I just love this time of year when the weather starts getting warmer and the air is full of a fresh, dewy, green grass scent! Something about all the buzz and chatter in nature makes me want to really get into deep cleaning and organizing the entire house!
Anyone else like that?
I do like to clean all year, of course, but spring is really the best time to get into deep cleaning.
Sometimes, deep cleaning is more than just feeling the need to do so. There are so many chemicals, allergens, and other unhealthy substances in the air this time of year, cleaning is definitely important for your family (and pets!) well-being.
Besides the typical deep clean of your bathroom, living rooms, bedrooms, floors, etc, there are other weird, less typical things I really enjoy cleaning. These things are sometimes overlooked, but usually the very thing that needs it the most!
1. The Vacuum Cleaner
Weird? It may sound strange, but I cannot stand using the vacuum cleaner when it’s dusty or dirty. In the spring, I take apart the vacuum cleaner, clean the filters and make sure the hoses are clean. This gets rid of dust allergens that can keep floating around the house when you vacuum.
2. The Broom
I clean the broom too! Those bristles get full of so much hair, dirt, and food particles. It is just full of nasty bacteria and even chemicals you don’t want to continue adding to your floor when you sweep.
3. The Pets Food and Water Bowl
Your pet may not necessarily be as messy as my bulldog (who eats like a piggy!), but overtime, those bowls can fill up with bacteria and dirt. I soak his water and food bowl in hot water and vinegar to disinfect and remove any odors too.
4. Microwave Vents
If you have a microwave with an oven vent, you should definitely take it off and clean it! It can get so dirty with grease and other things, it won’t work properly. I always use this amazing, DIY microwave cleaner which you can also use to clean off the vent.
5. Door Cracks
If you have sliding doors, or just regular doors, the cracks around the door can get really dirty! We have a sliding patio door that gets so full of dog hair, dirt, bugs, dust and grass, it definitely needs some cleaning. First I vacuum all around the door, then I whip out the baking soda and vinegar to clean the rest.
Other than that, I always clean the usual things like fans, ceiling fans, appliances, washing machine, dryer, mattresses…pretty much anything we touch!
Another thing to think about is cleaning things that are part of your home like pipes, vents, and checking the insulation! Save this spring cleaning guide below to make sure you check for problem areas in your home, especially if your home is older!
[Tweet “Super important overlooked cleaning areas for your home! @chemistrycachet”]
If you have a home that is older than the 1970s, definitely make sure if it asbestos free! Asbestos has been banned since then, but it can still be present in older structures rare cancer called mesothelioma, you can read more about it here on the Mesothelioma + Asbestos Awareness Center website.
True story, when I was taking a qualitative analysis chemistry class in college, we had a HUGE jar of asbestos sitting on the shelf. It had been part of a building that was torn down on campus and was used for testing years ago. We obviously didn’t use it for anything, but it was there!
What are your favorite things to spring clean? Do you have any weird, unique areas that you always clean?
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Sure do appreciate all these reminders and tips on cleaning. I always clean the seen surfaces but have neglected the unseen. Many thanks, guess I’ll get busy, lol
I tend to do the same thing!! Or sometimes I get carried away with all the unseen things…I forget about the visible stuff 🙂
I feel like doing a deep cleanse, right now!!
elle
Southern Elle Style
Right?? I plan on doing some this weekend for sure!
I love these tips Alexis I am going to be back to read them thoroughly – thanks for sharing with Pin worthy Wednesday
Thank you!! I hope you find it useful 🙂
Great tips, I’ll try the baking soda and vinegar in my doorways!
Thanks girl! I love using that combination…really cleans up all that grit!
Great post and great info Alexis. Yikes! I don’t want to look at my broom – ew gross! I empty the vacuum cleaner chamber (obviously) but don’t dissemble the filter out. I wash the pet bowls often – hot soapy water and a paper towel (NOT the sponge!) – what ratio of water to vinegar do you use for the bowls? Oh, the ceiling fan needs cleaning so bad! Actually, my other fans need their blades cleaned, too… And the shower curtain! Well, adding to the to-do list…
I typically fill the sink with some hot water, then add a cup or so of vinegar. I just let it soak for about 30 minutes, and his bowl is so shiny after! He has a stainless steel food bowl and it gets so GROSS! lol Oh I know, so much to do!!!
This is a great post. I don’t clean these things nearly enough. Or ever (microwave vent). Time to step up my cleaning game.
Thank you! I never cleaned my microwave until a few years ago. I was pretty grossed out by the looks of it too! It was at least five years old and never cleaned 😮
I definitely need to do all of these!! And wash the windows. Gah!!
Evelina @ Fortunate House
I need to get on the windows too! I truly hate window cleaning over anything else lol
Ok I really need to get cracking on my spring cleaning. So many of those things you listed, I have defintely overlooked and need to clean asap.
It is so easy to overlook!! Especially the broom! 🙂
I’ve never thought of using baking soda and vinegar on the doorways! That’s such a great tip!
It works so great! Plus, super easy to just whip out for a quick clean 🙂 Thanks girl!
I am terrible when it comes to cleaning really I suck I don’t like to do it much to the annoyance of my daughter
I definitely have to be in the mood for it!! 🙂
Great ideas here! I’m new here love your blog! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Pinned & sharing on FB! Have a great week!
Kim
Thanks Kim! I am so happy you stopped by my blog, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for sharing too! Have a great day!
Oh My! These are some great reminders. I definitely take care of the vacuum and broom — I can’t stand to clean with dirty tools. The dog bowl gets cleaned almost daily, messy messy girl. I should probably check on the vent and doorway though… eesh! Thanks so much for sharing at Funtastic Friday.
Thanks Mistie! There are so many places that get dirty in the house…it’s crazy!!! Have a wonderful day!