Here we have a home and garden checklist that you can work your way through whenever it is convenient for you. If you were on the hunt for some ideas then you have quite a few here. Take a look at the article below to find out more.

Clean Windows

If you want your home to look great from the outside as well as the inside then your windows can speak a thousand words. Regularly cleaning your windows will give the impression that you love your home and always take care of it. You might have quite a few windows that need to be cleaned, this can be time consuming especially if you are doing each and every one yourself. The alternative is to hire a window cleaner, you can get these for a pretty decent price. They can then come and clean your windows as often as you need, typically every 4, 6 or 8 weeks. 

Invest In Renewable Energy

Something that is both incredibly good for your home and your wallet is renewable energy. There are a few different types to choose from and it all comes down to personal preference, two of the most popular these days are solar and wind power. You can run your home from these so it cuts your annual bills in half, yes half. The best time to get solar panels installed is during the summer, so they have summer and autumn to gather power for the less sunny winter period. Speak to your local company to see if they can work with you to install solar panels on your roof. 

Paint Your Walls

Now, how are the walls looking in and around your home? If they have seen better days then you might wish to give them a fresh coat of paint. This can inject new life into your home and make you proud to come home. If you have children then you can end up with grubby fingerprints on your walls, or if you have pets then they can shake their wet fur onto the walls when you least want them to. Decide if you are going to paint your walls the exact same colour as before, or if you fancy a change. Just make sure that you bear in mind colour psychology when you are deciding. Don’t throw out the idea of using wallpaper either, there are pros and cons to both of these choices. 

Change Your Flooring 

Now check slightly lower than your walls and see how your floors are looking. Maybe they have been walked on far too many times and now you need to update them. Changing your flooring is much simpler than you think it is. For example, if you need to rip up your carpet to install hardwood flooring then you could assume this is a huge task. In actual fact, all you need to do is cut around the edges and the carpet will simply lift up off the ground. You will also have an underlay that needs replacing. A good quality underlay will keep your home warm when you need it most. If you aren’t too sure on the type of flooring you want then check out your local flooring showroom to find out more. 

Reverse Your Fans 

With spring and summer just around the corner, you may be wondering how you can cope with the heat and how to keep your home cool. Well, if you install ceiling fans then they come with two ways they spin. A lot of folk don’t know this, and in summer you need to reverse the fans so they are letting off cool air rather than warm air. If you don’t have ceiling fans then these can be a pretty decent selling point if you ever decide to see your home. 

Test Smoke Alarms

Something else you need to do to ensure your home is safe and well is check all of your smoke alarms. The last thing you want to happen is a fire in your home and you don’t realise as your batteries have gone, smoke alarms installed these days are typically wired into the mains, so the batteries don’t die. It also means they can’t be uninstalled, keeping you safer than ever in your home. If you aren’t too sure how to install these then you can contact your local fire station and they will give you the best possible advice. They may even come out and install them for you. Something else you will need within your home is a carbon monoxide alarm, this is a silent killer and something you hope to never deal with. 

Sort Your Garden 

Lastly, once you have sorted the interior of your home, it is time to consider your garden. How is this looking and what needs to be done outside? You don’t want to have a nice interior if your exterior doesn’t match this. It might be that you have a full garden renovation on your list of things to do. So, how are you going to achieve your dreams of having a wonderful looking garden? You might just need to trim your lawn a little to make it look a little neater, if this is the case then you could purchase a cordless lawn mower. 

Alternatively, you might want to hire a gardener to help you out. It might be that you can’t get out there physically or you just don’t have the time. A gardener can provide you with everything you need and a haven where you can sit and enjoy entertaining guests. 

We do hope you found this article helpful and that it gave you all of the ideas you need to tick off all of these items from your checklist. This not only makes your home a happier place, it also makes it safer for you and everyone else. 

That moment hits every March in New Jersey. You open your garage door, stare at the chaos of winter, and think, “I can handle this myself.” Sometimes you can. But after 15 years helping New Jersey homeowners tackle spring cleanup, I’ve seen how this determination can turn a weekend project into a month-long ordeal.

