Ultimate Guide to Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a time-honored tradition that offers more than just the opportunity to give your home a thorough scrub. It’s also the perfect moment to declutter and organize, transforming your living space into a cleaner, more enjoyable environment. This article will guide you through simple yet effective steps to declutter and refresh your home, from sorting out unused items to deep cleaning and refreshing soft furnishings. Get ready to make your home feel refreshed with these practical tips.

Decluttering and Organizing

Spring cleaning is the perfect time to declutter, making the process quicker and more effective. Here’s how to do it, so you can enjoy a cleaner, more organized space.

1. Sort your belongings into “Keep,” “Donate,” “Sell,” and “Trash” categories. If you haven’t used something in the last year, consider letting it go.
2. Remove everything from your closets and only put back what you wear. Donate or sell unused items to make finding what you need easier.
3. Tackle your kitchen by eliminating expired canned goods and unused gadgets. This will give you more room and make it easier to keep your kitchen tidy.
4. Focus on decluttering one storage area at a time, such as garages, basements, or attics. Be decisive about what you truly need.
5. Digitize important paperwork and recycle the rest to reduce paper clutter and create a lighter, more manageable space.
6. Evaluate your living areas and consider reducing decorations for a cleaner home that requires less dusting.

Decluttering before spring cleaning saves time and transforms your home into a more organized and enjoyable place, resetting your living space’s organization and cleanliness.

Deep Cleaning High-Touch Surfaces

As we dive deeper into our spring cleaning journey, it’s crucial not to overlook one important aspect: cleaning high-touch surfaces throughout your home. High-touch surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, faucets, refrigerator handles, and remote controls, are spots that we touch countless times each day without even thinking about it.

These surfaces become hotspots for germs and bacteria to gather due to frequent contact. Imagine someone sneezes into their hand, then goes on to open a door or switch on the light. Those germs are now sitting there, waiting to spread to the next person who touches the surface.

To tackle these germs effectively, use a clean microfiber cloth and a trusted disinfectant. Spray the disinfectant onto the cloth rather than directly on the devices, especially electronic items like remote controls. Wipe down each surface thoroughly, including the underside of handles and the edges of light switches.

Incorporating this step into your spring cleaning routine makes your home healthier by reducing the chances of germs spreading from person to person in your household. Keeping these surfaces clean can make a difference, especially during times when colds or flu are going around.¹ Plus, it’s a habit worth keeping year-round, not just during spring cleaning.

By giving high-touch surfaces the attention they need, you’re contributing to a healthier environment for everyone under your roof.

Refreshing Soft Furnishings

Soft furnishings, including couches, cushions, and curtains, tend to gather dust and fade over time. Yet, with a few simple steps, they can be refreshed, improving the look and feel of your spaces with minimal effort.

For couches and chairs, remove all cushions and vacuum the nooks and crannies to get rid of dust and crumbs. Use a gentle fabric cleaner and a soft brush to lift any stains on fabric upholstery. Remove and wash cushion covers when possible, or use a fabric refresh spray to eliminate odors and give your furniture a fresh scent.

Curtains and drapes can trap odors and accumulate dust, dulling their appearance. Check the washing instructions—many curtains are machine washable on a gentle cycle. A steamer can refresh the fabric and remove wrinkles for those that aren’t washable. Alternatively, take them outside, give them a good shake, and let the fresh air and sunlight naturally deodorize them.²

For cushions and throw pillows, take them outside for a vigorous shake-out to disperse dust. Launder washable covers according to the care labels, fluff up feather-filled cushions by hand, and leave foam-filled ones in the sun for a few hours to help eliminate odors. Swapping cushion covers is a cost-effective way to change the theme or color scheme of your room.

Vacuum both sides of area rugs and floor cushions, or take them outside for a good beat with a rug beater. For stubborn stains or all-over dinginess, consider renting a carpet cleaner to deep clean them, restoring their color and plushness.

By giving your soft furnishings a refresh, you not only improve their appearance but also enhance the overall ambiance of your home.

Following these straightforward steps for decluttering, deep cleaning high-touch surfaces, and refreshing soft furnishings can significantly enhance the comfort and appearance of your home. Each action contributes to a cleaner space and promotes a healthier living environment. As spring ushers in new beginnings, let this be the season you transform your living area into a cleaner and more organized space. Embrace the change and enjoy the renewed atmosphere of your refreshed home.

1. Reynolds KA, Sexton JD, Pivo T, Humphrey K, Leslie RA, Gerba CP. Microbial transmission in an outpatient clinic and impact of an intervention with an ethanol-based disinfectant. Am J Infect Control. 2019;47(2):128-132.
2. Rutala WA, Weber DJ. Best practices for disinfection of noncritical environmental surfaces and equipment in health care facilities: A bundle approach. Am J Infect Control. 2019;47S:A96-A105.