Ahh Spring Cleaning that annual tradition of getting under, behind and deep into all those places that attract and hold onto dust and grime in your home. It is like a breath of fresh air on a sunny day when completed but it can be a weeklong task to get it done! You can make decisions when building your custom home that can make this tradition a little easier. Here are some considerations and tips and tricks:
Windows are glorious for letting in natural light and influencing the look of a home. Unfortunately, windows can be tricky to clean inside and out. To make the task easier consider these questions when selecting your windows:
- Accessibility to the outside – do the windows lift, tilt and/or pivot to provide access?
- Mullions – are they sandwiched in between the glass for easy cleaning or on top creating mini sections each collecting its own border of dirt requiring meticulous work to remove?
- Screens – are they easy and non-marking to remove
- Frames – do they provide simple clean lines or are they architectural wonder pieces creating multiple levels for dust and grime to collect?
Tips and Tricks:
- Clean windows with a solution of 2:1 water and vinegar using a clean cloth
- Q-tips work great for getting into corners to remove mildew from winter condensation
- Use your garden hose to spray screens clean and then replace once dry
- A little baking soda will easily remove any screen marks from your trim without scratching the paint
Window Coverings provide privacy and décor but also consider:
- Can they be easily cleaned – wiped down like a roller blind
- How many parts are involved e.g. venetian blinds
- Do draperies need to be dry cleaned, hand washed or vacuumed?
Trim accents your doors, windows and walls creating architectural interest and more places for dust to collect! To easily keep your trim clean consider:
- Clean lines that are easily accessed
- Larger edges versus narrow
- Ornate carvings are beautiful to behold but more time consuming to clean
Tips and Tricks:
- Vacuuming trim with a floor or furniture brush removes the dust and stops it from being wiped into corners and edges
- Baking soda removes shoe and furniture marks from trim without damaging the paint
Flooring
- Grout lines that are tightly spaced allow less dirt collection
- Large tile sizes mean less grout lines
- The deeper the pile of carpet and rugs the deeper the dirt!
- Weathered hardwood hides scratches and wear
Tips and Tricks:
- Sprinkle baking soda on grout lines then spray with vinegar. Leave for a few minutes then the grime releases easily with a light scrub.
- Sprinkle baking soda on carpet and leave for a few hours before vacuuming to deodorize
Cabinetry
- Smooth panels with touch release are easiest to wipe down
- Larger hardware allows you to easily clean around it and requires less touching of the cabinets
- Detailing such as raised panels and ornate carvings or columns require more work to clean
Tips and Tricks:
- Vacuuming cabinetry with a furniture brush removes the dust and stops it from being wiped into corners and edges
- Wiping cabinets with soap and water after vacuuming removes any stains, spills and finger marks
Countertops
- Do they require regular sealing like marble or granite
Vent hood degreasing
- Ease of accessibility
- Does it come apart easily and go back together easily
Tips and Tricks:
- Baking soda works great for removing any grease build up
Ceiling Heights
- Are those cob webs accessible?
- Can you get to your light fixtures to dust?
- Can you access your sky lights?
Tips and Tricks:
- Extendable rods make reaching cob webs and dust in high corners safe and easy
One of the joys of building a custom home is making the choices that satisfy your personal lifestyle and preferences, including spring cleaning traditions!
Contact Dalzotto Homes at 905 335 8799 to learn more about building your dream custom home.