When was the last time you cleaned...

Spring cleaning. Seriously, my second favorite time of the year.  My husband thinks I'm nuts, but I love that feeling when I can sit back and know that things are cleaned out, reorganized, and in their proper place. So as you are tackling your spring cleaning, here are some helpful tips to approach areas in your home that you may not think of.

...your hairbrush?
 The When: The best beauty experts recommend washing your brushes about every two months.
 The How: First, pull out all stray hairs with a comb or your fingers. If the brush has padding, boar bristles,  or a wooden handle, you want to keep it from getting waterlogged by swishing it back and forth in a sink full of soapy water. Rinse and tap off any excess water. Otherwise, soak it for 15 minutes in a sink filled with warm water with mild soap or shampoo.  Rinse and lay on a towel to dry.

...the inside of your coffee machine?
The When: It is best to try and clean your coffee machine after every dozen brews. Old coffee grounds and hard-water deposits can cause coffee to taste bitter.
The How: Insert a paper filter and fill the reservoir with two parts white vinegar and one part water. According to coffee expert and vice president of The American Barista & Cofee School, run the machine through a full cycle, then repeat the process twice with wold water and paper filters.

...your bed pillow?
The When: Every six months, your down or polyester pillows should take a spin in the washing machine.
The How: Wash them two at a time with detergent on the gentle cycle. Try an extra spin cycle to remove excess water and keep bacteria and mold away. Tumble dry on low, fluffing pillows every so often. Spot-clean foam pillows with warm water and soap. Lay flat to dry.

...your TV screens?
The When: Depending on the climate you live in and the kiddos and their fingerprints, but typically, your screen could use a good wipe-down every two to four weeks.
The How: For plasma screens, dust it gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth. Paper towels can scratch the surface of your screen. For LCD screens (which have glass fronts), use a soft cloth and a little water.

...the produce bins in your fridge?
The When: Scrub your bins every few months to keep produce flavors fresh.
The How: Empty the drawers, then take them out of your fridge. Dip a cloth in a mixture of 4 tablespoons baking soda and 1 quart warm water; wipe down the inside and outside of each bin. Avoid household cleaners which can contain harsh chemicals and cause your food to taste funny.  Rinse bins in warm water and dry.