5 Things You Should Include in Spring Cleaning

photo credit www.HGTV.com

​​Spring-cleaning is a time-honored tradition of clearing out the clutter to make way for New Mexico's beautiful spring weather. It's not just a physical clean; it can be great for your mental and emotional health, too. If you want to feel good (and do good), you can set aside gently-used items you no longer want and take them to your closest Goodwill! Now, let's dig into five things you should include in your spring cleaning!

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#1: Scrub those walls
 
Most of us will clean out our closets and scrub out the inside of our kitchen drawers, but have you ever closely inspected your walls? You might not realize how dirty they get over the year. When you're walking by, they may look fine, but take a closer look, and they likely have splotches and spots you didn't even realize were there. Please give them a good wipe-down with a bleach-based cleaner. Clean walls tie a whole room together.


#2: Clean appliances
 
Our washers and dishwashers are the cornerstones of keeping our homes clean, but they too need to be cleaned from time to time. Washers, dishwashers, toilets, sinks, and other appliances all can have nasty buildup. Most of these appliances have filters that you can clean out. Dishwashers have traps at the bottom you might not realize are there.
 
You can also buy specially formulated dishwasher cleaner that you simply run during a washing cycle. It's good to combine these with standard dishwasher soap. Clean out the trap on the bottom and give the inner walls a good scrub. Washers also have filters to clean. Wipe down the gasket at the door and the inner lid. Run the washing machine with some detergent and bleach to freshen it up. Shop around; you can also buy cleaners specific to your other appliances.

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photo credit www.bhg.com

​#3: Soak your shower head
 
Over time, your shower head can build up minerals from your water. If you've noticed some of the holes getting clogged, or the pressure isn't as good as it used to be, this tip is for you: grab a jug of Lime-Away or a similar product, and soak your showerhead in it overnight. Make sure it's completely submerged. By morning, it should be free from clogs!


#4: Set a timer
 
If the thought of cleaning your whole house makes you want to cry, it's alright; we've all been there. Try this method: Set a timer on your phone for 10 or 20-minute increments to make it more manageable. In that time, clean as much as you can. You'd be surprised how much you can clean in only 10 minutes. Do this a few times a day, or as many as you are able. In a week or so, your house will look noticeably better. You may even find that you want to keep cleaning!

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​#5: Donate your old stuff
 
Many thrifty people love gently-used items, so bringing your unwanted stuff to Goodwill is a way to support the thrifty. It also keeps things out of the landfill, helps the unemployed find local jobs, and makes you feel better because your old stuff just helped in so many ways!
 
 
You should know that Goodwill Industries of New Mexico was founded in 1941 with the mission to provide skills training, job development, and social services for New Mexicans. Revenue from the sale of donated items funds an array of free programs and services to individuals in 33 counties of the state. In 2020, Goodwill served over 13,000 individuals and placed 1,124 individuals in community-based employment. That's why we say donating to Goodwill "Feels Good, Does Good!" 
 
Happy spring cleaning! 

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