5 Spaces You Should Prioritize for Spring Cleaning, According to Pros
Starting Points for Spring Cleaning
Spring cleaning can be a daunting task, but it’s essential for refreshing your home after the winter months. To make the process more manageable, start by tackling one space at a time. Here are the best starting points, according to cleaning experts:
Kitchen
- Declutter: Go through your pantry and refrigerator, discarding expired or unusable items.
- Organize: Sort through your kitchen storage, donating or discarding items you no longer need.
- Clean Appliances: Wipe down the refrigerator, clean the dishwasher, and tackle the oven.
- Surfaces: Wash ceilings, walls, and baseboards with a microfiber cloth and dish soap.
- Finishing Touches: Wipe down cabinets and counters, clean windows, disinfect the sink, sweep, and mop.
Closet
- Seasonal Storage: Pack away thick winter clothing and accessories in plastic boxes or vacuum-sealed bags.
- Declutter: Go through your remaining clothes, discarding or donating items you no longer need.
- Organize: Clean the inside of your closet and organize your clothes by category.
Bathroom
- Deep Clean: Start by cleaning the tub, toilet, and shower thoroughly.
- Laundry: Wash shower curtains, bath mats, and towels.
- Surfaces: Dust light fixtures and shades, and wipe down countertops and cupboards.
- Declutter: Discard unused or expired toiletries.
- Floors: Clean the floors last to avoid tracking dirt or water.
Utility Spaces
- Declutter: Remove seasonal items from your entryway and mudroom, replacing them with spring essentials.
- Organize: Designate storage spots for categories like tools, cleaning supplies, and electronics.
- Linens: Review your linens and towels, discarding or donating worn or unused items.
Home Office
- Cord Management: Wrap or tie up cords for a cleaner look.
- Tech Declutter: Recycle or discard old electronics and accessories.
- Paperwork: Sort through old papers, discarding or digitizing as needed.
- Supplies and Equipment: Wipe down your desk, monitor, and other office supplies.
- Digital Cleanup: Delete old files, organize folders, and archive emails.
Tips for Each Space
- Kitchen: Use a degreaser to clean the oven and stovetop.
- Closet: Hang clothes on padded hangers to prevent stretching.
- Bathroom: Use a squeegee to remove water from shower walls and doors.
- Utility Spaces: Vacuum rugs and mats regularly to prevent dirt buildup.
- Home Office: Keep your desk clear of clutter to improve focus and productivity.
Additional Tips
- Break down large tasks into smaller ones to make them more manageable.
- Use a checklist to keep track of your progress and avoid missing any areas.
- Open windows and doors to ventilate while cleaning.
- Use natural cleaning products whenever possible to reduce chemical exposure.
- Reward yourself for completing each space to stay motivated.