Praise the
Lord; it's finally SPRING! (Errr, or is it?) No matter what the calendar says,
one thing is for sure: It's time to start thinking about how we may spruce up
our house for the new season. Soon, it'll be guests ringing your doorbells
instead of snowflakes, so it's essential to be prepared!
If you're
anything like a determined homeowner, you might be itching to roll up your
sleeves and get started on some serious spring cleaning. But before you break
out the bleach and Windex, here is the best tip to help make the process a
little bit easier:
De-clutter, dear friend
Did the
sale season get the best of you? Do you have clothes in your closets that
haven't seen the light of day since last year's spring cleaning? Now is a
fantastic opportunity to get rid of those old coats and sweaters. The same goes
for shoes, makeup, knickknacks, etc.
Since we
are talking home, you should also consider putting away your winter pumpkin
storage containers and breaking out the vernal spring storage containers. It's
time to switch from hot cocoa to lemonade, cable-knit sweaters to tank tops,
and crockpots to grills!
If you are
little to no extra space left in your garage, you might consider renting a storage unit. Even if you keep it only for the spring and summer, this is a
fantastic option to ensure that your possessions are secure.
Now, let's
begin cleaning now, shall we?
Prepare yourself. Where is
the mood?
Now that
you know what to do, it's essential to set the mood for cleaning. It is not a
job that can be rushed, so be sure you have enough time and are in the mod
before beginning. Some people prefer listening to music or an audiobook while
cleaning, while others find complete silence more soothing.
If you like
company while working, get your spouse or roommate on board and create some
competition (or team spirit) to see who can finish first!
The basics - furniture &
carpets
Before
deep-cleaning your furniture and carpets, take a vacuum cleaner around to
remove all surface dirt. If any areas seem to be stained or have an unpleasant
odor, you can use a carpet cleaner or furniture polish to take care of them.
For
carpets, there are also a few easy tips you can follow:
·
Try not to walk on wet
carpets after dousing them with a cleaning agent.
·
Use a fan to dry
them faster.
·
If any areas seem
dirty or need more attention, go over them again with the vacuum and carpet
cleaner.
Windows & mirrors are a
reflection of you
Harsh
winter weather can leave your windows looking dull and dirty. After a long
winter, you'll want to get them back in tip-top shape for spring. Luckily, this
isn't one of the tough jobs.
Using a
glass cleaner is the easiest way to clean most windowpanes and mirrors. It is as
simple as spraying the cleaner on the window and wiping it off with paper
towels or newspaper. For more challenging surfaces (such as tinted windows),
you may need to use other materials like steel wool or abrasive cloth.
However,
the best way to clean windows is with a mixture of vinegar and water - it's
cheap, effective, and environmentally friendly. For mirrors, mix some ammonia
in with the water for a streak-free shine.
Bathrooms - don't let them
freak you!
The
bathroom is one of the most important areas in your house, but it's also one of
the most difficult to keep clean. Consider this: if you have a guest over and
they use a messy restroom, what will they think about their experience? Will
they leave feeling refreshed or disgusted by what was left behind?
If you want
guests to feel welcomed and cared for, ensuring every square inch is spotless
should be priority number one! So don't let that dirty toilet seat freak them
out - give it some attention before anyone else gets there first!
The easiest
way to clean your toilet is also one of the oldest methods. Use baking soda on
a damp rag instead of harsh chemicals like bleach which can damage porcelain
surfaces over time. Simply sprinkle some dry powder into the bowl before adding
warm soapy water, then scrub away at those tough spots until they disappear
entirely!
Check your HVAC system and
change your filters
Spring
means colder nights and warmer days, which means your HVAC system will get a
workout. It can be a problem if you haven't been keeping up with routine
maintenance tasks like changing out air filters regularly
or checking for leaks around the house. Get professional help, and you're good!
Ensure
everything works well before starting cleaning/redecorating projects. Otherwise,
there'll likely end up being some sort of mess left behind when all is said and
done (which isn't fun).
Gutter cleaning - not very
interesting but necessary
The winter
seasons must have left a lot of dirt and leaves accumulated in your gutters if
you haven't cleaned them out already. Doing this is a two-person job, so get
someone to help you before attempting it or use a ladder (which isn't the safest
option).
You'll need
some gloves, a bucket, and a hose with nozzle attachment. First, go up on the
ladder and scoop all the debris into the bucket using your hands. Once you've
got most of it, start hosing it down until everything falls away from the
house. If any stubborn pieces are left behind after doing that, get back up on
the ladder and take care of them manually.
Spring theme - the green
team
One of the
inspiring things about spring is that it's a time when everything comes back to
life. Why not celebrate this by having a green team theme in your home? It can
include anything from plants and flowers to natural fabrics for curtains,
upholstery, and bedding.
Another way
to do this is by using nontoxic or eco-friendly cleaning supplies. You might have
to do some research to figure out what works best for your specific situation.
Still, there are plenty of resources online and even in stores these days.
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