The arrival of spring brings warmer weather, longer days, and the urge to freshen up our living spaces after a long winter. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a huge, daunting task that takes up your whole weekend. By breaking chores down into smaller pieces and setting aside an hour here or there, you can get your home sparkling clean in no time.
Start with Decluttering
Before doing any heavy-duty cleaning, it helps to clear out clutter. Getting organized makes cleaning more accessible and more effective. Go through each room and sort items into “keep,” “donate/sell,” and “trash” piles. Be ruthless here – if you haven’t used something in over a year, it’s unlikely you’ll need it in the future. Removing unnecessary items also creates a cleaner, less chaotic living environment. Once you’ve pared down your belongings, you’ll have cleared the deck for thorough cleaning.
Wash Walls, Windows, and Furniture
After decluttering, tackle dusting and washing next. Use a microfiber duster to remove dust from baseboards, ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of doors and cabinets. Then mix together warm water and a small amount of mild dish soap in a bucket. Dip a sponge mop into the solution and wash walls and ceilings to cut through grease and dirt. For windows, use a specialty cleaner or mix equal parts white vinegar and water for a streak-free shine. Use all-purpose cleaner and a soft rag to wipe down wood furniture. In addition to surfaces, be sure to give upholstered furniture, bedding, and rugs a good cleaning too.
Refresh Fabrics
Couches, chairs, pillows, comforters, and area rugs tend to accumulate dust, pet hair, and odors over the fall and winter months. Rent a rug doctor machine to deep clean carpets and rugs. Wash pillows and machine-washable cushion covers. For upholstery that can’t be washed, use the brush or vacuum attachment to remove dirt and debris, then spot treat any stains. Add a few drops of essential oils like lemon or eucalyptus to a damp rag and wipe down fabric to freshen. Wash sheets, mattress pads, and duvet covers to make beds feel clean and welcoming. As you clean each room, don’t forget to tidy up the often neglected spots like inside cabinets and behind appliances.
Deep Clean Kitchen and Bathrooms
The kitchen and bathrooms gather lots of grime, so put extra effort into cleaning them. Remove everything from kitchen cabinets and drawers and wipe down the interior surfaces with a non-toxic cleaner. Use a toothbrush dipped in baking soda and vinegar to scrub tough stains. Clean appliances inside and out, including the oven hood filter. For bathrooms, scrub the shower/tub, wipe down tiles, clean inside cabinets, and disinfect handles and knobs. Check under sinks for leaks too. Some final quick tips will help keep things clean long after spring cleaning is over.
Implement Cleaning Habits
After putting time and work into cleaning for spring, establish habits to maintain a tidy home. Make your bed each morning. Wash dishes after meals rather than letting them pile up in the sink. Put items back where they belong instead of tossing them onto counters. Do a quick tidy and pick up clutter in high-traffic areas like the living room and kitchen for 5-10 minutes daily. Setting aside time for light cleaning daily makes the more thorough seasonal cleaning much easier.
