Cleaning: Wrapping it Up

For roughly a month and some change I have writing cleaning posts and sharing them each Monday.  We've discussed cleaners, cleaning fads, decluttering, basics to the annual big cleaning events (i.e. spring/fall), and cleaning floors, walls, and windows.

Today I'm going to work on wrapping up the cleaning posts.  I'm sharing a few more tips for those of you who are deep cleaning challenged.  Hey, its cool you guys exist!  That lets people like me have a good side hustle!

Blinds & Curtains
These are both hideous dist collectors.  Once a year, at the bare minimum you should clean your curtains.  Some of you can just toss them in the wash on gentle and others will need to cart them to your local dry cleaners.  If you have allergy issues make sure you get your curtains and drapes cleaned.  They are fabric and fabric has a big nasty love affair with dust and dust mites.

Blinds are such a task.  If you have plantation style blinds, vertical blinds, or any other large blind then you need to clean them now.  My secret is a Swiffer Duster - dust horizontally and vertically then a damp (not wet) cloth.  Go from one blind to the next.  You may have to do this several times if you have failed to clean your blinds before reading this.

Mini blinds are hell.  If you have mini blinds in your house I suggest you just tear them down and burn them.  Oops a little slip there.  You can dust them and clean them but if they are a certain age they will probably break.  If they aren't that old they may still break.  If they do not break they will bend and look horrible.  Evaluate the mini blinds - if they are discolored and have a large amount of build up on them you decide if you want to clean them or replace them.  The good news is they are cheap so you can replace them for a very minimal expense.

I have tried to clean mini blinds in the bath tub - that was a disaster.

I have did the outside cleaning with soapy water and a water hose - yuck.

I'm very anti mini blind.

Moving on..

Light fixtures & Shades
Listen closely - you do not have to take all the light fixtures apart and wash them.  Today, you will notice most light fixtures are very open and basic.  The style of the times is simplistic so we should all celebrate.  Get a step stool or two step ladder, some non ammonia glass cleaner, and paper towels and go at it.

If you have a lamp globes that have harvested dead bugs then yeah - you better take them down and clean them the old fashioned way.

Lamp Shades are the forgotten piece of the puzzle.  These things hold so much dust.  Hit them up with a dry rag.

Cabinet & Drawer Interiors
We cleaned the exteriors weeks ago and I realize I failed you on the interior.  Over the course of the winter I'm sure you got a little crumby inside those spaces in your kitchen. Your underwear drawer may have some tags or those obnoxious plastic strings that keep tags on clothing.  Make sure you take time to vacuum the inside of cabinets and drawers in your home.

Misc. Cleaning Helpers
Disinfect your trash cans.  A bit of bleach water and sunshine can take care of the bottom of the bins.
Clean your air exchanges.  These are dust city for most of us.  Remember to clean the filters or replace them.  Also wipe down the grates!
Appliances need cleaning too! Clean your dishwasher and make sure you get around the seals.  This is a breeding ground for bacteria - warmth plus water plus food residue is the recipe for germs.  Get your coffee pot all nice and clean with a mix of vinegar and water.  Hand wash the carafe to remove build up.  Be sure to get the baskets clean too!  You'll have the best cup of coffee ever after you do this simple cleaning.  Remember the microwave!  If you use a toaster be sure to clean the tray and shake excess crumbs out.
Use the hose of your vacuum to clean out the dryer lent vent.  This is important!  Keep it clean or you run the risk of a fire.
Clean your washing machine.  This is simple - you can buy an overpriced product to do it or you can run an empty washer with bleach or vinegar.
Vacuum your mattresses!

Happy cleaning!  Oh and happy Monday!!!