Get a fresh start this spring by deep cleaning your home. This work doesn’t need to be complicated if you’re organized. Here’s a breakdown of my simple spring cleaning checklist.
Professional housecleaners work from a basic principle: Back to front, top to bottom. By working the top down, you avoid having to go over sections again, because debris that gets pushed downward ends up being taken care of on the final sweep. And by going back to front, you don’t backtrack over any territories you’ve completed already.
When you start at the top, start at the very top: Ceiling fans, cobwebs in distant corners, cabinet tops. While you’re at it, clean things you wouldn’t normally clean, such as bookshelves, closets, and under furniture you don’t normally clean. Wipe down the tops of doorjambs, which can collect dust.
As you come across major items you don’t often clean under, such as washing machines or ovens, make a point of cleaning all the debris out from under. Wipe down your refrigerator vents and coils while you’re at it. This will improve your fridge efficiency.
It’s also a good idea to declutter as you go. I recommend sorting your belongings into three piles—trash, donate and keep. To really make the most of your time, don’t just clean, but organize. Look at your current organization system and decide if it’s really right for you. This is a great time to rethink your process if you can improve it.
Use your tools wisely. A microfiber duster on an extender can clean hard-to-reach places such as light fixtures and ceilings with no need to use a ladder. If you’re trying to clean a ceiling fan, try using an old pillow case to completely cover the blade and wipe off the dust without any falling to the ground.
Don’t overlook door handles and light switches. These are touched constantly throughout the day, building up germs. A mild soap and water mixture or all-purpose cleaner is ideal to wipe them down.
Take a break when you need to. This is a big job, and you can get discouraged if you don’t complete it in the time you give yourself. This is a marathon, not a sprint, so don’t try to do it all at once.
Once you’ve done all your normal cleaning, you can move on to tasks you do less often, such as cleaning the refrigerator or the washing machine or even the dryer.
This is also the perfect time to clean your dryer vent. This is an important, but often overlooked, task that can make your dryer more efficient and prevent house fires.
If you don’t have the time or ability to clean your home yourself, consider bringing in professional cleaners. You can bring them in for a deep clean, or you can set it up on a regular basis to keep your house tidy year-round.
