We love spring cleaning for both its physical and psychological benefits. Here are ten spring cleaning tips you can use any time of year, but especially when you’re spring cleaning this season.
#1 Clean Top to Bottom
Cleaning should always be done top to bottom. That way any dirt, dust and crumbs that fall to the floor while you’re working can get picked up last after a good sweep. Believe it or not, there is a right way to select a broom for sweeping. For indoor sweeping, choose a broom with fine bristles to pick up small dirt particles. For outdoor sweeping, look for a broom with strong, stiff bristles, which work well to clear porous surfaces. Whether sweeping indoors or outdoors, don’t forget to choose a sturdy dust pan!
#2 Save the Stove for Last
When cleaning your kitchen, clean the stove last. The stove is typically one of the dirtiest parts of the kitchen, so ending with it keeps you from spreading dirt and grease to other areas. Although a little bit of elbow grease can go a long way in removing actual grease, soaking drip pans and stove knobs in warm soapy water will make them easier to clean, or use your own homemade organic cleaning solution. Allow them to soak 15-20 minutes before scrubbing.
#3 Wash the Dishwasher
That’s right, wash your dishwasher!
#4 Disinfect the Disposal
To rid your disposal of any unwanted odors, cut up a fresh lemon wedge and drop it down the disposal then throw in some basic table salt and a few ice cubes. The lemon wedge will deodorize the disposal while the ice cubes and salt clean away any residue.
#5 Clean Your Closet
Most of us have dresser drawers and closets full of clothes we don’t wear. Use the spring cleaning season to go through your wardrobe and get rid of any clothing you haven’t worn in a year or more. Donate anything that no longer fits or clothing that is out of style.
#6 Multitask
We usually like to focus on one thing at a time, but when it comes to spring cleaning, multitask! Before you get down and dirty in the kitchen, get a load of laundry going and keep up with it as you go through the day.
Laundry tip: Wash everything in cold water except for sheets, towels and under garments. Cold water is environmentally friendly and saves you money. Bed sheets, bathroom towels and under garments should be washed in hot water to sanitize them.
#7 Start a Lost and Found
Every house needs a lost and found. Use a basket or storage container to store any ‘lost items’ left around the house. Whether it’s a spare set of keys, a missing sock or smaller items, place them all in the household lost and found basket, then when you’re in need of something that went MIA, you’ll know where to look.
#8 Get a Handle on Handles
Think of how many times you touch handles around your house: kitchen cupboard handles, bathroom cabinet handles, even light switches in each room and remote controls. Fill a cleaning bucket with warm soapy water and a washcloth then sanitize all surfaces that are most susceptible to dirty hands.
#9 Mop the Floors
Sweeping floors is a good start, but take your spring cleaning one step further and mop your floors too. Grab your ProMist® MAX Microfiber Spray Mop, fill with water and 2 tsp of your own solution and go! Safe to use on all hard surfaces, the ProMist® MAX Microfiber Spray Mop can be used on hardwood, tile, vinyl, laminate, ceramic, marble or stone surfaces.
#10 Have the Right Mindset
When it comes to spring cleaning, try and reset your attitude. Don’t think of spring cleaning as a chore, but rather an opportunity to bring order back to your household for the start of a new season.
