8 ESSENTIAL TIPS TO GET YOU THROUGH SPRING CLEANING YOUR HOUSE!
Spring cleaning your house is never going to be completely effortless. However, you can certainly make cleaning tasks more manageable by sorting out chores and figuring out what needs to be done first.
If you're ready for the challenge this year, here are some essential tips to help you get through spring cleaning your house.
CLEAR CLUTTER
Clearing clutter before you begin spring cleaning is important so that you can dig deeper and give your home a deep clean. Eliminating surface clutter and placing all items where they belong will also keep your house from looking like a disaster-hit area when you get going.
- Get hold of a laundry basket and walk through each room, picking misplaced items and dropping them in the basket.
- Sort through items in the basket and do away with those you no longer need. Place other items wherever they belong.
- Go through your closet and get rid of all items that you haven't worn or used in the last one year. Discard medicines and cosmetic products that have reached expiration date.
PUT AWAY WINTER GEAR
If your snow boots, skis, hats, and overcoats are still lying about the house, it's time to put them away. This will not only free up space for spring and summer gear, but will also keep your winter gear in topnotch condition.
Be sure to clean all winter wear first, checking for stains and signs of wear carefully. Wash or clean all items well and allow everything to air-dry before storing. A good idea is to mend items right now so that they're ready for next winter; donate or throw items that are damaged beyond repair.
Organize clothes in boxes or clothes racks, or hang them on clothes hangers. Shoes can be stored in wine boxes or using shoetrees.
START WITH DUSTING
Now that you've got clutter out of the way, spring-cleaning your home should be a breeze! Before you give objects and surfaces a deep clean, dust them with a dry cloth. This way, you'll get rid of most of the loose dirt and you'll avoid staining drapes, upholstered furniture, and fabrics when cleaning with a damp cloth.
GO FROM TOP TO BOTTOM
When cleaning surfaces, go from top to bottom so that dust doesn't settle on already cleaned surfaces. For example, if you clean the floor first and then all the ceiling and wall fixtures, you'll have to vacuum and/or mop the floor again.
MAKE A CLEANING SOLUTION
You need to be armed with the right cleaning products to give your home a deep clean. This doesn't mean you purchase half a dozen household cleaners from the store; you can easily make cleaning solutions using common kitchen and pantry ingredients! Not only are these cost-effective, they are just as great at cleaning surfaces as store-bought ones.
Use undiluted white vinegar or make a solution using equal parts of vinegar and water for an all-purpose cleaner and deodorizer. The acidic odor will go away once the solution dries up, but you can add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mix.
Another all-purpose cleaning solution can be made by mixing baking soda and water. Keep the mixture concentrated for tough stains.
For surfaces that need heavy-duty scrubbing, cut a lemon in half, dip it in borax, and scrub away!
CLEAN FANS AND AIR CONDITIONERS
Cleaning fans and conditioners can bring down utility bills and will ensure that the air circulating inside your house is fresh.
Lay out a fabric or plastic sheet, or newspapers below the ceiling fan you plan to tackle. Capture loose dust on the fan blades using an extendable duster. Alternatively, get on a stepstool or ladder and dust the top and bottom of the blades and decorative hardware with a microfiber cloth. Spray a clean cloth with a mild cleaning solution and go over the surfaces again.
Portable fans can be taken apart and the blades and grilles can be washed in warm sudsy water. Rinse and dry before reinstalling. If you don't have the time for this, blast your portable fan with cool air using a blow-dryer and then wipe it down with a damp cloth.
Replace AC filters every year. If your window unit has a washable filter, remove it and rinse in warm water. Allow it to air-dry before reinstalling. Grilles and vents can be cleaned using a vacuum cleaner fitted with a soft dusting brush.
FRESHEN UPHOLSTERED FURNITURE AND DRAPES
Vacuum upholstered furniture and drapes using short, overlapping strokes. Set the suction to the lowest setting when vacuuming delicate fabrics like silk and linen. Use the crevice nozzle around seams and under cushions; cover the nozzle with a pantyhose to avoid sucking up objects.
Examine fabrics carefully for stains. If you find any, spot clean using a mild solution after testing it on an inconspicuous spot.
Some fabrics can be cleaned with suds and made to look as good as new. Mix some dish soap and warm water in a bucket to create suds. Dip an upholstery brush in the suds and go over the fabric lightly, making sweeping motions. Remember-you don't want to soak the fabric! Lastly, wipe the fabric clean with a damp cloth and allow air-drying.
Do wipe clean window panes and frames, and curtain rods and hardware too! If you have window blinds, close them and wipe clean using an old dryer sheet.
REVIVE CARPETS AND RUGS
Winter can be tough on carpets and rugs thanks to mud, salt, and snow. By giving carpets and rugs a deep clean you're sure to make the whole house look ready for spring!
Vacuum carpets and rugs using a to-and-fro motion. Give them a once-over to check for stains, and spot treat ones that you find.
Shake and swat doormats with a broom. Wash them, if required, to help them function effectively.
Woven and braided rugs can be machine-washed, but do read labels to make sure. Use very little water when cleaning natural fiber rugs. Animal hide rugs can be brushed and wiped clean with a damp cloth.
CONCLUSION
Spring cleaning your house sure is a massive task, but if you break it into chunks and start with the essentials, you'll be able to make your house look spring-ready in no time. With the tips given here, you now know what's essential, so you needn't work yourself up wondering where to start!
Make sure you're well-rested before you take on spring cleaning. Do make spring cleaning fun by playing your favorite music and keeping healthy snacks on hand to munch on in-between!