Spring is in the air, and it’s time to open up the windows and let the sunshine in. It’s also time to grab your gloves and bucket and get ready for the ever-dreaded spring cleaning that your home deserves. Not a fan of spring cleaning? It doesn’t have to be a tedious task – follow these spring cleaning tips to get your house in tip-top shape.

Make a Checklist

Making a checklist of the tasks at hand will help keep you organized and feel a sense of accomplishment each time you check something off. Your list should be divided up by room, listing each spring cleaning chore that needs to be done in there. For example, if you’re creating a list for your kitchen, you’ll want to include tasks such as cleaning behind and under the refrigerator, cleaning the oven, organizing the pantry, or scrubbing out the drawers and cabinets. Once you have your list done, you’re ready to get to work. Be sure to have cleaning supplies such as a broom, vacuum, rags, disinfectants, paper towels, and fresh air filters.

Work From Top to Bottom

While this may seem like common sense, typically people clean their home starting with their floors, neglecting their walls and ceilings. Start from the ceiling and work your way down.  Sweep or vacuum cobwebs and dust on your moldings and ceiling fan blades. Wipe down the tops of your light switches and fixtures. As you do these tasks, the dust and dirt will fall to the floor or furniture. By starting at the top, you’re avoiding cleaning those areas again.

Declutter

Part of spring cleaning is taking the time to go through the items in your home and purging things you no longer need or use. Each room typically has an area for clutter to gather. The dining room table is a magnet for mail, magazines, newspapers, and keys, while closets house clothes you haven’t worn in a decade. Take some time to go through the things in your home, then take out the trash, donate items that are unused, and find an actual home in your house for the items you want to keep.

Clean the Unseen

Don’t forget the items that you don’t see on a daily basis. Spring is the perfect time to replace your air filters, clean out your vents, and clean out your chimney and fireplace. With heavy use over the winter months, these items build up a lot of dust particles which can wreak havoc on your allergies. Best to give yourself a fresh start for allergy season. Additionally, don’t forget to replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Outdoor Chores

Spring cleaning includes some outdoor chores as well, and why not – it’s a great time to be outside. Just as you did inside, make a checklist of items that need to be done. Does the siding need to be pressure washed? Do the gutters need to be cleaned out? Do the weeds need pulling? Winter takes its toll on a home’s exterior, so maintenance will ensure its longevity.

 

 

Don’t dread spring cleaning, look at it as a fresh start for the warmer months of the year. Once it’s done, you’ll feel happier, more productive, and less stressed.