Something about the arrival of spring makes people want to clean! The dark, dreary days of winter are leaving and we want to meet the new, sunny season with a fresh and clean home. Check out these tips to make the most of your spring cleaning and get your home truly spotless.
Make a schedule
Tackling your entire home can be a big task and take several days to complete. Don’t get overwhelmed, get organized! Create a checklist of what needs to be done, and then schedule when you plan to accomplish each task. You can handle the bigger items first (like deep cleaning the bathroom) to get them out of the way or figure out what chores can be done simultaneously, like cleaning out the fridge while you’re waiting for a load of laundry to finish. This helps keep you on task and feeling accomplished.
Safety first
Cleaning will unsettle all the dust and allergens that have gathered in your home over the winter. If you suffer from allergies, make sure to wear gloves or even a mask to keep yourself protected, and throw your clothes into the laundry almost immediately after you’re done. Also be sure to read the labels on any cleaners you use, especially the heavy duty ones.
Declutter
It’s time to make Marie Kondo proud! Even if you’re not into the KonMari method, decluttering is an important process in cleaning your home. Go through your closet and find clothes you never wear that can be donated, throw out items that are damaged or past their usefulness, and stop hanging on to things you know you’ll never use! You’ll be surprised at how much cleaner and more organized your home looks just after this step.
Don’t forget about air quality
Clean air makes a clean home. Spring is the perfect time to replace your furnace and HVAC filters to make sure you’re breathing clean, healthy air, particularly if you’re an allergy or asthma sufferer. You can also add an air purifier to your home, to make sure your spring air is clear of allergens or odours.
And check for mould!
While you’re going through your home and cleaning, be sure to check for mildew and mould. The black gunk in the corners of your shower is caused by a combination of moisture and poor ventilation. While small amounts of mould in your home aren’t hazardous, they can potentially trigger allergic reactions and large quantities of mould have made people sick. If you’re overwhelmed, find the Best mould removal service in your area to tackle the potentially dangerous task.
Put your machines to work
Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher. These guys can provide a lot of extra assistance during spring cleaning. You can toss things like shower curtains and throw rugs into the washing machine, while a quick, 15-spin in the dryer can remove dust and wrinkles from curtains. The dishwasher can wash just about anything, from glass vases and toothbrush holders to pet dishes and children’s plastic toys. Just use a gentle cycle and turn off the heated dry time.
Wait for a cloudy day
Direct sunlight can cause streaks when you’re cleaning your windows, and with all this effort your home should be spotless. Good Housekeeping recommends you wait for a cloudy or overcast day to tackle the windows, and use glass cleaner with a microfibre cloth for the best results.
The little things
Some parts of your home might get neglected during regular cleaning, but a big spring clean is when you should be getting into every nook and cranny. Don’t forget to clean items like your shower curtain (plastic or vinyl ones can be thrown in the washing machine), your doormats (you can hose them down or vacuum), and dust all those hidden spots like ceiling fans and curtains.
