Spring is here, and that means it’s time for a cleaning overhaul. After a winter of cabin fever made worse by a pandemic, you need to throw open the shutters, let the breeze blow through, and revitalize your living space.
It’s also time to get down to business with your scrub brush. First, you need a plan. Here are nine tips for a successful spring cleaning.
Gather Your Laundry
First things first. You can’t clean everything in your home by yourself. Some items – such as throw blankets, sequined or appliqued pillows, and your best business suit – should only go to the cleaners if you hope to keep them looking like new.
Sometimes, it’s tricky to determine what should go in your home washer and what you need to take to the dry cleaners. Ask yourself a series of questions before forging ahead:
Is the item made of silk, velvet, suede, leather, wool, or cashmere? Laundering such fabrics in the washer will result in pilling and shrinkage.
Is the fabric unfamiliar? If you can’t determine the material, dry cleaning is best.
Are there any oil or grease stains or discolorations you don’t know how to treat? Water won’t touch grease stains, so dry cleaning is your best option.
Is the item difficult to iron? Washing your curtains sounds lovely. However, it’s no fun trying to get them back on the rod when they come out of the dryer a wrinkled mess. Plus, your machine may cause the lining to shrink and distort the hang.
Clear the Clutter
Taking your laundry to the cleaner is only the beginning. Next comes clearing the other clutter. It’s time to put on your minimalist hat and ask yourself some tough questions.
Go room by room, sorting items into two piles: to keep and give away or sell. Store the items you intend to dispose of in a safe location for now, like the garage or even your car. Take your time putting each additional item in its proper place.
Make a List
Spring cleaning can seem overwhelming. However, it becomes easier to tackle when you have a plan.
Make a list of everything you need to do, from cleaning the aquarium to dusting the ceiling fans. Take your time. You might need a few days to remember everything. If you live with others, start a list and keep it hanging on your refrigerator so everyone can add items to it when they notice them.
Start at the Top
Few things prove as frustrating as realizing you forgot to dust that pesky ceiling fan after mopping and vacuuming. Gravity dictates that dirt falls to the floor. Therefore, start at the top.
Fortunately, you don’t need to dust things like picture frames frequently. Therefore, it’s okay to start this task on one day and finish with the floors on another.
Go Au Natural
Many cleaners contain sketchy chemicals that give parents pause. Fortunately, you can make many non-toxic DIY recipes with only a few ingredients. Gather the following items to create your arsenal:
- White distilled vinegar (You can find slightly stronger specialty cleaning vinegar, but the regular stuff works fine)
- Baking soda
- Hydrogen peroxide
- Borax
- Castile Soap
- Rubbing alcohol
- Essential oils (for fragrance)
Citrus also works well for disinfecting a funky garbage disposal. You can toss a handful of lemon, lime, or orange rinds and hit the switch for instant freshening. You can also put the peels in any mixtures you create for fragrance. Another alternative is adding a few drops of your favorite essential oils for scent.
Divide and Conquer
If you share your home with others, you probably aren’t responsible for the entire mess. Don’t clean it solo, either.
Instead, sit down with your family and divide and conquer. Even tiny tots can get in on the fun, even if their assistance boils down to picking up their toys. Everyone else can select their tasks from your list until everything is covered.
Focus on Your Furniture
Even if you dust once a week, you probably miss spots. How often do you pull all the old DVDs out of your entertainment center and polish the wood?
Take time cleaning each item of furniture and polishing every nook and cranny. Steam-cleaners are invaluable for getting stains out of your sofas and chairs without harmful chemicals. The best part? You can pick these devices up for less than $100.
Give Your Floors a Deep Clean
If you have carpets, it’s time for a shampooing. You might want to call in the pros for this step and consider seeking companies that use non-toxic cleaners.
You can also DIY by renting a machine from your local grocery or hardware store. Instead of opting for a chemical-based solution, pick up a bottle of castile soap. This natural, oil-based substance does a better job on some stains because like attracts like – that is, water won’t remove grease. Then, go back over your work, this time using a 50% vinegar solution in your shampooer to kill any last germs and dissolve any lingering grime.
Finish With Your Facade
The inside of your home might sparkle – but you’ll still feel dismayed when you arrive home if your exterior looks awful.
Finish your spring cleaning by getting your yardwork on point. The weather should cooperate by this time. Sweep that front stoop, mulch your gardens, plant a few flowers, and trim back any dead or diseased growth. Finish your work with a shiny new welcome mat or a cheery sign inviting folks to visit your newly tidied abode.
Tips for Successful Spring Cleaning
Spring is finally here! It’s time to blow the winter dust out of your home with a thorough cleaning. Follow the tips above for a successful spring cleaning and you’ll enjoy coming home to a tidy abode in no time.
