Dare we say it? Spring is just around the corner here in Calgary and many of us are beginning to feel spring fever coming on. Most of us have spring cleaning at the top of our to-do list when the weather gets nicer, but we dread doing it too. Here are ten ways to get the most out of your spring cleaning efforts this year.
Make A Schedule
Being prepared for a big job like spring cleaning is the key to success. Make a list that outlines each task involved in spring cleaning your house from top to bottom. From there break that list down into a schedule. Add specific tasks to specific days in your calendar. Add more labor-intensive tasks for days off or weekends and simpler, quicker tasks for weekdays or days you have other engagements.
Declutter As You Go
When you’re ready to start spring cleaning, make sure to add decluttering to your to-do list. When you declutter as you go it will improve the function of your home, and also give you fewer items to find homes for or to dust and clean.
Clean Top to Bottom
When you’re cleaning it’s a good rule of thumb to always clean top to bottom. Dust items that are higher up like decorations, blinds, and walls, and leave the floors and baseboards until last. As you clean higher items, dust and dirt will fall so it makes it much less work cleaning from top to bottom.
Use Good Quality Supplies
Using good quality supplies can make a huge difference in the quality of your clean. Be sure to read the instructions for all of your supplies to avoid any surface damages. Some cleaners are only safe for certain countertops, tubs, floors and more. If you splurge for good quality supplies you will be left with a sparkling home that lasts longer.
Think Deep Clean
Spring is the perfect time to deep clean every part of your house including your carpet and furniture. Open the windows on a warm day and break out or rent a steam cleaner to thoroughly clean your carpets and upholstery to eliminate any deep stains, or smells. After everything is dry you will have a fresh smelling and totally clean home.
Don’t Forget the Walls and Windows
Spring is a good time to clean walls and windows both inside and out. Remove dust, dirt, and grime from windows inside and out, wash your interior walls, and doors and wipe down your door handles. Then head outside to wash down your siding. A garden hose and soft brush will do, or if you’re experienced a pressure washer does the trick.
Don’t Fear the Kitchen and Bath
Kitchen and bathrooms are the two most commonly avoided rooms when it comes to spring cleaning. Cleaning them doesn’t need to be as scary as it seems. Take all the items out of your cupboards, wipe them down inside and out and clean your countertops. In the bathroom, thoroughly clean your sink, toilet, and shower to eliminate all germs or build up of soap.
Don’t Forget the Furnace
With your furnace out of sight and mind, it can be easy to forget to change the filter. These should be changed every 3-6 months (closer to 3 if you have pets) and during spring cleaning it’s a great thing to add to your list. Regularly changing the filter improves the efficiency and longevity of your furnace.
Say Goodbye to Allergens
This one is more of an important note that a tip. If you or someone in your family struggles with allergies year-round, remember that a deep spring clean will help rid your home of allergens. Getting rid of these can significantly improve the quality of life for those with allergies-an important point to remember if you’re struggling to get motivated to clean.
We know spring cleaning isn’t the most fun activity when the weather is finally nice. Just remember, getting it done now leaves you more free time when the weather is even nicer!
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