Preparation
Spring cleaning time! Get ready to de-clutter and refresh your space. Prep is key.
Find supplies. Set aside a block of time. Make a plan. Then you can tackle the project with ease.
Let’s get the details of the preparation for spring cleaning.
Create a checklist
Craft a checklist for your spring cleaning. This can help you stay organized and focused. Make it fit your needs and desires. You may also need more than one list if you’re cleaning multiple rooms. Here is what it should include:
-Safety: Before beginning, follow safety guidance and wear protection.
-Tools and Supplies: Get vacuum cleaners, brushes, mops, buckets, and cleaning solutions.
-Rooms: Make a list of each room. Note the tasks for each (e.g. bathrooms = sinks/toilets/showers; bedrooms = window sills/walls).
-Outdoor Spaces: Is there a deck or gutter that needs attention? Add it to the list.
-Deep Cleaning: Washing windows/fans and deep cleaning furniture may only be necessary once or twice a year. Include these on the list.
Gather necessary supplies
Gather your cleaning supplies before you start spring cleaning. These include a broom and dustpan, vacuum cleaner, mop, bucket, scrub brush, sponges, rags, ladder, trash bags, all-purpose cleaner, and glass cleaner. You may need special materials for surfaces like wood or tile floors, walls, furniture upholstery, carpets, and grouting. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines before working on any items.
Group everything together to save time when you move from room to room. Wear an apron and gloves to keep yourself clean!
Set aside time for cleaning
Make time for cleaning your living space. Dedicate a day each week to cleaning to make it part of your lifestyle. Avoid having to do a deep spring cleaning every year.
Set aside a certain amount of time for each task. Two hours on weekend days and one hour on weekdays is a good guide. But, this depends on your own needs and preferences, and the size of your living space.
Tackle bigger tasks one day at a time. Do not spread them out throughout the week. This will help the task be completed quicker and more thoroughly.
Kitchen
The kitchen is essential! Therefore, it needs regular cleaning. Spring cleaning can keep it in great condition all year long.
Here is a guide to spring cleaning your kitchen. It will help you quickly and effectively clear the dirt and grime that has built up over time. Read on to discover how to do it!
Clean appliances
Appliances should not be forgotten when cleaning the kitchen. Cleaning them regularly is key to keeping their usefulness and avoiding bacteria build-up. Dust off hard-to-reach areas from top to bottom, being careful not to damage any wires or ventilation systems. Follow these steps for a cleaner and more organized kitchen:
1. Oven – Take everything out of the oven. Use a sponge and mild detergent, like baking soda dissolved in warm water, to scrub the walls and floor. To remove grease, use non-abrasive cleaners like liquid dish detergent or vinegar diluted in warm water on tough spots.
2. Refrigerator – Unplug the refrigerator before cleaning. Discard expired or spoiled food and condiments. Wipe down shelves with soap and warm water using soft cloths or sponges. Dry completely with another soft cloth before replacing the food items.
3. Dishwashers – Wipe down exterior surfaces with a damp sponge or cloth, focusing on the edges around the doors. Be careful not to get water into any electrical parts. Clean all external surfaces with soap and warm water solution. Rinse off the excess soap. Quickly dry them off after removing all food particles.
Wipe down countertops
Kitchen countertops are like the hub of cooking and food prep. It’s important to clean them regularly to stop germs, grease, and food particles from building up.
Start by clearing everything off and throwing out anything expired or unnecessary. It helps to declutter your counters for easier cleaning in the future.
Next, use warm water and detergent or diluted white vinegar to wipe down the surfaces. Pay special attention to the stovetop and areas around it, as well as hard surfaces with grease build-up like countertops and microwaves. For heavily stained areas, use a kitchen cleaner or cleanser specifically formulated to fight grease.
Lastly, dry the surface off before putting items back in their place. Also, use cutting boards for all raw meat preparations, to protect against cross-contamination.
