Top Tips for Effective Spring Cleaning

Writer and humorist Erma Bombeck once said, “My idea of housework is to sweep the room with a glance.” Wouldn’t it be great if a room would just clean itself?

Cleaning, housework, chores, the honey-do list—whatever you choose to call it, the tasks need to get done. Some cleaning tasks seem to never be finished, like dishes and laundry, while others are seasonal. Traditionally, spring cleaning is the big clean each year. After a long winter season, there’s something satisfying about sweeping out the dust and shining up those windows.

Why is Spring Cleaning Important?

Spring cleaning has a deep-rooted history stemming back to the days when log fires and kerosene kept homes warm during the coldest months of the year. Those methods of heating left behind residue, grit, and soot that needed to be removed come spring. While we may not have that same level of grime to remove from our homes now, there are still many reasons why spring cleaning is important.

• Opportunity to tackle the annual or bi-annual chores
• Perfect time for preventative maintenance tasks
• Refreshes the living space after being closed up during the winter
• Prepares the outdoor space for enjoyment in the warmer months
• A clean space helps rejuvenate the mind and offers health benefits

Which Chores Should I Do First?

Everyone has home chores they hate. You may detest cleaning all the ceiling fans, while your partner can’t stand washing windows. It can be more beneficial to do the chores you find distasteful, first. If you leave them for later, it’s more likely you’ll procrastinate and even put them off until next year. Start strong, and tackle the most labor-intensive chores first. These may include but are not limited to:

• Vacuum and shampoo rugs/carpet
• Dust/clean all blinds and wash drapes/curtains
• Clean behind and under the major appliances
• Wipe down fronts of all cabinets
• Clean out all kitchen cabinets; donate/sell/trash items not needed
• Clean out all closets; donate/sell/trash items not needed
• Clean ceiling fans and all light fixtures
• Vacuum/clean upholstered furniture

Several Spring Cleaning Check-Lists are available online and can be a good starting point.

Tips to Multitask and Knock Out that Cleaning List

While it would be amazing to get all the spring cleaning done in one day, the reality is that it takes time. However, you can speed up the process by multitasking. Take advantage of any home automation you have and make it work for you. Run the dishwasher while wiping down cabinets and set the robot vacuum to clean under the furniture in the living room.

Get the entire household involved in the process, even the kids. If possible, place your pets in a secure, safe space to keep them from being underfoot or in potential harm’s way.

Top Whole-House Cleaning Tasks Not to Skip

Some whole-house cleaning tasks are too important to skip. Gutters need to be cleaned at least twice a year to help keep water damage at bay. Vacuuming and removing the grime/dust from the HVAC filter and dryer ventilation not only help improve in-home air quality, but if skipped, they can become a potential fire hazard. Window cleaning needs to be done twice a year, and like gutter cleaning, can be hired out. Opting to let the pros handle these big chores not only save you time, but can be safer. Professional window and gutter cleaning teams have the right equipment and supplies to get the job done safely and correctly.

Spring will be here soon. It’s not too early to start planning that spring cleaning list or to schedule your window and gutter cleaning appointments. Contact our pro teams at United Window Cleaning today, and cross that chore from your list.