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5 Commonly Missed Spots When Spring Cleaning
Spring is the season to revitalize your space and embrace the season of renewal with a thorough cleaning. While we often focus on the usual suspects like closets, drawers and countertops, some commonly missed spots when spring cleaning also deserve our attention. Keep reading to discover the often-overlooked nooks and crannies that can accumulate dust, grime and mold, and learn how you can get them shining like new!
Shower Heads
How often does your shower head get proper TLC? Cleaning your shower head regularly optimizes water pressure during your shower time. Without regular cleaning, mineral deposits buildup, resulting in reduced water output. With the hot and humid nature of the shower, it also becomes prone to developing bacteria like Mycobacterium avium, a pathogen linked to pulmonary disease, as well as the common household enemy, mold. Cleaning your shower head is simpler than you may think. White vinegar is inexpensive and a great tool for ridding your home of limescale, rust and mineral deposits. Here are two ways to get your shower head running like new.
Quick Cleaning Steps
- Without unscrewing the head, pour white vinegar into a plastic bag, tie it to the shower head, and submerge the shower head in the vinegar.
- Leave the bag on for a few hours, then remove and run your shower for thirty seconds to release debris.
Thorough Cleaning Steps
- Clean the shower head by removing it entirely and placing it in warm vinegar for one hour.
- Scrub with a toothbrush or sponge afterward to remove leftover debris; use a toothpick for hard-to-reach areas and small clogged holes.
- Re-attach and run for 30 seconds to expel any extra materials.
Cleaning your shower head at least once a month is advised to keep water pressure up and prevent bacterial growth.
Faucets
Similarly to shower heads, faucets can be a missed area on your cleaning checklist that falls victim to limescale, mold and grime. Most faucets have removable aerators, which are screens that control water flow from the faucet that accumulate mineral buildup. This buildup on the aerator affects pressure and filtering. Once again, white vinegar is a fantastic resource for cleaning these faucet parts. However, removing them is a bit tricky.
Cleaning Steps
- If your aerator has screws outside of the faucet, you may need a wrench or pliers to remove it. If your aerator is hidden, you will likely need an aerator key from a home improvement store to remove it.
- Once you remove the aerator, soak it in warm vinegar for five minutes, then scrub off the debris with a sponge or an old toothbrush.
- Don’t forget to wipe behind your faucet and its handles with an all-purpose cleaner or vinegar and water solution as well for some extra shine!
- Run warm water through the faucet to release any additional dirt particles missed in the scrubbing process.
Dishwasher
For many, a dirty dishwasher is out of sight, out of mind. If left unchecked, the dishwasher drain can clog with leftover food scraps and sludge, leaving debris stuck inside the dishwasher and clinging to your dishes! Regular cleaning is key to prolonging the appliance’s life and durability, and it can be done easily and with natural products.
Cleaning Steps
- Drain filters are easily removable and can be soaked and scrubbed with hot water, vinegar and lemon.
- With a cleaning glove, reach in and remove any large debris from the drain the filter was covering and dispose of it.
- With a sponge or paper towel, scoop out any other remaining visible food waste or sludge from the dishwasher.
- Insert the drain filter back into the dishwasher.
- Place a glass filled with white vinegar on the bottom rack, run a hot cycle and turn off the heated dry.
- Run a hot cycle and turn off the heated dry.
- Remove the glass of vinegar and sprinkle baking soda throughout the dishwasher.
- Run another hot cycle, and your dishwasher will be clean and fresh!
Coffee Machines
Many of us enjoy a couple of cups of coffee every day. Absopure Office Coffee Service offers a wide selection of brewers, coffees, K-Cups, creamer and sweeteners, all conveniently delivered directly to your office. However, rigorous daily use causes machines to gather oils and mineral buildup, calling for regular upkeep to keep coffee makers running smoothly.
Traditional Coffee Maker Cleaning Steps
- Start by removing used coffee grounds and filters.
- Take apart removable parts like the filter basket and pot, and wash them well with warm, soapy water.
- Use a water and vinegar solution to clean the machine’s insides, then rinse with plain water.
- Wipe down the outside of the machine to remove any spills or stains. Let all the parts air dry before putting them back together.
- Try to give your drip coffee maker a good clean as often as possible, but at least every 90 cycles (around 2.5 months)
High-quality distilled water, like Absopure Steam Distilled Drinking Water, is ideal for brewing as it helps maximize the coffee’s flavor and extends the life of your coffee maker. Remember, great coffee starts with great water.
Reusable Water Bottles
Reusable water bottles are another repeated-use item we often forget to clean. The moist environment inside these bottles can grow mold and harmful microorganisms. Filling the bottles with sugary drinks, coffee or tea can also cause bacterial growth to form quickly if left unchecked. Clean your reusable bottles once a day or minimally once a week. Try filling up your bottle with an Absopure Water Cooler, including your choice of All Natural Spring Water, Steam Distilled Drinking Water or Purified Drinking Water, for a smooth and refreshing taste.
Start your season off right by delving into these commonly missed spots when spring cleaning. Seasonal cleaning will enhance the aesthetics of your home and contribute to a healthier living environment, free from mold buildup and bacteria. From shower heads, faucets and dishwashers to frequently used coffee machines and water bottles—maintaining hygiene, efficiency and functionality will ensure a refreshing and rejuvenated welcome to spring!
