With spring on the horizon, there is no better time to break out those cleaning supplies and give your home a deep scrub. Spring cleaning is a terrific way to get your body moving while revitalizing your home’s interior! The best first step is to declutter all areas and throw away or donate things you no longer need. Follow these ten simple spring-cleaning ideas to leave your home sparkling:

1. Cabinets: Over time, your kitchen and bathroom cabinets can collect buildup from grease, hair products, and residue. While you may not be able to see this buildup, you will certainly be able to tell a difference when it is gone. To safely clean your cabinet doors, use a “cabinet cream” that will remove grime and leave the wood moisturized.
   
   




2. Hardwood Floors: While many people mop their hardwood floors weekly, this can actually damage the floors. Try using a wet mop once a month. Dry cleaning methods such as sweeping and using a Swiffer should be utilized weekly. For a deep clean of your hardwoods, use a wood-cleaning product but make sure to dilute according to the directions.
   
   




3. Carpet: Begin deep cleaning your carpets by vacuuming to remove any dust and dirt particles. Next, you will need to shampoo with a carpet cleaner. These cleaners can be rented hourly from most local hardware stores, or you can hire a professional service.
   
   




4. Tiled Surfaces: Bathroom floors, showers, kitchen backsplashes, and other tiled surfaces can become grimy and accumulate mildew. Tile is best cleaned with a cleaner labeled “neutral pH.” For grout, use a water and baking soda cleaning solution.
   
   




5. Refrigerator: Refrigerators can get cluttered fast, especially if you have a big family. To keep your fridge organized, remove excess packaging from items such as beverages, check expiration dates, and rotate older items to the front before adding new groceries.
   
   




6. Air conditioner: Air conditioner ducts will build up dust during the winter, so it’s important to change air filters every three months at a minimum. Before you purchase new filters, be sure to determine the required size.
   
   




7. Silverware: Start by removing any excess food particles from your silverware with warm water. Next, apply a small amount of silver polish to a soft cloth and gently rub the silverware in a circular motion. Rinse again and dry with a clean cloth. To prevent tarnishing, store the silverware in a dry and cool place, such as a drawer or cabinet.
   
   




8. Windows and blinds: Start by opening the windows to allow fresh air to circulate in the room. Then, using a soft cloth or a squeegee, apply a window cleaner and spray it on the windows, starting from the top and working downwards. Be sure to wipe off any excess cleaner with a clean cloth to prevent streaks. To dust the blinds, use a microfiber cloth or a duster to remove any loose dirt or dust.
   
   




9. Washing machine: Sanitizing your washing machine is an important step to ensure that it operates at maximum efficiency. Remove any debris, such as lint or hair, from the machine's interior and exterior. Then, run a hot cycle with an appropriate amount of bleach or a washing machine cleaner. This will help to eliminate any bacteria, mold, or mildew that may have accumulated over time.
   
   




10. Oven: Take out the oven racks and soak them in warm, soapy water. Then, using a scraper or spatula, remove any large pieces of food or debris from the interior of the oven. Next, spray the interior with an oven cleaner and let it sit for the recommended amount of time. Finally, wipe down the interior of the oven with a damp cloth and replace the oven racks.

For more spring cleaning tips, click here or watch the video below.

Check out the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up for some awesome ways to declutter your home. However, if you find yourself thinking it’s time to move into a larger home, I am ready to talk about how much home you can afford. Call me anytime!