1)  CABINETS
Over time, build-up can collect on your kitchen cabinets — especially if you don't run the exhaust hood over your range while you cook to keep grease from settling. To remove build-up use a "cabinet cream" to cut through the dirt and leave wood moisturized.

2)  WINDOWS
Instead of just wiping down the inside make sure you take to the outdoors during spring cleaning season to remove spots and smudges you don't usually have time to tackle. Pro tip? Wash 'em on a cloudy day to ensure that the sun won't dry the cleanser before you're done wiping.

3)  DISHWASHER
To ensure this heavy-duty cleaning appliance gets all the tomato sauce stains off of your dinner plates, you have to clean it too. First, remove any bits of food on the bottom. Then, run a cycle with a specialty cleanser made for your dishwasher about once a month.

4)  REFRIGERATOR
This means the outside and inside. Pull out all of your fridge's interior shelving and wash them with warm soapy water. Then wipe down the surfaces that can't be removed on the inside with a sponge before putting shelves back in their place.

5)  FLOORS
[Wood]
Even though you might think you're mopping your wooden floors every week, this chore could actually ruin them. Instead, you should only wet-clean them once every one to two months and spot-clean as needed. Then make sure you use trivets or saucers under plants to avoid water damage and use furniture protectors to avoid scratches.

[Tiled Surfaces]
Clean bathroom and kitchen tiles with a cleaner that has "neutral pH" on the label. You can also mix baking soda and water for a homemade cleaner: Pour 1/2 cup baking soda into 2 gallons water and mix very well. Then apply the liquid with a string mop or sponge mop. For grout, use the same baking soda and water mixture, but for tough stains, call in the pros.

6)  BLINDS & DRAPERIES
Give your blinds a thorough wipe down and vacuum, machine wash, steam-clean, or dry clean curtains.

7)  CARPETS & RUGS
Less trafficked areas of your carpet only have to be cleaned once or twice a year, and every 18 months for a bedroom. For higher-traffic areas, the most often you'd need to bring in professionals would be three or four times a year.

Rugs should be cleaned every four or five years — or every 10 years if a rug is not walked on much. Over cleaning contributes to wear and tear. But you can treat stains at home with club soda. Stains caused by pets, coffee, orange soda, red wine, and anything with dye or an acid base are the hardest to remove, and the key is to act quickly.

8)  WASHING MACHINE
Don't wash your clothes in a smelly machine. Instead, disinfect it with distilled white vinegar and baking soda to keep it fresh and high-functioning. Run the machine with hot water, then add the cleaning agents, and let it sit for 30 to 60 minutes. Afterwards, restart your machine, let the water drain, and wipe it dry.

9)  MATTRESS
The perfect time to pay attention to what's under your bedding? When your sheets and comforter are being washed, too. Use your vacuum's crevice tool to clean the surface and sides, then spot-clean stains with an upholstery cleaner. Sanitize with a spritz of disinfectant spray afterwards and you're all set.

10) WALLS
Maintenance is crucial to keeping a crisp paint job looking fresh. Spot clean your walls with a cloth or sponge and water. If that doesn't work, dip the rag or sponge into water mixed with a little dishwashing liquid, the milder the better. If the stain persists, apply a few drops of soap directly onto the wet sponge or cloth you're using. Then make sure you rinse the wall afterward with plain water.

ADDITIONAL IDEAS ARE:

PATIO FURNITURE
Before outdoor season begins, wipe down your chairs (minus the cushions) and tables with a mixture of warm water and a squirt of dish detergent. Then hose off the solution with water from your garden hose and let air dry before enjoying.

YOUR BROOM

Dust bunnies, be gone! To get rid of these annoying cling-ons, swish your broom around in warm, soapy water as needed. Another option? Try to zap it with the nozzle on your vacuum, just make sure you clean out the attachment afterwards.

BOOKSHELVES
Sort books by size and subject. Remove and discard any ripped dust jackets (unless you think they might have value). Line books, some vertically, some horizontally, in a rhythmic pattern. This will relieve the monotony of rows.

CLOSET
Organizing your closet is the first step to organizing the rest of your home. Get rid of unused clothes and accessories, and organize the rest by how you get dressed in the morning and by color. Your closet will look appealing, and your everyday routine will be easier.