Spring Cleaning Tips

There are few springtime traditions more satisfying than the annual deep cleaning, which signifies a fresh start, practically and even psychologically. However, for many people, bliss only comes once the job is done. Cleaning the house from top to bottom is never easy, but the project can be much more manageable with this checklist that gives you an overview of everything you need to know.

Plan and Prepare

The first step is to check your calendar and schedule spring cleaning tasks. Hoping to get it all done within a couple of days won’t do you any good. Divide the tasks into realistic time slots over several weeks, and you’ll get through it stress-free. And before you get started, take inventory of your cleaning supplies, such as brushes, cloths, and sprays. Pick up any additional cleaning products or tools that will help you work more efficiently, and why not consider using some natural products such as lemon juice to degrease or vinegar to remove limescale buildup.

Kitchen and Bath

It’s a good idea to start with the rooms that require the most effort. In areas that have countless nooks and crannies and are constantly exposed to moisture, it’s important to dedicate extra attention to detail. In the kitchen, start with the walls, the outside of the cabinets, and the countertop, then empty each cabinet to clean it and before replacing everything. In the bathroom, start with the tiles, remove all traces of limescale and continue with the bathroom fixtures. Whenever you clean storage furniture, take the opportunity to throw away any old products or cosmetics that have expired or that you no longer use.

Room by Room

To break the job into manageable chunks, continue taking it room by room. Start by dusting ceilings, corners, and hard-to-reach surfaces. A mop with a damp cloth may do the trick. On surfaces with delicate paints or finishes, be sure not to use chemicals not intended for them, and don't scrub too hard. Again, take advantage of this project to clean interiors or storage furniture. Consider which items no longer serve you, Marie Kondo style, and donate or throw them away.

Winter Wardrobe and Bedding

As temperatures begin to rise, you may want to replace your bedding with lighter-weight linens, as well as your day-to-day wardrobe. For fabrics that tolerate high temperatures well, run a hot water cycle to kill bacteria before letting these garments dry completely and storing them until next fall or winter. Make it easy on your future self by organizing everything in labeled containers, ready for the next change of season.

Textiles

A chore that many people don’t get around to regularly is cleaning the textiles of the home. This includes curtains, sofa and cushion covers, throw blankets, and rugs. Check washing instructions for each item, but much of this can be washed in your washing machine at home and hung damp to dry in order to avoid wrinkling. Rugs may need to be taken to a pro if the tag states “dry clean only.” Spring is also the perfect time to change out some of your textiles for lighter materials and brighter colors, so seasonal decor can form part of your spring cleaning ritual.

Garage and Outdoor Areas

As an often neglected space, your garage might need a little TLC, and if you're lucky enough to have an outdoor space, such as a porch or yard, it's the ideal time to make the most of it. If you have a garden, go the extra mile. Make sure your organization systems are up to date with your belongings so that these areas are not simply written off as overflow dumps. Store winter sports equipment. Get rid of items you've been hanging onto forever because they "might come in handy someday." You might even find that you end up with enough space to add a new or improved chill-out nook in time for the good weather!

Windows and Floors

It’s time to get the windows looking crystal clear. And don't stop at the glass. Get into the cracks of the window frames. Aluminum or PVC ones will be as good as new just by scrubbing them with a cloth and soapy water. For the glass itself, it’s best to choose a specific product and a lint-free cloth. As you reach the end of your spring cleaning journey, it’s a good time to finally tackle the floors, where any residual dust from the process will have settled. Then all you have left is to clean the floors and you will have passed the test. Vacuum, as usual, paying special attention to baseboards and difficult corners, and then scrub the floor properly with a specific product for its material (wood, ceramic, vinyl, etc.).

As you go through the spring-cleaning process, you may find that there are some of these tasks that you want to start doing several times throughout the year to lighten the workload each time. Cross these tasks off as you complete them, and you'll be well on your way to refreshing your home and making it a healthier and more comfortable haven.

xx, Danae