cabinets and organize your cans, cartons, and items.
• Bathroom. Have you ever cleaned the shower head in your bathroom? If it is spraying unevenly because it is covered with mineral deposits, now is the time for this simple task. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attached to the showerhead with a rubber band. Wait an hour and turn on the water. Voila!
• Refrigerator. Give your refrigerator a good wipe-down inside before your next big shopping trip. Don’t forget to change your refrigerator filter regularly if you have an ice cube and water dispenser so you’ll get fresh tasting glasses of water. Vacuum behind your refrigerator and its coils too.
• Paint. It’s a perfect time to pick a bright new color to spruce up a room.
• Flowers. Go find one of your vases stashed away and get some cut flowers. You’ll bring the feeling of spring inside your home in an easy, inexpensive way!

Let me know if you have any questions on maintaining your home. Reach out to me if I can recommend a contractor who can help you with any of these tasks.  I’d love to help you get these items taken care of…let me know any way I can help you make SMART REAL ESTATE DECISIONS.  

Coming up next week…making sure you are prepared for April showers.