Howcast

Dogear

You Will Need

  • Dust cloths
  • Squeegee
  • Vacuum
  • Brushes
  • Broom
  • Mop
  • Toothbrushes
  • Steam cleaner
  • Cleansers
  • Sanitizers
  1. Step 1

    Anticipate the season

    Anticipate the summer by dusting your ceiling fan blades and switching the fans to rotate counterclockwise during warm months. Wash your blinds and windows warm, soapy water, using a rubber-edged squeegee to save hand-wiping time.

  2. Step 2

    Get behind

    Move furniture around with some help from family members to make it go faster, and clean behind the couch and tables. Use the vacuum's crevice tool along baseboards, heating vents, door frames, and windowsills.

  3. Tip

    Use a soft-bristle brush for delicate surfaces like light bulbs and china, and a stiffer brush for window tracks and computer keyboards.

  4. Step 3

    Clear webs and dust

    Clear cobwebs and dust from ceilings and corners with a broom or a mop covered with a soft cloth instead of wasting time climbing up and down a ladder. Dust the light fixtures and door frames while you're at it.

  5. Step 4

    Clean the fridge

    Break up hardened food stains inside your refrigerator with a solution of 2 tablespoons baking soda for every quart of warm water, getting into nooks and crannies with a toothbrush. Don't forget to vacuum the condenser.

  6. Step 5

    Clean carpets, curtains

    Clean carpets, rugs, and curtains with a steam cleaner and use the upholstery attachment to clean your curtains.

  7. Tip

    Open the windows when using bleach or toxic chemicals.

  8. Step 6

    Tackle bathroom

    Tackle the bathroom, wiping down and sanitizing the tub, tiles, and floors. Save time by throwing your shower curtain and liner in the washing machine instead of washing them by hand.

  9. Step 7

    Get outside

    Spend the time you saved on cleaning by going outside and enjoying this spring weather.

  10. Fact

    The Environmental Protection Agency's Total Exposure Assessment Methodology studies found organic chemicals in homes created air pollution levels two to five times higher than outside.

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