Well folks, it’s that time again. Now that it looks like the warm air is here to stay <<fingers crossed>> it’s time to start thinking about Spring Cleaning. I always get super overwhelmed with Spring Cleaning. There is so much that one can do, even if you have a weekly cleaning schedule. Over the years I have found a few tips and tricks to help so that it isn’t quite so overwhelming, plus I use a printable spring cleaning checklist to keep me on task. I mean don’t get me wrong, I still kind of dread it, but I know what I am done I will be happy with the results.
Tip #1: Get a game plan
Before you even start Spring Cleaning get a game plan in place. You can get my checklist here, or you can google and find many other examples. Mine doesn’t include the basement (since it’s still a disaster from when we moved in… three years ago), the garage or the outside. If you want to make your own simply go room by room and figure out what exactly you want to clean, and just how deep you want to clean.
Tip #2: Gather your supplies
Before you get started you’ll also want to gather your supplies. There is nothing worse than getting started on something only to realize that you don’t have what you need (been there, done that).
You also need to be carefully about what you use to clean, since different cleaning products should not be mixed. For example, did you know it’s bad to mix vinegar and bleach? So if you like using green cleaning products stick with green, or wait a long enough time before using a chemical. When I do spring cleaning I tend to use more chemical based products (although I am trying to make the switch to greener products), so here is a list of what I use. I use the vinegar and bleach on different surfaces so I don’t have to worry about them mixing.
- Bleach
- Bathroom cleaning spray
- Toilet bowl cleaner
- Windex
- Homemade dusting spray (olive oil, vinegar, and water)
- Swiffer Duster with long handle
- Swiffer Duster heavy duty refills ( I like that they are 360 degrees)
- Mop and mop bucket
- Tide
- Lots and lots of rags
- Microfiber cloths
- Soft Scrub
- Baking soda
- Dawn dish soap
- Washing soda
- Broom/dustpan
- Vacuum
- Scrub brush
Tip #3: Focus on one room at a time by using a printable spring cleaning checklist
I like focusing on one room at a time, and starting from the top (i.e. starting from the ceiling) and working to the bottom. I always feel a lot more accomplished when I can check off a whole room, how about you?
Tip #4: Kids can help
Once your kids get old enough they can help with the Spring Cleaning. While it can be hard if you want things done a certain way, I think it’s super important kids take part in keeping the house clean. I really want them to understand that mom (or dad) is not a maid, at their beck and call. They live there too, and teamwork makes the dreamwork.
Tip #5: Make spring cleaning fun
Now, I know cleaning isn’t exactly the most fun. Sure there are those rare people who love it (do any of you want to come tackle my house??), but I think most of us kind of drudgingly do the tasks. Instead of grumbling through the tasks try to make it. Blast some of your favorite 90s boys band music (team*Nsync here, if you were curious) and bust some moves. Listen to a podcast while doing tasks that are quiet. Treat yourself to something (maybe a Starbucks, or a new nail polish) for when you finish. I also like lighting a candle (or making a stove simmer) when I get done with a room.
Tips on how to tackle spring cleaning plus a printable checklist Click To TweetTip #6: Pace yourself
You do not have to finish the entire checklist in one day. If you can, more power to you, but I know I can’t. It probably takes me about a month to get through this whole list. I find if I try doing too much at once I burn myself out, then have no desire to continue. Some days I’m more motivated than others and I can bust out a bunch of tasks. Other days I set a time for 40 minutes and see how much I can get done. I also tend to follow a similar schedule to how I clean weekly. For example, since I clean upstairs on Wednesdays I will try to do some of the spring cleaning bedroom tasks while doing more normal cleaning.
What kind of tips do you have when it comes to spring cleaning? Did I miss any tasks on my list? I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!