Say goodbye to winter grime and hello to spring warmth by spring cleaning every corner of your home. It’s a great time of year to spruce up your living area by cleaning up dust and dander that have built up over the winter months. It not only gives your house a quick cleaning but also freshens up neglected furniture pieces. To begin with, you will need to make a complete timetable for your cleaning jobs. Whether you decide to begin in the attic or the yard, evaluate how much time you will need and make a commitment to work until the task is accomplished. It could take days to complete a task like organizing closets or clearing out an entire attic.
This post will help you find out some useful tips on how to spring clean your home.
Cleaning windows and blinds
Even if we clean our curtains regularly, we occasionally consider cleaning our windows and blinds. Spring cleaning is a great time to do this. Windows get very dirty over the years, and window screens collect a lot of grime. Cleaning expert Donna Smallin Kuper suggests washing the windows during a cloudy day. She says,
“If it’s too sunny, the cleaning solution will dry too fast, and you’ll have streaks,”
To clean your windows, use water and a microfiber cloth. This method works better than using chemicals. You can also make your glass cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup of vinegar, and some distilled water. Similarly, for the window’s frame, you can polish them to restore their original shine.
Dusting Fixtures
Light fixtures tend to collect a lot of dust. To clean them, use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to gently dust them that are within your reach. If your bulbs are very dirty, dampen a cloth slightly with vinegar and gently rub them clean. Cleaning the light fixtures should be done before the rest of the room to prevent dust from falling from the fixture onto the surfaces you have just cleaned. Similarly, use an extendable duster to clean your ceiling fans that reach up to the blades without using a ladder.
According to cleaning expert Diane Amos from Pine Sol,
“Your ceiling fan is a great place to start—just make sure you turn off the light bulb and let it cool before wiping them down. When it comes to your lamps, be sure to unplug those as it gives them time to cool off before starting the cleaning process.”
Cleaning Carpets and Upholstery
Smallin Kuper states that to keep the warranty on your new carpet, you may be required to have the carpet professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months. You can handle carpet cleaning yourself by renting a deep cleaner or purchasing a professional style designed for home use. However, be sure to follow instructions for mixing the solution, rinsing, and drying to get great results. Dust can also build up in the upholstery of your cushions. To remove it, take the cushions outside and gently beat them by hand to release the trapped dust. If there are stains on the cushion, take the care label as a guide for cleaning. To clean under seat cushions, use the upholstery and crevice tools of your vacuum cleaner to get to those tricky spots.
Wall and Ceilings Wiping
Over time, unwanted marks can accumulate on our walls and ceilings. Dust the surface using a vacuum first. If it’s grimy, clean it with a solvent-free degreaser. Before applying it to the entire surface, test the degreaser in a small, inconspicuous area to ensure it does not damage or alter the finish. Similarly, the grout between tiles on walls, floors, and countertops, which is made from a cement-based material, is highly porous and can easily become stained. To protect it and maintain its appearance, apply a penetrating grout seal. Use a small foam brush to ensure even application and to reach all the grout lines effectively.
Power Wash
Give your home’s exterior a fresh look by power-washing the outdoor surfaces. This process not only makes your home look cleaner but also helps prevent the growth of mold and mildew. Regular power washing is an essential part of maintaining the cleanliness and quality of your property, especially during spring cleaning. It is an efficient way to remove dirt, grime, mold, and other contaminants that accumulate on surfaces throughout the year. By using power washing you can effectively maintain your outdoor areas helping to protect against wear and tear that could lead to constant repairs. If you are concerned about the pressure being too strong for your home’s exterior, you can also hire a professional who can ensure the job is done safely and effectively.
