Design Tips & Tricks, Kitchens & Baths
27
22

‘Spring’ into a relaxing summer with five easy spring cleaning tips

(ARA) – Spring is here, which means one thing: it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this spring to prepare for a relaxing summer – and give your home that “spring cleaning” feel without spending the entire spring, well, cleaning.

1. Let there be light

Nothing makes the house feel drab like dirty windows. Make any room feel bright and fresh by cleaning the inside glass of your windows. A quick once over with a paper towel and glass cleaner should do the trick. Look for a “streak-free” formula and the insides will be sparkling in no time.

Get the outside just as clean – without the hard work – by using a cleaner that attaches directly to your garden hose. All you have to do is point and spray to remove the dirt and grime left behind from winter. It’s safe to use on plastic siding and can help you easily reach second story windows. Plus, while you’re outside, quickly rinse off patio furniture, jungle gyms or your children’s outdoor toys to make them look good as new.

2. Pick up a paint brush

To freshen up any room for springtime, pull out your paint. Don’t try to redo the whole house – pick the room where a fresh coat of paint will make the biggest impact. Choose a fun new color, or add some flare with a unique design like stripes or chevron. And, don’t forget to touch up the trim if you have the time.

To make paint touch-ups a simple process, use FrogTape brand painter’s tape. Treated with patented PaintBlock technology, this tape prevents paint bleed by reacting with the water in latex paint to create a barrier that helps ensure clean, sharp lines. Plus, no tedious preparation is needed – just make sure walls are clean, dust-free and dry before applying.

“FrogTape is the best choice to help any homeowner paint with ease,” says designer and Restaurant: Impossible construction manager Tom Bury. “Its PaintBlock technology leaves very little room for error, making it a great choice for quick spring touch-ups.”

To ensure painting is a painless process, be sure to select the right tape for your surface. Choose FrogTape Multi-Surface for cured paint (paint that has been dry for at least three days), wood, metal, glass and more. Use FrogTape Delicate Surface on fresh paint (paint that has been dry for at least 24 hours), wallpaper, and decorative painting. With the right tools, your paint project can be quick and easy, making your room look polished and pulled together.

3. Wash away winter grime

You know that soft, comfy throw blanket you’ve been snuggling up with all winter? It’s storing more than cozy memories. Since winter is prime cold and flu season, it’s probably become home to lots of germs. Increase the clean factor in your home by tossing throw blankets, pillows, window treatments, even couch covers in the washing machine to get rid of germs. Then, hang them outside to dry in the sun and soak up that springtime scent.

4. Say “sayonara” to your sweaters

Scarves, hats, gloves, wool sweaters and other heavy items of clothing won’t be much use to you once spring is in full swing. Save room in your closets by getting them out of the way – put clothing items you won’t need in warm weather in plastic storage bins. Keep them in an attic or basement, clearing space for your warmer-weather wear. As you’re packing things up, pull aside anything you haven’t worn all winter and donate these items to your local charity. It’s an easy way to de-clutter, make your home feel more organized and give back to your community. The same methodology goes for kitchen cabinets, desk drawers and playrooms. Store away items you’re not using and give what you don’t need to charity – if you’re not using it, someone else might.

5. Dust your digs

Spring brings more than just sunshine – it’s also the bearer of seasonal allergies. Help fight the sniffles by shaking out rugs and giving rooms a good onceover with a feather duster. If wiping down the entire house seems too tedious, focus on areas that aren’t in plain sight. Throughout the year, you probably wipe down surfaces that are clearly visible – tables, shelves, countertops. But, when was the last time the top of the refrigerator or the ceiling fan saw a duster? Use spring cleaning as a chance to focus on those areas that don’t often get cleaned. Your home, and your nose, will thank you.

Follow these simple tips to make every moment count this spring. Your home will be sparkly and clean before you know it – giving you plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun.

