The weather is starting to get nice and the last thing I want to be is cooped up inside with rubber gloves and a duster. However, this month is sort of that sweet spot when I can still justify a day indoors before I head outside.
Spring cleaning can feel daunting. I try to make the process less of a chore with these simple spring cleaning tips. Take your time, go room by room if you want, and soon enough you’ll have your apartment prepped for the season.
Stock Up On What You Need
You can't start spring cleaning if you don't have the proper tools. Consider picking up the following from a local store.
Microfiber cloths
Vacuum with attachments
All-purpose cleaner (e.g., Lysol)
Rubber gloves
Dry mop
Bathroom cleaner (e.g., Clorox, OxiClean)
Gather all your cleaning tools and place them in a shower caddy. This will make carrying your supplies room-to-room a lot easier, and be all in one spot.
Get Rid of Clutter
It's going to be difficult to vacuum your floors and dust your tables when there is clutter everywhere. Before you event break out the cleaning supplies, go through each room to either put away, recycle, throw away or donate items. Organize your belongings into those four piles until everything has been put into its place. If you haven't used something in the last year, chances are it can be donated, thrown away or recycled.
Go Room By Room
Even though your apartment may not be that big, it can feel overwhelming to clean. Instead of tackling the entire space all at once, clean one room at a time. You will feel better when you can cross a whole room off your list and move onto the next. Start with your least favorite room or space that will require the most effort. (Ah hum - bathrooms!) Leaving that room until the end isn't the best idea because you'll be exhausted by the time you reach it. You'll be happy you left the easy spaces for last.
Dust First -- Starting at the Top and Working Down
No matter what room you're in, always dust ceiling fans first and work down the walls, dusting light fixtures and wall art. If you leave this task for last, you may end up cleaning your floors or dressers twice thanks to flying dust. Use a microfiber dust cloth or the soft nozzle attachment on your vacuum to dust those dirty areas.
Before You Tackle the Bathroom and Kitchen, Microwave Your Sponges
Chances are, you'll be using a sponge to wipe down your kitchen and bathroom. Before using the sponge and in between each fixture (shower, sink, stove top, etc.) throw the damp sponge in the microwave to disinfect. We don't want to spread germs and bacteria throughout your apartment. Wring all of the access water out of your sponge and put it in the microwave for about one minute. If it is all torn up and stained, it's probably time to buy a new one. :)
Clean Screens
TV screens tend to accumulate a lot of dust, but when you use an all-purpose cleaner on them, streaks appear. Forget the spray cleaner and reach for a coffee filter instead. This will wipe off all of the lint and dust without messing with your viewing experience.
Don't Forget Those Seasonal Items
Flip your mattress to get more use out of it and you'll sleep better.
Check your smoke & carbon monoxide detector batteries
Replace your HVAC air filters
Dispose of any items with past expiration dates from your medicine cabinet, spice cabinet, pantry & refrigerator.
Change out your cool season clothes with warm season. Donate any unwanted clothes.