Spring cleaning steps you can take now
Make a plan
Decide how much time you can devote to spring cleaning, what areas you want to focus on, and what tasks you want to accomplish. Is there anyone you can ask to help you, either family, friends, or professional cleaning/organizing aid? If you like to tackle it that way, a lot can be accomplished in one day over multiple hours while Spring Cleaning. However, it works best for some people to break it out into planned chunks over the course of two to three weeks. This is also very satisfying.
Gather your supplies. Stock up on cleaning supplies, such as sponges, rags, dusting tools, cleaning solutions, air neutralizer/freshener spray(s), and a vacuum and its attachments.
Start with the big stuff
Begin by tackling the larger tasks, such as gathering and washing laundry, moving furniture, dusting ceiling fans and light fixtures, and deep-cleaning carpets and curtains. Using odor neutralizers on carpets or steam cleaning can really be a Spring Cleaning game changer compared to the regular cleaning routine throughout the year!
Organize and declutter
Decide and write down which areas of your home you want to declutter during your Spring Cleaning effort: kitchen, bedroom, closet(s), living room, playroom/area, bathroom, basement, office, and/or garage. Sort your belongings. Create three piles: keep, donate, and throw away. Only keep the items that you need and use regularly or ones you can either, gift to a family member if they want it, display, or take out seasonally. Remember that your trash will become someone else’s treasure, even when you will never know whose home it ends up in. Ask for help from a friend, relative or professional if you find this part overwhelming or negative for you. And don’t let this stage stop you from continuing with your Spring Cleaning. Just choose enough organizing and decluttering to allow you to be content with your overall goal.
Dust blinds, wash baseboards, wash windows, and scrub tile
Once you’ve got the inside of your home clean and tidy, move on to the outside. If you have a Power washer, address any decks, patios, rock areas, and driveways if you are so ambitious!
If you don’t have a power washer, consider hiring a professional team – same with your outdoor windows and gutters.
Tips on How to Make Spring Cleaning Fun
- Create a Cleaning Playlist: Music can make any task more fun, so create a playlist of your favorite upbeat songs or use this one I created- or both, to get you in the cleaning spirit.
- Turn on the timer to either 15 min., 30 min., 60, or 90 min. Do what you can against that timer. Write down your accomplishment on a chalkboard, corkboard, or notebook!
- Reward Yourself: After each cleaning task is complete, reward yourself with something small like a bowl of popcorn, a piece of chocolate, or a cup of coffee.
- Make a Cleaning Kit: Have all your cleaning supplies in one place so you don’t have to keep running around the house. Make sure to include a few items that will make cleaning fun, like a feather duster or cleaning solutions that smell and look nice, and incorporate new items into your rooms (either purchased or from storage).
- Take Breaks: Cleaning can be exhausting, so take breaks throughout the day to keep your energy level up, and remember that Spring Cleaning rarely is completed in one day with one person.
Negative Emotions about cleaning turn into positive tips
- Focus on the end result: Remind yourself that the finished product of a clean space will be worth the effort.
- Take it one step at a time: Break your cleaning tasks into smaller chunks so that they are more manageable and easier to handle.
- Listen to upbeat music: Put on some of your favorite tunes or an entertaining podcast to help create a positive mindset for cleaning.
- Catch yourself if you have negative self-talk. This is very important! Reverse that thought into a positive message to yourself. For example, “How did I let my house get so dirty?” Instead say, “I’m proud of myself that I am taking action to make my home clean and beautiful!” Try to make this a habit. Don’t compare yourself to others on social media you might perceive as “perfect”. Instead, tell yourself that you are taking action and making progress for YOU!
- Reward yourself: Give yourself a treat or an extra break when you have finished a cleaning segment of chores.
Ways spring cleaning can improve your and your family and pet’s health
- Improved Air Quality: Regularly dusting and vacuuming your home can help reduce allergens and improve the air quality in your home. This can help alleviate breathing issues and reduce the amount of pet dander, dust, and other allergens in the air.
- Reduced Stress: Spring cleaning can help reduce clutter and make your home more organized. This can create a calmer environment, reducing stress and improving your mental health.
- More Exercise: Spring cleaning is an excellent way to get in some extra exercise. Everything from scrubbing the floors to lifting furniture can be a great workout.
- Improved Immune System: Removing dust and dirt can help reduce your risk of respiratory illnesses and other illnesses caused by dirt and bacteria.
- Better Sleep: With a cleaner, fresher environment, you’ll be able to sleep better and wake up feeling more rested.
- HOPEFULLY, you are not using toxins to clean your home and while removing dirt, dust, and impurities, you are treating yourself and your surfaces well with products that are safe and not harmful.If you would like to try one of our trial size all natural eco-friendly cleaning solutions, please visit www.cleaninvogue.com/shop