Get ready for spring cleaning

Take advantage of the first mild days to get a head start on spring cleaning. This is the season to refresh your home and give it a major once-over. It’s a time to catch up on the tough tasks we don’t include in our weekly cleaning routines.

Start with a schedule

Since this is a once-a-year project, it can get overwhelming. To make your annual spring cleaning more successful—and avoid turning it into a marathon—break tasks down into short, productive chunks of time. 

Use a cleaning checklist and assign yourself to one major chore or several smaller tasks a day, depending on what your schedule allows. 

Create a realistic schedule and focus on one task at a time.

Plan on several days for more involved projects, such as washing walls, doors and baseboards; or organizing closets.

Inventory cleaning tools

When gearing up for spring cleaning, start with stocking up on basic household cleaners and list the cleaning tools you have on hand. 

Dispose of expired or outdated cleaning products. 

Avoid using equipment that is no longer up to the task. 

Throw out old or worn-out cleaning items, such as mops or old vacuum cleaners, which can create more work by leaving surfaces dirty.  

Maintain your cleaning tools, too. Using a dirty mop or a vacuum with a full bag is much less effective, and you’ll end up spending more time trying to clean.

Prepare for allergy season

Early spring is a good time to get rid of any accumulated dust and dander before allergy season.  Start by dusting first—working from the ceiling down to the floor to avoid having to redo your work. Use a damp dust mop or cloth to wipe away the dust. The damp mop will catch the dust and prevent it from spreading around in the air.

De-clutter the room

Clearing out clutter before you start cleaning is a major part of the cleaning process. Stacks of newspapers, magazines and just plain stuff can pile up and make a room look messy. Use this time to consider whether you should put things away, toss them, or donate them.

Make cleaning a family affair

One of the best ways to clean a house fast is to get others to help with the chores. Schedule a time with your family, and assign tasks to each person. Working together will not only cut the time it takes to clean, but can also turn a boring chore into a fun experience.

Call in the professionals

Save some larger tasks for the pros. Check out services in your area. Hiring outside help can save you time and physical work. For example: washing windows can be a grueling task, but one that a professional can finish in a couple of days. You can bring someone in to steam-clean your floors, too. Also, in the spring we switch over seasonal clothing; it’s a good time to consider hiring a closet organizer or a de-cluttering expert.

Spring cleaning isn’t the most fun project, but when you are done, you can breathe a sigh of relief and enjoy your newly clean home.