I like to think that I keep our home clean year round. The truth is, there are some areas that I can improve upon. Like mopping. I hate to mop. But, that’s my issue. Maybe not yours.
Like the plants outside, your home is dormant and quiet during the winter. To brighten up, you need to clean everything. By starting with these five areas, you’ll be inspired to tackle the rest of your home.
1. Wash Your Windows and Install Screens. Cleaning your windows inside and out will remove the dirt that built up since you last cleaned them in the fall. You did clean them in the fall, didn’t you? Many windows can be cleaned from the inside of the house. I like to clean the exterior using a squeegee, I find that to be the sharpest. Before you put your screens in for the season, inspect them and repair any holes.
2. Clean your Floors and Furniture. If you don’t regularly pull your furniture away from the wall and vacuum under it, now is the time. Dust bunnies lurk under couches in the winter and will come running out in the warm spring weather. Rotate your couch cushions and add brightly colored pillows. This is a good time to throw your lightweight rugs into the washer, too. Using non-toxic, eco-friendly products ensures your home is truly clean!
3. Dust Your Art Work, Photographs, Knick Knacks, and Walls. Start by removing the art from the walls, this will ensure you don’t miss a spot. First clean the frame, then any glass that may be protecting your pictures. I wipe down my walls with a damp sponge or towel. Spring is also a great time to touch up any painting, or repaint rooms. This spring we’ve already repainted our front door and will be moving on to the bathroom and ceilings in a few days!
4. Tackle the Refrigerator. Wait until the day before you’re going grocery shopping to tackle this dreaded chore. Remove all of your food from the refrigerator – even the condiments! Starting at the top, remove each shelf, clean it with warm soapy water and return it to the refrigerator. Thoroughly wipe down the interior walls, and door shelves if they aren’t removable. Before restocking, take time to inspect your products for expiration dates and discard any items that are “questionable”.
5. Change Your Linens and Spruce up the Bedroom. Remove your heavy winter blankets and have them laundered. Flip or rotate your mattress, making sure you’re following the manufacturers recommendations. Wash your mattress pad in hot water. Clean your mini-blinds or curtains. {Time saving tip: curtains can be tossed in the dryer to remove dust, they don’t actually need to be washed.} Switch your duvet for a lighter-weight, brighter-colored choice.
What are your must-do’s for Spring Cleaning?
I hate mopping too. I really want a Mint–robots make everything better!
Now that we own a home, that whole taking down the screens for winter thing didn’t even occur to me because we never had to do it in apartments. I guess I’ll put that on my to-do list for next fall!
It really makes a difference with the amount of light that comes in! And protects the screens from winter weather.