Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to freshen up our homes and get a head start on the hectic seasons of spring and summer. It is an opportunity to throw open the windows, let some fresh air in, and make our homes clean, happy and efficient spaces. The tips below outline basic techniques that will help you clean almost every surface in your home. Dust Your Home Thoroughly: This includes hard-to-reach places, such as the tops of ceiling fans, bookshelves and cabinets. Always work from the top of a room down. Wipe Walls and Trim: Use a vacuum to remove dust and then wipe walls and trim with a microfiber cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Use a solvent-free degreaser to work on stubborn spots, especially those in the kitchen. Wash Window Screens: Using warm water and a mild dishwashing liquid, scrub each screen with a brush; rinse thoroughly. Work Window Treatments: Wipe wooden blinds with a damp cloth; warm water mixed with a mild dishwashing liquid is safe for metal and vinyl blinds. Clean Upholstered Furnishings: Take cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. This will prep also the fabric for a professional upholstery cleaning. Have Hard Surfaces Cleaned: Tile, stone, and grout will eventually deteriorate without proper maintenance. Using a professional will ensure that you are taking all the right steps when cleaning tile & stone and using only the best products to protect your investment by keeping it properly maintained and attractive. Carpet and Rug Cleaning: Leave this task to the professionals. Improper cleaning can cause mold and damage that cannot be undone. A professional carpet and rug cleaning will also save time for the other tasks at hand. Wax Wooden Furniture: Wipe surfaces with a soft cloth dampened with water and mild dishwashing liquid. Apply paste wax, such as Butcher’s wax, a few feet at a time with a cotton rag folded into a square pad. Let wax dry; buff with a clean cloth. Clean Hardwood Floors: Hardwood floors become dull and dirty over time just like carpet. A professional cleaning will bring back the shine and extend the life of your floors. Ensure Fire Safety: Change batteries in smoke detectors (this should be done twice a year), and make sure units are free of dust. Teach everyone in your household how to use a fire extinguisher, and review escape plans. Heirloom Oriental Rug Cleaning cares for the finest to the most basic rugs from around the world. We will pick-up and bring your rugs back to our special cleaning facility where they will go through our thorough cleaning process for maximum soil and spot removal.