Spring Cleaning Dos and Don’ts
When it comes to spring cleaning, there are a few things you should make sure to do, as well as some things you should avoid doing. Here are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure your spring cleaning efforts are a safe success.
- DO: Work on only one area at a time, and ensure it is thoroughly cleaned and organized before moving on to the next.
- DON’T: Pay attention to surfaces that rarely get touched such as the outside of your kitchen cabinets, baseboards, and ceiling fans. Check for lose wood or hinges that may be a safety hazard.
- DO: Try to tackle your whole house at once. You will likely end up feeling frustrated, and may even be tempted to abandon your project.
- DON’T: Use too much cleaning product, as this can leave residue behind that might make your surface appear dull. Some chemicals may even attract dust and debris, thereby causing your surface to become dirty sooner.
- DO: Clean interior and exterior windows using a vinegar or ammonia-based solution and a hand squeegee. If you have security window contacts, be sure to bypass those zones when opening your windows to clean.
- DON’T: Wash windows on a very sunny day. Cleaning them when there is some cloud cover is more effective, as sunlight can cause your cleaning solution to dry too fast and cause streaks.
- DO: Vacuum register and air return vents to remove dust and increase the performance of your HVAC system.
- DON’T: Ignore indoor air quality. Have your air duct system professionally cleaned every three to five years, or more often if you or a family member suffers from allergies or a breathing disorder.
- DO: Vacuum drapes, shades, and mini-blinds with the soft brush attachment to remove dust. Follow by wiping down any especially dirty areas with a damp cloth.
- DON’T: Wash drapes in a washing machine unless you are sure it is safe to do so. You should also take care not to soak window blinds made from wood, bamboo, or canvas.
- DO: Rearrange furniture in order to clean behind it. Rotate couch cushions and pillows to prevent fading so they will continue to look fresh. Check for frayed electric cords while you’re back there!
- DON’T: Hold on to things you rarely use. As you are moving stuff around, place items you would like to give away or donate into a separate pile and then get rid of them.
- DO: Dust both the top and bottom blades of all your ceiling fans.
- DON’T: Forget to dust your light bulbs at the same time you clean your ceiling fans. Light bulbs can accumulate a great deal of dust, too much of which can actually affect visibility.
- DO: Only use compacted air cans and/or a microfiber cloth when cleaning home security equipment.
In addition to your spring cleaning projects, you should also give your home a maintenance and security checkup, to include installing new wireless security cameras if applicable. To find out more, please contact the professionals here at Bates Security.