A funny thing happens when we open up our windows in the spring. The oxygen which we have been deprived of through the stuffy winter months goes straight to our brain, and for a few weeks we feel like we are on top of the world! We become motivated to do all sort of crazy stuff, like clean the entire house. If spring cleaning fever has already hit you, follow these safety tips.

Clean/ Change batteries on smoke and C.O. detectors

Make this part of your cleaning routine every spring. Smoke and C.O. detectors save lives. If you are an American Alarm residential monitored customer, you are entitled to call and schedule a free wellness visit once a year. One of our licensed technicians will come clean and inspect your system to make sure everything is working properly.

Be careful lifting heavy objects

Keep your back straight and lift from the knees. Improperly lifting may cause serious back injury. Never lift objects that are too heavy for you.

Follow instructions on cleaning products

Household cleaning products are dangerous chemicals. Some of these chemicals can be deadly when mixed together, such as ammonia and bleach. Others may burn or itch if they come in contact with your skin. It is good practice to use cleaning products in well-ventilated areas. Keep windows open or turn on a fan. When you are finished cleaning, put away in a safe place were children cannot reach.

Get rid of expired food/ medicine/ toxic trash

While you’re pulling everything off the shelves to clean your cabinets and closets, be sure to check expiration dates. Popular to contrary belief, canned good certainly don’t last forever. Toss any food with expired labels in the trash. Ask you pharmacist about the best way to dispose of expired medication (tossing it in the trash is dangerous). For old cans of paint, thinners, oils, stains, and chemicals, call your local sanitation department to find the nearest hazardous waste drop-off center.

Consider hiring a chimney sweeper

If you have been using your fireplace frequently over the winter months, it may be a good idea to hire someone to come and clean your chimney. A build-up of soot puts you at risk for fire. You can clean this yourself, but be prepared to get messy.

Thoroughly clean/ dust your home to get rid of mold/ mildew

The one drawback of opening up windows in spring is letting pollen and other allergens into your home. Combat these by cleaning out air ducts and vents thoroughly.

Spring may be the one time of year you are motivated to clean every nook and cranny, so make the most of it!

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