by Kimberly Smith

Created on: June 18, 2010   Last Updated: June 20, 2010

Where to begin with spring cleaning? You will need to make a list of any cleaning supplies you don't have on hand and make that one single trip to the store for cleaning supplies.

Next you will want to make a list room by room of what needs to be done. Keep a carry tote with you with extra cleaning rags and a few tool screwdrivers, box cutter, etc. You never know what you may run into that requires a hand tool to fix.

Pick a room that you plan to start in. I would go from one end of the house to the other, but you can chose whatever method works best for you. Some people find that starting in smaller rooms helps get them in the cleaning spirit shall we say.

Begin by removing any items that do not belong in that room. If these items are trash throw them out. If they are items you would like to yard sale at a later date or donate to charity place them in a holding place until you can box them up later.

In each room you will want to clean from the top down, meaning clean ceiling corners, ceiling fans etc. first, wipe down walls and drop curtains in the laundry so they'll be done when you are. Wash the windows inside and out and clean the window seal.

Dust and clean all furniture with approved cleaners and these should be done from top down as well. Clean baseboards last. After you vacuum or sweep you may need to do a touch up on the baseboards.

There are time when spring cleaning calls for a little more work like shampooing your carpets or touch up painting a room, for those extra projects allow more time for the rooms that need it.

In the kitchen you will want to empty out all the drawers and cabinets to wipe them clean. Now is the best time to wash dishes such as serving platters and things that do not get used that often.

The refrigerator will need to be completely emptied of all contents so you many need coolers of ice to keep things cool while you clean. Take out all the shelves and drawers and then using a nice mixture of warm soapy water wash down the inside of the refrigerator. You will also need to wash each drawer and shelf the same way. Make sure everything is dry before reassembling and placing the food back inside. Now is a good time to check expiration dates on things like pickles, dressing etc. And throw out old stuff that has just been cluttering up your refrigerator.

Cleaning your stove can be a snap or a headache. If you have a self cleaning oven just follow instruction for you oven and set the cleaner. If you do not have a self cleaning oven you will have to resort to oven spray. They are smelly and messy but they get the job done. With rubber gloves on spray the entire oven and door. If you have especially messy areas spray them extra well. Wait the required amount of time and then with rubber gloves on take rags and wipe out the oven. Throw these rags away. You will need lots of rags. When you have finished take one last rag with warm tap water and wipe the oven down again.

These are just a few hits and short cuts to getting started with your spring cleaning project.

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