For many, spring is a time of great excitement, renewal and promise of warmer weather and greengrass. For others, the word “spring” strikes fear into their hearts, because of another word that is forever combined with it: cleaning. Over the winter clutter accumulates, the floor under couches and beds have been invaded by hoards of dust bunnies and your fridge begins to emit a strange odor. Instead of dreading this chore, create a room-by-room game plan to ensure this year’s spring cleaning is less daunting. The experience might even be an enjoyable one.
Create a Plan of Attack
Any good general knows that you cannot march onto the field of battle without a well-planned attack and arsenal. Be realistic when planning this year’s spring cleaning. Don’t assume that your busy schedule will allow you to finish the job in a single day, or even a weekend. Plan to thoroughly clean one room a day or weekend. Also, it’s critical to enlist your family members to help with process. After all, they helped make the mess, so it’s only fair they help clean it up.
Create a list of must-have cleaning supplies and purchase them ahead of time. This ensures you’re not running to the grocery store every five minutes to pick up toilet bowl cleaner or extra paper towels. Include on your list:
- Rags or paper towel
- Garbage bags
- All-purpose cleaner
- Furniture polish
- Buckets
- Scouring pads
- Vacuum cleaner
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Mop
- Glass cleaner
- Broom and dust pan
- Duster
- Old or expensive toothbrushes
The Kitchen
- Remove any excess clutter including outdated or inedible food from the shelves.
- Clean out the fridge. Remove any outdated or moldy items before removing the trays and washing them in the sink. Clean out the sides and bottom of the fridge before reassembly.
- Remove all the items from your cabinets, including food, pots, pans and dishes. Wipe down the inside of the cabinets with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
- Wipe down the walls, molding, cupboard doors and baseboards.
- Clean out the inside and outside of the microwave, oven and dishwasher. Microwave a bowl of lemon juice to loosen the stains and eliminate any unwanted odors. Use oven cleaner according to the package directions and clean out the inside of the dishwasher with an all-purpose cleaner.
- Clean out sink with a scouring pad and all-purpose cleaner. Pour a pot of boiling water down the drain to eliminate any unwanted build-up and odors.
- Finish by thoroughly sweeping and mopping your floors. If possible, get on your hands and knees and scrub the floor.
The Bathroom
- Use an all-purpose cleaner to thoroughly clean the tub, tub surround and toilet. Slip on a pair of rubber gloves and remove any stubborn stains with a scouring pad. Remove the shower curtain and clean it with the all-purpose cleaner. Replace the curtain, if necessary.
- Wash out the sink with the all-purpose cleaner and rag. Use this cleaner and rag to clean off the vanity top and cabinet doors.
- Discard any unused or expired beauty products.
- Wipe down the walls, molding and light fixture with a rag and all-purpose cleaner.
- Use a toothbrush and a bleach-based cleaner to scrub any grout, faucets and crannies.
- Finish the job by washing the windows and mirrors, sweeping and mopping the floors.
Bedrooms
- Remove all the bedding and launder with warm water and a mild detergent. Vacuum between the mattress and box spring.
- Clean out any clutter from beneath the beds and inside the closet.
- Dust any hard surfaces, including night stands and dressers.
- Dust the blinds and remove and launder any window treatments.
- Swap your winter clothes for your spring and summer wardrobe.
- Finish by washing the windows and sweeping or vacuuming the floor, paying attention to remove any dust bunnies from beneath the bed, dressers and night stands.
The Living Room, Family Room or Den
- Dust every surface you can find, including furniture, shelves, artwork and electronics.
- Shine any wood furniture with a rag and furniture polish.
- Vacuum under the furniture and between the couch and chair cushions. Clean out any of the larger items and discard anything that’s not your child’s toys or stray pens. A good amount of carpet cleaning may be necessary.
- Dust the blinds and remove and launder any window treatments.
- Wipe down the walls, baseboards, molding, light fixture and ceiling fan.
- Finish by washing the windows and sweeping or vacuuming the floor, paying attention to remove any dust bunnies from beneath the furniture.
While cleaning, make your life easier by skipping elaborate meals and taking on too many tasks. Assign kid-friendly tasks to children under five, including dusting or washing windows. After all is said and done, reward yourself with a great meal or relaxing night out with your family.
This post was written and contributed by Victor Simmons. Victor has been a land lord for over ten years and has dealt with plenty of spring cleaning.
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