It’s the time of year for tidying up and organizing all areas of the home: spring cleaning. The process of spring cleaning came from the idea of wiping away winter. It started at a time when the only heat in a home came from the fireplace and families had to keep everything closed so the heat wouldn’t escape.
When spring finally came, it brought the warm weather, so people would open their doors and windows to air out their homes. It also gave them the opportunity to clean any soot or dirt that accumulated during the winter months.
In Florida, we don’t have much of a winter, but spring cleaning is still very much alive here. It’s a time to tidy up, get rid of anything you don’t need and get ready for summer.
Here are some tips and tricks to help you with your spring cleaning.
1. Start at the top and work your way down. If you start with cleaning your ceiling then work from top to bottom, you will force the debris downward. This will save you a lot of time and hassle in the long run because you won’t have to re-dust your space. When it comes to dusting and vacuuming, vacuum with an extension hose to get dust and cobwebs off your ceiling and fans first.
2. Start small. Don’t get too overwhelmed in the beginning. Start with small things and complete a little bit at a time. For example, if there is a part of your house that’s only slightly disorganized, start there. Even something as small as wiping down the counters will help you get the ball rolling.
3. Don’t forget about your windows. Let the sun shine in through crystal clear windows. However, wait for an overcast day to clean them because direct sun can leave streaks. Use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth then dust and vacuum your blinds.
4. Refresh your garbage disposal. To clean your garbage disposal unit in a chemical-free way, toss some ice cubes down the drain while the disposal is on. Next, toss down a handful of orange peels to eliminate any smells.
5. Redesign your closet space. If your closet is looking like it’s busting at the seams or you have trouble finding things in there, start by taking everything out. Next, put your clothes into categories like pants, dresses and sweaters to help you get rid of the clutter. It’s the best way to see exactly what you have and what don’t need any more. Lastly, organize your closet in a way that’s easiest for you. For example, put the clothes you wear the most at eye level.
6. Get two door mats. Once your house is all fresh and clean, go out and buy two door mats. One is for outside and one is for inside. This will help keep dirt out and add an extra home-like touch.