How to Make Spring Cleaning Easier
Do your prep work. Put together a cleaning kit that you can tote from room to room to simplify your cleaning. The first thing you will require is something to carry it all in. A bucket works fine, or you can buy a special divided caddy. Next, stock up on some micro fiber cloths. These washable cloths work wonders on windows, and dust without leaving lint. Pack cleaners such as furniture polish, glass cleaner, disinfectant, and powder cleanser. A spray bottle of water will come in handy, as will a few sponges and some rubber gloves. This is also a good time to change your vacuum cleaner bag, check the belt, and make sure you have the attachments together.
In any room, always remember to start at the top and work your way down. This will allow you to end by vacuuming up any dust you have brushed down. Also, start at one side of the room and work your way across. This will prevent you from being sidetracked.
Start in the living room by vacuuming any cobwebs from the corners. Take down any pictures, mirrors, or wall art and wipe the wall behind them. Clean the frames and glass and replace. Spray a micro fiber cloth with glass cleaner and wipe down any glass and electronics. Spray another micro fiber cloth with disinfectant and wipe doorknobs, switch plates, and other fingerprinted areas. Spray a cloth with water and wipe the baseboards. Wipe down any wood furniture with polish. Vacuum upholstered furniture and if possible, move it and vacuum beneath it. Vacuum the carpets, taking care to vacuum the edges of the room and any window or sliding glass door tracks with the edging tool.
In the bedroom, start by removing and laundering any heavy bedding, slipcovers, and window treatments. Clean the room in the same manner as the living room. Using your trusty attachments, vacuum the box spring and mattress. Now is a good time to turn your mattress. Experts say pillows should be replaced every year or two, so check yours to make sure they are still in good shape. If not, get new ones.
Begin in the bathroom by flushing the toilet. When the water starts to refill squirt the bowl and rim with toilet bowl cleaner. Close the lid and allow the cleaner to sit. Throw the shower curtain in the washer with two towels and detergent. The towels will add friction to remove soap scum and hard water spots. When it is done, simply hang it back up and allow to drip dry. Scrub shower, bathtub, and sink with powder cleanser, then rinse and wipe dry. Spritz a micro fiber cloth with glass cleaner and clean handles and faucets as well as mirrors. Wipe the toilet down with disinfectant (with a paper towel) and scrub the bowl with a toilet brush. Wipe switches and handles with disinfectant as well. Scrub the bathroom floor taking care to wipe around the toilet and any pipes or corners.
In the kitchen, start by coating the oven interior with oven cleaner. Fill sink with hot water and 1/4 cup of bleach and let stand. Carefully move any appliances and sweep and mop behind them. Using your brush attachment vacuum the refrigerator coils. Discard any bad or old food from the fridge and freezer, and wipe down the inside. Wipe down large and small appliances, and wipe down cabinets and counters. Drain bleach and water mixture from sink and rinse well. Scrub the sink with powder cleanser and rinse well again. Using a clean micro fiber cloth dry the sink and polish it with glass cleaner. Wipe the stove clean with a sponge wearing rubber gloves.
Before you know it, your home will be as fresh as springtime.
