Everyone knows about having to do a spring clean, but what about a winter clean? Arguably, a winter clean is even more important than a spring clean. Breathing in old, recycled air in a dusty home over the cold winter months can have many negative side effects on your health. To ensure your air quality and overall home remains as clean as possible this winter, check out these cleaning tips below.
(1) Clear away clutter
Winter is a great time to go through those boxes that have been sitting in the corner of your spare room for ages. Organize items by how often you’ve actually used them in the last 3 months (be honest). If they’ve been sitting there for more than 3 months, donate to your local thrift store.
(2) Wash and disinfect all garbage bins
Let your garbage bins soak in hot water combined with environmentally safe cleaner for about an hour. Dump the water once the hour has passed and give the inside a good scrub with your favourite cleaning tools. Let drip dry or dry with a clean towel.
(3) Clean your furnace and replace filters
If you didn’t get to this in your fall clean, make sure to make it a priority now. It is recommended that you change your HVAC filter every three months along with soaking your ventilation covers in warm soapy water.
(4) Clean your fridge coils
It’s rare that the fridge ever comes out of its designated spot in the kitchen. However, winter is the perfect time to take on the task of dusting your fridge coils. Dusty fridge coils makes your fridge work less efficiently, leading to higher strain on the appliance and your wallet. Here’s how to do it:
¨ Unplug your fridge and pull it out so you can comfortably access the coils (make sure to vacuum the floor while the area is accessible). Use a vacuum brush attachment followed by a damp cloth to wipe away dust and debris.
(5) Clean your microwave
Did you know heating a cup of vinegar for two minutes in your microwave will help loosen built up grime? It’s true! After two minutes, take a microfiber cloth and wipe away months of build up with ease.
¨ You can also clean your dishwasher with vinegar. Take a look at this blog post for more details: https://www.puravidacleaning.ca/post/dirty-dishes
(6) Use baking soda and water mixture to clean your oven
After almost a years worth of cooking, it’s time to give your oven some TLC. Simply make a paste of ¾ cup baking soda and ¼ cup warm water and apply it with a brush on the walls of your oven (not the door though). Make sure to remove racks before you apply the baking soda mixture and clean them separately in hot soapy water. Leave overnight and then scrape away the paste with a plastic scraper, using water and a cloth when needed.