It’s that time of year again—spring cleaning. Where to start?

You’ll need all-purpose cleaner and glass cleaner and natural cleansers like baking soda and distilled white vinegar. Check that you have sponges, rags, scrub brushes and rubber gloves as your work mates.

KITCHEN:

• Clean your kitchen cupboards and range hood if you’re not one to stay on top of that chore with any regularity. Grease and grim and household dust builds up over time. Use a mild abrasive cleanser or hot soapy water. While you’re at it—wash walls and baseboards and woodwork, too.
• Your dishwasher also needs a good cleaning now and then. There are specific products for that, and well worth the cost.
• Spring is a good time to give your refrigerator a thorough cleaning. This means taking the veggie and meat trays out and washing them with hot soapy water. Be sure to get into the nooks and crannies to stop any mold from trying to grab on. Oh, and remember to give the outside a thorough cleaning. You can then put the drawings from the grandkids back in place with the many special magnets you’ve purchased over the years.
• If you don’t have a self-cleaning oven, here’s a good tip. Chip off the loose burnt pieces in the oven and then spray the burnt-on bits of food with ammonia. Sprinkle baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar on the bottom, let it bubble up and then wipe the grime with a clean sponge. Be sure to clean the top of the range as well.
• For kitchen and bathroom tiles, use a cleaner that is neutral PH on the label. You can also mix baking soda and water for a homemade cleaner. Pour ½ cup baking soda into 2 gallons of water, then sponge mop the tiles.
• Clean your washing machine with distilled white vinegar and baking soda. Fill your top loading machine with hot water, add the cleaning agents, agitate for a few moments and then let sit 30 – 60 minutes. Restart the machine and let it run through its cycles. Use 1 – 2 cups vinegar and ½ cup baking soda for a full water load.

LIVINGROOM:

• Clean windows throughout the house, inside and out. If you do this on a cloudy day, the cleanser won’t dry too quickly before you have time to finish wiping the glass free of streaks.
• Clean ceiling fans with a mild cleanser and hot water. If standing on a chair or a ladder, be extra careful. You can vacuum these fixtures too, but it’s not always easy using the attachment and reaching overhead. Always think safety first!
• Wet clean your hardwood or laminate flooring. Best to use water as some cleaning products can do damage. Be sure to read the bottle and follow instructions if you do opt for a name brand cleaning item.
• Rugs should be cleaned every 18 months or so, more often for higher traffic areas. You can rent equipment to do this or hire a professional. Often companies have spring cleaning specials advertised so keep an eye out and take advantage of a special offer near you.
• Blinds, curtains and drapes can be vacuumed. Blinds can also be sponge wiped. Drapes and/or curtains may be washable (and sometimes ironing is needed, too). If you have to go the dry-cleaning route, consider doing this every couple of years to keep your drapes looking like new.

BEDROOMS:

• When it comes to your closet and you decide to swap out the spring and summer clothes for the fall and winter items, what better time to make a separate pile no longer needed or wanted and donate to a worthy cause. If you google Calgary charities a host of not-for-profits will pop up—find one that works for you!
• Bedding is something we regularly clean—pillow cases and sheets but think of your blankets, mattress protector, comforters, quilts and pillows. If you can wash them in an oversize washing machine do so, but read the cleaning labels first. If they need to be dry-cleaned, spring is a good time to add this to your spring cleaning list. It’s also a good time to vacuum your mattress.
• The kids’ toy box, bedroom or play areas could also do with a good cleaning. Have your kids help you decide what toys to discard and what toys to keep. For the ones to give away, you can donate to charities looking for toys and games to share with children who are not so fortunate.
• Here’s a hint—are your scissors dull? You can sharpen them by cutting through light sandpaper.

OUTSIDE:

• Spring is a good time to clean gutters and downspouts. If you feel you can do it yourself, think safety first and make sure you have a good sturdy ladder to give you access to the roof. Never stand on the top two rungs of your ladder. Use a rake or a leaf blower to clean debris from the roof. Use a scoop to clean debris from the gutters so that rainwater will travel easily down the downspouts. With a high pressure hose nozzle attached to your garden hose, use at full force to blast water down the downspout to clear any debris stuck inside.
• Power-wash the outside of your home and/or your RV—both will thank you for it. If you don’t own your own power-wash equipment it can be rented from companies that supply this service.
• Patio furniture and tables can be cleaned with a dollop of dish soap and warm water. Wipe down the chairs and tables and then rinse with the garden hose and let air dry.
• Check your driveway, sidewalk and patio stones for any winter damage, cracks or upheaval and make repairs.
• When ready to tackle the garden, pull old growth and weeds and turn the soil for your plantings. A good time to do this is before it gets too hot later in the day. Remember to keep hydrated.
• Garage sales, love ‘em or hate ‘em they are a good way to get rid of household items no longer needed. Be sure the items are clean, properly priced, and take heed that the bargain hunters will arrive early!
• If you have household items to get rid of and you’re not one to hold a garage sale, consider making a donation to a worthy charity such as Goodwill or the Salvation Army. But be sure these are useful useable items. Remember—one man’s junk can be another man’s treasure but use common sense.