Crystal Valley Blog

It’s officially spring, and what’s the first thing you think of when you wake up to this amazing season? Cleaning, right? We thought so. To make short work of cleaning your house, we went to the experts to find out how THEY get the job done lickety-split. You can always take more time to clean, just ask Martha Stewart, but for those of you on a schedule – start your engines!

Get a System

The people who clean for a living say it’s all about getting the system down.

They advise starting at the top and working your way down. In a two-story house, start on the second floor and then tackle each room from top to bottom, letting dirt and dust filter down to the floors – which will be your last step.

Music motivates, so get your tunes ready, then gather your tools and supplies in a caddy to tote around – $6 from Home Depot – and fill it with:

• Microfiber cloths (six for $3 at Home Depot) – one just for food areas;
• One old toothbrush;
• One bottle brush,
• One microfiber duster;
• One microfiber (or Swiffer®) mop;
• A roll of paper towels;
• A trash bag (for used paper towels);
• All-purpose cleaner; window cleaner; cleaning vinegar; gritty cleaner or baking soda;
• A laundry basket to collect “items that don’t belong in this room!”

Now grab your supplies, start your soundtrack and set your timer!

Kitchen – 10 Minutes

1. Load the dishwasher and fill your sink with hot soapy water.
2. Pour an ounce each of vinegar and water in a coffee cup and microwave on high for 90 seconds.
3. Clear counters.
4. Take a clean sponge, dipped in your soapy water, and wipe down the counters.
5. Take the cup out of the microwave; rinse it out and wipe out microwave (vinegar steam will lift dried/cooked food for easy wipe-out).
6. Wash and dry the glass turntable.
7. Give the sink a quick wipe. If you have hard water deposits, spray first with vinegar, count to 10 and wipe.

Living/Dining Rooms – 7 Minutes

1. Dust all surfaces, including TV and electronics. Spray a little all-purpose cleaner on a damp cloth and go for it.
2. Dust tables, chair arms and rails.

Home Office – 2 Minutes

1. Sort paperwork for filing.
2. Replace pens and other items.
3. Give the room a quick dust and then wipe down with a damp cloth.
4. Tip your keyboard upside down into your trash bag.

Bedrooms – 10 Minutes

1. Pick up and reassign anything out of place. Check under the bed.
2. Dust all surfaces.
3. Clean mirrors.
4. Strip the bed, turn the mattress and dust under and around while lifted.
5. Gather dirty bedding and pile outside the door. Remake the bed.

Laundry – 2 Minutes

1. Empty the dryer filter. Wipe down the dryer.
2. Wipe down the washer; put bedding in to wash.

Bathrooms – 15 Minutes

1. Clean the toilet(s); spray the shower with cleaning vinegar and let sit.
2. Life the cover off the basin drain(s) and use your bottle brush to thoroughly clean.
3. Spray all surfaces with cleaner; use the toothbrush to scrub around taps and spouts.
4. Spray and wipe down all surfaces.
5. Rinse vinegar from the shower and wipe down.
6. Wipe down the toilet bowl, seat, lid and floor with paper towels and cleaner.
7. Spray mirrors; wipe down.
8. Change out towels and bathmats.

Big Finish – 14 Minutes

1. Spray and wipe windows that are obviously dirty.
2. Give the whole house a once-over with the vacuum. Don’t forget under the beds and in the laundry room.
3. Dry mop hardwood floors and laminates; wet mop tile floors.

If you want to dig down for a deeper clean you might print out The Happier Homemaker’s Bring on the Spring list of how-tos and to-dos.

Just don’t set your timer!

 Squeaky Clean at Crystal Valley

One of the obvious benefits of buying a new home is that it’s brand-spanking new and super-squeaky clean! Stop by the sales office of Richmond American Homes to explore the latest 2017 styles and designs. With both ranch or two-story models, new homes in this Castle Rock master-planned community are priced from the $300s.