Spring Cleaning Tips

Let the sun shine in! Clean those windows.

Spring has sprung renewing that surge of energy we all crave through the long months of winter. This year, think green when you spring clean. Often the caustic cleaners we use cause undiagnosed side effects for family and pets. For windows, combine 1 cup of white vinegar with 1 cup of water and 10 drops of lemon in a spray bottle. After spraying, rub or brush the solution on the glass to loosen the dust, then squeegee clean. The smell of the lemon lightens the air in the room, leaving a clean citrus scent. Vinegar in your solution is tough on bacteria, mildew and dirt and is a good choice for countertops as well, with the exception of granite and marble.

Indoor Air Quality

Indoor air quality is just as vital for good health as clean drinking water. Remember to clean the filters in air conditioners and air purifiers to get ready for spring pollen and dust. Using a HEPA-filter vacuum traps pet dander, allergens and household particles that are too small to see. Filters or gauze placed under floor vents will filter out the dust pushed through your ventilation system, and having them vacuumed out professionally at least every second year will dramatically improve the air quality in your home.

Decluttering for Health

Decluttering beautifies your home, and creates psychological benefits, including increased confidence and less confusion. Have you ever thought of decluttering your garage and yard as well? Outside space, when maintained and tidy, keeps us in touch with nature and invites us out into the vitamin D-rich sunshine.

Disposal

Wondering whether to dispose of unwanted items at your local thrift store or landfill? When in good condition, many items can be dropped off at the local thrift shops for distribution to the financially challenged. You may want to phone ahead and double check what items are preferred and accepted by your fav recycling store. Along with clean (and in good shape) seasonal clothing, they may accept electronics, houseware, books, and small pieces of furniture. Broken items, old mattresses, unrecyclable clothing, and general garbage all need to go to the landfill. Don’t worry about getting all those boxes, yard refuse, and garbage into the trunk of your car or minivan for removal. Call a reliable dump-run service to help you haul those undesirables away.