Rosie on the House: What have I missed in my spring cleaning routine?

A: Congratulations for keeping up with your spring cleaning tasks. Here are a few tasks that will keep your home running smoothly and may even save you money!

Dryer vents

Don't just clean the lint tray. Include the duct that extends to the outside. The lint that gets past the trap can build up, affecting maximum performance and even becoming a fire hazard. Of special note, if your dryer vent has a long run to the outside, maybe even the roof, have a professional clean it regularly.

While you have the dryer out (to get to the vent), move the washing machine and clean out the dust and debris that has collected underneath, conjuring up one of life's ongoing mysteries, "How did that get there?"

HVAC registers

The supply and return vents from your HVAC unit need to be removed and cleaned. Removing the registers from their mounts typically involves only a screwdriver. Take off the vent and clean the dust and debris off the directional vanes. While you are at it, take the vacuum hose and vacuum the first three or so feet of the duct.

Refrigerator

Here is another appliance we don't regularly move and look under or behind. "Yikes!" is the cry often heard when we do look into those untraveled spaces. Take some time to clean it well.

Unplug the refrigerator and disconnect the water supply before you move it away from the wall.

After cleaning the floor and wall behind the refrigerator, turn your attention to the inside.

Shelves, racks and freezer bins are all on the cleaning list.

Find the condenser coils. They could be in the front or back of the unit under a grate. Don't skip the chance to vacuum and wipe them down carefully with a damp cloth. Cleaning the coils will help the appliance work more efficiently and last longer.

Replacing the compressor is a pricey fix. (Some of the newer models have the compressors in a place only a service tech can reach and require a service call to have them cleaned.)

Kitchen drawers and cabinets

Emptying drawers and cabinets afford a rare opportunity to go where we rarely tread. Wiping out accumulated dust and wayward bugs will keep dishes and utensils cleaner.

Don't leave out the junk drawer. This bad boy often is the leader in the home clutter category. This would be a good time to check out adding drawer organizers. We like the products from Rev-a-Shelf.

The wet cabinets that house the sinks in our home should be cleaned and sanitized to prevent mold from developing. We like the under-sink polymer drip pans by Rev-a-shelf on the cabinet floor to capture any water from leaks. For more information, go to rev-a-shelf.com/sbdt-series.

Pantry shelves

The first step in all decluttering is to empty the cluttered space. Make piles to keep, give away and throw away. Replacing wooden shelves with wire shelves goes a long way in keeping track of spills. Cheerios on the floor become a sign that something has tipped over!

Exhaust hood

The screens over the stove are usually removable and should be cleaned regularly. If they are dishwasher safe, that is a great way to get them clean.

Try using a product like Goo Gone if the screens are sticky with grease. Wipe the area inside the vent with soapy water before replacing the screens.

Disposal splash guard

Here's an item some of us didn't even know was a thing! This rubber device at the sink drain opening prevents water from splashing back up when the disposal runs. The underside collects food and can become foul.

You may have to remove the garbage disposal, but you can likely clean it well enough in place. Always unplug the disposal before you do any work there.

Ceiling fans

Cleaning the top side of the blades should be done more frequently than every spring.

Start with a vacuum if it has a hose, then wipe with a damp cloth. Be sure to get the edges and the motor housing. You may want to wear a mask and eye protection to protect your eyes and throat from falling dust.

This is also a good opportunity to clean the light cover and check the bulbs to see if it is a fan/light package.

Flooring

This would be a good time to check your carpet warranty cleaning. Typically, a yearly cleaning is required to maintain the viability of your carpet warranty.

Those pesky and discolored grout lines in your tile floor can be cleaned with a toothbrush (not one in daily use, preferably). Rediscover the original grout color and consider applying an epoxy sealer while you are down there.

Garage

As noted above, the garage is a place you can declutter. However, you may want to include another often-overlooked maintenance task: lubricating the door springs.

You can use a white lithium grease or clear silicone lubricant directly on the springs. Put down a drop cloth and protect the door. No harm will come from overspray, just some minor discoloration. For a full tutorial, go to rosieonthehouse.com and search "ON THE HOUSE HOUR: Garage Door Care."

Outside air unit

Your AC unit could be on the roof or ground-mounted. If on a roof, hiring a professional contractor is best. They are skilled at climbing and walking on rooftops without damaging tiles, etc.

In any case, the goal is to blow off the dust accumulated on the coils and fans. Use a compressor or a leaf blower if you have one. If not, your local hardware store usually carries cans of compressed air, which should work just fine.

This list should give you a good head-start for spring cleaning tasks you may not have thought of. By no stretch of anyone's imagination is this a comprehensive list. Do you have items that should be included? If so, let us know by contacting us at info@rosieonthehouse.com.