Emerald Acres Town Homes Blog: 6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Have Forgotten

As the days grow longer, the temperature warms up and we set our clocks forward, many people also start spring cleaning. Finally, the chill of winter is falling away, and we eagerly open our windows for fresh air. Because spring brings about new life, clearing out your apartment could help you get into the spirit of the season.

Of course, you may already have a to-do list for your big spring clean, but you should double check it. Many renters overlook these important chores:

1. The Tops of Cabinets and Appliances

When it comes to spring cleaning your kitchen, you probably devote time to mopping the floors, wiping the fridge, and sanitizing your oven. However, you might not be looking high enough. The tops of your fridge and cabinets collect dust and, sometimes, grease– if your fridge is near the stove, splattered oil could collect up there.

6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Not Have Thought Of - Tops of Cabinets and Appliances

Grab a sturdy step stool and bring your cleaning supplies to the tops of your cabinets and fridge. First wipe away the dust, then scrub to remove grease. Even though you won’t see the newly cleaned areas, less dust and grime means better breathing in your kitchen.

While you’re at it, pull the fridge away from the wall and sweep in that space.

2. Reusable Grocery Bags

If you make efforts to go green in your apartment, you likely have reusable grocery bags stashed somewhere in your kitchen. You probably don’t think about cleaning them, but over time, drippings from meat, leaked foods or vegetable peels could stink up the bags– you don’t want to put new groceries in there!

6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Not Have Thought Of - Reusable Grocery Bags

Read the tags on your bags. Unless they say otherwise, wash them in a machine set to use hot water. If your bag says to hand wash, simply clean it in your bathtub using hot, soapy water. Be sure to scrub it well to get rid of stains and food residue.

3. Fans and Lights

Your overhead lights, including ceiling fans, collect dust over time, and like your cabinets and fridge, they’re easy to ignore. However, by dusting fan blades and light fixtures, you’ll improve the air quality in your apartment.

6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Not Have Thought Of - Fans and Lights

You can use a sturdy ladder to reach those hanging lights. Have your roommate nearby to spot you while you work– no use in spring cleaning if you’re unsafe.

4. Baseboards

You may think of your apartment’s baseboards as just part of the walls (and they are), but these decorative features can collect dust and scuff marks.

6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Not Have Thought Of - Baseboards

Fortunately, cleaning them is a cinch. Just wipe them down with a damp towel or wet dusting solution. If you spot any marks, scrub with a sponge or Magic Eraser.

6. Mattresses

Come spring, you should do two things to your mattress: clean and flip. While the mattress is covered with bedding most of the time, it can still gather some crumbs and dust. Simply remove your sheets and vacuum it using a hose attachment. Should you spot any stains, sprinkle baking soda on them. Then, work in hydrogen peroxide and dish soap using a wash cloth.

6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Not Have Thought Of - Mattresses

Once you’re rid of stains and dust, place your mattress outside in direct sunlight. The ultraviolet rays and fresh air naturally fight bacteria. However, you may not be able to do this unless you have a yard or balcony attached to your apartment.

When you put your mattress back in your bedroom, be sure you’ve flipped it. Basically, it should rotate 180 degrees from its original position– that way, you won’t get any sagging.

Don’t forget all these items when you do your spring cleaning– tackling everything on this list will give you a fresher apartment.

Pin this post: 6 Spring Cleaning Chores You May Have