It’s time to kickstart spring cleaning the right way!  Refresh and rejuvenate our home after the winter season to create a cleaner and more pleasant living environment.  I’ve put this together to help you as well as myself plan and crush our spring cleaning…so let’s get to it! I’m also sharing my MUST have tools to help make cleaning easier.

First and foremost, get organized!!! Before you start, clear clutter from each room. If clutter feels overwhelming, consider decluttering one room at a time in sessions. sessions. Use boxes for sorting–one for garage sale items, another for donations, and a garbage bag for discards.

Routine tasks:

• Do the Dishes: This is a simple task, it’s easy to accomplish and gives you a quick win. Hand-wash delicate dishes and load the rest into the dishwasher for a quick cleaning cycle.
• Dust: Dust from top to bottom and before you vacuum.  Start with top surfaces–ceiling fans, higher cabinets, counter tops and then wipe down lower cabinets.
• Strip and Wash Your Bedding: Make cleaning your bedding a priority. Strip your beds and wash all bedding, including sheets, pillowcases, mattress protectors and comforters. Spot-treat any stains with a little baking soda, vinegar and water before washing.  Don’t forget to vacuum your mattress before putting back your bedding.

Overlooked tasks:

• Sliding Door Tracks: Before the entertaining season kicks into gear, don’t overlook sliding glass door tracks during your spring cleaning. Use an old toothbrush to loosen debris, then use your vacuum hose to remove it. Finish by wiping with a wet sponge for a thorough clean. 
• Dust Light Fixtures: Start with light fixtures before the rest of the room to avoid dust falling on already cleaned surfaces.   For spring cleaning, use a  microfiber or lint free cloth to dust reachable fixtures and bulbs. Clean ceiling fans with an  extendable duster instead of a ladder. Lightly dampen a cloth with vinegar to clean grimy bulbs. Note: For safety, ensure bulbs are cool before touching them, and keep your hands dry during cleaning.
• Common surfaces: Spring cleaning is a chance to tackle often overlooked surfaces like baseboards, door frames, and walls. Once a year, give them a thorough cleaning by washing with a sponge and dishwashing liquid diluted in warm wat  For a nice fragrant I add just a ¼ cup of fabric softener and ¼ cup of rubbing alcohol in the solution.

Interior Areas:

• Wardrobe Transition: To streamline your closet and prioritize seasonal essentials, store items you’re not currently using in a tucked-away place. Pack away gloves, winter clothes, and boots to make room for warm-weather clothing. Utilize  label bins and boxes for easy retrieval of winter gear next year.
• Clean Under Furniture and Appliances: Before vacuuming floors during spring cleaning, move furniture and roll up area rugs (you may want to enlist help for this one). Shift kitchen appliances from the wall if possible; sometimes, pulling them out allows the  vacuum hose
• Deep-Clean Carpets: To keep your new carpet’s warranty intact, consider professional cleaning every 12-18 months. Alternatively, for DIY spring cleaning, rent or buy a deep cleaner vacuum designed for home use. Follow instructions carefully for mixing cleaning solution, rinsing, and drying to ensure optimal cleanliness
• Clean hard floors: Vacuum and sanitize your hard floors at the same time.  Using the power of steam eliminates 99.9% of germs and bacteria.  There are many options out there for vacuum and mops. Check some out, it really is fun to use!

Make your cleaning easier and get these tools:

Exterior areas

• Wash Windows: Choose a cloudy day for window cleaning to prevent streaks caused by fast-drying solution in sunny weather. Water and a  microfiber cloth usually work better than chemicals. Alternatively, mix 1/4 cup rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup vinegar, and distilled water for a homemade glass cleaner solution.
• Exterior Paint: During spring cleaning, think about revitalizing your home’s appearance with a new paint job. A fresh color scheme can elevate your house’s curb appeal.   Exterior paint typically lasts ten years, so ensure it’s done properly. If a full repaint isn’t needed, opt for touch-ups to extend siding and trim life.
• Gutter Maintenance: Your roof’s drainage system redirects thousands of gallons of water yearly from your home’s exterior and foundation walls. This crucial system deserves a semi-annual inspection and spring cleaning. With the help of  Gutter Cleaning Tools you can clean and repair gutters and downspouts every spring before heavy rains and again in late autumn after leaves have fallen.

Lastly, remember to check the  batteries in smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors .  If you don’t have a fire extinguisher, buy one and learn how to use it. Keep one in the kitchen and consider getting another for the garage.

Keeping our homes clean isn’t just for looks; it’s good for our physical and mental health as well.  A clean home promotes a healthier environment by minimizing the presence of allergens, dust, and germs, thereby lowers the risk of getting sick and having breathing problems. A place that isn’t cluttered can help you think more clearly and feel less stressed, fostering a more relaxed and focused mindset.  I hope this helps and good luck with your cleaning endeavors!

Bye for now!