Spring Cleaning 101
It is that time of year again. The weather is getting warmer, the snow is starting to melt, and soon it will be time to open up the windows and let the sun shine in. But before you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the warmer weather, you need to give your home a top to bottom cleaning.
Spring cleaning is an annual rite of passage, but it does not have to be something you dread. With the right planning and preparation, you can get your home in tip-top shape and still have time to relax with a tall, cool glass of lemonade.
Make a Checklist
Before you pick up your scrub brush or fill up your bucket, make a list of what you need to do. It can be hard to start your spring cleaning without first planning it out, so create a room-by-room checklist you can work from.
Having a list will make it easier to clean your home thoroughly, and it will also make everything you do more efficient. Once you have your room-by-room checklist in hand, you can simply grab your cleaning supplies and work through the home in a systematic manner.
Thorough Cleaning
Your spring cleaning should be as deep and thorough as possible. Steam-cleaning your carpets and deep cleaning your rugs and hardwood floors will leave your home looking fresher and cleaner than ever, so you can open up your home and welcome your spring visitors.
Your windows can also use a deep spring cleaning, so grab your cleansers, your squeegees, and get ready to wash those windows. By the time you are done, your windows will be sparkling clean, ready to open the blinds to take in the view. After all your hard work, you will be proud of the job you have done.
Once the windows are sparkling clean, you can give the same treatment to your household fabrics. From the curtains on your windows to the upholstery on your couch, your fabrics deserve the full spring cleaning treatment.
Do not forget your appliances in your spring cleaning frenzy. All that time spent indoors can really take a toll on your refrigerator, stove, and other appliances, with fingerprints, scruff marks, and other imperfections. Polishing your home appliances to a beautiful sheen will leave your home looking fresh and new, and leave you feeling great.
Go Through Your Wardrobe
Spring cleaning is the perfect time to clear out the clutter, and your closet can be the first place to start. Begin by pulling everything out of your closet and wardrobe, then organize and clean the pieces as needed. Separate your clothing and accessories into different piles, then wash and mend each item before putting it away.
As you go through your wardrobe, separate your clothing and accessories into “keep” and “donate” piles. Get rid of the items you no longer want or need, and be sure to keep your receipt for tax purposes.
Perform a Household Safety Check
The start of spring is the perfect time for a home safety check, including making sure your smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, and flashlights are all in working order.
If you have fire extinguishers in your home, now is the time to test them and make sure they are fully charged. You need to recharge or replace your fire extinguishers on a regular basis, so be sure to check the expiration date on the tag.
If you do not yet have a family emergency plan, now is the perfect time to make one. Make sure every member of your family knows what to do in an emergency, including who to call, where to meet and what to do. You need an evacuation plan for each room in the house, and holding regular fire and evacuation drills is a great way to know your family is ready for anything.
Spring will soon be here, and now is the perfect time to prep your home for the warmer weather. From clearing out the clutter and cleaning out your closet, to deep cleaning your carpets and polishing your appliances, there are plenty of things you can do to make your home look its best for the warm weather ahead.
