There’s nothing like spring to get us in the mood to clean! Ok, that’s a stretch, but really, we often associate springtime and cleaning in the same breath. And with everything that’s going on now in our world, we’ll probably have more time at home than we planned. This makes the perfect excuse to get down and dirty and get our houses clean and sparkly.
The first plan of attack is to take a breath. It’s just your home and the cleaning will all get done in time, so should you start to feel overwhelmed about what needs to get accomplished, just pause and take a moment to relax.
Nothing can derail a plan faster than trying to tackle the whole house at once. Work through your home systematically, whether it’s room by room, or task by task and make a list of what needs to be cleaned inside and outside.
Prioritize your list and plan how many days you’ll need to tackle the job keeping in mind your personality. Are you someone who likes to just dive in and get things done in a couple of days or are you better suited to working just a few hours a day? Organize your cleaning supplies and anything else you might need before getting started.
Declutter and organize if needed before the cleaning begins. Then beyond the normal dusting and sweeping, consider these tasks for a spring deep clean.
*Clean doormats of winter debris, both inside and outside. Hose off the ones outdoors and sweep the indoor mats, being sure to clean both sides.
*Run some lemons through the kitchen sink disposal, clean under the sink rim, and disinfect and scour the bowl.
*Clean the microwave with a cup of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a tablespoon of vinegar and some lemon, lime, or orange pieces. Let the solution boil in the microwave for a few minutes and then keep the door closed for 15 minutes. Remove the bowl and wipe out.
*Wipe down the countertops and then get out the appropriate recommended polish to add a nice shine.
*Wipe down all refrigerator shelves, drawers, and doors with warm soapy water. Clean out the oven, as well. For a natural oven cleaner, try making a paste of baking soda and water. Mix 6 tablespoons of baking soda with 1 cup of water. Rub all over the bottom of the oven and let sit for 30 minutes. Then wipe out with a damp sponge.
*Get those windows ready for summer views by cleaning them inside and out. Remember to wipe down the sills and window frames.
*Wipe down or sweep baseboards, moldings, doorways, ceiling fans, and corners of rooms.
*Freshen the shower drains to eliminate smells. Mix ½ cup of baking soda and ¼ cup of table salt together. Pour into the drain and add 1 cup of heated vinegar. Let stand for 15 minutes while it bubbles. Then run hot tap water for 15 to 20 seconds.
Still feeling energized? Why not tackle these projects as well?
*Run reusable grocery bags through the washer to remove food bacteria, stains, and general grunge.
*Show your cutting boards a little love. Sprinkle on a little baking soda or salt first. Then rub them with a cut lemon to remove food smells and stains.
*Wipe down the kitchen cabinets, inside and out. Despite our best efforts, grease builds up and cleaning at least once a year will keep them from getting too dirty.
*Move the furniture and sweep or dust behind and underneath. Give all furniture a good dusting or sweeping as well.
*Assess if it’s time to get the carpets cleaned or deep clean those wood floors.
*Dust all bookshelves, knickknacks, and lamps.
*Wash the pillows. This should be done a couple times a year, so if yours are washable, throw them in the washer. The same goes for cleaning and disinfecting your mattress.
*Follow manufacturer guidelines and clean and deodorize your washer and dryer. Clean out the lint in the dryer hose as well.
*Spot clean walls as needed with soap and water.
As it warms up, prepare to soak up the sun and blue skies. Watch for good weather and get the garage, patio, and furniture ready for entertaining and relaxing.
*Sweep, wash and/or power wash patios and outdoor furniture.
*Prep and clean the grill.
*Sweep, power wash, and organize the garage.
*Wipe down planters, turn the dirt, remove dead plants, and start dreaming of colorful plantings!
Nothing feels as satisfying as a clean and sparkly house. Tackling these ideas now will have you enjoying springtime, with all its beauty before you know it! And when you live here in Walker Villas, we handle the exterior maintenance giving you more time to clean. So, if a new home is in your spring plan, check out our homes in Walker Villas and see what we can offer. Just think – this time next spring you might be tackling your spring cleaning in a new Walker Villas home!
