March Home Care Tips

March Home Care Tips

March 20 is the first official day of spring. Although we still see plenty of rain this time of year, you can rest assured that nicer weather is on its way. Usher in the new season with a bit of spring cleaning, some fresh flowers, and a little dirt under your fingernails.

Here are some things you can get done in an hour or less!

1. Make mirrors and table lamps shine. Use a duster or soft rags to remove dust from table lamps and wipe down mirrors with a damp microfiber cloth. On mirrors, never use an ammonia based cleaner like Windex, instead use a product called Sprayway! These freshened-up surfaces will enhance the light throughout your space.

2. Refresh the entryway. As the weather thaws, begin putting away mittens and wool hats and make room for those mucky spring boots. Clean or replace the doormat, clear off the hooks (or hangers, if you have a coat closet) and be sure to put out an umbrella holder stocked for those PNW spring showers.

3. Remove winter layers. This is a great time to swap out heavy winter bedding for lighter-weight quilts and coverlets. Also consider changing deep-pile rugs for flat-weave or natural-fiber versions for the warmer months.

4. Clean up patio furniture. Outdoor furniture can get really grimy over the winter, so be sure to give everything a good scrubbing before you start using it for the season. Launder washable outdoor cushion covers and replace worn-out pieces if needed.

5. Tune up lawn and garden tools. Sharp tools get the job done. Take your lawn mower and clippers in for a sharpening and tuneup before you begin work in your garden. It’s also a good time to ceck your garden hoses, spray nozzles, and get those faucet covers removed.

6. Clean slipcovers and soft furnishings. Smaller slipcovers and washable rugs can be laundered at home; drop off larger pieces with professionals. Non-washable rugs can be professionally done in your house or taken out for cleaning. When laundering items at home, be sure to read the instructions carefully and err on the side of caution. Most items such as curtains and slipcovers can be put back while damp — for the best fit and to prevent wrinkles.

7. Dust high corners and baseboards. Using a vacuum attachment or the duster of your choice, remove dust and cobwebs from those high and low spots we often miss during routine cleaning.

8. Make a garden plan. There’s still time to get your garden growing! Sketch out a plan and jot down ideas for this year’s plantings, as well as any ideas you have for changes to the hardscape, such as putting in a new path or fence. Start some seeds indoors or pick up seedlings at your local nursery. My favorite nursery is Sky Nursery in Shoreline!

9. Spring-clean the kitchen. Give your kitchen a fresh start by cleaning some of the areas we often skip during quick daily tidying: Clean small appliances; wipe grease and grime from the range hood and clean and/or replace those filters. Clean and check caulking at backsplash. Inspect and clean light fixtures; clean grout; and vacuum hard-to-reach places (like under the stove) using an attachment.

10. Plant a tree. Planting a treee in the spring and fall are the best times because wet weather and cooler temperatures make it easier for root systems to get established. Be sure to check with a nursery to determine which species will do best in your microclimate and to get detailed planting instructions. If your area has a late date of last frost, you may need to wait until all threat has passed before planting.

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