Life Kit Episode Summary: "Often Ignored Spring Cleaning Tips"

Release Date: May 5, 2025
Host: Marielle Segarra
Guest: Keshan, Creator of Weekly Home Check

Spring is the perfect time to refresh our living spaces, but certain cleaning tasks often get overlooked. In this episode of NPR's Life Kit, host Marielle Segarra teams up with Keshan, the creator of the popular social media account Weekly Home Check, to delve into the art of the deep clean. They explore practical, often neglected cleaning tips that not only enhance the appearance of your home but also contribute to mental clarity and overall well-being.

1. The Philosophy Behind Deep Cleaning

Marielle opens the conversation by sharing her personal spring cleaning journey, recalling childhood memories of an enthusiastic cleaning spree. This sets the stage for a deeper discussion on the satisfying and almost spiritual experience of a thorough clean.

Notable Quote:
Keshan remarks at [02:05]: "A deep clean can be taxing, but it also can be fun at the same time, especially once you see your work and you know all that you've done."

Keshan emphasizes that deep cleaning isn't just about physical tidiness but also about achieving mental clarity and peace. Maintaining a clean environment enhances productivity and reduces stress, making it a pivotal aspect of personal well-being.

2. Maintaining Air Conditioners and Fans

One of the first tasks Keshan highlights is the maintenance of air conditioners, a component often ignored until it malfunctions.

Notable Quote:
Keshan advises at [06:02]: "Replace the filters if you can to ensure good airflow and efficiency."

For window units, he recommends cleaning or replacing filters before the onset of summer to ensure optimal performance. Additionally, cleaning dust from bathroom fans, ceiling fans, and any plugged-in electric fans is crucial. Regular maintenance of these appliances not only prolongs their lifespan but also maintains indoor air quality.

3. Comprehensive Bed Maintenance

Beds accumulate a significant amount of dust and allergens, making their cleaning essential.

Notable Quote:
Keshan shares at [07:32]: "A lot of the times dust mites can harbor on our mattress and it's great to not only clean it with just like a spray bottle with some vinegar and some half mixture of vinegar and water."

Key steps include washing sheets, blankets, and mattress covers in hot water to eliminate dust mites, treating stains with hydrogen peroxide, and deodorizing with a vinegar-water solution mixed with essential oils. Rotating the mattress and vacuuming thoroughly ensures a clean and comfortable sleeping environment.

4. Deep Cleaning Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen is a hub of activity and grime accumulation. Keshan provides detailed instructions on cleaning often-overlooked appliances:

• Ovens and Vent Filters:
  Notable Quote:
  At [11:16], Keshan says: "Baking soda and water to make a paste... scrub the paste onto the bottom of the oven or the doors and wipe that off with a damp microfiber towel."

  Using a baking soda paste effectively removes grease and grime. Cleaning oven vent filters, whether dishwasher-safe or needing replacement, prevents fire hazards and maintains appliance efficiency.

• Dishwashers:
  Dishwashers require regular maintenance beyond daily use. Keshan explains how to clean filters, tackle hard water deposits with vinegar, and use dishwasher tablets or baking soda for a deep clean to ensure optimal performance.

• Fridge and Freezer:
  Cleaning the interior of the fridge, including stubborn residues at the back, and defrosting the freezer from ice buildup are essential for hygiene and appliance longevity.

• Microwave and Sink:
  Scrubbing the microwave to remove food splatters and sanitizing the kitchen sink prevent bacterial growth and unpleasant odors.

5. Maintaining Drains and Preventing Pests

Clogged drains can lead to more significant issues, including pest infestations like fruit flies.

Notable Quote:
Keshan advises at [14:27]: "The reaction is going to push through gunk, hair, whatever, any small clogs that may be clogging any of your drains and push them right on out."

Using a combination of baking soda and vinegar can effectively clear minor clogs and eliminate breeding grounds for pests. Regularly cleaning drains every three months ensures smooth water flow and a pest-free home.

6. Washing Walls and Curtains

Walls often accumulate dust and grime, which can transfer to other areas if not cleaned.

Notable Quote:
Keshan recommends at [16:02]: "Use a spray and spray at an angle on your wall. And maybe use a microfiber towel or a dust mop and mix it with just like a light mild soap."

Spraying walls with a vinegar-water mixture, using mild soap, and wiping with microfiber cloths prevents streaks and ensures thorough cleaning. Additionally, washing curtains and cleaning windows during this time can revitalize room aesthetics.

7. Practical Tips and Final Thoughts

Marielle and Keshan conclude the episode with actionable takeaways:

• Maintain Air Conditioners: Clean or replace filters, wipe vents, and ensure fan blades are dust-free.
• Bed Maintenance: Wash all bedding materials in hot water, treat mattress stains, deodorize, and rotate the mattress.
• Deep Clean Kitchen Appliances: Focus on ovens, vent filters, dishwashers, fridges, microwaves, and sinks.
• Clean Drains and Wash Walls: Use natural cleaners for drains to prevent clogs and pests, and properly wash walls and curtains.

Marielle encourages listeners to pace their cleaning tasks to avoid feeling overwhelmed, suggesting tackling one room or task at a time. She also reminds listeners to maintain indoor air quality by opening windows and using air purifiers during cleaning sessions.

Notable Quote:
At [17:40], Marielle states: "You don't need to do all these things in one day. That could be super overwhelming. Maybe you pick one task or room a day or one a week and start there."

This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to often neglected aspects of spring cleaning, blending practical advice with the deeper psychological benefits of maintaining a clean and organized home. Whether you're a seasoned cleaner or just starting your spring cleaning journey, Marielle and Keshan provide valuable insights to help you create a healthier and more harmonious living space.