As the weather turns warmer and the sun stays out longer, it can only mean one thing: It’s time for spring cleaning. So get your cleaning supplies ready, and let’s start that spring clean.
We know it can feel overwhelming. Dusting every nook and cranny, getting rid of all the junk that accumulated over winter, and scrubbing those stubborn stains can be dreadful, but this article is full of tips and tricks to help you get started.
What is Spring Cleaning?
Spring cleaning has become a tradition in the West, with cleaning suppliers ramping up advertising and magazines spewing out spring cleaning tips.
The tradition is most common in colder climates as the weather begins to shift and people urge to deep-clean their homes from the long winter.
A collective movement, people spend time going through their home and cleaning, decluttering, and sorting to become prepared for the nice change in season.
Why do we call it spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning goes back to the 1800s when general deep cleaning in the springtime was necessary because homes became covered in soot from heating sources that were used in the winter.
When the temperatures rose, people dusted, washed, and scrubbed to get all of the dirt that accumulated from the winter due to fireplaces or kerosene.
While we don’t use these forms of heating anymore, we still complete cleaning during the spring because it is healthy and beneficial to remove all of the dust and dirt that accumulated over the colder months.
Where do I start?
To get started with spring cleaning, it is easier to split your home into multiple categories with a spring cleaning list and tackle each section as they come.
The spring cleaning checklist below is full of spring cleaning tips to focus on around your home.
Windows are where you should start. Instead of just wiping down the inside of the window, make sure you take time to do a complete cleaning. If you can remove your windows and clean both the inside and outside, take the opportunity to do so and don’t forget the screens. Make sure to clean your window inserts as well wiith proper products
Pro tip? Wash your windows on a cloudy day to ensure that the sun doesn’t dry the cleanser before you are finished wiping the windows down.
Cleaning the cabinets
Cabinets are next. During the winter, a lot of build-up, dust, and clutter can collect on your kitchen cabinets, especially if you haven’t cleaned them in a whole season. Remove all of the materials and items in your cabinets and use a rag to wipe away all of the dust to make your cabinets clean and shiny again.
Then, spend time spring cleaning up and reorganizing your cabinets in the most efficient manner for you and your family.
Pro tip? Use cabinet organizers where you can!
Clean kitchen
For a clean kitchen, thoroughly wipe down all surfaces. If you haven’t sealed your countertops, it is recommended you do so and wipe up any spills as soon as they happen. After a long time without a deep clean, you might have to scrub some of your surfaces or use a chemical agent to remove any unwanted stains. Oh, and don’t forget the refrigerator, both outside and inside.
Pull out all removable shelving and wash them with warm soapy water. Wipe down any surfaces that can’t be removed with a sponge before organizing everything in a way that makes the most sense to you.
Squeaky clean floors
Floors are probably the most gruesome segment of your home. Take this time to deep clean your hardwood floors and carpet. Contrary to popular belief, you should only wet your wooden floors once every one to two months, so a spring clean is the perfect opportunity.
Use a designated hardwood floor cleaner and make sure to get under all furniture for a perfect clean. For carpets, less-trafficked areas of your home only have to be cleaned once or twice a year. Carpet cleaning is tricky and tough to do on your own.
We recommend bringing in a professional during the springtime to get the best clean possible.
Clean your appliances
One part of your home that often goes overlooked are your appliances. First, the washing machine. Make sure you disinfect it with distilled white vinegar and baking soda to get rid of the grime that builds up. Next, your oven. A lot of ovens these days have a self-cleaning option that you can take advantage of. If your oven doesn’t have this feature, no worries.
Use baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar on the bottom, let it come to a bubble, and wipe it away with a sponge.
Lastly, your dishwasher! While its purpose is cleaning, it needs to be cleaned, too. Remove any leftover food on the bottom and run a cycle with a specialty cleaner to keep it spotless.
Organize your closet
Now for the dreaded closet. With closet cleaning, you have to be prepared to eliminate unused clothing items to make actual change. Organize your clothing by color or how you choose to get dressed in the morning.
It will make you feel that much better every day when you have a clean, organized closet that matches the spring weather feeling.
When should you start spring cleaning?
You should begin your spring cleaning when you are certain that you can clear out a day or two in your schedule to devote. For a lot of people, this is the weekend.
Is spring cleaning necessary?
Spring cleaning isn’t necessary for everyone, especially for the people who spend a lot of time cleaning throughout the year. However, everyone can benefit from a deep clean and declutter in their homes!
How long should spring cleaning take?
Spring cleaning typically takes an entire weekend or 1 to 2 days, depending on how deep of a clean you are trying to accomplish.
How do I clean my bedroom in the spring?
Cleaning the bedroom mostly revolves around the mattress, the floor, and the bedroom closet. Evaluate the state of your current mattress and take time to get it in its best possible shape.
To vacuum, if you can move around furniture to clean underneath and behind it, do so.
Use the floor attachment to get under your bed and the crevice attachment to vacuum around the base of the walls to remove any dust buildup from the winter.
Wrapping up
This list of spring cleaning tips covers the basics and main categories of spring cleaning, but the opportunities are endless. Think about reorganizing and cleaning everything that is in constant use in your life, like your bookshelf, your silver, or even your broom.
Spring cleaning will make your life so much brighter and happier and reflect the feeling that is happening outside. Spring cleaning is the primary key to refresh your home!