Spring cleaning is not entirely a thing of the past

Spring is a time of refreshment and renewal. Prior to today's modern conveniences, homes were heated with coal, oil, and / or wood, which caused dirt to build up in winter.

In the past, housewives would open the entire house for a thorough cleaning after the end of winter. Fortunately, many houses no longer accumulate dirt as much as they used to. However, spring awakens the desire to wipe off the winter grime and make our homes cool again.

The American Cleaning Institute has a wealth of cleaning skills for every situation. ACI recommends the following strategies for a successful spring cleaning.

Clean up the mess

Over time, houses can fill up with items that we don't use. First, tidy up your possessions and remove the items that you no longer need. Depending on the item, you can recycle, sell or give it away.

Supplies Inventory Make sure you have all the supplies you need before you begin cleaning.

Decide whether you want to clean one room at a time or split the cleaning into specific tasks, e.g. B. clean all windows at the same time. Prioritize the areas and complete them in that order.

Call the family and make it a fun day out. You can even hide goodies in places that need cleaning. If family members cannot help you, consider teaming up with a friend and cleaning the houses together.

Detergents can be a drain on your wallet, especially if you buy specialty products. Some detergents are easy to make at home, save money, and know exactly what the product contains.

Many surfaces can be cleaned effectively with soap and water. In some situations, however, disinfectants are required to further reduce the germs, or disinfectants to destroy germs. Regardless of the solution, always clearly label the containers and follow the instructions on the product.

Here are some DIY detergent recipes:

• All-purpose cleaner: 2 tablespoons of borax, ¼ cup of vinegar, 2 cups of hot water. Combine the ingredients in a spray bottle or bucket. Apply and clean;

• Window washers: ¼ cup of white vinegar, 1 tablespoon of cornstarch, 1 liter of warm water. Mix the ingredients, apply with a sponge or spray. Clean with a cotton or microfiber cloth.

• Oven cleaner: ¾ cup of baking soda, ¼ cup of non-iodized salt, ¼ cup of water, steel wool (if necessary). Make a paste with the first three ingredients. Distribute in the oven (do not insert metal parts or openings). Let stand overnight. Remove with a plastic spatula and dry. Carefully scrub stubborn stains with steel wool.

More information is available at cleaninstitute.org . House cleaning instructions from the University of Tennessee Extension.

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