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Design Tips & Tricks, Featured
25
21

‘Spring’ into a relaxing summer with five easy spring cleaning tips

(ARA) – Spring is here, which means one thing: it’s time to get your home in tip-top shape. By completing a few easy tasks, you can spend more time soaking up the sun and less time on interior projects. Here are five ways to spruce up your home this spring to prepare for a relaxing summer – and give your home that “spring cleaning” feel without spending the entire spring, well, cleaning.

1. Let there be light

Nothing makes the house feel drab like dirty windows. Make any room feel bright and fresh by cleaning the inside glass of your windows. A quick once over with a paper towel and glass cleaner should do the trick. Look for a “streak-free” formula and the insides will be sparkling in no time.

Get the outside just as clean – without the hard work – by using a cleaner that attaches directly to your garden hose. All you have to do is point and spray to remove the dirt and grime left behind from winter. It’s safe to use on plastic siding and can help you easily reach second story windows. Plus, while you’re outside, quickly rinse off patio furniture, jungle gyms or your children’s outdoor toys to make them look good as new.

2. Pick up a paint brush

To freshen up any room for springtime, pull out your paint. Don’t try to redo the whole house – pick the room where a fresh coat of paint will make the biggest impact. Choose a fun new color, or add some flare with a unique design like stripes or chevron. And, don’t forget to touch up the trim if you have the time.

To make paint touch-ups a simple process, use FrogTape brand painter’s tape. Treated with patented PaintBlock technology, this tape prevents paint bleed by reacting with the water in latex paint to create a barrier that helps ensure clean, sharp lines. Plus, no tedious preparation is needed – just make sure walls are clean, dust-free and dry before applying.

“FrogTape is the best choice to help any homeowner paint with ease,” says designer and Restaurant: Impossible construction manager Tom Bury. “Its PaintBlock technology leaves very little room for error, making it a great choice for quick spring touch-ups.”

To ensure painting is a painless process, be sure to select the right tape for your surface. Choose FrogTape Multi-Surface for cured paint (paint that has been dry for at least three days), wood, metal, glass and more. Use FrogTape Delicate Surface on fresh paint (paint that has been dry for at least 24 hours), wallpaper, and decorative painting. With the right tools, your paint project can be quick and easy, making your room look polished and pulled together.

3. Wash away winter grime

You know that soft, comfy throw blanket you’ve been snuggling up with all winter? It’s storing more than cozy memories. Since winter is prime cold and flu season, it’s probably become home to lots of germs. Increase the clean factor in your home by tossing throw blankets, pillows, window treatments, even couch covers in the washing machine to get rid of germs. Then, hang them outside to dry in the sun and soak up that springtime scent.

4. Say “sayonara” to your sweaters

Scarves, hats, gloves, wool sweaters and other heavy items of clothing won’t be much use to you once spring is in full swing. Save room in your closets by getting them out of the way – put clothing items you won’t need in warm weather in plastic storage bins. Keep them in an attic or basement, clearing space for your warmer-weather wear. As you’re packing things up, pull aside anything you haven’t worn all winter and donate these items to your local charity. It’s an easy way to de-clutter, make your home feel more organized and give back to your community. The same methodology goes for kitchen cabinets, desk drawers and playrooms. Store away items you’re not using and give what you don’t need to charity – if you’re not using it, someone else might.

5. Dust your digs

Spring brings more than just sunshine – it’s also the bearer of seasonal allergies. Help fight the sniffles by shaking out rugs and giving rooms a good onceover with a feather duster. If wiping down the entire house seems too tedious, focus on areas that aren’t in plain sight. Throughout the year, you probably wipe down surfaces that are clearly visible – tables, shelves, countertops. But, when was the last time the top of the refrigerator or the ceiling fan saw a duster? Use spring cleaning as a chance to focus on those areas that don’t often get cleaned. Your home, and your nose, will thank you.

Follow these simple tips to make every moment count this spring. Your home will be sparkly and clean before you know it – giving you plenty of time to relax and soak up the sun.

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