“Spring-cleaning can be a fun activity! But it is an activity that can take a lot of time and energy,” says Alex Varela, general manager of Dallas Maids, a house-cleaning service in Dallas, Texas. “The secret is having good planning beforehand.” No matter how big (or small) your abode is, there are a few (simple!) key things to do to get started with spring-cleaning your home. Here’s how to spruce up your home and make it a feel-good place to recharge from the everyday chaos.
Make a Plan.
Trying to spring-clean your whole home in a day, or even a weekend, can be a lofty task. Instead, says Varela, look at each room individually and make a plan of attack based on that space’s needs. “What you do in the kitchen and bathrooms won’t be the same as a bedroom or living room,” he adds. Sarah McAllister of GoCleanCo and House Work has made her brand an expert in the cleaning world. She suggests focusing on one room at a time only. “Cleaning multiple rooms at once will only overwhelm you,” she says. “You start in one room and stay here until you finish. Work your way through your home one room at a time.”
Section the Room.
Start with a list. In the kitchen, for example, you’ll want a checklist that breaks down detailed tasks with the stove and oven: air vent filters, inside the oven, the cooktop, burner grates, and more. If you’re unsure where to start or what to clean, GoCleanCo (www.housework.com) offers a full checklist per room. From there, break the room into sections (countertop, dining area, etc.) suggests McAllister. “You don’t need to do things twice because you know you already have cleaned under, around, and on top of it.”
Start from the Top.
“Each room should be cleaned starting from the top and moving down so the dust and debris can be cleaned from the floor when done,” says Ana Andres del Valle, cofounder of TidyChoice. Start in a corner of the room first, focusing on things like air vents and ceiling fans, blinds, and the tops of any wall decor.
Use the Right Tools.
Spring-cleaning is the perfect time for a really deep clean, so using the right tools and products is a must. Consider nontoxic cleaning products (see sidebar) such as baking soda and white vinegar. “Baking soda is a mild alkali and so dissolves dirt and grease when mixed with a little water,” explains Silvia Sigrist of cleaning company Seep, which specializes in eco-friendly cleaning. “Lemon/citric acid is naturally antibacterial and antiseptic because of its acidity, and also works as a natural bleach. Plus, the smell is fresh and natural.”
Photography provided by AaronAmat/iStock/Getty Images, Article first printed in 2023
Invest in Vinegar
White vinegar has long been touted as the best all-natural cleaning solution. And here’s why.
The terms nontoxic, green, and eco-friendly are buzzwords—and they could be just that. According to Consumer Reports, they are marketing terms to make a product appear more appealing and used to attract buyers who prefer environmentally friendly brands. In other words: it might not be nontoxic after all.
To be on the safe side, stick with white vinegar. “White vinegar is a great natural cleaning product when mixed equal parts with water,” says Silvia Sigrist of cleaning company Seep, which specializes in eco-friendly cleaning. “Like lemon, it is highly acidic and great at wiping away grease and dirt. Try it out as a rinse aid for your dishwasher or as a glass cleaner.”
