Pub. 3 2018 Issue 2

8 www.ctaahq.org By Susan Morgan, The newsLINK Group Making the Most of Spring Cleaning T o making the most of spring cleaning, define the task before you start. For example, you might choose to focus on cleaning appliances, furnishings, and floors. You can also put some time into other important areas. Follow the manufacturer’s cleaning directions for major kitchen appliances. To clean the refrigerator’s condenser coil, which is usually behind the toe grill, remove dust and lint with tools such as a brush and a vacuum (use an attachment). Pull the refrigerator out from the wall to vacuum the coils there, too. When you are done, sweep or vacuum, and put the refrigerator back where it was. To clean leather or vinyl upholstery, use a silicone-free cleaner. Silicone fills and tightens the pores on the leather or vinyl, making them more likely to crack. For stains on leather or vinyl, take a cloth, spray it with Pledge, and rub the area gently. Remove residue with a second dry cloth. For fabric-upholstered heirlooms or expensive furniture, hire a professional. To do the job yourself, use the following procedure: • Check for labels under a cushion or on the underside of the furniture. If you see Wor WS, then go ahead and clean the upholstery as outlined below. You will need to modify the procedure for an X or S. If you see an X, you can vacuum, but hire a professional for the rest. If you see an S, vacuum and spot clean the furniture, but do not put suds onto it. The water in the suds could damage it.