Spring has finally sprung and while you’re likely getting antsy to get outside and enjoy the warmer weather, there may be one task keeping you indoors — spring cleaning. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the idea of completing a deep-clean throughout your entire home, remember that clearing dust and clutter can help boost your mood, make you more productive, and help make your home a safer place for your family.

In an effort to help you get past the starting line, I’d like to share my approach and a spring cleaning checklist to get your home sparkling.

Spring cleaning tools

• Broom, extendable duster, dustpan, and mop
• Vacuum with duster and upholstery attachments
• Soft cloths (lint-free and microfiber), sponges, scrub brush, paper towels
• Cleaning solutions: glass, floor, oven, all-purpose surface cleaner (a solution of white vinegar and baking soda is great on bathtubs, tiles, sinks and counter tops!)
• Washing detergent (dish and clothes)
• Bucket
• Garbage bags and boxes
• Gloves
• An awesome music playlist to keep you energized

Spring cleaning approach

1. Recruit help. Why should one person be burdened with doing a thorough spring cleaning? Recruit your family. Assign tasks according to age and ability. Younger kids can help with simple jobs like putting toys away while older kids can take on bigger projects like vacuuming and dusting.
2. Prepare products and supplies ahead of time. There’s nothing worse than being on a mission only to start and discover you don’t have the tools you need. Get all cleaning supplies and tools (like brooms and cloths) ready ahead of time, and make sure you haven’t run out of anything.
3. Clean one room at a time. You may not be able to do a thorough cleaning of your entire home in one day, so set a realistic goal and take it one room at a time. To avoid feeling overwhelmed, start by writing down what needs to be tackled in each room. After you finish a room, make sure you check it off your list. If you’re anything like me, the satisfaction of checking items off your list will help keep you motivated.
4. Set a time limit for each room. The goal is to try and get through your rooms in a reasonable amount of time. Who wants to spend the entire day cleaning a washroom? So, set a timer and get started. It’s not to say that if the timer goes off and you still have a few items to check off your list, you need to move on, it’s just a good way to help keep you on track and avoid distractions.
5. Remove clutter. Get rid of clutter in each room before cleaning. This will help you to manoeuvre easily. And now’s the time to decide if you’re keeping the clutter. Set aside a few boxes for items to donate, or if items are damaged or worn, it’s time to toss them. See our purging article for more tips on decluttering, as well as our tips on safely removing junk.
6. Clean from top to bottom. When cleaning any room, it makes sense to start from the ceiling and work your way down. Wipe crown mouldings, get rid of cobwebs, dust blinds, clean windows, and then move to counters and furniture. Lastly, clean floors and baseboards.
7. Reward yourself. When you’ve finished cleaning for the day, make sure to treat yourself to dinner or ice cream outside the home. You’ve been cooped up inside long enough, and you don’t want to make a mess of what you just spent so long cleaning.

Do you have any great tips to include from your spring cleaning routine? Please share below in the comments section below!

Originally published May 2016