5 spring cleaning tips to wipe away your winter blues

By Mimi Ng
February 04, 2018

Spring is just around the corner, and you're probably starting to see the work that needs to be done around your home. Yes, it’s time for some spring cleaning. And what better way is there to wipe away those winter blues and start fresh? Here are some tips that will help bring this sprightly season into your home.

1. Clean the windows

Cleaning your windows is the first step, which can take a significant amount of time if ladders are involved. Use warm water with a bit of dish soap or vinegar to give windows a sparkling shine. Be careful when using a ladder – ensure it's locked in the proper position and that someone is spotting you.

2. Change the direction of ceiling fans

Clean your ceiling fans and change the direction of their flow. During the winter, most fans are set to spin in a clockwise rotation, which creates an upward draft to redistribute the warm air throughout the room. In the summer, ceiling fans should be spinning counter clockwise to create a nice breeze while you sleep. If you don’t have ceiling fans, now is the time to consider installing them. They are efficient and allow you to avoid using an air conditioner on mild summer nights.

3. Dust the light bulbs

Did you know that dirty light bulbs shed 30 per cent less light and not only waste electricity, but shorten the lifespan of a bulb? Spring is a great time to dust your light bulbs. Simply unscrew the bulbs and polish them with a damp micro-fibre cloth – just avoid wetting the metal screw base. Clean the bulbs in recessed ceiling fixtures with a telescoping duster to make those sparkle, too!

4. Wipe down your blinds

Washing blinds can be a daunting chore, but it should be done once or twice a year. Wipe wooden or composite blinds with a few drops of gentle cleaner on a nearly dry sponge. Aluminium blinds can be washed outdoors by placing them on a clean surface, wetting them with a hose and then scrubbing them with an eco-friendly dish soap solution. Use the hose again to rinse them off and then dry the blinds thoroughly with a towel to prevent any rust.

5. Get rid of winter clothes

Finally, it’s a great time to go through all your winter clothes and purge before putting them away until the fall. Likewise, it’s also a great time to rummage through your summer clothes and decide which items are not going to make the cut this year. This keeps your closet free of clutter and may even lead to a shopping trip.

 

Happy spring!

About Mimi Ng

Mimi Ng is the vice president of sales & marketing at Menkes Developments. She is responsible for the sales and marketing of new condominium communities across the GTA. Mimi has 20 years of experience in the real estate industry and previously worked in private consulting, focusing on market research and analysis for housing projects throughout Southern Ontario and Eastern Canada.

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