Spring Cleaning Done Right

Nearly all cultures practice some sort of spring cleaning in the home. In the Chinese culture, this spring ritual symbolizes ridding the home of the bad luck and misfortune that has accumulated in the previous year. Cleaning makes room for good luck to enter the home. For Americans, spring cleaning has more practical implications. It removes the dirt,

For Americans, spring cleaning has more practical implications. It removes the dirt, dust and germs that collected in the home during the long winters when windows remain closed. Either way, doing the job right means getting into those nooks and crannies and banishing the dirt. Here are some often overlooked areas that you should include on your spring cleaning checklist.

Closets

Spring is the ideal time to thoroughly clean your closets. This includes going through your wardrobe and packing away winter clothes, but that is not the only thing you need to do to clean closets properly. Don’t forget these closet-related tasks.

1. Remove everything from your closet, including items on the floor or on the top shelf. Sort through them and give them a quick cleaning. Wipe down boxes and storage containers to remove accumulated dust.
2. Launder clothing and wipe down your shoes with a damp cloth. This is a great time to give your accessories a quick clean, too. Throw washable bags and purses into the laundry or wipe down the outsides of bags with a damp cloth.
3. Wash the walls, floor and ceiling of the closet. This removes any traces of insects and helps prevent mold growth.
4. Wash down the closet door, including the top of the door and door knobs or door pulls.

Drawers

Drawers collect dust and debris at the bottom and need to be thoroughly cleaned periodically. Here’s how.

1. Remove and clean everything in the drawer. This includes kitchen utensils and pans in the kitchen or toiletries in the bathroom.
2. Wipe down containers with a damp cloth.
3. Vacuum the bottom of the drawer with the brush attachment to your vacuum.
4. Wash down both the inside and outside of the drawers with a mild detergent.
5. Line the drawers with shelf liner, if desired, and replace the cleaned items in the drawers. This is a great time to organize your belongings and get rid of items you no longer use.

Picture Frames and Wall Decor

Wall ornaments collect a lot of dust and debris over the course of the winter. They need spring cleaning too.

1. Remove framed artwork and photos from the wall and dust the entire frame.
2. Dust and wash the wall behind the frame.
3. Wash the glass on framed artwork or photos with a glass cleaner. Hand clean wall hangings and other fabrics following the manufacturer’s directions.
4. Replace your wall decor

Bedding

There is more to cleaning your bedding than washing the sheets. Give your bed a thorough cleaning, too.

1. Remove and launder the sheets, blankets and comforter. Don’t forget duvet covers and pillows. Most pillows can be machine laundered, and now is the time to do it.
2. Pull out the bed and vacuum under it.
3. Dust or wash the bed frame, including headboards and footboards.
4. Flip the mattress and vacuum it thoroughly.
5. Wash the bed skirt and mattress pad at this time.

Miscellaneous Items

Go through your house and clean all trash cans, storage containers and other miscellaneous items. This includes dusting or washing knick knacks, floral vases and other decorative items.

Spring cleaning gives you an opportunity to celebrate the return of the bright spring sun and enjoy a clean home. While many prefer to do spring cleaning themselves, if you aren’t up to the task, don’t be afraid to a hire a cleaning service to do it for you. If you’re in the Detroit area, contact Chet’s Cleaning and let us get your home ready for spring!