Spring Cleaning

Southern Living, Apr 2005 by Sandner, Julie Feagin

Make a Date With the Dustpan

At last, spring is here! The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and your house is a mess from the dreary days of winter. Whether you can devote a day or just an hour to cleaning, this handy checklist will help you put your home back in tip-top shape. JULIE FEAGIN SANDNER

Roll up your sleeves. Here's everything you need to know to spruce up your home for the warmer months.

Room by Room

As a general rule when cleaning, always start from the top and work down to the floor.

Kitchen

* Give cabinets a good scrub-it's amazing how dirty they can get.

* Clean out the fridge. This is also a good time to check expiration dates on condiments and toss the ones that are past their prime. Also, get rid of any outdated food in the freezer.

* Clean or change the vent hood filter.

* Don't forget about the sink. Use a good cleaner or baking soda to scrub it clean.

* Disinfect the trash can.

* Minimize cluttered cabinets. If you haven't used a nonperishable item in a year, throw it away or give it to someone who will use it.

Family Room

* Cobwebs often form in corners. Check your ceiling, and remove unwanted dirt with a broom, duster, or vacuum.

* Wash the inside windows.

* Vacuum draperies, or have them dry-cleaned. Prices range from $25 and up depending on fabric. Get a good estimate first to avoid sticker shock.

* Vacuum or mop underneath sofas and chairs.

* Don't forget the fireplace. Toss leftover ashes. Consider giving your hearth a fresh makeover with a new houseplant.

* Vacuum the upholstery, and flip furniture cushions. It's also time to remove and properly store those cozy wool throws.

* Dust all surfaces, from accessories on a table to pictures hanging on the wall.

Bedrooms

* Wash the inside windows.

* Flip mattresses.

* Launder mattress pads, bed skirts, and comforters. You may need to wash and dry these pieces in a commercial-size machine if you have king-size bedding.

* Give lampshades a thorough dusting. Use a vacuum with the upholstery attachment or a masking tape lint roller.

* Clean underneath the bed, and vacuum the entire room.

* Remove any bedside clutter.

Baths

* Remove shower curtains, and launder according to directions. Wash or simply replace the plastic liner with a new one.

* Scrub all surfaces, such as shower walls, floors, and countertops, with a disinfectant.

* Clean out the medicine cabinet. Check expiration dates, and toss any old prescriptions.

* Keep a small caddy with supplies under the sink for quick cleanups. Making it a daily habit will cut down on major cleanings.

* Wash bath mats.

Pantry Essentials-For Cleaning, Not Cooking

Running low on your favorite cleaning product? Before you rush to the store, check out your pantry. You may already have the essentials to get the job done. That tomato sauce explosion that occurred in your microwave can be taken care of with a little baking soda. Place club soda in a spray bottle to make dingy chrome or stainless steel surfaces sparkling clean.

Think that water ring on your favorite table is sending you to a furniture refinisher? Put a little mayonnaise on the spot, and let it sit for an hour. Then wipe the surface clean and finish with your favorite furniture polish. Good as new!

For sparkling, lint-free windows, spray glass with vinegar, and wipe clean with crumpled newspaper.

For more unusual uses for everyday products, visit www.wackyuses.com.