Fra Noi Embrace Your Inner Italian
Buds are on the trees, temperatures are on the rise, and spring cleaning is on the docket for many homeowners, especially those who are looking to put their properties on the market. Although many of us clean our homes from top to bottom, there are always those overlooked spots that could use a little extra love from us.
Behind, under and on top of the refrigerator is where food particles and crumbs love to gather. Many refrigerators are on wheels, so it’s easy to slide them out and vacuum and wash beneath and behind them. A refrigerator’s drip pan is a magnet for pests, since they’re often moist and dirty. Use a little white vinegar and a toothbrush, then wipe it dry. And don’t forget the coils! Use a vacuum attachment and make sure the fridge is unplugged when doing this.
To sanitize and freshen up your sink, combine one cup of baking soda with one cup of white vinegar and pour the mixture down the drain. Once it stops bubbling, turn on the hot water. Afterward, take a handful of ice cubes and run them through the garbage disposal to sharpen the blades.
When it comes time to clean the dishwasher, cool down with a glass of fresh squeezed lemonade and pour the rest into the machine. The citric acid will eliminate streaks, scum and mineral buildup inside. And while we’re on a citrus kick, slice a lemon in half, place it in a bowl of water in your microwave, and turn it on for five minutes. When you hear the beep, toss the water and lemon and wipe your microwave down with a paper towel.
A wood-burning fireplace can liven up a cold winter’s night, but the soot that builds up can trigger allergies and cause breathing problems. A great way to eliminate dust during removal is to spread wet coffee grounds across the ashes and shovel everything up once it’s dry.
Plants inside the home can brighten things up and freshen the air, but if they aren’t dusted regularly, they can harbor mold. One way to clean live plants is with the skin of a banana. Just wipe it down and you’re done. With artificial plants, place them upside down inside a brown paper bag with a cup of salt. Shake the bag thoroughly, remove the plant and blow it dry it to remove the remaining salt.
A clean home is an end unto itself, and a means to a quicker sale if your house is on the market. When you’ve finally set your lands in order, why not light a couple of linen candles and fill the air with the aroma of spring!
For more, call 847-292-4700, e-mail gz@zerillorealty.com or visit www.zerillorealty.com.
