by Tracy Deluca

Created on: March 13, 2009

Spring is a time of renewal and fresh starts. For our homes, spring brings with it a need to start the dreaded spring cleaning. While we all need to accomplish this task, most of us really hate the process. However, the end results, a clean, refreshed and welcoming home, make the hard work worth it in the end. Major tasks that need to be accomplished during spring cleaning include decluttering and deep cleaning in areas you might not have touched for the last year. These chores do not have to be as hard and miserable as you might think. Here are some great tips to make your spring cleaning a little easier this year.

Open all of your windows and enjoy the fresh spring breezes while you work! Not only does this help keep you happy, it also airs out your house and moves that musty air around.

Listen to music and dance while you clean! Use this opportunity to listen to old favorites or discover new music. The enjoyment you get from the music will make the time pass faster. You will also tend to move faster and clean harder if you are listening to fast paced music.

Invite a friend or family member over to help you clean. You can trade a day of cleaning with them to make it easier on both of you.

Purchase, or make, good cleaning products. Why scrub more than you have to? Not all cleaning products need to be harsh chemicals to do the job right. There are many homemade cleaners that work wonders. Research and decide what cleaning products are right for you and your home before you begin. Make sure that you have plenty of clean rags, cleaning products and the right tools for each job before you start. You do not want to be in the middle of a nasty job and have to run tot he store!

Work from the top down. It doesn't make much sense to clean your carpets and then end up with filth from your ceiling fans all over the floors. Clean ceilings, fans and walls first. Then tackle counters and other surfaces. Save your floor cleaning for last to make sure that all of the grime and dirt makes it out of your home with the least amount of extra work.

Make a list of the chores and cleaning projects you want to tackle. Break each chore down to manageable parts. Instead of saying "clean the bathroom", break it down into parts such as "scrub toilet, wipe down walls, go through medicine cabinet". As each small task is completed, you can mark it off your list and have a tangible reminder of what you have accomplished!

Some people like to clean one room at a time. I think it is easier to do a particular cleaning chore in each room. Clean all of your ceilings and ceiling fans in the entire house before moving on to your next task. This keeps you from having to drag out the same tools and cleaners again and again. It also allows you to feel that you are making progress in your entire home.

Decluttering and getting rid of excess stuff should be one of the first things you do. Why clean and refresh knick knacks and clothing that you will be getting rid of anyway? Less stuff to clean and store is always a good thing.

Spring cleaning is a chore. I am not lying to you about that. But, it does not have to be a completely
unenjoyable and back breaking chore. By following these tips and using products and tools that make cleaning easy, you can finish your spring cleaning in no time and relax in the haven that your home has become.

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