By Fish Window Cleaning

As we anticipate the “return to normal,” local families are encouraged to participate in the ABCs of Spring-Cleaning Challenge. It is designed to encourage parents and children to spruce up their homes in anticipation of the end of social distancing and mandatory quarantines.

The ABC’s of Spring-Cleaning Challenge for Families:

A. Assign tasks – Map out a game plan on a calendar. Spring cleaning on one Saturday is no longer an option.

-Assign tasks activities to each family member. Each task should have a completion day/time goal.

-Tackle one room a day.

-Ask kids what spots in each room need the most attention. Their closets? Playroom shelves? Under beds? Allow them to play a role in the decision making.

-Set expectations for each task. Make sure they understand how things should look when cleaning is done.

B. Be an example – Show children, and husbands where appropriate, how to clean.

-Don’t stand over them and bark orders.

-Do demonstrate each task, whether it is as simple as wiping off a baseboard or more complicated like cleaning out the refrigerator.

-Remember: Children mimic their parents. Show them the right way to get it done, avoid shortcuts.

C. Celebrate when it is over – No matter if your cleaning plan covers five days or one month, identify a reward everyone will love, especially the kids.

-Family game night: Let the kids pick out their favorite game and food for a Spring-Cleaning Celebration.

-Ice cream for everyone: As soon as the cleaning is done, everyone could hop in the car for a special treat at the neighborhood frozen yogurt or ice cream shop.

-Go out to dinner: Let your children pick the restaurant and anything on the menu to celebrate their hard work.

Winning Tips from the Experts at Fish Window Cleaning:

1. Defy Dust

-Use a cloth to remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans and air conditioning vents, follow up with a soft nozzle vacuum attachment, if necessary.

-Baseboards are magnets for dust. Use a mini-broom or dry paint brush to sweep baseboards. Don’t forget to scoop up any hair or dust you wiped away. (Always clean baseboards AFTER cleaning floors)

-Dust accumulates in creases of furniture. Flip cushions frequently and don’t forget to vacuum between cushions.

2. Kitchen Duty

-Clean cabinets inside, out: Remove everything from inside cabinets, vacuum shelves, drawers, removing dust and other debris. Take the time to sort through items, toss out what you don’t use. Lastly, wipe down shelves, drawers, hinges, doors with a microfiber cloth. As you return items to cabinets, remember to stay organized.

-Before cleaning your oven, identify what kind of oven you own, self-cleaning, textured or non-self-cleaning. The type determines the what cleaner to use. For stubborn stains in a non-self-cleaning oven you will need an oven cleaner and a brush or scrubbing pad. NEVER use abrasive cleaners, oven cleaners or scouring pads on textured ovens.

-Unplug refrigerator, pull it away from the way, if possible, thoroughly clean coils, dust can collect in coils and possibly create mechanical issues. Sweep and mop area while fridge is pulled out.

3. Bathroom Breakdown

-Grout is Gross: Dab a toothbrush or grout brush undiluted bleach, scrub well. Be sure to ventilate the room.

-Sink vs. Toilet: Researchers at University of Arizona discovered a bathroom sink drain collects more bacteria than a toilet seat. Try frequently using disposable disinfecting wipes on the faucet to cut down on germs.

-Minimize Shower Scum: Wash shower doors with water and a few drops of liquid dish soap using a clean microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water and dry with a squeegee or microfiber towel. Drying shower doors is an important step to avoid hard water stains. Removing hard water stains or spots may require the use of chemicals so we recommend seeking help from professionals

4. Window Wonders

-Fill a bucket or large pot with clean, cool water and add a few drops of liquid dish soap.

-Use a clean microfiber cloth or sponge to go over the surface of the window, starting at the top and working down to the bottom. Don’t forget to wipe down the frame as well, both inside and out.

-Use clean, lint-free cloth or paper towels to dry the window completely using a Z-shaped motion.

Our cleaning pros want to help folks prepare for the end of quarantine and to welcome friends and family back into their homes. You are welcome to share this expert advice from the pros at Fish Window Cleaning in your newscasts or on your website.