Spring is the transition period for renewal. The time where the colours return to the landscape and nature awakens from its slumber. Like nature, it only fits that we make a transition too. Before the backyard barbecues and the long weekend trips to the cottage, we should freshen things up within the household.
But where to begin? Spring cleaning can sometimes be a daunting adventure. Cleaning the entire home can seem impossible at times.
However, Rome wasn’t built in a day, and your house shouldn’t be cleaned in one day either. Pick alternate weekends, move room by room to tackle these focal points within your home, and like winter, your spring and summer cleaning will be a thing of the past.
Storage Spaces
Assess storage spaces like the basement, closets, and garage for good places to start. We often hoard items without even knowing. Look in your closet and remove clothing you haven't worn in years. Find a thrift store or a charity to donate clothing to.
Regarding the garage or the basement, don't be afraid to part with the old to make space for the new. Sweep out the garage and clear old boxes. Taking inventory of tools and throw out what you don’t need. Have a garage sale and let your neighbourhood enjoy those old books and trinkets.
The Kitchen
Spring is the perfect time to give the kitchen a much-needed deep cleaning. Purchase some oven cleaners or use house items like baking soda and vinegar. Take food out of the fridge so you can adequately clean the shelves. Don't forget to clean the counters, cabinets, drawers and to put the dishwasher through a self-cleaning cycle.
LOOK UP!
We often forget to clean the areas above our heads, but it’s the areas we can’t see that gather the most dust. Clean the ceiling fans, the corners of the ceiling (for webs and dust) and the top above any bookshelves or corner cupboards. Grab a spray bottle with your favourite all-purpose cleaning solution and wipe down hanging picture frames. Use a microfiber cloth for dusting and cleaning hard surfaces like stainless steel.
Freshen Up
Now is the perfect time to freshen up space with a fresh coat of paint. Bring curtains and sofa cushions to the local dry cleaners. Purchase a lint roller and get to work on those often forgotten lamp shades.
Pressure Washer
The pressure washer is one of the most efficient spring cleaning tools on the market. Best used for driveways, wood decks, and walkways. Pick up an extension to get gutters, windows or other hard-to-reach places.
Patio furniture is often forgotten when tackling spring cleaning. A pressure washer is a great way to make this heavy-duty task more manageable and get rid of mildew, soot, dirt, and grime accumulated over the long winter months. Grab your pressure washer, dish soap or detergent and get to work. Your deck will not only look sparkling new, but it will be much healthier.
Clean the Cleaners
The last thing any of us think to clean is tools themselves. Sterilize your sponges by putting them in a sterilization cycle in the dishwasher. Pour one part white vinegar, sprinkle baking soda for a solution that will make your washing machine as good as new.
Purchase dish brushes, gloves, and lint rollers from the dollar store. Don’t forget to empty the vacuum cleaner. The tools we use to clean the house must also be clean to limit the spread of dirt and germs.
The key to a successful spring cleaning is leaving no stone unturned. But remember to take your time, and your house will feel like new in no time.