Spring Cleaning Success

7 Tips for Successful Spring Cleaning

The days are longer and spring is almost upon us. That means it’s time for that yearly tradition that either fills you with excitement, dread, or a combination of both- Spring Cleaning! Don’t let spring cleaning overwhelm you this year. Use these tips for a successful experience.

Make a Plan

Spring cleaning can seem like an overwhelming task if you don’t go into it with a clear plan. Now is the time to sit down and make a list of all the things you’d like to accomplish in your spring cleaning so that you can do things in the most effective order and not forget anything in the process. Once you make a master list, consider breaking that list down into a list for each family member. This can make a big job seem much more manageable and likely increase the cooperation of your family members that will realize they’re only responsible for a portion of the work.

Another reason to have a plan is so that you can acquire all supplies necessary before you begin. Nothing kills motivation faster than having to stop in the middle of a project to run to the store. As you are making your master list of jobs you’d like to do, put any supplies necessary in a second column. Then, when you are done making your list, you can check your cleaning supplies and cross off anything you already have and head to the store to stock up on those you need. 

Start at the Top

You want to make spring cleaning as easy and enjoyable as possible and that means starting with the top. For instance, you don’t want to clean and polish your floors to perfection only to have them ruined when you dust off the ceiling fan blades. You can avoid this by cleaning vertically from the top down. This is another reason the plan comes in handy. Look around at each room and plan your attack from the ceiling to the floors.

Cut Out Clutter

Clutter has a way of accumulating in certain spots. Maybe it’s the coffee table that attracts all the mail, school papers, and water bottles. Maybe it’s the chair in the corner of the bedroom that is covered in clean clothes, reusable shopping totes, and your yoga mat. We all have those clutter hot spots. Take time to de-clutter before you clean so that you can clean the spaces underneath the clutter. Don’t fall into the trap of just moving your clutter pile from one place to another. Really take the time to put each item where it actually goes. It may accumulate again but you’ll be starting with a clean slate.

Tackle Those Textiles

One of the biggest collectors of dust around the house is textiles. Things such as curtains, rugs, throw pillows, wall tapestries, and shower curtains aren’t easy to just wipe down like your hard surfaces and as a result, the dust can get trapped and lead to allergy issues and dingy decor. Get rid of the dust during your spring cleaning and enjoy the freshness that comes with clean textiles.

Don’t Neglect Your Appliances

Because most people aren’t looking inside of your appliances, they can often get neglected in your day to day cleaning. This makes spring cleaning the perfect time to show your appliances some TLC. Your oven and microwave can benefit from a good scrub down. Take everything out of your fridge and clean all of the surfaces. As you’re putting things back, check expiration dates and toss anything past it’s prime. Lastly, don’t forget the washer, dryer, and dishwasher. There are special products that are meant to be run through their cycles to clean and disinfect them. It will make your clothes smell fresher and prevent residue from being left on your dishes.

Cabinets and Drawers

Dust can accumulate even inside of drawers and cabinets. Use this time to take everything out of your cabinets and wipe them down. In the pantry, you can use this as the time to check expiration dates like you did with the food in the fridge. Repeat this process with your drawers. Include checking expiration dates in your medicine drawer or cabinet as well.

Spring Maintenance

While you’re cleaning, don’t forget to do a little routine maintenance around the house. You definitely shouldn’t only do this once a year, but spring cleaning is a great time to check your air filters. Winter can be harsh on your gutters so it’s also the perfect time to clean your gutters. If you want to get really ahead of the game, use a pressure washer to clean up the exterior of your home, your porch, your patio, and your driveway. The exterior will look as amazing as the interior.

Happy Spring!

Don’t feel like you have to do all of your spring cleaning in one day, or even in one weekend. You can be ambitious and do it all at once or you can work on one room per day until it’s done. The important thing is to take care of your home so it takes care of you. Once it’s done you will reap the benefits of a house that sparkles. Happy Spring!