Spring Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Is there anything more satisfying than coming home to a house that shines?

Cleaning your house from top to bottom can be overwhelming but it doesn’t have to be when you take it one room at a time. Consider this list your unofficial spring-cleaning checklist. Before you get started, make sure you have all the best cleaning products to remove stains, vacuum dirt, shine floors, and so on.

Every Room

There are some tasks that are specific to rooms and some that need to be done in every room of the house. Below is a list of items that should be taken care of in all your spaces throughout the home.

·        Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures

·        Replace burned-out bulbs

·        Dust and clean windowsills and blinds

·        Wash or vacuum curtains

·        Wipe down the walls and check for cobwebs

·        Test batteries in the smoke detectors

·        Sanitize doorknobs, light switches, and cabinet handles

Kitchen

I’m sure you clean your kitchen several times a week, if not every day, but occasionally it needs an extra scrub. Here’s some things to tackle to give an extra sparkle.

·        Sanitize the microwave, coffee maker, and other small appliances.

·        Clean out the crumb tray in the toaster.

·        Clean out the fridge and freezer of expired food.

·        Wipe down the shelves in the refrigerator and freezer.

·        Clean the oven and oven range.

·        Clear out cabinets and donate old cups and plates.

·        Wipe down the shelves in the cabinets.

·        Sanitize the sink.

·        Clean behind and under the fridge.

·        Sanitize the floors.

·        Replace sponges.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms… It’s either always clean, or it’s where everything gets thrown that we don’t want our guests to see. When it’s time to deep clean your bedroom be sure to add in some extra organization.

·        Clean out the closet and drawers. Don’t forget to get donate or discard clothes that no longer fit you or you haven’t worn in the last year.

·        Wash all bedding including sheets, pillows, blankets, and bed skirts.

·        Rotate the mattress.

·        Sanitize or wash the children’s toys.

·        Donate old toys, shows, and accessories.

Bathroom

Most of us clean our bathrooms every week or every other week. It’s where we get clean so it should stay clean. Here are some areas in the bathroom that can occasionally get overlooked, so be sure to add these to your list the next time you bathroom needs a deep clean.

·        Organize cabinets and drawers by throwing out old and expired products.

·        Scrub the shower and tub.

·        Replace the floor mats and shower liners.

·        Clean the toilet.

·        Scrub the grout.

Home Office

Your home office probably needs a little more attention this year compared to years pasts. A clean office makes me feel so much more productive, and I’m sure it does for you too. Make this next season of work extra productive by getting your home office organized.

·        Dust and sanitize electronics.

·        Recycle or shred old documents.

·        Organize books on the shelves.

·        Back up or remove old files on your computer.

Living Room

The living room is where memories are made, and time is spent with those we love. Keeping this space clean and tidy happens regularly for most, but we don’t always give it that extra touch like we should. Give your living room some extra love this season by completing the following tasks

·        Dust and polish the wood furniture, décor and picture frames

·        Vacuum the couch cushions

·        Vacuum under the couch cushions

·        Throw away old magazines, mail, or other items that have piled up.

·        Freshen drapes and throw pillows by putting them in the dryer for 15 minutes on air only

Cleaning Tips and Tricks

Cleaning isn’t fun, but that doesn’t mean we can’t make it fun. I love blasting my favorite music and dancing around while showing my house some love. Here are few more tips to remember when you’re in your spring cleaning mode.

·        Add olive oil to a soft cloth to buff out spots on stainless steel.

·        Use a lemon or lime to detox the garbage disposal.

·        Use clear alcohol to remove stains—this includes rubbing alcohol, vodka or white wine.

·        Use baking soda and vinegar to clean your bathtub, shower, and toilet.

·        Steam clean the microwave using lemon essential oil and water. Simply mix in a microwave-safe bowl, then place in the microwave for 5–10 seconds.

Use fabric sheets to clean the baseboards. The static will repel hair and dirt, making them easier to clean.