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Newsletters>
Spring Cleaning 101 : Tips & Techniques
June 14, 2007
Spring cleaning is a seasonal rite of passage many of us
enjoy and others of us grudgingly endure. To make the most
of this great effort, cleaners should employ the proper
cleaning techniques to do the job effectively and safely
for the items in question. This frequently involves using
the right cleaning solution. The following text advises
how to clean a myriad of household items from books,
baseboards, mirrors, floors, walls, and so forth.
Having the tools of the trade is the first part of
your cleaning journey. Rubber gloves, dust masks, goggles,
comfortable shoes should accompany a battery of brooms,
mops, buckets, various brushes, rags, sponges, dusters, a
chamois and a vacuum cleaner (with attachments). You will
also need to consult your pantry (or grocery or hardware
store) for a many items needed to make cleaning solutions.
Household commercial cleaners may also be used, but there
are many traditional mixtures that can effectively (and
organically) do the job. When stocking your supply pantry
with natural cleaners, choose baking soda, lemons, vinegar
and salt.
Before getting started, it’s a good idea (sometimes
the simplest notions are overlooked) to begin at the top
and work downward. It’s a sad day when you scrub the floor
of grime only to watch stars of dust float downward from
the ceiling fan. Also, it may be helpful to perform a dry
run of cleaning—that is, wipe away dust and grime before
you apply wet methods. This will eliminate extra muck from
the task.
Cleaning the ceiling and walls can be accomplished
with two buckets, a mop, a couple sponges and a drop cloth.
Fill one bucket with cleaner (mild dish soap will also
work fine) and water and the other bucket with clean water
for rinsing. You’ll need the drop cloth for furniture when
washing the ceiling (the mop tackles this fine). Use the
mop or sponges for the walls.
To clean brass fixtures or items make a paste of salt
and vinegar (using equal parts). Rubbing a fine layer over
the surface will prevent tarnish. Copper may be similarly
cleaned. Chrome should be wiped down with vinegar and
baking soda on a damp cloth. Club soda also cleans up
chrome nicely.
To get rid of mildew on tile, use a mixture of water
and ammonia. To clean grimy tile, scrub with a solution of
scouring powder and water.
Cleaning electronic equipment can be accomplished by
dampening a washcloth with isopropyl alcohol and rubbing
dust and grime from the surface. Never pour any agent on
the devices themselves.
To clean the inside of the microwave fill a
microwavable bowl with water and a pile of lemon slices.
Heat on high for about two minutes. Afterwards, wipe the
interior clean.
A combination of baking powder and water may be used
to clean stainless steel. Use a chamois to buff each item
after cleaning.
For cleaning varnished wood furniture, consider using
some cooled black tea dabbed on a soft cloth (a drop of
furniture cream will also do the trick.) Various furniture
oils available at the grocery store are suitable for
furniture polishing.
Most all-purpose cleaners diluted in water are
suitable for cleaning vinyl. This will do for hardwood
floors as well only take care not to disperse water too
liberally. You can also clean wood floors with a half cup
of apple cider diluted in water.
Dusting is best accomplished with a damp cloth or
cheesecloth so that you pick up dust rather than displace
it. From tabletops to books, dusting often a weekly chore.
Consider toothbrushes or paint brushes remove grime from
cracks and crevices.
Equal parts baking soda and white vinegar flushed with
water will freshen all your drains. To clean a stainless
steel sink, vinegar is an ideal cleaner. To remove stains
in the sink, rub vigorously with a slice of lemon.}
Dish soap and warm water cleans countertops and
refrigerators. Use your vacuum cleaner attachment to clean
the refrigerator coils. Warm sudsy water will also help
you tackle the stovetop. Follow the manufacturer’s
instructions to clean the oven.
To clean your coffee maker, brew a pot of white
vinegar (sans coffee). Then brew several pots of plain
water to flush out the system.
Major cleaning routines can usually be accomplished
over a weekend. Consider setting aside some time this
spring to give your home the cleaning overhaul it needs!
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