When you take drapes down, check the panels for care instructions. This is also a good time to dust rods and other hardware. Most lined drapes will need to be dry cleaned to remove any stains or heavy odors. If they are only dusty, toss them in a clothes dryer on the Air Only Cycle to refresh. After the drapes are rehung, use a clothes steamer to remove any wrinkles. Most curtains can be machine-washed following the care label instructions. Avoid excessively high heat in the dryer and remove while still slightly damp to iron or rehang. To remove dust from fixed valances and shades, simply use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum to go over all surfaces. You can also use a microfiber duster or cloth to wipe down each side of fixed or removable shades. Unfortunately, because of their horizontal slats, blinds need to be dusted more frequently, at least monthly. If you are doing this yourself, use a sturdy ladder and a helper to steady it. Or, simply call a service to take care of the chore. It’s also the perfect time to schedule an appointment with a chimney sweep to remove soot from the flue and check for obstructions in the chimney. Rattan, plastic, and wood frames can be cleaned by wiping down with a solution of two teaspoons liquid dish detergent and two cups warm water. Use a soft-bristled brush on any hard-to-remove stains. Finish with a quick spray of water from the hose. Pick a sunny day and the furniture will dry quickly. Vacuum fabric cushions and remove any stains. Don’t forget to give your patio umbrella some attention so it will be ready for warm weather. You can do it yourself by renting a cleaning machine and the proper solutions from a home center or call in a professional. If you decide to tackle the chore yourself, pick a day when there isn’t much foot traffic and be sure to pretreat stains before cleaning. Move furniture off the carpet or place squares of plastic (food storage container lids work great) under the legs to prevent staining. For upholstery, test the cleaning solutions in a hidden spot to be sure that they don’t discolor the fabric. Take extra care not to oversaturate upholstery with the cleaning solution. Excessive moisture can cause mold and mildew to develop in the cushion fillings. Even if you use a mattress cover religiously, mattresses gather dust, dust mites, and body soil. Remove the cover and give it a wash in hot water. To clean the mattress, vacuum well on the top and sides and don’t forget the box springs if you have them. Inspect the mattress for any stains and spot treat them with a solution of mild dish detergent and water. Use a soft brush and work from the outside of the stain toward the center to prevent spreading. Rinse the area with a cloth dipped in plain water and then allow to dry thoroughly. To speed drying, use a hair dryer set on low but avoid excessive heat. You may want to flip the mattress over or at least rotate it so it wears evenly. Take a look at each item before you put it back. It’s a great time to get rid of mismatched pieces, items you never use, and strange items that have found their way into the kitchen. This is particularly important for the “junk drawer” that seems to accumulate everything. When you tackle the food pantry, check carefully for any insect infestation like weevils or ants. Toss anything that looks suspicious and that’s out-of-date. Take an inventory of basic supplies you need and restock in a freshly cleaned pantry. Give every item a critical eye before you put it back in the closet. Donate any unused linens and toss those that are in tatters. You may need to do a bit of washing or send some heavy bedding to the dry cleaner. Organize shelves by type of linens or by seasonal items. Keep sheet sets together and finally take the time to fold a fitted sheet properly. It’s time to be ruthless and toss broken items and donate all the things that you haven’t used during the previous year. Take the time to remove items from your overhead storage systems, like the ones from Fleximount, to check for any problems and determine what you want to keep, toss, or donate. As you discard and shred unnecessary papers, you’ll be prepared for tax season and ahead of the game.
