Spring cleaning is important for many reasons. It will benefit your health and well-being in addition to increasing your overall productivity. Spring cleaning will also help to relieve stress, clear your mind, and improve your focus. And once you've finished, you will able to free up your mind for other more important activities.

De-winterizing Your Home and Your Life

Once winter is done rearing its ugly head, it's time to start getting your home and life ready for spring. You can start by boxing up all your winter-related items and then go through your closets and get rid of anything you haven't used since the previous spring.

Now you can enjoy buying anything you need to update your wardrobe for the new season. You should also go through all your cabinets and drawers as well.

Preparing Your Home for the New Season

When the season changes, so does your home. Make sure you are doing the following to ensure the transition of seasons doesn't have any effects on your house.

While you're planning your spring cleaning, don't forget to add these tasks to your list:

  • Check your fire and carbon monoxide detectors and change the batteries.
  • Inspect your home's roof, gutters, foundation, pipes, windows, doors, and clean or replace your AC filters.
  • Remove any existing debris in and around your yard.
  • Go through your pantry and spice rack. Check the expiration date on all your food and discard anything that has expired.
  • Remove your hose bibs and pull your hoses and garden accessories out of storage.
  • Check your toilet and washing machine hoses to make sure they are in good condition and replace if necessary. And don't forget to clean out your dryer hose and vent as well.

Quick and Easy Spring Cleaning Products

There are plenty of great natural household cleaners that won't expose you to toxic chemicals. For example:

  • Vinegar: This will help prevent the growth of bacteria in your home and it won't stain. Combine with orange peels to provide a better scent.
  • Baking Soda: This is a natural abrasive and deodorizer that is gentle enough to use on any surface.
  • Jojoba Oil: This makes a great natural furniture polish.
  • Hydrogen Peroxide: This will remove stains quickly and easily. Just be sure to test a small portion of the surface for color-fastness before you use it.
  • Essential Oils: These can be added to just about any natural cleanser when you want to add a pleasant aroma without adding toxins to your environment.

Spring Cleaning Methods

If you need some spring cleaning shortcuts, here are some tips to help get you started.

  • Windows: Attach a multi-surface concentrated cleaning product to your hose, then spray and rinse. No need to remove the screens. Then take a bucket and go inside and wipe the screens from the inside with a fresh rag.
  • Curtains: Use a hand-held fabric steamer with the odor eliminator of your choice and work from the top to the bottom. Then open the windows and let them dry.
  • Mattresses: Wash your mattress cover with OxiClean. While the surface is still wet, lightly sprinkle baking soda evenly over your mattress to draw out the dirt and moisture. Leave this light dusting on your mattress until the next time you wash your sheets. At that point, you can vacuum up the baking soda.
  • Furniture Upholstery: Rub your fabric upholstery with a dry-cleaning sponge. If it's leather or suede, then you'll have to use the appropriate cleaner for that material. Then you can take your lint roller and run it over the backs and sides of the cushions. Finally, vacuum the dirt and debris from the base and replace the cushions.  

Spring Organizing and Decluttering

While working on your spring cleaning, don't forget to include the organizing and decluttering of all your spaces. This will help your daily routines go much smoother and you will be able to function more efficiently. Here are some tips to help get you started.

Go through your cabinets, pantry, and linen closets and organize everything according to how you use the items within. Then get rid of anything you haven't used within the last year or so.

Next, you can tackle your garage. Buy some shelving units, lockers, tool benches, or anything else you need to keep your things organized. Now you can move on to your office area.

You can start by refreshing and renewing your files for the year, organizing your bills and replenishing any office supplies you might need.

Next, it's time to move to the yard and organize your shed and tune-up your lawnmower and other lawn tools. Don’t forget to make sure you have the pest control and weed and feed supplies you need for the new season.

Remember, while spring cleaning can seem like a daunting task, in the end you will be feeling refreshed and ready for nicer weather.