For the most of us, March means that Spring is just around the corner. Temperatures are warming up, flowers are starting to bloom, and you know that it’s time to get your household ready for the upcoming year. Spring cleaning can seem to be a massive undertaking, but don’t let this dreaded task get your spirits down. Just follow our 5 quick and easy cleaning tips and you’ll have your house bright and welcoming in no time.
Start With Opening Some Windows
- Your family getting cooped up inside all winter probably means that your house has gotten a little too “lived in”. Start off your spring cleaning with taking down the curtains and opening all the windows. Letting your house get some fresh air for a few hours will instantly perk it up. Check the label on your curtains to see if they can be washed in a machine or by hand (tip: use your bathtub to make this job much easier!). Some types of fabrics will need to be professionally dry cleaned. If you have blinds, go over each slat with a flat duster like a Swiffer first, then use the soft bristled vacuum attachment to finish.
Work From Top To Bottom
- Light fixtures and ceiling fans are dust magnets and should be cleaned every few months. Use your vacuum’s extender piece and soft nozzle attachment to reach high-up vents. Get a sturdy stepladder and carefully dust both the base and the blades of your ceiling fans. Use a glass cleaner and soft polishing cloth to clean ceiling lights. If you have skylights, remember that you’ll need to clean both sides. The one that’s in your kitchen would be easy to do yourself, but you’ll need someone to climb up on your roof to remove leaves and debris from the outside.
Clearing Countertops Is A Great Start
- Clear off everything from your tables and counters and check the tops of them for damages. Minor scratches and water-marks in wood finishes can be hidden with a good quality furniture polish. More severe nicks and marks will require the piece to be sanded and re-finished. Rust or soap scum on countertops can be gently removed by using a mixture of 1 gallon water and ½ a cup of ammonia. Check that water droplets are beading correctly on the surface. If not, it’s time to have the countertop sealed to prevent water from leaking underneath.
Deep Clean Carpets With Ease
- Carpets are one of the dirtiest areas in your home and they get messy during the winter when dirt, mud, and slush inevitably are brought in on people’s soles. Luckily, most major stores will rent a carpet shampooer for just a few dollars a day. As you’re moving the furniture out of the way, cut squares of wax paper and place it under the legs. This will protect them from moisture as your carpet dries. That same carpet cleaner can also be used to freshen up upholstery. Stick a little piece of plastic like a Ziploc bag between the cushion and the fabric before spot cleaning any stains.
Organize Your Closet – Swap Out Seasonal Clothing
- Get 4 plastic bins and label them “throw away”, “donate”, “keep”, and “store”. Go through your closet and take out every piece and organize it into the right bin. Any of your winter clothes that are going to be put in storage should be cleaned properly first. Take them to a professional dry cleaner or laundry service where any stains or problems can be fixed without damaging the materials. This way, you’ll know that when the next winter comes around your clothes will look great and be in excellent condition.
Spring cleaning after a long winter might seem like a real headache, but if you break down each room into sections it can be done in just a few days. Remember to start from the top of the room and work your way down, and don’t forget that fabrics like windows and upholstery will need a little extra care to keep them fresh. Using a professional dry cleaning service can be a real time saver and is a must for certain items and fabrics.