Spring Cleaning Tips
Spring is here! What better time to get your house in order than during the season for new beginnings? Especially now, when there is a heightened need for and focus on cleaning and disinfecting, as well as more time spent in your home. Whether you have a mansion or a humble abode, kicking off spring cleaning can feel overwhelming. So, we’ve compiled some tips to help you tackle spring cleaning with less stress!
Make a Plan
Having a game plan for your spring cleaning will keep you more accountable and help prevent feelings of being overwhelmed. Decide which rooms in your house to tackle first. Maybe you start small with the rooms that need the least amount of work, so you don’t feel discouraged or perhaps you just pick one side of the house to start on and work your way to the other. Whatever your plan of choice, you can use a checklist to make sure you don’t miss anything.
Clean the Clutter
Get rid of that which you don’t need. Starting by decluttering your space will make the cleaning process easier. From countertops, to closets, to those “junk drawers” that reside in many of our homes, leave no unused item unturned. And you can feel good about the stuff you give away when you donate to those less fortunate. We understand many donation centers are currently closed for public safety. Try to pick a space to store items until you are able to donate.
Get the Family Involved
Make spring cleaning a family affair, especially when the kids are home from school and the whole family is likely spending most of the time indoors. Getting your kids to help out can even teach them the value of a dollar- give them an allowance to motivate them to help & to start teaching them to manage money. If this isn’t possible because money is tight and many are not able to work at the moment, create an alternative reward system, such as giving them a fun sticker once their chore item is completed!
Take Stock of/ Organize Your Cleaning Supplies
Speaking of decluttering, set the tone for keeping things clean and organized by organizing your cleaning supplies. Before you make a grocery trip to buy a cleaner for every surface, take stock of what you already have and make a list of what you don’t, especially with the current availability of cleaning supplies. Having three glass cleaners because you didn’t take stock first will only add to the clutter you are trying to remove. Then, organize your cleaning supplies so they are easily accessible and found. While paper towels might be scarce, try cleaning with a cloth rag and washing it after.
Work from Top to Bottom
You have to start somewhere. When it comes to cleaning, that place is at the top. Start by dusting ceiling fans and removing cobwebs from high-up corners, then work your way all the way down to the floors, which should be cleaned last. If you clean from the bottom up, you will have to keep redusting as debris falls.
Protect Yourself from Allergies
Seasonal allergies tend to flare up in spring and upsetting dust and dander in your home may aggravate your sinuses even more. Make sure you’re able to fully enjoy the fruits of your labor when you’re done cleaning by protecting yourself throughout the process. Read labels and wear gloves and even face masks, if available.
Don’t Neglect Your Walls
It may not feel like your walls need to be cleaned, but when dust falls from the ceiling to the floor, some of it makes a permanent pit stop, clinging to vertical surfaces. Try using a sponge and hand dishwashing detergent, working in sections. A sponge mop makes it easier to reach higher spots. Use two buckets: one for dishwashing detergent solution and another for wringing your sponge. Then, dry your walls and woodwork with a clean cloth. Don’t forget base boards!
Reward Yourself
And your family! Ok, this isn’t exactly a tip but why not? Spring cleaning can be a lot of work and, while it’s worth it, a reward at the end may feel well deserved. Have a romantic date night with your partner or a pizza party for your family in your freshly cleaned house.