Cleaning a house is a process.
When cleaning, you might identify some things that need to be repaired or replaced.
You’ll need a collection of cleaning supplies to get the job done right.
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Below aresimple methods to clean everythingfrom the floors, bathroom, refrigerator, and more.
Use disinfecting cleaners for best results.
Start at the Top
Start at the top of the space and move down.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Use your vacuum’s telescopic wand to reach high and tough-to-reach areas.
If there are window coverings, such as roller shades or blinds, first vacuum them to remove dust.
Sponge them with a mix of liquid dish detergent and water to clean off any lingering dirt.
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Don’t forget hardware such as handles, knobs, and pulls.
Anall-purpose or tub cleanerwill do a good job to remove surface dust and dirt.
Use a non-abrasive cleaner for a new orreglazed tub.
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Mix 1 part vinegar with 1 part dish detergent in a spray bottle.
Disinfect the Toilet
Scrub the toilet with a toilet brush.
Use sponges or paper towels to clean the outside, back, and handles of the toilet.
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Use disinfecting cleaner all around, inside, and out.
Use an old toothbrush to dig into seams and openings.
Buff the faucet dry using a clean cloth.
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Clean the bathroom mirror with glass cleaner.
Use your vacuum’s telescoping attachment to reach high spots.
Clean the Walls
Check for fingerprints around light switches and corners.
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Fabric softeners can dissolve adhesive residues.
Clean the top of cabinets and cabinet doors.
If the surface is wood, use a cleaner formulated for wood cabinets.
The Spruce / Danielle Moore
Toclean greasy cabinets, use either an all-purpose orange oil cleaner or a mixture of baking soda and water.
Make a paste and apply it, letting it sit for a few minutes.
Also clean handles and inside of the drawers using a gentle all-purpose cleaner and paper towels.
The Spruce / Nelly Cuanalo
Clean the Counters
Counters usually require less work to clean, thoughmarbleandgranite countersmay require extra care.
Clean tile backsplashes with a mild cleaner or baking soda and water.
Spray the sink well and let it soak for a while.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Sink odors can be removed by mixing baking soda and water, then pouring it down the drain.
Baking soda and water work well, too, along with sponges or a heavy-duty cloth.
Look inside the oven, and if need be, apply anoven cleaner.
The Spruce / Ana Cadena
Most take approximately 20 minutes to work.
If it is a self-cleaning oven, you could set it to fire off the cycle.
Lay down a sheet of brown paper or newspaper over the cooktop to collect any drips.
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If it is a lighted hood, see if the bulbs work or need replacing.
Use the proper methods to clean aglass cooktoporgas burnersso the appliance works efficiently.
Clean Under the Stove
Remember the no-man’s land underneath the stove that needs cleaning.
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If possible, clean the sides, as they may be very dusty.
Don’t forget to wipe down the pull-out shelf.
Use a brush that won’t scratch the surfaces of these elements.
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Put back the drip pans and elements into place.
How to Clean the Refrigerator
Cleaning a refrigeratorwill also eliminate any festering problems that could lead toodors.
Unplug the appliance and let it warm up before cleaning it.
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It’s easier to clean a refrigerator that is not cold.
Set them aside to dry.
Otherwise, you risk shattering or cracking the glass.
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Or, fill a spray bottle with an equal mix of white vinegar and water.
(you’ve got the option to use less vinegar and more water if you prefer.)
Use a sponge or microfiber cloth to wipe the surfaces clean.
The Spruce / Sarah Lee
Clean the Freezer
Check the freezer to see if it needs to be manuallydefrosted.
You will likely find a lot of dust built up that it’s possible for you to vacuum.
Dust and dirt also gather on handles and along the plastic seal that encases the doors.
The Spruce / LetÃcia Almeida
Wipe the seals with a dry cloth.
Then mop using the appropriate cleaning solution for the throw in of floor.
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The Spruce / Ana Cadena
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The Spruce / Margot Cavin
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