It might not feel like it outside, but today is the first day of Spring! The arrival of the new season should bring with it a sense of calm, renewal, and hopefully – some warmer temperatures. Spring is generally associated with a fresh start, and there’s no better way to revamp your home than with a good clean.
We’ve made a list of 7 must-do’s for your Spring cleaning to ensure you make the most of the time that you set aside to clean your house. Of course, you’re doing to want to wipe down everything in your path to make your home really shine – but these 7 things will really make a big difference to your home.
1. Clean your Windows
Give your windows a full-service clean. Remove screens and hose them down outside, wiping them gently with a towel to dry. Dust or vacuum the windowsills, and clean the glass – both inside and outside. Martha Stewart suggests using a rubber-edged squeegee, rather than cloth or paper towel to clean your windows to avoid any marks.
2. Organize your Closet
A well organized closet can really set the tone for the rest of your day, so don’t miss this space when you’re planning your Spring cleaning. Get rid of unused clothes and accessories, and organize the rest. A tidy, well organized closet is not only appealing, it makes your everyday routine easier.
3. Clean the Refrigerator
Can’t remember the last time you truly cleaned out your refrigerator? That’s why you should make it part of your Spring cleaning routine. Take everything out of the fridge and wipe down spills and surfaces, and discard old food. Using two tablespoons of baking soda for every quart of warm water, wash the interior – and don’t forget about the removable shelves and drawers, too. Just be sure to let any glass shelves come to room temperature first so warm water won’t cause them to crack.
4. Dust, Then Vacuum
If you save the vacuuming until after you dust, you’ll be able to vacuum up the excess dust particles that will inevitably find their way onto your carpet! Once you’ve given every surface in a room a good wipe down, it’s time to give those rugs a good deep clean. Looking for a more efficient alternative? Use a deodorizing fabric spray on the carpet and let it sit for about an hour to absorb any odours. After approximately 60 minutes, start vacuuming. You can use that hour to get started on the next item on your list.
5. Wash Baseboards and Trim
You don’t really notice how dirty your baseboards and trim can get, until you get down there to clean them! Use a cloth, or a Swiffer sheet to remove any dust, and work out any scuffs with a scrub brush. Polish off the work with a washcloth and liquid cleanser (diluted with water) to really make your trim sparkle. Dry with a paper towel or clean rag.
6. Wash Walls and Ceilings
This is your chance to get into those hard to reach corners. When wiping down your walls to remove dust or marks, remember to start from the bottom and work your way up. That way, the damp wall will be able to absorb any drips. It’s much harder to wipe up drips on a dry wall.
7. Carpets, Rugs and Furniture are not to be overlooked
After all of that hard work, you’re going to want to ensure each room in your house looks its best. And that can only mean cleaning your upholstered furniture, and professionally cleaning your carpets and rugs. Over the cold months, dirt, grime and stains have had an opportunity to accumulate. Now is the time to get your home’s furnishings fresh and clean.
If you’re going to be doing your Spring cleaning this month, we hope you remember our 7 tips. Work task by task and room by room to ensure there’s no dusty corner unturned.