Spring Cleaning Tips for Bedrooms

The snow is melting and soon flowers will bloom. Spring is in the air! So, throw open your windows to get some fresh air circulating. It is time to start the invigorating task of spring cleaning your bedroom. By the time you have completed the tips highlighted in this article your bedroom will be spic and span.

Before tackling the job at hand you should round up some cleaning supplies. You will need -- clean cloths, dust cloths, furniture polish, broom, vacuum, window cleaner, paper towels or squeegee, a mild cleaner (such as white vinegar or Murphy's Oil Soap), magic eraser, mop (for hardwood or tile flooring), mop bucket, and a couple boxes for unwanted items.

Start by stripping the bed. Wash the comforters, blankets, sheets, mattress pad, pillow cases and pillows. Sometimes a top cover may be too large for your washer or it may need to be dry cleaned. So, be sure to check the tags. If you cannot wash it, hang it outside to air out while you clean the bedroom. Vacuum the mattress and flip it. Remove and sort any items stored under the bed. Vacuum up all the dust bunnies under your bed. Wait to put the clean bedding back on the bed until you finish spring cleaning the room.

Closets, dressers and nightstands become cluttered with the passage of time. These storage spaces need to be completely emptied. Sort through the clothing, shoes, games and paraphernalia that have accumulated over the past year. Toss anything that is -- badly torn, stained, stretched out of shape, outgrown, broken or missing parts. Vacuum the closet floor before you reassemble your goods. Mop the closet and allow for drying time if you have hardwood or tile flooring. Arrange your closet so that items you use on a daily basis are easily accessible. Polish the dressers and nightstands with furniture polish. Wash any dresser scarves and/or doilies following the instructions on the tags. Sweep behind and underneath dressers and nightstands before you refill them.

Clean the ceiling fan. Wipe the fan with a lightly dampened cloth. Polish the blades with furniture polish.

Dust the corners of the room and behind furniture with a duster to eliminate any spider webs.

Flies and dust are attracted to ceiling lights. Unscrew any removable light shades from ceiling lights. Wash and dry the shade before reassembling fixtures.

Curtains are notorious for collecting dust. They will need to be machine washed or dry cleaned. The label attached to the hem should provide cleaning instructions. After washing the curtains -- partially dry them in the dryer or hang them up to air dry. The curtain hooks should be removed and wiped with a lightly dampened rag. Vacuum or dust the window blinds.

Dust doors and base boards with a dust rag. Then, polish with a coat of furniture polish.

Wash the windows inside and outside. Check the screens and wash them if necessary. Dust the window frame and then polish with furniture polish.

Wash mirrors with window cleaner. Dust or wipe decorative art work and knickknacks. Do not spray cleaner directly onto photography that is protected by glass. The liquid could seep behind the framework and ruin the picture. Use a lightly dampened paper towel or rag to clean the glass.

Dust lamp shades with a soft vacuum attachment to clean them.

Wash door knobs, switch plates and air vents with a damp rag. Wipe scuffs or stains on walls with a wet rag or magic eraser. Scrub the wastebasket.

Vacuum the floor last of all. Dust gathers around the edges of the room where the carpet and wall meet Use a vacuum attachment or nozzle to sweep around the edges. If you have hardwood or tile flooring -- mop the floor. Then, allow drying time before you put your things back in place.

As you clean you will find items that you no longer need. Box quality used items for a garage/yard sale later in the spring. Or, give them to a second hand store such as Goodwill or Salvation Army.