The Real Story Behind DIY Disasters

Last spring, a Monmouth County homeowner spent three weekends trying to clear out his basement before a renovation. “I thought I’d save money doing it myself,” he told me. “Instead, I threw out my back trying to move an old water heater and missed a week of work.” A professional team could have cleared the entire space in three hours.

These aren’t isolated stories. From Bergen County to the Shore, homeowners consistently underestimate what lurks in their garages, basements, and yards after winter:

• That “small pile” of branches usually hides twice as much debris underneath
• Winter-damaged items often require special handling
• What looks like “just a few big items” turns into dozens of disposal trips

When DIY Actually Makes Sense

Let’s be honest – some projects are perfect for DIY. You don’t need a professional to:

Sort through your kids’ outgrown clothes. Organize your holiday decorations. Handle basic yard cleanup when spring arrives. These tasks require personal attention and decision-making that only you can provide.

But here’s where it gets tricky. That pile of branches from winter storms? If it’s taller than your kid, it’s probably hiding hazards. Those damaged storage boxes in your basement? They might contain water damage you can’t see.

The Winter Factor: A Jersey Special Problem

New Jersey winters create unique challenges that blind side even experienced homeowners. Shore properties face salt damage and storm debris. Inland areas deal with ice damage and frost-heaved materials. What looks like simple cleanup in March can reveal structural issues you didn’t expect.

Last year in Ocean County, what started as a simple “clean the garage” project revealed extensive water damage from ice dams. The homeowner needed immediate professional help to prevent mold growth.

Signs You Might Need Some Professional Help

Trust your gut on these:

• Anything involving water damage (more common than you think in NJ)
• Heavy items like appliances or furniture
• Piles of construction debris or renovation materials
• Hazardous materials (those old paint cans aren’t going to dispose of themselves)

The True Cost Comparison

Here’s what most articles won’t tell you: The real expense isn’t just money – it’s time and health. 

A typical DIY basement cleanout involves:

• Multiple weekends of hard labor
• Rental fees for equipment
• Multiple disposal facility trips (often during limited weekend hours)
• Risk of injury from improper lifting

Compare this to professional service:

• One-day completion
• All equipment included
• Single, comprehensive cost
• Proper disposal of all materials
• Zero risk of throwing out your back

The Hidden Environmental Impact

Here’s something most people don’t consider: Improper disposal has serious consequences in our state. Just last month, a client in Morris County faced fines for unknowingly dumping treated wood in a regular waste facility. Professional teams know exactly where different materials need to go.

Think you know what can be recycled? The rules change constantly. That old TV from your basement? The recycling requirements changed three times in the past year. Those “recyclable” plastic storage bins? Not if they’ve been exposed to certain cleaning chemicals.

Just Like in Joke Telling, Timing is Everything in New Jersey

Our state’s weather patterns create a narrow window for effective spring cleaning. Wait too long and you’re dealing with:

• Mosquito breeding grounds in debris piles
• Poison ivy growing through winter yard waste
• Humidity making mold problems worse
• Summer shore traffic making disposal trips a nightmare

The smart play? Handle indoor sorting yourself during late winter, but schedule professionals for the heavy lifting as soon as the ground firms up in March.

Making the Call: A Simple Test

Ask yourself these questions:

• Could this take more than one weekend?
• Do I need special equipment?
• Am I unsure about disposal rules?
• Would injury disrupt my work?

One “yes” means consider professional help. Two means definitely call.

The Long Game: Building a Relationship

Here’s what experienced Jersey homeowners know: Finding a reliable junk removal service is like finding a good mechanic. When you need them, you really need them. Most people still don’t know how easy it is to find a good NJ junk removal service that’ll be there for you over the long term. Knowing you can call someone to clean up, get ready for moving, and more instead of putting it off again and again because you don’t want or have the time to do it yourself is invaluable. 

A Middletown business we work with schedules quarterly cleanouts. “It seemed excessive at first,” they told me, “but our warehouse has never been more manageable. We never deal with overwhelming cleanup anymore.”

