Spring is here, and it’s the perfect time to start your yearly home cleanup. Are you feeling overwhelmed by the thought of tackling spring cleaning? You don’t need to!
This ultimate guide will walk you through all the tips and tricks for deep-cleaning your entire home and making sure that it looks its best for the warmer months ahead. So let’s get started with refreshing your space this spring!
What is Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning means exactly what it says. Cleaning, vacuuming, scrubbing, polishing, dusting, mopping, and re-organizing every nook and corner of the house during that most revitalizing, reviving time of the year.
A time-honored religious and cultural custom, the tradition of spring cleaning has been passed down the ages, like…well, springtime, and is prevalent more in places with cold climes than anywhere else.
The roots of spring cleaning can be traced back to the Iranian Nowruz, the Persian new year celebrated on the first day of spring.
While the inherent practices themselves have changed from generation to generation based on technology, trial-and-error, and several other contributing factors, the underlying motivation remains unchanged. If it isn’t spring-cleaned, it isn’t a home!
It’s all about the annual reset, and the best way to ward off allergies before they have a chance to set in.
Step #1: Gather All Supplies
Any collection of spring cleaning tips should begin with a list of supplies. Ensure, first of all, that you have all of the tools necessary to complete every task on your list. The following are basic to every spring cleaning kit:
- bucket
- clean microfiber cloths
- sponges
- reusable spray bottle
- all-purpose cleaner
- duster
- dish soap
- vacuum
- broom and mop
- cleaning gloves
- baking soda
Step #2: Create a plan of attack
With so many rooms and areas to tackle in the house, it can be overwhelming to begin. That’s why prioritizing the rooms you want to clean first is a smart move. Decide which rooms are used the most or where the most clutter collects, and start there.
Additionally, it helps to make a list of specific items that need to be addressed in each space. For example, in the living room, you might want to focus on dusting the blinds, washing the curtains, and vacuuming under the furniture.
By prioritizing and creating a list, spring cleaning can feel less daunting and more manageable, allowing you to tackle each room one by one with ease.
Step #3: Clear out any clutter or unnecessary items
It’s natural to accumulate more than we realize over time, whether it’s old magazines, clothes we’ve outgrown, or unnecessary kitchen gadgets.
These items can accumulate so quickly that we barely notice them anymore, so it’s important to get rid of any clutter or unnecessary items that may be taking up space in your home.
Not only will this free up some extra space in your home, but it can also have a positive impact on your mental well-being. Research has shown that living in a cluttered environment can lead to feelings of stress, anxiety, and even depression.
So, take the time to assess what you really need and donate, sell, or toss items that no longer serve a purpose. You’ll be amazed at how much lighter and refreshed you’ll feel once you’ve cleared out the clutter.
Step #4: Dust and wipe down surfaces
Dust and grime accumulate on your furniture, windowsills, and appliances, which can lead to allergies or respiratory problems.
Dust contains millions of microscopic particles, including pollen, animal dander, and dead skin cells, that can cause irritation, especially if you have asthma or allergies.
Moreover, dirty surfaces attract pests like mites that thrive in warm temperatures. Cleaning and dusting surfaces will neutralize these allergens, remove impurities, and avoid unwanted guests. As a result, you not only enjoy a clean and sparkling home, but you also safeguard your family’s health.
Step #5: Clean the mattress
Many of us focus too much on dusting and cleaning surfaces, and we often forget about one important area – our mattresses.
Since we spend roughly one-third of our lives sleeping, cleaning your mattress during your spring cleaning ritual is crucial for a good night’s sleep and overall health.
Body sweat, oils, and dead skin cells can accumulate in your mattress, creating an environment for dust mites and bacteria to thrive.
In fact, cleaning your mattress is super easy. First, you need to strip and wash the bedding before vacuuming the mattress to get rid of dust and debris.
If you notice stains and discoloration on your mattress, you need to spot-clean these areas. Lastly, apply a thin layer of baking soda to neutralize odor, leave it for a few hours, and vacuum thoroughly.
Step #6: Deep-clean windows and doors
Not only do clean windows and doors improve the appearance of our homes, but they also allow more natural light to flow inside, brightening up our living spaces.
Begin by removing any dust and debris from the surface with a soft-bristled brush or vacuum.
Use a cleaning spray for doors and a glass cleaner for windows to remove any dirt or grime from the surface. Avoid using abrasive materials or harsh chemicals that could scratch the glass or damage the door.
Step #7: Don’t forget to clean the furniture
Don’t forget to pay attention to the furniture since it is likely collecting the most dust and dirt. Cleaning out your furniture not only improves its appearance but also helps to prolong its lifespan.
To start with, always vacuum your furniture beforehand. Use a vacuum’s upholstery and crevice tools to clean under seat cushions. This will remove any loose dirt, debris, pet hair, and crumbs.
You’ll also want to check the tag attached to each furniture piece to ensure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
For example, you can mix ½ cup of distilled white vinegar, one teaspoon of mild dish soap, and ½ cup of warm water in a spray bottle and blot it with a cloth or sponge.
For leather furniture, you may want to use a leather cleaner and conditioner. Avoid soaking the fabric to prevent damage.
Take your cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to remove dust. Don’t forget to regularly rotate cushions to prevent one side from wearing out faster than the other.
Step #8: Vacuum carpets and mop floors
Now that you have taken care of the things that can spread dust and debris, it’s time to clean out your carpets and floors. Carpets tend to accumulate dirt, grime, and other dry particles, so you will need to rid them by vacuuming. Mopping floors also helps to remove stubborn dirt and grime, leaving your floors clean and fresh.
Oh yes, and don’t forget those baseboards. Although they’re often overlooked, clean baseboards give your home the perfect finishing touch.
Baseboards can be easily cleaned with a vacuum bristled brush hose attachment to remove any dust; then, wipe them down with a damp microfiber cloth and all-purpose cleaner.
Read also: How to Protect Your Home from Spring Flooding
Now that you have all the information you need to start your spring cleaning, it’s time to take action. Give yourself the gift of a fresh start this spring – declutter, organize, and enjoy the feeling of a freshly cleaned home.
A thorough annual spring cleaning will also help you detect any minor issues that need repair or maintenance, saving you time and money in the long run. Spring cleaning can be hard work, but the satisfaction is worth it in the end.
And remember, be sure to protect your investment with homeowner’s insurance as well! If you need help finding the best coverage for homeowners insurance in Louisiana, contact TSL Insurance Group today for trusted advice!
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