1. Start at the Top
Take those curtains down and toss them in the washer to wash or soak while you work (don’t forget to check the tag for proper care). Once the curtains are down, look up. What do you see? Any smudges on the ceiling? How about cobwebs? Look at the corners of the room. Dust the corners and knock those webs down.
Then you can move on to any ceiling fans or fixtures and molding/trim. Don’t forget the trim around the doorways.
2. Walls and Windows
You can use many different methods to clean your log cabin walls. Whichever method you decide to use, test an inconspicuous area to make sure your logs are not adversely affected. Start with the mildest approach and escalate as needed.
You may have luck with Murphy Oil Soap since it’s designed for wood. However, it is only safe to use on finished wood. Simply sponge on Murphy Oil Soap, gently scrub, and wipe the log cabin wall down. No rinsing required. On the other hand, soap and water might be enough to get the job done. A spray bottle makes the application even neater. Rinsing is necessary with this method. Try using a plastic wallpaper tray at the bottom of the wall to catch the runoff before it drips on your floor. If cleaning doesn’t provide the results you want, it may be time to consider a light sanding of your log cabin walls. The team at 888 Log Guys are experts in refinishing interior walls as well as your exterior.
3. Don’t Forget the Vents
When it comes to cleaning, the devil’s in the details, and a grimy vent will most definitely detract from all your hard work. Remove all of the vent covers and clean any dust on the grates. You should also consider replacing any dirty filters at this time.
Now, to keep the natural light streaming in uninhibited, it’s time to wipe the dust and fingerprints off the windows. A little window cleaner and a microfiber cloth will give you sparkling clear
4.The Kitchen
While you’re dusting, don’t forget the tops of your cabinets and appliances. Once you’ve managed the tops of the appliances and cabinets, wiping down the interior and exterior of your cabinets shouldn’t take long at all (Murphy’s Oil is great here as well), and then you can focus on the appliances again.
Move the stove and refrigerator out so you can clean areas you can’t normally get at; enlist some help. The interior of your Stove and refrigerator will require time, effective cleaners, and determination! To sanitize your refrigerator, use a solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to 1 gallon of warm water. Pro Tip: If you need to wipe down the interior of your microwave, there’s a simple method. Grab a microwavable mug. Fill it with water and a splash of vinegar. Then place it in the microwave and cook it on high for about 2 to 3 minutes. The water steams up the interior and the vinegar helps cut through any oil or grease. Wipe down the surfaces when it’s cool enough to touch.
5. Floors
A laminate or plank floor is like any other wood in that it too can expand when too much moisture is introduced. So whichever flooring you have, the best way to clean your floor is with a damp cloth mop. The less moisture you’re introducing to your flooring, the better. A damp cloth is ideal for picking up grime and keeping your wood from swelling. Check out our past blog post with details on maintain your wood flooring.
Cleaning is the easiest way to get your log cabin home in shape for the upcoming summer season! Take it slow, remember it doesn’t all need to be done at once.