Have you ever wondered why a house is supposed to be cleaned out in the spring?

Some historians trace spring cleaning all the way back to the Persian new year. In more modern times, spring cleaning means that a house that’s been shut up throughout the winter can now be opened and the accumulated dust and soot from the chimneys and furnaces swept out.

Nowadays, modern homes may not be full of soot, but the tradition of spring cleaning continues. The house not only looks fresh and new afterwards, but if it’s up for sale, potential buyers will find it more attractive.

Here are some imperative spring cleaning tips to help you make that sale a reality:

1. Clean the Lightbulbs

People don’t think of this, but lightbulbs that are not protected by shades, and some that are, do tend to collect dust and even grime if they’re in the kitchen. They should be taken out of the light fixtures and cleaned with a just slightly damp microfiber cleaning cloth. If the bulb is hard to reach, use a telescoping duster.

2. Wash the Walls

Walls also pick up dust and dirt, especially in a household with children and pets. The job resembles a less arduous paint job. Move the furniture away from the walls, put down tarps and wash from top to bottom with a damp mop. Use cleanser in a spray bottle to get rid of the handprints and other areas of tough dirt. Start at the door of the room, work around the room and end up at the door again.

3. Wash the Blinds

If the blinds are made of wood, put a drop or two of wood cleaner on a cloth and wipe them down. Take down aluminum blinds and wash them outside with a cleanser. Rinse the blinds down with a garden hose. Make sure to wash both the front and back, and dry the blinds thoroughly before rehanging them.

4. Shampoo the Carpets

If the carpets weren’t shampooed the year before, this spring may be the time to do them. It’s best to hire a professional for this job as a layperson might add too much water, detergent or both. Some carpet cleaning professionals don’t require that all the furniture be taken out of the room but can clean the carpet around heavier items like beds and china cabinets.

5. Maintain the HVAC System

The HVAC system should be serviced before the weather becomes hot enough for the homeowner to need the air conditioner. Though a professional is best called in, there are things that the homeowner can do. This includes removing debris from around the outside unit, hosing down the compressor and changing the air filters. Air filter replacements can easily be found in a hardware or big box store, and even online.

6. Clean the Fridge

If the refrigerator hasn't been cleaned in a while, it might be a bit gruesome. Throw out old food, put good food in ice chests, then wash down shelves, bins and racks with a solution of water and baking soda. Use a special brush to clean the condenser coils in the back, and make sure to clean the drip pan at the bottom of the refrigerator.

Spring cleaning makes sure that a home is ready to welcome spring, and makes it even more appealing to a potential buyer. Follow these handy spring cleaning tips and you’ll be one step closer to selling your home.