Winter is finally coming to an end, so it's time to undo all of the damage that the season has done to your home. If you've been using a kerosene heater or two to supplement your furnace, you're going to have quite a bit of wiping and washing to do. Here, you'll find a few tips that'll help you wash away the film that's coating everything in your home and advice to help you eliminate the need for that kerosene heater next year.

Cleaning the Soot and Film off of Hard Surfaces

You will need a few things to get this job done right –

• Trisodium phosphate
• Bleach
• Bucket
• Water
• Rubber Gloves
• Sponge
• Towels
• Drop Cloths

Fill a bucket with 2 gallons of water. Mix 12 tablespoons of trisodium phosphate and 2 cups of bleach into the water. Stir it well until everything is combined. Fill a second bucket with cool water.

Dip the sponge into the mixture and wring it out somewhat – you don't want to drip all over the place, but you want the sponge wet enough that you won't have to dip it again after just a wipe or two. Scrub the surface well. Use a clean cloth in the rinse water to rinse the surface. Replace the water when it becomes discolored.

Place fans around the room for ventilation and to expedite the drying time.

Cleaning Soft Surfaces

To get the film and soot out of soft surfaces, like furniture and carpeting, you'll need some baking soda. Sprinkle the baking soda over the surface and use a dry bristled brush to rub it in. The baking soda will break down the film and make it possible to vacuum it away.

For soot stains that require moisture to remove, you'll need some white vinegar. Apply the vinegar to a clean cloth and blot the area until it comes clean. If that doesn't work, pick up a bottle of dry-cleaning solvent and apply it to a clean cloth – blot the area – this should remove any remaining stains.

Eliminate the Need for Supplemental Heat

Wouldn't it be nice if you didn't have to lug around that heavy kerosene tank during the winter? Well, the furnace in your home shouldn't need any supplemental help – it should produce enough heat to keep your entire home comfortable.

If not, contact your local HVAC repair technician. He or she will take a look at the system, as well as your home, and make recommendations that may include window repair, insulation work and possibly upgrading your heating and cooling system.

Don't put yourself through all of the unnecessary work that comes with using a kerosene heater. Visit a heating maintenance service like Robison Air to start making a plan for next winter.