The arrival of Spring is not too far away so it’s the perfect time to get your home ready for the new season with a top-to-bottom cleaning.
We always want our home to be welcoming and inviting but a deep cleaning enables you to tackle areas you may not clean on a regular basis.
In addition to refreshing your home for the upcoming season, Spring cleaning also promotes wellness by keeping your environment clean and allergen-free. This is particularly important for those who suffer from allergies.
Spring cleaning can be overwhelming but the following tips can help you get your home in tip-top shape for the upcoming season.
1. Go Room by Room
You need a plan before you start your Spring Cleaning, you need a plan of action. Approaching your home room-by-room is the most effective way to perform a deep clean. Create a schedule and checklist tailored to your home to keep yourself organized and focused. Tailor cleaning list to your home’s specific needs.
When deciding which room to tackle first, think about starting in the bathroom. The bathroom is used every day, therefore you must make sure it is clean and free of germs. You can leave the bathroom soaking for a bit while you take on another room. This could also be a great time for you to decide on a different bathroom design for the spring. Otherwise, start in the bedroom.
Give each room a deep clean – vacuum, scrub, sweep and dust. Clean all walls and ceilings. Don’t miss the ceiling corners. Pay special attention to switch plates and doorknobs in each room. Make sure you dust crown molding and baseboards. Remove any scuff marks on walls. Dust all light fixtures and lamps. Use Clorox or other appropriate cleaning tools.
For all rooms, Spring cleaning is the perfect time to replace light bulbs as well as the batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
In the bedroom, give yourself a fresh start to the season by swapping out heavier bedding for lighter, summer-friendly linens. Wash pillows, blankets and comforter. Don’t forget to vacuum the mattress and under the bed.
To clean the bathroom, start by washing rugs and towels. Replace your shower curtain. Clean tubs, shower walls, bathroom sink, floors, etc. Unclog drains and clean in, around and behind the toilet. Tidy your medicine cabinet and bathroom closet. Throw away any expired cosmetics. Clean the air vents.
When you get to the living room, vacuum all furniture and carpeting. Polish hardwood floor. Move furniture away from walls to clean up any dust and dirt. Vacuum all the furniture. Dust around and behind the TV and other electronics. Sweep out the fireplace. Make sure to dust edges of wall hangings, mirrors, and pictures.
Air out your home once you are done with your cleaning by opening exterior doors and windows to help circulate fresh air.
2. Wash Windows and Mirrors Everywhere
Wipe down mirrors in all rooms. Clean windows inside and outside as well as window treatments. Remove and wipe down the window screens outside. Use a vacuum or a Swiffer to dust off the window drapes.
3. Make Kitchen Sparkle
Clean all kitchen appliances. Use gentle cleanser if you have stainless steel appliances. Defrost and clean out your fridge and freezer – use a cooler for food while you clean, wait until they are at room temperature to clean.
Organize all shelves and bins, and dispose of any old items from your pantry, fridge, and freezer. Degrease your stovetop by taking off stove grates and other removable parts. Scrub with soapy steel wool pads.
Pro tip from real estate expert Sacha Ferrandi “Since your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home you must take good care of it. Refresh your garbage disposal using ice and citrus. Clean your oven and microwave. Wipe down all surfaces, cabinets, and utensils. Disinfect the countertops and floor. Sweep, vacuum and mop the floors. Wash dishes – throw out old pots, remove stains using Brillo pads, salt, lemon or other remedies. Clean out reusable bags to remove bacteria”.
4. Remove Seasonal Decoration Everywhere
With a new season on the horizon, it’s time to remove any seasonal decorations in your home and store them away for next year. Replace holiday items including towels, shower curtain, rug, pot holders in bathroom and kitchen with neutral or pastel colors. Choose a doormat in your front entrance appropriate for Spring and Summer.
In the living room replace seasonal, heavy blankets with Spring-colored pillows. Add fresh colored flowers to your center table as well. Replace your holiday Poinsettia flowers with fresh sunflowers or other colorful flowers. Store winter clothing including big jackets and coats. If you don’t have room in your home, many dry cleaners offer storage services.
5. Perform Seasonal Chores
Certain chores are seasonal and only need to be done once or twice during the year. For Spring, most of these tasks are outdoors. Get your driveway and patio ready for your guests to arrive. The time for barbecues approaches which is why you should clean your grill. Perform landscaping – whether you do it at home or hire a professional. Dispose of old, oxidized patio furniture.
Conclusion
You don’t have to dread Spring cleaning anymore. Follow the tips in this article, preparing your home and family for the upcoming season. Getting a head start will make your life so much as well as give you more time to make all these changes and updates to your home. You may be surprised at how great you will feel when you’re finished.