Cost-Saving Strategies That Actually Work

Want the best of both worlds? Try this approach:

1. Do your own sorting and organization first
2. Create clear “keep,” “donate,” and “remove” zones
3. Take photos of everything for insurance
4. Have professionals handle the actual removal

This method gives you control over decisions while avoiding the physical risks and time drain of removal.

The Bottom Line

Remember: Your time has value. Your health has value. Often, the most expensive choice is trying to save money by doing everything yourself.

Need help deciding? Most reputable services will give you an honest assessment – even if that means telling you it’s a job you can handle on your own. After all, the goal is building trust for when you really need professional help.

Photos By: Stock Images

You may have heard of the HGTV series “Love It or List It.” In this show, homeowners have to decide whether they want to stay in the home that an interior designer makes more beautiful and functional or list it with the help of her co-star, who is a real estate agent. Well, in this post, we are going to do something similar. We’re going to help you declutter your home by helping you decide to “keep it or toss it.” This is especially important if you need to sell your house fast this spring. Read on to learn more about major clutter-causing items you should keep or toss. Don’t forget to reflect on the question after each section. 

Expired Food or Toiletries

Canned food and old toiletries are some of the most prominent forms of clutter in the home. It is tempting to ignore items in the cabinets and pantry because they don’t go bad as quickly as most perishable foods. Additionally, old toothpaste tubes, hair spray cans, and other toiletries are something else that is easy to forget to toss out. Perhaps it’s because you’re trying to get the last drop out of them before tossing them away. 

With your old non-perishable goods and left-over cans and bottles, are you going to:

Keep them or toss them?

Unnecessary or Oversized Furniture

Whether you plan to move out of your home this spring or decide to stay, having large furniture pieces may rob you of the space you need. So instead of keeping large couches, California king-sized beds, huge recliners, or big tables, consider getting rid of them. Instead, replace them with something that will allow your space to be much more functional.  

When it comes to your unbelievably large furniture pieces, are you going to:

Keep them or toss them?

Excess Clothing

Let’s face it. Many of the clothes you have in your wardrobe are probably not coming back into style any time soon, if ever. So instead of waiting for platform shoes and bell-bottoms to become the norm again, it may be a good idea to toss them and any other clothing that is no longer trendy. Remember that you don’t have to throw these items in the trash. Local thrift stores are filled with people looking for great deals on some of the brand items you are willing to toss out. Alternatively, if you want to make a few bucks on your old clothes, consider teaming up with a local consignment shop. You can also sell your gently used items on an internet marketplace like e-Bay or Facebook. 

So with your excess clothes, are you going to:

Keep them or toss them?

Clutter in Your Yard

Old dog bowls, garden hoses, loose firewood, and children’s toys can make your yard look unkempt. This is not good when your goal is to sell your house. Your outdoors is one of the most visible parts of your home. So keeping chaotic clutter strewn throughout the yard may turn off potential buyers. If you decide to remain in your home, it can ruin your curb appeal and start to invite unwanted pests. 

If you have clutter in your yard, are you going to:

Keep it or toss it?

Hopefully, after reading about these items, you’ve decided to toss most of them. After all, getting rid of these items will help declutter your home. However, there will be some precious items that you won’t be able to get rid of, such as photos, items given to you by someone special, and your favorite monogrammed robes. Your realtor may encourage you to keep these personal items out of sight if you’re planning to move. So for those things you can’t let go of, at least store them somewhere in your home or purchase storage space until you sell your home. 

Photos By: Unsplash

Spring cleaning often requires sectioning and division of labour in terms of cleaning the whole house and compound. In the article, we highlight some ways that you can use to clean your house and garden.

Decluttering the Rooms

In winter, frequently, there is an increase in warm materials such as beddings and heaters to insulate the house. During spring, the favourable weather allows you to wear lighter clothes, and it is important to declutter the wardrobes and shoe racks. You can set the clothes away in a storage facility, or contact professional rubbish removers, like 1300 Rubbish. Additionally, you should change the sheets and beddings and air the mattress to ensure the room remains fresh.

