Spring is always associated with new beginnings. So don’t look at annual “Spring Cleaning” with dread but as a fresh start. This is the perfect opportunity to tackle those projects you’ve been procrastinating all winter.
Here are some tips that will hopefully make your Spring Cleaning a little easier.
- Make A List: It’s easy to get overwhelmed from the start. So make a list of things that you want to accomplish. It doesn’t have to all get done in one day. Chart out your plan of attack. Is it easier for you to clean from the attic down, or start in the basement? Maybe you want to do one complete room at a time from top to bottom. Find a way that works best for you.
- Check Cleaning Supplies: Check to make sure you have everything you need before you get started. Now is the perfect opportunity to replace those old harsh cleaners with new organic versions. You can even make your own cleaning agents with average household items and save a ton of cash. White vinegar is great for hard water stains, soap scum and your toilet bowl. It can even replace fabric softener in the laundry. Rubbing alcohol is great for cleaning glass. Baking soda is the perfect replacement for harsh scouring powders. A combination of olive oil and lemon juice makes a great furniture polish.
- Makes Piles: Now that you’re putting away winter clothes, it is the perfect time to separate your things into categories: Store & Donate. If another winter season has gone by and you haven’t worn those fur snow boots or that purple fur jacket that you just had to have, get rid of it! Get the clutter out of your life and give someone else the opportunity to enjoy something special. There are tons of great places that will take donations.
- Seal It Up: Put all of your winter things in sealed plastic containers to prevent dust mites, mold or moths from making an unwelcome visit. This doesn’t just include clothes, but do the same for bedding and even seasonal decorations. And cedar chips or even dryer sheets to keeps thing smelling fresh.
- Don’t Forget The Fridge: I know people don’t usually think of their refrigerator when they think of Spring Cleaning. But this is a perfect opportunity to clean out the fridge and cupboards. Wash all the shelving, racks and bins. Salmonella and other contaminants thrive in these environments. Check all of the expiration dates and get rid of everything that’s past its date. Put fresh boxes of baking soda in the fridge and freezer to absorb odors.
- See The Light: Dust or replace light bulbs. You’d be amazed how dust dims light. Just be sure to unplug any fixtures first! If your cleaning ceiling lights, be sure to clean the ceiling fan while you’re up there. It’s easy to forget because we can’t see that high, but dirt and dust really accumulate on the tops of fan blades.
- Safety First: If you already have the ladder out and are in the home improvement mode, be in the safety mode too. Now is the perfect time to check all of you smoke/fire/carbon monoxide detectors and make sure they are all working properly. Replace batteries if necessary.
- Ventilate: It’s easy to get so lost in your cleaning that you forget to your using harsh chemicals. Open a window or turn on a fan. Just be sure there is proper ventilation so that you’re not inhaling fumes. Replace your vacuum bag and filter before you get started so that you are cleaning efficiently and not blowing dust back into the air or not picking it up at all.
- Don’t Forget To Clean Your Air: We often forget that one of the most import things that need to be clean in our house is the air that we breathe. Replace your air filters so that you air conditioner runs efficiently during the summer season. Update your thermostat with a programmable model that will not only run more efficiently, but save you money. A thermostat that filters the air in your home is ideal, reduce allergens in air and reduce your utility bills. (See Qaulity Lux Products Thermostats at Amazon.com)
- 10.Most Of All…Make It Fun! Load up on iTunes. Dance and sing your way around the house! It doesn’t have to feel like a chore!