Let daylight saving time be a reminder to tackle these important biannual chores.
Massachusetts’s Day light savings, November 2, 2014
In a new national survey, 70 percent of Americans polled are avoiding cleaning tasks that are beneficial to the health of their homes. The three chores that are most likely to fall to the bottom of the biannual to-do list are rotating and cleaning ceiling fans, cleaning vents and registers, and vacuuming and flipping mattresses.
“Air quality is a hugely important part of maintaining a clean home,” says Mariana Page, owner of the Maids of Boston. “When there’s dust built up on your register covers, in your mattress, on your blinds and your ceiling fans, your family is breathing in potentially harmful airborne particles.”
In addition to eradicating dust, other important biannual tasks include cleaning your pantry, fridge and freezer and purging them of expired food, washing or replacing your shower curtain or liner, and wiping down baseboards and molding throughout your home. Of course, swapping out seasonal clothing items and cleaning closets is also key.
Page says that Daylight Saving Time is a good reminder to tackle these forgotten tasks because it comes around twice a year and is impossible to ignore. “You know, you’re gaining that extra hour, at least in the fall,” says Page, “Why not spend it wisely?”
While time plays a role in why homeowners overlook these tasks, competence is also a factor. Nearly a quarter of survey respondents (23 percent) said they feel least competent cleaning vents and registers. It is for this reason that The Maids have put together free resources, including a biannual cleaning checklist with instructions on how to properly complete these tasks, that are available by visiting www.maids.com/cleaningtips.
The Maids employs professionally uniformed and trained four-member cleaning teams who arrive at customers’ homes in signature yellow cars emblazoned with The Maids logo. The Maids’ exclusive team approach provides the most efficient, comprehensive housecleaning in the industry. Each team has a supervisor who ensures that each team meets The Maids’ high standards of quality and excellence. As added peace of mind, each team member goes through an extensive background check and social security verification. The Maids team is bonded and insured and all services are backed by a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee. To learn more about The Maids, call 617-524-0300.
WASH LIGHT FIXTURES AND DUST OR VACUUM LAMPSHADES
Turn off lights and soak any removable hardware, such as the casing, harp, etc. in warm, soapy water. Vacuum or dust the shade with a damp microfiber cloth, using a toothbrush or compressed air to get in between pleating.
WIPE DOWN BASEBOARDS AND MOLDINGS
A damp microfiber cloth (with an extendable wand for hard-to-reach places) should do the trick.
VACUUM VENTS AND REGISTERS
For regular cleaning, vacuum with the brush attachment. For a thorough clean, remove metal vents from wall and wash in warm soapy water with a small sponge paintbrush to get into the slats. Before putting the vents back in place, clean as far into the duct as you can reach with a cobweb duster
If there are any tough spots, rub them gently with a soft-bristled brush before wiping down.
DUST CEILING FANS, CLEAN WITH DAMP CLOTH AND ROTATE AIRFLOW
For the blades, use a vacuum attachment or an old pillowcase to collect dust. Then, mist a cloth with all-purpose cleaner or wood polish and wipe the tops, side and bottom of each blade from base to fan tip. There is a switch on the side of the fan to change the rotation direction: clockwise for winter months, counter-clockwise for summer.
DUST CEILING FANS, CLEAN WITH DAMP CLOTH AND ROTATE AIRFLOW
For the blades, use a vacuum attachment or an old pillowcase to collect dust. Then, mist a cloth with all-purpose cleaner or wood polish and wipe the tops, side and bottom of each blade from base to fan tip. There is a switch on the side of the fan to change the rotation direction: clockwise for winter months, counter-clockwise for summer.
