Spring has finally arrived, which means it’s the perfect time to deep clean your home!
According to a survey conducted by the American Cleaning Institute, 91% of Americans participate in spring cleaning each year. That’s an impressive number. But the question is: Are they focusing on the right things? Here are six tips to help with your spring cleaning this year:
1. Wash windows. Having clean and clear windows will allow you to view spring in all its glory. To keep the sunlight shining through, be sure to remove any dirt, grime, and dust that accumulated over the winter. Clean on a cloudy day when the windows aren’t in direct sunlight, which can cause cleaning liquids to dry too quickly and leave streaks.
2. Clear gutters. If you don’t remove debris from your gutters, you may run into issues with roofing, siding, and foundation. On a rainy day, check and see if water is emptying from your downspouts. If it’s not, it’s likely clogged. Most debris consist of small leaves and sticks that can be removed by hand or a handheld leaf blower. Flushing the gutters with a garden hose will help get rid of dirt and small particles.
3. Repair the roof. Winter weather is hard on shingles. Ice can freeze under shingles, making them curl and separate from the roof. Inspect your roof after the snow has melted to see if any shingles are missing, ripped, or curled. Make sure to get shingles fixed or nailed back down. Loose shingles expose your roof to the elements, which can eventually lead to more serious problems like water damage and mold.
4. Declutter and organize. This can be a daunting task depending on how unorganized your home is. Don’t be intimidated. Start small with a drawer. Take everything out of the drawer, clean it up, then put the things back in. Let go of the things that are junk, and then put everything back. If you’re looking to organize your closet, color-coordinating your clothes can save you time when you get ready in the morning. Try to limit the number of things on the floor so you can walk in your closet and not trip over stuff. Organizing your pantry can be as simple as adding extra containers to contain your food items.
5. Clean out the garage. A National Association of Professional Organizers survey found that 50% of homeowners said the garage was their most disorganized area. When you tackle this commonly cluttered space, you’ll want to remove everything not screwed down. This will make it easier to give the garage a thorough cleaning. You’ll also be able to figure out which items are worth keeping or throwing out. Make sure all windows or any doors that open to the outside are open. This will give your musty garage an airing out now that all the clutter is gone. Remember to wipe down shelving as well.
6. Clean out the fridge. It is recommended that you unplug your refrigerator before you clean it [just make sure you remember to plug it back in!]. Check expiration labels as you determine which items to throw out. Remove shelves and baskets from the fridge and wash them with soapy water. Treat tough spills by dipping a microfiber cloth into the soapy water and sprinkle it with baking soda.
Following these tips will help you get your home spick and span. Spring cleaning can be quite an undertaking. The important thing is not to get overwhelmed. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to hire professional help if you need it. Happy cleaning!
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