This is a partnered post. All opinions are my own.
The birds are chirping, flowers are blooming, and the weather is finally warming up. It’s officially spring! With the new season comes a honey-do list to complete. I know cleaning isn’t everyone’s favorite topic of discussion, but it must be done.
Here’s 5 spring cleaning tips to help you successfully tackle those chores:
Tip 1: Baseboards – have you looked at them lately? They’re not something we clean very often, but they do need a quarterly scrub. Between dust and shoe scuffs they can get pretty dirty so using a Magic Eraser is ideal for making them nice and bright again.
Tip 2: Drains – they get clogged over time so stay ahead of the problem by cleaning them quarterly. Using a drain snake can help you remove gunk and hair that can lead to clogging.
Tip 3: Appliances – like the dishwasher are not something you typically think needs cleaning, but it is recommended every 6 months or so. The best way to clean a dishwasher is running a small cycle with one cup of vinegar in a bowl on the top shelf and sprinkle baking soda on the bottom. Another appliance that needs TLC is the washing machine. Try one of these cleaners every 6 months or so.
Tip 4: Clothes – it’s time to let go. If you haven’t worn the item for a year, it’s best to donate, toss or sell the clothing. One easy trick for deciding what to get rid of is by turning all of the hangers the opposite way in your closet. As you wear the clothes, turn that hanger the right direction. Next spring cleaning, remove the items that haven’t been turned the right direction.
Tip 5: Windows and blinds. If you have a vacuum with a handy brush tool, you can tackle this chore with ease. Another option is using old socks and placing them over your hands to remove dust and dirt.
Garage Door 101
Repairs on a garage door can be expensive, so try these tricks to extend the life of your garage door and parts.
GarageDoorCare.com offers a free three-step program to help homeowners achieve Garage Door Peace-of-Mind in 2016:
1. Lubricate your garage door twice a year (it’s easier than you think)
2. Sign up for a free twice-a-year email garage door lubrication reminder
3. Find a trusted, local garage door pro well in advance of a problem
Don’t get stuck with a garage door that doesn’t work. It can be quite an inconvenience. GarageDoorCare.com is here to help, and they’re offering a $25 Visa Gift Card Giveaway to one lucky reader!
Giveaway Time!
Enter below for your chance to win a $25 Visa GC!
Not sure how to enter my giveaways?
l p says
The garage door and garage door opener are not toys. They are dangerous if misused, and can cause serious injury or even death. thanks for the reminder.
Cynthia says
I didn’t realize I should be lubricating the garage door. It does look pretty easy. I know I need to do that as part of my spring cleaning.
Alyce Poalillo says
Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables. These are best left to a professional.
Ann Fantom says
I like the maintenance tip: Monthly door balance test. If your door is equipped with an automatic opener system: close the door and disconnect the automatic opener. Once you are able to lift the door manually: Lift the door. It should lift smoothly with little resistance and should remain fully open. If it is difficult to open or does not remain open, the door may be out of balance and should be serviced by a trained service technician.
Peggy Rydzewski says
Children should never be allowed to play with the garage door or its operating system. Children should never stand, run or play under or near any garage door, especially when the door is open or moving.
Sandy Klocinski says
My favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly visual inspection
Julia Barnes says
Never let your kids use the garage door like a toy.
Carolyn Benson says
I am a widow and as such, things like maintenance of the garage door is something my husband always took handled. Now that these things are my job, your video was very helpful. I had no idea that I should be lubricating the door at all.
Rae C. says
My favorite tip is having a qualified serviceman inspect it.
Margaret Smith says
I never knew that you needed to maintain your garage doors. My favorite is to lube it twice a year.
livesimply1111 says
My favorite tip is to lubricate your Garage Door twice a year.
susitravl says
Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.
Thomas Murphy says
I like the lubricate your Garage Door twice a year tip.
jalapenomamamn says
A good tip – Monthly door balance test. If your door is equipped with an automatic opener system: close the door and disconnect the automatic opener.
form name Barbara Montag
thank you
Stefanie Gladden says
my favorite tip is #3 – Find a trusted, local garage door pro well in advance of a problem
kraftmaking says
Annual maintenance by a trained service technician is recommended to keep the garage door operating safely.
latanya t says
Monthly door balance test.
Rachel Griesmer says
My favorite tip was the semi-annual lubricating.
LauraJJ says
My favorite tip is to do a Monthly reversing mechanism test!
Deb Ford says
Best tip is to have a qualified serviceman inspect.
Melanie Montgomery says
You should have your door installed only by a professional!
Jessica To says
You should lubricate it twice a year.
shelly peterson says
My favorite tip is Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables
angie says
Lubricating the door twice a year.
Sarah Hayes says
I like the tip to get your door check out once a year to make sure its working fine
harolde says
MOnthly Eye Photo Test is my favorite.
Austin Baroudi says
I like the never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables.
Rae C. says
“Dignitaries” means “My editor said I had to call them that.”
