Spring Cleaning

Spring is around the corner which means it’s time for a thorough home cleaning! Here are some tips to get you on the right track.

To get started, you’ll need to assess the condition of your home. Take a look around and make a list of things that need to be done, prioritizing more urgent tasks. Personally, my task list began with closet organization, then onto deep cleaning. I would recommend if you also have any large organizational tasks ahead to begin with those, then do a big clean.

In terms of larger organizational projects, here are some of the top spaces you should be assessing:

  • Closets
  • Pantry
  • Basement
  • Garage
  • Patio / Any outdoor spaces
  • Garden

For almost all of the spaces above, you can do a deep clean and organize everything within the weekend. If you’re looking for organizational systems to make things a bit easier, I recommend exploring IKEA, RONA, or HomeSense to name a few. I stopped by IKEA last weekend and purchased a closet organizational system that we then built into my office closet for any overflow clothing items. While the task of setting this up was a bit time consuming, the results were so worth it!

Next up, we’re onto deep cleaning your home. Here is a helpful checklist from merry maids that will surely help:

Every Room

  • Wash Baseboards, door ceilings, window sills, doors, and walls.
  • Vacuum and wash vents.
  • Wash window treatments (drapes, etc.).
  • Dust blinds.
  • Wash Windows – inside and out
  • Dust and shine overhead lights – replace burnt light bulbs.
  • Dust and/or vacuum light fixtures and lamp shades.

Kitchen

  • Clean out pantry.
  • Wash kitchen cabinets.
  • Deep clean oven.
  • Move fridge – vacuum and mop behind it.
  • Vacuum coils on fridge.
  • Deep clean fridge inside – wash outside.

Living Room

  • Dust and wash any and all mirrors, frames, and decorative items.
  • Vacuum all upholstery.
  • Vacuum all lamp shades.
  • Dust furniture and fixtures.
  • Wash all throw pillows and blankets (use steam).
  • Dust and polish furniture.
  • Vacuum and shampoo carpets – mop and wax if necessary.

Bedroom

  • Wash all bedding.
  • Wash all bed and throw pillows.
  • Flip Mattress – if using pillow top, rotate mattress.
  • Purge anything stored under bed you don’t want anymore.

Home

  • Change batteries in smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
  • Check all electronics, make sure they are plugged in, cords are untangled and everything is plugged into a surge protector.
  • Check expiration date on fire extinguisher.
  • Sweep front porch and back deck.
  • Store all winter items, clothes, and decorations.
  • Disinfect all computer keyboards and mouse – Use compressed air to remove crumbs, dust and other particulates. Use a dampened microfiber cloth and wipe the keys down. Use dry microfiber to remove any leftover moisture. Disinfectant wipes are okay to use as well.

Bathroom

  • Clean and disinfect tub and shower.
  • Wash bathmats.
  • Dust and replace decorative items.
  • Wash and/or replace shower liners and shower curtains.

Other

  • Discard old and expired makeup. Clean your makeup holders
  • Update all your house first aid kits. Toss expired medication while sorting other medication.
  • Dry clean any necessary winter clothing or items. Store all winter items for next year.
  • Donate any unused clothes items to Goodwill, The Salvation Army, or other local community organizations.

Feeling ready to take up the Spring cleaning challenge? Wishing you the best of luck!