Household Chores to Tackle Now
While spring is a popular time to tidy up a home, there is also summer cleaning to be done. Before summer winds down completely, home owners may want to tackle a few chores around the house, particularly before the cold weather makes these household chores more difficult.
1. Windows and screens: Dust and grime that accumulates daily can get below the surface of the glass and make windows appear cloudy. The problem can be accented if home owners often leave the windows open during the summer. “The quality of your glass will deteriorate over time with age and exposure to the sun,” Trevor Cook, owner of Shine Bright San Diego, a window cleaning service, told realtor.com®. Try some dish soap or white vinegar and water with a squeegee to get the windows shining again.
2. Grill: Try rubbing the top rack of your barbecue with an onion – a method the experts recommend. Make sure the grill is off and disconnect it to the propane before you clean. You’ll also want to use cleaner specially designed for cleaning a grill’s surface. Be sure to remove the grates and metal plates beneath. Soak them in hot soapy water for up to 10 minutes.
3. Houseplants: Yes, your plants need cleaning too. Grime can pile up on leaves and even reduce a plant’s ability to photosynthesize light (remember, they need that to thrive!). Use a dry or damp cloth and clean each leaf, carefully.
4. Blinds: Wipe each slat of a metal or vinyl blind with a soft cloth moistened with warm water and dish soap. For wooden blinds, use a damp cloth instead. “Metal and plastic blinds are some of the most important household items people should take time to deep-clean, but they tend to be neglected because it’s a timely chore and is frankly a pain,” says Antonio Shellman, owner of Kelan Freaks, a residential and commercial cleaning service in New York City. “You’ll find if you don’t maintain dusting them on a regular basis, dust will start packing on, dulling the surface and blocking the light, which makes everything so much harder to clean.”
5. Kitchen cabinets: Use dish soap and water to give your exterior cabinets a good clean. Commercial-grade cleaners may be needed if the buildup is heavy (test first and look for ones made with orange oil). Don’t forget about the inside of the cabinets either. Use a cloth soaked in soap and water to clean, and then a damp cloth to collect any extra moisture. Leave cabinets open for two hours afterwards.
6. Refrigerator and freezer: Trash any expired items. Remove and soak drawers in warm, soapy water. Vacuum the refrigerator coil and grill. Be sure to clean the outside door too, with two tablespoons of baking soda mixed with hot water or for stainless steel use a stainless-steel cleaner and wipe in the direction of the grain.
Source: “12 Things You Shouldn’t Forget to Deep-Clean Before Summer Ends,” realtor.com® (Aug. 17, 2016)