Ellie Wright says
The monthly balance test is my favorite.
elizabeth p says
conduct regular maintenance especially lubrication.
saegan anderson says
“Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables.”
Cheryl says
One of my favorite maintenance tips is “Semi-annual lubrication. Apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s hinges, rollers and tracks.”
Jeanne Rousseau says
Find a trusting garage installer. That is the best tip.
Cynthia C says
My favorite tip is Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door.
Lisa says
I learned about the semi-annual lubricating.
Karen Glatt says
My favorite tip is to lubricate the rollers, hinges and tracks to keep the garage door running smoothly!
Lauren says
I like the monthly visual inspection test.
Denise S says
My favorite tip is to do a visual inspection every month.
Kelly D says
I like the tip to do a Monthly door balance test.
Brenda C says
Monthly door balance test. nothing worse than when they start to lean.
Heather says
I didn’t realize that you should lubricate. It makes sense, with moving parts and all, I just never thought of it.
chris z says
i like the monthly visual inspection
Tiffany S says
My favorite tip is to lubricate the garage door twice a year.
Natalie says
My favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly reverse mechanism test. To do this, with the door fully open, lay a piece of wood such as a section of a 2 x 4 on the floor in the center of the garage door opening where the door would touch the floor. Push your garage door opener’s transmitter or wall button to close the door. When the door strikes the wood, the door should automatically reverse. If the door does not automatically reverse, the door should be serviced by a trained service technician.
Kim Henrichs says
Lubricating twice a year – I can see how that would be a must-do! It’s something I would never think to do either.
Rosie says
To find a professional garage door service before you need it and then are scrambling and may not pick the best one for you.
Donna L says
My favorite is to lubricate your garage door twice a year
Sheila K. says
Lubricating the garage door twice a year is important!
jeremy mclaughlin says
Favorite is to lubricate the garage door twice a year.
Mary Cloud says
I like the Monthly Reverse Mechanism Test to make sure everything is reversing properly if it touches something
Cassandra Eastman says
My favorite tip is If someone has backed into the garage door, it’s a good idea to have the door inspected and/or repaired by a trained service technician,
Brittney House says
My favorite tip is the monthly test.
Keri Justice says
Monthly visual inspections of your garage door.
aaron reck says
If you have children, you should also take some time to teach them that the garage door and its operating system are not playthings. Yep had my parents taught me helped them out.
Debbi Wellenstein says
I like the monthly visual inspection tip. Garage door safety is something I just don’t think about!
Elena says
My favorite tip: lubricate your garage door twice a year
Elle says
To lubricate your garage door twice a year.
steve weber says
My favorite maintenance tip is to do a monthly visual inspection
Birdie Skolfield says
it’s also a good idea to have your door checked annually by a qualified service technician to ensure that it continues to work properly and effectively IS MY FAVE tip
christina moore says
I like the lubricate your Garage Door twice a year
Jessica Padilla (@1988Jessicap) says
My favorite maintenance tip is to teach children that the garage door and its operating system are not playthings.
Catherine R says
I like the tip about the balance test. Anything that can preserve the function of something that can be expensive to replace is appreciated.
Lisa Brown says
I like the Semi-annual lubrication tip, I always forget to do this.
sandyhills25 (@sandyhills25) says
Tip #4 – Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door. – shaunie
James Doyle says
Don’t assume your kids know that playing with the opener is given! Teach them to not to do it 🙂
tat2gurlzrock says
My favorite tip is to get an annual inspection.I had no idea!
Angela Saver says
My favorite maintenance tip is the semi-annual lubrication. They say to apply a small amount of spray lubricant to the door’s tracks, rollers & hinges.
Jackie says
My favorite maintenance tip is to lubricate your garage door twice a year.
Thank you!
jeepingeos says
Make sure the garage door is well lubicated and maintained.
Janet W. says
My favorite tip is do a monthly door balance test to see if your door can open and close manually with little resistance and remain fully open.
Seyma Shabbir says
TO never stand under or around an operatig door.
Jennifer Marie says
I learned that it is important to get your door checked annually.
Dawn Monroe says
I think the best tip is to have a professional do an annual maintenance check.
brittany doerfler says
My favorite maintenence tip is to do Monthly visual inspection
Sherry Bult says
Love the idea about the hangers, to see what clothes I just have not worn! That will help me decide what needs to go! Thank you
Allison Swain says
I learned a lot! I didnt know to lube it twice per year.
Thank you for the chance to win
aubrey says
Annual maintenance is recommended.
adriane says
Don’t try to repair a garage door’s springs or cables yourself – use a proffessional. I know someone who lost a finger tip doing this.
Elizabeth E says
Leave spring repair to a professional.
Rosanne says
Favorite tip is to have your garage door checked manually once a year
Kristen says
Lubricate twice a year.
Anita L says
My favorite tip is If you have children, you should also take some time to teach them that the garage door and its operating system are not playthings. This could make for some serious injuries if children are not well advised!!
