Spring Cleaning Projects
Spring is coming to the Northern Hemisphere. Some days it is still hiding itself behind clouds and cold temperatures, but other days we can feel it in the warmth of the sun and the freshness of the air. Along with bird calls, a touch of green, and warmer air; spring also brings household cleaning and fix it projects.
Many of us still like to do a major 'Spring Cleaning'. According to the Care2 Ask Annie newsletter, spring cleaning is, "a custom left over from times before electricity, when everything in peoples' houses was covered with soot from candles, fireplaces, kerosene, and lamp oils used for heat and light during the winter. By the spring, every inch of the home had to be cleaned to rid it of the layer of soot."
Whether spring cleaning is to rid the home of soot, or simply to air out the accumulated mustiness of a long winter, it is certainly a tradition. We are no longer as limited in when and how we do much of our cleaning. We can clean carpets in the middle of winter, have our down comforted cleaned anytime, we are no longer reliant upon the weather. But it is the weather that gives us the feeling we 'ought' to be doing something.
Even if your home is not in desperate need of the traditional 'spring cleaning', there are other cleaning projects that should garner your attention occasionally, and spring is a good time to take a look at them.
HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE
Hazardous materials accumulate in everyone's home. How to get rid of them becomes the big question. They shouldn't be poured down the drain or thrown away in the trash as they can cause serious pollution problems in the waste stream.
Most communities have at least one Household Hazardous Waste Pickup Day a year. Call your local recycling center, town or city hall to find out when one is scheduled for your area. Until you can arrange fro safe disposal of these materials, keep them safely locked in cabinet or other location away from children. By disposing of these hazardous wastes properly there will be fewer toxic materials leaching out of landfills, burning in incinerators, and being washed into the waste water stream.
HEATING & COOLING SYSTEMS
Duct Cleaning
If your home uses a forced air central heat system, the ducts will need occasional cleaning. As a general rule it is a good idea to have the duct work cleaned and sanitized at least once ever seven years.
Latest Articles