Spring Has Sprung
Whether you run from spring cleaning or jump for joy as you gather up sponges, buckets, and dusters, there is no doubt that spring is a great time to give your home a refresh. Spring cleaning is a custom that goes back centuries and is practiced in many ways in different parts of the world.
But no matter how or why you take on cleaning the house this spring, the AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling team is here to remind you of those easy-to-miss spots and often forgotten tasks that if completed, will definitely make your season cleaner and brighter.
Kitchen & Bathroom
Your plumbing system is definitely in need of some attention this spring. Sure, that includes scrubbing the toilet and wiping down the tub, but it also means tackling the following areas, no matter how icky they may seem.
Drains
Your drains could likely use a cleaning in order to allow water to pass through more easily. The best part about this spring cleaning task is that you don’t have to do it yourself! Simply give AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call to schedule an appointment and we’ll get your drains cleared and sparkling again.
Shower Curtain and Liner
While not a literal part of your plumbing, this is a task that is necessary for a clean and healthy bathroom. Be sure to take down your shower curtain and liner and give both a good clean. Most curtains can be tossed in the washing machine; however, you’ll want to break out the rubber gloves for the liner. Scrub it with white vinegar to disinfect and rinse with hot water. Then allow it to dry flat completely before replacing it on your shower bar.
If the liner has an excessive amount of mold or mildew growth, it is best to throw it out and purchase a new one.
Dishwasher
While the dishwasher sees a lot of water and soap every day, it may not be as clean as you think it is. The filter accumulates bits of food, grease, and soap scum and over time can become full and clogged. Locate the filter at the bottom of the appliance and remove it. Empty the contents into the garbage and gently clean the filter in warm, soapy water.
To rid your dishwasher of any lingering smells, place a small cup or bowl of white vinegar on the bottom rack and run a normal cycle. The vinegar will help disinfect and deodorize the machine!
Washer & Dryer
Just like your dishwasher, the washing machine is not self cleaning! Add a splash of white vinegar and water to the machine and run a cycle to freshen things up. Then take a sponge and soapy water and clean around the seal and buttons on the machine.
Dryers can accumulate a lot of dust and lint, so be sure to give it an extra clean this spring. Clean out the lint trap thoroughly and dust away any excess lint, taking care to sweep behind and along the sides of the machine as well.
Fixtures
Your showerhead and faucets are easy targets for hard water build-up. If you notice a white, orange, or green powder-like substance on these fixtures, use a solution of white vinegar and water to scrub it away.
You can also fill a plastic bag with the solution and secure the bag over your showerhead with a rubber band, leaving it to soak for a few hours. This will help your faucets to run smoother and increase water pressure once again.
Toilet Base
Most homeowners clean their toilet basin and seat and call it a day. While these items should be cleaned regularly, it is important to remember to clean the base of your toilet as well. Often forgotten, the base of your toilet can quickly become covered in dust, hair, and a whole host of bacteria.
Be sure to wipe all the visible grime away and disinfect with spray or white vinegar to keep the germs to a minimum.
Towels and Rugs
It can be easy to forget to clean your bathroom and kitchen rugs, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t in need of it! Your bathroom rugs, as well as hand and bath towels, should be tossed in the washer once a week to lessen the chance of mold growth and bacterial spread. The same goes for your kitchen rugs and towels.
While they’re in the wash, be sure to sweep and mop these rooms to cut down on dust and stickiness.
HVAC
Did you know your HVAC system plays a large part in keeping your home clean? This is why it is important to remember it when making your spring cleaning to-do list.
Filters
Air filters are responsible for removing pollutants from your home’s air. These pollutants include dust mites, dander, and mold spores. Once a filter becomes clogged, it can no longer do its job, and your air quality will begin to suffer.
Keep the air fresh and clean this season and replace your air filter at least once every three months for best results. If you have a furry friend in the home or you suffer from allergies, consider replacement every month.
Dusting the Home
Another way to help your HVAC out this spring is to keep up with dusting hard to reach any forgotten places. This will cut down on the amount of pollutants that are picked up from surfaces and flow throughout the home. Some of the most forgotten places to dust include:
- Baseboards
- Vent covers
- Ceiling Fans
- Inside and on top of cupboards
- Door and window frames
Be sure to get these areas every week or so to help improve your indoor air quality.
Outside Units
If your HVAC unit has an outdoor component, now is the time to prepare it for the cooling season ahead. Remove any sticks, leaves, and other debris from around the unit, allowing it to have plenty of room to breather.
Take care to remove this debris from the fins as well. You can remove smaller foliage and dust from the fins with the help of a fin comb which you can find at your local hardware store.
If your hose is all hooked up and ready for the season, go ahead and give your unit a good rinse, washing away all the fall and winter grime that has accumulated.
Tune-Ups
Our final spring cleaning task you should never overlook is scheduling an HVAC tune-up appointment with the technicians at AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling. During this visit, the tech will clean your unit and fix any existing issues. This also gives them the opportunity to spot any potential issues that could arise soon.
This appointment will get your HVAC in great shape for the long AC season ahead!
If you’re ready to get a jump on spring cleaning, give AWS Plumbing, Heating & Cooling a call at (516) 217-2196! Our expert NYC and Long Island technicians are ready to take on your drain cleanings and HVAC tune-ups today!