While spring cleaning may have its roots in old traditions like the Iranian Norouz or the Jewish Passover, where a thorough cleansing takes place in preparation for the new year or a religious celebration, it hits the annual housekeeping checklist right around March. The weather is balmy enough to open the windows but not so warm that insects will invade. This is the opportune month for families to dust and scrub overlooked areas — rugs, drapes, blinds, baseboards, and more.
Here are some suggestions to successfully manage this year’s spring cleaning. For those who approach it with textbook ideals, Martha Stewart’s checklist provides detail and strategy to shape up the nook and crannies. If you’re less like Martha, then think simple. Organized Home blog suggests five ways to tackle the job — wash the windows, open them up for fresh air circulation, use outdoor flowers for indoor arrangements, clean out the refrigerator and freezer, and store winter clothes. Covering these major categories make for a good tuneup.
The Seattle Times suggests that households inventory cleaning supplies before buying more. Using everyday household items and homemade solutions will minimize toxins, have little or no environmental impact, and save lots of money.
- For cleaning windows and other glass surfaces, coffee filters are a great alternative to newspaper or paper towels.
- A disinfecting solution can be made by mixing one cup of alcohol, one cup of water, and one tablespoon of white vinegar.
- To create an all-purpose, add one-quarter cup of white vinegar to a gallon of water.
If spring cleaning still doesn’t appeal, focus on the goal. Paring down, clearing out, and purifying the air requires some physical labor, but doing so will renew the inner spirit and get your household ready for the warmer weather. Once late spring hits, families will want to be outdoors, not indoors cleaning. Take advantage of the rain so you don’t have to miss out on the sun.