Do you hear that? The birds are chirping, the flowers are beginning to bloom, and the sun is making its oh-so-welcome comeback. Spring has officially sprung! It’s time to embrace the season of new beginnings, and what better way to do that than with a good old-fashioned spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is the ultimate reboot of your home. It’s like giving your home a fresh start by decluttering, organizing your stuff, and starting the season on your best foot. Cleaning can be therapeutic; each task may give you great satisfaction. If the cleaning doesn’t, the fresh-smelling home will.
You want to clean, but where do you begin? With so much to do, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Put on your favourite playlist, and let this cleaning guide help you clean away.
1. Clear Out the Clutter
You can’t clean a house that’s already full of clutter. Before you can begin the cleaning process, it’s important to start with the first step: decluttering. This means going through your belongings and getting rid of anything you no longer need or want. This can be a daunting task, but it’s an essential part of the spring cleaning process.
To get started, sort through your belongings and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. Consider donating or selling items that are in good condition, and recycle or dispose of anything that can’t be reused. Once you’ve cleared out the clutter, you’ll better understand what needs to be cleaned and organized. This will make the rest of the spring cleaning process much easier and more efficient.
2. Create a Cleaning Schedule
As we said, spring cleaning can be overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be. If you want to see progress and not get tired in the middle, break down your cleaning tasks into manageable chunks and create a cleaning schedule that works for you.
This will help you stay on track and ensure you don’t overlook any important areas of your home. Remember to prioritize the areas needing attention, such as the kitchen and bathrooms. Don’t forget to schedule breaks, too; too much work without rest will wear you out soon.
3. Clean your Carpets and Rugs
Carpets should be at the top of your cleaning list. They tend to collect dirt and dust and can become a source of allergens. Consider renting a carpet cleaner or hiring a professional to deep clean your carpets and rugs.
Regular and professionally cleaned carpets will last longer and serve you better. A deep clean will not only remove dirt and stains but also help to prolong the life of your carpets and rugs. Remember to vacuum your carpets thoroughly before deep cleaning to remove any loose dirt or debris.
4. Clean Your Kitchen Appliances
Kitchen appliances are essential, but constant use can make them dirty and greasy. If your kitchen smells a little sour, it may be the grease on the stove and other appliances. Use a degreaser to remove built-up grime and grease from the stove, microwave, refrigerator, and dishwasher. Don’t forget to clean the inside of your refrigerator and freezer to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold.
Spray the degreaser onto the appliance’s surface and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, wipe the surface with a clean cloth or sponge. For tougher stains, you can use a scrub brush or scouring pad. Remember to remove all the food and shelving from the freezer before cleaning. Don’t forget to clean the condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator, as dust and debris can accumulate there, too.
5. Clean the Windows
Cleaning your windows is an excellent way to start your spring cleaning. They’re easy to clean and will not discourage you from the task ahead. If your windows look dull from grime and dust, arm yourself with window cleaner and a squeegee.
Applying a coat of wax to the windows after cleaning will repel dust. This will also make it easier to clean your windows in the future. Once the dust is gone, you’ll be happy to see your face clearly on your windows.
6. Don’t Forget the Walls
Walls are a crucial part of your home but are often overlooked during everyday cleaning. Over time, they can collect dust, dirt, and grime, dulling their appearance and affecting indoor air quality. Your spring cleaning should include wall cleaning to restore the beauty of your home and create a healthier living environment.
To clean your walls effectively, dust them with a soft-bristled brush or dry cloth to remove any loose debris. Then, use a damp cloth to wipe down the walls, especially the areas around light switches and door handles where dirt and fingerprints accumulate. Be careful not to saturate the walls with too much water, as this can damage drywall or paint.
7. Organize your Pantry
Don’t leave your kitchen before popping into the pantry and cleaning it well. Over time, your pantry can become disorganized and cluttered with expired or unused items. Go through your pantry and remove anything that is no longer needed or empty (like random spice jars).
Use clear containers to store pantry staples such as rice, pasta, and flour. This makes it easier to see what you have and keeps your pantry neat. Cleaning your pantry frees up space and makes it easier to find the items you need when you need them.
