The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and the birds are chirping. That’s right - spring is in the air and that means it’s time for Spring Cleaning! Here are some suggestions to get you started on your tidying-up journey, plus a few reminders to help keep your smile clean and bright too!
Flip your mattress
Spring is a great time to give your attention to a few tasks in your home that you usually put off, like cleaning and rotating your mattress. In fact, it’s recommended to rotate your mattress quarterly! Most mattresses are one-sided and shouldn’t be flipped, so simply rotating it allows for even wear.
You probably wash your sheets regularly, but do you clean your mattress regularly? Next time you change your sheets, give the mattress a vacuum, then clean and deodorize it.
Tackle that junk drawer
It’s amazing how much junk can build up in one little drawer! If you’re feeling frustrated by it, spring is a great time to tackle it. The easiest way to organize it is to take everything out, toss things you don’t need or that are expired, sort similar items together, and create a designated space for everything using bins, dividers, or bags. Check out some options here.
Change your air filters
Your vents, filters, and exhausts are easy to ignore, but they are always busy pulling dust, pet hair, and other particulates from your air. Without regular cleaning, dust, mold, and grime can build up on vents and filters, preventing them from working properly or even causing damage to your system. Make sure you are changing out disposable A/C filters every 3 months. When you change them, it’s also a good time to wipe down the outside of your vents to remove any lingering dust that may blow around.
Dust your fans and fixtures
Have you looked at your fan blades lately? As your fans move air around, are they pushing around dust as well? Grab a ladder and a duster and clear off those blades.
While you’re up there, you’ll probably notice some other hard-to-see spots like the tops of door frames and your light fixtures. Have glass shades or globes? You can stick those inside your dishwasher for easy cleaning!
Wash and store your winter clothing items
As temperatures begin turning, it’s time to put away the winter clothes taking up space in your closet. Although us New Braunfels residents may not have a full winter wardrobe, it’s a good idea to make sure any winter coats, scarves, hats, boots, and gloves we do have are washed, fully dried, and properly stored. This will ensure that our cold weather gear is ready to keep us warm when we need it (as rare as that may be in central Texas).
Hand-wash your wool scarves and send your winter dress coat to the dry cleaner. Wash everything you’re going to store unless you know for sure that you haven’t worn it since you last washed it. Use vacuum-sealed bags or plastic bins with lids to prevent moisture and bugs from getting into your clothes.
Check, repair, or replace your lawn care equipment and supplies
As your grass starts growing again, it’s a good time to check all your landscaping supplies to make sure they are in good condition for the season. Check your mower’s oil, filters, and blades, and replace any shovels, trowels, or rakes that are broken or rusty.
Clear out your gutters
A gutter system protects your home from water damage by draining water from the roof and funneling it away from the house. However, if your gutters and downspouts are clogged, water can back up and cause damage to your home. The easiest way to keep your gutters clean is to check them regularly. Most debris you’ll find is small leaves and twigs that you can remove by hand or with a handheld leaf blower or wet/dry vacuum. Flushing the gutters with a garden hose can remove dirt and other small particles. For denser debris, you may want to invest in a gutter cleaning tool. Most clogged downspouts can be flushed with a garden hose; use a plumber’s snake if you need to break up really stubborn clogs.
Wash your windows
To deep clean your windows, first pop out the window screens, and wash them with soapy water. Then wash the window glass on both sides, if you’re able to reach. Use glass cleaner, or mix equal parts white vinegar and water in a spray bottle - add a few drops of essential oil to improve the smell. Wipe down with a towel, then use a microfiber cloth or a squeegee to dry the glass and prevent streaks. Vacuum your window tracks, and clean them with a detail brush. The wipe down the window sills and frames, and voila! Shiny and beautiful!
Replace your toothbrush or toothbrush head
Did you know you are supposed to replace your toothbrush every three months? When the bristles in your toothbrush start to lose their stiffness, it can’t effectively brush away food and plaque, allowing it to build up and cause issues. Replacing your manual toothbrush or the head of your electric toothbrush will ensure you are getting the best clean every time.
Schedule your bi-annual cleaning with Smile New Braunfels!
Having a clean mouth is just as important as having a clean home! If you are due for a 6-month cleaning and exam, it’s time to call and get it scheduled. Regular, professional, teeth cleaning will remove any stuck on plaque, and polishing will remove many surface stains, giving you a whiter smile!
Smile New Braunfels is here to help you keep that smile beautiful, all year long. Request an appointment here or give us a call to schedule your appointment today! (830) 629-8011
