Kitchen: Clean under sink (a source of odors, mildew and critters). Clean dishwasher run it empty with white vinegar. Use a grease-cutting solvent on cabinetry. Run white vinegar through a full cycle of a coffeemaker, followed by a cycle of water.
Window treatments: Follow instructions for cleaning curtains, draperies, shades and blinds. Some can be vacuumed using a brush, some can be laundered, others need to be professionally cleaned.
Bedding: Turn and vacuum mattress. Wash bedspreads, duvets, quilts, pillow covers, mattress pads, air pillows, pillow shams, dust ruffles. Store heavier bedding; replace with lighter-weight items.
Before you begin: Clean out cupboards, drawers and closets before surface cleaning you don’t want to track dust and grime through an already cleaned area. Stock up on detergents, vinegar, ammonia, sponges, rags and spray bottles. Make sure appliances, such as vacuum cleaners, are in good working order. Make sure vacuum bag is new or less than 50 percent full. Always read manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.
Heavy cleaning: Walls — Use a cloth or sponge for washing and terry-cloth towels to dry. Use a solution of 2 tablespoons of ammonia in 1 quart water; rinse.
Woodwork — Doors, window frames and baseboards should be dusted then cleaned with a solution of dishwashing liquid and water. Rinse and dry.
Windows — Create a mixture of 2 tablespoons of non-sudsing ammonia per quart of water. Spray or sponge on, then use a squeegee.
Screens — Clean with a solution of ammonia and water. Try using a wand attachment on garden hose for spraying solution on screens; avoid heavy pressure. Let screens air dry.
Floors — Strip vinyl floors that have dulled. This is a once-a-year process. Use a no-mess acrylic stripper to remove buildup.
Carpets — Clean yourself or professionally; check how quickly carpet resoils before choosing a method.
Furniture — This may be one of the few times a year to use furniture polish. Water down polish before applying. Wipe with a clean, dry cloth.
Miscellaneous: Clean lampshades with a vacuum attachment or soft cloth. Clean blades of ceiling fans with a damp cloth. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Clean ash out of fireplaces. Clean glass light fixtures with warm water and dish detergent (turn off fixture before cleaning). Have air-conditioning unit checked before turning it on.
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Sources: Pete Ducharme, Signature Cleaning Inc., Wauconda; The Clean Team, San Francisco; “Mary Ellen’s Complete Home Reference Book” by Mary Ellen Pinkham (Crown Trade Paperbacks, $12)
