From the Floors Up

Spring Cleaning Checklist

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Structured schedules are great for holding us accountable and help us complete our daily chores. For instance, perhaps, you do laundry on Sundays or wash your dishes at the end of the day. These daily or weekly habits allow us to live in a clean and well-kept house. However, some things need to be done less frequently than others. Some deep-cleaning projects can be done just once a year. These are easy to forget about because we do not do them week by week. Yet, with spring around the corner, this is an excellent time to knock out some annual spring cleaning. Let’s get started!

Flip Your Mattress

Many mattress manufacturers suggest that you flip your mattress once a year. Since we spend an average of 8 hours each night lying in bed out of 24 hours in a day, this means we lay in our beds 1/3 of our lives. The mattress, therefore, begins to form to our body and sink where we consistently lay. To prevent this, it is good to flip your mattress. This task will help prevent your body from creating a form in the mattress over time.

Clean Your Gutters

Gutters are your home’s main defense against water damage on the outside. Our roofs and gutter systems help navigate water to a drain where it will prevent flooding and water damage. However, outdoor conditions can lead to gutters get cluttered, and your gutters will begin to collect debris and leaves over time. To keep your gutters functioning at their best, remember to clean them out this spring.

Steam Clean Carpet

Vacuuming your carpet once a week or as necessary is a great way to help suck up debris and dirt. This dirt can build up and break down your carpet fibers over time. It is recommended by many carpet manufacturers to steam clean your carpet once every year. This process can help remove any deep stains or dirt mucked into your carpet fibers. Plus, it will give your flooring a much longer life!

Clean Your Pantry

Our pantries store many snacks and food supplies. Over time, we can forget about certain foods. By cleaning your pantry once a year, you can help prevent the build-up of expired foods. Just make sure to check the dates on all your canned and bagged food. Throw away anything expired. This habit can also make you more familiar with the dates that are upcoming. Perhaps, you have a pasta sauce expiring in the next two months. If so, it is a great opportunity to make pasta this evening.

Wipe Down Your Windows

This task is the exact same as cleaning your inside windows. However, this task gets put on the back burner too often because outdoor windows are harder to reach and take more effort. This spring is the perfect time to deep clean your outdoor windows. After your outdoor windows are done, wipe down your inside windows. During this process is the ideal time to wash your drapes or curtains as well!

Clean Out Your Fireplace

With winter just ending, our fireplaces can become quite dirty. Accumulating ashes and wood, these can be ignored for some time. This spring, get out your shop vac and clean out for fireplace. You will love the fact that you did! You can also use your fireplace during the spring by setting up some decorative candles inside. This look will give the same aesthetic of fire with a fraction of the warmth!

Annual cleaning can be easy to forget, if not reminded. Use this checklist to help hold yourself accountable. Remember that these projects can take a little bit of time, so set aside a weekend.

How to Clean Three Different Types of Countertops

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The kitchen is the heart of the home, yet it also can be home to a lot of messes. In fact, we are continually preparing and eating food on our countertops. Countertops can easily be a focal point in many kitchens. Because of their showcase quality, it is essential to help keep them clean for hygienic and longevity purposes. However, not all countertops are alike. Some cleaning materials used for one countertop may ruin your beautiful countertop. To help, here is what you need to know about cleaning some of the most common countertop selections:

Granite

Granite is one of the most common, prestigious countertop options. To clean granite countertops, start by mixing dish soap with warm water. Soak a rag in the solution and wipe away any residue or debris from your countertop surface. You can also dilute a solvent like an isopropyl in water to disinfect your countertops. Put into a spray bottle and spray counter after it has been dried. Use a paper towel to wipe countertops dry.

Marble

Another great natural stone is marble. This porous rock can be cleaned very similarly to granite. Use dish soap with warm water to remove residue and debris. However, be very cognitive of using any acid-base cleaner on marble. This soft rock can easily be etched. You should also be cognitive of staining. Both granite and marble countertops should be sealed annually to prevent damage.

Stainless Steel

Use a microfiber cleaning cloth and warm water to wipe down your countertops. Many manufacturers make specific products for stainless steel counters. Once you apply the approved cleaners, make sure to wipe your countertops dry. Stainless steel can easily show water spots and cleaner residue if not dried thoroughly. You can even use lemon juice to help clean these as well. They will not rust or corrode at all.

Cleaning your countertops is just another way to take pride in your beautiful kitchens. Make sure if you have a porous countertop that you have it resealed as recommended. Every countertop has different benefits and cons. Cleaning each one can have its set of rules to follow. Make sure you do the right method of cleaning to get the most longevity out of your counters.

Spill-free Sports

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Are you ready for the weekend? Does your home become sports central for your family and friends? That flat-screen television seemed like a good idea at the time, but now you’ve discovered that everyone you know wants to see the field as close to full-size as possible.

Realistically, you probably enjoy the crowd that comes to watch various games. It’s a high-energy experience with some of your favorite people. The challenge comes afterwards, when it’s time for clean-up.

Can your flooring handle the crowd? When it’s time to update your home, or if you’re planning for your next one, think about parties such as these when you choose your floors.

Low maintenance flooring includes tile and laminates. Wood floors can work well with the right coating to make spills easier to handle. Carpeting is still a possibility, but invest in the stain-proof options that can withstand messy events.

If it’s not time for new flooring, there are things you can do to protect the floors you have currently. First, choose snacks such as pretzels that will minimize damage from spills. Think about setting up a buffet for munchies, so that people can fill plates in a “safe zone.”

Finally, if you want a simple easy-clean solution for guests that get messy and throw things every time their team scores, invest in several bath sheets in a color similar to your flooring. Simply position them in the spill zone and let the chips fall as they may. You’ll be able to tidy up with a trip to the washing machine after your guests leave.  Who doesn’t love an easy clean up?

From the Floors Up

From the Floors Up blog was created with the goal of providing a destination for consumers, designers and those interested in the flooring, design, and kitchen and bath industries. Here you’ll find, current, accurate and informative information that is always just a click away!

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