It’s that time of year again! Even if you keep your home neat and tidy all year round, dirt and germs appear in places most people normally don’t pay attention to as the months go by. Cleaning under appliances, behind beds and on top of bookcases removes dust, bacteria and other contaminants that can affect the health of your family and pets.
Rather than dreading the task and putting it off, try getting everyone involved in a spring cleaning event. Use the following tips to help get the job done:
1. Make (or find online) a checklist of what needs to be cleaned. Schedule cleaning dates. Dedicating one full weekend to cleaning works for many families.
2. Create a cleaning kit that can be carried from room to room. Include cleaners, cleaning tools, paper towels, trash bags and anything else you might need.
3. Before starting, declutter the house, throwing everything that needs to be put away into a laundry basket. Replace items after each room is cleaned.
4. Clean all bathrooms (usually the most dreaded rooms) first.
5. Tackle rooms individually, finishing each one before starting another. It’s easy to get sidetracked and leave a job unfinished, so try to stick with one room at a time.
6. Work from top to bottom. Start with ceilings and walls (don’t forget ceiling fans!), then do windows, shelves, tables, drawers, knobs/handles, other surfaces, and then floors. Sweep carpets before vacuuming to loosen ground-in dust and dirt.
7. Rent an upholstery cleaner (many grocery stores offer this service) to clean couches, curtains and other fabric surfaces. Wash all sheets and bedding (including dust ruffles).
8. Move large pieces of furniture and appliances; sweep and mop the areas underneath them. Clean refrigerator coils with a soft brush and vents with cotton-tip swabs.
9. Empty kitchen cupboards and clean shelves; throw away expired food items. Do the same with refrigerator/freezer shelves and drawers.
10. Play music while you’re cleaning to keep you moving! And reward yourself with a dinner out or another treat when you finish.