General cleaning tips for spring: 10 things you should know
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In spring, everything comes back to life: trees and flowers, creeks and brooks, even our own energy. But this natural awakening can also leave your home a little more prone to dirt and germs. After all, we’re spending more time outdoors, so chances are there’ll be more insects in the house. And although it doesn’t quite feel like it yet (thanks to this horrible winter we just had), spring is coming. You know what that means? It’s time for some light cleaning! These general cleaning tips for spring will help you get your home ready for the new season.
Change the batteries in your smoke detectors
This is an important part of general cleaning for spring, but it’s also important all year long. Check your smoke detectors once a month, and change the batteries once a year. Oh, and make sure they’re actually installed! Smoke detectors save lives, so make sure you have them installed and that they’re working properly. If you don’t have them installed, get them now. It’s just a small change that can make a huge difference. If you’re not sure where to check for your smoke detectors, consult an electrical or building code or call a professional. You can find out where your smoke detectors should be located here.
Wash your bedding and pillows
In the spring, when it gets warmer, you’ll want your bedding to smell fresh and clean. Wash your bedding and pillows once a month. You can also add a cup of baking soda to the wash to help them smell even fresher! If you have allergies, it’s especially important to wash your bedding and pillows once a month. Dust mites can build up in your pillows and bedding, which can make allergies worse. Clean your sheets once a week by throwing them in the washing machine with warm water and detergent. You can also put your pillows in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. If you have a bed frame with wooden slats, put your pillows inside an old clean pillow case to protect the slats.
Toss out the expired food
As you’re cleaning, you might come across some expired food. Make sure to throw it out. You should clean your kitchen so you can start fresh, but you should also make sure your food isn’t expired. How to know if your food has expired? Check the “best by” dates on food packaging. If something isn’t in a can or a bottle, use the sniff test. If you don’t smell anything, it’s probably expired. If you have food in the pantry, make sure you’re cleaning that too! Remove everything, wipe it down with a disinfectant, and even open the bag and air it out. You can also put food and bags in the freezer to kill any germs that might be lingering.
Scrub the bathroom and kitchen floors
The dirtiest part of your house might be the floor! So, make sure you scrub them. Clean your kitchen and bathroom floors every week. Use a disinfectant and a mop to clean them, then sprinkle them with baking soda or vinegar to soak up the moisture. When cleaning your bathroom floors, make sure you scrub them, not just mop them. Scrubbing the floor will help you get rid of grime and bacteria. If you have a tile floor, you can use a scrub brush and some natural dishwashing liquid. While you’re at it, clean the bathroom sink, toilet, and shower, too.
Declutter your home
There are lots of reasons to declutter your home. It can help you de-stress, it can improve your mental health, and it can even improve your relationships with others. So, if you’re feeling the spring cleaning vibe, declutter your home! Start with your closet. Remove everything, and then decide what to keep. You can use a three-fold rule: if you haven’t worn it in a year, if it doesn’t fit, or if it doesn’t match anything else in your closet, throw it away. Clean out your fridge and pantry, too! Get rid of any expired food, and make space for newer and better things. If you have a lot of stuff, you might want to consider hiring a professional organizer, especially if you’re short on time.
Lock in the spring cleaning scent with natural oils
If you just want to add a bit of fragrance to your home, try sprinkling some cinnamon or vanilla extract on your furniture, blankets, and curtains. Or, you can make your own spring cleaning spray. Add a few drops of your favourite essential oils (like lavender or lemon) to warm water in a spray bottle, and you’re good to go! You can also try baking soda or baking powder. Simply put it in a small bowl, and put it on a shelf or in a cupboard. The smell of baking will last for weeks! If you want to go all out, you can try making a natural room freshener with essential oils. You can find lots of different recipes online.
Conclusion
When it comes to spring cleaning, it’s important to remember that less is more. So, don’t try to do too much in one go. Tackle one room or one area at a time, and make sure to clean as you go. This way, you’ll avoid getting overwhelmed, and you won’t forget about anything! And most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! General cleaning for spring is a great way to refresh your home and yourself after a long winter.
