21 Spring Cleaning Tips for a Clean House
Spring has finally sprung! That means it’s time to put away the puffy coats and get to spring cleaning. Studies show that a cluttered home can raise stress levels, so enter the new season stress-free by getting organized! To help you get started, we’ve created a list of 21 house cleaning tips to help you survive this year’s spring cleaning to get a clean home.
1. Create a playlist
The best way to get excited about something is to make a playlist for it! Spring cleaning feels a lot quicker when you have your favorite songs to jam to. Not a fan of playlists? Opt for a podcast instead.
2. Make a schedule
The idea of cleaning your whole house can seem daunting. There is so much to do, and only one of you. Break it down to make the job much more manageable. Which room needs the most attention? Where do you normally avoid when cleaning? Start there first.
3. Make a list for each room
Once you have the rooms broken down, make a list of what needs to be tackled in each. This way, you won’t feel overwhelmed when you get started. Plus, this method ensures that you won’t forget to clean anything while you’re there!
4. Declutter beforehand
Before you start spring cleaning, take some time to declutter the rooms in your home. Give yourself the time to focus on getting rid of things you don’t need, and you will be able to focus on cleaning when the time comes solely.
5. Microwave your sponges
The goal of spring cleaning is to get your whole home clean, but using a dirty sponge can have the reverse effect. To avoid spreading bacteria throughout your home, squeeze the water out of your sponge, then throw it into the microwave on high for 1 minute to zap any bacteria.
6. Go one room at a time
Though it may seem intuitive to do all your vacuuming first, then dusting, and so on, this can lead to fatigue. If you focus on one room at a time, you can dedicate all of your energy and attention to it. Everything will end up much cleaner, and you can take breaks after the entire room is clean, which is a much more productive system.
7. Set a timer
The biggest problem with a deep cleaning is distractions. You go into a room planning to clean it, then find yourself 30 minutes into looking at old photo albums. By setting a timer, you hold yourself accountable. It also gives you a good idea of how long certain chores take, making them seem more manageable as you move from room to room.
8. Recruit help
If you have a significant other or kids around, get them to help you! Even if it is as simple as having them pick up their own mess or tackle one chore per room, that’s one less thing you have to do.
9. Crack a window
For your safety and well-being, make sure to crack a window while cleaning. It will let the fresh spring air into your home and get rid of out fumes from your cleaning supplies.
10. Work from top to bottom
Don’t waste time doing the same job twice. While cleaning light fixtures and fans, dust, and debris will fall to the floor and on the furniture below. Dust and vacuum lower items last to catch anything that has fallen from items up high.
11. Clean or replace your doormat
Your doormat acts as a barrier between that dirt and your home. A dirty doormat leads to a dirtier home, so make sure to shake, beat, and vacuum it to get it back into tip-top shape.
12. Finish with the stove
Regarding kitchen cleaning, your stove/oven is most often the dirtiest spot. Work around the kitchen, leaving your stove for last. This way, you won’t spread the stove mess around the kitchen with the dirty sponge.
13. Check your humidity levels
Keep yourself from having to keep dusting by making sure your humidity levels are at a good place. The ideal percentage to have it at is 40% to 50%. Anything lower will lead to static electricity, which draws dust in. Higher humidity will lead to mildew.
14. Don’t forget about your air
Your air quality is just as important as the cleanliness of your rooms. Spring cleaning is the perfect time to replace your furnace and HVAC filters to ensure the air in your home is safe to breathe.
15. Give your drains some love
While cleaning the kitchen and bathrooms, make sure to clean the drains out too. Use ice and lemons to freshen up the kitchen disposal, and utilize draino or a similar brand to eliminate any build-up or clogs.
16. Check expiration dates
Go through anything that has an expiration date. This includes medicine, food, and face washes. If it’s past its prime- toss it out! Doing this will help free up space in your pantry, freezer, fridge, and medicine cabinet.
17. Give your drawers some love
Have a habit of continually buying clothes but never getting rid of the old ones? This leads to overflowing drawers and stuffed closets. Take a moment to go through your drawers and think about each piece. Have you worn it in the last 3 months? The last 6 months? If not, maybe it’s time for it to go. If seasonal items cramp your style, it may be worth putting them in the attic or a storage unit.
18. Turn a laundry basket into a lost & found
While cleaning the house, you are bound to find misplaced things. Grab a basket in which you can put all of those items. To avoid clutter after cleaning, keep the lost and found around. It’s a great way to keep all random items in one place, and when someone can’t find something, they’ll go there first instead of you.
19. Use rain-repellent on glass showers
This one may sound a little crazy, but if the door to your shower is glass, it will save you from hours of scrubbing soap scum. Just like rain-repellent doesn’t let liquids stick to your windshield, it will repel soap and water from your doors, keeping their spot and streak-free!
20. Use white vinegar for cleaning rugs, carpets, windows, and the microwave
Make a DIY carpet stain remover with white vinegar. Simply mix white vinegar with baking soda until it forms a paste, then use a soft brush to rub it into the stain. Wait until the mixture dries, then vacuum it!
You can also make a window cleaner with vinegar. Mix 1 cup water with 1 cup vinegar – mix well and pour into a spray bottle. Spray onto your windows, then wipe clean!
The best way to clean a microwave when looking for a quick clean is to fill a microwave-safe bowl halfway with water. Add one tablespoon of white vinegar, then microwave for 5 minutes (you may need less for a high-power microwave). After 5 minutes, carefully remove the bowl, and wipe down the inside of the microwave with a cloth.
21. Reward yourself
Spring cleaning is hard work! Reward yourself by taking a moment to make yourself lunch or binge-watch your favorite show.
