Your last chance before winter ends and the days get much warmer! Right now is a good time to clean or even start a renovation project before outdoor activities, and other warm-weather distract you. Homeowners can often get more accomplished in a shorter amount of time before it gets too hot. There are plenty of satisfying projects you can tackle and let’s face it…You need something to do besides binge-watching the latest hot series on Netflix. So, get those DIY juices flowing by working on one or more of these projects…get your spring cleaning started!
Kitchen – heart of the home
Give your cabinets a good wipe down to remove fingerprints, grease and spills, paying particular attention to areas that may not always be in your view, like top shelves and the underneath of hanging cabinets especially those near your stove. Move out large appliances, such as the refrigerator, washing machine and stove to give the area behind them a thorough clean.
Remove and clean the range hood filters to eliminate grease buildup and maintain optimal ventilation. Wash or disinfect the dish rack or drainer to prevent the growth of mold and bacteria. Clean the exterior and interior of small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers to remove food residue and maintain their efficiency. Sanitize cutting boards, especially wooden ones, by using a mixture of water and vinegar or hydrogen peroxide to remove stains and kill bacteria. Clean the blade and handles of the can opener thoroughly to prevent cross-contamination. Wipe down spice containers and jars to remove any spills or residue that can accumulate over time. Wash and disinfect trash cans to eliminate odours and bacteria.
Then dial up the style in your kitchen by replacing outdated drawer pulls and knobs on your cabinets, adding cabinet hardware that has a dash of color can make the kitchen extra homey and cheerful. Replacing the kitchen backsplash is a great way to introduce color or playfulness into a kitchen without spending too much money. Of course replacing the countertops can make a huge impact on your kitchen’s appearance if you have the budget and are ready for a slightly bigger project.
Maintaining a clean, hygienic and cheerful kitchen is essential for food safety and a pleasant cooking experience.
Get out the ladder
Light fixtures are often overlooked, so take them down if possible and give them a clean. Those that are difficult to remove, grab a ladder and give them a good wipe. While you are up there…Clean the blades of ceiling fans to remove accumulated dust. Swap out tired old light fixtures for bright, cheery ones that will improve illumination—and your spirits. Don’t forget about lampshades, chandeliers and other light fixtures that accumulate dust that may be less obvious when the lights are on..
Another often neglected area is the top of your doors and the door jambs, those. Those large or highly placed pictures frames may also need a dusting while you have the ladder out. Clean window sills and tracks to remove dirt and debris. Check the top of air conditioners and other items mounted out of normal reach. Let’s not forget the curtain rails hidden behind your beautiful curtains. This may be a good time to give your curtains a wash or dry clean, then take your time rehanging them to ensure they hang perfectly. Before you do so, have a quick look at these 66 ideas to dress your windows for success, maybe it’s time to change things up? (https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/room-ideas/g185/window-dressing-61293/)
These are just a few places that are often given less priority…once you start, there are sure to be some other nooks and crannies they would benefit from some TLC. Crank up the music and let’s get going!