It’s officially spring! For many of us that means noticing the dirty windows as the sun finally emerges! I used to brush off spring cleaning, because I just do things as I notice they need doing. I have noticed however, that some chores really do need to be done in the spring. This is especially true for those of you in colder climates with snow! You won’t feel overwhelmed with this guide however, because as with most chores…I keep spring cleaning simple and quick.

Change Air Filters

This should be done every month, or as needed. Know where your air filters are.  Then note the size and direction of air flow.  You can order air filters on Amazon, and that way you won’t forget them! One of our filters is a non-standard size, and ordering them on Amazon sure beats calling around to see who will have them in stock. Air filters aren’t very expensive and they improve the air quality of your home. If you don’t change them your furnace or air conditioner has to work much harder to move air, which could mean increased system maintenance costs. Just change them!

Deep Cleaning Carpet

Water, Snow and Salt were tracked all winter. I’ve found that cleaning the carpets in the spring and fall works nicely to keep the carpets looking as close to new as possible. I rented a carpet cleaner, and even with a military discount (Thank you Lowes!) it came to a whopping $70! Professional carpet cleaning costs a lot more. I spent all day cleaning carpets and returned the machine that evening. Later I realized later that I could buy my own carpet cleaner for almost as much as I spent renting the machine! This Hoover is on sale for 41% off right now, and gets excellent reviews! It even comes with all the attachments and a bottle of carpet cleaner. You’ll have it on hand in case of accidental spills all year. You honestly can’t beat that!

Clean Windows

I hate to clean windows as much as anyone…or at least I did. Stop wasting paper towels, rags and cut up old t-shirts.  This kit has changed the way I do my windows, both inside and out.  It’s really quick and I never worry about streaks anymore. If you are still getting the hang of using a squeegee without streaks, just YouTube a video. I swear this one thing makes my entire house look cleaner.   You can put a drop of vinegar or your favorite dish washing soap in a bucket of warm water and you get spotless windows with minimal effort.

Your Dishwasher

When was the last time you cleaned the dishwasher? Take out the bottom rack so it’s out of the way. Then clean the tiny bits of food out of the bottom. Your dishwasher may have a screen filter that can be easily removed and cleaned in the sink. Check the user manual if you aren’t sure. Then pour one cup of white distilled vinegar in a container on the bottom rack of the dishwasher. You can buy it for less than a dollar at the dollar store or most grocery stores. Then add a half cup of baking soda (not powder) into a small dish and place on the top rack. Run a normal cycle, and when it’s done wipe the inside with a clean cloth. Easy. If you don’t want to do the baking soda and vinegar you can also buy Dishwasher Cleaner, which isn’t very expensive either.

Easy and Quick Additional Spring Cleaning

Don’t make things more complicated than they are with a spring cleaning checklist. Get the tools you need, and get it done quickly. If you haven’t moved the furniture to clean underneath in a while, do it. Look around the house for gaps in silicone or caulk and fill those bad boys in. Toss food from the pantry that’s gone bad. Look up and dust any cobwebs, and for goodness sake…please clean those ceiling fans. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is with a sock flipped inside out and put over my hand. Once I’m done I just toss the sock into the washing machine.

Your house and spirit will feel great after opening up the windows and letting in some fresh air. Take stock of how you feel, and take care of yourself too!  To get the free self-care guide, subscribe below. I hope to hear from you soon.

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