I love spring cleaning. Well, I love spring. I wish someone else would do the cleaning. It does feel nice to have everything clean and sparkling for those sunny spring days. According to a 2018 survey by the American Cleaning Institute, nearly 76% of households engage in spring cleaning each year. These spring cleaners report deep cleaning and clearing clutter as the top two reasons for this annual springtime spruce up.
If you want to join the springtime cleaning craze but aren’t sure how to start, here are a few ideas:
Clear the Clutter
Get ready for the springtime spruce up. Photo credit: Kendra Zamojski
Personal belongings hold a host of memories and other emotional attachments. This means stuff can accumulate in closets, drawers, cabinets, and other places. In my own life, I try to get rid of items I haven’t used in the last year. Others may use different criteria. Pick a closet, cabinet, or other area to de-clutter and start by sorting. Separate items into boxes or baskets labeled: Keep, Donate/Sell, Recycle, Trash. This is also a great way to help children make decisions about their stuff. It always makes me feel better to clear the clutter and organize a messy cabinet or closet.
Deep Cleaning
Deep cleaning involves going through each room and cleaning it to a higher standard or reaching dirt that might get missed in a regular cleaning routine. On deep cleaning days, wash window and shower curtains, wash windows and mirrors, scrub floors, wash or wipe down walls, baseboards, and doors. Dust or wipe down light fixtures, ceiling fans, furniture, and shelves. Other tasks might include vacuuming under furniture, cleaning the carpets and rugs, and cleaning under and behind appliances.
Spring cleaning takes a little extra elbow grease compared to the regular cleaning routine. If you find this overwhelming, start small by choosing a room or even smaller by choosing a closet or cabinet. Once you see the difference, it will motivate you to tackle the next job.
References:
Healthy Homes: Dealing with Household Clutter. 2015.
Available at: https://secure.caes.uga.edu/extension/publications/files/pdf/C%201067_1.PDF
Spring Cleaning Tips
Available at: https://lancaster.unl.edu/home/articles/2005/springcleaning.shtml
Kendra Zamojski
Family and Consumer Sciences Agent III
Northwest District
University of Florida/IFAS Extension
North Florida Research and Education Center
155 Research Road, Quincy, FL
Office:850-875-7135
hughson@ufl.edu
- Meet Your FCS Agent – Kendra Hughson - February 21, 2021
- A Healthy Table: Virtual Cooking School - February 1, 2021
- Warm Weather Brings People Out, and Mosquitoes Too - March 26, 2020