10 Tips for Spring Cleaning Success (2/4)

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Trees are budding, flowers are blooming, birds are chirping and the grass is greening up nicely all over the south, a sure sign that spring is just around the corner. With the blossoming of all this new life comes much anticipated warmer weather, more daylight hours and lots of fun ways to get outside and enjoy the season. Yet with all the excitement that it brings, for many of us, the months of March and April come with the perennial task of spring cleaning. Whether it is washing windows, decluttering rooms, cleaning woodwork or getting organized, this annual right of passage allows us to freshen up our homes in preparation for the busy spring and summer months ahead. And while it may not be the highlight of the season, it is one of the world’s most time-honored and productive springtime rituals.

In fact, cultures all over the world have been practicing a form of spring cleaning in one way or another for centuries, perhaps even longer. The most cited religious tradition that could be linked to a spring cleaning is from the Jewish Passover holiday occurring in March or April. Just prior to the commencement of Passover there is a search for leaven and all chametz is removed from the house. This ritual search often expands to include a more general thorough cleaning of the house as well. Similarly, the Catholic church cleans the church altar on the Thursday before Good Friday, and the Orthodox Greek religion has a traditional house cleaning period called “Clean Week” during Great Lent. There is also the belief that the practice of spring cleaning dates back to the days when homes were heated by wood and lit by lanterns that left layers of soot on every surface. When spring arrived, it was time to open up the windows and doors, pull out the rugs and bedding to beat away the dust, and scrub the floors and windows until they shined.

Regardless of when, why and how spring cleaning became a “thing,” it has withstood the test of time and is now knocking upon our doorstep with the promise of a fresh start, a clean slate, a sense of accomplishment, improved health, reduced anxiety and much more. So whether you are a tried-and-true spring-cleaning veteran or this is your first rodeo, check out these ten tips to help you get the most out of your efforts and streamline the process, leaving you with more time to enjoy your fresh and tidy home.

1.Make a Schedule – Scope out your home. What areas need the most work? What areas do you skip during routing cleaning? Creating a schedule and approaching this task room-by-room is the most effective way to deep clean it. Not only does it allow you to work more efficiently, but it helps you break down a somewhat overwhelming task into more bite-size pieces. Start by creating checklists for each room to help you get organized and to remind you of the areas that need extra attention. Skip the areas that have been cleaned recently and focus on the parts of your home that have been largely neglected over the winter.

2. Clean Your Cleaning Supplies – This may sound redundant, but you do not want to use old supplies that spread more dirt, dust and grime around your home. For example, before you get started, replace the filter in your vacuum and shop vac. If you are considering replacing an older, outdated model, consider investing in a high-quality HEPA vacuum. It is one of the best spring-cleaning supplies to arm yourself with. They catch tiny airborne particles you cannot see but can stir up allergy symptoms. They trap things like pet dander, allergens and other household particles. It is also important to disinfect or replace brushes, mop heads and other cleaning tools, like toilet wands before you begin.

3. Declutter, Declutter, Declutter – A number of studies show that a disorganized home adds to your stress level. It signals to your brain that work isn’t done. And let’s face it, in a year’s time, a lot of clutter can be accumulated. So be sure to plan time during your spring cleaning to determine what you can let go of. Look through closets, drawers, cabinets, storage bins, sheds and garages. Be careful about falling into the trap of keeping things “just in case” you might need them. Instead, ask yourself whether you have used the item in the past year or so; if not, it is probably safe to part with it. For items like clothing and home accessories, it is more about how they make you feel – if they make you feel good and positive, keep them around; if not, cut them loose. You may be surprised how fresh and free you feel after you eliminate unnecessary clutter causing stress from your life.

4. Get Organized – When you’ve made it through your decluttering, the next step is to think about how you want to organize everything. Before you dig in, remember that some items will need to be more readily available than others, such as cleaning supplies, cooking utensils, office items and clothing you wear regularly. Do not run out and buy fancy storage solutions before you know exactly what you will need to store. Let the type and quantity of your items dictate the container you use, not the other way around. Besides, there are simple hacks that work just as well as fancier, more pricey options, such as using covered shoe boxes as drawer dividers or vacuum-packed bags for seasonal clothes.

5. Work From the Top Down – This might seem intuitive, but when you think about how to spring clean your home, it’s important to start from the ceiling and work down. This will force debris downward and keep you from having to re-dust or re-clean your space. If you have a vacuum with an extension hose, use it to get cobwebs and dust from your ceilings and fans first. Then move on to your furniture and other items before vacuuming all the dust and debris off your floors. It is a big time saver.

6. Don’t Forget About Walls, Windows and Baseboards – Most people clean their floors routinely throughout the year, but not all dust and dirt settles on the floor. Use a damp towel to wipe down walls and blinds, and use warm soapy water on the baseboards, starting at the top and working your way down. If there are screens on the windows, be sure to remove those and wipe them down too. As for the windows, you do not need harsh chemicals. In a spray bottle, mix two cups of warm water with a half-cup of vinegar and a quarter teaspoon of Dawn. Spray your windowpanes with the solution and wipe off the grime with a microfiber cloth, rubbing in a circular motion. Using a second clean microfiber cloth, dry off the water and rub away any streaks. Be sure to tackle your windows on a cloudy day; sunshine will cause them to dry too quickly, leaving unsightly streaks.

7.Include Kitchen & Bathrooms – Even though kitchens and bathrooms get lots of attention and cleaning love throughout the year, there are usually some spots that are forgotten. Incorporating these areas into your spring-cleaning plan will ensure they do not get overlooked each year. In the kitchen, this includes wiping down cabinets – inside and out, cleaning out the pantry, and giving your appliances a deep clean – such as refrigerators, ovens, icemakers, wine fridges and more. If you have stainless steel appliances, be sure to use gentle cleaners or a steam cleaner to avoid damaging their finish. In the bathroom, replace shower curtains/liners, and examine cosmetics and medicine, throwing away anything that is outdated has expired.

8. Clear the Air – Literally. Replacing furnace and HVAC filters is one of the most important and overlooked parts of spring cleaning. In fact, replacing a standard filter with a more robust one with a high MERV rating will help keep you healthier as you enter spring. It will catch smaller, irritating particles. Air conditioner ducts build up dust during winter, and upgraded filters catch unwanted particles so they don’t enter your space. It’s an inexpensive way to make sure you’re breathing clean, healthy air.

9. Deep Clean Carpets and Rugs – While they get vacuumed regularly, carpets and area rugs harbor all kinds of dirt and debris. Take your spring cleaning to the next level and thoroughly clean them. Whether you have a machine at home, need to rent one from the store or want to hire a professional, deep clean your carpet to remove dust, pet hair, allergens and bacteria from your space. Although it can be hard to see, you will be amazed at how dirty your rugs can get, even with ongoing vacuuming.

10. Set a New Tone – As you declutter, organize and clean, consider welcoming the new season by mixing up the layout of your home. Try moving around your furniture; not only does it allow you to create fresh new looks, but it can aid in your cleaning efforts by allowing you to dust, vacuum or wash in hard-to-reach or neglected areas. If after that your space feels dark and heavy, you can make small changes to help make it light and fresh for spring. Adding new colorful pillows or art are great ways to change up your space. Replacing items like bedding, towels, table linens and even window treatments are other ways to transform your rooms for spring and the warm weather ahead. 

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