Spring Cleaning
by Jordan Marie Green

Flowers are pushing their heads through the thawing soil and everywhere you look, you see cut outs of baby animals and advertisements for allergy medicine. The sun is showing hints of an extended stay and March 20th was technically the first day of spring. All you want to do is head outdoors with a picnic lunch and cozy blanket, but there’s one thing standing in your way: spring cleaning.

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Yes, the most wonderful time of the year is plagued by hours of gritty and grimy cleaning. But you have to admit, after months of winter hibernation, it’s time to get down and dirty. Here are a few tips that will help you to get started, as well as a step-by-step guide for each room.

Analyze Your Area

Before you grab your weapons (mop and broom), take a few minutes to organize your battle strategy. First, make an observation of your battle field. In each room, jot down problem areas, leaving space between each problem to include ways to address the mess. Some examples include: overflowing bookshelves, piles of shoes by the entryway, and clothes falling off their hangers. Don’t forget to check in junk drawers, garages, closets, storage rooms, and yards.

Recognize Your Reasons

After your observe the space that you’re working with, take a few minutes to recognize the reasons for the clutter. Is there a reason that we have so many books? Sure, my husband and kids love to read, plus we got rid of that old bookshelf that helped to hold many of the books. Why don’t we keep the shoes somewhere else? They’re so convenient next to the front door, as we can just shove them on our feet before heading out. Repeat this process in each room until you’ve recognized reasons for all your problem areas.

Search For Solutions

Here comes the fun part. It’s time to search for solutions to your problems. Consider certain habits or behaviors that can fix your mess. Also, think about tools that could help organize certain areas. Maybe we should donate the kids’ old picture books to the elementary school. I could pick up some multi-layered hangers for the clothes in our closet. Search for solutions for problems that annoy you the most. Discuss combat methods with friends…or call your mother! Make decisions on how best to fix your problem areas, then write down the solutions.

Follow Through

If you only found a few problem spots, count your blessings; it’ll be easier for you to implement your changes immediately. Make a list of tools that you’ll need to solve your clutter problems. Buy the tools and set them up in your house. If you’re worried about spending hundreds of dollars on such tools, take it one room at a time Don’t just admire these doohickeys for their organizational glory—put them to the test. Now, solving your problems won’t work unless you force yourself to put your shoes on the shoe rack. Make sure your family members know about the new rules in keeping the house uncluttered. Keep them involved as much as possible, so that you call can work together towards one goal.

Be patient; keeping track of the little items in your house will bring much relief and you won’t have another breakdown if you momentarily lose your keys. Evaluate and review each room with your list in hand. Take ten minutes during each day and make a round through your house, checking if you’ve kept up the changes in each room. Smile at those straightened books and give yourself a pat on the back for doing such a great job!

Now that you’ve had a bit of time to organize the little things, you’re prepared for the big picture. Here’s a spring cleaning checklist for each room of the house that will serve as a guide for this seasonal clean-a-thon.

Kitchen: 1-2 hours

Before you attempt to put new foil on your stove’s burners, take fifteen minutes to do a quick cleanup. This includes clearing out the clutter, doing dishes, and wiping counters. Next, dust down corners of walls and the ceiling. Remember to spot wash air vents, dirty spots on walls, doors, and doorknobs. Then dust and wipe all picture frames and art on the walls. Dust the ceiling fans and wipe blades.

Next, take down drapes, curtains, and blinds to clean according to their directions. Turn your oven to self-clean while you clean your refrigerator. Make sure that you leave your kitchen windows open to avoid the fumes. Be sure to vacuum the coils of your fridge while it’s unplugged. Take some time to sweep and mop underneath the fridge while it’s moved from its original spot. Sort through your fridge and freezer, throwing out expired food, and wiping it— inside and out. Clean out the oven according to directions on the over cleaner.