Wash dishes and utensils
Don’t forget kitchenware and utensils when spring cleaning! Begin by sorting items into piles. Used cookware, dishes, glasses, silverware, etc. Scrub each pile to get rid of food particles. Rinse off in hot water with dishwashing liquid if needed. Dry each item quickly with a clean kitchen towel. Wipe down appliance surfaces with a cloth soaked in mild soapy water. Then store away in kitchen cabinets and drawers.
Living Room
Freshen up your living room? Start with spring cleaning! It’s the main area of your home that visitors see. Here’s a few tips to make it sparkly and fresh:
1. Vacuum the carpets and rugs.
2. Dust the shelves and furniture.
3. Clean the windows and blinds.
4. Rearrange the furniture and decorations.
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Vacuuming carpets and rugs should be a regular activity in your home. But, Spring Cleaning is an ideal time for a deep clean. Start by moving furniture out of the way. This will expose large sections of carpet and rug. Get into the corners as dust tends to gather there. Vacuum in one direction, either side-to-side or front-to-back. Move quickly and effectively over all areas. Lift up the edges to make sure no dusty spots are left untouched.
If sections are particularly dirty, use a carpet shampooer. Don’t rub too hard, as it can damage fibers. If you have pets, vacuum more often. This will help to remove any fur from carpets and rugs, leaving a cleaner finish!
Dust furniture and shelves
Dust and wipe your living room furniture to remove any unwanted particles that may cause allergies. Get the right supplies – a microfiber cloth, an all-purpose cleaning spray, and rubber gloves.
Start with chairs: wipe from left to right using a dry cloth. Dust off dirt and debris. Spray them lightly with the cleaner. Use the damp cloth for a deeper clean.
Move on to shelves. Spray with cleaner. Take out dust from between decorative items or books.
Clean electronics too – tablets, phones, etc. But switch off appliances before starting!
Clean windows and mirrors
Windows and mirrors are often forgotten about when it comes to spring cleaning. However, they may be one of the first things people notice in your living room. So, take the time to give them a good clean. Start by dusting off any window cornices or frames. Then, vacuum or mop any dirt from window sills and ledges.
To clean the actual glass, use a squeegee. Wipe in one direction from top-to-bottom, followed by horizontal strokes. Rinse the blade with warm water between passes. Finish up by wiping down frames with a damp cloth and an all-purpose cleaner or natural cleaner like vinegar.
For mirrors, place them against something soft and clean the frame with an all-purpose cleaner if needed. To clean the glass surface, use a squeegee. Start at one corner and move in horizontal strokes, followed by vertical strokes. Rinse out the blade regularly as you go. End up with streak-free mirrors!
Bedrooms
In spring, make your bedroom a sanctuary! Assess what needs freshening. Declutter, dust and wash the walls. Here’s a guide to help you.
Step 1: Sort out clutter.
Step 2: Get rid of dust.
Step 3: Clean the walls. That’s it!
Make your bedroom sparkle this spring!
Change bed linens
Changing bed linens is a key part of spring cleaning any bedroom. Whether you’re wanting to change up the style of your decor, or just start fresh for the new season, this task only needs a few minutes!
Start by taking off all covers from the bed. If you’re recycling the same sheets, check them for any holes or signs of wear. If they’re in good condition, go ahead and change them out on the mattress.
If you’ve bought new sheets, check tag instructions before washing them according to package directions. When it’s time to put your freshly laundered sheets on, start with the fitted sheet first. Tuck it into place around every corner so that it stays neat while you use it.
If there’s a mattress pad, repeat this step with it before finishing your set with a top sheet and any extra covers such as comforters or duvets. For extra protection against dust mites and allergens, it’s suggested that after each change, you immediately wash or dry clean any decorative pillows and bed runners. Steam all fabric items including area rugs if possible.
