8 Helpful tips for spring cleaning

8 Tips for Spring Cleaning Your Home

“Spring” has officially arrived! And for us, in Florida, that means the return of 80-90 degree days! However, now is the time to tackle those spring cleaning activities that we want behind us before the school year is over and summer returns. And while the thought of spring cleaning may be enough to send you running for the hills, it doesn’t have to be daunting! Just take one task and one room at a time and your house will be spotless before you know it.

Check out these 10 tips to help get you started!

1. Clean the carpet:
   Dirt and germs can really accumulate throughout the year, so the floors are a great place to start with your spring cleaning projects.

   Move furniture slightly so you can clean under legs (you don’t need to move furniture out of the room altogether). As you move it back, place furniture legs on waxed paper so the wet carpet doesn’t damage the furniture as it dries. If it’s a breezy day and not too hot, you could also try opening the windows to help the flooring dry more quickly.

2. Clean the walls:
   Have you actually EVER done this in your home? Many people don’t, but even though the walls don’t LOOK dirty, dirt does cling to vertical surfaces, which means they could use an annual cleaning.

   You can use a soft brush attachment to vacuum your walls and/or wipe them down with a cloth covered mop. It’s also okay to spray them with a dusting product, but be careful to avoid using excessive amounts of water.
   

3. Clean light fixtures and fans.
   This is something I recommend you do MORE than once a year, since light fixtures and ceiling fans can accumulate a LOT of dirt.

   Use a cloth and vacuum attachment to remove dust from lights, fans and AC vents.

4. Clean the kitchen clockwise:
   Start with the stove and then work your way clockwise around the kitchen… ending with the stove again.

   Start by removing drip pans and dirty knobs from the stove and soaking them in soapy water. Also spray the inside of the stove with cleaner and let it soak. Then when you get back around to the stove after cleaning the rest of the kitchen, those pieces will be ready to be cleaned.

   Make sure you sanitize your sink. Clean it first with soap and water to remove any grime, then vinegar and finish by spraying it with hydrogen peroxide. And finally, use a cabinet cream to cut through the dirt and grease and leave your wood moisturized and shiny.

5. Clean your bathroom from top to bottom:
   

   Start by emptying the cabinets and drawers and tossing everything that doesn’t belong or is expired (this includes any medication as well as old make-up).

   Wipe down everything, from the inside of cabinets to the top of the vanity. Once all dust has been removed, you can spray everything with a cleaner and allow it to sit for a few minutes below wiping it clean. Finish by polishing anything shiny and cleaning the mirror.

   Leave the floors for last, since dust will likely have fallen from higher surfaces as you were cleaning. For the bathroom tile (or kitchen tile for that matter), use a cleaner with a neutral pH. You can also make your own cleaner by mixing ½ cup of baking soda into two gallons of water.

6. Purge your wardrobe:

   Now is the perfect time to purge things you no longer wear. Unless it’s a classic piece like a suit that you only break out on occasion, abide by the rule that if you haven’t worn it in a year, you’ll get rid of it. The same applies to footwear. Donate items that are still in good condition and throw out items that are worn out.
   

7. Clean your patio furniture:
   Wipe everything down with warm water with a bit of dishwasher detergent. When you’re finished, just rinse everything with the garden hose.

8. Wash the windows:
   I saved the best for last, right? But with the help of a squeegee washing windows doesn’t have to be that painful, I promise! 

   Start by using a wet sponge with a few drops of dish detergent to wipe away the dirt that has accumulated. Next, dampen a squeegee and run it from the top of the window to the bottom, wiping away any water after each stroke. When you’re finished, dry the windows with a cloth.

Final Thoughts,

I would encourage you to get the whole family involved with spring cleaning to speed the process along. And keep in mind, a lot of these tasks only need to be done once a year, or seasonally at best. Also remind yourself how beautiful and sparkling clean your home will be when you’re finished!