Furniture Cleaning
Remember that each piece of furniture in your home requires a unique cleaning method. Meanwhile, you wouldn’t clean wood furniture the same way you would clean a mattress. So, before you vacuum the floors, take out the sofa and chair to the side and roll up the area rugs that are collecting dust. Your couch is considered one of the most important centerpieces of your house, where you and your family relax and entertain your guests. With due course of time, a vast amount of dust and dirt gets accumulated here. Therefore, cleaning the furniture helps maintain fresh living environments. However, how you clean your couch will be determined by the material it is made of. So, check if the manufacturer recommends specific cleaning methods. If not, start by dry brushing and vacuuming any dust or dirt. You can also use a home remedy by mixing equal parts baking soda and water to remove stains with a soft towel. Cleaning dining room furniture, such as tables, chairs, and cabinets, can normally be done with just soap and water.
Deep Clean of Bathroom
You may clean your bathroom every week, but spring cleaning is a perfect time to deal with clutter and get rid of old and expired products. Go through your medical cabinets and properly dispose of any expired items, empty bottles, or products that you no longer use. Use storage solutions like baskets, bins, or drawer organizers to keep your essentials neatly arranged. A clutter-free space looks better and makes cleaning easier. You could replace worn bath mats, shower curtains, and liners, or wash and dry them if aren’t in good condition. Over time, grout and tiles can accumulate dirt, grime, and mildew. To clean them, make a paste from equal parts baking soda and water and apply it to the grout lines and tiles. The toilet is generally the dirtiest portion of the bathroom and should be thoroughly cleaned. Clean the toilet’s exterior, including the tank, seat, and base, with a disinfecting cleaner.
Appliance Cleaning
To spring-clean your house, start with decluttering the kitchen using appliances like the pantry, cupboards, and drawers. Take every item outside, clean the racks, and put fresh shelf paper. Get rid of all the expired stuff. Clean both the refrigerator and freezer thoroughly and vacuum the cooling coils located under or behind the refrigerator. While dishwashers are designed to clean utilities, they also require their maintenance. To clean it, place a large glass jug with 500 ml of distilled white vinegar on the top rack and run a full cycle without any dishes or detergent. Similarly, clean your washing machine to avoid bacteria and mold growth, which can reduce its efficiency and longevity.
Ian Palmer-smith, Director of Service at Domestic & General, says,
“It may sound obvious, but to keep your clothes feeling and smelling fresh, your washing machine itself needs to be clean,”
Conclusion
In conclusion, Spring cleaning is the practice of deep cleaning a house that is often overlooked in regular cleaning. It involves a detailed cleaning of various areas from windows and light fixtures to carpets and upholstery. By making a plan and dedicating time to each task, you can effectively remove winter grime, organize clutter, and refresh your living space. It makes sure that your home feels warm and inviting creating a cozy atmosphere as the new season begins.
Also read, Green Cleaning: 7 Easy Steps to Eco-Friendly Cleaning Practices
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Spring Cleaning?
Spring Cleaning is not the same as regular cleaning. Unlike everyday cleaning, which includes dusting, vacuuming, and wiping down surfaces, spring cleaning focuses on areas that are generally overlooked.
2. How often should I do spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning is usually done once or twice a year. However, the exact timing can vary based on personal preference and household needs.
3. What are the areas to focus on during spring cleaning?
Spring cleaning focuses on areas that are often overlooked during regular cleaning. It includes windows, blinds, light fixtures, carpets, upholstery, walls, ceilings, and outdoor surfaces. Additionally, don’t forget to clean furniture, organize closets, and declutter storage spaces.
4. What is the best way to clean windows and blinds?
For windows, use water and a microfiber cloth for a streak-free finish. You can also make a glass cleaner by mixing 1/4 cup of rubbing alcohol, 1/3 cup of vinegar, and some distilled water. For blinds, gently dust them with a microfiber or lint-free cloth, and use a dampened cloth with vinegar for any stubborn grime.
5. How do I effectively clean light fixtures and ceiling fans?
Use a microfiber or lint-free cloth to dust light fixtures. For very dirty bulbs, lightly dampen a cloth with vinegar and gently rub them clean. For ceiling fans, use an extendable duster to reach the blades and make sure the fan is off and cool before cleaning.