Whether you bought your home from Linda Craft & Team last year or ten years ago, it may be time for a good spring cleaning. Set aside a Saturday (time) to get it done and solicit the whole family to help. To be as organized as possible, you’ll need a plan, a logical way to navigate the whole house. Here is a handy floor to ceiling check list from Linda Craft & Team, REALTORS. Let’s get started!
FOYER:
- Wipe walls, ceiling and trim
- Dust and wipe down all light fixtures
- Wash doors, knobs, and switch plates
- Empty out coat closet. Donate items that no one uses anymore
- Clean or replace entry mat
- Sweep and mop floors
- Wipe doors with a Magic Eraser and wipe doors with disinfectant
BEDROOMS:
- Open the windows and air out the room – as long as the pine dust is not falling
- Dust furniture
- Go through your dresser draw by draw; empty out content and wipe down the drawer. Donate items you no longer need or want. It’s best to bag them up and go ahead and place them in your car
- Move the bed; sweep and vacuum under the bed.
- You can freshen up your mattress by sprinkling a little baking soda on the bare surface, letting it sit for 15 minutes, and then vacuuming it up. You can also add essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus or peppermint to the baking soda to add your favorite scent
- Wash all the bedding and curtains. Wash pillows and duvet in hot water
- Dust lights and lamp shades with a lint roller
- Wash windows and window sills
- Clean mirrors and dust art
- Wipe doors with a Magic Eraser and wipe doors with disinfectant
- Sweep and mop floors or vacuum – consider professionally cleaning carpets
BATHROOMS:
- Open windows if pine dust is not flying
- Empty all cabinets and vanity. Wash inside and replace items neatly. Discard expired medications and cosmetics
- Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
- Clean tub and drain
- Clean toilet inside and out. Be sure to clean around seat bolts and check tightness
- Clean sink and drain
- Shine faucets
- Clean mirror and frame
- Dust light fixtures – wash if glass
- Wash windows and window sills
- Wash switch plates
- Wipe down walls and trim
- Wash floor registers and other vent covers
- Sweep and wash floors
KITCHEN:
- Open windows
- Remove and clean window coverings
- For each cabinet or drawer. Remove items, wipe out drawers, and replace items back neatly. Donate unneeded items
- Wash and sanitize cutting boards
- Sharpen knives
- Wash cabinet doors and knobs
- Organize pantry
- Clean oven
- Clean stove top. Remove elements, clean, and put back
- Check food expiration dates in freezer and discard any expired items
- Clean under refrigerator and stove
- Vacuum refrigerator coils
- Clean microwave by heating a glass of water and vinegar and letting it sit and steam inside; then wipe down.
- Clean crumbs out of toaster and toaster oven
- Wipe down counters and back splash
- Clean dishwasher
- Dust light fixtures
- Wash windows and window sills
- Wipe walls and trim as needed
- Wash doors and door knobs
- Sweep and mop floor
LIVING ROOM / FAMILY ROOM / PLAYROOM:
- Open windows if it is past pollen season
- Wash windows and window sills
- If window screens have been in all winter, take them out and wash them
- Vacuum all furniture
- Spot clean furniture where needed or professionally clean fabric
- Wash all blankets and throw pillows
- Dust shelves and tables
- Clean TV screen and dust all electronics
- Sort books and magazines
- Wipe walls and trim as needed
- Wash fireplace screen or clean ash for wood burning fireplaces
- Sweep and mop floors
OUTSIDE:
- Sweep porches and walkways
- Wash thresholds
- Wash exterior doors. Paint front door if needed
- Clean or replace welcome mat
- Have outside surfaces power washed if needed
Do you need assistance with any of these projects? At Linda Craft & Team we have an excellent list of talented professionals who provide home care services in the Triangle area. All of them have our stamp of approval from deep cleaning to plumbers! Call our Raleigh office today to get a copy – 919-235-0007. And by the way, when you tackle that home office, remember our Annual Shred Event to be held May 12th from 10am – 2pm at 7300 Six Forks Road. Securely dispose of all those sensitive documents you no longer need!