Spring is here, the sun is shining, and it’s time to open the windows—that also means it’s time to get out the cleaning supplies! April is a great time to do your spring cleaning, especially after a Minnesota winter where salt and snow have been tracked into the home for months. Because deep cleaning tends to be done seasonally, many allergens get trapped inside during the year, which is tough for those with allergies. A big list of chores can be daunting, so we’ve put together some tips to help you with your cleaning this season.
De-clutter and organize.
Before grabbing the cleaning supplies, go through your clothes, knick-knacks, and other items that have been sitting in the bottom of a drawer or collecting dust. Organize your jam-packed closet by putting out of season clothes and accessories in bins to help keep it tidy. Create two piles for your unwanted items: trash and donate/give away.
Clean room by room.
Cleaning tasks can be forgotten if you clean your home at random—instead, tackle your chores room by room. While some people get their cleaning done in a weekend, you may need to spread your cleaning out over a week or two, so make a schedule of what room you’re cleaning on which day. This can lessen a lot of the stress that can come with deep cleaning.
Think about air quality.
It’s important to replace HVAC filters every couple of months so that you and your family are breathing clean air. Many people open the windows during spring, which lets pollen and other allergens in, so dust frequently to get rid of these extra particles. If anyone in your family suffers from spring allergies, consider adding an air purifier to their bedroom to alleviate those symptoms.
Don’t forget about trouble areas.
While you may keep a clean and tidy home throughout the year, there are certain tasks that homeowners tend to forget about when handling routine chores. In the kitchen, make sure to wipe down cabinets and shelves, and throw away any old items. It’s also a good idea to clean out the refrigerator and wipe down the exterior and interior.
In the bathroom, clean or replace the fan if it’s dusty or performing poorly. If you haven’t recently, change out the interior shower curtain, as this gathers mildew and mold over time. You should also clean those hard-to-reach areas, like behind the toilet.
Spring cleaning should feel like a refresh and a breath of fresh air, so don’t stress too much about it. Split up your chores between family members, turn on some music, and get cleaning!