It’s the spring cleaning of fall, so to speak.
With THE HOLIDAYS coming at you fast and furious, you want to be sure your home is cozy, but with that fresh-as-spring feel — as opposed to that musty-damp-winter feel.
Here's how to make that happen (along with a few other timely tips):
#1 Wash Bed Pillows
You love your trusty, old, perfectly-snugged-to-your-head pillow. But guess what's also snug against your head? Fungus — 4 to 16 species to be precise. Gross!
With fall being the height of guest season, you'll want your pillows fresh, too. Pop them in the washing machine and dryer for an all-over clean feeling. (But check manufacturer advice, too. Some pillows shouldn't be washed, but replaced instead.)
#2 Clean the Mattress, Too
Sleeping soundly gets even better when you know you're lying on a clean and fresh mattress. The yuck factor: Skin cells and sweat get into the mattress, then dust mites show up for a dinner party featuring those tasty skin cell morsels.
You'll want your mattress to be at it's freshest. It's easy to do: Vacuum it and then wipe it down with a cloth dampened with an upholstery shampoo. But be sure to let it dry; otherwise, you're inviting mold. Also, be sure to rotate it 180 degrees to help keep it lump-free.
(Another option: if you've got a flippable mattress, go ahead and flip it. That, too, can help kill the yucky mites.)
#3 Perform a Pantry Audit
First, remove all the cans and boxes from the shelves, and vacuum away any lingering dust or crumbs (a lot can build up in just a few months!). Then, inspect each item before putting it back in its place, tossing anything that is expired or past its prime.
#4 Test and Clean Smoke Detectors
You already know to put fresh batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors (doing it on the days you change the clocks for Daylight Saving Time is an easy way to remember). But you also need to clean your units, since dust that accumulates can cause them to under-perform. Using your vacuum cleaner's soft brush attachment, clean in and around the detectors' openings. If any are more than 10 years old, replace them.
#5 Get a Chimney Sweep to Inspect the Fireplace
It's time to dust off and sweep the chimney! Best to hire someone who knows wood-burning fireplaces. A professional chimney sweep will ensure your wood-burning fireplace burns more efficiently and will help prevent chimney fires and carbon monoxide poisoning during the winter. So, yeah, it's pretty important.
Tip: If you don't already have a chimney cap, this is also the time to add one to stop wild outdoor critters from crawling down it — and (yikes!) into your house.
#6 Trim Tree Branches
The last thing you need is a winter storm loosing the wrath of that mighty tree whose branches are angling over your roof. Long limbs invite pests to explore your roof and allow excess water to seep into cracks in the roof or siding.
Keep limbs and branches at least 3 feet from the house. Plus it's easier to trim branches after leaves have fallen. (If it's an evergreen, well, sorry about that. It'll be a prickly job, but the bonus is you'll have greenery for the holidays!)
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