Fall Into a Clean Home This Fall!

Fall Into a Clean Home This Fall!

The days are cooler and the scent of pumpkin spice is everywhere – fall is finally here! Aside from bringing out your scarves and boots, there are a lot of other things to get ready for fall, especially around the house. Now that we’ve entered a new season, check out some of our tips and tricks give your home the refresh it deserves after a fun-filled summer.

Reverse The Ceiling Fans

Did you know that most ceiling fans actually spin in two different directions? That’s right, there is a right way for your fan to spin each season. As the temperatures dip, don’t just turn your ceiling fans off. By running your blades in a clockwise direction, and at the lowest speed, it will help pull that cool air up towards the ceiling, which then will displace the warm air that typically rises and collects near the ceiling. Did we also mention it will help with your heating costs as well? Win, win.

Not sure how to change the blade direction?  Your best bet is to check your fan’s manual, but typically, there is a direction switch on the side of the motor housing.

Hero tip: Before switching the blade direction, turn the fan off completely, then put a pillowcase around each blade and give it a good firm wipe to remove any dust collected on top of those blades during the warmer months.  By using a pillow case, you will contain all the dust inside the case so it doesn’t fall over your furniture. Then toss the pillowcase in the laundry for the next load.

Give The Fridge A Deep Clean

Just like testing (or changing if needed) the batteries in your smoke detectors, it’s important to put your fridge cleaning on a regular maintenance. The one area that is often overlooked is the refrigerator coils. Older models tend to have the coils on the back, while newer models’ coils can be found at the bottom (usually behind the toe space panel).

Once you have found the coils and exposed them, use your vacuum’s crevice or upholstery tool to remove the biggest debris. You’ll want to use a small duster or refrigerator coil brush to get at the dirt and dust in between the coils. Then take the vacuum and clean up the grime off the floor that the brush may have removed or dropped. Replace the coil panel and you are well on your way to evenly cooled groceries once again.

If the inside of your refrigerator is looking scary with unidentified leftovers and perhaps a science experiment growing in the back of it, it’s time to get to work. Start by throwing away anything old, expired or unidentifiable.

Mix together a solution of 2 Tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart hot water. After you have removed all the food items, remove each shelf (and drawer) then wipe it down with the solution and then dry before putting the shelf back. For full details on how to give your refrigerator a deep clean, check out our blog for cleaning out your fridge.

Hero tip: Use a lazy Susan to easily find items in the fridge that tend to stay there for a while, such as ketchup, dressings, sauces, salsa, etc.  It’s so much easier than having to move several bottles or jars just to reach the one in the back. And of course, you can add the Refrigerator Rescue service to any upcoming clean with Home Clean Heroes. Just call 844-HEY-HERO to do so!

A Welcoming Welcome

Pinterest is full of all kinds of ideas for creating a welcoming front door, stoop or porch, so we won’t bore you with more ideas. But there are a few things you can do to make that warm welcome last even longer!

If you don’t change your outdoor welcome mats each season, not to worry.  But you should be cleaning them regularly to get rid of the dirt and dust that accumulates over time.  Either hose it off and let it drip dry by hanging upside down over an outdoor chair or give it a good whack with a broom. Who doesn’t love the look of a fresh new mat every now and then?

Hero tip: If you are using pumpkins to decorate, you can make them last even longer by spraying them with a bleach solution.  Simply mix one tablespoon bleach with one quart of water and put in a spray bottle.  Spray the inside (if carved) and outside to keep mold and mildew at bay.

Looking for a more natural alternative? Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and 1 teaspoon lemon juice to a quart of water and spray.  Rub petroleum jelly on the inside and carved parts of the pumpkin to prevent it from drying out and losing its shape.

Clean The Gutters

Let’s be honest, your gutters are probably going to get filled up again over the course of the season. But in order to keep them functioning, it’s a good idea to clean them out at least twice a year. If they are clogged, you could possibly end up with a damaged exterior or worse, flooded interior.

You can simply remove as much debris as possible with your hands and then use a garden hose or power washer to clean out the rest.

Hero tip: Since you are likely going to be on a ladder anyway, why not install gutter guards to prevent debris from filling your gutters this season?

With these handy tips for preparing both the inside and outside of your home this season, you are well on your way to finally enjoying that PSL as you relax by the firepit. And for all of your home cleaning needs (for fall and all year-round), give Home Clean Heroes a call at  844-HEY-HERO or book your free in-home estimate today.

Happy Fall, y’all!