Your Step-by-Step Spring Cleaning Checklist
Open your windows and blinds and you will feel the refreshing breeze of spring! This time of year is famous for its symbolism of renewal and growth. Spring is often associated with fresh starts, new beginnings, and what better way to celebrate that within your home than with a spring cleaning? Once your home is fresh and clean, you can begin to appreciate this time of year even more. There are a few steps that, when followed, ensure a clean and beautiful space. Spring cleaning is made easy with this simple process.
Clutter Control
A big part of cleaning is not wiping up dirt and spritzing mirrors, but organizing and storing things where they belong. Before you begin pulling out the cleaning chemicals, you need a clear and organized space so that it is easy to see just what needs to be cleaned. Once you declutter your environment, you may notice that you don’t have nearly as much cleaning as you thought you did before. Plus, clutter causes things like pet hair and dust to become trapped in tight spaces.
Top decluttering spots:
-Closets
-Drawers
-Under the bed
-Shelf space
-Floor space
Detailed Dusting
Dusting can be an overlooked step in the cleaning process, especially if it is in hard to reach places or in areas of your home that you frequent less often. Dusting with a simple damp rag is more effective than a dry feather duster, as water will trap the dust and keep it from flying everywhere. If you try to dust with a dry cloth or feather duster, the dust will simply disperse and eventually gather on any surface it can attach to.
Areas to pay attention to:
-Moulding along the floor as well as any ceiling moulding
-Ceiling fans
-Ceiling corners
-Vents
-Underneath rugs
-Behind and underneath furniture
-Shelves
-Knick knacks and vases
-Counter space
Powerful Products
Once you have decluttered and dusted your home, you can finally break out your cleaning products. This last step is the most satisfying to complete. First, it is important when cleaning a space to identify if a particular space warrants sanitization or not. For instance, your kitchen and bathrooms should be cleaned with bacteria-fighting agents. When cleaning your bathroom, look for cleaning products that fight against mold. If you are cleaning your kitchen and you have a lot of stainless steel appliances, make sure that the products you are buying will not cause streaking or damage to these appliances. At the same time, you will want to use a strong antibacterial product on your counters, as this is where you prepare and store your food.
When it comes to cleaning hardwood floors, oil-based solutions are usually the best way to go to. If you have rug carpeting, you have the choice of steaming and shampooing your carpet, or you can use a dry cleaning powder and simply vacuum it up to catch dirt and leave a pleasant fragrance.
Cleaning Tip: when working with bleach or other harsh chemicals, wear clothing that you do not mind ruining, preferably a white t-shirt that bleach will not visibly show up on. Also, be sure to wear gloves if you plan to work with harsh chemicals for an extended period of time, as they can cause skin irritation, dryness, and reddening.
Once this final step is complete, you are ready to light a candle and sit back with a good book by your window. Your spring cleaning is finished, and you have a pristine home to show for it.
A Brand New Home
Spring is known for new beginnings and what better way to celebrate new beginnings than with a brand new home! Search through the Britton Homes gallery to see beautiful architecture and sleek interiors. Browse through our master retreats, kitchens, grand entrances, and more.