Before you turn on the fan this summer, remove dust and debris using an old pillowcase. Spray the interior of the pillowcase with an all-purpose cleaner and slip it over one of the blades. As you wipe, grime gets trapped inside the pillowcase instead of falling on furniture or floors. After cleaning, reverse the direction of the blades, so the fan brings cold air downward instead of pushing warm air around the room.
Working one section at a time, do a summer clean out, transfer items you want to keep to a cooler. Check expiration dates. Toss anything past its prime. Wipe down fridge surfaces with a damp cloth. Was removable shelves and drawers at the sink with warm water and dish soap.
Use them to brush spider webs from windows, screens, railings, porch ceilings, mailboxes, window boxes, and foundation plantings. Sweep porch and deck floors daily to remove debris deposited by wind, rain, incoming traffic, and critters.
Dip a cloth into a solution of 1/4 cup of Murphy Oil Soap ($5, Target) and a gallon of warm water. Wring the cloth and wipe cabinet fronts, paying special attention to areas around the knobs. Dry with a clean cloth.
Kuper recommends doing this monthly. Otherwise, grime adheres, and when you try to remove it, the cabinet finish could come off with the greasy residue.
Rinse furniture with a garden hose fitted with a spray nozzle.Gently scrub using a soft cloth and a cleaning product designed for the material (such as a glass cleaner or oil soap for wood) or a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water. )Avoid using bleach, which can damage patio furniture and nearby plantings).Rinse and let air dry.
Clean the shower while you’re showering using a Mr. Clean Eraser sponge ($3, Walmart) and a squeegee. Swish a brush around the toilet bowl daily; use a pumice stone to remove rings and stains. Wipe mirrors with a finely woven microfiber cloth, which won’t leave streaks or lint, and use one sprayed with vinegar to wipe down countertops. Clean sinks with an eraser sponge; shine sinks and faucets with a microfiber cloth. Wipe floors with a damp towel or mop. Since it’s summer, hang wet bath mats and damp towels outside to quick-dry in the sun.
Follow Reichert’s summer cleaning tips for how scrubbing a gas grill: Turn it on and let the grates get hot.
Place a cut lemon on a long-handled fork, dip it into a bowl of salt, and rub it across the grates. The lemon’s acid will cut grease, and the salt acts as a scrubbing agent.Scrub especially dirty grates with a block of pumice, then wash grates well to remove pumice dust.Avoid using metal brushes, Reichert says, because the bristles can break off and can get into your food.
Here’s the best way to clean them:
As soon as possible, brush away debris and treat grass stains with a prewash spray or a solution of 1 part white vinegar and 2 parts water. Let the solution sit for 5 minutes. Machine-wash the stained clothing in an enzyme detergent and the hottest water safe for the fabric.
When on a ladder, use a four-prong garden tool in a plowing motion to push leaves out of gutters. Wear latex gloves under work gloves to keep hands dry and protected from odors. Finally, use a hose with a spray nozzle to flush all remaining dirt from the gutters and clear downspouts of debris.
Use your vacuum cleaner and a blower attachment to blow out hard-to-reach dirt. Try using a dusting brush and a vacuum to remove caked-on grime. Use your vacuum to clean all interior heating vents of dust and dirt. Wash removable filters with hydrogen peroxide and let them dry before putting them back, or replace an old filter with a new one.
Throw out or donate unwanted tools, building materials, and other no-longer-used items. Wash windows and give the floor, walls, and ceiling a good sweep. Put up racks and shelves to stow practical and recreational trappings.
Mop all types of floors with cotton terry cloth or recycled hand towels, which can be tossed in the washer and reused. Clean linoleum and vinyl floors with a solution of 1 tablespoon baby shampoo or 1/2 teaspoon eco-friendly all-purpose cleaner and 1 gallon of water. You can also add 1/2 cup distilled white vinegar for extra cleaning power. For wood and laminate floors, spritz a towel with a solution of 1 part distilled vinegar to 30 parts water until the cloth is just damp enough for mopping. Stone and tile floors can be mopped with cotton towels moistened with very hot water. Beware that cleaners and vinegar will pit and damage stone and tile finishes.
Place mats at every entrance for wiping feet. Keep floors cleaner longer by asking guests to remove their shoes as they come in the door.
Soak sponges and dishcloths in a solution of 1/4 cup bleach and a gallon of water daily for 5 minutes to keep them clean and germ-free. Be sure to rinse well after soaking. Pour white vinegar down drains to banish yucky scents. On trash day, wash out garbage and recycling bins with bleach and water.
Wash your hands for 20 seconds with warm water and soap before and after preparing fresh produce. Cut away any damaged or bruised areas; throw away outer leaves of lettuce and cabbage heads. Gently rub veggies while holding them under plain running water until dirt is gone. Always wash produce before peeling, as dirt can be transferred from knives and peelers. Use a clean vegetable brush to scrub firm produce, such as melons and cucumbers. Dry all produce with a clean cloth to further reduce bacteria.
