Why Spring Clean Your Home?
Spring is a time of renewal and rebirth. As the weather warms up and nature comes back to life, it’s the perfect time to refresh your home with some spring cleaning. Here are some of the key reasons to do a deep clean this season:
Remove Indoor Pollutants
Over the winter, dust, pet dander, and other allergens can build up in your home. Spring cleaning helps remove these irritants so you can breathe easier. A thorough vacuuming, dusting, and scrubbing of surfaces clears away these contaminants. I also wash bedding, curtains, and upholstery to eliminate dust mites.
Let the Fresh Air In
During cold months, I keep windows closed which can trap odors and stale air inside. When spring arrives, I open up the windows and doors to circulate fresh outdoor air. This air purification along with cleaning and vacuuming leaves my home smelling and feeling refreshed.
Deep Clean Germ Hot Spots
Spring is a good time to disinfect germ hot spots that accumulate bacteria over the winter such as light switches, doorknobs, keyboards, and phones. I give these areas and any high-touch surfaces a thorough wipe down with disinfectant.
Organize and Declutter
Spring cleaning provides the motivation I need to sort through belongings and get organized. I declutter closets, cupboards, and other messy spots that tend to accumulate clutter over time. Getting organized helps create a tidy and soothing environment.
Brighten Your Space
During gloomy winter months, it’s easy for your home to start looking dingy and dull. Spring cleaning and opening up the house lets natural light stream in. I also give windows a scrub inside and out to further brighten up my living space.
Top Tips for Freshening Up Your Home
Here are my go-to spring cleaning tips and tricks for leaving every room smelling fresh and looking spotless:
Use Natural Cleaners
Harsh chemical cleaners often just mask odors instead of removing them. I prefer natural cleaning products made with ingredients like vinegar, baking soda, lemon juice, and essential oils. These natural disinfectants safely tackle dirt, bacteria, and stale odors. Some of my favorite DIY cleaner recipes:
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All-purpose cleaner – Mix 1 cup water, 1⁄2 cup vinegar, and 10 drops lemon essential oil.
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Scrubbing cleanser – Make a paste with baking soda and water.
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Window cleaner – Mix 2 cups water, 1⁄4 cup vinegar, and a few drops dish soap.
Open Windows and Turn Fans On
While cleaning, I open windows wide to air out the house and let fresh breezes circulate through. I also turn ceiling fans or portable fans on high speed to really refresh each room I’m working on. This air circulation helps remove musty odors that built up over winter.
Wash Fabrics and Upholstery
I launder all linens, curtains, throws, and upholstery covers. The heat of the washing machine kills dust mites, mold, and bacteria that cling to fabric fibers. Baking soda and vinegar give fabrics an extra deep, fresh clean. After washing, I let items air dry outside if possible to further freshen them.
Shampoo Carpets and Rugs
Carpeting traps dirt, dust, pollen, pet dander and odors over time. I rent a carpet cleaner and give all rugs and wall-to-wall carpeting a thorough shampoo. Or sprinkle carpets with baking soda, let sit 20 minutes, then vacuum – the baking soda absorbs musty smells.
Dust Ceiling Fans and Vents
It’s easy to overlook dust that collects on ceiling fan blades, light fixtures, and air vents. But a quick wipe down of these areas helps eliminate allergens and odors that circulate through your home’s air duct system.
Replace AC and Furnace Filters
I swap out old, dirty furnace and AC filters for fresh new ones. This improves airflow and makes sure my home’s HVAC system doesn’t blow dust and allergens back into the air.
Clean Out the Refrigerator
A wipe down of fridge and freezer interior plus tossing expired food cleans up spills that can cause odors. Baking soda boxes left inside help absorb smells.
Conclusion
While spring cleaning takes a bit of time and elbow grease, the payoff is huge. A deep clean refresh leaves every room in my home looking tidier, feeling healthier, and smelling crisper. As the new season starts, our fresh scented house provides a clean slate and welcoming environment to enjoy the warmer months ahead. The rejuvenation I feel after spring cleaning is well worth the effort.
