We may still be in the thick of winter—with all the joys that come with it: dry skin, cold feet, and a house that feels like the inside of a vacuum: airless and dusty—but it’s never to early to start thinking about spring cleaning.
As the snow melts, you can do everything from re-organizing your closet to washing windows and making sure to complete some of your biannual tasks. But keeping track of all your spring chores can be overwhelming, so let’s look at what you can do to make the most of your spring cleanout.
Get Some Fresh Air
The first chance you get, throw open your home’s windows and dust. Some think dust is mostly skin, but really is a combination of dirt, sand, animal dander, and other small particles, which does include a small amount of dead skin cells. Most dead skin is cleared away when you take a bath or shower.
Clearing out dust can be a big task, mainly because it gets everywhere. The best method is to remove and clean draperies, wipe down all surfaces with a microfiber cloth, and vacuum thoroughly. Easy things to forget are bookshelves and fans. By opening the windows and dusting, your home will be cleaner and get some needed ventilation.
Disinfect and Treat Surfaces
After you’ve gotten rid of the dust, a good next step is to disinfect surfaces (especially in the kitchen and bathrooms) and treat carpets or floors. Disinfecting will get rid of lingering bacteria that may have built up in the cold season while treating floors will keep them in good condition and prevent future dust build-up.
In addition to treating your floors, be sure to take care of any wood furniture or other specialty surfaces you may have—it will add extra shine and protection!
Don’t Raise the Alarm
Unfortunately, things that often get overlooked in seasonal cleanings are fire alarms and gas monitors. Twice a year you should check the batteries on your smoke detectors and clear them of any dust. A good rule of thumb is to check and/or replace your batteries when Daylight Savings Time starts and ends. As for carbon monoxide, natural gas, or radon detectors, make sure that they are properly installed and working.
“So many catastrophes can be avoided just by taking precautionary measures, even if they feel unnecessary. Making sure your home is prepared in the case of fire or gas leak is important for you, your loved ones, and your property. Tragedies still happen, but prevention can go a long way,” says Edward Lake, attorney and co-founder of Gacovino Lake.
Also, be sure to keep your home’s fire extinguisher up-to-date—how often you check on it is up to you!
Starting a new season after a long winter can be rejuvenating for you and your home, but it doesn’t have to be an overwhelming process. Taking time to do a thorough cleaning and safety check will refresh your home and get your spring off to the right start.
