Tips for Effective Spring Cleaning

Spring Cleaning! Although most people dread this yearly activity, it's necessary in order to keep your house or apartment healthy. Since spring is coming soon, I've compiled some of my own helpful tips to clean your abode effectively.

Preparation
Try to set aside at least one whole day toward the cleaning. If you house is very large or very messy, you may need the whole weekend. Break up the cleaning process room by room to have a systematic approach to the cleaning process and to be more prepared. Don't leave a room until it's spotless!

Things to Launder
Besides the obvious laundry items such as clothes and blankets, there are other more subtle things you can throw in the wash. Curtains and drapes soak up a lot of dust and grime over the winter, so it's very important to wash these. If your couch covers can be unzipped and separated, wash these too. After months of sitting on them, they can get quite dirty.

Also, if there are any decorative pillows or pillow cases that you're fond up, throw these in the wash, too. One of the grossest items that can be laundered is rugs, especially the bathroom ones. Either dispose of them or wash them, too.

Things to Wipe Down
It goes without saying that you should be wiping down or dusting all surfaces, but there may be some that you forget about. Light fixtures often go unnoticed, especially the ceiling ones. Wipe down not just the outside, but the inside of the fixture as well.

Door handles get touched every day by a wide variety of people. Sanitize these very well to avoid spreading germs. Wipe down all of your windows and blinds as these capture a lot of dust. Something that's easily over looked is picture frames. Clean the glass and wipe down the frame to take care of dust and fingerprints.
Hot Water and Bleach Overhaul
There are two rooms in the house that are the dirtiest and most important to clean. Since the bathroom and kitchen are largely composed of tile, shiny countertops, and gloss finished walls, it's a good idea to do a complete cleaning overhaul. First, remove anything from the counters or bathtub that doesn't belong in the overhaul such as a knife rack or your shampoo bottles. Fill up a large bucket with hot water and a few capfuls of bleach. Next slather the water mixture on every surface, scrubbing as you go. Don't be afraid to get the room wet. Scrub walls, tiles, the ceiling; any area that you can see. This way, there's no place for dirt or germs to hide.

Buying All New Items
Some of your things may need to be thrown out and replaced. Although you may have washed your pillows and bedding, they might still hold germs. Throw these out or donate them to charity and replace them with all new linens. Chances are you were ready for a change anyway. Don't forget to replace your sponges, too. Over a lot of use, they can harbor many germs. They're cheap, so don't worry about replacing them. If you can afford to shampoo your carpet, do it. Vacuuming alone can't get rid of all dirt, grime, and pet hair. Renting a carpet shampooer can be a bit pricey, but it's worth it.

As you go through your home, collect all the items you don't need or want anymore. Gather the salvageable items into bags and donate them to your local charity or thrift store. If they aren't salvageable, just throw them away. Spring cleaning is a necessary evil. After having your windows closed for the long months of winter, a lot of dirt and dust can accumulate. By ridding your living space of these pests, you'll live happier and healthier.