Page 18 - AAA Every Day – AAA Hudson Valley – March/April 2021

HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE
Spring Cleaning 101
Since we have been spending a lot more time at home this year, yours could probably use a good clean. Here are some helpful hints for how to tackle your mess and get your house spotless and sparkling.
Declutter – The most daunting task is usually starting with the mess in front of you. After the holidays especially, you likely have packaging and perhaps even gifts you have yet to put away. A common habit that often leads
to clutter is the collection of mail and other random documents. Go through your papers and see what you can get rid of and what you want to keep. Check your fridge and pantry for expired items. The same goes for your makeup and medicine cabinets. Are there clothes you haven’t worn in a while? Look for organizations accepting gently used clothing and donate. Tip: Open your “junk drawer” and toss things you don’t use. It could surprise you how much actual junk you’ve accumulated.
Organize – Now that you’ve pared down your belongings and thrown things out, it’s time to create a system for what you have kept. Sometimes getting items like mail organizers and portable drawer units can help you exponentially. It’s also important to create a system so that you remember where things are when you need them. Label boxes before you store them in places like your garage, basement or attic. Tip: If closet and counter space is an issue in your home, think of how you can utilize your walls and other surfaces. Under-the-bed storage is a college hack that works in your adult home, as well.
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Clean – OK, now comes the fun part. Time to say goodbye to all the dirt, germs and other buildup. Before you use any liquids, it is important to clear surfaces
of dust and debris. Make sure you get places like baseboards, ceiling fans, curtain rods and window sills that can sometimes be out of sight, out of mind. It is highly recommended that when doing a deep clean and disinfecting you use products that are eco-friendly and nontoxic, especially if you have pets or kiddos running around. Don’t forget all of your high-touch areas like faucets, drawer pulls and door handles. The final step should be your floors. Tip: Always check to make sure you are not mixing products that will have adverse reactions. Look for products that are bleach or ammonia- free.
Unclog – This part is not pretty, but you’ve probably got some areas in the house you only hit once or twice a year, if ever. Places like your kitchen sink and shower drain are secret spots where backup happens that you don’t always notice until it is too late. Using items like
a drain catch can be a simple fix to help prevent this blockage. Tip: Know what your pipes can handle. If you end up needed to unclog something yourself, especially if you’re renting, check first and see which products are recommended.
Other odds and ends to remember when spring cleaning include indoor appliances like your toaster, oven and microwave and outdoor accessories like doormats and patio furniture. Good luck and happy scrubbing!
18 I MAR/APR 2021