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PAGE 5
PRESS & DAKOTAN
TUESDAY, MARCH 28, 2017
ingHome
pr
S
Improvement
6 Easy Spring
Cleaning Projects
Warmer days are here and what
better way to spend them than
cleaning? Although enjoying the
great outdoors is probably high on
many a to-do list come spring, by
the end of winter, homes can probably do with a much-needed overhaul. Owners and renters can rely on
temperate days to throw open the
windows and engage in some easy
spring-cleaning projects. The earlier
one begins spring cleaning, the more
quickly he or she will be able to
head outside and bask in the warm
spring sun.
Spring cleaning tasks can be
stretched out across several days
to make the jobs more manageable.
While certain spring cleaning tasks
can be time-consuming, many projects can be started and completed
in 30 minutes or less.
1. Look up
Start by looking up at ceilings,
molding and ceiling fans. Chances
are strong that some cobwebs and
dust have formed in these areas.
Always begin cleaning by working
from the top downward so you don t
have to clean any tables countertops or floors twice. Static-charged
dusting cloths work well to catch
and contain dust. Use a pillowcase
on ceiling fan blades to clear the
dust and keep it from cascading to
the floor.
2. Blinds and curtains
Heavy window treatments can be
removed and replaced with more
gauzy fabrics. This lets in more light
and warmth from the sun. Many
curtains can be freshened up right in
the laundry, but blinds may require
a bit more effort. If the blinds can be
snapped out of the brackets, place
them in a tub full of vinegar, dish
soap and water. Allow them to soak
and then rinse with the shower noz-
Addressing Spring
Ant Problems
The return of warm weather in the spring often marks
the return of animals and insects as well. The spring
season is a popular time for insects to mate and build
nests. This also may be a time when homeowners see ant
swarms in or around their homes.
Ants and termites are social creatures, and when their
colonies become too large, flying ants will spread out in
search of new territories and to establish new queens.
This mobility may also be coupled with an increasing
number of ants marching on the ground and scaling walls.
Although many species of ants are harmless, homeowners do not want to see ants inside their homes, especially in large numbers. The following strategies can help
homeowners address ant infestations this spring.
with online guides or books to identify the species of ant
on your property. Knowing which species of ant is in or
around your home can help you address the problem
more effectively.
zle. Stationary blinds can be cleaned
with using an old sock over your
hand dipped in a vinegar-and-water
solution.
3. Change linens
Remove and launder bed linens.
While the linens are in the wash,
thoroughly dust all furniture and
vacuum the carpets. Move furniture
so you can reach areas where dust
gathers, such as under the bed or
dresser.
4. Grout cleaner
Grade school science lessons
can be put to use as you look to
remove stubborn dirt. Combining
baking soda and vinegar produces a
reaction that causes the formation
of gassy bubbles. These bubbles
can help to break up dirt that clings
to crevices, such as grout between
tiles. Some light scrubbing and then
subsequent rinsing can rid surfaces
of hard-to-remove dirt.
5. Vacuum
vent intakes
Many houses
are heated by
Did you know?
Just like certain exercises, home improvement
projects may involve heavy lifting, bending, moving,
and stretching. After spending much of the winter
indoors and largely sedentary, some homeowners
may be tempted to jump into projects with gusto
when the warm weather returns. But that can be a
recipe for injury that can sideline DIYers for a while.
Instead, homeowners can start slowly and then
gradually work longer
hours, just as they might
do when returning to
exercise after some time
off. Homeowners can
see how their muscles
feel after an hour or two
while not concentrating
on one task for too long.
Homeowners who vary
the tasks they tackle
will use different muscle
groups, which can reduce
strain and limit injury
risk. Whenever possible,
opt for ergonomic tools
that can reduce users
risk of repetitive stress
injuries.
forced-air systems. The air intake
vents can become clogged with
dust and other debris. Vacuum
these vents so that air flow is not
impeded. Let the heat run for a few
minutes to catch any small particles
that become dislodged, and then
change the furnace filter.
6. Clean out the refrigerator
Now is a great time to remove any
of those mystery containers growing
fuzzy experiments in the back of the
refrigerator. Take the food out of
the refrigerator and use a food-safe
cleaner to scour the shelves and
inside of crisper drawers.
Spring cleaning is a necessary
task, but it doesn t have to be a
headache. Break up the work into
manageable chunks of time, and projects won t feel like such a hassle.
sources, such as fats, sweets and proteins. Mixing a very
small amount of a food with boric acid can help control
ant populations. Ants will bring tainted food back to their
colonies and perish.
to clean areas where ants are seen. Many leave a scent
trail of pheromones to tell others where to go for a food
source.
will not bring back food to the nest. Instead, sprinkle
diatomaceous earth, or DE, around outdoor nests to eradicate colonies.
work, consult with a trained exterminator.
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