DIY home projects – Spring Will Be Here Soon
By Brian Berson,
DIY Home Projects
Let's think spring, it will be here soon!
Here are a few DIY home projects while you're stuck at home - from cleaning to mini and half-day projects.
Rotate mattress and blankets
If possible, turn over your mattress to distribute wear evenly. Replace heavy winter bedding with cool-weather bedding.
Clean pillows
Some pillows can be washed in the washing machine. Just follow the product's care label. Most pillows can be hand-washed to rid them of mold, bacteria, and odors. Fill the sink with very hot water. The hotter the water, the better to kill dust mites without bleach or other harsh chemicals. Add a mild low-sud detergent like Woolite, add the pillow, then agitate. Rinse several times until the suds are gone. With a white terry cloth towel, press the excess water out of the pillow. Never wring or twist! Place the pillow in the dryer on the air-dry setting with a few tennis balls to help fluff. You can also hang it to dry outside and fluff it by hand.
Wipe walls and ceilings
Remove dust with a vacuum. Use a solvent-free degreaser to tackle stubborn surface grime. Some well-known brands are Mrs. Meyer's, JR Watkins, ECOS, Seventh Generation, and Method Home. You can find these natural & eco-friendly cleaning products at large retailers, natural grocery stores, or online.
Dusting
Always dust from the top of a room down. Vacuum the dust that settles on the floor last. To reach into tight spots and hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and window casings, use the dust brush or crevice tool on a vacuum. Remove everything from shelves and brush shelves, books, and knickknacks with a feather duster. Wipe down collectibles and books with a clean and dry soft cloth.
Replace winter clothing with summer clothing
Wash or dry-clean before storing winter clothes. Store in a zippered sweater or blanket bag.
Donate apparel you no longer use
Donate your old clothing to your local church, homeless shelter, Salvation Army, etc. They'll sell your items cheap or deliver them to a shelter for those in need. Some charities may even send a truck to pick up your donation.
Deep clean carpet and rugs
This isn't really one of your DIY home projects. Carpets and rugs should be professionally deep-cleaned with hot-water extraction yearly. We collect area rugs without backings, including Orientals, to be cleaned on-site. DO NOT use spotters from the grocery store or hardware store on any carpet or area rugs. They can leave sticky residues that attract dirt and cause fading. We carry a spotting product that does a great job and isn’t harmful to your carpet. Purchase once for $24.99 and receive free refills for life!
Deep clean hardsurface floors
Tile: Use a pH-neutral cleaner like Mr. Clean. It doesn't leave a build-up or film, and it has low acidity. Add a 50/50 Mr. Clean and water solution in a spray bottle. Spray the tile and grout and allow it to sit for ten to fifteen minutes. Agitate with a soft scrub brush. A toothbrush is good for the grout. Rinse with hot water.
Vinyl: Wet cleaning periodically is necessary to maintain the floor’s appearance. Always pre-vacuum (without beater bars) or dust mop before any wet cleaning. We recommend appropriate neutral pH cleaning agents. Don’t use any abrasive cleaners, as they will leave a dull residue on the surface of the floor. Also, make sure to follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions for the application of damp mopping. If rinsing is needed, use clean water and expedite drying with fans. Getting on your hands and knees with a tennis ball and elbow grease is best for scuffs.
Hardwood: NEVER dump solution from a bucket on the floor or wet mop! Use a spray bottle with a shammy after the floor has been vacuumed (without beater bars). Professional cleaning once a year to extract dirt and grime in the cracks and crevices of the wood grain is a good idea to remove debris, oil, and allergens. Creative Carpet & Flooring offers cleaning products and dedicated floor cleaning expert services to help. We're your "one-stop shop" for all things flooring!
Clean upholstered furnishings
Gently beat cushions by hand outdoors to remove dust. If there are stains, clean them using the instructions on the care labels. Clean under seat cushions using a vacuum's upholstery and crevice tool.
Inspect light fixtures
Indoors and out, wash light fixture covers. Make sure to check all fixture wires and connections for damage, too.
Organize files
Review insurance policies, contracts, and household inventories. Declutter and discard documents and files you no longer need.
Clean computers
Wipe down casings with a solution of 1 drop of mild dishwashing liquid per 1 quart of water using a lint-free cloth. Dust crevices in keyboards with cotton swabs. Wipe screens with a soft dry cloth.
Discard expired cosmetics and beauty products
Foundation, primer, blush, and eyeshadow can last for up to two years. Lipstick is usually good for one year. You should replace mascara and eyeliner every three months.
Update the first-aid kit
Replenish items that are expired or running low, and update your supplies to meet your current needs. Also, the kit should include a list of emergency numbers and the nearest poison control center.
Ensure fire safety
All your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors should be free of dust and have fresh batteries. Review using a fire extinguisher and escape plans with everyone in the home in case of an emergency.
Clean porch ceilings and walls
Using a broom, sweep up cobwebs and debris. Mix a cap full of an all-purpose cleaner in a large bucket of hot water. Using this solution, wash the walls using a sponge.
Scrub decks, patios, driveways and walkways
Treat mildew with a solution of 1-part oxygen bleach to 3-part water using a deck brush.
Wash outdoor furniture
Most outdoor furniture can handle a solution of mild dishwashing liquid and water using a soft-bristle brush.
Wash window screens
Scrub each screen with a brush using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid. Make sure to rinse thoroughly.
Clean window treatments
Most curtains and drapes are machine washable, but check the labels first. Dry-clean fabric shades. Wipe wood, metal, and vinyl blinds using a damp cloth with warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid.
Bring out lightweight curtains, rugs, and throws
Clean heavyweight items before storing them. Roll material around a cardboard tube and wrap it in a clean cotton sheet to store. Secure with twill tape or twine and label for easy reference in the fall.