In the rooms, it is important to open and remove the curtains and replace them with a new pair of sheers that allow enough light into the house. The pillowcases should be cleaned, and you can use the washing machine for these. This allows you to get rid of germs and dust faster.

Clean the Patio and windows

The patio and the door area frequently is inhabited by a lot of dust. Air drying the doormat and cleaning the patio area allows the front side of the house to sparkle more. Additionally, there is a lot of dust on the window seals and slides. Removing the curtains and carefully cleaning the window area reduces the cases of allergens, especially to individuals that are highly reactive to dust. The window glasses can be cleaning by the use of glass cleaner and some old newspapers as they are efficient in the removal of all grease and oils, leaving the windows sparkling.

Cleaning the Kitchen and Bathroom

This is one of the primary rooms that are used daily. In the kitchen, a lot of garbage can pile up, so it’s a good idea to stay on top of it. Additionally, in the kitchen, use the dishwasher to clean all the utensils as they ensure all the utensils are completely dry. In the bathroom, you need to check on the showerhead and the floor tiles and walls. To clean the surfaces, you can use vinegar, water, and baking soda to mop the floor and clean the bathroom tiles. The toilet can also use the above ingredients and incorporate some of the paste to clean stained crevices. The shower head needs to be soaked in vinegar to remove the rust or corrosion overnight as it ensures it is clean by morning.

Clearing the Lawn

The garden is part of the general cleaning. Frequently, spring is the best time to start planting the vegetable garden and growing a new lawn. The lawns often have overgrown and lost their cute designs and patterns. During the cleaning, it is key to trim the hedges and removal of dead grass and debris. This ensures the lawn appears neat.

Prepare the vegetable Garden

Spring is suitable for farming; therefore, preparing the vegetable garden in your backyard is vital. You need to remove any weed and debris from the garden. Additionally, adding fertilizer makes the soil more fertile and ready to plant the annual spring vegetables.

Spring cleaning is the ultimate form of general cleaning from side to side of the compound and the house. Doing a perfect and detailed cleaning allows the environment to be fresh and the house cosy over the season.

Spring cleaning can include organizing and other specialized cleaning tasks such as window washing and carpet cleaning. It is important that you take the extra time required to address these areas once a year so that dust and germs do not spread further.

Tops of Cabinets

It is important that you clean the tops of the cabinets once a year because dust and dead bugs love to settle and call it home. You might easily forget about cleaning these areas because they are not visible to the human eye. However, once you get a small ladder and see the tops you will see why these areas are important to clean. It is recommended that you use a damp microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean these areas. You can use a simple solution like water and soap or any other multi-surface cleaner will do the trick. You do not want these dust particles circulating in your air vents or general air flow. People with harsh and severe allergies will be affected. When you clean these areas make sure to proceed with caution and be extra careful when using step stools or small ladders.

Carpet Cleaning

Having your carpets professionally cleaned once a year is highly recommended. A carpet cleaning service has the proper equipment that will scrub the carpets with high pressure water systems and vacuum it up after so that your carpets are not left wet. Many companies offer this type of service including a Dallas maid service called Modern Maids. 

Under/Behind Appliances

Often time’s individuals or cleaning services will clean inside your fridge and inside your oven. This is a great start for deep cleaning that is recommended on at least a quarterly basis. Areas that are commonly overlooked are behind and under the appliances because they can be hard to move. Under the appliances get very dusty, messy with food particles that were dropped and even dead bugs such as roaches. When performing this part of the clean be cautious moving the appliances because they will be connected to the walls. Once the appliance is moved you need to sweep and mop the area thoroughly before moving them back into place.

Inside cabinets/drawers 

Most professional maid services do not offer this service unless it is on a move-in/move-out clean because of the liability that comes with removing the items in the occupied cabinets/drawers. This is a task you will most likely need to take upon yourself regardless of whether you use a house cleaning service or self clean. Set aside one Saturday in the year and tackle the task room by room.

