This post is brought to you by Finish and The Co.

I’ll admit that cleaning is not in my top ten list of favourite things to do. Add in our older farmhouse which is definitely not our dream house, and we are even less inclined to keep it in spic and span shape. During winter, we slow down and our cleaning gets a little lax. Enter spring season though, and the mud from around the farm starts to be traipsed into the house. Those beams of strong sunshine seem to illuminate every little cobweb, muddy dog footprints and dust bunnies that have taken up residence.

With all this grime being shown, my hidden germophobe seems to rise to the surface. “Clean all the things!” she screams. Let’s face it though – I only really have time for the one that are most important and what will make the biggest difference. I won’t bore you with the basics, but here are the 7 things that I don’t always remember to spring clean that can make the biggest difference for your family’s health.

Start with the Allies

The allies in my house are the major appliances that will help me sanitize, wash and clean most of my spring cleaning items. This includes my dishwasher, and washing machine as a partner in crime. Don’t forget the rest of them for a through clean too – the oven, and refrigerator will give you their best performances if you are keeping them spic and span too.

Dishwasher Cleaning

We’ve been using Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner to clean our stainless steel dishwasher for the past year. It’s simple to use, you just peel off the sticker and place the container upside down in the bottom rack and run the dishwasher on your hottest setting (sanitize or hot). Especially since we are now on very mineral rich water, it’s amazing how fast lime scale and iron deposits can build up on the most vital internal parts.

Washing Machine Cleaning

A quick scrub down with your favourite all-purpose cleaner may be the only thing needed. If you want to do a little more, run through the machine with hot water without any clothes in it may also help. Check the rubber seals and wipe them down. If you’re feeling really adventurous, you can turn off the water and clean the inlet hose water filters (do people actually do that?)

5 Things to Spring Clean You Probably Forgot

Bed
Your bed is teaming full of dust mites in your duvet, dust bunnies under it, and drooled pillows. Throw those pillows and duvets into the washing machine on sanitize or hot, vacuum your mattress and flip it, and make sure you clean under the bed. Wipe down the bed frame with your favourite all-purpose cleaner or wood polish.

 

Your Phone
Our phones literally go everywhere with us, and they are one of the most dirty things we use daily. Remove your phone from the case and give it the case a thorough cleaning with a disinfecting wipe. Pay close attention to any part that may touch your face.

 

Curtains
Curtains, blinds and shades have a good habit of collecting dust. Break out the vacuum cleaner or duster and get them back to spic and span. Wash your curtains and hang to dry (I found that one out the hard way).

 

Toys & Bath Toys
Daycares regularly bleach their toys and you should too. Grab a bra bag and put little Legos or small pieces on the top rack of the dishwasher. Don’t forget those pesky bath toys. They can go top rack in the dishwasher too. For bigger toys, wipe them down with a disinfecting wipe or use an all-purpose cleaner in the sink to dip them in.

Furnace Filters
All those dust bunnies, and dog hair balls have got to go somewhere. Usually it’s your cold air return vents, ducts or furnace filters. Change yours regularly. If you haven’t seen it this season yet, now is a good time to start.

 

{Giveaway} Win Help with Your Spring Cleaning

The only thing more satisfying than spring cleaning, is having someone else to do it for you, and Finish is presenting the opportunity for you to win precisely that luxury! All you have to do is visit the contest page HERE and leave a review of why you love Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner, or why you would like to try Finish® Dishwasher Cleaner, and you will be entered into a draw to win free home cleaning services for a year!