Why Wait For Spring? Clean These Parts Of Your Home Now

Spring cleaning gets a ton of attention, but what if we told you now is actually a great time to do some deep cleaning in your home? Before you pull out your holiday decorations and start making plans to host dinners and parties, think about tackling these often-overlooked cleaning projects.

• Clean Your Fridge Inside and Out
  With the holidays coming up, it's a great idea to take everything out of your refrigerator and give it a deep cleaning. Check expiration dates before putting anything back in, and make sure you only keep items you plan to eat before they go bad.
  
  When you're done, it's time to wipe down the outside and clean your coils. Vacuum using a crevice tool and use a long-handled brush to remove pet hair and other debris from in between the coils. If your refrigerator isn't built-in, move it away from the wall and clean underneath.

• Launder Like It's Going Out of Style
  There are few things more satisfying than tackling a large laundry project on a cool fall day. Plan to set aside a day (or a weekend) to wash all of your blankets, throws, curtains, slipcovers, bed skirts, pillows, mattress covers, and all washable comforters.
  
  Before you re-make your bed, turn all of the mattresses over, vacuum them, and spray them with fabric refresher.

• Get the Dust Bunnies Off Your Ceiling Fans
  If you haven't turned your ceiling fan off for a while, you might be shocked by the amount of dust that has collected there. To make the job easy, climb up on a stepladder and put one blade at a time inside a pillowcase. Then, slowly pull it off, catching all of the dust inside.
  
  When you're done, take the case outside, shake it out, and toss it in the laundry. While you're up there, you might also want to switch your fan's direction so it's turning clockwise. This will create an updraft and help circulate warm air around the room.

• Give Your Baseboards a Once-Over
  It might not be the most fun task, but removing dust and scuffs from your baseboard will make a big difference. You can vacuum them with an upholstery attachment to remove dust, then use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to remove scuff marks. If you really want to deep clean, use a Q-tip to remove dust and dirt from the tops and ridges of your baseboards.

• Soak Your Shower Heads
  Mineral build-up can wreak havoc on your stainless steel showerheads. The good news is, it's easy to fix this. Simply put some distilled white vinegar in a small plastic bag and wrap it around your shower head, holding it in place with a rubber band.
  
  Let it sit for a couple of hours so the scale can dissolve. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub it away. If you're cleaning a bronze or brass shower head, note that these are more delicate. In this case, you'll just want to rub the scale away with warm water and a soft cloth.

Don't let this list overwhelm you. Start by choosing just one task, then put on your favorite music and dive right in! You'll be surprised by how quick and easy it is to do and how much of an impact each task will have on your home.

• Spring Décor Updates to Brighten Your Home
• Simple Daily Habits to Maintain a Cleaner Home
• Don't Let Winter Win: How to Freeze-Proof Your Garage
• How to Extend the Life of Your Water Heater
• Winterproofing Windows and Doors: A Guide to Keeping the Cold Out
• How to Future-Proof Your Home for Changing Needs
• Home Happiness 101: Small Upgrades That Can Make Every Day Feel Better
• Fall Cleaning Tips For Decluttering Before the Holidays
• How to Create a Cozy Fall Retreat in Your Backyard
• Why Fall is Prime Time for Window Replacement

• Tips for Transitioning Your Closet From Summer to Fall
• Why September Is the Best Month to Paint Your Home's Exterior

• The Best Home Styles for Enjoying Spring Weather
• What to Do the First Week in Your New Home
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• What to Know About Using Gifted Funds for a Down Payment
• How to Research Crime and Safety
• What Buyers Need to Know About Home Warranties
• Browsing for Homes Online? Follow These Shopping Tips
• How to Look Past Bad Staging
• What Happens If Interest Rates Change After You Buy?
• How to Compare Two Homes You Love

• Post-Holiday Finances: How to Reset Your Budget for Home Buying
• New Year, New Home: How to Set Smart Home-Buying Goals for the Year Ahead

• Packing Tips for Sellers: Preparing for a Spring Move
• What to Store, Donate, or Toss Before Listing
• What Buyers Notice First in Listing Photos
• How Spring Sellers Can Enter The Market With Confidence
• Tax Considerations Home Sellers Should Know About
• The One-Room-at-a-Time Spring Prep Strategy
• What's the Difference Between Listing a Home and Marketing It?
• How to Respond to Buyer Feedback Without Panicking
• Transparency Builds Trust: Why Honesty Sells Homes Faster
• Winter Selling Myths That Shouldn't Keep You From Listing

• The Value of Local Market Knowledge When Selling Your Home
• Selling in Snowy Conditions: Safety, Access, and Presentation Tips