Spring is back, and with it the desire to clean, declutter and freshen our living environment. Deep cleaning your house at this time of year is like giving it (and your mind) a complete reboot!
Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started, save time and make the process as efficient as it’s satisfying.
1. Declutter First
Decluttering is key, as well. If you haven’t used something for a year, chances are that you don’t need it anymore. Employ the “pile decluttering” method by sorting your belongings according to three categories:
- Keep: useful objects or those that hold sentimental value
- Donate/Sell: objects that someone else could use
- Recycle/Discard: broken or useless objects
A clutter-free space is much easier to clean!
2. Put Together a Plan
Before you gather your cleaning products, take a moment to formulate a plan of attack. Compile a checklist of rooms and tasks to tackle.
Start with the zones that you haven’t seen to in a while (basement, closets, etc.). Why? Because you’re far more motivated at the beginning of the process and these areas must absolutely be cleaned!
Moreover, a good game plan will help you stay focused as well as ensure that the entire house will be immaculate by the time you’re done.
3. Work Room by Room
Instead of getting everything done in a single day (and exhausting yourself in the process), split up the housework by allocating a day or a few hours to each room. This lightens your workload and encourages you to keep going.
4. Have the Right Tools for the Job
First, assemble all your tools: cotton or microfibre cloths, paper towels, magic eraser sponges, and scouring pads.
You will also need separate cleaning products for glass, surfaces and floors. Alternatively, make your own with the following very effective ingredients to save money and help the environment.
- White vinegar: great for glass and other surfaces and to disinfect countertops.
- Baking soda: ideal for removing grease and eliminating odours.
- Lemon: perfect for dissolving limescale and filling the home with a natural scent.
5. Remember Typically Overlooked Areas
Certain spots might also get missed day-to-day in addition to the long-neglected zones mentioned in section 2. While you deep clean this spring, remember to:
- Dust tops of cupboards and shelves.
- Clean behind the fridge and oven.
- Disinfect light switches, doorknobs and stair railings.
- Vacuum mattresses and, if necessary, wipe them down with hot, soapy water.
- Wash the curtains and blinds.
- Clean the inside of vases and other decorative accessories.
- Wash toys in a tub of warm soapy water.
- Wipe down the washer and dryer’s inner walls.
- Clean the wall-mounted air conditioner.
- Clean walls and ceilings.
- Degrease the range hood filters.
- Polish light fixtures.
- Wash throws and decorative cushion covers.
- Tidy and clean the inside of drawers.
- Shampoo rugs and carpets.
6. Organize the Space and Optimize Its Use
Why not take advantage of your spring cleaning to reorganize your home? For instance, purchase some new practical storage containers. You could also use transparent bins to see what you’ve stored in them at a glance. And label them to find what you need easily.
7. Freshen the Air and the Decor
Spring cleaning isn’t limited to sweeping, mopping and scrubbing. Use this opportunity to revitalize your home’s atmosphere by thoroughly airing out every room for a few hours. Add houseplants to purify the air and essential oil diffusers for a burst of freshness.
This is equally a great time to revamp the decor by rearranging the furniture.
8. Treat Yourself!
Deep cleaning doesn’t have to be a chore. Play some music, turn it into a family challenge, or give yourself a reward after every cleaning session. Staying positive makes everything easier!
9. Make Cleaning a Habit to Stop the Mess From Coming Back
Finally, once your house is spotless, adopt a few habits to keep it clean long-term:
- Carry out a mini-decluttering session every month.
- Regularly clean surfaces.
- Implement an end-of-day tidying-up routine.
With these tips, your big spring clean will be more efficient and much less stressful. And above all, you’ll be able to enjoy your rejuvenated home to the full and welcome summer carefree!