Here comes spring! The birds are chirping, the sun is shining, and that little voice inside you is whispering… "It's time to clean!" While the thought might not always spark joy, the feeling of a sparkling clean home definitely will. This year, let's simplify cleaning by focusing on three areas: floors, cabinets, and window coverings. With a little planning and elbow grease, you can transform your space into a fresh and inviting haven ready for an awesome summer.
Here's our step by step guide to getting an easy deep-clean done. As with any good cleaning process, we recommend moving from top to bottom. That means starting with window coverings!
Our window coverings often get overlooked, but they collect a surprising amount of dust. Here’s how to freshen them up:
Emptying your cabinets is a daunting task, but it’s the first step to truly clean them. While you’re at it, take the opportunity to declutter and organize! For the cleaning itself, you’ll need mild dish soap, warm water, two microfiber cloths (one for washing, one for drying), a soft brush for those tricky crevices, and furniture polish (optional, for wood cabinets). Extra messy cabinets may benefit from a quick vacuum with a hand vac or vacuum extension attachment.
Dust everything first – inside and out. Then, mix a little dish soap with warm water, dip your cloth, wring it out (very important!), and wipe down all surfaces. Rinse with a clean, damp cloth, and then – crucial step – dry thoroughly with another clean cloth. If you have wood cabinets, a little furniture polish after drying can bring back their shine.
Step 1: First things first, declutter! Kick those stray shoes, forgotten toys, and rogue area rugs to the curb (or at least another room) to give yourself a clear cleaning canvas. Don't forget to open those windows and let the fresh air flow!
Step 2: Gather your arsenal: broom or vacuum, mop, bucket, floor-appropriate cleaner, and microfiber cloths or mops. We like to keep it simple at Del Mar Carpet One, which is why we recommend the Pallmann Floor Cleaning Kit. It includes microfiber cleaning and dusting pads, as well as one floor cleaning spray you can use on all your hard surfaces: Tile, Hardwood, Laminate, and Luxury Vinyl Plank.
Step 3: Start with the Hard Surface areas. It's easy for dust bunnies to float from hard surface floors onto any carpeted areas, so you'll make life easier for your self if you clean your hard surfaces first. Sweep or vaccuum up the loose dirt, and then use a slightly damp microfiber mop and a cleaner. For hardwood, laminate, and LVT, the key here is slightly damp – avoid soaking the floor! Even with a water-resistent floor, there can be vulnerable areas at the seams, so don't risk it by flooding it with liquid. After washing, finish by buffing with a dry microfiber cloth. If you're cleaning tile, tackle stubborn grout stains with a grout brush and a paste of baking soda and water, or a commercial grout cleaner. Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Step 4: Carpet! Vacuuming is your first line of defense. Give your carpet a thorough once-over, paying attention to edges and corners. If you've gone a long time without vacuuming, that may be because your vacuum is too bulky and annoying to get out. This might be the perfect opportunity to purchase a small hand vacuum or a Bissell Cordless Electric Sweeper to make quick clean ups faster in the future. If you've got ant stains on the carpet, spot treat them with carpet stain remover. Our favorite brand is Vanish Pro, made in nearby Manassa! Whatever product you choose, be sure to follow the directions well. You may also want to consider getting a professional carpet cleaner, which may be required to maintain the warranty on your carpet.
So, there you have it – your guide to a refreshed and revitalized home this spring. If this is the spring when you finally treat yourself to that new floor or a remodeled kitchen, reach out to us and we'll help you create your ideal space.