A Simple Checklist to Spring Cleaning

Spring is on the way. But with just enough of the days being wet and windy, most of us are waiting for the bright, sunny days. After a long winter and spending a lot of time inside, you’re probably starting to notice the dust and dirt that has built up in your home. Now is the perfect time to deal with the clutter in your home and start your spring cleaning. Maybe you are getting ready to sell your home. Perhaps you’ve just moved into a new place. Or you are in a home that you have loved forever. Here is a checklist and a few tips for where to start!

• Top to Bottom, Back to Front: Ultimately, you want to move all the dust and dirt towards the door and out of your home. The golden rule to remember is to clean from top to bottom.

• Don’t forget to do the fan blades, air vents, and baseboards!

• Dust off your furniture after reaching those high spaces.

• Start in a room with one-way out and then move into the next room.

• Use a damp towel for your walls and blinds.

• Wash your windows on a cloudy day to reduce streaks.

• Unseen Spots: It is easy to say out of sight out of mind but your allergies will thank you when you get to these hard to reach places. You will literally be able to breathe better!

• Wipe above the door moldings.

• Dust those lighting fixtures.

• Move all furniture, roll up all rugs, and vacuum / sweep.

• Move the fridge and get anything behind there. Also clean out and clean the inside!

• Clean out your fireplace

• Clear the dryer vent

• Declutter: Spring cleaning is a great time to get rid of or donate old knick-knacks that only gather dust.

• It’s a good idea to sort your things into bins--one with things to keep and one to be donated.

• Dust the top and behind books and your TV

• Switch over your wardrobe to warmer weather clothing.

• Make sure to put everything back in its place to make your home feel more orderly.

• Don’t forget  the exterior of your home: While it is nice to come home to a clean home, you can’t forget the outside!

• Touch up paint around the doors and windows.

• Power wash the siding  to prevent mold and mildew.

• Clean out the gutters.

• If it’s warm enough, pull any weeds that are growing on stone paths.

• If it’s too cold outside, organize  the garage.

After all these steps, you’ll love how fresh and new your home feels.