Inside Pantry

Inside the pantry is an important item on the spring cleaning list because this also provides you the perfect opportunity to organize. It is easiest if you remove everything shelf by shelf starting from the top. Start at the very top shelf and remove all the items and place them on your counter. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the shelf cleaning off any stains or crumbs from food. When you are going to put the items back this is the perfect time to also check the expiration date to make sure you are not stocking up on needless expired items. Now work your way down shelf by shelf until you are finished. Most people won’t find this task to be enjoyable, but it is one that needs to be done on an infrequent basis.

Window Washing  

This is the last step to complete the ultimate spring cleaning job. Once a year its time to bust out the window washing equipment or hire a company to do this for you. A complete interior, exterior, screens and window tracks will get the job done. You will be thankful when you finish the job. You will be able to enjoy the views of your landscaping through crystal clear windows.

Conclusion

There is more to spring cleaning than the average person believes. Spring cleaning is different than deep cleaning. That is why spring cleaning is done once per year, unlike deep cleaning that can take place every few months. We hope that you learned what it takes and how to accomplish it by reading this article about commonly missed areas in spring cleaning.

Photo: Qualified Remodeler

Touch up your Windows and Doors

There’s nothing more annoying than squeaky doors; luckily, this problem can be solved in just a couple of minutes. Get some WD-40 and the noise should disappear. If it doesn’t, you can get some petroleum jelly and rub it on the hinges. When it comes to windows, make sure to clean the glass and blinds thoroughly. Most of the vacuums today have a brush attachment that is perfect for removing dust from your blinds. Later, you can use a wet cloth to remove all stubborn dust and stains. Now your windows will be ready to let the spring sun in.

Declutter

Most homes are filled with things we don’t really need, and the spring is the time to tackle all those unwanted items. Declutter your closet by removing all warm clothing and snow boots and replace them with light wear. You can also donate clothes that don’t fit anymore. Also, put away heavier bedding and seasonal decorations to let that spring feel in. For larger decluttering projects, consider using a roll off container rental to easily dispose of bulky items or excessive waste. You can also change up your curtains for light and airy ones that can breathe better and provide more natural light. If you do find a few repairs around, then it would be a good idea to get out your electric drill and any other tools that will help with your repairs, so that you can get them fixed up asap.

Photo: Two Twenty One

Clean your fridge

When winter ends, chances are that your fridge is in desperate need of cleaning. Remove all those crusty and sticky stains and throw out all half-used and expired bottles and containers. The best way to get rid of the stains and odors is to give it a thorough scrubbing with a mixture of vinegar, water and lemon. This concoction will restore your fridge to its previous clean and fresh state.

Take Care of your Ride

You’ve probably used your car throughout the winter, and it’s probably full of dust, dirt, old receipts, wrappers, shopping lists and change. The space between the seat and the center console (also known as The Black Hole) is most likely full of crumbs and junk that’s nearly impossible to reach. So, do your car, yourself and all the passengers a favour and give your car a thorough vacuuming. Spring rides will be much more comfortable and fun, and you’ll get the chance to examine your car and fix all the potential problems.

Clean your Bedroom

Now that the spring is here, bringing the fresh air, you don’t want to be stuck breathing in musty and dusty air while you sleep, and your mattress is where you should start. One way to freshen up the mattress is to cover it with a thin layer of baking soda which will absorb all the unpleasant odors. Vacuum after a few hours and voila! However, the best thing you can do for your old mattress is to retire it and get a new one. Mattresses should be replaced every seven to fifteen years, depending on the quality and materials, but they sure can’t last you a lifetime. Old mattresses can be full of dust mites, bacteria and even mold and all of these trigger allergies and other health problems. Consider getting a high-quality latex mattress that provides proper spinal support, airflow, and comfortable sleeping temperature.

Photo: Apartment Therapy

Take a look at your Water Heater

It’s completely normal for sediment to build up in your water heater but it decreases its efficiency and increases energy use. Call a professional for maintenance who will make sure your water heater is in top shape, ready to provide you with many showers in the future.

These tips will make sure you welcome spring with both arms open and not dread spring cleaning ever again. Now, get to work!