Vacuum carpets and rugs
Carpeting, rugs, and area rugs can accumulate dust and dirt easily. Vacuum them carefully. Move furniture to reach all corners of the room. Break vacuuming into smaller sections for wall-to-wall carpets. Suction is important to draw out tiny particles. Clean beneath furniture pieces such as beds and other large items. Use one brush attachment for carpeting and a different one for bare floors. Vacuum both sides of an area rug or throw rug.
Accent pieces add décor and personality to any room. But, they need regular attention to keep their colors bright.
Dust furniture and shelves
When you dust, start at the top. Begin with the ceiling and walls. Then, move onto the furniture and shelves in the bedrooms. Work your way down. This helps stop airborne dust. Dust on top and under items that can be moved. Use a vacuum cleaner attachment for curtains, blinds, etc. Be extra careful when dusting bedside lamps. They are low and often not turned off, so they can get full of dust.
Bathroom
Bathroom? Spring-cleaning time! Need attention. Scrub tub, sink, and toiletries. Here’s how to clean it fast: Key steps to follow. Let’s explore!
Clean and disinfect surfaces
Clean your bathroom by focusing on hard surfaces like doorknobs and faucets. Wipe them down with hot soapy water. Check the bathtub, shower walls, toilet seat, and behind the loo for soap scum build-up. Clean these with a store-bought cleaner or one cup of white distilled vinegar mixed with one gallon of hot water. Use a soft-bristle brush to clean tile areas.
Spray a disinfectant cleaner over the wiped surfaces. Make sure it fights common germs like norovirus or SARS-CoV2 (COVID-19). Pay close attention to doorknobs and faucet handles. After spraying, let the surfaces air dry before wiping off any excess product.
Wear protective gloves and face masks while cleaning to avoid skin contact with chemicals or other potentially harmful materials.
Scrub shower and tub
Start with the easiest dirt in the shower and tub. Wipe down any walls. Remove visible mold or mildew with a special cleaner. Rinse walls with warm water and a nozzle attached to the shower head. Spray stains with a cleanser suitable for bathroom surfaces, like vinegar or baking soda. Leave it on for 5 minutes. Then, scrub lightly with a soft sponge or long-handled brush, if you can’t reach it. Rinse off all surfaces thoroughly so no chemicals remain. Dry with a cloth.
Wipe down mirrors and faucets
Mirrors: Wipe with a soft, clean cloth and glass cleaner. Spray cleaner onto the cloth, not the mirror.
Faucets: Clean with a microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner. Get into crevices, especially around handles and knobs for hard surfaces; or use kitchen/bathroom cleaner for plumbing fixtures. Rinse off the residue with clear water. Buff dry with a microfiber or other lint-free cloth. That’s it!
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is spring cleaning important?
Spring cleaning is important for a number of reasons. It not only helps to get rid of clutter and make your home look and feel cleaner, but it can also improve your mental health by reducing stress and fatigue.
2. What should I include in my spring cleaning checklist?
Your spring cleaning checklist should include tasks such as decluttering, deep cleaning, organizing, and completing any overdue repairs or maintenance. You may want to break this down by room to make it more manageable.
3. How often should I spring clean?
Spring cleaning should ideally be done once a year, but you may want to do it more often depending on your lifestyle, the size of your home, and your personal preferences.
4. How do I declutter effectively?
To declutter effectively, start by going through your belongings and getting rid of anything that you no longer use or need. Divide items into piles for donation, recycling, or disposal. It can also be helpful to tackle one room at a time.
5. What are the best cleaning supplies for spring cleaning?
The best cleaning supplies for spring cleaning depend on the tasks you want to complete, but some essentials to consider include all-purpose cleaner, microfiber cloths, a vacuum cleaner, and a mop or steam cleaner.
6. How can I make spring cleaning easier?
You can make spring cleaning easier by breaking it down into smaller tasks, making a checklist, and enlisting the help of family members or hiring a professional cleaner. Also, try to stay organized and focused to avoid getting overwhelmed.