As the winter months go away, there’s no better time to refresh and clean your home. Spring cleaning is an annual tradition in many homes and is usually more than just tidying up, it’s an opportunity to declutter and deep clean your home.
My family spring cleans during spring break. It’s been a tradition since I was a little girl. At first I hated doing it every year, but as I got older I’ve learnt to appreciate how spring cleaning helps me get through the last couple weeks of the school year, and the refresh helps my mind feel decluttered. While looking at cleaning one’s entire house seems daunting, tips like the ones below can help reduce the stress of starting.
1. Declutter before you clean
Cleaning is easier when there’s less clutter. Sort through your clothes, pantry, and junk drawer to see what you can throw away or donate. A good rule is if you haven’t used an item in the past year, you don’t need it anymore. Start by making three piles and organize the items you want to donate, discard, or keep. Be honest with yourself about what you truly use, it will help in the long run. Decluttering not only makes cleaning easier but it also makes it more organized and peaceful.
2. Focus on communal areas first
Rather than trying to clean your entire house at once, prioritize places that you share such as kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms. These areas collect the most dirt and germs since they are used daily. In these rooms pay attention to places that are highly touched like doorknobs, light switches, and chairs. Start with the bathroom because a lot of germs are kept here, then move to the kitchen since people eat there, then the living room where people lounge. By hitting the most used communal areas first, you make the house more pleasant as the rest of the cleaning occurs.
3. Clean from Top to bottom
To make things easier, always clean from the highest places then work your way down. Start with cleaning the ceiling fans, light fixture, and shelves before working your way down to the countertops, then furniture, and finally the floors. This makes sure that dust does not settle on already cleaned places.
4. Wash windows and mirrors
With the sunshine and warm weather coming ahead, you don’t want smudges and streaks on the windows and mirrors. You can use a streak free glass cleaner or for a more natural cleaning product, you can make a vinegar and water solution. Mix one part of water with one part of white vinegar in a spray bottle, and add in just a few drops of soap. For a smudge free window, wipe with a microfiber towel or a newspaper.
5. Tackle one room at a time
Spring cleaning can be annoying and stressful sometimes because it often feels overwhelming, especially when there’s a lot to do at once. To make that easier, instead of trying to clean the whole house in one day, focus on one room at a time. Set realistic goals and create a checklist to keep track of your progress. Creating a cleaning schedule, whether it’s tackling one room a day or setting aside one day for different tasks, will help you stay organized and make sure you don’t burnout.
6. Clean spaces often forgotten about
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to think about the places you don’t usually think to clean, such as walls and baseboards which collect dust so quickly but are often forgotten about! Use a damp microfiber cloth to wipe them down. This small step can make a noticeable difference in your home. Don’t forget to clean the light fixtures, dust the ceiling fans, behind and under furniture, and change your air vents and filters.
7. Set up a maintenance routine
Once your home is finally deep cleaned, create a maintenance plan to make sure next time it is easier and quicker to clean. Set up a weekly or monthly cleaning routine to prevent buildup of dust and keep your home fresh year round. These could be simple tasks like wiping down the counters daily or not going to bed with trash laying around. Writing down your cleaning schedule or assigning tasks to your family or roommates can make cleaning faster and add a chance to bond with them. It also ensures that no one overworks or feels overwhelmed.
Spring cleaning is an opportunity to reset and refresh your mind and living space. With these tips, you will have an easier and efficient time to clean your home! A clean organized home not only helps your home look better but also helps you be more productive and reduce stress. Set realistic goals and have a plan, and play your favorite show or listen to music to make it more fun. Happy cleaning!