Moving on to the stove: remove knobs, burners, burner covers, and spill catchers, and wipe down the entire stove. Then do the same with other appliances, like the toaster, blender, and microwave. Remember to unplug all appliances before cleaning. Next, clean out the kitchen cabinets, relining them if needed. Get rid of anything that isn’t used regularly. Take time to reorganize contents.

Run the dishwasher empty, adding vinegar or baking soda to it before starting it. Clean out its food trap, then wipe down its exterior. Next, wash down the countertops and backsplashes. Clean out drawers and organize your flatware. Feel free to install drawer dividers as a way to better organize them.

Finally, wash out the sink and pour baking soda and warm water down the garbage disposal to freshen the drain. To sharpen the blades, put ice cubes through the disposal. Then, sweep and mop the floors. Don’t forget to clean the baseboards!

Bathrooms: 45 minutes-1 hour each

Like in the kitchen, take fifteen minutes to do a quick cleanup. Spend this time getting rid of trash and laundry. Then dust the ceiling and corners. Wipe down walls and dust wall art. Dust the vents and fans, using a gentle cleanser mixed with water. Wash and dry light fixtures. Then, remove drapes, curtains, and blinds and follow directions in having them cleaned. Dust blinds and windowsill; remove and rinse off screens.

Now comes the dirty work. Scrub the shower and tub, including fixtures and shower doors. Have your shower curtain cleaned and replace its liner. Dissolve soap scum with commercial or natural cleaners. Then, move on to the toilet. Scrub it down, including the handle, crevices, and underside. Clean out interior and exterior of medicine and linen cabinets.

Finally, wash down the sink, fixtures, and mirrors. A good tip is to use newspaper to clean and dry the mirrors, as it minimizes streaks. Shake out the bathroom rugs and wash them. Then, sweep and mop the floor; use a rag or towel while on your hands and knees, or scoot a large towel across the floor with your bare foot. Empty and wash out the trash can. Use liners or sacks to keep your trash can as clean as possible.

Living Room/Family Room: 45 minutes-1 hour each

Begin with the fifteen-minute cleanup, putting away toys and other clutter, then dust down walls and ceilings. Spot wash vents, doors, and doorknobs. Clean wall art and photographs, then dust down ceiling fan and blades. Follow the aforementioned step concerning curtains and blinds. Then, clean out couches and chairs, vacuuming crevices and slip covers. Use spot cleaner if needed. Dust down lamps, lampshades, and decorative items. Remove books from bookshelves, and wipe down both.

Finally, clean small tables and the entertainment center. Be sure to unplug all electronics before dusting them, and check cords for fraying or wear. Clean carpets and rugs by vacuuming or hiring professional help. Then, clean doormats and entryways.

Bedrooms:1-2 hours each

Start with a quick cleanup, getting the room into an ordered workplace for a more extensive and thorough cleaning. Then, wipe down the walls, crevices, artwork, and ceiling fan (and blades). Launder the drapes or curtains and clean the blinds. Next, wash all of the bedding, including comforters, pillows, and mattress pads. Another good tip is to vacuum and flip the mattress to prevent uneven wear. Then, clean underneath the bed.

Take a few minutes to dust down decorative items and lamps, using vacuum extensions when needed. Dust furniture including dressers, nightstands, and chests; then wipe down the mirrors. With wood floors, dust and mop. Vacuum carpeted floors or consider using a professional cleaning service. Finally, organize the closets.

Dining Room: 30 minutes-1 hour

Dust down the ceiling, corners, walls, and wall art. Then, take time to clean the ceiling fan and to remove the drapes, curtains, or blinds for cleaning. Wash the dining table, chairs, and other furniture. If your furniture is wood, use oil and wax. If your chairs have upholstered seats, make sure to spot clean them. Finally, vacuum the carpet and rugs.

Spring cleaning is so overwhelming, yet incredibly necessary after the long winter months spent indoors. Push up your sleeves and look at the mess with courage. Just remember that once you’re finished dividing chores among your family troops, the work will go faster and you’ll be able to spend more time in the warm, springtime weather. Good luck!

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