Spring Cleaning Tips for Moms

The weather is warming up and the time has come to clean and get organized for the busy summer ahead. If you have children, you need to give some extra time and consideration to cleaning. Here are several tips that will help you remove the grime that has accumulated in your home over the winter, and create a fresh, uncluttered atmosphere for the days ahead.

1. Take your house apart. Disassemble fixtures (fans, lights, etc.) and remove pictures from your walls. Take apart lamps and remove furniture coverings. Dust all of your photo and art frames and glass. Make sure to dust the top sides of fan blades and wipe out all light fixtures. You might be impressed by how much more light a room will receive when glass is properly dusted. Also, take down your curtains and wash them. Draperies collect mounds of dust, especially when your windows have been closed for months. This will also serve a dual purpose of cleaning up havens for allergens.

2. Wash your walls. Though this task is generally looked upon with dread, it is important. In your kitchen, your walls probably have dried food, grease and dirt in some areas. The walls in your bathrooms, living areas and bedrooms also need a good scrubbing. Kids carry myriad germs on their hands and they touch everything. I recommend using Murphy's Oil soap diluted in hot water for this job. You can use a rag and ladder to do it by hand, or you can use a fresh mop sponge to save your back and time. Murphy's Oil also leaves a fresh scent in the air.

3. Clean your kids' toys. Even if you think you do a pretty good job of keeping your kids' toys clean from day to day, take some time to wash them all. I suggest you enlist your children's' help with this. You can wash plastic toys in your sink in dish soap and water, or you can use Clorox Bleach-Free wipes. For stuffed animals and dolls, toss them in the washing machine, but be sure to read the labels before you put them in the dryer, as most of them probably read "line dry."

4. Vacuum vents, along trim and behind furniture. Dust accumulated rapidly throughout the winter when your home was receiving minimal ventilation. When you vacuum these areas you will probably find dead bugs, candy wrappers and, if your lucky, some change.

5. Wash your rugs and carpets. Carpets and rugs conceal scads of germs, bugs, dust and more. Toss your rugs in the washing machine and rent a carpet shampooer. You will be happy to see how many spots you thought were "stains" will come out of your carpet, plus you will feel better about the condition of your home.

6. Go through your kids' clothes (and your own). If you are done making new additions to your family, the spring is a great time to go through your kids' clothing and take out those items which are too small or don't receive use. Box up these items and take them to your local Goodwill or donations center. If you are planning to have more children, separate unused clothes by season and size, store them in labeled containers, and stick them in your attic or basement. By organizing your kids' clothes you will make more room in their closets, feel more organized, and perhaps help a family in need.

7. Check your house for clutter. Look around you, are there knick-knacks sitting around, collecting dust and receiving no attention? Is there furniture crammed into a room that serves only to collect items that have no home? If the answer is "yes," it's time to do some serious de-cluttering. If there are useless items sitting around, get rid of them! De-cluttering your home will reduce your stress and boost your confidence. If you can't part with neglected items, at least box them up and get them out of the way. Removing useless furniture and trinkets will open up a room and make it appear more spacious.