Spring Cleaning
I know spring is just around the corner when I have a strong urge to deep clean, readying my home for guests again as I reengage my social calendar and switch from hibernation to socialisation. It is usually still cold out, but maybe we have had a few warm days, and the migratory birds have returned, making the mornings and evenings a bit more joyful with their song; a few crocuses have pushed their way out of the ground and the sun sets a little later, drawing people outside again.
For me, this means it is time for the deeper cleans that I cross off my list perhaps more seasonally. This can be a good time to take stock of your home and how it is functioning for you, too. Are there rooms that can serve you better by making some modifications or additions? Are there problem zones that need some modifications or better storage? Taking the time to think about what is not working and how to fix that can be very rewarding.
Furniture Additions
In previous years I have upgraded my soft laundry basket to a wood framed basket that also serves as a shelf for my discarded clothes before I am ready to hang them up. I also added a drying rack and a step stool, since I can’t reach or see the upper shelves in my closet. These things all make my small closet area function better, which I appreciate daily.
I replaced by bath mats, too, since the ones I had were no longer washing and drying well, which drove me batty!
In our living room, we recently added some footstools and it has really been a pleasure using them when we are lounging on the sofa in the evenings. We bought these “clover stools” from Pols Potten, which come in a few colours. I love that they are also chair height and can be pulled up to the dining table if extra seats are needed in a pinch. Footstools and ottomans are so versatile, I think every home needs them. See my post here.
Junk Drawers
It is time to clean out the junk drawers! I have been tossing all of the manuals to small appliances I have collected over the last 5 years. I find that when I need a manual, I tend to look online rather than in the stacks cluttering my kitchen cabinets! Plus when it’s time to move, you will appreciate having completed this task even more than you realise!!
Kitchen
I try to clean out the expired dry goods in my pantry seasonally, but it’s amazing what you can find at the back of a cabinet. Spring is a good time of year to pull everything out of the pantry and reorganise your goods, as well as toss the expired ones.
I also like to vacuum and wipe out the drawers, which usually takes care of all of the little chocolate bits and loose peanuts that have escaped their packaging. To minimise this constant mess, I try to organise my drawers with boxes within the drawer. Places like Ikea, Amazon and Target have great options for this.
If required, this is a good time to defrost the freezer since it isn’t too hot, allowing you to temporarily move frozen goods into the refrigerator or out on the counter while defrosting. Depending on your appliance and the amount of ice buildup, this can take a few hours and be quite wet, so be prepared with your schedule and extra towels!
I also like to run my appliances on the clean cycle, including my dishwasher, washing machine, coffee makers, tea kettles, blenders; everything you use regularly that might harbour bacteria and germs. In fact I run my kettle weekly with a few tablespoons of vinegar to remove the build up and to clean it. I like to clean my vents more regularly, for instance my vent hood and the fans over my showers. My filters can luckily go on the top shelf of the dishwasher, making this an easy tak.
It’s also a good idea to go through your dishes and pans, discarding any that are unnecessary or need replacing, especially the non-stick kind. While the drawers are empty, give them a good wipe down!
Window Cleaning
Depending on where you live, and the types of weather and vegetation near your windows, you may need to do this more often than me, but I usually clean the windows twice a year, inside and out. It’s best to do this when it isn’t too sunny, as the windows dry quickly and end up with more streaks! It’s worth investing in a good window cleaning solution, bucket and proper sponge brush and wiping blade.
I have a Leifheit system that also allows me to use some of the same items for mopping, which I love! Less stuff to store!
This is all you need for windows and floors. Try Leifheit on Amazon.com
The long handle helps you get those hard to reach places, under beds and nightstands.
Closets
Hmmm. Not sure this is necessarily part of my spring cleaning, but when you find yourself switching out your winter clothes for spring and summer, I encourage you to let go of the items you haven’t worn that season.
Garden Assessment
It’s a good time to have a look in your garden and think about what it will take to get things looking good again. If it’s too cold, then you still don’t need to worry about weeds, but a quick brush up with raking and assessing is a good idea. Also, take a look at your outdoor spaces like terraces or patios, and see if they need a good scrub down.
If you have any teak furniture, or wood that needs a fresh coat of wax or paint, it’s a good time of year to consider this.
Tech Items/ Mousepads and Keyboards
In our modern world, this is something that I find essential, especially if you have teenagers who eat in their rooms! My son has a desk where the whole top is covered with a mouse pad. It gets filthy!! I try to clean this often with wet cloths, but once or twice a year I remove it from the table and throw it in the washing machine, or at the very least the bathtub. It’s a good idea to wait for a sunny day, so that you can hang it outside to dry. I find this kind of cleaning very rewarding, which I can’t always say for floors or laundry, that seem instantly dirty again.
Well, maybe not the most exciting information, but a good reminder and something we all need to do from time to time. Even though it is a chore, I find the end result to be satisfying and makes coming home just a little bit more enjoyable.
