Spring Cleaning 101 | Family Economics

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Spring Cleaning 101 | Family Economics

I looked on the Internet for the definition of spring cleaning and this is what I found: the period in springtime set aside for cleaning a house, normally applied in climates with a cold winter.

The most common usage of spring cleaning refers to the yearly act of cleaning a house from top to bottom that would take place in the first warm days of the year typically in spring, hence the name. However, it has also come to be synonymous with any kind of heavy duty cleaning or organizing enterprise.

The sun is peeking out once again the Internet says that when the first warm days arrive, spring cleaning will begin to take place. So, where do we begin?

Follow these steps for easy spring cleaning!

1. Make a list: I’m a list person so I always suggest making a list first. Begin by using a notebook and walking into each room of your home and writing down all the things that need to be cleaned in each room. This will help you create your own spring cleaning checklist.

2. Decide what to include: Keep in mind the goal is to deep clean each area of your home. Some things to include on this list might be:

• Washing windows
• Cleaning window coverings
• Dusting baseboards
• Washing linens
• Cleaning out cupboards, drawers and closets
• Cleaning light fixtures
• Dusting ceiling fans
• Replacing light bulbs
• Replacing batteries in smoke detectors
• Cleaning window tracks and frames
• Cleaning sides and backs of kitchen appliances
• Cleaning the inside of your oven and dishwasher
• Replacing shelf liners in kitchen cabinets, if needed
• Washing behind your washer and dryer
• Cleaning underneath all beds
• Cleaning all towel bars and cabinet handles

3. Get the supplies: After you have created your checklist, make a list of supplies you will need to begin your spring cleaning such as cleaning supplies, new organization tools, boxes, etc.

4. Make a schedule: Determine when you will accomplish your spring cleaning tasks. Keep in mind how much time each task will take you as you plan your schedule.

5. Don’t over plan: Spread the tasks out over several weeks. Remember spring is longer than one week. This could be a great time to start your 31 Day Project Challenge.

Need tips on de-cluttering? Read the 5 D’s of de-cluttering.

Time to get spring cleaning! What will you begin cleaning first?

5 Comments so far

On Saturday, March 26, 2011, Leslie from Kitsap wrote

Cleaning is a never ending process when you have kids. :) I like the "spring cleaning" as an excuse to get rid of things.... toys, magazines, things we just don't use anymore. There is also the "Honey-do-list".... getting husband on the roof to clean the gutters and roof off. :) Good times... just means summer is right around the corner!!! YEA!

On Tuesday, March 22, 2011, Shannon from Fox Island wrote

WOW, reading your tips just took a huge weight off my shoulders. I never thought of making a list first and not rushing through the whole thing. Thanks!

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, Michelle in Tacoma wrote

Thanks for the reminder that I don't have to get it all done in one day!! I tend to have a grand plan of accommplishing it ALL and then get discourgaed when I don't get it done.

On Thursday, March 17, 2011, mom in WA wrote

Makes me want to get started now even though it is still raining!!

On Wednesday, March 16, 2011, The Jones girls wrote

Always great when you have an eager 5 yr old to help! We are "spring cleaning" for her upcoming birthday party and she is really helping me stay motivated. We washed walls,baseboards and the table/chair legs and after dinner she wanted to do more! We then cleaned the refridgerator and the microwave! Thanks for the tips! All of my list was on yours but I now need to add a few things!

Thank You

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