THE ABC’S OF SPRING HOME INTERIOR MAINTENANCE

Spring cleaning your home’s interior will keep it fresh and clean all summer long. Here are the ABC’s of cleaning the inside of your home.devonshire 20

Attics – Look for any signs of insect and critter colonies. If you see any tunneling in the wood frames, contact a pest control company immediately. Most insects can be easily removed using a total release fogger, also referred to as ‘bug bombs.’ For minimal infestation, bug bombs are usually successful with controlling insect infestations. For major infestation, contact a professional exterminator. Proper insulation and ventilation are your best defense when dealing with mold growth in the attic. Search for mold which usually appears in gray or black blotches. Since mold can be extremely dangerous, contact a professional if you encounter any.

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Basement– Dampness in the basement indicates that the relative humidity is higher than normal and the ventilation may be insufficient. In this case, buy a dehumidifier and place it in a central area. Check it daily because you will have to pour the water out or risk a small flood. Inspect the bottoms of all poured-concrete walls because that is where cracks begin. Any water penetration requires your applying a sealer or contacting a professional to do the job correctly.

Cleaning – Now is the time to clean the areas that have been neglected all winter long. Removing settled dust, mites and allergens from all of the areas cited below will ensure a clean and healthy home for your entire family.

Cabinets and backsplashes

Grease residue in the kitchen is inevitable for anyone who cooks due to heat and humidity combinations and fluctuations. Use warm water and mild detergent to remove grease from the cabinets and the backsplash. Next, use an abrasive cleaner to scrub the bathroom sink, tiles, toilet and tub which will remove all mold and mildew.

Carpets

Carpets absorb a ton of dirt, grime, body oil and germs which can only be removed by deep cleaning. Either rent a carpet cleaner or call a professional. If you are shampooing them yourself, start in an inconspicuous area in case the carpet becomes discolored. Move the furniture very slightly and place cut cardboard squares underneath the legs to prevent their absorbing moisture while drying. Open windows and place fans around the room to dry carpeting more quickly.

Ceiling and light fixtures

Use the soft nozzle attachment of a vacuum to remove all of the dust, then wipe it down with a damp cloth. Grab a step-ladder for any light fixtures that are difficult to reach. Use an all-purpose cleaner, a sponge, and a polish cloth to clean the entire fixture.

Floors

Moving furniture and applying a sealer will help your floors withstand another year of wear and tear. The easiest way to clean floors is by using a combination of wash-and-wax cleaner. To refresh no-wax floors, use a floor cleaner that buffs and shines. Hard wood floors can be spruced up by applying a wood cleaner and a fresh coating of wax.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow