Spring Cleaning Tip #1: Start with a list
Spring cleaning is a serious undertaking. Therefore time and organization are essential to the finished product. You need a list of everything you want to clean.
Put the most critical cleaning projects at the top of the list with the least important tasks at the end. Thus a list will keep you from getting distracted.
As you create your spring cleaning list, it helps to walk around your house looking from top to bottom as you go. Look for dirt, disorganization, and piles of things that need to be put away or organized.
The purpose behind spring cleaning is freshening up the house in addition to cleaning things that are more difficult in the cold and wet of winter.
I don’t know about you, but cleaning windows in the cold has never been on my “to do” list. Generally, sitting by the fire with coffee and a warm blanket is more in line with my winter activities.
Spring Cleaning Must-Have Items
Microfiber Cloth Cleaning Set
I use similar cleaning cloths in my home. They are my workhorses in every room of the house. You can’t go wrong with several sets on hand.
E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop
The E-cloth mop is very similar to the mop I use in my own home. Mop buckets and sopping wet floors are a thing of the past. The telescoping handle on this mop makes cleaning floors easy with less mess.
E-Cloth Deep Clean Mop Head
Have extra mop heads on hand to keep you on schedule with your cleaning goals. The mop heads rinse out in the sink with no mop bucket needed.
Toilet Bowl Brush and Holder Set
A toilet bowl brush and holder set in each bathroom will save you significant time. You will always have a toilet brush right where you need it. Messes can be cleaned immediately instead of waiting for a more convenient time.
Shark Apex DuoClean with Self-Cleaning Brushroll
The Shark Apex DuoClean is perfect for quick cleanups around the home. I love that it can go from carpet to bare floors so quickly. My favorite feature is the ability to use it under furniture without issue. There is no reason to move your furniture when the Shark DuoClean can do the job with little effort. The lightweight vacuum has great pickup ability that outperforms my Kirby!
Tip #2: Have needed supplies on hand for spring cleaning
One of my biggest pet peeves is having to stop a task to go and get what I need from the store or other parts of the house.
It makes me crazy!
Therefore once I begin a job, I don’t want to stop until it is complete. You will save so much time by having everything you need before you ever start.
For example, start with a list of required supplies. Think about cleaning solutions, vacuum cleaner bags, dust rags, paper towels, and trash bags.
If you will be doing a lot of laundry such as bedding, pillows, and seat covers, be sure to stock up on laundry supplies as well.
Spring is a great time to replace batteries in things like flashlights and smoke detectors. So, in addition to adding batteries to your shopping list, add light bulbs as well. As you walk around the house making your list, you will most likely notice light bulbs that have burned out. And because of this, they will need to be replaced.
Tip #3: Plan for March and April to Accomplish the Spring Cleaning
This cleaning project that you have set out to accomplish will not get done in a week. In brief, you are getting ready to deep clean your house.
Plan to give yourself plenty of time. March and April are the perfect months for this. The cold weather is leaving while summer has not yet set in. Opening the windows and letting things air out will be refreshing and, hopefully, warm.
Hire a baby sitter or line up a friend or family member to take your kiddos on an outing while you tackle the more significant cleaning projects.
As a rule, you will have better focus while accomplishing more in less time. If your kids are older like mine, you can get them in on the cleaning process.
#4: Use small increments of time
Save yourself the frustration of planning too much at once. Pick a day where the house will be empty to do all of the vacuumings.
It’s loud and, at the same time, requires a lot of moving furniture to get the job done correctly. In other words, all of this is easier if you don’t have people to work around as well.
Don’t empty the entire contents of your closet. To clarify, work on small parts of it at a time.
That is to say; you could be stuck with the mess all over a room if you are unable to finish the task during one cleaning session. That creates the problem of having to live around the clutter until the project is complete.
And trust me, no one wants that!
I use a great method of cleaning 15 minutes at a time. However, some spring cleaning projects will require much more time than that, but, you can do several 15-minute sessions throughout the day.
It is a great way to work in cleaning slots around your regular schedule.
For example, even if all you did were 15 minutes of cleaning a day for all of March and April, you would have cleaned for a little over 15 HOURS! Imagine that!
I would much rather clean a little at a time than to spend two eight hour days cleaning. Or even worse, cleaning for 15 hours straight in one day.
No one has time for that. You can read more about how I clean 15 minutes at a time here.
Tip #5: Plan cleaning projects based on daily commitments
Plan out your schedule for March and April. Check your calendar for all commitments and plan accordingly. See what days you have nothing planned and use those days for the more significant cleaning projects.
On days where you have small pockets of time, plan tasks that will be complete in 15 minutes or less. Even if you have to do several 15-minute sessions during the day, you will still be able to accomplish a lot.
Tip #6: Save larger cleaning projects for the weekend
Think about projects like cleaning out the garage, getting the yard ready for spring, or detailing your vehicles. De-cluttering and taking things to a donation site will also require more time than a 15-minute cleaning session.
The weekend is the perfect time for much bigger projects. A day off from work because of a holiday is another great way to tackle the big jobs.
And again, you don’t have to do it all in one weekend. Spread it out over several weekends if you are able. Don’t forget to take a weekend off to recoup when you need rest.
Tip #7: Include your outside area
I mentioned the outside and vehicles previously because they are big projects for some people. So, don’t forget about them! They are just as important as the inside of your house.
Give the inside of your car a good vacuuming session. Clean up any spills on the floor or the upholstery. Certainly don’t forget to check the windshield wipers as well and replace them if necessary.
Your yard may need a spruce up from dead leaves or flowerbeds re-mulched. In addition, prune plants and replant where needed.
Here is an example of what your Spring Cleaning schedule may look like:
- Monday – Vacuum walls, blinds, vents, and baseboards.
- Tuesday – Vacuum mattresses, carpets, furniture, and lampshades.
- Wednesday – Clean the vent hood in the kitchen, wipe down cabinets, and clean the refrigerator.
- Thursday – Sweep and mop all floors, clean mirrors, and dust picture frames.
- Friday – Deep clean bathrooms, most importantly around and under the toilet seat, shower grout, showerheads, sink, and faucets. Wipe down cabinets as well. This is my favorite bathroom cleaner. And trust me, I have tried many different ones. Just the smell alone makes me want to clean! Method Natural Tub & Tile Bathroom Cleaner
- Saturday – Deep clean oven and microwave. Wash windows while waiting for the oven cleaning method you use to work.
- Sunday – REST! You have earned it!
Use this as an example of what a week of spring cleaning might look like for you. Certainly adjust according to your daily schedule and needs. Equally important is to make a list of tasks you want to accomplish each week during March and April. A plan in place will help keep you on track.
Also, group tasks together that are similar or that use the same cleaners and tools. As a result, it will make for a more organized routine.
How I am currently getting ready to spring clean:
I start by making sure that I am current on my laundry, dishes, and grocery shopping. To clarify, always start a big project once you catch up on the everyday tasks that need attention.
If the laundry is as high as Mount Everest and the fridge has only condiments with a drip of milk in the milk jug, you will not be spring cleaning anything.
First things first.
Preparation is key.
Don’t get bogged down in catching up. The chances are that some of the catch up will happen along the way. But be sure that you aren’t behind on things you will need to live life during the week. Your goal is to be able to focus on your big task without being distracted.
Or tripping over your laundry piles on the way to the fridge.
What do you have the most trouble with when it comes to cleaning? Let me know in the comments below. I would love to help!
Your savvy tip for the day is to make time in your spring cleaning schedule to touch up the paint in your house. I did this in my own home while preparing for Christmas, and as a result, I loved it!
It made my house feel cleaner just by eliminating all of the spots on the wall that were bugging me. I kept it simple. firstly, I walked around with a red Solo cup with paint in it and a paintbrush. Secondly, I walked around and touched up the color in all of the places that needed it.
I have found a few areas that require an additional touch up, so this task is on my current cleaning list!