Shine a Light on Spring Cleaning
When it comes to ensuring the shiniest results from your spring-cleaning, it's most effective to start from the top and work your way down. Here's why.
The laws of gravity are never so apparent than after you think you've finally conquered your spring-cleaning, only to look up and realize your ceiling fan is coated in dust. Start dusting the fan and see how fast the shine goes off all your hard work underneath.
This year, start spring-cleaning by dusting ceiling fans, light fixtures, the tops of bookshelves and window frames, and the cobwebs from the corners of your ceiling first, before working your way down.
When cleaning light fixtures, don't forget to dust the light bulbs too. Dust and dead bugs need to be wiped away not only because they look bad, but also because they are dimming the light emitting from the bulbs. Today's LED and CFL technology allows for a longer bulb life, so it's just logical that the longer the bulbs last, the more time they'll be around to collect dust.
Wipe light bulbs carefully with a dry cloth — a microfiber cloth works well; used dryer sheets are also effective and are an inexpensive, disposable way to get the job done too. Don't spray cleaners on light bulbs or even use a damp cloth on them as this may force water into crevices and result in not only a dangerous electrical situation for you, but may also cause damage to your lamps and light fixtures too. When deep cleaning, you may even want to turn off the circuit breaker that's connected to the lighting, just to be completely safe.
Illuminating your home means making sure your windows are squeaky-clean too, to allow in as much natural light as possible. That means rolling up your sleeves and following these window-cleaning tips:
- Assemble equipment: bucket, warm water, dishwashing liquid, sponge or scrubber, squeegee, clean towels.
- Pick a time of day when the sun is not shining directly on the windows, as the heat can cause the water to dry too quickly, and streak or leave water spots.
- Fill a bucket with warm water and a squirt of dishwashing liquid.
- Dip a sponge or a scrubber into the bucket and squeeze out the excess water.
- Scrub the glass with a sponge or scrubber. If cleaning indoor windows, lay a large towel below the windows to catch any drips.
- Starting at the top, drag the squeegee horizontally across the glass to remove dirt and soapy water, wiping the blade on a clean towel as you go along.
- Wipe away any excess water with a lint-free cloth — microfiber towels are ideal.
If you believe in the practice of feng shui, the ancient Chinese practice that promotes bringing positive energy into your home, then encouraging light from all sources is paramount. Feng shui follows the theory that light is the strongest manifestation of energy, so take the time now to clear the way to a bright, healthy, energized home!
