Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean out washing machines and dishwashers.

When it comes to spring cleaning, there are a few items that often get overlooked. Follow these tips for a shinier, sweeter-smelling spring.

• After changing a furnace filter, clean each of the register vents and return air grilles one at a time. Use a screwdriver to remove the first vent. Take it outside and brush away any accumulated dirt and dust. Fill the sink with warm soapy water and wash the vent thoroughly. Re-install the vent and repeat the process until all vents and grilles are clean.

• Clean the inside of your dishwasher by filling a dishwasher-safe container with one cup of distilled vinegar. Set the container on the top rack of the dishwasher and run the washer through a wash cycle.

Baking soda and vinegar can be used to clean out washing machines and dishwashers.

Next, sprinkle a cup of baking soda in the bottom of the dishwasher and run the machine through one more wash cycle. Wipe the door seal and detergent reservoirs clean with a wet rag and a small amount of vinegar.

• Clean the inside of your washing machine by filling the machine with hot water and adding 2 to 4 cups of vinegar. Allow the machine to agitate for a few minutes. Add a half cup of baking soda. Agitate the mixture a few more minutes. Turn off the machine and let it sit idle for about an hour.

Complete the wash and rinse cycle. Remove the soap dispensers and clean them with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the door seal, lid and other crevices with a wet rag and a small amount of vinegar.

• Pull out your refrigerator and use a coil brush and vacuum to clean dust and debris from the coils on the back of the refrigerator. Pull out the plastic drain pan under the refrigerator and clean it with warm, soapy water. Wipe down the walls and floor and push the refrigerator back into place.

• Detach the vent pipe from the back of your clothes dryer. Use a vacuum to clean the lint from the back of the dryer and the inside of the vent pipe. If the vent pipe is damaged, replace it with a new pipe.

Use a vacuum, a stiff brush and damp cloth to clean the dryer vent on the outside of the house. Make sure the vent flaps are functioning and the mesh critter guard is intact.

— Questions? Linda Cottin can be reached at hardware@sunflower.com.