Spring is officially here, meaning that many of us are getting outside more and soaking up some much needed fresh air. We're also getting to work on some spring cleaning in our homes.
And while this could include some usual tidying duties, spring cleaning is a great time to get down to the nitty gritty and do some deep cleaning ... you know, the gross stuff most of us put off until entirely necessary.
From supplies you'll need to the oft-forgotten parts of your home that need attention, we talk about it all. So throw your hair up, put on some old sweats and your favorite tunes and let's get to it.
FIRST, MAKE A CHECKLIST
Like many tasks, making a list of what needs to be accomplished can help organize your thoughts, determine the order in which they should be tackled and what supplies you're going to need.
NEXT, GATHER YOUR SUPPLIES
Take inventory of what supplies you've currently got on hand in order to avoid having to stop in the middle of cleaning for a store run. According to the American Cleaning Institute, some common supplies to have on hand include:
- An all-purpose spray cleaner for small areas and an all-purpose powder or liquid cleaner ideal for surfaces like floors and walls.
- An abrasive cleanser, helpful for stubborn soiled areas, and a nonabrasive cleanser for gentle cleaning on surfaces like porcelain sinks and ceramic tile.
- Chlorine bleach (mold and mildew be gone!).
You'll also likely need glass and toilet bowl cleaning products, baking soda and white vinegar, along with a bucket, mop, rubber or latex gloves, sponges, a dedicated cleaning toothbrush, rags, duster, broom, dust pan, vacuum, scrub brushes and squeegee.
Of course, be sure to carefully read the labels on cleaning supplies and only use them on appropriate surfaces away from pets and children. It's not the time to play chemist, either. Ensure whatever space you're cleaning has proper ventilation and wear a mask, if necessary.
GET CLEANING
Now that you're stocked up on supplies, it's time to get started! While this list is far from exhaustive, here are a few essential deep cleaning tasks you'll want to make note of, in addition to your normal cleaning routine.
- Wipe down the inside of the refrigerator and freezer.
- Wash all baseboards and walls.
- Scrub your entire bathroom and almost everything in it (tile, grout, showerhead, hardware, etc.)
- Dust (from top to bottom) air vents and ceiling fans.
- Launder window curtains and dusting any blinds.
- Shampoo your carpet and rugs, or have them professionally cleaned.
- Descale your coffee pot.
- Clean the inside of your dishwasher, microwave and oven (to avoid a fire on self-clean mode, wipe out any food residue first).
- Replace your furnace filter.
- Clear outdoor gutters and spouts.
GOT TOO MUCH STUFF?
Say it with me: Get. Rid. Of. IT! Depending on your space, decluttering might need to be the first task in your spring deep cleaning adventure. Thankfully, there are plenty of local organizations accepting a variety of home and clothing item donations that are clean and in good condition.
Remember: Deep cleaning doesn't have to be seen as a massive chore to be completed all in one day. Break it up by room, category ... or just whatever the heck you feel like doing that day! Simply lacking time or motivation? Call in the experts—JJ Organizational Design, Sparkle & Shine Cleaning Services, Clean Bee Home Services or Pinnacle Cleaning Services, to name a few.
IN ADDITION ...
If you haven't already, spring also serves as a great time to test and/or replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, along with fire extinguishers, which have an approximate shelf life of 10 years.
Written by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
This article originally appeared in the Apr/May '24 issue of West Michigan Woman.
