Spring-cleaning checklist: Living room and bedroom
Living roomTools: feather duster, lint-free rag, vacuum, broom, glass cleaner, paper towels
Tasks
1. Using a feather duster, dust all surfaces, from walls and baseboards to tables and the television. Dust framed artwork, photographs and all knick-knacks. If you've got bookcases in your living room, remove all the books and give the shelves a thorough dusting.
2. Use paper towels and glass cleaner to clean all glass or mirrored surfaces. Wash the inside of all windows with a damp cloth and soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly. Vacuum windowsills to remove dust. Wash or clean all window coverings (blinds and draperies) following manufacturer's instructions.
3. Using a damp rag, wipe down all light switches, light fixtures and ceiling fans. Clean lampshades with a damp rag or, if they're made of fabric, give them a light once-over with the vacuum, using a brush attachment.
4. Remove all cushions from couches and chairs and vacuum underneath. Vacuum cushions before replacing them and vacuum the back and armrests to remove built-up dust and dirt. If chairs/couches are slipcovered, wash or clean slipcovers according to manufacturer's instructions.
5. Vacuum or sweep floors. If carpet is stained, consider bringing in a professional to steam-clean or shampoo it. Run vacuum (with brush attachment) over baseboards. If built-up dust and dirt don't come off easily, wipe down with a soft, damp rag.
Tip: "Always wash your windows with horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside," recommend the Haleys. "This way, if there are any streaks, you'll know which side of the glass they're on."
Bedroom
Tools: Lint-free rag, feather duster, broom, vacuum, glass cleaner
Tasks
1. Using a feather duster, dust all surfaces including walls, nightstands, dressers, headboard, footboard, bookshelves and knick-knacks. Dust framed photographs and artwork and fabric lampshades.
2. With a slightly damp rag, wipe down light switches, light fixtures (careful! Illuminated lights may be hot), doorknobs and ceiling fans. Clean all glass/mirrored surfaces with paper towels and glass cleaner. Wash windows with a damp cloth and soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, blankets, comforters and mattress pads. Vacuum mattress to remove dust and other allergens. Flip mattress for even wear.
4. Clean all window treatments. Dust wooden or acrylic blinds and wash drapery. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning curtains. Wash windows with warm soapy water; rinse and dry completely. Clean all other glass or mirrored surfaces with a glass cleaner.
5. Sweep or vacuum the floors. Pull furniture out from the wall to get at dust and dirt that is lurking behind and under the bed, nightstand and bookcases.
Tip: A final cleaning hint from the Haleys: "To kill off dust mites from bedding, place the item in a garbage bag. Leave the bag in your freezer for an hour or so."
Top-to-bottom housecleaning is no easy task, but when you're finished, put your feet up and relax. You deserve a break in your sparkling clean home.
Tip: "Always wash your windows with horizontal strokes on the inside and vertical strokes on the outside," recommend the Haleys. "This way, if there are any streaks, you'll know which side of the glass they're on."
BedroomTools: Lint-free rag, feather duster, broom, vacuum, glass cleaner
Tasks
1. Using a feather duster, dust all surfaces including walls, nightstands, dressers, headboard, footboard, bookshelves and knick-knacks. Dust framed photographs and artwork and fabric lampshades.
2. With a slightly damp rag, wipe down light switches, light fixtures (careful! Illuminated lights may be hot), doorknobs and ceiling fans. Clean all glass/mirrored surfaces with paper towels and glass cleaner. Wash windows with a damp cloth and soapy water. Rinse and dry thoroughly.
3. Wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, blankets, comforters and mattress pads. Vacuum mattress to remove dust and other allergens. Flip mattress for even wear.
4. Clean all window treatments. Dust wooden or acrylic blinds and wash drapery. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning curtains. Wash windows with warm soapy water; rinse and dry completely. Clean all other glass or mirrored surfaces with a glass cleaner.
5. Sweep or vacuum the floors. Pull furniture out from the wall to get at dust and dirt that is lurking behind and under the bed, nightstand and bookcases.
Tip: A final cleaning hint from the Haleys: "To kill off dust mites from bedding, place the item in a garbage bag. Leave the bag in your freezer for an hour or so."
Top-to-bottom housecleaning is no easy task, but when you're finished, put your feet up and relax. You deserve a break in your sparkling clean home.