Spring has sprung, and the flowers are blooming — but the winter didn't leave without leaving its debris.
Spring cleaning may seem like a daunting task, but with a little planning and effort, you can have your home looking and feeling fresh in no time.
Remember to take it one step at a time, and don't be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Here are a few tips to get you started, oh, and happy cleaning!
Getting Started
- Set a goal. What do you want to accomplish? Is it decluttering, organizing or cleaning?
- Make a plan. How will you get there? Are there certain areas of your home that need more attention than others? If so, focus on those first!
- Gather supplies. You'll need some basic tools for spring cleaning--a broom and dustpan (or vacuum), rags or paper towels for wiping surfaces clean and disinfecting them with vinegar water solutions (see below), dish soap for washing greasy dishes in the sink after meals or snacks...the list goes on!
Organizing Your Home
- Declutter. This is the most important step in organizing your home, and it's also the easiest one to put off. The idea of sorting through all of your belongings can be overwhelming, but if you start small and focus on one room at a time, it will be much more manageable.
- Create a system for keeping things organized once they're out of storage (or wherever they were hiding). This could mean using labeled bins or baskets to store similar items together in an easily accessible place so that when you need something specific, it's right there waiting for you!
Cleaning Your Home
- Dusting. Dust all surfaces, including furniture, picture frames, and light fixtures Use a fiber cloth or a feather d to avoid spreading dust around.
- Vacuuming. Eliminate dust and dirt from your carpets and upholstered furniture by vacuuming them. Employ the attachments to reach tight spaces and corners.
- Cleaning floors. Use a mop or steam cleaner to clean hard floors. If you have hardwood floors, use a cleaner specifically designed for them.
- Cleaning bathrooms. Clean and disinfect toilets, sinks, and showers with a bathroom cleaner. Use a scrub brush to remove any stubborn stains or mildew.
- Cleaning kitchen. Clean and disinfect countertops, sinks, and a kitchen cleaner. Use reaser to remove any stubborn grease or grime.
- Cleaning windows. Clean windows with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth or newspaper. Use a squeegee to remove excess cleaner and water.
Final Tips
- Take breaks and drink plenty of water while cleaning to avoid exhaustion or dehydration.
- Use natural cleaning products when possible to reduce exposure to harmful chemicals.
- Don't be afraid to ask for help! Enlist family members or friends to help you with larger cleaning projects or to keep you company while you work.
Spring cleaning can be a great way to get ready for the warmer months. By setting goals, making a plan, and gathering, you can process much more.
Remember to take breaks for help!