5 TIPS FOR SPRING CLEANING


The only thing I hate more than having a dirty home is cleaning. Spring is here and it's that time of year again, time to deep clean and clear out what you don't need.

I was recently inspired by Joanna Gaines, in the spring issue of the Magnolia Journal she shares her tips and tricks for spring cleaning, as well as a room-by-room checklist (see below). As I went down the list, I discovered things around that house that I would have never thought to clean, like my washing machine.

Another thing that stood out was what Joanna said, "Surrounding yourself with neat, clean spaces can reduce stress and anxiety. It can clear your mind so you can focus and relax."

Since my home is where I spend my entire day, this is especially true for me. I do get stressed when things are scattered all over the house, like when toys end up all over the family room, laundry begins to overflow and dishes start piling up. I created 5 tips to help me make cleaning easier and not so overwhelming.


Tip #1: Make a list
I love to make lists, whether it's a to do list or grocery list, lists really help me stay organized and focused. I first make a list of every room, then I make a sublist of all the areas in the room that need to be cleaned.  This will help you tackle the cleaning without feeling overwhelmed.


Tip #2: Clean one room at a time
After your list is complete, tackle one room at a time.  Spring cleaning might take you a week or so to complete. Don't put the added the stress of doing it all in one day. Breaking it down room by room will allow you schedule the cleaning. So take you time and do a thorough cleaning one room at a time.


Tip #3: Get into places you don't normally clean
Remember, spring cleaning is that time where you get into the nooks and crannies and spaces you normally don't get to on a regular basis.  Example, I was dusting our library and I noticed that the tops of the books (that aren't looked at on a regular basis) were covered in a thick layer of dust.  I pulled out every single book and one by one vacuumed the dust up.

Another place you normally don't clean is the laundry room.  I know, I didn't think the laundry room needed cleaning.  Well actually you need to clean out/empty the washing machine drain pan and clean the dryer vent. I also found a hack online to keep your washer disinfected and smelling fresh. Pour a half cup of mouthwash in the barrel and set the washer to the rinse cycle and voila. This is good to do periodically.  

Another place that needs extra attention is the kitchen, mainly the appliances.  Occasional deep cleaning is needed for places like the the top of the fridge, the inside of the oven, cabinets, and pantry. I take this time to also clean out the the inside of the refrigerator and freezer. I pull everything out, clean the entire thing with soapy water and throw away anything that doesn't need to go back in.  To keep you fridge and freezer fresh, place a box of baking soda in each.


Tip #4: Declutter and Purge
This is one of my favorite things to do, I love to get rid of things we don't use.  I am the opposite of a hoarder. If I don't use it or have place for it, it's out of my house.  My style is modern, so clean and simple is how I like my house and life.  

Just a month a ago, my husband I started to tackle and clean out our garage. Six years later and we still have boxes, of what I consider to be junk, in the garage from our move back in 2011.

The closet is another place to purge during spring cleaning. Make 3 piles; keep, donate, and trash.  Again, since I like clean and simple, I don't have an extensive wardrobe.  I like to have the staple pieces to create a variety of outfits.  So, if there is something in my closet that I haven't used in the last six months, out it goes.  

With the exceptions of seasonal clothes, you should wear everything in your closet on a regular basis. I like to donate our clothes to foundations and organizations that give the clothes to the less fortunate.


Tip #5: Revisit tips 1-4 a few times a year
If you occasionally clean the areas you don't on a weekly basis, by the time spring comes around it won't seem like such a hard task to tackle.

Despite not being a fan of cleaning, it's a great feeling when you see the results of your hard work. It is so nice to sit down and enjoying a clean home. Below is Joanna Gaines room-by-room cleaning checklist.  Happy cleaning!!!








Comments

  1. We should know any cleaning tips to clean our house regularly. Need more tips household cleaning tips click here.

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