Ten Tips to Simplify Your Spring Cleaning

Wouldn’t it be great to start off the spring season with a fresh, sparkling home? Check out these simple strategies for cleaning your house from top to bottom in no time.

1.     Declutter first. If you haven't used something in the past six months, consider throwing it away. The exceptions to this rule are seasonal items and clothing. Separate out the 'keep', 'donate' or 'throw away' items and clearly label them to avoid any treasures getting tossed out by mistake.

2.     Assemble your cleaning arsenal. Gather everything you need to start cleaning, including buckets, sprays, rags, brushes, powders, and rubber gloves.

3.     Start at the top. Always clean from the top down so that dirt and dust from higher surfaces falls on lower surfaces. Dust ceiling fans first and then furniture. Thoroughly clean the floor as your last step.

4.     Remove pet hair with rubber gloves. Fido may be a delight to live with but he can make it difficult to keep your home clean, particularly when it comes to spring shedding. A pair of rubber gloves can work wonders.  Because of the material they're made from and the friction they create, pet hairs naturally stick to them.

5.     Clean out the fridge and freezer. Pull out all contents and toss anything past its prime. Wipe down and deodorize shelves with a solution of warm water and baking soda (1 tablespoon of baking soda mixed with 1 quart warm water). Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum to remove dust and dirt. 

6.     Choose the right time to clean windows. It’s best to clean them on a cool, cloudy day.  Otherwise, the heat of the sun will cause your cleaning solution to dry too quickly, leaving streaks on the glass.

7.     Get back to nature. Comforters, blankets, and pillows may not need to be cleaned, but they should be aired out after a long winter in your closed-up home. Take them outside and hang them on the clothesline for a day.

8.     Harness the power of white vinegar. Get rid of lime buildup around the faucet by laying paper towels over the fixture, soaking it with vinegar, and letting it set for an hour. The deposits will soften and become easier to remove.

9.     Don’t try to do it all at once. Spring cleaning doesn’t have to be a grueling marathon of mopping and scrubbing. Spread your to-do list out over a few days to divide up the workload.

10.  Enlist help.  If you share your home with family, you certainly aren’t the only one responsible for keeping it clean and organized. Spring cleaning is a great opportunity to teach the kids to help out around the house. Find ways to make it a game and they’ll be much more eager to assist you.

Spring cleaning doesn't have to be the bane of your existence this year. With a little know-how, it can actually be very easy and highly satisfying.