Photo: Coupons.com

One of the best strategies for tackling clutter during your spring clean is “Keep, Toss, Donate,” which helps you purge your possessions of unwanted or unnecessary stuff. Yet, while you sift through your belongings and build your piles, you might be misallocating dozens of items because you didn’t know their value to charitable organizations.

This year, you should put more effort into doing good with your spring cleaning by learning about uncommon donations and the organizations that accept them. This guide explains eight donations you might be tempted to toss but could actually do some serious good.

1. Old Pet Supplies

Maybe little Molly has graduated to adult kibble; maybe old Max headed off to the farm last year. For whatever reason, most pet-owners harbor a few pet supplies that are no longer necessary. Undoubtedly, animal shelters in your area are desperate for your new and gently used supplies, to include unopened food still in date, bowls, toys, beds, and grooming tools. You can contact your local humane society for drop-off locations.

2. Shelf-Stable Foods

You bought all those cans of chickpeas thinking you’d make healthy salads and snacks, only to find out how much you hate chickpeas. Whatever non-expired, shelf-stable foods you know you won’t eat can go straight to your local food bank. Food banks are desperate for any donation, but they are most interested in healthy options, like whole grains, no-sugar fruit snacks and drinks, and low-sodium canned goods.

3. Aging Boat or Car

Your garage and driveway need spring cleaning too, and one of the easiest ways to clean up and make space is to get rid of that old vehicle. Family boats are fun if you use them, but they are also expensive to maintain, especially if you only take it out a couple times a year. You can give it away for virtually no hassle to a charity that will refurbish it, resell it, and donate all proceeds to a variety of good causes while you get to reduce next year’s tax burden. Plus, you can do the same with old jet skis and cars.

4. Stiff Mattress

Photo: Fire Dawgs Junk Removal

Maybe your guest bedroom hasn’t seen a sleeper in years; maybe you’ve started sleeping on the floor for the ache in your lower back. Whatever the reason you don’t need your mattress, you should consider giving it away. More likely than not, you won’t be able to find a buyer for a used mattress: Only about 10 percent of people are willing to sleep on a used mattress. Meanwhile, homeless shelters, refugee organizations, and others are desperate for good bedding, so you can do good for you back and the needy by donating.

5. Outdated Tech

You must have the latest and greatest devices as soon as they are available, giving you access to the most innovative tech on Earth and filling your cupboards with useless, outdated machines. Fortunately, your old electronics can go to charities like StRUT, Gift My PC, and more, which typically refurbish the tech and either resell it for usable proceeds or provide it for free to users in need.

6. Office Supplies

Photo: The Local Brand

When was the last time you even used your home office? This spring, you should purge your desk of the supplies you haven’t touched in years, giving your stamps, staples, and stationary to someone who will use it. Schools are most in-need of your office supplies, but nearly any charity will make good use of paper and pens.

7. Newspapers and Magazines

Photo: ThinkBangalore

You hardly know why you ever started hoarding newspapers and magazines, but this year it’s time to stop. Instead of merely tossing them in the recycling bin (or, heaven forbid, throwing them in the trash) you can donate old back-issues to any of the following good causes:

• Animal shelters take newspaper to line cages.
• Libraries take old magazines as reference materials.
• Schools take both newspapers and magazines as craft supplies.
• Women’s shelters and retirement homes take both newspapers and magazines as entertainment materials.

8. Craft Supplies

You shouldn’t feel bad for falling out of love with a past hobby; you should feel bad for holding onto countless skeins of yarn, bags of beads, stacks of scrapbooking paper, and other stuff “just in case.” Schools will accept some craft supplies, but you might also consider giving to children’s hospitals, women’s shelters, retirement homes, and community centers. There are also specific charities for certain supplies, such as The Knitting Connection and The Dreaming Zebra.

Article By: Mirna Cacic

Cast iron skillets are one of those things that not many people know how to clean. You’ve all heard the stories about how you’re not allowed to use soap, or any other harsh chemicals. All you need to clean your skillet are a few basic items like salt, oil, and a sponge. Check out our tips and tricks below to get your skillet looking fresh and new!

