& ome SPRING 2018
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Spring cleaning: things in your home to focus on SEAN ROSSMAN The spring cleaning tradition stems from a time when people spent months holed up in their homes, warmed by a fire, and then mercilessly opened their windows and freed themselves of dust and dirt. The renewing feeling of spring endures. Becky Rapinchuk, founder of the lifestyle website Clean Mama, said people catch the cleaning bug around this time because the season helps them realize just how filthy their living arrangements are. Like in times of old, the wear of winter is real and rank, no thanks to the furnace constantly kicking up dust. Adding to it, spring and summer’s prominent sunlight reveals just how dirty we all are living. If you feel too lazy to do the annual cleanse, remember spring cleaning is a good way to keep your home from getting out of hand. “By not doing anything, things tend to take longer when you actually do do that,” she said. “I think that just by doing some simple maintenance every day. I think you can avoid things taking longer than it needs to.”
How often you should be cleaning:
● Carpets – Once per year ● Shower curtains – Buy a polyester liner and wash it quarterly ● Blinds – Two to three times per year ● Oven – Check it monthly, but clean at least quarterly ● Garbage disposal – Monthly. Methods includeg grinding ice cubes or lemon peels as well as a water, baking soda and vinegar mixture.
Windows Windows are Rapinchuk’s biggest must-clean. Not just the glass, but their many crevices, which always seem to collect dirt. “I would be shocked if you went to someone’s house and there isn’t dirt in there,” said Rapinchuk, who is the author of the book “Simply Clean.” “Keeping those clean will keep mold and mildew from forming. It will just make it so much easier.” Rapinchuk suggests cleaning the window casing, sill and track, once in the spring and once before winter. Vacuum first then scrub with soap and water. Q-tips can be used to get in those hard-to-reach places.
Carpet Although some may suggest twice a year, Rapinchuk said it’s OK for people to deep clean their carpets once a year to supplement regular vacuuming. Hire someone or do it yourself. Spring is a good time to get it done because you can open up the windows and turn on the fans for a quick dry.
Refrigerator, Pantry Clear out the refrigerator, toss old food and wipe clean the shelves and sides. The same goes for your pantry. Rapinchuk recommends you take time to do this quarterly and to give your situation a status check
once a month. Giving the shelves a simple wipe, not an all-out clean, before you make your weekly shopping trip is a good way, she said, to keep your refrigerator from turning into a war zone.
Filters Dirty air and furnace filters can keep your home
DIY Cleaning Solutions
These Clean Mama homemade cleaning solutions are also available in Rapinchuk’s book “Simply Clean.” ■ Glass and mirror cleaner – 1.5 cups water, 1.5 tablespoons white vinegar, 1.5 tablespoons rubbing alcohol and 3 drops essential oils. Mix in spray bottle. ■ Marble and granite cleaner – 3 tablespoons rubbing alcohol, 1.5 cups water and 1 teaspoon castile or dish soap. Mix in glass spray bottle. ■ All-purpose cleaner – 1.25 cups water, .5 cup white vinegar and 10 drops essential oils.
dirty. Depending on your furnace or vents, how often you change these may vary. However, Rapinchuk said, spring is a good time to at least take stock of when you need to replace those filters. The same goes for vacuum filters which, if dirty, can spit dirt back out into your home.
Garage
Clean the floor of your garage this spring. Mud and salt from your car finds itself in the garage. Also, put away your winter gear — shovels and sleds — and pull out lawn tools — The lawnmower, weed-whacker and the bicycles. Also, fill up your gas canister so it will be ready the first time you use it.
Doorknobs, switches
Places like doors, doorknobs and light switches are touched every day, but rarely cleaned. Rapinchuk suggests using warm water and a squirt of dish soap for wiping these down.
Extras
Window blinds, light fixtures, forgettable edges and corners. Take time to clean them this year.
Ten ways to save money on cleaning COURTNEY JESPERSEN Spring cleaning can be time-consuming, but it doesn’t have to be money-consuming too. As you set out to renovate, refresh and re-energize your home, use these tips and tricks to save money on your spring cleaning checklist.
Discounted cleaning supplies You may already have many cleaning products, but need to make a purchase of other necessities. April is one of the best times to buy a vacuum. We’ve already spotted deals happening at places such as Amazon and Shark.
Rent equipment If you’ll be using your cleaning supplies only for a limited time, consider renting your equipment. You can rent floor equipment — such as sanders, polishers and carpet cleaners — from home improvement stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s. Or, when possible, borrow equipment from a friend or neighbor for an even more affordable alternative.
Sell your old stuff Once you’ve gone through your closet and found more than a few pairs of jeans that no longer fit, make a pile of things you can sell. Consigning your closet is as easy as snapping a pic and listing an item for sale via an app. Some of our favorite apps for selling include ThredUP, Poshmark and Vinted. With these, you can sell (and buy) secondhand clothing and accessories.
Homemade tricks The Internet is full of hacks for making homemade cleaning supplies — and even cleaning solutions. Before you buy, try out a homemade trick or two. The folks at Molly Maid, for instance, shared a few of their tips: Clean stainless steel with baby oil, repurpose used dryer sheets as dusting rags, and use charcoal briquettes in your car as a substitute for air fresheners.
Refresh what you already have In some cases, it doesn’t have to be out with the old and in with the new during spring cleaning season. Rather than buying new decor and supplies, try refreshing what you already have first. Add a stain to that old wooden table. Paint your dresser a bold new color. Updating your existing furniture will cost considerably less than replacing it.
Yard sale Take all of those clothes and electronics that you’d ordinarily just throw away and hold a yard sale instead. Expect lots of garage sales to pop up this time of the year. After you hold your own, use your earnings to shop someone else’s and get discounted apparel, furniture and more.
Donate to charity For everything you don’t sell or throw away, make another pile for items to donate. Pick a nonprofit or local charity and give away some of your excess to those in need. Not only will you feel good, but you can also write off your donations on your taxes. Remember
to get a receipt of your donation for your records.
Wait to buy new If your spring cleaning uncovers a major leak, dent or other defect that cannot be fixed, it may be time to invest in some fresh furniture and appliances. But don’t spring for them just yet. If possible, push off your major household purchases until May. We’re likely to see big deals (we’re talking easily 60 percent off ) on home furnishings, mattresses and more over Memorial Day weekend.
Credit card rewards If you’ll be making any major purchases this spring (or anytime, for that matter), remember to shop with the right credit card. Matching your credit card to the store you’re shopping at or the product you’re purchasing can help you maximize savings and increase potential cash-back rewards. In some instances, you can register your purchase for price protection in the event the price drops after you buy.
Clean up your wallet Finally, while you’re cleaning everything in your home, don’t forget to clean up your wallet too. This means getting rid of expired coupons, but it can also mean adding new rewards cards. Registering for free loyalty programs — especially from stores you shop at frequently — can help you save big in the long run. The My Best Buy program, for instance, gives members one point for every $1 spent. Points can eventually be redeemed for rewards certificates toward the electronics store.
SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT OF KEWAUNEE COUNTY STAR-NEWS AND DOOR COUNTY ADVOCATE