Everyday Home Magazine Page 22

l Spring 2015

Go over the blades once more with your choice of cleaner and
some paper towels to finish the job. Secure a cloth or microfiber
towel to your broom with a rubber band and use the handle to
reach inconvenient areas that have collected dust throughout
the year, such as around the bases of fixtures and ceiling cor-
ners.

Take a rag and run it over all of your electronics to collect the
dust once more. Repeat the ceiling fan process by lightly spray-
ing a paper towel with cleaner and going over the surfaces for
a complete clean. Finish off by taking a coffee filter and wiping
the electronics down to grab any leftover lint and cleaner. For
TV screens, only use a coffee filter or microfiber towel, DO NOT
spray cleaner on the screen. If you have spots or smudges, it is
best to purchase a cleaner designed to be safe for electronics.
Use this to freshen up computer monitors, tablets, and other de-
vices with screens as well.

· Steam Cleaner
· Fabric Freshener Spray
· Warm Water and Mild Soap

When cleaning curtains and upholstery, there's nothing better
than a steam cleaner. You can rent one but it will be worth ev-
ery penny if you buy your own. Instead of having to take down
your curtains, wash them, iron them out, and hope that this
entire process doesn't fade your colors and patterns, a simple
steam clean will do the trick in half the time. They work great for
carpets, throw pillows and sofas, granite countertops, tile, and
much more. For your living room furniture recliners, sofas and
rugs simply run the steam cleaner as directed and finish off
with a fabric freshener. Be sure to spray the freshener on the
fabric from a distance, to avoid accidental staining..

For blinds (vertical or mini), take the whole thing down and throw
it in the bathtub with some warm water and mild soap of your
choice. Allow them to soak for half an hour or so, then wash
them with a sponge as if you're doing dishes. The dirt will come
off immediately and the process is much easier than standing
up and cleaning each blind individually. Allow
them to dry by patting
them down, hanging
them back up, and open-
ing your windows for the
day. The breeze will dry
the blinds and invite fresh
air into the home, freeing
you from all your cleaning
fumes, and lessening the
chance of your getting a
literal headache.

Invest in cleaning tools that will make your chores a lot

easier to accomplish, such as extension handles for dust-

ers, microfiber towels, buckets and rubber gloves to keep

your hands out of harsh chemicals. Once the cleaning is

done, light a few candles and enjoy the freshness. Getting

through summer will be a breeze once you've tackled the

big messes. Some general tips while you're at it: start from

top to bottom, never mix chemicals even if the internet

says it's okay and play some music and enjoy take-out

while going through the motions.

Starting from top to bottom will eliminate the need to clean

areas twice, as dust will naturally fall down and collect
on the lower levels. Mixing chemicals, like vinegar and

bleach, will cause a reaction that produces chlorine gas,

which is poisonous and can irritate the eyes, nose and
throat. Never mix ammonia with anything; it's powerful

all by itself. Getting take-out and turning up the tunes will

allow you to enjoy your time more and eliminate the need

to cook after a long, hard day of chores. Spring cleaning

has never been so easy or so stress-free!

SPRING

CLEANING

Blinds, Curtains, and Upholstery