Spring is here and that means it’s time to do a deep clean of your home. After being cooped up inside all winter, your home likely has accumulated quite a bit of dust, dirt, and grime. A thorough spring cleaning is just what you need to make your home feel fresh, tidy, and welcoming for the warmer months ahead.
Assess What Needs Cleaning
Before diving into cleaning every nook and cranny of your home, take stock of what needs to be cleaned. Make a list room by room, including:
- Kitchen – wipe down cabinets, clean oven, fridge, and dishwasher
- Bathrooms – scrub tile, grout, shower, and bathtub
- Bedrooms – dust furniture, launder bedding and curtains
- Living spaces – vacuum, dust, and wipe down surfaces
- Windows – wash inside and out
- Floors – mop, vacuum, or shampoo carpets
Prioritize areas that get heavy use or collect lots of dust and dirt. Also inspect for any damage from the winter like water stains or mold growth and make note of repairs needed.
Gather Your Supplies
Arm yourself with the right cleaning tools and products so you can work efficiently. Some must-haves include:
- All-purpose cleaner
- Glass cleaner
- Disinfecting wipes and sprays
- Baking soda and vinegar for natural cleaning
- Microfiber cloths and scrub brushes
- Dusting wand or duster
- Vacuum and mop
Stock up on any supplies you’re missing. Declutter surfaces so you have ample room to clean. Put on comfy clothes and shoes. Cue up your favorite music to keep you energized.
Start From the Top Down
When tackling a deep clean, experts recommend working from top to bottom in each room. This stops dust and debris from resettling onto already cleaned lower surfaces.
- First dust ceiling fans, lights, wall hangings, and the tops of cabinets and shelves.
- Next wipe down countertops, furniture, and the inside of lower cabinets.
- Finally, vacuum and mop floors.
Follow this order for each room, moving methodically from one end to the other.
Deep Clean the Kitchen
The kitchen is often the grimiest room needing a deep clean. Here are some tips for tackling this space:
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Empty cabinets and shelving – Remove everything and wipe down shelves before replacing items. Donate or throw out anything expired, spoiled, or unneeded.
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Clean appliances – Wipe down the stove, oven, and refrigerator outside and inside. Descale kettles and coffee makers. Replace filters.
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Scrub surfaces – Use disinfectant on high-touch areas like sinks, faucets, and handles. Treat tougher grease stains with baking soda or vinegar.
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Wash walls, windows, and floors – Remove grease splatter and food grime. Mop and disinfect floors.
Scrub the Bathrooms
Bathrooms harbor lots of germs and soap scum that need scrubbing away. Follow these tips for clean, hygienic bathrooms:
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Use a pumice stone and cleaning spray to remove stubborn soap scum and mineral deposits from tile, shower doors, and bathtubs.
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Disinfect toilet bowls, seats, handles, and around the base. Don’t forget spot cleaning of walls around toilets!
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Wipe down mirrors and faucets until they shine.
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Dust ceiling fans and light fixtures which can collect moisture and grime over time.
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Clean mold and mildew that may have grown around sinks, caulking, and tiles. Let things dry completely before using bathrooms again.
Enhance Air Quality
Deep cleaning is also a great time to freshen indoor air quality which takes a hit over winter. Here are some tips:
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Open windows regularly to circulate fresh outdoor air. Use fans to enhance airflow.
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Wash bedding, rugs, curtains, and upholstery to eliminate odors and allergens.
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Clean out air vents and replace HVAC filters.
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Get rid of mustiness and stale smells with natural deodorizers like baking soda and essential oils.
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Consider investing in an air purifier to trap allergens.
Maintain a Clean Home
Don’t let your hard work go to waste! Here are some habits to keep your home clean long-term:
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Do smaller daily cleaning sessions like washing dishes, taking out trash, wiping counters. This prevents big messes.
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Vacuum and mop floors 1-2 times per week.
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Do laundry frequently and change bedding weekly.
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Do seasonal deep cleaning twice a year – spring and fall.
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Declutter regularly by getting rid of items you don’t use. Organize closet and pantry contents.
With some elbow grease and determination, you can transform your home this spring through a deep clean. Follow these tips to make it shine! Establishing ongoing cleaning habits will help maintain a fresh, tidy home you’ll be proud of.
