Spring cleaning: Easy fixes before heading back to work

After spending months at home, you can no longer truthfully say that you don’t notice the cobwebs. Or the dust on the bookshelves. Or the mystery dark stuff in the corners. It’s all there. But how do you make it go away?

We researched safe solutions to remove dirt, bacteria, mold, mildew and virus germs. Our guide relies on the latest edition of Consumer Reports’ “How to Clean Practically Anything,” manufacturer’s instructions and other reliable sources.

But before you dig into grime on the floor and inside cabinets, check out the cleanliness of your cellphone, toothbrush and other personal items that are close to your heart (and face).

A specialized UV light sterilizer and sanitizer can be used to clean a smartphone, toothbrush, jewelry, eyeglasses, toys, keys and money.

Smile Spa combines ultrasonic and UV cleaning to disinfect mouth gadgets (clear aligners, retainers, sport mouth guards, night guards, bruxism appliances, TMJ appliances, dentures, water flosser tips and toothbrush heads). Vanity Planet offers 30% off with the code SPECIAL30 on its toothbrush with UV sanitation and tailored brushing modes.

Towels, pillows and socks have EPA-approved silver nanoparticles to kill bacteria and musty odors.

Miracle Brand by Aloft has premium bed sheets and towels made of cotton and anti-bacterial, natural silver fiber to prevent stinky fabrics. Read the reviews.

If you don’t want to employ metal ions or UV light, play it safe and use a little dish soap and water to clean the things that surround you. Follow manufacturer’s care instructions and lean toward products with the EPA’s Safer Choice logo.

Here’s what we found as the best, simple solutions for cleaning special items, room by room:

Wallpaper: Paper or fabric wallpaper coated with vinyl can be dusted with a dust mop and washed with an all-purpose cleanser without bleach and a clean sponge, then rinse with water.

Window and mirror: Dilute ammonia-based window cleaners and wipe with streak-free microfiber cloths.

Sealed wood and other furniture: Mix water and a little mild liquid dish detergent and spray onto furniture, then wipe with a damp cloth and dry with another clean, lint-free cloth. Dust oiled or untreated wood paneling with a vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment or a ceiling brush. Remove fingerprints with a damp cloth dipped in a mild detergent solution.

Carpet, rug, drape, cushion and other soft, porous surface: Clean with products such as multi-surface disinfectant or Sani-Spritz Spray. Launder using the warmest appropriate water setting and then dry completely. Dust with a vacuum cleaner’s soft brush attachment or with a soft, long-handled broom with synthetic fibers. Check the label to read the recommendation: W means water-based cleaner, S is solvent cleaner and X is vacuum only.

Leather upholstery: Vacuum crevices and dust with a soft, white cloth dampened with water and a little dish soap. Test before using saddle soap or another leather cleaner,…