How to Improve Your Indoor Air Quality: Spring Cleaning

Sunday, March 20^th marks the first day of spring and some of you may already be planning your annual home clean-up. To help jumpstart the process and make your life a little easier, we’ve compiled a room-by-room checklist to ensure your home gets a through cleaning. We aim to ease the pain and improve your overall indoor air quality.

Kitchen

Key - When cleaning the kitchen, work your way from top to bottom so you're gradually cleaning your way out of the kitchen. 

• Clean out the fridge and wipe down the inside and outside, especially the handle.
• Move the fridge, sweep, vacuum, and mop.
• Wash the outside and inside of kitchen cabinets.
• Spray and wipe down the sink including the faucet.
• Thoroughly clean the inside, outside, and top of the oven.
• Clean the inside and outside of the microwave.
• Organize the pantry.
• Wipe off the light switch and around the door frame.
• Remove all items from the countertops then spray and wipe down.
• Wipe off the top of the fridge.
• Spray and wipe down the trash can.
• The last thing you want to do is sweep or vacuum the floor, then mop when you’ve completed all other tasks above.

Living Room

•        Vacuum upholstery.
•        Wipe the top of ceiling fans.
•        Wash all pillows and blankets using steam only.
•        Wipe down the front door inside and out.
•        Wax wooden furniture.
•        Vacuum and shampoo rugs.
•        Wipe down any windows inside and out.
•        Wipe down walls.
•        Wipe down light switches.
•        Vacuum the ceiling, especially all corners.
•        Clean the door knob inside and out.
•        Dust all picture frames, lamps, tables, and the television.

Bedroom

•        Vacuum the ceiling, especially all corners.
•        Organize drawers and closet(s). 
•        Wash all bedding and pillows.
•        Flip your mattress or topper.
•        Wipe down the inside and outside of all windows.
•        Wipe all light switches.
•        Vacuum the corners inside of your closet.
•        Rearranging the room will allow you to clean more and start with a fresh view.

Bathroom

Key – When cleaning the bathroom, work your way from top to bottom so you’re gradually cleaning your way out of the bathroom.

•        Spray and wipe down the mirror.
•        Disinfect the entire shower/tub from top to bottom.
•        Spray and wipe down countertops.
•        Replace shower liner or curtain if mold accumulates.
•        Spray and wipe down sink and faucet.
•        Spray and wipe down each part of the toilet, including inside of the bowl and the back.
•        Wash floor mats.
•        Wipe off light switch.
•      Clean out medicine cabinet and wipe down shelves.
•      Sweep and mop floor. 

Each Room & Home

•        Wash inside and outside of windows and screens.
•        Dust and wipe off light fixtures and lamps.
•        Remove, vacuum, and wash vents.
•        Wash and wipe ceilings, doors, walls and window sills.
•        Remove drapes and wash.
•        Dust and wipe off light fixtures and lamps.
•        Replace all burnt out light bulbs.
•        Dust off blinds.
•        Store all winter items in sealed waterproof bins.
•        Check fire extinguisher expiration.
•        Ensure all major electronics are plugged into a surge protector.
•        Replace batteries for smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Miscellaneous  

• Ensure the first aid kit is updated and throw away expired medications.
• Donate all old or unwanted clothing and other items to local community organizations like, The Salvation Army or Goodwill.
• Clean out the garage, basement, and attic while donating all unwanted items to local community organizations.
• Sweep off porches and driveways, power wash for best cleaning.

Check in with The Energy Experts of Pro Energy Consulting each month for more tips and tricks on keeping your home clean and safe.