by Melissa Miles McCarter

Created on: February 22, 2010

Spring is right around the corner so now is the time to get prepared to clean out your house.  But you want to make sure you are cleaning smart—not hard. You’ve been cooped up in your house and it is time to look forward to opening up the windows and airing your house out.  Here are some other tips to help you in your spring cleaning efforts.

Dust from the top down and wipe off crumbs off of a surface before you do the floors.  Strategizing can help you in so many ways, including deciding where you will start cleaning so not to have to clean more later. Create a spring cleaning checklist.  Here is a great checklist you can print off to help you get started.  Being organized will make you feel ready to go. Another way to get organized is to by cleaning supplies and get them ready to go. 

Here is a great source for recipes to make your own green cleaning supplies. Make time in your spring cleaning routine for organizing.  Buy or collect organizing tools such as bins, baskets, and labels to aid you in your organizing quest. Make piles of things to sell, giveaway or throw away.  Use post-its to help you identify separate piles.  If you haven’t worn something in a year, consider letting go of the article of clothing. Put away winter clothes or blackest.  Take out and launder all spring clothes and linens.   Don’t plan on one day or weekend for all these tasks.

  Spring clean with a friend or partner and plan it out in smaller segments of time so you don’t get overwhelmed.  Set manageable goals.  Don’t set the goal of a giant garage sell—consider instead a goal of one bag to give to the Salvation Army instead. 

Tackle one room at a time. Go throw your wardrobe after you have sorted out clothes and make plans to buy stain-resistant and wrinkle-free additions to cut down cleaning time in the future. 

Remember—the more you get rid of, the more fun you can have in shopping smart in the future. Use fresh air to get your house smelling better and get rid of dust that has settled inside your house.  Clean with windows open and use vinegar and lemon everywhere to get your house smelling fresh and clean. 

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