Every March and April, people around the world push up their sleeves and give their home a major once-over—it’s the annual rite of passage we like to call spring cleaning. Many of us use this time to catch up on the tough tasks we can’t fit into our weekly cleaning routines(like cleaning those ceiling fans). Since we only do this once a year, we might not be working as efficiently or effectively as possible.
To make your annual deep clean more successful, avoid the following spring-cleaning mistakes that experts say most of us are making.
Neglecting Dust Mites–Dust mites cause sneezing, itching, and rashes. Unfortunately, these mites come from us; they’re regularly found in dead skin cells that we shed all over our homes—particularly on upholstery. Removing them is crucial. Steam cleaning your upholstered furniture and mattresses at least once a year will help keep the dust-mite population from building up and worsening spring allergies.
Having upholstery and mattresses professionally cleaned at least once a year is one of the most helpful ways to get control of dust mites and give you piece of mind that you are keeping your family safe and healthy.
Using an All-Purpose Cleaner Everywhere–Many surfaces can be cleaned with an all-purpose formula, but there are some areas (like your sofa, curtains, and carpets) that require a special product for that job. Too often, we forget this and use the wrong cleaners—which either aren’t effective in taking care of the stains and messes or, unfortunately, make matters worse. To ensure you have the right fabric and upholstery cleaners in your kit, look underneath your couch for a tag with your upholstery’s cleaning ode. Code S fabric, only use a dry cleaning or water-free solvent, Code W, use water-based cleaning solvents. Code W/S, you can use water-based or solvent-based cleaning products. Code X, hire professional cleaners.
Dusting the Wrong Way–The amount of dust that collects on ceiling fans, bookshelves, door jambs, and other hidden spots over the year is truly amazing—and getting rid of it when we spring clean our homes is particularly satisfying. However, tackling these dusty spots in the incorrect order can sabotage the rest of your cleaning plan by sending dust onto spots you’ve already cleaned. Work from the highest area (like a ceiling fan) down to your furniture and then baseboards to avoid having to re-do your work. Use a damp cloth to wipe away the dust, helping to prevent it from spreading around in the air, where it can trigger or worsen allergies and asthma attacks.
Keep Mopping on Your List–Floors are one of the most exposed areas in our homes, which is why mopping them frequently is crucial in keeping your home clean. And, make sure you replace those worn-out mop heads when needed to get the job done right.
Skipping Unseen High-Touch Area: the Walls–Overtime our walls and ceilings build up with unwanted marks. To clean them, start by using a vacuum to remove dust. Next, tackle stubborn surface grime, especially prevalent in kitchens, with a solvent-free degreaser (test it first in an inconspicuous area to ensure it won’t mar the surface).
Ignoring Mildew Anywhere–Be sure to keep surfaces clean, improve air circulation if possible, and reduce dampness (for example, don’t bunch wet towels). In poorly ventilated basements, install open shelving, use a dehumidifier and fan, and store items in airtight plasticcontainers with desiccants (such as silica gel). In musty closets, leave an incandescent lightbulb on to dry the air or hang packets of desiccants.
Remember, if left untreated, mildew and mold can have highly adverse effects on your family’s health and cause significant property damage. If you have a mold problem call Clean Pro Cleaning & Restoration. We are Mold Remediation Experts. Overlooking the Importance of Fire Safety–Be diligent about changing the batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year) and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. Your family’s life may depend on it.
If the unthinkable happens and you do have a fire, please know that we understand how stressful these situations can be. That’s why we’ll work with you—and your insurance company—every step of the way. Our experts take care of the repair process, so you can focus on taking care of yourself and your loved ones.