If anything is about to expire, put it in the front of your pantry and make a plan for using it up before it goes to waste.
8. Freshen up your Mattress
When did you last clean your mattress? It’s easy to overlook your mattress when it comes to cleaning, but it’s an important part of your home that requires attention during your spring cleaning routine. Over time, your mattress can collect dust, dirt, and allergens, which can lead to health issues and affect the quality of your sleep.
To clean your mattress effectively, vacuum it on both sides to remove any loose debris and dust. You can also consider using a specialized mattress cleaner or fabric freshener to remove odors and stains. When your mattress is no longer a health hazard, consider using a mattress protector that can help protect your mattress from spills and stains.
9. Declutter your Closet
See those clothes and shoes you have been planning to declutter for a year and quite never got to it? Spring cleaning is the time for it. Spring is an excellent time to declutter your closet and remove any clothes that no longer serve you. Experts advise removing everything from the closet and putting it in categories.
Accumulated clothes can take up valuable space and create chaos. If you haven’t worn a piece for 12 months, you’ll likely not miss it. Be sure to clean the closet before you put the clothes back in.
10. Clean and Organize Your Bathroom
Keeping your bathroom clean and organized is crucial to maintaining a healthy and stress-free living environment. However, with frequent use, it’s easy for your bathroom to become cluttered and messy. Therefore, adding a deep-cleaning and organizing session to your spring cleaning checklist is essential to keep your bathroom in top condition.
Use effective bathroom cleaners to remove dirt, grime, and bacteria from your sink, toilet, and shower. Additionally, you can enhance the organization of your toiletries by using storage bins, which can help keep everything in place and make it easier to find what you need. It might also be time to get rid of all the near-empty bottles that you aren’t actually going to use.
11. Deep Clean Your Grout
Over time, grout accumulates dirt and grime, making it look dingy, unclean, and, honestly, quite gross. Cleaning the grout in your tiled spaces ensures that your grout looks fresh and clean and helps maintain the overall hygiene of your home.
Use a grout cleaner and a brush with stiff bristles to remove dirt or stains. This removes unsightly stains and prevents potential health hazards that may arise due to the accumulation of germs and bacteria.
12. Organize Your Garage
Garages are the modern-day haystack; you can’t find anything there. Walk into any garage and find all the things people didn’t know what to do with. Garages quickly become dumping grounds for items that don’t have anywhere else to go.
To clean and organize your garage effectively, start sorting through your items and deciding what to keep, donate, or dispose of. Consider removing any items you no longer need or use, as this will free up space and make it easier to find the items you need. Use storage bins or shelving units to keep your tools and equipment organized.
13. Get Rid of Dust
Dust is sneaky; it may accumulate for a while, and before you know it, you leave finger marks everywhere you touch. Dust can accumulate on furniture, floors, and even walls, making your home look dull and dirty. If people in your house seem to cough and sneeze a lot, the dust may be causing it.
Microfiber cloths are good at removing dust. Use a duster to wipe down surfaces in your home, and be sure to dust all surfaces, including furniture, countertops, and shelves. Don’t forget to dust (or vacuum) hard-to-reach areas like ceiling fans, light fixtures, and the tops of cabinets. Use a stable ladder and be safe.
14. Clean your Outdoor Furniture
Outdoor furniture may be forgotten in the rush to keep the house spotless. However, outdoor furniture is exposed to weather and other environmental factors that can leave it dirty and dull-looking. Cleaning it will enhance its lifespan and overall appearance to enjoy in all the nice weather.
Use a pressure washer or a scrub brush to clean the outdoor fittings. A pressure washer blasts away dirt, dust, grime, and any other debris from your furniture. If you don’t have a pressure washer, use a brush. Apply a coat of wax to protect your furniture from the elements, such as rain, sun, and wind. Plant a few flowers outdoors while you’re at it.
15. Hire a Professional If You Want
Spring cleaning can be daunting, especially if you have a large home or a busy schedule. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by your spring cleaning tasks, consider hiring a professional cleaning service to help.
A professional cleaner can handle even the toughest cleaning tasks, leaving your home looking and feeling fresh and clean (and you rested). A professional cleaner will also have the equipment to clean your home thoroughly and efficiently.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
