Warm weather is finally here, so it’s time to spring clean. We have some areas we want to remind you to include in your spring-cleaning checklist.

Clean Gutters

It was difficult to get all of the leaves last fall even if you raked before the snow fell. Junk and debris undoubtedly collected in your rain gutters. Grab a ladder and some gloves and remove the collected gunk. You can even use a garden hose to wash water down the downspout. Make sure your downspouts channel water at least five feet from your foundation walls.

Clean outlet covers and return air vents

These are often not areas included in weekly or monthly house cleaning. Some of your outlet covers can be easily taken off of the wall and washed with some soapy water. The return air vents often accumulate a layer of dust. If easily removed, those can be taken off and washed the same way. If not, take a damp rag and wash the grooves to eliminate the dusty buildup. Be careful not to get cut; some of those vents, if metal, can slice your hand.

Faucets and shower heads

We sometimes only notice the water buildup on our showerheads when we are in the middle of a shower and don’t have time to clean it. Take an effortless approach and fill up a plastic bag with vinegar. Tie it around the showerhead and let it soak overnight. The vinegar will break down the hard water deposits and give you back those clean shower heads. This also works for any faucet in your home.

Dryer vents

Many fires are caused by excessive lint built up in the dryer hoses. The lint catcher does not get it all. Make sure you look behind your dryer and disconnect the hose and remove any lint with a brush. You will also want to check the air duct on the outside of your home. You will often find it gathers there as well. With the dryer running, stick a brush in the opening to free up some lint that might need a little nudge. It’s always good to check these vents as they are a popular place for birds to open and crawl in and create nests.

Change Filters

Water filters, furnace filters and your oven hood filters — you have a few varieties in your home. Make sure you change those this time of year. You might even write the date you changed it on your furnace filter so you can remember to change it more often than once a year.



Clean Grill

It’s BBQ season. You will want to take your spring cleaning to the grill. For the inside, you can use an onion to scrub away some of that sticky mess. It also acts as a barrier to keep foods from sticking in the future – it also gives your food a touch of flavor. For the outside of your grill, use some window cleaner and elbow grease. Sometimes you may have to use some grease remover often found at the hardware store. With just a few of these as suggestions, I am sure you’ll find more tasks once you get going. Feel free to let us know other items you think others might overlook. Here’s to sunny weather and a clean home!