Ashley C says
I learned that you should perform a door balance test monthly!
Liberty says
I learned that some maintenance of your garage should be left to the pros and not attempted to be fixed yourself.
al says
That spring repair/replacement, track and roller repair/replacement and door installation – are jobs best left to trained service professionals.
Keeley Sullivan says
I like both the monthly lubricate and the have a qualified professional check it.
beth shepherd says
My favorite tip is to do a monthly visual inspection. Thank you
Linda says
Tip: Lubricate garage door twice a year.
Tara says
Do a monthly balance test. I had no idea!
Sharon Elam Smith says
Ah! Yes. Spring cleaning. I am just getting mine started and appreciate all of the handy tips here. Thanks! 😉
Amy Z. says
I like the tip to do a monthly visual inspection to look for wear or damage.
Bridgett Wilbur says
I like that you should lubricate your garage door atleast twice a year.
Tracie Cooper says
My favorite tip is to lubricate your garage door twice a year!
Richard Hicks says
My fav tip is Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables
Stephanie Liske says
I like how it says to have it checked 1x per year.
Holly M. says
My favorite tip is to lubricate your garage door twice a year I never even realized that needed done
slehan says
never work on your own garage door springs or cables – they are under a great deal of pressure!
Thanks for the contest.
slehan at juno dot com
Lisa V. says
To have a technician look at it once a year.
richelle bowers says
monthly balance tests is my favorite tip
Tracy Robertson says
I like the monthly door balance test.
Brandy C says
I felt this tip was useful: “Monthly force setting test (if your door is equipped with an automatic opener system). With the door fully open, push your garage door opener’s transmitter or wall button to close the door. As the door is closing, hold up the bottom of the door with your hands outstretched and stiff. If the door does not easily reverse and continues to close, pull your hands away immediately. The closing force is excessive and the door should be serviced by a trained service technician.”
Robin says
I like the idea of having qualified serviceman inspect your door.
Danielle Magee says
I have never performed any maintenance on my garage door. Going forward however, I plan to lubricate it now since watching the video.
Danielle Marie says
i like the tip for doing a monthly visual inspection.
Francine Anchondo says
I like the Monthly door balance test.
Sarah Anderson says
Hire a pro!
Gabrielly says
You should lubricate it twice a year
Carrie Conrad says
That it is a good idea to have your door checked annually by a qualified service technician to ensure that it continues to work properly and effectively.
susan smoaks says
lubricate the garage door twice a year. that is my favorite tip. i never knew to do that.
Susan Smith says
My favorite tip is to lubricate your Garage Door twice a year.
Daniel M says
lubricate your Garage Door twice a year
Danielle Wood says
I like the monthly balance test,never really thought about it
Stephanie M says
I had no idea you needed to lubricate the hinges rollers and tracks.
Barbara says
A monthly inspection is very important! I actually had a spring break last year because I never looked at my garage door, I assumed it was fine.
Paula Tavernie says
I like the monthly door balance test!!
Leslie Davis says
Keep fingers and hands away from door sections when the door is opening or closing to avoid injury.
Janine Hwang says
You should lubricate it every 6 months. I’ve never done this!
Frank V. says
My favorite tip is to having a qualified serviceperson for inspections.
Anne says
I didn’t realize that I needed to test to make sure my garage door sensor was working properly so it wouldn’t trap anything underneath the door.
sarahacool says
I like the tip on monthly lubrication because i only do it once a year, good to know!
Betty C says
I like the tip for the Monthly door balance test. I never thought about doing that.
Amy Deeter says
The tip that i like best is “having a qualified serviceman inspect it”
james jenkins says
That they should be lubricated twice a year; do it at daylight start and end.
Breanne says
Never attempt to repair a garage door’s springs or cables
Sarah Mayer says
Tip #4 – Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door
Gina M says
My favorite tip is to lubricate your garage door parts on an annual basis.
Thanks for the chance to win!
wildorchid985 at gmail dot com
Alisha says
Favorite tip is lubricating the garage door. Hopefully it won’t be as loud.
Michelle H. says
I like the tip about teaching children that the garage door is not a plaything.
Denise W says
I learned that you can perform some simple safety and maintenance tasks yourself.
laurie murley says
I like the lubricate the door tip the most didn’t know you had to do that
Roxann says
My favorite tip is to do a monthly visual inspection test.
Colette S says
The best for me is Never stand or walk under a moving garage door. Never try to enter or exit the garage by racing under a moving garage door.
Bryan E. says
Important to perform a monthly reversing mechanism test on your garage door…especially if you have small children !
laura588 says
My favorite tip is to lubricate the garage door twice a year.
Laurie Emerson
tridingermckee says
I think the most important one is to have your garage door tested once a year.
Sand says
My favorite tip is to have it checked once a year.
Liz Lew says
Children should never stand, run or play under or near any garage door, especially when the door is open or moving.