Spring Cleaning: Top 5 Commonly Missed Locations

Spring is finally here! Warm weather, clear skies, and unknown adventures await. One long-awaited and often dreaded adventure includes a deep clean of the apartment. Spring cleaning can rid your apartment of subtle smells and unsightly stains that have been around for so long that you don’t even notice them anymore. Everyone likes a clean home. So, we’ve compiled a list of 5 commonly missed cleaning areas to help your apartment look, feel, and smell like the day you first moved in!

Washing Machine

Residue from laundry detergent and fabric softener can create a buildup of bacteria, which can be hazardous to your health. A slow buildup of mildew from the lack of cleaning can also lead to unpleasant smells coming from your washing machine and potentially your clothes. 

Required Items:

• 4 Cups White Vinegar
• 1 Cup of Baking Soda

Step One:

Let your washing machine fill with water while on the highest heat and load setting.

Step Two:

Fill the washer tub with 4 cups of vinegar.

Step Three:

Close the lid and let the washer agitate for about 1 minute.

Step Four:

Open the lid and let the vinegar water soak in the washer tub for an hour.

Step Five:

Use a toothbrush to clean the lid and rim of the tub.

Step Six:

Close the lid and let the washer finish a cycle.

Step Seven

Repeat steps 1-6, using 1 cup of baking soda rather than vinegar in step two.

Dishwasher Filter Cleaning

One of the most overlooked items in the dishwasher is the filter. This filter, meant to stop food particles from recirculating back onto the dishes, is recommended to be cleaned every 3 to 6 months. A failure to clean this filter regularly can result in dirty water being used to clean your dishes, unsanitary conditions, and unwanted smells. The filter, located at the bottom of the dishwasher towards the center, can typically be removed by twisting it off. If this is your first time removing the dishwasher filter, we recommended that you look up a video on how to best clean and remove it. Doing this will help make for an easy, simple, and effective cleaning.

Oven (Underneath)

Debris and liquid can easily fall through the cracks between your counter and oven. This debris can attract pests and, if left long enough, can create strong smells from molding and rotting food. To clean under the oven, start by pulling it away from the wall, and then use a vacuum to pick up larger pieces of debris. Scrub the floor with cleaner, and a rag, vinegar, and water work great on grimy surfaces and then push the oven back when clean. Repeat this process every 3-6 months, depending on how much you cook.

Garbage Bin Cleaning

The trash bin is a common culprit for unwanted smells in the apartment. If not cleaned regularly, these smells can start to linger on the sides of your trash bin. Cleaning your trash bin with vinegar and water is simple and easy and can go a long way when trying to freshen up the apartment.

Carpet (Deep Clean)

Vacuuming the carpet goes a long way when cleaning the apartment, but vacuuming will only take you so far. Deep cleaning your carpet with one part white vinegar and three parts water can make a world of difference for the cleanliness of your apartment. Dip a scrub brush in a vinegar solution and gently scrub the carpet. Also, have a cloth or towel handy to soak up the excess moisture. Not only will this help clean your carpet, but the vinegar will neutralize odor-causing bacteria that have become trapped in your carpet. Doing this once to twice a year will help make your apartment feel and smell clean.

Interested in more ways to keep your apartment clean? Check out these 6 ways to give your apartment a fresh new start!