We are smack dab in the middle of Spring here at the Jersey Shore. That means that summer lurks right around the corner. In fact, the summer season here at the shore officially begins in just five weeks (Memorial Day weekend). So, that leaves only five more weekends to get your home in tip-top condition for summer renters. Full-time residents could use this time to give a good scrubbing to their properties as well. Here are a few spring cleaning tips to brighten and lighten up your Jersey Shore home.
Spring Cleaning Tips at the Jersey Shore
Interior Tips
The biggest hurdle to spring cleaning may be where to start. Let me help you out. First of all, clear out all the clutter. Place toys, clothes, dishes, etc. in their proper places. Then, get out the vacuum, broom, and mop to get started on the floors. Steam clean any upholstered furniture and heavy drapes. Thoroughly dust your blinds and ceiling fans. Set your ceiling fan blades to spin counterclockwise. This pushes the air down on you, providing a nice cool breeze during the hot summer months. In the fall, switch them to spin clockwise. This helps lift cold air up, allowing the warmer air to permeate throughout your home. All of this helps regulate the temperature in your home naturally, thus saving on utility expenses. Then, dust your furniture.
Clean the windows and window sills. Wash down cabinets, walls, and countertops. Vacuum the coils on the back of your refrigerator. Empty the trash can and then give the inside of the can a good scrubbing. After that, vacuum your vents (including your dryer vent). Replace the air filter. Use vinegar to clean your coffee pot and your dishwasher. Clean the grout and shower doors in your bathrooms. (Hint: vinegar works really well on hard water spots on your shower doors and all of your faucets.) Finally, replace the batteries in your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors if you forgot to do so when the time changed last month.
In the bedrooms, rotate and flip your mattresses. This helps extend their life and allows even wear and tear. Wipe down the baseboards. Now is also a great time to go through clothing, bedding, and toys. Get rid of anything your children have outgrown (whether that be clothing or toys). Toss out worn-out bedding and bath towels, washcloths, etc. Or donate them to your local animal shelter. If you do not feel up to dealing with a yard sale, donate all gently used items to your local church, shelter, or charitable organization.
Exterior Tips
Spring cleaning tips for the exterior of your Jersey Shore home include a lot of white vinegar. Clear off the salty build-up on your exterior windows with straight vinegar first. Then, go back over your windows with regular glass cleaner. Use vinegar to wipe down your exterior light fixtures as well as any other metal out on your patio. Clean off or replace your welcome mat. Give the grill a good scouring. Clean the cushions on your outdoor furniture. Power wash the driveway, sidewalks, deck, and sides of the house. Then, walk around the entire exterior of your property to look for cracks, breaks, or rotting areas in need of attention.
Residential Hazardous Waste
Now, what do you do with household hazardous waste (HHW), like old paint, paint thinner, oil, cleaning supplies, and batteries? First of all, do not place them in your regular curbside trash pickup. ACUA allows its customers to drop off their HHW at the ACUA Haneman Fritz Environmental Park in Egg Harbor Township for free on specific days throughout the year. Their next drop-off is scheduled for Saturday, May 7th from 8 am to 1 pm. Their remaining 2022 schedule includes the dates of June 4th, July 9th, September 10th, and November 5th. For more information on what they do and do not accept as well as what you need to bring with you on drop-off day, visit the ACUA website here.
As for battery disposal, small alkaline batteries like the ones you use in flashlights, remotes, toys, etc. can be disposed of in your regular trash. However, all other batteries must be disposed of at a facility certified to handle them. Batteries Plus and Lowes both offer drop-off for most batteries. Check with them first before you bring your batteries to their facilities. Lowes also accepts fluorescent lights, CFLs, LEDs, and plastic grocery bags for recycling. (Remember, the NJ “bag ban” goes into effect on May 4th.)
Sherri Lilienfeld, Apex Prime Realty, Your Source for Jersey Shore Real Estate