For most homeowners, warmer weather inspires a thorough cleaning of the house. Open the windows and gather the necessary supplies. Here are a few tips to make spring cleaning your home more effective and enjoyable.
Pace Yourself During Spring Cleaning
Cleaning an entire house, inside and out, is a big job. If you try to tackle it all at once, you may feel frustrated and overwhelmed. Instead, space your spring cleaning tasks over two or three weeks. Make a list of chores to accomplish, and divide them among the days. Some days, you might tackle one big project, such as shampooing the carpets. On other days, you may be able to handle several smaller tasks.
Clean From Top to Bottom
When spring cleaning, you will clean areas you don’t address during your regular cleaning routines, such as ceiling fans and the tops of window frames. Since these areas collect dust, it’s wise to start cleaning at the top of a room and work your way down.
Dust the ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of doors first. Next, dust the furniture and window sills. Vacuum and clean the carpets last. You won’t push dust from your furniture and windows onto freshly cleaned carpets.
Use Natural Cleaning Products When Spring Cleaning Your Home
When you’re doing a lot of cleaning at once, there will be residue, fragrances, and VOCs from the cleaning products. Especially when deep cleaning, it’s best to use natural cleaning products. Purchase them at a local store or make your own. A solution of white vinegar and water works well for wiping down surfaces. Baking soda is an excellent natural deodorizer.
Spring Cleaning the Drains
Dirty drains are slow and can lead to foul odors in the home. To clean the drains, dump a cup of baking soda down each one. Follow it up with a cup of vinegar. Let the mixture bubble for a half hour. Then, rinse it down with hot water.
Don’t Forget the Exterior
The outside of your home could use a good cleaning, too. Spring weather provides the perfect opportunity to pull out the pressure washer. Wash the driveway, walkways, and patio to remove dirt and stains. The pressure washer can also remove algae and mildew from the home’s siding. On a lower setting, use it to clean the patio furniture and wash the windows.
Declutter as You Spring Clean
Designate a cardboard box for items you no longer want or need. As you work your way through the home, you’ll find unneeded clutter. Put the unwanted things in the box as you find them. When you’re finished with spring cleaning, sort these items and decide which you will donate and what can be sold.
With the tips above, your cleaning routine will go smoothly. Take your time so you won’t feel overwhelmed, and enlist the help of family members. You’ll enjoy coming home to a clean, fresh house.
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