• Windows. Wash windows, wipe down sills, and clean screens by vacuuming first and then rinsing with a hose outside. Wait until the yellow pollen season is over to do this or you may need to repeat again.

• Floors. Wash and polish those hardwood floors after the beating they got from winter boots and wet paws.

• Carpets and Upholstery. Hire a professional to clean your carpets ad upholstery thoroughly. If not every year, every second year might be sufficient.

• Tile. Clean yucky tile grout to make your bathrooms and kitchens shine. If you have ceramic tile, the grout can start to look dirty and stained. An old toothbrush and some vinegar and baking soda are a good start. You can reseal the grout or stain it with new color too. For tiles, give then a deeper clean than usual and reseal if needed.

• Countertops. Clean and reseal countertops as required. It’s easier than you think to do this yourself. Youtube has some amazing tutorials.

• Electronics. Wipe down all of your electronic devices from TV and computer screens, printers, keyboards , etc. Use LCD or microfiber cloths to rub away fingerprints and dust.  Look for an electronic recycle center or place to bring your unused cell phones, printers, monitors etc. 

• Vents. Have you ever cleaned your bathroom vents? Take off the cover, clean it with soap and water. Vacuum any dust in nooks and crannies too. It might be time to get your ducts professionally cleaned now that winter is over.

• Chimney/Fireplace. Clean up ashes after your last fire of the season and close the damper to prevent rainwater, animals, and drafts to enter your home.

• Washer/Dryer. Run the cleaning cycle with bleach if you have an HD washer to cut down on mold and mildew. Don’t forget to regularly vacuum out lint from the dryer vent and hose to avoid a fire. And get your dryer vent hose professionally cleaned regularly too since build-up could cause a fire.

• Kitchen.  Use your oven’s handy self-cleaning feature to remove food drips and spills. Go through your pantry and organize your cans, cartons, and packaged items. Wipe them out as you go.

• Bathroom. Have you ever cleaned the shower head in your bathroom? If it is spraying unevenly because it is covered with mineral deposits, now is the time for this simple task. Fill a plastic bag with white vinegar and attached to the showerhead with a rubber band. Wait an hour and turn on the water. Voila!

• Refrigerator. Give your refrigerator a good wipe-down inside before your next big shopping trip. Don’t forget to change your refrigerator filter regularly if you have an ice cube and water dispenser so you’ll get fresh tasting glasses of water. Vacuum behind your refrigerator and its coils too.

• Paint. It’s a perfect time to pick a bright new color to spruce up a room.

• Flowers. Go find one of your vases stashed away and get some cut flowers. You’ll bring the feeling of spring inside your home in an easy, inexpensive way!

• Doorways. Make sure you’ve got inside and outside door mats for wiping wet shoes. Switch them to a fun spring pattern if you have ones from winter. Get an umbrella stand or tub for easy in-and-out access.

• Gutters. Double check your home’s gutters, French drain system or downspouts to make sure they are clog-free, and water is moving away from your home’s foundation. Fix any broken or loose gutters from winter storms — rainwater that pools can really damage roofs, ceilings, attics, and walls!

• Drainage. Observe your lawn during a rainstorm so you’re ready to address any drainage issues. Hire a contractor/landscaper to examine any problems with standing water or lack of adequate draining. You’ll have a better idea of the cause and consequences (basement flooding) of poor drainage. Proper grading, a French drain system or curtain drain may be needed. If you entire street has problems, you can always address city hall if it’s municipal issue.

EXTERIOR SPRING CLEAN UP

• Yard Cleanup. Take the time to remove debris such dead foliage and fallen branches and twigs that may be scattered in your yard. Clear out any growth or brush you don’t want. Be gentle raking and walking on your lawn at this time since new grass shoots will start to peek through.

• Garden Supplies. Get your garden tools and supplies cleaned, sharpened and restocked. Remove rust and seal blades for pruning shears, hedge clippers, trowels, etc. Clean and restock garden pots, gloves, kneepads, watering cans. Don’t forget to get gas for your lawnmower. Purge and organize your garden shed to get rid of what you don’t need or use anymore and then arrange the space for easy access and a more orderly set up.

• Patio. Clean and prepare your patio or deck and any outdoor furniture or planters. Consider power washing to get rid of grime on some items that can withstand the pressure. Give everything a good deep cleaning so the rest of the year, you can do a periodic wipe down.

• Grill. Get your grill cleaned and repaired now. Scrub the grates with liquid cleaner, and wash the burners and covers if you have them. Don’t forget to get the tank filled if you have a gas grill, or stock up on charcoal for other grills. You want it all set up for that favorite BBQ recipe!

• Pests. Little critters start to come out in the warmer weather so hire a pest service that can help you deal with ants, rats, spiders, or mice. Make sure your garbage is securely closed; and clean up any areas with debris that create an inviting home for critters.

• Driveway. Winter weather can be harsh on driveways and sidewalks. Repair cracks whether you have concrete or asphalt. Sealing or resurfacing can give a driveway a lift. If you have pavers, make sure you know how to clean and re-sand or hire a professional.

• Flower garden. You can begin to plant summer bulbs, annuals, and perennials for beds and planters. Come up with a plan so you purchase only what you need and what works for the soil and sunlight in your yard. Cool spring weather is good for pansies in containers. Order your mulch so your yard will look “clean and crisp” in the coming weeks.

• Trees and shrubs. Your yard is most likely showing signs of spring now. Once growth or buds sprouts, you can fertilize and prune certain plants. You can transplant trees before they leaf out. Prune trees and shrubs that have any damage from the winter. You can’t prune some shrubs such as azaleas, camellias and rhododendrons until after they bloom. You can prune nonflowering trees and shrubs.

Let me know if I can recommend  a contractor who can help you with any of these tasks. I’d love to help you maximize the enjoyment of your home