It's that time of year again! As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it's time to start thinking about your spring cleaning checklist. With so much to do, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. To help make your spring cleaning easier, here are 10 essential tips and tasks to add to your spring cleaning checklist. From decluttering your living space to refreshing your mattress, these spring cleaning tips will help you create a more comfortable and inviting home.
1) Create a spring cleaning calendar or schedule
Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be! One way to make it less overwhelming is to set aside an entire day or break your project up into manageable tasks.
Whether you prefer a quick and easy spring cleaning approach or want to tackle things over a couple of weeks, having a plan will help you stay on track. By dividing up the work, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed and still get everything done.
2) Stock up on cleaning supplies ahead of time
To make sure that you are ready for a quick and easy spring cleaning, it's important to make sure that your cleaning product inventory is fully stocked before you start.
Running out of toilet bowl or glass cleaner in the middle of cleaning can slow your momentum and disrupt your cleaning flow. So, be sure to check your supplies and make a trip to the store to get everything you need ahead of time.
3) Turn the music on
Spring cleaning doesn't have to be a drag! To make the process more enjoyable, turn on your favorite music.
Whether you prefer upbeat pop or calming classical, music can set the mood and amp up your energy levels. So, put on your comfiest clothes, turn up the volume, and let the cleaning begin!
As mentioned in our quick and easy spring cleaning guide, setting the mood can make tedious tasks fly by. You might be surprised how much faster you can scrub a toilet or dust a bookshelf when you're dancing around to your favorite tunes.
If music isn't your thing, consider putting on a favorite TV show or podcast to keep your mind stimulated while cleaning. Just be sure to choose something you don't have to watch too closely so you can stay focused on the task at hand.
4) Start with decluttering
The best tip we can offer before you start your spring cleaning project is to declutter your home.
Clutter can create chaos and make it harder to keep your space clean, so take some time to purge unwanted and unused items. Take a good look at each area of your home and make decisions about what can stay and what should go.
If you're not sure where to begin, consider dividing your items into categories like "keep," "donate," "sell," and "toss." This will help you make your process more efficient and quick. Consider giving your donation items to a local charity, selling other items online or at a garage sale, or hiring a junk removal service.
5) Try not to bounce from room to room
One of the most common mistakes people make when spring cleaning is bouncing from room to room.
While it may seem like a good idea to clean a little bit in each room, this can lead to feeling overwhelmed and not finishing the project.
Instead, try starting in one room and staying focused until every area of that room is clean before moving to the next room. This will not only help you stay on track but also make it easier to see your progress.
6) Clean from top to bottom
Another important note to keep in mind is that any cleaning that stirs up dust should happen before mopping and vacuuming floors.
Cleaning from top to bottom will ensure you won't have to worry about dust and debris ruining your freshly cleaned floors. Start by dusting and wiping hard-to-reach places like ceiling fans and overhead light fixtures before moving on to other areas.
7) Wash your shower curtain
An essential task for your spring cleaning checklist that often gets neglected is washing your shower curtain and liner.
Over time, shower curtains and liners can collect mildew and soap scum, making them a breeding ground for bacteria. Thankfully, this task is quick and easy and will leave your bathroom looking fresher than ever. Follow these steps to get them clean:
- Remove your shower curtain and liner and toss them into the washing machine. Add a few towels and 1/2 cup of baking soda to the wash cycle to help break down any grime.
- During the rinse cycle, add half a cup of vinegar to help get rid of any lingering odors.
- Once the washing cycle is complete, hang your curtain and liner to dry. Some shower curtains can go in the dryer, but be sure to air-dry your liner to avoid damage.
8) Clean high-touch surfaces
What spring cleaning guide would be completed without mentioning the importance of giving some extra attention to high-touch surfaces?
These are the areas in your home that people often touch with bare hands, such as doorknobs, light switch plates, appliance handles, faucets, and TV remotes.
Over time, these surfaces can accumulate dirt, grime, and even germs, so it's important to regularly wipe them down. You can use a microfiber cloth dampened with warm, soapy water or an all-purpose cleaner to clean these areas. However, if someone in your family is sick with a cold or flu, it's a good idea to switch to a disinfectant spray.
9) Don't forget to freshen up your mattress
It's easy to overlook your mattress when spring cleaning, but it's crucial for maintaining a healthy sleep environment.
Over time, our mattresses collect skin cells and sweat, making them a breeding ground for dust mites, which can cause allergies and respiratory issues. To freshen up your mattress, start by stripping off all the bedding and pillows. Then, use the upholstery attachment on your vacuum cleaner to thoroughly vacuum the top and sides of the mattress, paying special attention to seams and corners.
If you notice any staining or odor, sprinkle baking soda over the surface and let it sit for at least 30 minutes before vacuuming it up. Baking soda is a natural deodorizer and will help to eliminate any lingering odors.
10) Know when to get help
Spring cleaning can be a huge, daunting task, so it's okay to admit that you might need a little help.
Hiring a professional house cleaner is a great option for those who don't have the time or energy to tackle their entire spring cleaning checklist on their own. Plus, there are many other reasons and benefits for hiring cleaning professionals.
Sponge & Sparkle is here for your deep spring cleaning or recurring cleaning needs. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed with your spring cleaning project, contact us today!