Spring is finally here! Even a mild winter can still feel like it lasts forever when you’ve got a bad case of cabin fever. With a new season beginning, it can be nice to give your home a fresh start. Spring cleaning is an annual tradition for many people, but it doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Here are a few helpful hints to make some of the biggest spring cleaning chores a little bit easier.
Windows
Now that spring has arrived, you’ll want to have your curtains open more often to let in some of that sunshine you’ve been missing for the past few months. When that time comes, you don’t want to be stuck looking at dirty windows, so springtime is a good time to wash your windows inside and out.
Try to wash your windows on an overcast day since heat from the sun can cause your cleaning solution to dry on the window and leave a streaky finish behind. Whether you’re working on the inside or outside of your window, one of the best things you can do is start by rinsing the window off or wiping it down to get rid of large pieces of dirt so they won’t get dragged around your window as you wash them. Be sure to use a squeegee or a lint-free cloth to get the best finish and be careful not to use too much cleaning solution.
Don’t forget your blinds or curtains! It’s also a good time of year to clean those up, too. The best way to go about this purely depends on what your window treatments are made of. Some types of curtains might be able to just be put in the washing machine, but some types of materials might need to be hand washed, steam cleaned, or brought to a dry cleaner. Vacuum cleaner attachments can be very helpful in keeping both blinds and curtains clean since they can allow you to get rid of larger pieces of dust without having to take anything down.
While you’re spending so much time around your windows, give each of them a good inspection to make sure everything is still in good condition. Replace your weatherstripping if it’s looking worn and patch up sealing that’s looking thin. If you’ve been thinking of replacing your windows with new vinyl replacement windows, it’s a great time of year to have that done!
Floors
Even if you’re good about vacuuming on a regular basis, you might want to consider having your carpeting deep cleaned a couple of times per year. You can hire someone to do this for you, or you can rent a carpet cleaning machine at your local hardware store. Area rugs should be taken outside and shaken out and beaten.
If you have wood or laminate flooring, remember that vacuuming is still an extremely effective way of cleaning your floors. A soft microfiber mop is another one of the best ways tools you can have to keep your wood or laminate floors clean. Using liquid cleaners on your floors should be avoided unless absolutely necessary, but if you ever need to do it, be extremely careful not to use too much cleaner on the floor. Don’t apply liquid cleaners directly to the floor and if possible, use cleaning products made by your flooring’s manufacturer.
Closets
Getting your closets in order is one of the most important parts of spring cleaning. After all, if your closets are completely packed with stuff, it can be hard to get the rest of your home organized, too. If you’ve got a cluttered closet, try separating your things into three piles: things you definitely want to keep, things you can definitely get rid of, and things you’re not sure if you should keep. Since it shouldn’t take much time to figure out which things should definitely stay and which things should definitely go, you’ll only have to focus on the things you’re unsure about.
Having a tough time narrowing those things down or is your “keep” pile too big? Try getting some advice from a friend. Since your friend won’t have any kind of sentimental attachment to your things, they might be able to help you thin out your belongings.
