Spring Cleaning Part II

4/25/2018 (Permalink)

Time to Freshen Up Your House

Spring Cleaning Part II

Okay, it’s time to put my elbow after that grease and get some cleaning done before spring is sprung and all I have to show for the season is a dingy haze over everything. I’ve made my top 10 list, now it’s time to check things off. I’m going to follow some of these helpful hints. You can too:

 Oven Cleaning: Not only does a dirty oven look unappetizing, but spills and residue can undo all your culinary efforts by imparting odors and flavors into the meal you’ve prepared. At its worst, an unclean oven can lead to smoke that’s detrimental to lungs and can become a fire hazard. AHAM (Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers) notes that warm soap and water or vinegar and water are unlikely to damage any finish and can be used for those spills (but recommends looking at your oven’s manual for cleaning instructions)

Refrigerator: To reinforce my commitment, I remind myself that an unclean fridge can act as a breeding ground for harmful bacteria like E. coli, salmonella and listeria. It really doesn’t take that long (especially if I time cleaning day before grocery shopping day!) All shelves can be cleaned with hot soapy water and dried thoroughly. To wipe down the outside of the fridge, mix a cleaning solution made of half vinegar and half water (avoid the rubber seals as the vinegar can cause them to crack/lose their seal). Use a coil brush and vacuum to banish dust, dirt and debris build up. Pull out the fridge yearly so cleaning under and behind can be done. (This and other tips from Ambient Edge: https://www.ambientedge.com/blog/3-spring-cleaning-tips-appliances/)

Dishwasher: The Dishwasher is one of those appliances that, because it’s a cleaning machine, we figure it doesn’t need cleaning. However, studies show that bacteria can grow in the wet, dark environment.  Ambient Edge shares 3 easy steps to keeping our dishwasher fresh and fungi free. First, take out racks and simply wash with warm water and dish soap. Next, fill the detergent cup with white vinegar and run an empty cycle. This will remove lime deposits. Finally, vacuum the outside of the appliance’s fan slats using the brush attachment and wipe down the door with warm water and dish soap.

Washing Machine: When thinking about cleaning my washing machine, the initial point made in consumer reports reflected my view, “Cleaning an appliance that’s designed for cleaning might sound a little counterintuitive”. But the article went on to explain that this appliance, if left unattended, can harbor mold, mildew and odors that don’t belong with clean clothes. Included in their recommendations are wiping down the door and rubber gasket after each load, cleaning out the soap dispenser to prevent residue build-up and, every few months, sanitizing the machine. This can be done by adding 1 cup of bleach to the bleach dispenser and then running a hot wash cycle without laundry. The disinfecting bleach is effective in getting rid of mold and mildew spores that grow in the environment (warm, moist, dark) existing in washing machines.

Dryer: I really like my washer and dryer set and I want to keep them humming along. The only way to help with this is to keep them clean, and in the case of the dryer, lint free. This will assist with drying efficiency and will eliminate the possibility of a fire hazard. Bob Vila shares a quick 30 second cleaning routine and a quarterly maintenance to insure the best is done for one’s trusty appliance.  Vila says that lint should be cleaned from the screen after every use to insure it doesn’t travel to places it’s not meant to be. As a follow-up, once every 3 months, he has a simple 30 minute deep-clean routine that only requires a vacuum, all-purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Vila’s step-by-step tips can be found here: https://www.bobvila.com/articles/how-to-clean-a-dryer/

Water Filters: Although whole house water filter system’s generally require very little maintenance, it is important that they are replaced on a regular basis so that impurities are eliminated from the supply and so that they can continue functioning correctly. These filters are trapping sediments and debris, so they may become backed up with these substances after months of use. If they get too clogged, it becomes difficult for water to pass through. Being diligent about replacing your filters will keep your Whole House Water Filter operating at optimal performance. Read more: http://filterbutler.com/blog/how-often-should-i-change-the-water-filter/#ixzz5CrfHkkmH

HVAC: We’re so lucky to live in beautiful California where our weather is moderate most of the time. On those days when we need our AC though, we really need it! So, it’s a good idea to stay on top of maintenance so we’re never caught without a cool, manmade breeze when needed. Experts advise a scheduled tune-up once a year (or if you’re a DIYer, check this out https://www.diynetwork.com/how-to/maintenance-and-repair/cleaning/10-easy-steps-to-keep-your-air-conditioning-unit-running-smoothl). Then, according to Ambient Edge, there are some quick, easy steps you can take to maintain your system. First, switch out the filter every 1-3 months. Also, look over your condenser periodically. Make sure that grass, leaves and other debris haven’t collected that might interfere with circulation.

BBQ Grill: Sunny days mean BBQ to me and my family. To insure that burgers are tasty the grill has to be clean inside and out. A good soap and water scrubbing and/or soaking of the piece parts and scraping away any rust spots that formed over winter will do the trick. Also by checking the fuel tank hose for damage lets you avoid the possibility of hazardous situations in the future.

Rain Gutters: Bob Vila has a great guide to cleaning out rain gutters  (https://www.bobvila.com/slideshow/done-with-winter-12-things-you-can-do-now-to-prep-for-spring-51868#how-to-clean-rain-gutters). He reminds us that over the winter all types of things collect in our rain gutters. If downspouts become clogged, we put ourselves at risk for leaks and flooding. A good yearly removal of sticks, leaves and other outdoor material is critical.

Wild card: Each year this might change- this year our garage makes my top 10; you may have a different choice. I’m not going to list cleaning hints… that would take more room than this article could handle!!

So that’s it!! By staying on top of appliance maintenance we’re taking steps toward health and safety for our homes and families. At SERVPRO of Downtown Long Beach/Signal Hill we see a lot of damages due to water, fire and mold, some that could’ve been prevented by proactive efforts like these. 

Good luck with your Spring Cleaning!