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Do you dread the thought of starting spring cleaning? The only thing you dread more is that stale winter smell that has permeated your home. The best thing to do is just make a checklist of the things that have to be done, the things that should be done and all the things that we would love to actually do if this was an alternate universe.

Time is the real enemy of spring cleaning. In your busy lives how are you going to find the time to do some extra cleaning? Well of course you are not going to find that extra time, you are going to have to do your spring cleaning in the usual time that you do your weekly cleaning. Okay so now it is time to make the checklist. This is important because you need to make sure that you have any supplies that you need to purchase to complete your spring cleaning.

CHECKLIST

GENERAL CLEAING THAT APPLIES TO ALL ROOMS

All ceiling or wall lighting needs to be taken down and cleaned, this can be chandeliers, globes, ceiling fans etc.

All curtains and blinds need to be cleaned. If dry cleaning is necessary get all the curtains and bedding together and make one trip to the dry cleaners or use Dryell at home.

All carpets need to be steam cleaned. If you need to, rent a steamer at your local grocery or hardware store.

All closets need to be organized. Get rid of items that are broken or not being used.

All rooms need to be de-cluttered.

All windows need to be washed, inside and out. Depending on your windows this may require a tall ladder.

Dust and wipe down all the doors, ceiling and walls. Look for any touch ups that need to be done to the paint or repairs that need to be made.

Clean any mirrors that you have around the house.

Now to the specifics.

BEDROOMS

Turn the mattress and vacuum the box spring. Move the furniture and clean under and behind every piece.

PARLOR/LIVING ROOM/FAMILY ROOM

Move the furniture and clean under and behind. Take the couch and chair cushions off, clean under them and flip the cushions.

KITCHEN

Wipe down the kitchen cabinets.

Clean the cupboard under the sink, yes we all have chemicals we would rather not think about under there, get rid of them if they are old.

Check the dates on everything in the pantry. Organize, use plastic storage container that seal and keep thing fresh longer.

Clean everything off the counters and disinfect everything. Run some bleach down the drain.

Clean the oven, inside the fridge and freezer and throw out anything past it's peak. Put in a fresh box of baking soda.

Clean the kitchen drawers, yes even the junk drawer.

If you have time line the kitchen shelves and drawers it makes future cleaning much easier.

BATHTOOMS

Clean out the medicine cabinet and throw out any outdated medicine.

This is one room that usually gets a weekly cleaning so it should need very little spring cleaning.

ENTRANCES

Wipe down your exterior doors, clean the glass in your storm door, sweep your stoop and shake you mat.

If you are someone who considers the exterior fair game as well you can clean your flower beds, power wash the exterior walkways, deck, fencing, driveway, mailbox, outdoor lighting, furniture and the house itself.

Place some reed diffusers with lovely spring scents around your house, sit back, open the windows, take a deep breath and relax, it's over for now. Make note to self, get checklist ready for fall cleaning.

Learn more about this author, Belle Starr.
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