Apr 24, 2019

Spring Cleaning Projects You Can Complete in a Weekend

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With the arrival of beautiful warm weather and delightful breezes, we’re throwing open our windows and enjoying sunsets on our screened porches. It’s the perfect time of year in Charleston to tackle spring cleaning projects, especially if you’re thinking of putting your home on the market in the coming months. We’ve rounded up a few important projects that can be completed over the course of a weekend.

Indoors

Dust and Wipe Surfaces. From walls, ceilings and baseboards to bookshelves, cupboards and lampshades, use a vacuum to clear away dust and then finish with a dampened microfiber cloth to wipe away grime and smudges. Make sure to work from the top of the room down so that you can catch dust as it settles.

Shampoo Rugs and Carpeting. Vacuum and shampoo your rugs and carpeting to clear away the dust, dirt and pet dander that builds up over time. Note that if you have an oriental or vintage rug, it may need to be professionally cleaned to avoid damaging these one-of-a-kind pieces.

Clean Furniture. For wooden furniture, wipe dust off the surface with a damp cloth and then apply a paste wax. After it drys, buff off the wax for a like-new finish. For upholstered furnishings, take the cushions outside and beat them gently to remove dust. Before you replace the cushions, use a vacuum attachment to clean the crevices under the cushions. Be sure to check the furniture’s cleaning instructions before spot-cleaning upholstery.

Kitchen Clear Out. Check the freshness of everything in your pantry and refrigerator like spices and salad dressing. Clean and disinfect the inside of your refrigerator, dishwasher, microwave, coffeemaker and other small appliances. It’s also a good idea to deep clean tile surfaces and your kitchen floor.

Organize Closets. Wash and pack away heavy sweaters, scarves, socks and shoes that you won’t be needing during the summer heat wave. Clear out space in your closet by removing items that you no longer like or wear and donate them to a local nonprofit organization or thrift store.

Outdoors

Wash Window Screens. Remove screens from your windows and clean them by scrubbing gently with a brush and rinsing with your garden hose. You can clean your screened porch the same way without removing the screens, but be sure to remove any furnishings or decorations that could be damaged by water.

Pressure Wash Decks and Piazzas. You can pressure wash decks and piazzas made from materials such as ipe, camaru, tigerwood and pine. Patios, driveways, and sidewalks should also be pressure washed every year as routine maintenance.

Schedule Pest Control Maintenance. If you’re not already on a schedule for pest and termite control, make an appointment to have your property checked and treated for potential pest problems.

Refresh Landscaping. Prune away dead and damaged branches from trees and shrubs, clear away fallen leaves from flowerbeds and add mulch in thinning areas. Neaten up hardscape surfaces by raking escaped gravel back into patio and walkway crevices, and straighten up any pavers that have shifted over the winter months.

By completing these spring cleaning projects, your property will be ready for a summer of fun! And if you’re thinking of selling your home this year with William Means Real Estate, these projects are great first steps when it comes to preparing your home to go on the market.

Sources:

Martha Stewart

Consumer Reports

This Old House

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