BY TODD NELSON
7 THINGS TO CLEAN
FALL EDITION
Even if you are super diligent about daily, weekly, and
monthly cleaning of your home, there are some spots that
almost always get overlooked. And while spring cleaning
is all about airing out and exposing things to light, fall /
winter cleaning is more about ensuring healthy indoor air
quality and maximum brightness as the days grow shorter
and darker. Here’s a checklist of seven things to consider
cleaning over the next several weeks.
BED FRAMES. Remove mattresses and lift away box springs.
Chances are there are some monster dust bunnies lurking in the
spaces where box springs fi t into their frames. While you’re at it:
rotate and (if possible) fl ip mattresses; launder, or replace any covers
designed to trap dust mites.
FIREPLACES/CHIMNEYS. Th e last thing you need is a chimney
fi re on the fi rst night you light up a cozy, crackling blaze. It’s also
vitally important to have your fi replace and furnace fl ues checked
periodically for cracks, which can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning,
so this is defi nitely a job for the chimney professionals. If
you have a gas fi replace, have a qualifi ed technician service it, including
cleaning the airways of both the pilot and main burners
to ensure they are operating properly. And if it has a blower, clean
it, as it does not have a fi ltering system to prevent buildup. While
you’re at it: test and replace batteries in smoke and CO detectors.
HVAC FILTERS AND VENTS. As these typically live in spaces you
can neither see nor easily reach, it’s common to forget about replacing
and / or cleaning them. Now is probably the best time of
year to call in your favorite HVAC pro for routine maintenance,
as they’re usually in a lull time between urgent calls to fi x broken
A/C and home heating systems. While you’re at it: replace refrigerator
air and water fi lters (if you’re not already in a regular habit
of doing so).
DRYER LINT VENTS. Untended dryer lint is a fi re hazard, so get
it done to keep your family and home safe. If the vent tube is really
caked up with lint, replace it. And, if you haven’t done so in a
it
al
w
an
to
am
while, unplug, remove the back of the machine, and vacuum away
any lint collected there too. While you’re at it: pull your refrigerator
out from the wall and vacuum dust collected underneath or
among the cooling coils in back.
L
m
li
LIGHT FIXTURES. As the days get shorter and darker, you can
maximize brightness in your home by making sure overhead
light fi xtures and sconces are as clean as they can be. Th is also
gives you an opportunity to clear away summer’s collection of
bug carcasses.
WALLS AND WINDOWS. For the same reason you want to clean
light fi xtures this time of year, both walls and windows need a
thorough washing so they can refl ect back and allow in a maximum
amount of light. Both are big, messy jobs that require knowhow,
the right tools, and techniques – once again, this might be a
job best outsourced to the professionals so you can enjoy what’s
left of the best fall weather.
UNDER THE CUSHIONS. Maybe you vacuum your furniture
once a week or so, but when was the last time you went under the
cushions and into all the nooks and crannies of your upholstered
chairs and sofas? You’ll be amazed at how much dust, crumbs, and
“stuff you thought was lost” has accumulated there. You might also
make a few bucks in loose change! ��
Todd Nelson is the owner of MaidPro of Raleigh and Wake Forest.
Visit www.maidpro.com/raleigh-north or call 919-871-9996.
22 CIRCA Magazine | October • November • December 2020 | www.circamagazine.com
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