Spring Cleaning Projects Part 2
There are so many appliances and other items in our homes that need regular or occasional maintenance that we would need to work from a schedule to be sure each item got its share of attention. Following are some more things to take a look at as part of your Spring Cleaning Projects.
SEASONAL MAINTENANCE
Clean humidifier
During the winter season you should be cleaning your humidifier about once a week to keep the mold, fungus and bacteria away. At the end of the season you will want to give it an especially good cleaning before putting it away.
Most humidifiers can be cleaned using the following directions. Check your owners manual to be sure. You will need a bottle of white vinegar, a utility knife, and a toothbrush.
Step 1: First unplug the humidifier and empty the water tank. Remove the humidifier head. Empty any water that is left in the reservoir pan. Dump any loose mineral scale that may be left in the pan and rub off any excess scale with your hand. Rinse the pan thoroughly with water.
Step 2: Fill the reservoir pan with white vinegar and place the humidifier head back on top of the pan. Leave the humidifier unplugged and let the heating element soak in the vinegar overnight to let it loosen the mineral scale. (Do not chip mineral scale off, as you may damage the heating element.)
Step 3: The next day, scrape off any mineral scale that became loose during the overnight soaking. A utility knife and a toothbrush will help to easily remove any softened scale. (A good job of cleaning doesn't have to mean restoring the cables to their original condition.)
Clean dehumidifier
Dehumidifiers need little maintenance other than filter replacement on models that have filters. To keep your dehumidifier running properly:
• Don't set the humidistat higher than necessary
• Clean the water container
• Replace the filter
• Inspect the cooling coils for frost or ice build-up
• Don't short-cycle the cooling system:
To prolong the life of your dehumidifier, never turn it off and then back on right away. After you turn it off, wait at least 10 minutes before turning it on again. This lets the pressure in the refrigeration system equalize.
Clean and maintain ceiling fans Always be sure fan is in off position before cleaning. Do not use water to clean your fans, as you will risk the possibility of electrical shock. Furniture polish can be applied to the wood occasionally. Anti-static agents work well on the fan blades.
Latest Articles