LIVING ROOM

While we may be doing an excellent job of maintaining our living areas, occasionally we need to do more than maintenance. Take the time to review what goes into a living room spring clean up. Find a list of supplies along with step-by-step instructions to do a thorough spring cleaning in your living areas.

Difficulty: Hard
Time Required: 45 minutes - 1 hour

Here's How:
Begin with a 15 Minute Living Room Cleanup. This will clear out the clutter and give you room to do the actual spring clean up. Don't worry about cleaning the floors in the 15 minute clean up. We will do this later.

Dust down the ceiling and corners of walls.
Determine if the walls need washed in dirty spots. Spot wash, remembering air vents, doorknobs, doors, and switch plates.

Dust and clean all art and photographs along the wall.
Be careful when cleaning framed art and photographs. Never spray cleanser or water onto the frame. The liquid can seep behind the glass and damage the pictures. Instead lightly wet a clean cloth to wipe the frame and glass.

Dust and clean the ceiling fan.
There is nothing more embarrassing than turning on a ceiling fan and having large chunks of dust fall down on your guest's head. Use this spring cleaning time to dust down the fan and fan blades. You may need to use a gentle cleanser like Murphy's Oil Soap. Take down any light fixtures and gently wash and dry them before replacing.

Take down draperies, curtains, and blinds to wash or have cleaned according to the manufacturer's directions. Vacuum and clean windowsills and corners. Wash the insides and outsides of the windows. Take down and rinse off screens, before replacing.

Dust and clean out the couches and chairs.
Use a vacuum cleaner with attachment to clean out couch crevices. Check to make sure none of your missing items have found their way into the abyss of the couch. Clean slipcovers, accent pillows, etc. Use an upholstery attachment on a rug shampoo machine to clean soiled couches and chair surfaces if needed. If a light cleaning is needed use upholstery spot cleaner. Test in a hidden area first.

Dust down and clean all accent lamps and knickknacks.
Use a vacuum attachment or duster to clean the lampshades, lamps, and any extra decorative items.

Remove books from bookshelves.
Dust down the books and the shelves.

Dust down accent tables and the entertainment center.
Unplug and dust down all the electronics. Check cords for fraying and wear. Dust down the television screen.

Clean the carpets and rugs.
If your carpets and rugs are heavily soiled it may be time to call a professional. You can also rent cleaning machines to use. Be sure to ask for one with an upholstery attachment. If your carpets are only lightly soiled vacuuming and spot treating may be all that is necessary.

Take the time to clean the doormats inside and outside your doorways. Wipe them down. Dust them off. Whatever needs to happen so that shoes don't transfer the dirt of your mat to your home.

Tips:
Listen to music, an audio book, or a foreign language tape. The time will pass a lot more quickly if you have an enjoyable atmosphere. This is a great time to commandeer the stereo for what you want to listen to. If anyone objects, offer to let them have a turn with the stereo and the spring cleaning.

Partner up with a friend or relative. After you get done spring cleaning your living room, help her do hers. Misery flees when company is around.

Gather all of your supplies together first thing. Trying to sort through the pantry cabinet for your dust cloths might make you frustrated enough to de-clutter the cabinet. It's easy to forget what your initial goal was.

What You Need:
Dust mop (preferably with a long handle)
Step-ladder
Cleaning cloths
Small bucket with handle
Sponges
Vacuum with attachment
Gentle cleanser
Rug shampoo machine with upholstery attachment (optional)
Spot remover for upholstery or carpets (optional)

This information was found HERE.