Spring is in the air... Let's get cleanin'!

The weather is changing. Time to open the windows, let in the fresh air, and clean... UGH!

            

Come on now, it doesn't have to be that bad! There are just a few extra cleaning tasks that need to do perform, trust me, you'll be so happy and proud of your beautiful home!

Before you get started, Here are a few spring cleaning tips:

1. Spring cleaning will take more than a day.  Set aside at least a week for a thorough spring cleaning. Work from one end of your house to the other. Also, work from top to bottom in each room.  Don't stress!  Take it room by room, day by day. 
2. As you clean, keep a list of any extra chores that need to be done: little paint or grout touch-ups or a pillow that needs to be mended.  Save these little chores for later.
3. Keep another list of things you notice you need.  Such as pantry supplies, cleaning supplies, or health and beauty supplies you are running low on.
4. Clean your trash cans.  This is an often neglected task, but very important for a clean, sanitary home!

Are you ready?  Here we go....

FOYER

1. Dust lighting fixtures.
2. Wash walls and trim
3. Wash doors, knobs and switch plates.
4. Wash bench or other furnishings. 
5. Empty out coat closet.  Vacuum floors.  Sort items as you return them to the closet.  Store out of season items, donate unneeded items. 
6. Clean entry mat.
7. Sweep and scrub floors.  

BEDROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Dust furniture.
3. For each drawer: remove items and place items back neatly.  Donate Items you no longer need. 
4.  Vacuum closet floor. Arrange everything neatly.  Donate items you no longer need. 
5. Move Bed.  Sort and put away anything that was under bed.  Sweep or vacuum under bed.  
6. Put bed back.  Freshen mattress by sprinkling with baking soda, letting sit briefly, and the vacuuming it up.
7. Launder bedding and curtains.  Wash pillows and duvet in hot water.  Air out mattress pad, if you have one.
8. Dust lights. Clean lamp shades.
9. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates.  Wash walls and trim as needed.
11. Wash mirrors or dust art.
12. Wash doors and doorknobs.
13. Wash vent covers.
14. Sweep and wash floor or vacuum.
15. Dust ceiling fans, if applicable.

BATHROOMS

1. Open windows
2. Empty all cabinets and vanity.  Wipe out and replace items neatly.  Discard expired medications and cosmetics.
3. Wash outside of cabinets and vanities
4. Clean tub and drain.
5. Clean toilet, inside and out. 
6. Clean sink and drain.
7. Shine faucets.
8. Clean mirror and frame .
9. Dust light fixtures. 
10. Wash windows and window sills. Take out and wash window screens.
11. Wash switch plates.  wash walls and trim.  Wash doors and door knobs.
12. Wash vent covers.
13.  Sweep and wash floors.  .

KITCHEN

1. Open windows.
2. Remove and clean window coverings. 
3. For each cabinet or drawer: Remove items, wipe out drawer, place items back neatly.  Donate unneeded items. 
4. Wash cabinet doors and knobs
5. Clean and organize pantry.  Check food expiry dates.
6. Clean oven.
7. Clean stove top.  Remove elements and drip bowls, if applicable, wash and put back.
8. Clean and organize fridge and freezer.  Defrost freezer, if necessary.  Check food expiry dates.
9. Clean under fridge and stove.
10. Clean microwave.
11. Clean crumbs out of toaster..
12. Wipe down any other counter appliances
13. wash counters and back splash.
14. Wash and shine sink.  Shine faucet. Clean drain.
15. Clean Dishwasher.
16. Dust light fixtures.
17. Wash windows and window sills.  Remove window screens and wash.
18. Wash switch plates.  
19. Wash walls and trim as needed.
20. Wash doors and door knobs.
21. Wash floor vent covers
22. Sweep and wash floor.  

DINING ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash curtains.
3. Wipe down table and chairs.
4. Wipe down or dust other furnishing.
5. Clean chair pads, if applicable.
6. Launder table linens.
7. Shine silverware.
8. Dust art.
9. Wash windows and window sills.  Take out and wash window screens.
10. Wash switch plates
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs
13. Wash vent covers.
14. Clean floors.
15. Dust ceiling fan, if applicable

 LIVING ROOM/ FAMILY ROOM/ PLAYROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Vacuum sofas.
3. Spot clean sofas, if applicable.
4. Launder throw pillows and blankets.
5. Dust shelves, furniture and decor.
6. Clean lamps and lampshades.
7. Wash windows and window sills.
8. Take out and wash window screens.
9. Clean television screen.
10. Carefully dust electronics.
11.   Dust and  tuck electrical wires nicely out of sight.  Label if needed
12. Organize DVD/ video collection in an attractive manner.  Donate items that no longer interest you and your family
13. Organize books and magazines.  Donate items as needed
14. Wash hard plastic children's toys with warm soapy water. Rinse and dry  Donate or store toys that no longer interest your child or they have out grown. (This works best when your child is not home, trust me!)
15. Wash switch plates.
16. Wash walls and trim as needed.
17. Wash doors and knobs.
18. Wash vent covers.
19. Clean floors.

LAUNDRY ROOM

1. Open windows.
2. Wash windows and window sills.
3. Take out and wash window screens.
4. Wipe cabinet doors.
5. Wipe inside cabinets
6. Wash outside of washer and dryer.
7. Vacuum the inside of the dryer vent. (This prevents fire hazards and allows clothes to dry faster)
8. Wash inside of washing machine.
9. Wash lint trap with soap and water to remove filmy build-up from laundry soaps and dryer sheets. Let air dry thoroughly before putting back in place.
10. Wash switch plates.
11. Wash walls and trim.
12. Wash doors and door knobs.
13. Wash vent covers.
14. sweep and wash floors. 

STAIRWELLS

1. sweep/vacuum stairs
2. Spot clean walls.
3. Wipe down handrail.
4. Dust art and light fixtures.

OUTSIDE

1. Sweep porches and walk ways.
2. Wash the outside of the windows.
3. Use fresh flowers and/or wreathe to brighten things up for spring. 

REMEMBER

This is just a guide, there may be things you need to add or subtract from this list according to your households needs. Also, donate those donation items! Don't let them sit around the house any longer than they have to (I am guilty of doing this!) Don't forget to take your time, this is not a one day project!! In the end, enjoy all your hard work, you deserve it!