Lexington, KY - Tailgate parties are planned for the upcoming Keeneland races, farmers put the first seeds in the cold ground, and the buds begin forming on the trees at Henry Clay Estate. These are not only the first signs of spring in Lexington, but a call to spring cleaning.
Whether you own or rent, spring cleaning should be an essential part of your yearly routine. It affords you the chance to clear out clutter and dirt, re-arrange furniture, create a healthier environment, and more thoroughly enjoy the space you call home. As daunting a task as spring cleaning can seem, it can be done with fervor and enthusiasm. Fear not the looming dust bunnies, mildewed tub tiles or decade-old jar of chutney stuck to the dark corner of your fridge. Now is the time to take on the mindset of a "spring cleaner" -
here are a few basics to help along the way:
Getting Started
A simple online search allows you to tap into helpful and detailed spring-cleaning lists. Print one out and customize it for your particular space. Keep a notepad with you as you clean and list larger projects to tackle further along in the year.
Also take inventory of your cleaning supplies. Are you equipped with cleaners, old rags, buckets, trash bags and a mop? Research shows that certain glass and furniture cleaners can be harmful to your body and the environment. For a healthier spring-cleaning experience, consider one of the many natural cleaners in the marketplace today or make your own from ingredients such as baking soda, vinegar or lemons. Several recipes for homemade cleaning products can be found online. Whichever option you choose, have at least one window open in each room to circulate air as you work.
As you clean, channel your inner minimalist. Have a bag ready in each room and challenge yourself to fill it with unneeded items to donate to charity. I like to keep a canvas grocery bag by my front door and add things frequently to take to my local thrift store.
Room by Room
Every room should receive the same basic cleaning: ceiling fans, walls, windows, baseboards and floors. Clean each room beginning at ceiling level and ending at floor level. As you clean ceiling fan blades and brush down cobwebs, a year's worth of dirt will tumble to the floor where you can easily sweep it up. Use this approach to clean your entire house, beginning on the top level and working your way to the basement. This plan will keep you motivated to finish the job.
Living Room
Move all furniture and clean under each piece. Remove couch cushions and take them outside to air out. Dust off drapes by either vacuuming them or taking them outdoors for a royal shaking. Clear off all knickknacks and give them and the shelves a good dusting. De-cluttering your bookshelves, china cabinets and mantles will instantly lighten and brighten your living space.
Kitchen
Cleaning your kitchen will take time, but it is worth the extra effort. Start by clearing the kitchen cabinets and wiping each shelf with hot soapy water. As you put items back, consider whether that empty jelly jar, chipped rubber spatula and quesadilla maker still in the box from your wedding four years ago needs to end up on your shelves again. Add them to your donation pile and throw away broken items. Once you're satisfied, move onto the refrigerator and freezer. Again, empty them out and use hot soapy water to clean every nook and cranny. Throw away expired condiments and old food and add a new box of baking soda to both when you are done. If you can, pull your refrigerator and oven out to clean behind them. Watch out, this could get dirty. Wipe down cabinets, appliances, windows and handles, and be sure to clean your toaster and range hood.
Bedrooms
Giving our bedrooms a good, deep cleaning is important on many levels. It not only creates a healthier sleep environment but by freeing your bedroom of clutter, you create a more romantic space as well. Starting in your closet, inspect your clothes and shoes for holes, stains or rips that will prevent you from wearing them next winter. It is also time to store your wool sweaters and bring out the summer polos. This is an excellent chance to donate items you never wore during the winter season. After the closet, focus on the rest of the bedroom. Hundreds of those scary dust bunnies will be hiding under your bed and now is the time to exterminate them. Remove all bedding, including your mattress cover, and wash it. Consider taking your comforter or duvet to be professionally cleaned and change out heavy quilts for lighter, summer blankets.
Bathrooms
This is by far my least favorite room to clean. Nonetheless, with a spring cleaning mindset it is accomplishable. Start by detaching the shower curtain and liner. More than likely you should replace your shower liner unless it has been hung in the past year. Wash the shower curtain and bathroom rugs and give the tub, tiles, grout, toilet, sink and floor a really deep scrubbing. Clear the medicine cabinet and check the expiration date on all bottles. Throw away old medicine and make a list of medicines to replace. During this time I also take inventory of band-aids, bug spray, sunscreen and antibiotic ointment that we will need for the upcoming warm weather.
Head Outdoors
Finally, give attention to the exterior of your home. Clean out the gutters, give trash cans a good washing, inspect your lawn mower, and clean up fallen debris in your yard from a long, cold winter. It is also a great time to touch up chipped paint on the front door and hang a cheerful spring wreath.
Spring Cleaning, although a huge task, is not only manageable but can be extremely refreshing and liberating. Spring cleaning can happen not only in our homes but in our lives as well. Ridding them both of clutter, dust and junk can give us a fresh outlook and allow us the chance to let new and wonderful experiences in.
Megan Smith
is a stay-at-home mom, a business owner and a part-time writer. She blogs daily at www.ittysmitty.com.