Spring Cleaning Checklist: What is Yours Missing?
Items on the spring cleaning checklist:
1. Make a physical spring cleaning checklist, and check that list twice! Make sure you list all the tasks you want to accomplish as you’ll be more motivated to do them if they’re on your spring cleaning checklist!
2. Dress for the occasion. Make sure to wear old and comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty or even ruining (should the cleaning process get a little rough). Make sure you don a pair of rubber gloves to protect your hands from any harsh chemicals or just the plain old grime you’ll be digging into.
3. Make sure you have all the right and necessary supplies. Pack all your cleaning supplies in an easy to carry bucket, or even tool belt so that you’ll easily be able to carry them from room to room. Make sure to include some garbage bags; you’ll want to pick up trash along the way and fill another with items you no longer want or need that could be sold or donated. (More on cleaning supplies to come).
4. Make sure you have fun while cleaning. Play some fun music you love and keep the windows open. You’ll love the fresh air and sun and the music will make things more fun and enjoyable, as well as make the time go faster.
5. Make sure you’re reaching high; start cleaning from the top to the bottom. You’ll want to clean the fan blades, or tops of bookshelves, etc. before you clean lower areas. The dirt will fall downward.
6. Put away any winter items. If you still have Holiday decorations up- put them away! Put away all your winter clothes and coats. It would be a good idea to use large plastic storage containers to store winter clothes. You’ll want to roll your clothes versus folding them to eliminate wrinkles and to save space.
7. Get rid of things you don’t use! If you haven’t used something over the past year, it’s likely that you won’t be using it this year or anytime soon. Throw it away, sell it or donate it. It’s just taking up space and is collecting dust.
8. Don’t forget the fridge! Make sure you clean out the refrigerator and get rid of anything that’s been sitting in there. Take everything out and give it a good scrub.
9. Get rid of the magazines! If you don’t look at them, don’t use them or don’t need them. Toss them.
10. Don’t forget your windows! Make sure you clean your windows; both on the inside and outside!
11. Whatever else might be on your spring cleaning checklist, make sure it gets done! It’s not Spring Cleaning unless it’s clean!
Cleaning supplies you will need
– A good window cleaner. You can either use a pricey commercial window cleaner or you can make your own! It’s easy to make your own window cleaner, you will just need:
1 cup rubbing (isopropyl) alcohol
1 cup water
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Mix together in a spray bottle.
This is a great, and cheap, recipe for a fabulous window cleaner. Use this to clean windows, mirrors, and chrome fixtures.
– A general spray cleaner. You could buy commercial spray cleaners, or you could make your own using a very simple recipe. You’ll just need:
1 cup white vinegar
1 cup water
Mix together in a spray bottle.
This works great in the kitchen to clean counter tops, stove surfaces and back splash areas. You can also use this in the bathroom to clean counter tops, floors, the toilet and any exterior surfaces.
– Baking Soda. You can use baking soda as a mild abrasive agent. It helps remove grimy bathtub rings, food particles from the kitchen sink and any other areas that need a good scrub.
– Furniture polish. You could buy furniture polish, but you could also make your own very easily. You can make your own by mixing in a bottle:
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup lemon juice
This is all you need to take care of your furniture. It’s better than the commercial versions as the commercial kinds have a silicone oil that goes into the tiny cracks in furniture and causes problems with the wood. The lemon juice in this recipe removes the dirt and smudges while the olive oil gives furniture a wonderful shine.
Making my own homemade cleaning recipes has saved me time and money. But best of all I find that they work better! Make sure to add homemade cleaning supplies to your spring cleaning checklist!
My biggest spring cleaning secret is not biting off more than I can chew. Meaning, I don’t do more in one day than would normally be possible. I pace myself and take my time. I want to do a good thorough job and not rush through the process. Rushing only leads to a half-done job. True Spring Cleaning is taking your time, doing everything on your list and doing it right. It’s also important to take care of your things at the same time; use homemade cleaning products versus the store bought ones. They work better, are easy to make and cost so much less! They also leave your house smelling fresh- the perfect ending to your spring cleaning checklist!
