It’s the spring cleaning of fall, so to speak. With the holiday coming fast, you want to be sure your home is cozy, but with that fresh-as-spring feel — as opposed to that musty-damp- winter feel. Here's how to make that happen (along with a few other timely tips):
Wash Bed Pillows
You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess what's also snug against your head? Fungus — 4 to 16 species to be precise. Gross! With fall being the height of guest season, you'll want your pillows fresh, too. Pop them into the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling.
Clean the Mattress
You'll want your mattress to be at it's freshest. It's easy to do: Vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, you're inviting mold. Also, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to help keep it lump-free. Otherwise, If you've got a flippable mattress, go ahead and flip it.
Insulate Windows
Hanging drapes as close to your windows as possible will help you to keep the heat inside. You can even add clear Velcro strips or dots to the back of the drape and attach to fasteners on the wall to help insulate. Be sure to cross one drape over the other when you close up for the night. Insulating shades can do the trick, too.
Buy Supplies
Take advantage of seasonal sales now to make sure you're not the one rushing to the hardware store at the last minute, only to find out it’s too late. If you have a snow blower, be sure to have it serviced and fueled up before the first winter storm arrives — and with it, price hikes on all the snow stuff.
Trim Tree Branches The last thing you need is a winter storm that knock a tree over and now have branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof and allow excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding. Keep limbs and branches at least three feet from the house. Plus, it's easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen.
Get Your Guest Bathroom Ready
With the holidays, you may have guests staying with you. Give your bathrooms an inspection. Look for signs of leaks, including sweaty surfaces and drips; a musty smell; damaged paint, walls, or flooring; mold or mildew; wetness in cabinets; a wobbly toilet; or a loose faucet. Deep clean floors and surfaces, so you can do lighter cleaning later.
Comments