How to get your household ready for Spring

It's been a long winter, hasn't it? The holidays are over, and spring is slowly approaching. Just like nature is getting ready for the beginning of the new season, so should you. It is time to roll up your sleeves and get your household ready for spring. 

Make a plan for your spring cleaning

Everything is easier when you have a plan. Plus, you are more likely to get things done when you have a certain timeline set. That should be enough for you to grab a pen and a piece of paper and start writing. Have your list always at hand so that you can jot down some not-so-obvious tasks when they come to mind. Surely you'll remember to clean your windows now that spring is coming, but will it occur to you that you should check the vents and change some filters around the house? That's why you have your list!

 

Make a list of all the tasks that you should do to get your household ready for spring.

 

Also, bear in mind that spring cleaning will probably take you more than a day unless you live in a studio. If devoting an entire weekend or a few of them to house cleaning is too much for you, maybe you can make a different timeline. For instance, perhaps you can do a chore or two during the weekdays and leave the rest for the weekend. Now, where to start?

Start by decluttering

The less stuff you own, the easier it will be to clean your household. Many of us tend to accumulate far more items than we actually need, especially those decorations you used to give your home a winter makeover. If that is the case with you, too, you should at least have a habit of regular decluttering. Or, if this sounds like too much of a bother, do it once a year when it's spring cleaning time. Throw away anything that is broken or completely useless. Other stuff that you don't need anymore, but could be useful to somebody else, should be donated or sold.

Your closet would probably benefit from decluttering too. Even though it's not the quickest one, the best tactic is to take everything out, clean all the shelves, doors, drawers, and handles, try on a piece by piece of clothing, and decide what goes back in. Find boxes you will need for the seasonal clothes that should be stored away until next winter. You could use some boxes to put things that you are about to donate or sell.

Clean your windows to let the light in!

You don't have an excuse not to clean the windows from the inside all year long. But, cleaning the other side is not an option during winter when your cleaning liquid would just smudge the dirt and remain frozen on the glass. Now that spring is coming, give your windows a total facelift by cleaning the tops of the window frames as well. They are often forgotten since they can be hard to reach.

Don't forget to remove the storm shutters if you have them. You should clean them too before you put them in storage.

Speaking of light - check your light fixtures

Light fixtures can accumulate an enormous amount of dust, which can dull their surface and block light. That is why you should clean them thoroughly during this cleaning spree. A soft cloth, a little bit of water, and a duster are all you need. We suggest that you do this before cleaning your furniture since the dust from the ceiling light fixtures or fans can end up on your sofa, bed, or carpet.

 

Gloves and baking soda are your best allies.

 

Devote some time to the floors

Now that it's time to get your household ready for spring, regular vacuuming won't be enough to make your floors clean. You should have your carpets and rugs professionally cleaned, or at least freshened up, as they can collect odors during the winter. Move your furniture aside and clean every corner of your floor before putting everything back in its place. Speaking of floors and furniture - replace the pads under your chairs and other pieces that are moved around. The old ones are probably worn out, and you wouldn't want to damage your hardwood floors, would you?

If you have a tile floor or at least some areas of the house covered in tiles, pay special attention to scrubbing the grout. Oxygenated bleach is excellent for light colors.

Refresh your bedroom for spring

You don't need those heavy blankets and comforters anymore. Wash them before storing, and replace them with some lighter sheets and covers. Placing your winter blankets in a storage unit that is clean and reasonable can save you a lot of money and space, since your items will remain in good condition and you will have more room in your home.

Now is the time to check your pillows too. If they are worn out and not so comfortable anymore, you should treat yourself to new ones. If they are just fine, you should wash them anyway. Do the same with decorative cushions and throws. And don't forget the curtains too!

It's kitchen cleaning time

This can be a really daunting task for many of us, but it has to be done. Here's the list of the things you should do around your kitchen:

• Take everything out from the cabinets, clean them with a damp cloth, and put the items back in. If there are some dishes which you haven't used in a while, put them in the dishwasher, and use the quick cycle to freshen them up;

• Clean your drawers; they always have more accumulated dust than you would expect;

• The oven, range hood, and stovetop should be cleaned too;

• Reorganize your pantry - this is also something you need to do to get your household ready for spring. Check the food storage jars; throw away anything stale or spoilt, replace the lining on the shelves and refill the dry food jars;

• The kitchen sink also deserves a fresh start - sanitize it and clean the drain by using baking soda and vinegar.

Clean your bathroom thoroughly

Cleaning your bathtub and vanities won't be enough for a successful spring clean. You will have to scrub the tiles and clean all the shelves and product bottles. Freshen up your bathroom with a new oil defuser to welcome the new season. Don't forget to clean your laundry room too. Clean the dryer hose and replace the filters on your washer and dryer.

 

Bring in some fresh flowers to welcome spring.

 

More tasks will probably appear, but the ones we have just mentioned should be the basic ones, and they can even make your house look more expensive. Once you have all of it done, get yourself some fresh flowers (potted or cut) to add the final touch and get your household ready for spring.

 

Courtesy of: Sophia Perry