Sparkling for Spring – Top 10 Tips for Spring Cleaning

Along with the blooming flowers, balmy afternoons and sweetly singing birds, the changing of seasons ushers in what many consider to be the perfect time to rid their homes of the winter blues. While admittedly, we don’t really have much of a case for the blues here on Florida’s Gulf Coast, Spring cleaning is a tradition that allows us to spruce things up and get a head start on summer. Here are the top 10 tips for tackling your spring cleaning: 1. Planning is everything – Cleaning your house thoroughly and adequately may take more time than you think. Decide if you would rather devote a full day or weekend to the task, or to spend an hour or so each day until it is done, then pick a time that suits your schedule. You don’t want to burn yourself out or give up before finishing your project. 2. Donations welcome – Letting go can be hard – but don't hold on to items you no longer want or need. Plan a garage sale, sell them on eBay, offer them to friends or family members, or donate them to charity. Different charities will accept donations of nearly everything to be sold for fundraising or given to someone in need. 3. Step on it - To protect the floors in your kitchen from another year of wear and tear, wax or apply a sealer following label directions. The simplest method: Use a combination wash-and-wax floor cleaner. Don't feel guilty about saving time. No-wax floors don't need a polishing treatment, but an occasional makeover will keep them looking fresher, and add a protective buffer that could help them last longer. 4. Rinse and repeat – Your carpets have absorbed a winter's worth of dirt, dust, sand, hair and germs, so you will need a deep cleaning to get them ready for another year of wear. A good shampooing will suffice. If renting a shampooer, practice first in an unobtrusive area to make sure you have the knack of the machine and that the treatment won't discolor fabrics or cause dyes to run. 5. Get organized - Label your containers and shelves so you can easily put things away in the proper place, see what items need to be restocked and quickly find what you need. This also eliminates the chances of buying something you already have. 6. Closet cleanse - Every closet needs a good cleaning, and clothes and clutter can make it more disorganized than needed. Compression storage bags make it easy to store more in one small spot. They use a vacuum to suck out the extra air and really free up a considerable amount of space. This is a great way to store winter clothes and blankets. Donate any clothes you haven’t worn in 6 months to charity. 7. Window Refresh– Clean windows make a big difference. Remove dust, dirt, and cobwebs with a soft brush. Wash windows inside and out with a mild dilution of either ammonia or white vinegar in water; dry with a squeegee followed by a rag. Helpful hint: clean the outside in a vertical motion and horizontal for the inside. This way you can easily tell which side has streaks should any appear. 8. Your biggest fans - Remove dust and dirt from ceiling fans and air-conditioner vents with a cloth and a vacuum with a soft nozzle attachment. If your ceiling fan has lights, carefully remove each globe and wash gently in soapy water, then rinse. 9. The great outdoors – Now that warmer weather is on its way, you’ll be spending much more time in the areas surrounding your home. Spruce up your landscaping, sweep those walks and tidy up that lawn. A high-nitrogen fertilizer should be applied twice a year, once in spring and again later in fall. If a weed killer is needed, try an organic brand. 10. Add a splash of color – One of the easiest ways to instantly refresh your décor is by investing in a few new accent pillows. Whether your bed is in need of a little boost or the couch could use a makeover, throw pillows have the ability to change the entire look of the room. Opt for a colorful cluster of different shapes and sizes this spring. It’ll be sure to add a spring to your step! How will you freshen up your home this spring? Share your tips with us!