Spring cleaning is one of those annual chores that can often feel overwhelming, especially when you have a busy schedule. It doesn't have to be that way, though. Taking the time to ensure your home is clean and organized will help everyone in the household feel lighter and more relaxed. To make sure things don't get too out of hand, you can break down all the work into smaller chunks. This way, you can assign duties based on each person in your household's skills and availability, so everyone is contributing their part. Or if you live alone, it will let you tackle your to do list in manageable action steps instead of getting overwhelmed by the entire list at once. Below we’ll cover some spring cleaning tips and some things to make sure you don’t forget this year.
#1 Make a List & Make It Achievable
When it comes to spring cleaning, the best way to get the job done is to make a list. Start by making a master list of everything you need to clean from top to bottom, then break that down into smaller tasks and prioritize them on your list.
Try to set realistic goals for yourself by estimating how long each task will take, so when it comes time to do the job you don’t feel as overwhelmed. Aim for small achievable goals throughout the week, ticking off the items from your list as you go. A short-term plan like this will help keep you motivated and make sure you don’t fall behind.
#2 Grab Your Supplies – Try to Think Green
Spring cleaning may feel stressful, especially if you have a cabinet full of cleaning supplies with different purposes. But there are ways to clean and simplify that routine. With just a few simple ingredients lying around the house, it doesn't have to be so complicated.
The combination of vinegar and baking soda is a great base cleaner for around the house. It is nontoxic for humans and pets and cuts down on cost as compared to buying costly chemical cleaners. These ingredients are good for de-greasing kitchen surfaces, getting your sink to sparkle, getting rid of soap scum in showers, unclogging drains and getting rid of mold or stuck on gunk in any part of the house.
Who knew that such an inexpensive solution could bring so much relief when tackling the task of spring cleaning? So don't forget about the simple versatility of vinegar, baking soda, and water. Ultimately, these are easy-to-use multipurpose materials that make the usually dreaded job of spring cleaning bearable.
#3 Declutter First
But before you start breaking out the chemicals, it’s best to declutter and remove obstacles first. Spring cleaning brings new life to our space, but it can be overwhelming if we don't start in the right place.
Decluttering is essential for a successful clean and should be your first step when spring cleaning begins. By taking the time to purge unwanted items from your home or put away things that look off or out of place, you'll free up space for doing a thorough job. Wiping down floors and surfaces is a lot easier when their cleared. Not only will you restore order and freshness to your home, but you may even find room for some new pieces of decor at the same time. A well-executed spring clean wouldn't be complete without decluttering, so don't let this oft-forgotten step sneak by during your seasonal routine.
#4 Always Start Top to Bottom
Spring cleaning is the best time to dust off those cobwebs and get your home sparkling clean. Cleaning top to bottom is key to really getting those hard-to-reach places and making sure you don't miss a spot.
The secret to doing it right the first time? Start at the top and work your way down. If, in contrast, you start at the bottom, it's likely that stray dust particles will settle on items that have already been cleaned - defeating the purpose of all your hard work! Another great benefit of starting from the top and working down is that gravity gives you a bit of help, as items that need to be wiped away can fall naturally, rather than having to be scrubbed up all the way. Instead, you’ll just catch them on the next step.
Cleaning top to bottom is also a great way to save time in the long run, because starting at any other point means you must go back over areas you've already cleaned.
#5 Start With Ceiling Fans
Speaking of top to bottom… ceiling fans often get overlooked during spring cleaning. But we think they should be one of the first things you clean this season! Not only do they accumulate a lot of dirt and dust over time, but a dusty fan affects air quality in your home.
A quick cleaning will leave the air in your home fresher and help ensure that the space is free from allergens. Plus, getting rid of all that dust makes your ceiling fan look like new again without needing any sort of purchase or expense. And if you do it first, you’ll wipe up the stray falling particles as you go.
#6 Clean All Bedding, Pillows, Linens, and Towels
Cleaning all bedding, pillows, linens, and towels is an essential part of that preparation. We may not think about doing laundry with traditional spring cleaning, but taking the extra step to really deep clean these items can prevent them from accumulating dirt, dust and allergens while also ensuring they boil away any germs that might have been lingering throughout the winter season.
For best results, wash all bedding separately on hot with a quality detergent that will really get items cleaned deep down into their fibers like Arm & Hammer Plus, OxiClean, or another powerful laundry detergent. Then, dry everything thoroughly and enjoy knowing your whole family has a clean environment.
#7 Deep Clean Your Mattress
You may not realize you can clean your mattress, but trust us – you can (and want to). Deep cleaning your mattress should definitely be on your spring-cleaning to-do list.
Not only does getting rid of those pesky dust mites make for a healthier sleep environment, it will also help keep your mattress in good condition for longer and make it look better too. To start deodorizing and cleaning, sprinkle baking soda over the surface of the mattress, letting it sit for about 10 minutes before vacuuming it up. For particularly stubborn stains or odor spots, try lightly spot cleaning with a mild detergent using a clean cloth that’s been dampened with cool water. And if you have any allergies or sensitivities, use an all-natural cleaner when spot treating to avoid irritating them further. With a little focus and care during this season of renewal, you’ll have a sparkling clean, healthy mattress again in no time.
#8 Clean All Shower Heads and Faucets
Keeping your shower heads and faucets clean is important for more reasons than you may realize. Many of us don’t give a single thought to our shower head or faucet on a day-to-day basis. Though, you shouldn’t overlook it!
Given the constant contact with water, dirt, mold, and bacteria can easily build up in the nozzles. This then creates a perfect breeding ground for germs. To keep your shower heads and faucets squeaky clean, start by removing any debris manually by scrubbing it under a stream of hot water before soaking it in a mixture of warm water and rubbing alcohol or vinegar. You can either detach them to clean them, or fill a plastic bag with the solution and tie it on with a rubber band. Let them sit in their bath for at least an hour before rinsing them out and wiping them down with a cloth for re-attaching.
Pro tip: get a pipe cleaner to poke into your shower head holes and scrub in each one to remove any hard water or grime from within the nozzle.
You can feel confident knowing that you are now one step closer to maintaining a healthier living space while also avoiding any grimy future showers or teeth brushing sessions.
#9 Easily Wash Your Shower Curtains in the Washing Machine
Washing your cloth shower curtain is a simple but important way to renew your bathroom while also getting rid of any harmful bacteria or germs that might have built up. To wash your shower curtains in the washing machine, it's as simple as adding the curtains and your normal detergent, along with a gentle cycle and some towels or other items to help balance the washing drum. Once finished, just hang the curtain out to dry for a few hours.
The plastic insert should be replaced every 6 to 12 months. So take this time to swap out the insert for a new one.
#10 Make Sure to Clean the Inside of Your Washing Machine and Dishwasher
While you are dusting, scrubbing and tackling the not-so-fun projects, don’t forget about some of the underappreciated workhorses of your home – namely, your washing machine, dryer, and dishwasher.
Over time, residue, debris, and lint can build up in these appliances, leading to odors and mildew. It can also have an adverse effect on their performance. Taking a few extra minutes to clean each of them can help extend their life and make sure they function properly for years to come.
It’s also important to make sure any hoses are free from wear and tear so they aren’t leaking water or splashing it all over your floor. So don’t overlook these essential household items this spring-washing season.