
By Kim Blaker
The Basics – for Every Room in Your Home
- Dust wall and ceiling light fixtures, then remove globes and wash them out.
- Dust ceiling fan blades.
- Remove cobwebs with a vacuum and brush attachment.
- Remove and wash window coverings and dust the top of curtain rods and window trim.
- Remove wall hangings, knick-knacks, and other décor, and rinse in warm soapy water.
- Wash doors and knobs and the dust that collects on top of doors and entryway trim.
- Wipe walls with an all-purpose cleaning solution. Touch up scuffs and chips with paint.
- Clean switch plates.
- Empty cabinets, drawers, and organizers, then wipe them inside and out.
- Wash windows and sills, and don’t forget the tracks.
- Vacuum upholstered furniture from top to bottom and under cushions, paying particular attention to creases and crevices where dust and grunge build up.
- Vacuum lampshades with a soft bristle attachment.
- Unplug electrical cords and wipe with a damp rag to remove built-up dust.
- Wipe baseboards, then vacuum carpet edges with a narrow attachment.
- Vacuum and mop under furniture and other stationary items.
Kitchen — Contamination Zones
- Dust the top of kitchen cabinets.
- Remove grease and grime from small kitchen appliances.
- Clean stove, oven, refrigerator, and dishwasher inside and out.
- Wipe the built-up grunge on the top of the garbage disposal with a rag, add ice and lemon slices, and run the disposal to clean and freshen the blades.
- Scrub countertops with a mild abrasive or degreaser.
- Wipe the table and chairs from top to bottom.
Bedroom Odds’ n Ends
- Remove items from under the bed, dust off storage containers, and dispose of clutter.
- Vacuum under beds using attachments.
- Eliminate unwanted articles from drawers.
The Bathroom — Scour and Disinfect
- Remove and launder shower curtain and liner, bathmat, toilet cover, and rugs.
- Scour tub and shower from top to bottom, inside and out. Use a toothbrush to remove mold, mildew, and soap scum accumulation around the drain, faucet, knobs, and showerhead.
- Clean glass shower doors inside and out, including the track.
- Spray exterior of toilets with a sanitizing solution and wipe down.
- Remove the toilet seat, and clean the bolts where odors linger.
- Use a deodorizing solution on the baseboard and wall behind the toilet.
- Wash toilet brush container and wastebasket.
- Scrub sink and countertop, including grooves around the drain, faucet, and knobs.
- Dust the top edge of mirrors, towel racks, and other accessories.
Closets — the Always Forgotten
- Dust shelving, brackets, and rods.
- Organize shelves and eliminate unneeded items.
- Remove clothing you haven’t worn in two years.
- Dust shoe racks and rarely worn shoes.
Attic and Garage — Clutter Havens
- Install racks, shelving, and hooks, then organize and eliminate clutter.
- Dust shelving and stored items.
- Store odds and ends in same-size boxes or containers for easy stacking.
- Remove oil, paint, and other stains from concrete with trisodium phosphate. Be sure to follow directions carefully and protect the skin and eyes.
Outdoors — Dirt, Dirt Everywhere
- Hose down siding and windows.
- Wash screens with soapy water, then rinse with a hose.
- Scrub doormats with an all-purpose cleaner and a brush, then rinse.
- Spray off patio furniture, then wipe clean.
- Clean light fixtures.
- Remove lint from dryer vent and nests and hives that have formed on or near the house.
Time-Saving Tips
- Gather cleaning tools and supplies before you get started. Have plenty of rags, an old toothbrush,
q-tips, toothpicks, cleaning solutions, spray bottle, step stool or small ladder, and vacuum and attachments. - Work room-by-room for efficiency and to avoid duplicating or missing tasks.
- Work around the room from top to bottom.
- Play music as you clean. It may not save time, but it will make time pass more quickly.
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