Freshen up your home: 10 overlooked areas to spring clean

Spring is here, and with it comes the age-old tradition of spring cleaning. For many of us, this time of year is an opportunity to refresh our homes, get rid of clutter, and give everything a good deep clean. However, sometimes we can overlook certain areas or tasks that are important to keeping our homes clean and well-maintained. Whether you're a seasoned spring cleaner or just getting started, here are some things to consider when sprucing up your home–especially if you’ve just moved in–this season.

The inside of your appliances

When it comes to cleaning our homes, most of us focus on visible surfaces like countertops, floors, and furniture. However, the inside of your appliances can be a breeding ground for bacteria and unpleasant odours if you don’t clean it regularly. Take some time to deep clean your refrigerator, stove, dishwasher, and microwave. This means removing all the shelves and drawers, wiping down the walls and floors, and cleaning any nooks and crannies with a toothbrush or other small brush.

Your light fixtures and ceiling fans

If you've just moved into a new home, chances are you haven't thought about cleaning your light fixtures or ceiling fans yet. Over time, dust and grime can accumulate on these surfaces, making them less effective and less attractive. Take a few minutes to dust and wipe down your light fixtures and ceiling fans. You'll be surprised at how much brighter and fresher your home will feel afterward.

Your HVAC system

Your HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) system is responsible for keeping your home comfortable and healthy. However, if you don’t keep it properly maintained, it can also contribute to poor indoor air quality and higher energy bills. Spring is a great time to change your air filters, vacuum out your air ducts, and schedule a professional inspection and cleaning of your HVAC system. Not only will this help your system run more efficiently, but it will also improve the air quality in your home.

Your windows and screens

With the arrival of spring comes more sunlight and warmer weather. If you haven't opened your windows in a while, it's a good idea to give them a thorough cleaning before you do. This means wiping down the glass, frames, and sills with a gentle cleaner and a soft cloth. Don't forget to clean your window screens, too! Over time, screens can become clogged with dirt and debris, which can make it harder to see outside and reduce the amount of fresh air that enters your home.

Your bedding and mattress

We spend a lot of time in our beds, which means they can accumulate a lot of dirt, sweat, and dead skin cells over time. To keep your bed fresh and clean, it's a good idea to wash your bedding (including your pillows) regularly and flip or rotate your mattress every few months. If you have a particularly old or worn mattress, it might be time to invest in a new one.

Your showerhead and faucets

When it comes to spring cleaning, it’s important to clean even the smallest of things. While you're probably focused on wiping down the tub and walls, you might want to keepp your showerhead in mind. Hard water can leave mineral deposits on your showerhead and faucets, which don’t only look unsightly but also reduce water flow and pressure. To remove these deposits, soak your showerhead and faucets in a solution of white vinegar and water for a few hours, then scrub them with a soft brush or cloth. You can also use a special cleaner designed for removing hard water stains.

Your kitchen cabinets and pantry

If you've just moved into a new home, chances are you haven't had a chance to organize your kitchen cabinets and pantry yet. Take some time to go through your cabinets and get rid of any expired or unused items. Then, organize your remaining items by category (e.g., baking supplies, canned goods, snacks) and use clear containers or labels to make it easier to find what you need. Consider investing in drawer organizers or cabinet shelves to maximize your storage space.

Your electronics

We use our electronic devices every day, but we often forget to clean them. Dust and dirt can build up on our computers, televisions, and other electronics, which can reduce their lifespan and affect their performance. When spring cleaning your electronics, use a soft, lint-free cloth to wipe down your screens and keyboards, and use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust or debris from the vents.

Your outdoor areas

Spring is a great time to spruce up your outdoor spaces, too. Sweep off your porch or patio, wipe down your outdoor furniture, and plant some new flowers or herbs in your garden. Don't forget to clean your grill and outdoor cooking area, too. With a little bit of effort, you can create a relaxing and inviting outdoor oasis to enjoy throughout the spring and summer.

Your potential home improvements

While you're sprucing up your home, it might be worth considering some larger-scale improvements as well. Maybe it's time for a kitchen renovation or a bathroom update. Or perhaps you've been eyeing that backyard patio for years and are ready to finally make it a reality.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by the thought of financing these improvements, fear not! You might be sitting on a valuable asset without even realizing it: your home's equity. By refinancing and tapping into this equity, you could have access to the funds you need to make those home improvements a reality.

Of course, it's important to do your research and make sure you're making a financially sound decision. But if you're looking for a way to invest in your home and make it the best it can be, tapping into your home's equity could be a good call. If you’d like to discuss your options when it comes to refinancing, connect with one of Pine’s mortgage agents and they’ll help you get started on your home financing journey.