Supply Checklist:

1) Cast iron skillet

2) Salt

3) Sponge

4) Vegetable oil

5) Paper towels

6) Kitchen towel

Step #1:

It’s important to clean the skillet each and every time you use it. This way you’ll prevent gunk from building up, making the job much easier. Don’t soak your skillet to get rid of stuck-on food, as it can make it rusty.

Step #2:

To wash your skillet, simply scrub it with a sponge under hot water. Avoid soap or steel wool, as it can strip your skillet of its seasoning.

Step #3:

To get rid of burnt or stuck-on food, sprinkle salt over your skillet and add a bit of water. Swish it around with your sponge to make a paste, and then scrub it.

Step #4:

Rinse the skillet and dry it with a kitchen towel.

Step #5:

Grab a sheet of paper towel and add a few drops of vegetable oil to your skillet. Wipe the skillet down, then get out a clean paper towel and wipe it again to get rid of any excess oil. To store your skillet, keep it in a dry place.

Photos: Sarcastic Cooking, Tori Avey, Lemons and Anchovies, Galley Kitchen Gal.

Keeping every inch of your bathroom glistening and clean is a tough job, and we can relate! If you’ve noticed the caulk around your sink or in your shower is looking dingy, there’s an easy way to fix it to make it look good as new! Keep reading for the easy solution!

What You Will Need:

– Warm Water

– A bucket

– Dish Soap

– Soft bristle brush

– Sponge

– Bleach

Step #1:

The first step is to remove the surface mold. Fill your bucket with warm water and add a dash of dish soap. Apply the soapy water to the mold using the sponge and scrub away the mold.

Step #2:

Rinse the soap away using clean water.

Step #3:

Add undiluted bleach to the caulk to kill any mold spores that are left. The bleach will also help whiten the caulk. Allow the bleach to sit on the caulk for about 15 minutes.

Step #4:

Gently scrub the caulk with the bristle brush. Rinse the bleach away with clean water when finished.

Photos: Sash Co, Element of Style Blog, BHG, This Old House.

Cleaning your windows is probably one of the easiest ways you can make your home look fresh and revived. Cloudy, dusty, and dirty windows are not only ugly to look at, but they also ruin the rest of your home’s appeal inside and out. Set aside one cloudy day for cleaning your windows since direct sunlight will dry up your solution before your can polish the glass properly.

1. Mix up Your Solution:

We’ve scoured the web and came across a lot of homemade cleaning solutions. Most of them aren’t effective and not even tried and tested! We found this popular cleaning solution that pinners swear by:

• ½ Gallon warm water
• 1 Tbsp liquid Jet Dry
• 2-3 Tbsp liquid laundry detergent or dish washing soap

Mix up all these ingredients in a bucket. Hose down your windows and wipe or brush on the solution. Immediately hose it off and your done!

Tips:

Use Horizontal and Vertical Strokes

– Wash one side of the window with your solution using horizontal strokes and the other side with vertical strokes. This way you can diminish any streaks.

Diminish Streaks with a Squeegee

– Using the solution above, the water seems to just run off and doesn’t make any marks. If you like, you can wipe them down with a squeegee if you are worried about streaks.

Fix Scratches with Toothpaste

– Scratched glass? No worries polish it up with toothpaste and watch the scratches disappear!  Toothpaste is a ingeneious way of fixing scratches and is also good for polishing up car headlights, a glass top on your table, sunglasses, and your glassware.

Polish Glass with Newspaper

– Take some old newspaper, crumple it up and polish your windows for extra shine. Polishing with newspaper leaves a film that makes your windows resistant to dirt and repels it. This is super easy and really costs nothing.

Clean up Drips!

– Cleaning solutions will make your windows sparkle but can damage your woodwork. Don’t let the cleaners drip on your windowsill or on your window frame since they can strip the paint or varnish. If you have sash windows especially, like the ones from Bygone Windows, you really want to make sure to wipe up drips to extend the life of your windows.

Photos: Made From Pinterest, Groomed Home