If you tuned in on Groundhog Day, you saw that Punxsutawney Phil made his predictions for an early Spring, so let’s get ready for beautiful weather and some spring cleaning tips. Here are some practical tips to help you declutter and organize your home this spring in time to relish in the outdoors this season.
It’s time to reevaluate the contents of your closet and dresser. Clothes tend to pile up and can be one of the most difficult items to let go of. Create separate piles for selling, donating, and tossing. Donate or sell items that are still in good condition, and throw away anything that is worn out or damaged. If you are struggling to determine which clothing items you actually wear, take time to do so by flipping hangars. After wearing an item, rehang it in the closet, with the hanger facing the opposite direction of the others. After a month or so, you will be able to identify the unused items. Think of it as making space for new styles and trends.
To free up even more space in the closet, consider storing winter clothes during the spring and summer months. Since you are unlikely to need your heavy coats, scarves, and gloves right now, it is a good idea to remove them from the main space. If you have an attic or any other storage spots, I encourage you to store them there. This way they are still accessible and you are making your closet more minimalistic.
Next on the list is cleaning your fridge. Take everything out, wipe down the shelves and drawers, and dispose of any expired or spoiled food items. These drawers and shelves can catch a lot of spills and unwanted crumbs that often go unnoticed. Paying special attention to detail here can make a big difference. This will not only make your fridge look better but also prevent any unpleasant smells. An open container of baking soda in the fridge may be your best friend when it comes to reducing food smells in the fridge as well.
Don’t forget to throw out expired products in other areas of your home as well, such as the medicine cabinet, cleaning supplies, and beauty supplies. This will not only declutter your space but also ensure that you are not using any potentially harmful or ineffective products. These are items that can easily be collected if we do not take the time to sort through and replace them. Consider if there are any products you tried once and never used again. It is probably best to let them go and prioritize the ones you actually use.
Another area to tackle is the infamous junk drawer. We all have one, but let’s remedy that before it gets too overwhelming. Sort through the items and decide what you want to keep, what can be thrown away, and what can be organized into other drawers or containers. Some things may end up staying there, and that is okay, but we want it to be manageable and up to date. Those expired coupons and dried-out pens no longer deserve their spot there.
The garage seems to be the junk drawer of the home. Organize sports equipment, outdoor tools, car maintenance items, and everything else into separate bins or shelves. Also, take the time to consider if you can part with any unused equipment or dispose of items that have seen better days. A quick sweep and clean in the garage is typically on the backburner when it comes to housecleaning but it is necessary as well.
For soft furniture cushions, take them outside and give them a good shake and fluff. Remove any loose dirt or debris, and spot-clean any newly found stains. This will help refresh your cushions and keep them looking and feeling their best. Also, removing the cushions can reveal a whole world of hidden gunk that has fallen between the cushions. Go ahead and vacuum those crumbs and dust bunnies while you are focused on it.
Washing curtains is another important task that often gets overlooked. Take them down and follow the washing instructions on the label. This will not only remove any dust and allergens but also freshen up the look of your room. This includes shower curtains, especially the shower liners which inherently collect grime at the bottom.
As an average-height person, it may go unnoticed, but ceiling lights and fans are notorious for collecting dust over time. It may take more time and effort to dust those hard-to-reach places, but it saves you from turning on that fan and scattering even more dust throughout your home. If you use a duster or soft cloth to clean them you can save yourself more work in the long run. This will improve the air quality in your home and make your lights look brighter.
Now that you have dusted up high, let’s take a look down low at the floors. You may have been vacuuming and mopping all year, but it may not be routine to get every inch. Spring cleaning calls for thorough vacuuming under the rugs, behind furniture, and in all the hidden places. Dust bunnies and dirt start to build up under heavy furniture that gets avoided. Even though they may not always be visible, it is gratifying to know that they are spotless.
Although it is not often discussed, cleaning your washing machine and filter is a must. To do this, run an empty cycle with hot water and ¼ a cup of white vinegar to eliminate any buildup and odors. Some washers may also have a “self-clean cycle” option. Emptying the filter will only take about five minutes, but it helps your machine run more efficiently and prolong its lifespan.
There is no better time than the present to rinse out the drains. Drains can unknowingly be the source of smells in your home that sneak up on you. With the combination of vinegar, baking soda, and hot water you can combat those odors and contribute to preventing a clog. Start by pouring half a cup of baking soda down the drain. Then, go in with half a cup of the white vinegar, and cover the drain for about 15 minutes. Finally, pour boiling water down the drain, and voila.
Wash your windows, both inside and out. Use a window cleaner and a squeegee to remove any dirt and streaks. You may not even realize that they need to be cleaned until you get started. After cleaning, you will be able to see out of them so much better and the light will shine right through to brighten your home.
Outdoor furniture deserves special attention with the upcoming warmer months, as you may find yourself using it more this time of year. Wipe down surfaces with a damp cloth, and remove any cobwebs or debris. The absence of those will make them much more inviting and comforting. For plastic furniture, use a mixture of water and mild detergent. For wood or metal furniture, use a furniture-specific cleaner. This will extend the life of your furniture, and give your patio a little makeover.
Clean gutters are essential for protecting your home from water damage and leaks, especially as we welcome April showers. Also, routine upkeep will promote your gutters to last longer. Remove any debris such as leaves, branches, and twigs, and use a hose to flush out any remaining dirt or buildup. A helpful tip to make your life easier is to wait for everything to dry before attempting to remove it, so you may not want to tackle this task right after rain. It is also a good idea to check for any signs that your gutters need to be replaced or repaired while you are up close.
Your yard is an extension of your home which also benefits from a spring tune-up. Removing weeds and raking any unwanted debris primes your yard for the desired vibrant green grass. Also, be sure to remove any dead plants from your gardens and prune any shrubs that you may have. To be extra environmentally conscious, you can add those twigs, dead plants, and leaves to a compost bin.
Last, but not least, prepare to roll out that power washer. Your driveway, deck, home exterior, patio, and garage can all benefit from a powerful shower. This will remove any dirt, stains, or mildew that has accumulated over time. It’s also an excellent way to prepare your home for painting or other maintenance tasks. Just remember to protect any plants or fixtures that can be harmed, before getting started.
Once you get started it can seem like there are a million little things to do. Forget about the pressure and go at your own pace. Little by little you can make your home the best version of itself with a little extra TLC. These are only a handful of the ways you can revitalize your home, so do what feels best for your environment. Happy spring cleaning!
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