Spring Cleaning Deep Dive

SPRING is in the air! Join us this week for a deep dive on the most commonly missed things during your spring clean as well as 4 DIY recipes to clean the most commonly used applinces in your home!

 

On Jenna's Radar:

Photo printing camera

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On Sarah's Radar:

Half off golf at Topgolf Tuesdays!

 

Here is the rundown of things we covered that are often missed during a spring clean:

-ceiling fans and light fixtures

-air vents and ducts

-behind appliances

-window tracks/sills

-mattresses and pillows

-baseboards/molding

-curtains/blinds

-trash bins or cabinet where trash goes

-doormats/rugs

-electronics

-water dispensers (fridge, sinks)
-top of cabinetry

 

Cleaning your washing machine:

Ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Microfiber cloth or sponge

Instructions:

• Empty the Drum:
• Make sure the washing machine is completely empty. Remove any clothing, towels, or other items.
• Run a Hot Water Cycle:
• Set your washing machine to the hottest water setting. Allow the machine to fill with hot water.
• Add Vinegar:
• Pour two cups of white vinegar into the detergent dispenser or directly into the drum. Vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and detergent residues.
• Run the Wash Cycle:
• Close the door and run a complete wash cycle. If your machine has a cleaning cycle, use it. If not, a regular cycle with hot water will suffice.
• Pause and Soak:
• Once the machine is filled with water and agitating, pause the cycle. Let the vinegar and water mixture soak in the machine for about an hour. This allows the vinegar to work on loosening grime and residue.
• Scrub the Agitator and Drum:
• If your washing machine has an agitator, use a microfiber cloth or sponge soaked in vinegar to scrub around and under it. Also, scrub the drum and other interior surfaces to dislodge any residue.
• Restart and Complete the Cycle:
• After soaking and scrubbing, resume the wash cycle and let it complete.
• Run a Rinse Cycle:
• To ensure that any remaining vinegar is flushed out, run an additional rinse cycle with plain water.
• Baking Soda Freshening:
• For added freshness, sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the drum. Run a short cycle with hot water to help eliminate odors.
• Wipe Down Exterior:
• While the machine is running its cycles, take the opportunity to wipe down the exterior with a vinegar-soaked cloth. This helps clean and disinfect the outside surfaces.
• Clean Seals and Dispensers:
• Pay attention to rubber seals, detergent dispensers, and any other removable parts. Clean them with a solution of vinegar and water or a mild soapy mixture.
• Leave the Door Open:
• After completing the cleaning process, leave the washing machine door open for a while to allow the interior to air-dry and prevent mold or mildew growth.

 

 

 

How to clean your dishwasher:

Ingredients:

• White vinegar
• Baking soda
• Toothbrush or small brush
• Microfiber cloth or sponge

Instructions:

• Empty the Dishwasher:
• Make sure the dishwasher is completely empty. Remove any dishes, utensils, or racks.
• Inspect and Remove Debris:
• Check the dishwasher drain and remove any visible food debris or foreign objects. This is usually located at the bottom of the dishwasher.
• Wipe Down Interior:
• Using a damp microfiber cloth or sponge, wipe down the interior surfaces of the dishwasher, including the door, sides, and racks. This helps remove any loose grime or residue.
• Clean Seals and Gaskets:
• Pay special attention to the rubber seals and gaskets around the door. Clean these areas with a solution of equal parts water and vinegar or a mild soapy mixture. Use a toothbrush or small brush to reach into crevices.
• Run a Hot Water Cycle:
• Set your dishwasher to the hottest water setting. Allow the machine to fill with hot water.
• Add Vinegar to Dishwasher:
• Pour one cup of white vinegar into a dishwasher-safe container or a bowl. Place the container on the top rack of the dishwasher.
• Run a Wash Cycle:
• Run a complete wash cycle with the vinegar-filled container in the dishwasher. The vinegar helps break down mineral deposits and grease.
• Baking Soda Freshening:
• After the vinegar cycle, sprinkle one cup of baking soda on the bottom of the dishwasher. Run a short cycle with hot water. Baking soda helps neutralize odors.
• Clean Spray Arms:
• Remove the dishwasher's spray arms if possible. Clean them with a toothbrush or small brush, removing any debris that may be clogging the spray holes.
• Check and Clean Filters:
• If your dishwasher has a filter, remove and clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. Some filters are removable and can be rinsed under running water.
• Wipe Down Exterior:
• While the machine is running its cycles, take the opportunity to wipe down the exterior with a vinegar-soaked cloth. This helps clean and disinfect the outside surfaces.
• Leave the Door Ajar:
• After completing the cleaning process, leave the dishwasher door ajar to allow the interior to air-dry and prevent any lingering odors.

 

 

 

How to clean your stove:

Ingredients:

• Baking soda
• White vinegar
• Dish soap
• Lemon
• Microfiber cloth or sponge
• Old toothbrush or small brush
• Hot water

Instructions:

• Remove Burner Grates and Drip Pans:
• Take off the burner grates and drip pans if your stove has them. Wash them separately in warm, soapy water or place them in the dishwasher if they are dishwasher-safe.
• Create a Baking Soda Paste:
• In a bowl, mix about 1/2 cup of baking soda with a few tablespoons of water to form a thick paste. Adjust the amounts as needed.
• Apply Baking Soda Paste:
• Spread the baking soda paste over the stove's surface, focusing on areas with built-up grease or stains. Let it sit for at least 15-20 minutes. The baking soda helps to loosen grime and makes it easier to scrub.
• Clean Burner Knobs:
• If your stove has removable burner knobs, take them off and clean them with a mixture of hot water and dish soap. Use an old toothbrush to scrub away any accumulated grime.
• Scrub with a Sponge or Cloth:
• Use a damp microfiber cloth or sponge to scrub the surface of the stove, paying extra attention to areas with the baking soda paste. The mild abrasive nature of baking soda helps to remove stubborn stains.
• Clean Burner Openings:
• If your burners have small openings, use a toothpick or a small brush to dislodge any debris or clogs.
• Lemon for Shine:
• Cut a lemon in half and use one half to rub over the stove's surface. The acidity of the lemon helps to break down grease and adds a fresh scent. Wipe away any remaining residue with a damp cloth.
• Vinegar for Tough Stains:
• For stubborn stains or hardened grease, mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Spray the affected areas and let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away with a damp cloth.
• Clean Control Panel and Knobs:
• Wipe down the control panel and knobs with a vinegar-soaked cloth. For control panels with markings, be gentle to avoid removing them.
• Dry and Replace Parts:
• Ensure that all parts are completely dry before replacing burner grates, drip pans, and burner knobs.

 

 

How to deep clean a mattress:

1. Remove all of your bedding, including the mattress pad or protector. (If you don’t have a mattress pad, make that your next purchase. They can’t keep everything out, but they do offer some protection against mites and bacteria working their way in.)
2. Vacuum the top and sides of the mattress using a freshly sanitized upholstery vacuum attachment. Move-in slow circles to pick up as much as possible.
3. Sprinkle the mattress top with a layer of baking soda and let it sit for several hours. If you’re able, add some sunlight and let it sit for a full 24 hours. Baking soda deodorizes, removes moisture and breaks up dirt and grime. 
4. Vacuum again with the attachment, getting up all the baking soda.
5. Air out the bedroom by opening windows or turning on a fan.
6. Clean the bed frame and box spring. Wipe down metal and wood frames and vacuum fabric headboards.